HomeMy WebLinkAbout1. PLN-12-00302 - 7300-7340 FirestoneSTAFF REPORT
DATE:
FEBRUARY 20, 2013
TO:
PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM:
BRIAN SAEKI, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
WILLIAM E. DAVIS, CITY PLANNER
SUBJECT: PLN-12-00302 (PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM) - A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL
OF THE COLOR, SIZE, AND LOCATI ON OF ALL SIGNS FOR THE WEST
DOWNEY PLAZA, LOCATED AT 7300-7340 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IN
DOWNEY, ZONED C-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL)
CEQA
Staff has reviewed the proposed use in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) Guidelines and determined that it is categorically exempt from CEQA, pursuant to
Guideline Section No. 15301 (Class 1, Existing Facilities). Cat egorical Exemptions are projects
which have been exempted from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act
because they do not have a significant effect on the environment. Exempt activities under Class 1
consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of
existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features,
involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency’s
determination. In staff’s view, the request to establish a sign program at this site will not result in
an expansion of the existing buildings or uses contained therein and will not have a permanent
effect on the environment, thereby qualifying for the Class 1 exemption.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt the following titled resolution:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING
PLN-12-00302 (PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM) - A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF THE COLOR,
SIZE, AND LOCATION OF ALL SIGNS FOR THE WEST DOWNEY PLAZA, LOCATED AT 7300-
7340 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IN DOWNEY, ZONED C-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL)
CODE AUTHORITY
Downey Municipal Code Section 9610.04 (Planned Sign Program) requires the Planning
Commission’s approval of a Planned Sign Program for any site having three (3) or more
nonresidential tenants, prior to the issuance of any sign permit. Upon receiving the Planning
Commission’s approval of a planned sign program, no sign permit shall be issued unless the sign
complies with the planned sign program.
H:\Community Development\Davis\cases\Site Plan Review\PLN-12-00302 (7300-7340 Firestone)\Staff Report.doc
PLANNING DIVISION
CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
SITE LOCATION
7300-7340 Firestone Blvd
SITE DESCRIPTION
A. Subject Property
1. Property Information
Site Location: 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
(AIN 6231002006)
2. Applicant Information
Applicant: Christopher Han
Turbo Sign Inc.
2726 W. Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Property Owner:: Richard Kil
West Downey Plaza
3850 Tiffany Lane
Torrance, CA 90505
3. CEQA Determination: Categorically Exempt (Class 1)
4. Noticing Information
Applicant Notification: January 17, 2013
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2013- Page 2
B. Surrounding Properties
Zoning Use
North CM Automobile Dealership
South
R-3 (Multiple-Family Residential) Multiple-Family Residences
West
C-2 (General Commerc ial 24-Hour Fitness
Gasoline Service Station/Retail
East C-2 (General Commercial
Developments
BACKGROUND
PLN-12-00302 is a request to approve a planned sign program for the West Downey Plaza. The
triangular-shaped property borders Firestone Boulevard, Old River School Road and Arnett
Street. It maintains approximately 420 feet of frontage on Firestone Boulevard, 228 feet along
Old River School Road, and 620 feet along Arnett Street. The subject property is zoned C-2
(General Commercial) with a General Plan Land Use Designation of General Commercial (GC).
Four commercial buildings comprise the 127,200 square foot (2.92 acres) shopping center as
follows: two 2-story buildings along the southerly and easterly sides of the subject property
(Building A and Building B), each designed to have retail units on the ground floor and office
units on the second floor; a single-story retail building on the westerly side of the subject site
(Building C); and a restaurant building (Building D) near the Firestone Boulevard frontage of the
site. Each tenant space (including those tenants on the second floor of the two-story buildings
and the restaurant) has a “can” sign for business identification. In addition to the four
commercial buildings, a freestanding tower measuring approximately 40 feet in height is located
centrally within the parking lot area. In 1984, the City approved this structure as a clock tower,
although a clock no longer exists. Plans also depict a sign area on the structure. A West
Downey Plaza sign and a “for lease” sign were attached to the structure at the time this report
was prepared—neither sign had been approved by the City.
