Ryan Signs – Sign Options Meeting
Date: 2026-04-05
Attendees: Melissa Cusumano (Asymmetric), Trevor Voice / Marybeth (Ryan Signs)
Client: [1]
Vendor: Ryan Signs (trevorvoice@ryansigns.net)
Overview
Melissa and Trevor aligned on a two-option proposal strategy for updating Crazy Lenny's beltline-facing backlit sign. The meeting surfaced a key zoning constraint — the existing sign is legal non-conforming at 145 sq ft, well above the city's 80 sq ft limit — which shapes both options. Visual mock-ups are required before presenting to the client, who is cost-sensitive and will default to the cheapest option if shown numbers alone.
Key Decisions
- Two options will be developed rather than a single recommendation, to give the client a visual basis for comparison rather than deciding on price alone.
- Option 1 (Face Replacement): Replace the plastic face of the existing 145 sq ft cabinet with new branded graphics. Cabinet and electrical stay intact. Lowest cost; most likely client choice if only price is considered.
- Option 2 (Channel Letters): Remove the existing sign and install a new channel letter sign within the 80 sq ft city limit. "Crazy Lenny's" and the bicyclist logo as individual channel letters; "Electric Bikes" as a channel module (similar to the Bricks and Minifigs example). Premium, modern look.
- Permitting strategy for Option 2: Ryan Signs' designer will draw tight, connected rectangles around each element (logo, "Crazy Lenny's" text, "Electric Bikes" module) to maximize usable square footage within the 80 sq ft cap — avoiding paying for blank space.
- Mock-ups are required to sell Option 2. Trevor: "I think the cost alone, Dave's going to make the decision — we're going to go with the lowest price."
Legal Constraint: Sign Ordinance
| Current Sign | Option 1 | Option 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | ~145 sq ft | ~145 sq ft (unchanged) | ≤ 80 sq ft (new) |
| Status | Legal non-conforming | Remains legal non-conforming | Must comply with city limit |
| Permit trigger | None (face swap only) | None | Yes — new sign permit required |
The existing sign exceeds the 80 sq ft city limit but is grandfathered as legal non-conforming. A face replacement preserves that status. Removing the sign and installing a new one requires full compliance.
Branding Notes
- The current beltline sign uses an inconsistent "Electric Bikes" text style that does not match the new Crazy Lenny's logo.
- Goal is to align the beltline sign with the front-of-store signage.
- Melissa suspects the correct "Electric Bikes" treatment includes a lightning bolt in the word "Electric" — needs to be confirmed with the client.
- The new logo PDF should be vector-based and usable directly by Ryan Signs' designer.
Action Items
| Owner | Action | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Trevor / Ryan Signs | Conduct on-site visit to confirm measurements and photograph front-of-store signage | This week (by ~2026-04-06) |
| Trevor / Ryan Signs | Deliver mock-ups for both options (shown in full wall elevation) | 2026-04-07 |
| Melissa | Request correct "Electric Bikes" vector artwork from client (confirm lightning bolt treatment) | ASAP |
| Melissa | Present both options to Crazy Lenny's (Steve) at Tuesday meeting | 2026-04-07 |
Relevant Transcript Excerpts
On the legal non-conforming status:
Trevor: "The sign he currently has is legal non-conforming, so we can change the face and still keep that size sign. If we remove that sign, then we have to comply with the 80 square feet."
On why mock-ups matter:
Trevor: "I think the cost alone, Dave's going to make the decision — we're going to go with the lowest price."
Melissa: "Right, yeah. If he's looking at cost and designs, he might feel differently."
On the permitting rectangle strategy:
Trevor: "We can draw up to three rectangles around the elements… we're not going to be paying for all of that blank space… our designer is really good — he just brings things in as absolutely tight as he possibly can."
On the channel module concept:
Trevor: "We could do the Crazy Lenny's and the bicyclist in the individual letters and then do the electric bikes in a module, kind of similar in the neighborhood of Bricks and Minifigs, which would add interest."
Related
- [2]