Historic Zoning Commission

AGENDA The Columbia Historic Zoning Commission will meet on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers on the basement level of City Hall, 700 N. Garden Street, to consider the following: I. Roll Call II. Approval of Minutes III. New Business 1. Request from Bryson Leach for signage approval at 421 West 7th Street, being Tax Map 100D Group E Parcel 1, West End / West 7th Street HD. IV. Other Business 1. Administrative CoAs V. Adjourn Anyone requesting accommodations due to disabilities should contact the City's ADA Coordinator at 931-560-1570 prior to the meeting. The 2026 meeting schedule and Historic District Design Guidelines can be found on the City of Columbia Historic Zoning Commission webpage. An interactive map showing the boundaries of the historic districts can be found accessed from the City's website. For other questions, please contact the Department of Development Services at 931- 560-1560. Page 1 of 16  CITY OF COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE HISTORIC ZONING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT CONTACT INFORMATION Robert Archibald, Principal Planner, rarchibald@columbiatn.gov, 931-560-1536 DOCKET/CASE/APPLICATION APPLICANT/PROPERTY OWNER NUMBER Bryson Leach/MayBe Holdings, LLC CA 26-0231 HEARING DATE PROPERTY ADDRESS/LOCATION July 15th, 2026 421 W 7th Street PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Signage/Lighting Installation The applicant requests a Certificate of Appropriateness to add a Wall Sign and Pole Sign. Specifically, the applicant requests approval to install a new wall sign above the entrance of the proposed business at 421 W. 7th Street, located within the entablature on the front façade. Additionally, the applicant seeks approval to install a new sign cabinet on the existing pylon sign located at the front of the property to advertise the proposed business. EXISTING EXISTING LAND SURROUNDING ZONING & SITE IMPROVEMENTS Historic District ZONING USE LAND USE COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL SIGNAGE 7TH STREET/W END CD-4C USE STOREFRONTS Review Status and History: Submission Status: Fifth request for Certificate of Appropriateness Previous Approvals: CoA 25-0089: Food Truck Court, Application Withdrawn CoA 25-0240: Exterior Alteration (new exit door) to Rear Elevation, Approved CoA 25-0359: Sign Installation, Admin. Approval CoA 25-0468: External Sign Lighting, Admin. Approval 2024 Historic Inventory Wilson-Quick Pharmacy, Columbia Plaza Shopping Center, 20th Century Commercial, circa 1960 Staff Report 421 W 7th Street Page 1 Page 2 of 16  CITY OF COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE HISTORIC ZONING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Proposed Alterations: Signage/Lighting Installation Historic District Design Guidelines Referenced: Staff reviewed the request for consistency with the City of Columbia Historic Design Guidelines for the Signage Installation. Staff comments follow in the following sections. Objective: Ensure new signs are harmonious with the character and heritage of the commercial district and promote pedestrian-oriented interaction. 8.4 Design New Signage to be a Positive Contribution to the District g) Signs shall only be placed on a portion of the building occupied by the person, business, or entity to which it relates. 8.5 Design New Signage to be Compatible with a Building’s Character b) Traditional locations such as signboards, storefront windows, and awnings shall be used. Pole signs, rooftop signs, billboards, animated signs, and outdoor advertising used for highway traffic are prohibited in the commercial district. c) Consider sign designs as an integral part of the building. Signs shall be compatible with the overall treatment and composition of the building. d) Signs shall be scaled to be subordinate to the building. Signage should generally be consistent with the prevailing size of comparable signage in the district. Overly large and ornamental signs contribute to visual clutter in the district and shall be avoided. e) Signs shall fit within the profile of the building. Signs that fall within the existing progression of a building’s vertical and horizontal lines and utilize shapes consistent with traditional features are encouraged. f) Durable, exterior-grade materials that complement the palette of the building and district shall be used. Traditional materials (such as painted wood and metal) that reflect a sense of permanence are encouraged as are contemporary materials such as urethane board that are similar in appearance to historic materials. Rough and unfinished surfaces, reflective materials, plastics, and pressure-treated wood are not appropriate and are prohibited. i) Using existing mounting holes and sign positions wherever possible is encouraged so as to limit the creation of new holes in building materials. On masonry buildings, signage shall be attached through mortar joints (not the masonry face) or materials such as wood that are easily repairable. Staff Report 421 W 7th Street Page 2 Page 3 of 16  CITY OF COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE HISTORIC ZONING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT 8.6 Use Sign Lettering and Colors that Promote Readability d) Sign lettering shall be legible but not out of scale with the specific sign, building, or district. Lettering should generally not exceed 18 inches in height on any sign unless the characteristics of a building warrant a larger typeface. e) Signs shall have sufficient color differentiation and contrast between lettering/symbols and backgrounds to make the content legible. f) Colors that complement a building’s façade materials and trim colors are encouraged. 