On December 17, 2012, Christopher Han (Turbo Signs, Inc.), submitted a Land Use Permit
Application to request approval of a sign program for the West Downey Plaza. The sign program
will provide standards and specifications to assure consistent quality, appearance, and size for
all signs installed at the center. The proposed sign program will allow staff approval of future
signs, subject to the development standards outlined in this report. These standards include
general requirements and the tenant’s responsibilities for obtaining permits, and they specify the
location, placement and size of the signs. The sign program provides criteria for sign copy and
logos. It calls out the colors and fonts allowed at West Downey Plaza, while also describing the
methods of fabricating and installing the signs. In addition to the standards for signs mounted to
the buildings on the subject property, the Applicant proposes standards for a multi-tenant
freestanding sign that would identify the West Downey Plaza, and provide identification for up to
eighteen (18) tenants.
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2013- Page 3
DISCUSSION
Chapter 6 of the Downey Municipal Code establishes uniform sign regulations for the City. It
describes the intent and purpose of the Code, its policies and the general provisions that apply to
all signs within the City. Code Section 9610.04 states that a Planned Sign Program shall be
required for any site having three (3) or more nonresidential tenants and shall be approved by the
Planning Commission before any sign permit is issued. The West Downey Plaza and its tenant
signs have been in existence longer than the current Zoning Code standards; therefore, the
signs are legal nonconforming signs that may exist without a sign program if left unchanged,
subject to Section 9626 of the Code. However, the owner of West Downey Plaza wants to
provide additional identification for the tenants by installing a freestanding sign, which
constitutes expansion of the existing signs, changes the nonconforming status of them, and
triggers the Applicant’s request for the planned sign program.
ANALYSIS
Staff reviewed the sign program PLN-12-00302 proposes in light of Chapter 6 (Signs) of the
Downey Municipal Code and determined the following:
A. Maximum Allowable Sign Area
Subsection (1) of Section 9618.02 (a) of the Code describes the maximum allowable sign area
allowed for on-site signs as follows:
“(1) The maximum sign area shall be calculated based on the lineal feet of building frontage
or as otherwise provided below. A maximum of one (1) building frontage shall be used
to determine the total maximum sign area allowed for building signs except that two
frontages may be counted for buildings located on lots or parcels with more than one (1)
street frontage. Where a building has multiple frontages, the City Planner shall
determine which frontage shall be used to calculate the maximum building area. The
maximum sign area for building signs may be allocated to any building frontage as
determined by the applicant.”
Downey Municipal Code Section 9124 defines Building Frontage as , “That portion of a main
building most nearly parallel to a street or parking area .
Table 9.6.2 of Code Section 9618.02 states:
“The maximum allowable sign area of all permit signs for each individual
business shall not exceed two and one quarter (2.25) square feet of area for
each lineal foot of building frontage.”
PLN-12-00302 adheres to these standards by providing tables to illustrate the existing and
maximum allowable sign area for tenant spaces at all four buildings at the West Downey Plaza.
Said tables reflect the standard of 1.5 square feet of sign area per tenant frontage for Primary
wall signs, and one-half the maximum allowable area of Primary wall signs for Secondary Wall
Signs. That data is summarized as follows:
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2013- Page 4
BUILDING A - WALL SIGNS
Maximum Allowable Sign
Suite No. Tenant Space Frontage Existing Sign Area
Area (1.5 x Frontage)
117 17 feet 24 sq. ft. (2’ x 12‘) 25.5 sq. ft.
119 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
121 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
123 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
125 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
127 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
129 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
131 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
133 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
216 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
218 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
220 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
222 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
224 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
226 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
228 20 feet 30 sq. ft (2’ x 15‘) 30 sq. ft.
230 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
Total 292 feet 414 sq. ft. 438 sq. ft.
BUILDING B - WALL SIGNS
Maximum Allowable Sign
Suite No. Tenant Space Frontage Existing Sign Area
Area (1.5 x Frontage)
101 17 feet 24 sq. ft. (2’ x 12‘) 25.5 sq. ft.
