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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2. PLN-12-00030, 8610-8626 Firestone Blvd., (sr)STAFF REPORT DATE: SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 TO: PLANNING COMMISSION FROM: BRIAN SAEKI, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT JESSICA J. FLORES, ASSOCIATE PLANNER JOSE G. VAZQUEZ, PLANNING INTERN SUBJECT: PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM (PLN-12-00030), A REQUEST TO APPROVE THE LOCATION AND APPEARANCE OF THE SIGNS WITHIN A MULTI-TENANT COMMERCIAL SHOPPING CENTER ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8610- 8626 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD ZONED C-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) CEQA Staff has reviewed the proposed sign program for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Upon completion of this review, it has been determined that this request is categorically exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15301 (Class 1, Existing Facilities). Categorical Exemptions are projects which have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and whic h have been exempted from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. Class 1 consists of a negligible or no expansion of an existing use. The request for a sign program will not result in an expansion of the existing buildings nor uses contained therein. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt the following titled resolution: A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM PLN-12-00030, TH EREBY APPROVING THE LOCATION AND APPEARANCE OF THE SIGNS WITHIN A MULTI- TENANT COMMERCIAL SHOPPING CENTER ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8610-8626 FI RESTONE BOULEVARD ZONED C-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) CODE AUTHORITY The applicant is making his request pursuant to Municipal Code Section 9610.04, which requires approval of a Planned Sign Program for any commercial center with three (3) or more tenants. The Planning Commission’s authority to consider the requested Planned Sign Program is set forth in Municipal Code Section 9610.04 and 9610.06 (Planned Sign Programs). PLANNING DIVISION CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA SITE LOCATION 8610-8626 Firestone Blvd SITE DESCRIPTION A. Subject Property 1. Property Information Site Location: 8610-8626 Firestone Blvd (AI N 6255-004-023) 2. Applicant Information Applicant: Brianna Griffin Clear Sign and Design, Inc. 170 Navajo Street San Marcos, CA 92078 Property Owner: J.H. Snyder Co. 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Ste PH30 Los Angeles, CA 90036 Categorically Exempt (Class 1) 3. CEQA Determination: 4. Noticing Information Applicant Notification: August 8, 2012 Required Action Date: October 6, 2012 Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00030 September 19, 2012 - Page 2 B. Surrounding Properties North – To the north of the subject site, across Firestone Boulevard, is a vacant lot, a multi-tenant commercial property which includes a bakery, a vacant restaurant, and a medical office. These parcels are zoned C-3 (Central Business District) and have General Plan Land Use Designation of General Commercial. South – To the south of the subject site, across the railroad tracks, is the Coca-Cola site. These parcels are zoned M-2 (General Manufacturing) and C-M (Commercial Manufacturing) and have a General Plan Land Use Designation of General Manufacturing. East – To the east of the subject site, adjacent to the property, is a car rental office, a used car dealership, and residential properties that face McCahill Street. The car rental office and used car dealership properties are zoned C-3 (Central Business District); the residential properties are legal non-conforming and are zoned C-2 (General Commercial) and have a General Plan Land Use Designation of General Commercial. West – To the west of the subject site, adjacent to the property, is a commercial drive- thru restaurant. This property is zoned C-2 (General Commercial) and has a General Plan Land Use Designation of General Commercial. Across Patton Road, there is a multi-tenant commercial property which includes Petco, the Armed Forces Career Center, Super Cuts, Togo’s, Sprint, and The Coffee Bean. This property is zoned C-2 (General Commercial) and have a General Plan Land Use Designation of General Commercial. C. Site Photographs Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00030 September 19, 2012 - Page 3 Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00030 September 19, 2012 - Page 4 BACKGROUND The subject site is an approximate 4.56 acre parcel that is located on the southwest corner of Firestone Blvd and Patton Road. The site is improved with a multi-tenant retail center, which includes a 46,830 s.f. grocery store; a 9,221 s.f. in-line multi-tenant building; and a 3,545 s.f. commercial building. The site is zoned C-2 (General Commercial). On January 26, 2012, the applicant submitted an application for Planned Sign Program PLN-12- 00030, requesting approval of the size, location, and appearance of the signs within the existing shopping center. After a review of the request, staff deemed the application incomplete due to missing information on the project plans. The final information requested by staff was resubmitted on July 31, 