8.7 Design Accent Lighting to Enhance not Overwhelm Signage a) Lighting intensity shall be compatible with the location, setting, and character of the building and site. Lighting shall be sufficient to allow for the identification of a business but not detract from the character of the building or streetscape. b) Colored lights shall generally be avoided as they are not compatible with the area’s heritage. c) Lighting shall be directed toward the sign and shielded to minimize light spill onto adjacent areas and properties. Shielded warm lights are most appropriate. d) Lighting fixtures shall be appropriately scaled to the building and sign. Fixtures shall be hidden from view or finished in a dark matte color so as to minimize their appearance. All required conduit and junction boxes shall be hidden from view. Staff Analysis: Originally constructed around 1960, the building exemplifies 20th Century Commercial Architecture and occupies the site where the Columbia Institute for Girls (previously the Columbia Female Institute) once stood before it was destroyed by a fire in 1958. Staff Report 421 W 7th Street Page 3 Page 4 of 16  CITY OF COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE HISTORIC ZONING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT The applicant is seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness for the installation of two (2) signs: a wall sign and a new cabinet sign to be installed on the existing pole sign (classified as a pylon sign under the City of Columbia Zoning Ordinance). In addition, the applicant proposes the installation of uplighting for the wall sign, with the lighting fixtures to be mounted on the existing canopy. The proposed design elements, as submitted by the applicant, are as follows along with staff commentary per item: Proposed Wall Sign: 1/8” White acrylic glued to painted metal panel or Painted white lettering (client’s choice) • Total of 39.6 square feet • Installation along entablature of building façade for business • Panel is dimensional in size The proposed wall sign is to be installed within the entablature of the front façade above the primary entrance to the business and will have a total sign area of approximately 39.6 square feet. The proposed sign is appropriately scaled to the building façade and complies with the Historic Design Guidelines pertaining to wall sign placement, size, and design. The sign will remain confined to the architectural sign band and will not obscure or detract from character- defining architectural features. Accordingly, staff finds the proposed wall sign to be consistent with the Historic Design Guidelines and supports its approval. Staff Report 421 W 7th Street Page 4 Page 5 of 16  CITY OF COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE HISTORIC ZONING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Proposed Pylon Sign & Cabinet installed on existing Pole Sign Double-sided White Acrylic with translucent blue vinyl overlay to allow for full color to show at night. Custom LED back-lit cabinet to match current cabinets on existing sign • Total 6 square feet installation on existing Pole Sign. The proposed pylon sign cabinet is subject to the Historic Design Guidelines, which provide clear direction regarding existing nonconforming pole (pylon) signs. The Guidelines prohibit the installation of new pole (pylon) signs and are intended to eliminate existing nonconforming pylon signs over time rather than perpetuate or expand them. Staff Report 421 W 7th Street Page 5 Page 6 of 16  CITY OF COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE HISTORIC ZONING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT The applicant also requests approval to install the proposed lighting fixtures on the existing canopy to provide uplighting for the wall sign. Staff has reviewed the manufacturer's specifications included in the Commission's packet. As proposed, the fixtures will be mounted on the existing canopy, where they will be largely concealed from public view. Additionally, the proposed bronze finish will further minimize their visual prominence against the building. The fixtures are designed to direct light upward onto the wall sign and incorporate shielding that minimizes light spill onto adjacent