103 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
105 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
107 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
109 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
111 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
113 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
115 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
202 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
204 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
206 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
208 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
210 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
212 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
214 17 feet 24 sq. ft. 25.5 sq. ft.
Total 255 feet 414 sq. ft. 382.5 sq. ft.
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2013- Page 5
BUILDING C - WALL SIGNS
Tenant Space Maximum Allowable
Suite No. Existing Sign Area
Frontage Sign Area
79.5 sq. ft.
7300 – a (Primary) 53 feet 33 sq. ft. (3’ x 11‘)
(1.5 x Frontage)
39.75 sq. ft.
7300 – b (Secondary) 38 feet 26 sq. ft. (2’ x 13’) (1/2 Max. Allowable of
Primary Sign)
60 sq. ft.
7306 – a (Primary) 40 feet 44 sq. ft. (4’ x 22’)
(1.5 x Frontage)
30 sq. ft.
7306 – b (Secondary) 18 feet 22 sq. ft. (2’ x 11’) (1/2 Max. Allowable of
Primary Sign)
Total 149 feet 125 sq. ft. 209.5 sq. ft.
BUILDING D - WALL SIGNS
Tenant Space Maximum Allowable
Suite No. Existing Sign Area
Frontage Sign Area
52.5 sq. ft.
7322 – a (Primary) 35 feet 30 sq. ft. (3’ x 10‘)
(1.5 x Frontage)
26.25 sq. ft.
7322 – b (Secondary) 35 feet 30 sq. ft. (3’ x 10‘) (1/2 Max. Allowable of
Primary Sign)
Total 783 feet 60 sq. ft. 78.75 sq. ft.
The maximum allowable sign area for all permit si gns at the subject site shall not exceed 3,327
square feet (based upon 2.25 of sign area x 1479 feet of building frontage facing the parking
lot). The maximum allowable sign area reflects the total sign area for all primary signs,
secondary signs, and additional signs allowed on site by the Sign Code (i.e. monument signs,
freestanding signs, window displays, and projecting signs). The sign area of all existing West
Downey Plaza signs is 1,108.75 square feet, which is significantly less than the maximum
allowable sign area for all signs at the center.
B. Wall-Mounted Signs
PLN-12-00302 is a request to approve a planned sign program for the West Downey Plaza;
however, almost all of the signs it describes exist in the form of wall-mounted signs for the
individual tenants of the center. (A copy of the proposed sign program is attached to this report).
The existing signs are “can signs” consisting of al uminum boxes with acrylic faces. They display a
variety of font styles and background colors, which the sign program seeks to control. Almost all of
the existing can signs measure 2’-0” x 12’-0” in size (24 square feet), although a few of the signs
are larger. The four corners of each cabinet are notched at 45 degree angles notched, and the
cabinets are painted green to match the building trim, resulting in a consistent and attractive
signage.
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2013- Page 6
The proposed sign program for the West Downey Plaza provides standards and specifications to
assure consistent quality, appearance, and size for all signs installed at the center. These
standards include general requirements and the tenant’s responsibilities for obtaining permits,
and specify the location, placement and size of the signs. The sign program provides criteria for
sign copy and logos. It calls out the colors and fonts allowed at West Downey Plaza, while also
describing the methods of fabricating and instal ling the signs. It proposes that all signs shall
have white background color, the cans shall be green and tenants shall use “Arial” fonts. The
following photographs depict the existing tenant identification signs at the West Downey Plaza:
SITE PHOTOGRAPH – BUILDING A (PARTIAL)
SITE PHOTOGRAPH – BUILDING B (PARTIAL)
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2013- Page 7
SITE PHOTOGRAPH – BUILDING C
SITE PHOTOGRAPH – BUILDING D
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2013- Page 8
SITE PHOTOGRAPHS (TYPICAL SIGNS)
C. Freestanding Sign
PLN-12-00302 also proposes one freestanding sign along the twenty-foot wide Firestone
Boulevard street frontage. As proposed, the new sign will be twenty-five (25’) above grade and
approximately 350 feet from the west property line of the subject property. This distance is less
than 100 feet from the freestanding structure (clock tower). The Sign Program places the
freestanding sign within the fully landscaped street frontage, approximately ten feet from the front
property line. Table 9.6.3 of the Downey Municipal Code provides the following requirements for
freestanding signs:
TABLE 9.6.3. REQUIREMENTS FOR FREESTANDING SIGNS
Standard Requirement
When abutting a street lot line = forty two (42) square feet;
Maximum Sign
When set back from a street lot line = two and one-half (2.5) times the setback
Area
distance plus forty-two (42) square fee t, with a maximum permitted sign area of one
hundred and fifty-seven (157) square feet.
