HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution 13-2831 RESOLUTION NO. 13 -2831
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING A PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM (PLN -13- 00071), THEREBY
APPROVING THE COLOR, SIZE, AND LOCATION OF ALL SIGNS ON PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 8734 CLETA ST, ZONED M -1 (LIGHT MANUFACTURING).
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 March 27, 2013, the Applicant submitted a request fora Planned Sign Program (PLN -13-
00071), requesting approval of the color, size, and locations of signs at the subject site; and,
B. After a comprehensive review of the application, staff deemed the Planned Sign Program
application complete on April 19, 2013; and,
C. On May 2, 2013, notice of the pending application was mailed to all property owners within
500' of the subject site and published in the Downey Patriot.
D. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on May 15, 2013, and after fully
considering all oral and written testimony and facts and opinions offered at the aforesaid
public hearings, adopted this resolution, 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 be in compliance with
the California Environmental Quality 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:
1 The proposed signs are permitted within the zone and comply with all applicable provisions of
the Zoning Code, the General Plan, and any other applicable standards. The subject site is
located within the M -1 (Light Manufacturing) zone, which allows the installation of a
monument sign that is no more than eight feet tall and does not exceed a 44 square feet
(based on the building frontage of the subject site). The proposed sign has a maximum
height of 7' -5" and an area of 14.6 square feet, both of which are in the allowances of the
zoning code. Furthermore, Program 8.1.1.8 of the General Plan states, "Promote good
quality sign design." Inasmuch as the proposed sign program will allow the construction of a
monument sign that will enhance the streetscape, it is consistent with the aforementioned
General Plan program.
2 The signs allowed by the Planned Sign Program are in proper proportion to the structure or
site on which it is located. There are three factors that can affect the proportion of the sign
compared to the building: 1) The height of the building and the height of the sign; 2) The
L separation distance between the sign and the building; and 3) Any other features on the
property that can diminish the overall appearance of the sign. In considering this request, the
applicant has taken all three of these aspects into consideration on the sign design. The
Resolution No. 13 -2831
Downey Planning Commission
design. The proposed sign's height is about half the height of the building, it is on the
opposite side of the driveway from the building (giving it proper separation), and the sign is
behind a 32" tall block wall, which diminishes it's the appearance.
3 The proposed 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 existing building on the site is constructed out of unpainted split -face block and
retains a natural color. Taking this into consideration, the applicant is proposing a monument
sign that utilizes wood post and natural color luster board. With this design, the sign
materials, color, texture, size, shape, height, and placement are compatible with the design of
the structure on site.
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 proposed Planned Sign Program allows the construction of an un-
illuminated monument sign near the front property line of the site. Existing street lighting has
sufficient luminance to make the sign readable from dusk until dawn.
5 The sign is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare. The proposed
planned sign program will allow the construction of a single monument sign within a
landscape planter. The sign does not block pedestrian or vehicle access to the site, nor does
it create a potential safety hazard on the site. Furthermore, the sign's design will enhance the
streetscape in the area.
6 The sign is in compliance with Section 9624, Lighting and Design Standards. Section 9624
of the Municipal Code addresses two aspects regarding signs. The first is proper illumination
of signs. Since the sign is non - illuminated; it is in compliance with this section of the code.
The second aspect is to ensure signs are properly designed to be architecturally compatible
with the site. The proposed sign utilizes proper material and design to make it compatible
with the architecture of the existing building.
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 the Planned Sign Program (PLN -13-
00071), 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
Planned Sign Program (PLN -13- 00071) — 8734 Clete St
May 15, 2013 - Page 2
Resolution No. 13 -2831
Downey Planning Commission
SECTION 5. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 15 day of / May, 20.13.
LoOis Morales, 9hairman
City Planning Commission
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Downey at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 15 day of May, 2013, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Lujan, Flores, Rodriguez and Morales
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Kiefer
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None
61t
Mary Cavanagh, Secret
City Planning Commission
1
Planned Sign Program (PLN -13- 00071) — 8734 Cleta St
May 15, 2013 - Page 3
Resolution No. 13 -2831
Downey Planning Commission
PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM (PLN -13- 00071)
EXHIBIT A - CONDITIONS
PLANNING
1) The approval of this Planned Sign Program is to allow the installation of a non - illuminated
monument sign .on the subject property. Signs shall be as noted on the plans approved by
the Planning Commission on May 15, 2013. No other signs are authorized with this approval.
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) All conditions of approval set forth in this resolution shall be complied with before the Planned
Sign Program becomes valid.
6) Only a single monument sign shall be allowed on the site. The sign shall either consist of the
60" tall single tenant sign or the 89" tall five tenant sign.
7) The applicant shall obtain all required building permits and inspections for the sign.
8) No illumination or other lighting shall be provided for the sign.
Planned Sign Program (PLN -13- 00071) — 8734 Cleta St
May 15, 2013 - Page 4