properties and the surrounding streetscape. Based on the submitted specifications, the proposed lighting is appropriately scaled, discreetly located, and compatible with the historic character of the property. Accordingly, staff finds the proposal to be consistent with the Historic Design Guidelines and supports this portion of the request. Staff Report 421 W 7th Street Page 6 Page 7 of 16  CITY OF COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE HISTORIC ZONING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval in part and denial in part of the Certificate of Appropriateness application. Staff recommends approval of the proposed wall sign and associated uplighting, as submitted, finding that both are consistent with the Historic Design Guidelines regarding placement, scale, design, and compatibility with the historic character of the property. Staff recommends denial of the proposed cabinet addition to the existing pylon sign. The proposed modification is inconsistent with the Historic Design Guidelines, which prohibit new pole (pylon) signs and are intended to eliminate existing nonconforming pylon signs over time rather than perpetuate or expand them. Because the proposed cabinet addition would extend the life and function of the existing nonconforming pylon sign, staff finds that the request does not meet the applicable provisions of the Historic Design Guidelines. Accordingly, staff recommends denial of the request. Motions Motion [Approve]. Move to find that the proposed signage/lighting conforms to the Historic District Design Guidelines and approve issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness. Motion [Deny]. Move to find that the proposed signage/lighting is not compatible with the Historic Guidelines, and deny issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness [list reasons for denial]. Motion [Approve Subject to Conditions]: Move to approve issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness and find that the proposed signage/lighting conforms to the Historic District Design Guidelines subject to the following conditions: [list conditions of approval]. Alternative Motion [Defer for Future Consideration]. Move to find that there is insufficient information to make a decision, defer action on the application, and request that the applicant provide: [list additional information] for review at a future meeting. Staff Report 421 W 7th Street Page 7 Page 8 of 16  Side View 15” Future Tenant 36” 158.4” 2” A QUOTE PREPARED ESPECIALLY FOR Future Tenant PRODUCTION NOTES Page 9 of 16  18” ~72” A QUOTE PREPARED ESPECIALLY FOR PRODUCTION NOTES Page 10 of 16 Page 11 of 16 X34S Project: Type: Prepared By: Date: Driver Info LED Info Type Constant Current Watts 35/25/20W 120V 0.30A/0.22A/0.18A Color Temp 3000/4000/5000K 208V N/A Color Accuracy 81-84 CRI Color: Bronze Weight: 1.2 lbs 240V N/A L70 Lifespan 100,000 Hours 277V 0.13A/0.10A/0.08A Lumens 2,685-4,677 lm Input Watts 19.6-33.6W Efficacy 121.5-150.9 lm/W Technical Specifications Field Adjustability DLC Listed: Optical Field Adjustable: This product family is listed with the DesignLights NEMA Type: Field Adjustable Light Output: Consortium (DLC). Individual SKUs within this family NEMA Beam Spread 7H x 7V 35W/25W/20W (factory default 35W) may carry either a DLC Standard or DLC Premium Color temperature selectable 3000K, 4000K and qualification. Please refer to the individual product LED Characteristics 5000K (factory default 4000K) specification sheet or the DLC Qualified Products List (QPL) at designlights.org to confirm the qualification LEDs: status of a specific SKU prior to specification or Long-life, high-efficacy, surface-mount LEDs Compliance purchase. UL Listed: Color Uniformity: Suitable for wet locations. Suitable for mounting RAB's range of Correlated Color Temperature follows Electrical within 4 ft of the ground. the guidelines of the American National Standard for Driver: Specifications for the Chromaticity of Solid State IESNA LM-79 & LM-80 Testing: Constant Current, Class 1, 120/277V, 50/60 Hz Lighting (SSL) Products, ANSI C78.377-2017. 35W: 120V: 0.30A, 277V: 0.13A RAB LED luminaires and LED components have been 25W: 120V: 0.22A, 277V: 0.10A tested by an independent laboratory in accordance Performance 20W: 120V: 0.18A, 277V: 0.08A with IESNA LM-79 and LM-80. Lifespan: THD: 100,000-Hour LED lifespan based on IESlm-80 results IP Rating: and TM-21 calculations 35W: 4.3% at 120V, 8.2% at 277V Ingress protection rating of IP65 for dust and water 25W: 5.0% at 120V, 16.8% at 277V 20W: 6.1% at 120V, 20.5% at 277V Wattage Equivalency: Trade Agreements Act Compliant: 35W: Replaces up to 150W Metal Halide (MH) or This product is a product of Cambodia and a 100W High Pressure Sodium (HPS) "designated country" end product that complies Power Factor: 35W: 99.7% at 120V, 96.2% at 277V 25W: Replaces up to 100W Metal Halide (MH) or 70W with the Trade Agreements Act High Pressure Sodium (HPS) 25W: 99.7% at 120V, 91.7% at 277V 20W: 99.4% at 