When abutting a street lot line = twenty (20) feet
When set back from a street lot line = one-half (½) of the setback distance, plus
Maximum
twent y ( 20 ) feet with a maximum p ermitted hei g ht of fort y -three ( 43 ) feet
Height
When the abutting property to the rear is in a residential zone, the sign shall be of
such a height so as not to be visible from the ground floor of any dwelling unit(s)
located within said residential zone.
Vertical
When located within the intersection visibility, freestanding signs shall comply with
Clearance Section 9614.04(f).
Maximum One (1) per each continuous street front age that is greater than or equal to one
Number of
hundred fifty (150) feet in length but not more than two (2).
Signs
Minimum
One hundred (100) feet
Separation
between Signs
Minimum
Fifty (50) feet from any interior side property line;
Setback
Seventy five (75) feet from any residential zone.
Requirements
Freestanding signs shall be located in a landscaped planter equal the area of the
Landscaping
sign face, but never less than eighty (80) s quare feet. The sign support structure(s)
Requirements
shall be located a minimum of four (4) feet from two (2) of the curbs of the
landscape planter.
In lieu of placement of freestanding si gns on each street frontage, a single
Alternative
freestanding sign may be permitted to be located at the street intersection, which
Requirements
sign shall not exceed eighty (80) square feet in area, and a height of twenty-four
for Corner Lots
(24) feet. Sign supports shall be at least five (5) feet away from any property line
and no part of the sign may encroach into the public right-of-way.
May not change more than once per hour. Signs shall not rotate, move, or cause
Changeable
uncontrolled direction of lights, flash, reflec t, scroll, or blink. No more than twenty-
Copy
five (25) percent of the sign area.
The proposed freestanding sign will consist of an aluminum cabinet mounted painted black, on a
single steel mounting post painted green. Sign retainers will also be painted black. According to the
Sign Program, the post measures eight feet (8’) from the ground up to the bottom of the cabinet,
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2013- Page 9
and 16 inches wide. The Applicant requested the freestanding sign will display eighteen (18) tenant
panels within a square cabinet box that measures 10’-0” x17’-0” (170 square feet). Each panel
would measure 20 inches high by five feet (5’) in length with white acrylic faces. The sign letters will
be push-through acrylic with translucent vinyl letters. A rounded cabinet box is affixed above the
square cabinet box, and it will disp lay the center name and address.
D. Clock Tower
Although no clock exists, staff refers to the freestanding structure depicted in the photograph below
as the clock tower because that was its original purpose. The property owner uses it to identify the
West Downey Plaza and to advertise space for lease. (Neither of the signs shown on the photo
was approved by the City.) Using the clock tower for signage is a concern for this sign proposal
because the sign doing so will define the structure as a freestanding sign, and result in relocating
or eliminating the freestanding sign PLN-12-302 proposes altogether. The Applicant may be aware
of this concern because Page 14 of the West Downey Plaza Sign Program refers to the tower with
a small note that reads “no signs”.
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2013- Page 10
E. Issues
After reviewing the West Downey Sign Program, staff has a number of concerns with the
proposal:
1. Table 9-1 provides inaccurate information about the existing wall signs. The building
frontage for the second floor of Building A totals 139 feet (not 156 feet) and the total
building frontage of Building A is 292 feet (not 309 feet).
2. The Applicant failed to provide samples of the allowed sign colors.
3. The Sign Program’s discussion of the fabrication details of existing signs is extremely
limited. It does not describe the fabrication materials (aluminum cans with acrylic faces),
nor does it describe the shade of green the sign cans should be painted.