2012, and as a result staff deemed the application complete on August 7, 2012. On September 7, 2012, notice of the pending public hearing was mailed to all property owners within 500’ of the subject site. Additionally, the public notice was published in The Downey Patriot on September 6, 2012. DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS Signs in the center currently consist of can wall signs (Ralphs), a freestanding sign (Ralphs), and a channel letter wall sign (FedEx Office). The app licant is proposing channel letter signs for all new wall signs in the center, a third (3) supplemental sign for the major tenant, and a multi-tenant monument sign. A summary of the maximum allowed and proposed signs is as follows: Table 1.1 Sign Description Maximum Area Allowed Proposed Area Wall Signs Major Tenant – Ralphs (north) 225 s. f. 176 s. f. Major Tenant – Ralphs Supplemental (north) 36 s. f. 31.69 s. f. Major Tenant – Ralphs Supplemental (north) 36 s. f. 32.5 s. f. Major Tenant – Ralphs Supplemental (north) 36 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant B (west) 53 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – FedEx Office (north) 60 s. f. 57 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant D (north) 27 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant E (west) 150 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant E (north) 50 s. f. 0 s. f. Monument Sign Four-tenant Monument Sign (Firestone Blvd.) 46 s. f. 0 s. f. Existing Freestanding (Pole) Sign 67 s. f. 67 s. f. Ralphs Freestanding Sign (Firestone Blvd.) Total 786 s. f. 364.19 s. f. Maximum Sign Area Allowed for Entire Site 786.20 s. f. Major Tenant Wall Signs – The primary wall sign will ha ve a maximum sign area of 225 square feet. In addition, three (3) supplemental wall signs will have a maximum of 108 square feet. The maximum allowed sign area for all four (4) signs will not exceed 333 square feet. The maximum allowed height for the Ralphs sign shall be 8’; the proposed Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00030 September 19, 2012 - Page 5 sign is aesthetically balanced to the building, and the sign does not exceed 225’ square feet. Any proposed sign shall either be a face lit channel letter or reverse channel letters with push through acrylic; the materials will consist of aluminum channel letters with plex face. The color of the letter returns shall match the building color, black, or chrome; all trademark logo styles will be permitted to use corporate colors. Downey’s Municipal Code allows for illuminated wall signs as long as they are a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from any adjacent residential zone. Standard Tenant Wall Signs – The proposed channel letter signs will have a maximum size of 1.5 square feet per lineal foot of building frontage. For corner units, secondary signs are permitted and will have a maximum size not to exceed ½ of the allowable square footage for the primary sign. The maximum allowed height of the individual channel letters is two (2) feet, except for stacked letters, which have maximum heights of three (3) feet. The color of the letter returns shall match the building color, black, or chrome; all trademark logo styles will be permitted to use corpor ate colors. Downey’s Municipal Code allows for illuminated wall signs as long as they are a minimum of one hundred (100) fe et from any adjacent residential zone. Monument Signs – The monument sign shall be located along the northeast side of the property, adjacent to Firestone Boulevard. The proposed monument sign is 8’-0” tall by 12’-4” wide and shall have four (4) single-tenant si gns. The sign will have an aluminum cabinet with a stucco base. The individual tenant signs will consist of aluminum panels with internally illuminated push thru acrylic letters. Staff is recommending the applicant texture coat to match the stucco of the building. Freestanding Signs – The applicant is proposing to add a center identification sign to the existing 20’ high freestanding sign. The freestanding sign is located along the northwest side of the property adjacent to Firestone Boulevard. The center identification sign is proposed to be internally illuminate d with push thru acrylic letters. It should be noted, that all of the signs meet the requirements set forth in the Zoning Code, thus the applicant is not requesting any deviations. Overall, staff is satisfied with the appearance of the proposed signs; although, staff recommends the applicant texture coat the monument sign to match the stucco of the multi-unit commercial building. In addition, because the applicant did not submit sign colors, the face of non-trademarked and/or non-registered business signs and logos shall be limited to black, white, red, and blue. Trademarked signs may deviate from said colors. Finally, staff would like to note that the shopping center has several tenants that have existing signs that will be deemed non-conforming should the Planning Commission approve this request. The Planned Sign Program has a provision to address these non-conforming signs, by allowing them to remain until such time that they are proposed to be changed. Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 9610.06, there are six (6) findings that must be adopted prior to the Planning Commission approving a Planned Sign Program. A discussion of the findings follows: 1. The proposed sign is permitted within the zone and complies with all applicable provisions of this chapter, the General Plan, and any other applicable standards. The subject site is within the C-2 zone, which permits the use of wall signs, monument signs, and freestanding signs. The proposed Planned Sign Program limits the signs Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00030 September 19, 2012 - Page 6 appropriately. The applicant is not requesting any deviations to the provisions of the Code; therefore, complying with all current wall, monument, and freestanding sign guidelines. It is staff’s opinion that since the proposed sign program complies with all the applicable provisions of the Zoning Code, this finding can be adopted. Sign Description Maximum Area Allowed Proposed Area Wall Signs Major Tenant – Ralphs (north) 225 s. f. 176 s. f. Major Tenant – Ralphs Supplemental (north) 36 s. f. 31.69 s. f. Major Tenant – Ralphs Supplemental (north) 36 s. f. 32.5 s. f. Major Tenant – Ralphs Supplemental (north) 36 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant B (west) 53 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – FedEx Office (north) 60 s. f. 57 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant D (north) 27 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant E (west) 150 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant E (north) 50 s. f. 0 s. f. Monument Sign Four-tenant Monument Sign (Firestone Blvd.) 46 s. f. 0 s. f. Existing Freestanding (Pole) Sign 67 s. f. 67 s. f. Ralphs Freestanding Sign (Firestone Blvd.) Total 786 s. f. 364.19 s. f. Maximum Sign Area Allowed for Entire Site 786.20 s. f. 2. The sign is in proper proportion to the structure or site on which it is located. Based on a review of the proposed signs all of the signs will be in proper proportion to the building facades and the site as a whole. Sign proportion will be accomplished by regulating the sign to not exceed seventy-five (75) percent of the tenant space and not allowing a sign to exceed three (3) feet in height; therefore, creating proportionality throughout the site. As such, staff believes that this finding can be adopted. 3. The sign materials, color, texture, size, shape, height, and placement are compatible with the design of the structure(s), property, and neighborhood of which it is a part. The appearance of the freestanding, monument and wall signs are compatible with the building and the site. The proposed signs improve the style and character of any existing signs and create unity with the building and site; in addition, it produces an aesthetically pleasing view and enhances the neighborhood. It is staff’s opinion that this finding can be adopted. 4. The sign’s illumination is at the lowest reasonable level as determined by the City Planner, which ensures adequate identification and readability, and is directed solely at the sign or is internal to it. All of the signs are internally illuminated with neon bulbs or LED strands to reduce the brightness of the sign. The City Planner has reviewed both of these lighting sources and has agreed that they are set at the minimum standards needed to ensure that there is Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00030 September 19, 2012 - Page 7 adequate readability of the signs. Accordingly, staff believes that this finding can be adopted. 5. The sign is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare. It is staff’s opinion that all signs are set at a sufficient height and/or location such that they will not create a detrimental impact to the public interest, health, safety, and/or welfare. In addition, the proposed signs will not have an adverse impact on the safe and efficient movement of vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic. As such, staff feels that this finding can be adopted. 6. The sign is in compliance with Section 9624, Lighting and Design Standards. All signs on site are internally illuminated, which is in compliance with Municipal Code Section 9624. As such, staff fells that this finding can be adopted. CORRESPONDENCE As of the date that this report was printed, staff has not received any correspondence regarding this matter. CONCLUSION Based on the analysis contained within this report, staff is of the opinion that the proposed Planned Sign Program will create an aesthetically pleasing identification for the building. Staff is further concluding that the proposed signs will not create a significant adverse impact to the surrounding area. Furthermore, as noted above, staff believes that all six (6) findings required to approve a Planned Sign Program can be made in a positive manner. As such, staff is recommending that the Planning Commission approve Planned Sign Program No. PLN-12-00030, subject to the recommended conditions of approval. H:\Community Development\Vazquez\Planning\ Projects\8610-8626 Firestone\Staff Report Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00030 September 19, 2012 - Page 8 Exhibit ‘A’ – Aerial Photograph N Exhibit ‘B’ – Zoning Map Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00030 September 19, 2012 - Page 9 RESOLUTION NO. 12-_____ PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM (P LN-12-00030), A REQUEST TO APPROVE THE LOCATION AND APPEARANCE OF THE SIGNS WITHIN A MULTI-TENANT COMMERCIAL SHOPPING CENTER ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 8610-8626 FIRESTONE BLVD ZONED C-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey does hereby find, determine and declare that: A. An application was filed by Brianna Griffin, on behalf of J.H. Snyder Co. (hereinafter "Applicant"), requesting approval of PLN-12-00030 (Planned Sign Program), a request to approve the location and appearance of the signs within a multi-tenant commercial shopping center on the property located at 8610-8626 Firestone Boulevard; and B. The subject site is zoned C-2 (General Commercial) and it is identified by the Los Angeles County Tax Assessor Office as A.I.N. 6255-004-023; and C. On September 7, 2012, notice of the pending public hearing was sent to all property owners within 500’ of the subject site and the notice was published in the Downey Patriot ; and D. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on September 19, 2012 and, after fully considering all oral and written testimony and facts and opinions offered at the aforesaid public hearing, adopted this resolution approving PLN 12-00030. SECTION 2. The Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares the environmental impact of the proposed developm ent has been reviewed and has been found to be in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is categorically exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Se ction No. 15301 (Class 1, Existing Facilities). SECTION 3. Having considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to it at said public hearings, the Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares that: 1. The proposed sign is permitted within the zone and complies with all applicable provisions of this chapter, the General Plan, and any other applicable standards. The subject site is within the C-2 zone, which permits the use of wall signs, monument signs, and freestanding signs. The proposed Planned Sign Program limits the signs appropriately. The applicant is not requesting any deviations to the provisions of the Code; therefore, complying with all current wall, monument, and freestanding sign guidelines. It is staff’s opinion that since the proposed sign program complies with all the applicable provisions of the Zoning Code, this finding can be adopted. Resolution No. 12-_____ Do wney Planning Commission Proposed Sign Description Maximum Area Area Allowed Wall Signs 176 s. f. Major Tenant – Ralphs (north) 225 s. f. 31.69 s. f. Major Tenant – Ralphs Supplemental (north) 36 s. f. Major Tenant – Ralphs Supplemental (north) 36 s. f. 32.5 s. f. 0 s. f. Major Tenant – Ralphs Supplemental (north) 36 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant B (west) 53 s. f. Standard Tenant – FedEx Office (north) 60 s. f. 57 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant D (north) 27 s. f. 0 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant E (west) 150 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant E (north) 50 s. f. Monument Sign Four-tenant Monument Sign (Firestone Blvd.) 46 s. f. 0 s. f. Existing Freestanding (Pole) Sign 67 s. f. 67 s. f. Ralphs Freestanding Sign (Firestone Blvd.) 364.19 s. f. 786 s. f. Total Maximum Sign Area Allowed for Entire Site 786.20 s. f. 2. The sign is in proper proportion to the structure or site on which it is located. Based on a review of the proposed signs all of the signs will be in proper proportion to the building facades and the site as a whole. Sign proportion will be accomplished by regulating the sign to not exceed seventy-five (75) percent of the tenant space and not allowing a sign to exceed three (3) feet in height; therefore, creating proportionality throughout the site. As such, staff believes that this finding can be adopted. 3. The sign materials, color, texture, size, shape, height, and placement are compatible with the design of the structure(s), property, and neighborhood of which it is a part. The appearance of the freestanding, monument and wall signs are compatible with the building and the site. The proposed signs improve the style and character of any existing signs and create unity with the building and site; in addition, it produces an aesthetically pleasing view and enhances the neighborhood. It is staff’s opinion that this finding can be adopted. 4. The sign’s illumination is at the lowest reasonable level as determined by the City Planner, which ensures adequate identification and readability, and is directed solely at the sign or is internal to it. All of the signs are internally illuminated with neon bulbs or LED strands to Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00030 September 19, 2012 - Page 2 Resolution No. 12-_____ Do wney Planning Commission reduce the brightness of the sign. The City Planner has reviewed both of these lighting sources and has agreed that they are set at the minimum standards needed to ensure that there is adequate readability of the signs. Accordingly, staff believes that this finding can be adopted. 5. The sign is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare. It is staff’s opinion that all signs are set at a sufficient height and/or location such that they will not create a detrimental im pact to the public interest, health, safety, and/or welfare. In addition, the proposed signs will not have an adverse impact on the safe and efficient movement of vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic. As such, staff feels that this finding can be adopted. 