HomeMy WebLinkAbout02. Intro Ord-Adding SEC 9620.05 CH 6 Article IX Regarding Signage for Private, Primary Edu (K-12) SchoolsZONE TEXT AMENDMENT — SIGNS
APRIL 10, 2018
The proposed language allows schools to erect monument signs at a maximum of eight -feet in
height, with a maximum sign area of 70 square feet. These signs can contain an electronic
message board that changes every ten seconds. The electronic message boards would have to
be turned off between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 6:30 &m., cannot have audio output, and must
contain a light sensor so as to measure ambient light levels, and adjust the light intensity to
respond to such conditions. In addition to the monument signs, schools will also be allowed to
install a 32 square -foot wall sign, •- to •- the school name and address.
to .•• signage • private • -• (K-1 2) schools.
FISCAL IMPACT
Attachments' "A" - Draft Ordinance
Resolution No18-3047
"C" - Draft Planning Commission Minutes Excerpt, dated March 7, 2018
"D" - Planning Commission Staff Report, dated March 7, 2018
0
#RDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADDING
SECTION 9620.05 TO CHAPTER 6 OF ARTICLE IX OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL
CODE REGARDING SIGNAGE FOR PRIVATE, PRIMARY EDUCATION (K-12)
SCHOOLS LOCATED WITHIN RESIDENTIAL ZONES
WHEREAS, City staff was approached by Our Lady and Perpetual Help School and St.
Pius X -Matthias Academy to erect monument signs; and,
WHEREAS, both schools are located within residential zones; and,
WHEREAS, the signage allowed in the R-1 zone is Exempt Signs and the signage
allowed in the R-3 zone is Exempt Signs, Temporary Signs, and Wall Signs; and,
WHEREAS, on October 18, 2017, the Planning Commission initiated a Zone Text
Amendment to amend Article IX, Chapter 6 (Signs) to adopt language addressing signage for
private primary education schools; and,
WHEREAS, on March 7, 2018, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing, and after fully considering all oral and written testimony, and facts and opinions offered
at the aforesaid publichearing,. adopted Planning Commission Resolution No. 18-3047
recommending approval of the proposed Zone Text Amendment to the City Council by a 3-0
vote, with two Commissioners absent; and,
WHEREAS, on April 5, 2018, notice of the pending public hearing was published in the
Downey Patriot as a '/8th page ad in accordance with the requirements of the Downey Municipal
Code; and,
WHEREAS, on April 10, 2018, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing to fully
consider all oral and written testimony and facts and opinions regarding the amendment to the
Municipal Code; and,
WHEREAS, having considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to it at said
public hearing, the City Council of the City of Downey finds, determines and declares that the
requested Zone Text Amendment is not subject to CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section
15060(c)(2) of the State CEQA Guidelines, because it will not result in a direct or reasonably
foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment; and,
WHEREAS, having further considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to if
of said public hearing, the City Council of the City of Downey further finds, determines and
declares that:
A. The requested amendment is necessary and desirable for the development of the
community and is in the interests or furtherance of the public health, safety, and general
welfare. The requested amendment is necessary and desirable for the development of
the community because these private schools are attended by residents of Downey and
the ,surrounding communities. In order for these schools to provide signage for the
community to advertise school functions, standards need to be put in place to allow
private schools to do so. Private schools located in residential zones do not have the
same rightsasthose located within commercial zones, therefore, this is necessary to
ORDINANCE NO. 18 -
PA
establish consistency among private schools located within the city. Furthermore, the
amendments is in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare because the
proposed standards mitigate negative impacts to surrounding residential uses by
providing light sensors, hours indicating when the sign must be turned off, and specific
lighting and brightness standards.
B. The proposed amendment is in conformance with General Plan Goal 7.4, wherein it
states "combine efforts by the local school districts and the city towards enhancing the
community." The amendment was initiated by the inability to modify and add new
signage to two (2) private schools located within residential zones. Whereas these
schools serve the surrounding community, the City felt it was necessary to support these
schools' efforts to promote school -sponsored events. Additionally, this amendment also
promotes General Plan Program 8.1.1.8, wherein it states "promote good quality sign
design". The proposed language is designed to accommodate the schools' needs while
maintaining anaesthetically pleasing design.
