Politics & Government
Panel Doesn't Paint Kelly Slater Tribute as Mural
The Planning Commission unanimously decides that Spyder Surfboards' large display should be classified as a sign, and not a mural.
The final pieces of Spyder Surfboards’ gigantic display on its PCH storefront have remained unfinished for two months due to .
And, the Planning Commission upheld that decision in a meeting Tuesday night.
The 1800-square-foot display is a tribute to professional surfer Kelly Slater’s unprecedented 10th world title.
Find out what's happening in Hermosa Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
It contains small emblems of the Quiksilver logo since the surf apparel company serves as one of the world champion’s main sponsors.
Even though the city saw the Quiksilver logo as an example of how the display serves as advertising, Spyder disagreed, claiming that the Quiksilver brand logos are minimal.
Find out what's happening in Hermosa Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The local surf shop filed for permission from the Planning Commission in November to complete the display as a mural project. But the panel unanimously voted against the mural classification Tuesday.
“The Kelly Slater image is very nice looking,” said Chairman Kent Allen at the commission meeting. “It’s something that looks good when you come down the street and I wish it could stay, but I do believe it is advertising.”
Municipal code on advertising defines a mural as “a pictorial representation not specifically identifying goods or services offered on the premises.”
Some commission members suggested reconfiguring the display so that it would not include a Quiksilver logo. But it was decided that Slater’s image still qualifies as an advertisement for the myriad of surfing products the shop offers on site, and is endorsed by the athlete.
Commissioner Sam Perrotti had reservations classifying Spyder’s sign as a mural, he said, because of the proverbial Pandora’s box that could result from other businesses attempting to circumvent the city’s signage code.
“If we allow this to be a mural…I think this would set in motion a lot of other advertising gimmicks down the road,” Perrotti said at the meeting.
Allen called Spyder Surfboards an exemplary business for its long-term service to the community, but echoed Perrotti’s sentiments on the display.
“I would die to have it stay there but I just don’t think it’s in the long-term best interest of the city,” Allen said.
The Planning Commission's decisions may be appealed to the City Council.
Related:
