HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution 15-2952RESOLUTION NO. 15 -2952
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING A PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM (PLN -15- 00214), THEREBY
APPROVING THE SIZE, COLOR, AND LOCATION FOR ALL SIGNS ON PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 9516 LAKEWOOD BLVD, ZONED C -2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL)
AND P -B (PARKING BUFFER).
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 May 20, 2015, the Planning Commission approved a new commercial development
on the site called "The Commons at Gallatin Road." This project includes demolishing
all of the existing structures and constructing two new restaurant buildings; and,
B. On October 28, 2015, the applicant submitted a Planned Sign Program, requesting
approval of the color, size, and location of all signs on the subject site. The application
was deemed complete on October 30, 2015; and
C. On November 6, 2015, notice of the pending application published in the Downey Patriot
and mailed to all property owners within 500' of the subject site; and,
D. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on November 18, 2015,
and after fully considering all oral and written testimony and facts and opinions offered at
the aforesaid public hearing adopted this resolution.
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 regarding the Planned Sign Program, the Planning Commission further
finds, determines and declares that:
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 dual zoned C -2, (General Commercial) and P -B (Parking Buffer);
however, the buildings on the site are all within the C -2 zone. Program 8.1.1.8 of the
General Plan states, "Promote good quality sign design." The proposed sign program
will allow for uniformity among the signs on the site and ensure that all signs on the site
are aesthetically consistent with the building's architecture. This will enhance the
streetscape, thus it is consistent with the aforementioned General Plan program.
Furthermore, all of the signs comply with the provisions of the Zoning Code (including
the allowable deviation). Accordingly, the proposed sign program will allow signs that
are permitted in the zone, comply with the provisions of the Zoning Code, and are
consistent with the General Plan and all other applicable standards.
Resolution No. 15 -2952
Downey Planning Commission
2. The signs allowed by the Planned Sign Program are in proper proportion to the structure
or site on which it is located. In order to ensure the size of the wall signs are in
proportion with the building, the City must analyze the overall sign size, spacing, and any
conflicts with architectural features on the building. The applicant has minimized the
size of the signs and has provided proper spacing between the signs to avoid a massive
appearance of signs. Furthermore, the signs are aesthetically consistent with the
architecture of all the buildings on the site. Based on this, the applicant has ensured that
the signs allowed by the Planned Sign Program are in proportion to the building.
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 buildings on the site will convey a traditional architecture style, with the use
of stucco, metal awnings, and stone veneer. The proposed signs are aesthetically
consistent with this design. Specifically, the monument and freestanding signs will use a
stone column with the signs appearing to hang off a metal cladding that matches the
metal awnings on site. The wall signs will be channel letters, which staff is of the opinion
blends them into the architecture.
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 signs are internally illuminated, which minimizes any light
or glare being generated from the signs. Furthermore, the tenant signs on the
monument and freestanding signs will be aluminum cabinets with routed out letters,
which minimizes the amount of visible light created from these signs. This design of the
lighting for the signs allows a reasonable illumination of the signs while avoiding
unnecessary light and glare.
5. The sign is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare. The signs do
not block pedestrian or vehicle access to the site, nor do they create a potential safety
hazard on the site. Furthermore, the design of the sign will enhance the streetscape in
the area. As such, the proposed sign program will not be detrimental to the public
interest, health, safety, or welfare.
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 signs are at its lowest level of illumination, they are
compliance with Section 9624 of the Municipal Code. The second aspect is to ensure
signs are properly designed to be architecturally compatible with the site. As noted
previously in this report, the proposed signs utilize proper material and design to make
them 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 Planned Sign
Program (PLN -15- 00214), 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.
9516 Lakewood Blvd — PLN -15 -00214
November 18, 2015 - Page 2
Resolution No. 15 -2952
Downey Planning Commission
SECTION 5. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of November, 2015-
ector L an, EtWirman
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 18th day of
November 2015, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Lujan, Flores, Morales, Rodriguez and Owens
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None.
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None.
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: None.
Mary Ca anagh, Secrets
City Planning Commission
9516 Lakewood Blvd — PLN -15 -00214
November 18, 2015 - Page 3
Resolution No. 15 -2952
Downey Planning Commission
PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM (PLN -15- 00214)
EXHIBIT A - CONDITIONS
PLANNING
1) This approval is for a Planned Sign Program for the "Commons at Gallatin Road" project.
Signs shall be as noted on the plans approved by the Planning Commission on
November 18, 2015. No other signs are authorized with this approval.
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) 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.
5) All conditions of approval set forth in this resolution shall be complied with before the
Site Plan Review becomes valid.
6) Prior to the installation of the any sign, the applicant shall obtain all required building
permits for said sign. The applicant is also required to obtain all required inspections for
the signs.
7) There shall be no signs allowed on the south and east facades of the 12,000 square foot
building (Building A).
8) All signs shall be internally illuminated.
9) Logo boxes shall not exceed 25% of the size of the wall sign.
10) There shall be no more than four tenant names on the monument sign and no more than
five tenant names on the freestanding sign.
9516 Lakewood Blvd — PLN -15 -00214
November 18, 2015 - Page 4