NOW, - •RE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF OF DOWNEY r•;
•r_ ► = + •
SECTION 1. The following, Section 9620.05, shall be added to Chapter 6 of Article IX of
the Downey Municipal Code, and shall read as follows:
In addition to the signs permitted - underlying residentialzone,outlined in
Table9.6.2 of a• primary education sch• • within a residential
are permitted the following signs:
(a) One (1), non -illuminated wall sign per street frontage, not to exceed a maximum sign
area of #sign.
signageMntent shall be `# to the schooland address,,and
(b) One (1) monument sign, located along the school's primary street frontage, which
shall not r maximum signarea t squareand a maximum
height of eight (8) feet.
(1) Changeable copy shall not change more than once every ten seconds during the
hours of 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
(2) Illuminated, changeable signage shall be turned off during the hours of 8:00 p.m;
to 6.30 a.m.
(3) Changeable copy shall not rotate, move, or cause uncontrolled direction of lights,
flash, reflect, scroll, brighten, or include animated text or video;
(4) Signs must have a dim control to minimize light output and brightness
ORDINANCE NO. 18
PAGE 3
() Lighting levels on the digital sign shall not exceed 0.3 foot candles above
ambient light from a distance of 250 feet, as measured according to standards
of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (AAA);
(7) Illumination shall be directed such that minimal light spill will occur on either side
or the top or bottom of the sign face;
O A light sensor shall be installed with the sign to measure ambient light levels and
to adjust light intensity to respond to such conditions: the light sensor adjusts
the sign's brightness in order to compete with ambient light; the darker the
surrounding ambient light, the less bright the sign i;
(9) Content shall be limited to school events only and shall not be sold or leased for
commercial or off-site advertising;
(10) Changeable copy shall be no more than 75% of the sign area; and
(11) Sign shall be 10 feet from the property linea
(12) Schools with an interior side property line abutting a residential lot shall not
erect a monument sign closer than 50 feet from said residential lot.
(c)Freestanding signs are prohibited.
SECTION 2. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this
Ordinance is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or otherwise
invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
The City Council declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance, and each section,
subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or
more sections, subsections, phrases, or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
ORDINANCE NO. 18 -
PAGE 4
SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the
same to be published in the manner prescribed by law.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this _ day of 2018,
SEAN ASHTON, Mayor
ATTEST:
Maria Alicia Duarte, CMC
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ss
CITY OF DOWNEY
I` HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance No. 18-A was introduced at a
Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the _th day of , 2018,
and adopted at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Downey held on the day
of , 2018, by the following vote to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN'.`
1 FURTHER CERTIFY that a`summaryof the foregoing Ordinance No. 18-_ was
published in the Downey Patriot, a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Downey, on
2018 (after introduction), and on _, 2018 (after adoption including the
vote thereon). It was also posted in the Regular posting places in the City of Downey on the
same dates.
Maria Alicia Duarte, CMC
City Clerk
• ' • i;': • • is r•;'
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. City staff was approached by Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Pius X = Matthias
Academy, private, primary education schools located within residential zones, to
erect monument signs; and,
B. Article 1X, Chapter 6 (Signs) does not permit monument signs within residential
zones, therefore, the schools were unable to build the signage commonly associated
with schools;. and,
C. On October 18, 2017, the Planning Commission initiated a Zone Text Amendment to
amend Article IX, Chapter 6 (Signs) to adopt language addressing signage for
private, primary education schools; and,
D On February 22,;2018, notice of the pending zone text amendment was published in
the Downey P'atri'ot as a'/$t" page ad in accordance with the requirements of the
Downey Municipal Code; and,
E. The Planning Commission held a`duly noticed public hearing on March 7, 2018, 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
requested Zone Text Amendment is not subject to CEQA pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) of
the State CEQA Guidelines, because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable
indirect physical change in the environment.
