Planning Commission hits pause on inflatable “sign” debate
A giant pilgrim turkey and a gang of inflatable critters greeting passersby on Morris Street might have to move their future Thanksgiving parties somewhere else.
Last Tuesday, the La Conner Planning Commission couldn’t reach a consensus on whether the inflatables standing on the sidewalk within Retro Diner’s property line should be allowed. The disagreement arose from the lack of clarity on what constitutes a “sign” under the municipal code, and whether all inflatables fall under this category or there are some exceptions that would fit under a “decoration” label — which the code does not provide.
Officials decided to consult with Town Attorney Scott Thomas and continue the discussion at the next meeting. Thursday, Thomas told La Conner Community News he has yet to come up with his conclusions.
According to the code, a sign is “a publicly displayed advertising, directional, or informational notice, or any other device that may be displayed to attract attention to a business or event.” “Inflatable signs” are explicitly prohibited under the code’s signs chapter.
To Planning Director Ajah Ellis, this definition is too broad: any item that a business puts up as a decoration — including the diner’s display — would consequently be considered a sign because it draws attention to the business, she said, proposing separate decoration regulations to give business owners more clarity and the ability to decorate “within reason.”
To Commissioners Tracy McCain and Sommer Holt, the code is clear — inflatables are a no.
Commissioner Bruce Bradburn said “sign” would be an accurate label if the inflatables were actually holding signs with an explicit invitation to the business. Because that isn’t the case, he views the display as decoration and an allowed use.
Owners Kimberly and Levi Howell, who submitted a sign permit application on Nov. 11 after someone made a complaint, told the commission that the business had been allowed by the Town to put up the display as a temporary decoration for years, back when it was known as The Slider Cafe.
Holt said she felt bad for the misdirection, but said the commission has to follow existing code. Furthermore, as she pointed out, the code states that the design and material of a sign located within the Historic Preservation District should be compatible with the town’s historic character.
Holt made a motion, seconded by McCain, to deny the Howells’ request. The motion failed to pass with Bradburn and Commissioner Timothy Corey siding with the diner and Commissioner Maya Ojalehto abstaining.
Among the audience, Jerry George said the inflatables add whimsy to the neighborhood. His opinion was echoed by Linda Talman, who in a follow-up email to Thomas and Mayor Marna Hanneman wrote that if the town is not diligent enough to notice infractions, the use ought to be permitted or grandfathered.
Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
