Crazy Lenny's Electric Bikes has an existing backlit cabinet sign facing the beltline that needs a branding refresh to match their updated logo. The project is complicated by a city sign ordinance that limits new signs to 80 sq ft — but the existing sign is 145 sq ft and qualifies as legal non-conforming, which opens up a cost-effective path alongside a premium redesign option.
This article captures the sign ordinance analysis, the two proposed design options, and the permitting strategy developed in coordination with [1].
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Existing sign size | ~145 sq ft |
| City limit (new signs) | 80 sq ft |
| Current status | Legal non-conforming |
Key rule: Because the existing sign predates the current ordinance, it holds legal non-conforming status. This means:
This distinction is the central decision point for the client. Choosing Option 1 preserves the size advantage; choosing Option 2 sacrifices square footage for a premium aesthetic.
"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."
— Trevor Voice, Ryan Signs
When calculating square footage for channel letter signs, the city measures the area of rectangles drawn around each sign element — not the total bounding box of the entire sign. Ryan Signs' designer uses a tight multi-rectangle method to maximize usable sign area within the limit:
This approach avoids counting blank or negative space (e.g., the open area above the bicyclist's head, or padding around letterforms). The result is a larger effective sign presence within the 80 sq ft cap.
"We're not going to be paying for all of that blank space... we try and be as creative and tight as we possibly can when we figure those square footages out, to get to the maximum that we can get to."
— Trevor Voice, Ryan Signs
The client (Steve Lindau) is cost-sensitive and has not provided a specific budget. Trevor and Melissa aligned on the view that presenting visuals alongside pricing is essential — if the client sees only numbers, he will default to the cheapest option. Mock-ups showing both options in context (full wall elevation) are intended to make the premium channel letter option a genuine contender.
"I think the cost alone, Dave's going to make the decision, we're going to go with the lowest price... If he's looking at cost and designs, he might feel differently."
— Trevor Voice, Ryan Signs
| Owner | Action | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Trevor / Ryan Signs | On-site visit to confirm measurements and photograph front-of-store signage | Week of meeting |
| Trevor / Ryan Signs | Deliver mock-ups for both options (full wall elevation) | April 7 |
| Melissa / Asymmetric | Obtain correct vector artwork for "Electric Bikes" text from client | ASAP |
| Melissa / Asymmetric | Present both options to client at weekly Tuesday meeting | April 7 |