4. The Sign Program’s fabrication details for the existing can signs do not propose
requirements for illuminating them. It should discuss illumination as 12 volts light emitting
diodes (LED’s) in the same manner described for the freestanding sign.
5. Sign Program should express that all new t enant signs shall be can signs and the criteria
should describe the cans in detail.
6. The Sign Program proposes “white” as the background color for the signs; however,
“ivory” background color would be more compatible with the colors at the shopping
center.
7. The Tenant Sign Details refer to vacant tenant spaces and their existing sign area as
non-applicable, even though cans signs exist for them. This oversight leads to a
miscalculation of the existing sign area for the existing buildings.
8. The wall sign details (Page 13) should specify the locations where the maximum letter
heights can occur. As presented, it seems that any sign could have a maximum 3’-0”
letter height, with a maximum width of 22 feet, even though most of the existing can
signs are only 2’-‘0” high and 12’-0” wide. The sign details also depict individual letters
even though all of the signs are can signs.
9. No signs should ever be displayed on the clock tower; otherwise, it will be a freestanding
sign and will be in conflict with the distance requirements for multiple freestanding signs
on a single property.
10. The freestanding sign exceeds the maximum allowable sign area for this location. PLN-
12-00302 proposes a sign that is 170 square feet in size; however the maximum sign
area for a freestanding sign set back ten (10) feet from the street line is 67 square feet
only (10 times the setback distance, plus 42).
11. PLN-12-00302 proposes eighteen (18) panels to advertise the tenant names. The most
the City has approved as part of a planned sign program is six panels. Eighteen signs
would be difficult to read and offer minor identification for the tenants.
12. The colors proposed for the freestanding sign should match the colors at the center.
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2013- Page 11
As stated earlier in this report, Downey Municipal Code Section 9610.04 (a) requires the
Planning Commission’s approval of a Planned Sign Program for any site having three (3) or
more nonresidential tenants, prior to the issuance of any sign permit. It is also worth noting that
Section 9610.04 (b) states that a Planned Sign Program may include deviations from the
standards of the Sign Code, if the total sign area shall not exceed the area otherwise permitted.
These provisions provide flexibility to the Comm ission to resolve the issues stated above.
FINDINGS
Section 9610.06 of the Downey Municipal Code (Planned Sign Program) outlines the following six
conditions the Planning Commission’s must make before approving a Planned Sign Program:
1. The proposed sign is permitted within the zone and it complies with all applicable
provisions of this chapter, the General Plan, and any other applicable standards.
The subject property is zoned C-2 (General Commercial) and it was developed as a
shopping center in 1984. The C-2 Zone permits the use of wall signs and freestanding
signs. Code Section 9610.04 states requires a Planned Sign Program for any site having
three (3) or more nonresidential tenants. The Planning Commission shall approve the
planned sign program before any sign permit is issued. The owner/developer of the West
Downey Plaza is attempting to comply with this requirement by obtaining the City’s approval
of the sign program PLN-12-00302 proposes. However, it is staff’s opinion that the
proposed freestanding sign is too large, that it proposes too many tenant panels (18), and
is too close to the clock tower. Staff is recommending a condition of approval that limits the
size of the freestanding sign to 67 square feet, and limits the number of tenant panels to
six. With this condition in place, the proposed Planned Sign Program will comply with all
applicable provisions of Chapter 6 (Signs) of the Downey Municipal Code.
2. The sign is in proper proportion to the structure or site on which it is located.
The proposed freestanding sign will be twenty-five feet (25’) tall, which meets the maximum
height allowed for freestanding signs set back ten feet (10’) from the street lot line; however,
the sign cabinets will contain approximately 170 square feet of sign area, which is 103 square
feet greater than the maximum sign area allowed for freestanding signs at this location. With
the recommended condition of approval, it is staff’s opinion that the proposed sign will be
in proper proportion the buildings that comprise the shopping center.