120V, 90.6% at 277V 20W: Replaces up to 100W Metal Halide (MH) or 70W High Pressure Sodium (HPS) Surge Protection: 2 kV Construction Cold Weather Starting: The minimum starting temperature is -40°F (-40°C) Need help? Tech help line: (888) 722-1000 Email: techsupport@rablighting.com Website: rablighting.com Copyright © 2026 RAB Lighting All Rights Reserved Note: Specifications are subject to change at any time without notice Page 1 of 3 Page 12 of 16 X34S Technical Specifications (continued) Maximum Ambient Temperature: Suitable for use in up to 104°F (40°C) Housing: Die-cast aluminum Lens: Glass Reflector: Polycarbonate Finish: Formulated for high durability and long-lasting color Green Technology: Mercury and UV free. RoHS-compliant components. Installation Mounting: Knuckle arm mount Other 5-Year Limited Warranty: The RAB 5-year, limited warranty covers light output, driver performance and paint finish. RAB's warranty is subject to all terms and conditions found at rablighting.com/warranty. Dimensions Features 100,000-Hour LED lifespan IP65 Rated 5-Year, limited warranty Need help? Tech help line: (888) 722-1000 Email: techsupport@rablighting.com Website: rablighting.com Copyright © 2026 RAB Lighting All Rights Reserved Note: Specifications are subject to change at any time without notice Page 2 of 3 Page 13 of 16 X34S Ordering Matrix Family Wattage Mounting Color Temp Finish Driver X34 S XS = 16/13/10W Blank = Knuckle Blank = 3000/4000/5000K CCT Adjustable Blank = Bronze Blank = 120V/277V S = 35/25/20W W = White M = 65/55/45W Need help? Tech help line: (888) 722-1000 Email: techsupport@rablighting.com Website: rablighting.com Copyright © 2026 RAB Lighting All Rights Reserved Note: Specifications are subject to change at any time without notice Page 3 of 3 Page 14 of 16  Historic Zoning Commission Certificate of Appropriateness 700 NORTH GARDEN STREET, COLUMBIA, TN 38401 PHONE: (931) 560-1560 FAX: (931) 560-1541 PROJECT LOCATION: 129 W 7th St HISTORIC DISTRICT: Downtown OWNER INFORMATION: APPLICANT INFORMATION: NAME Danmark Company Attn: Trust Dept Tennessee Distilling Group LLC P O Box 1148 1929 Ridgecrest Drive ADDRESS Columbia, TN 38402 Columbia, TN 38401 PHONE (800) 560-7915 EMAIL HCLARK@TNDISTILLING.COM NEW CONSTRUCTION: EXTERIOR ALTERATION: DEMOLITION: □Primary Structure/Addition □Facade □Primary Structure □Accessory Structure □Accessory Structure □Accessory Structure □Garage/Carport □Garage/Carport □Garage/Carport □New Sign □Revision to Existing Sign □Sign □__________ □__________ □__________ CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: Approved as submitted. - Band sign installed along entablature of front façade. ½” aluminum letters mounted to brick façade painted white not exceeding 26.18-sf total. The permitted coverage per the Guidelines is 40-sf per façade. - Replacement of projecting sign face with no change in size or mounting hardware. UNAPPROVED/SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED WORK: DATE OF HISTORIC ZONING COMMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL/DENIAL: 6/16/2026 Autumn Potter HISTORIC ZONING COMMISSION CHAIR ZONING ADMINISTRATOR Per §13-7-409 of the Tennessee Code Annotated: Anyone who may be aggrieved by any final order or judgment of the Historic Zoning Commission may have such order or judgment reviewed by the courts by the procedure of statutory certiorari, as provided in Tennessee Code Annotated Title 27. Chapter 8. Page 15 of 16  Historic Zoning Commission Certificate of Appropriateness 700 NORTH GARDEN STREET, COLUMBIA, TN 38401 PHONE: (931) 560-1560 FAX: (931) 560-1541 PROJECT LOCATION: 710 N Main St HISTORIC DISTRICT: OWNER INFORMATION: APPLICANT INFORMATION: NAME Alice Golden Gray Enterprises, INC 710 N Main St 118 Cemetery Ave ADDRESS Mount Pleasant, TN 38474 Columbia, TN 38401 PHONE (615) 727-4088 EMAIL SAMUELAGRAY@GMAIL.COM NEW CONSTRUCTION: EXTERIOR ALTERATION: DEMOLITION: □Primary Structure/Addition □Facade □Primary Structure □Accessory Structure □Accessory Structure □Accessory Structure □Garage/Carport □Garage/Carport □Garage/Carport □New Sign □Revision to Existing Sign □Sign □__________ □Replacement Windows □__________ CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: Approved as submitted - Replacement of 4 second-story double-hung aluminum clad wood windows, like for like replacement - Replacement of 1 second-story double-hung aluminum clad wood window with eyebrow, like for like replacement UNAPPROVED/SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED WORK: DATE OF HISTORIC ZONING COMMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL/DENIAL: 7/6/2026 Autumn Potter HISTORIC ZONING COMMISSION CHAIR ZONING ADMINISTRATOR Per §13-7-409 of the Tennessee Code Annotated: Anyone who may be aggrieved by any final order or judgment of the Historic Zoning Commission may have such order or judgment reviewed by the courts by the procedure of statutory certiorari, as provided in Tennessee Code Annotated Title 27. Chapter 8. Page 16 of 16