6. The sign is in compliance with Section 9624, Lighting and Design Standards. All signs on site are internally illuminated, which is in compliance with Municipal Code Section 9624. As such, staff fells that this finding can be adopted. SECTION 4. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby approves Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00030, subject to conditions of approval attached hereto as Exhibit A, which are necessary to preserve the health, safety and general welfare of the community and enable the Planning Commission to make the findings set forth in the previous sections. The conditions are fair and reasonable for the accomplishment of these purposes SECTION 5. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution. th PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19 day of September, 2012. Michael Murray, Chairman City Planning Commission I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the th Planning Commission of the City of Downey at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 19 day of September, 2012, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONER: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONER: Theresa Donahue, Secretary City Planning Commission Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00030 September 19, 2012 - Page 3 Resolution No. 12-_____ Do wney Planning Commission EXHIBIT A CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM PLN-12-00030 1) The approval of Planned Sign Program (PLN-12-00030), approves the location, color, and size of all signs for a multi-tenant commercial building at 8610 Firestone Boulevard as indicated in the table below: Proposed Sign Description Maximum Area Area Allowed Wall Signs Major Tenant – Ralphs (north) 225 s. f. 176 s. f. 31.69 s. f. Major Tenant – Ralphs Supplemental (north) 36 s. f. Major Tenant – Ralphs Supplemental (north) 36 s. f. 32.5 s. f. Major Tenant – Ralphs Supplemental (north) 36 s. f. 0 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant B (west) 53 s. f. 57 s. f. Standard Tenant – FedEx Office (north) 60 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant D (north) 27 s. f. 0 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant E (west) 150 s. f. 0 s. f. Standard Tenant – Tenant E (north) 50 s. f. Monument Sign Four-tenant Monument Sign (Firestone Blvd.) 46 s. f. 0 s. f. Existing Freestanding (Pole) Sign 67 s. f. 67 s. f. Ralphs Freestanding Sign (Firestone Blvd.) 364.19 s. f. 786 s. f. Total Maximum Sign Area Allowed for Entire Site 786.20 s. f. 2) Approval of this Planned Sign Program shall not be construed to mean any waiver of applicable and appropriate zoning regulations, or any Federal, State, County, and City laws and regulations. Unless otherwise expressly specified, all other requirements of the City of Downey Municipal Code shall apply. 3) The City Planner is authorized to make minor modifications to the approved preliminary plans or any of the conditions if such modifications shall achieve substantially the same results as would strict compliance with said plans and conditions. 4) All conditions of approval Planned Sign Program (PLN-12-00030) shall be complied with before the Planned Sign Program becomes valid. 5) Prior to the issuance of any building permit for a sign, said sign shall comply with this Planned Sign Program, with exception of window signs and non-permit signs, which shall comply with the requirements of the Downey Municipal Code. Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00030 September 19, 2012 - Page 4 Resolution No. 12-_____ Downey Planning Commission 6) The following changes shall be incorporated into the Planned Sign Program. a) Monument sign – The sign face shall be texture-coated with routed letters and vinyl backing. The monument sign shall incorporate architectural elements and colors to complement the building. b) Face sign colors for non-trademarked and/or non-registered business names and logos shall be limited to black, white, red, and blue. 7) The Owner/Applicant agrees, as a condition of approval of this resolution, to indemnify, defend and hold harmless, at Applicant's expense, City and City's agents, officers and employees from and against any claim, action or proceeding commenced within the time period provided in Government Code Section 66499.37 to attack, review, set aside, void or annul the approval of this resolution, to challenge the determination made by City under the California Environmental Quality Act or to challenge the reasonableness, legality or validity of any condition attached hereto. City shall promptly notify Applicant of any such claim, action or proceeding to which City receives notice, and City will cooperate fully with Applicant in the defense thereof. Applicant shall reimburse the City for any court costs and attorney's fees that the City may be required to pay as a result of any such claim, action or proceeding. City may, in its sole discretion, participate in the defense of any such claim, action or proceeding, but such participation shall not relieve Applicant of the obligations of this condition. H:\Community Development\Vazquez\Planning\Proj ects\8610-8626 Firestone\Reso/PSP_PLN-12-00030_RES Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00030 September 19, 2012 - Page 5