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 proposed sign will consist of an aluminum cabinet mounted on a single steel mounting
post. The Applicant requested eighteen (18) tenant panels beneath the center name. Said
panels will feature pushed through acrylic with translucent vinyl letters. The panels will be
twenty inches (20” tall), with white background color. The aluminum components of the sign
will be painted black. In staff’s opinion, the proposed colors of the freestanding sign are not
compatible with the design and colors of the shopping center. Staff is recommending a
condition of approval that addresses the color of the sign. With the recommended
condition of approval, it is staff’s opinion that the freestanding sign will be compatible with
the building signage and with the buildings on the site.
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2013- Page 12
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.
The sign program proposes requirements for illum inated signs. It describes illumination as
12 volts light emitting diodes (LED’s). Staff recommended a standard condition of approval
to include provision for the use of internal LED strands to illuminate the signs. These
lighting sources are set at the minimum standards needed to ensure that there is adequate
readability of the signs.
5. The sign is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare.
It is staff’s opinion that height and placement of the freestanding sign will not create a
detrimental impact to the public interest, health, safety, and/or welfare.
6. The sign complies with Section 9624, Lighting and Design Standards.
All internally-illuminated signs on site will comply with Municipal Code Section 9624.
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 aesthetically pleasing identification for the building and 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, if the staff-recommended conditions of approval are implemented. As
such, staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve PLN-12-00302, subject to the
recommended conditions of approval.
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2013- Page 13
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PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2013- Page 14
RESOLUTION NO. 13- ___
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING PLN-12-00302 (PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM) - A REQUEST FOR
APPROVAL OF THE COLOR, SIZE, AND LOCATION OF ALL SIGNS FOR THE WEST
DOWNEY PLAZA, LOCATED AT 7300-7340 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD IN DOWNEY,
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. On December 17, 2012, Christopher Han, Turbo Sign, Inc. (authorized agent for
the property owner Richard Kil, West Downey Plaza, and hereinafter referred to
as “Applicant"), filed a Land Use Permit Application requesting approval of PLN-
12-00302 regarding a sign program for the West Downey Plaza.
B. On February 7, 2013, 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 February 7, 2013.
C. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on February 20,
2013, and after fully considering all oral and written testimony, facts, and
opinions offered at the aforesaid public hearing, adopted Resolution No. 13-___,
approving PLN-12-00302, subject to conditions of approval (Exhibit A).
SECTION 2.
The Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares the
environmental impact of the proposed development has been reviewed and has been found to
comply with the California Environmental Qualit y Act (CEQA) and is categorically exempt from
CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section 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:
.
A The proposed sign is permitted within the zone and it complies with all
applicable provisions of this chapter, the General Plan, and any other
applicable standards.
The subject property is zoned C-2 (General Commercial) and it was developed
as a shopping center in 1984. The C-2 Zone permits the use of wall signs and
freestanding signs. Code Section 9610.04 states requires a Planned Sign
Program for any site having three (3) or more nonresidential tenants. The
Planning Commission shall approve the planned sign program before any sign
permit is issued. The owner/developer of the West Downey Plaza is attempting to
comply with this requirement by obtaining the City’s approval of the sign program
PLN-12-00302 proposes. However, the proposed freestanding sign is too large, t
it proposes too many tenant panels (18), and is too close to the clock tower.
Therefore, the Planning Commission imposed a condition of approval that limits
the size of the freestanding sign to 67 square feet, and limits the number of
tenant panels to six. With this condition in place, the proposed Planned Sign
Resolution No. 13- ____
Downey Planning Commission
Program will comply with all applicable provisions of Chapter 6 (Signs) of the
Downey Municipal Code.
B The sign is in proper proportion to the structure or site on which it is
.
located.
The proposed freestanding sign will be twenty-five feet (25’) tall, which meets the
maximum height allowed for freestanding signs set back ten feet (10’) from the
street lot line; however, the sign cabinets will contain approximately 170 square
feet of sign area, which is 103 square feet greater than the maximum sign area
allowed for freestanding signs at this location. The conditions of approval will
ensure that the proposed sign will be in proper proportion the buildings that
comprise the shopping center.
C. 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 proposed sign will consist of an aluminum cabinet mounted on a single steel
mounting post. The Applicant requested eighteen (18) tenant panels beneath the
center name. Said panels will feature pushed through acrylic with translucent
vinyl letters. The panels will be twenty inches (20” tall), with white background
color. The aluminum components of the sign will be painted black. In staff’s
opinion, the proposed colors of the freestanding sign are not compatible with the
design and colors of the shopping center. A condition of approval that addresses
the color of the sign ensures that the freestanding sign will be compatible with the
building signage and with the buildings on the site.
D. 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.
The sign program proposes requirements for illuminated signs. It describes
illumination as 12 volts light emitting diodes (LED’s). A condition of approval for
PLN-12-00302 includes provision for the use of internal LED strands to illuminate
the signs. These lighting sources are set at the minimum standards needed to
ensure that there is adequate readability of the signs.
E The sign is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare.
.
The height and placement of the freestanding sign will not create a detrimental
impact to the public interest, health, safety, and/or welfare.
F. The sign complies with Section 9624, Lighting and Design Standards.
All internally-illuminated signs on site will comply with Municipal Code Section
9624.
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2012-- Page 2
Resolution No. 13- ____
Downey Planning Commission
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 PLN-12-00302
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.
Louis Morales, 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 20 day of
February 2013, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONER:
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
City Planning Commission
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2012-- Page 3
Resolution No. 13- ____
Downey Planning Commission
EXHIBIT A
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
PLN-12-00302 (Planned Sign Program)
1) The approval of PLN-12-00302 (Planned Sign Program) approves the location, color,
and size of all signs at the West Downey Plaza, as provided in the Sign Criteria attached
as Exhibit “B”, in addition to providing standards and requirements for a freestanding
sign on the property located at 7300-7340 Firestone Boulevard, Downey.
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 PLN-12-00302 shall be complied with before the Planned Sign
Program becomes valid.
5) 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.
6) 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.
7) The following changes shall be incorporated into the Planned Sign Program.
a) The sign criteria shall identify the construction materials and the colors of the
freestanding sign.
b) The colors, sign panels and design of the freestanding sign shall match the
colors, architectural style, and exterior building materials of the buildings at the
subject property.
PLN-12-00302 – 7300-7340 Firestone Blvd.
February 20, 2012-- Page 4
Resolution No. 13- ____
Downey Planning Commission
c) The Applicant shall provide samples of the allowed sign colors, within fifteen (15)
days of the approval of PLN-12-00302.
d) Table 9-1 shall be revised to provide accurate information about the existing wall
signs. The building frontage for the second floor of Building “A” totals 139 lineal
feet, (not 156 feet) and the total building frontage of Building A is 292 feet (not
309 feet).
e) The Sign Program’s discussion of the fabrication details of existing signs is shall
describe the fabrication materials (aluminum cans with acrylic faces), and
mention the shade of green the sign cans should be painted.
f) The Sign Program’s fabrication details shall discuss illumination for new can
signs as 12 volts light emitting diodes (LED’s) in the same manner described for
the freestanding sign.
g) Sign Program shall express that all new tenant signs shall be can signs and
describe the sign cans in detail.
h) The Tenant Sign Details shall also include data regarding the existing can signs
and tenant frontages.
i) The wall sign details (Page 13) shall indicate the specific locations where the
maximum letter heights can occur on the property.
j) The background color for all can signs and all tenant panels on the freestanding
sign shall be ivory.
8. No signs shall be displayed on the clock tower.
9. The sign area of the freestanding sign shall not be greater than sixty-seven (67) square
feet, if the freestanding sign set back ten (10) feet from the street line as PLN-12-302
proposes. The freestanding sign shall comply with all freestanding sign standards
described on Table 9.6.3 of the Downey Municipal Code.
10. The colors for the freestanding sign shall match the exterior building colors at the center.
11. The freestanding sign shall provide not more than six (6) tenant panels to identify not
more than six (6) tenants.
12. The Applicant shall provide five (5) copies of the revised Sign Criteria for the West
Downey Plaza to the City Planner, which contains all of the revisions required by these
conditions of approval, before the Planned Sign Program PLN-12-00302 proposes,
becomes valid.
H:\Community Development\Davis\cases\Site Plan Review\PLN-12-00302 (7300-7340 Firestone)\Reso.doc
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February 20, 2012-- Page 5