SECTION 3. Having considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to it at
said public hearing, the Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares that:
A. The requested amendment is necessary and desirable for the development of the
community and is in the interests or furtherance of the public health, safety, and general
welfare. The requested amendment is necessary and desirable for the development of
the community because these private schools are attended by residents of Downey and
the surrounding communities. In order for these schools to provide signage for the
community to advertise school functions, standards need to be put in place to allow
private schools to do so. Private schools located in residential zones do not have the
same rights as those located within commercial zones, therefore, this is necessary to
establish consistency among private schools located within the city. Furthermore, the
amendments is in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare because the
Resolution No. 18-3047
Downey Planning Commission
proposed standards mitigate negative impacts to surrounding residential uses by
providing light sensors, hours indicating when the sign must be turned off, and specific
lighting and brightness standards.
B. The proposed amendment is in general conformance with the General Plan in that the
proposed amendment is in conformance with General Plan Goal 7.4, wherein it states
"combine efforts by the local school districts and the city towards enhancing the
community." The amendment was initiated by the inability to modify and add new
signage to two (2) private schools located within residential zones. Whereas these
schools serve the surrounding community, the City felt it was necessary to support these
schools' efforts to promote school -sponsored events. Additionally,_ this amendment also
promotes General Plan Program 8.1.1.8, wherein it states "promote good quality sign
design". The proposed language is designed to accommodate the schools' needs while
maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design.
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 recommends that the City
Council add the following section to Article IX, Chapter 6 of the Downey Municipal Code to read
as follows:
•; . r r � _ • rw �t
In addition to the signs permitted within the underlying residential zone, as outlined in
Table 9.6.2 of this Chapter, primary education schools, located within a residential zone,
are permitted the following signs:
a) One (1), non -illuminated wall sign per street frontage, not to exceed a maximum
sign area of 32 square feet per sign.
(1) Wall signage content shall be limited to the school name and address;
and
b) One (1) monument sign, located along the school's primary street frontage,
which shall not exceed amaximum sign area of seventy (70) square feet, and a
maximum height of eight (8) feet.
i.Changeable copy shall not change more than once every ten seconds during the
hours of 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
ii.Illuminated, changeable signage shall be turned off during the hours of 8:00 p.m.
to 6:30 a.m.;
iii.Changeable copy shall not rotate, move, or causeuncontrolled direction of lights,
flash, reflect, scroll, brighten, or include animated text or video;
iv.Signs must have a dim control to minimize light output and brightness
v.No audio output allowed;
Zone Text Amendment (School Signage) - PLN -17-00162
March 7, 2018 - Page 2
Resolution No. 18-3047
Downey Planning Commission
vi.Lighting levels on the digital sign shall not exceed 0.3 foot candles above
ambient light from a distance of 250 feet, as measured according to
standards of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA),
vii. Illumination shall be directed such that minimal light spill will occur on either side
or the top or bottom of the sign face;
vii.A light sensor shall be installed with the sign to measure ambient light levels and
to adjust light intensity to respond to such conditions: the light sensor
adjusts the sign's brightness in order to compete with ambient light; the
darker the surrounding ambient light, the less bright the sign is;
ix.Content shall be limited to school events only and shall not be sold or leased for
commercial or off-site advertising;
x.Changeable copy shall be no more than 75% of the sign area; and
xi.Sign shall be 10 feet from the property line.
xii.Schools with an interior side property line abutting a residential lot shall not erect
a monument sign closer than 50 feet from said residential lot.
c) Freestanding signs are prohibited.
SECTION 5. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of March, 2018.
QiiainLff
4ned 6y Steven D c
Steven Dominguez, Vice Chairman
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 7th day of March,
2018, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES`
COMMISSIONERS:
Flores, Duarte and Dominguez
NOES:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
ABSENT: �
COMMISSIONERS:
Rodriguez and Owens
ABSTAIN:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
City Planning Commission
Zone Text Amendment (School Signage) - PLN -17-00162
March 7, 2018 - Page 3
DRAFT MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
DOWNEY CITY PLANNING COMMISSION
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7,2018
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 11111 BROOKSHIRE AVENUE
DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA
6:30 P.M.
Vice Chairman Dominguez called the March 7, 2018, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission 11
order at 6:33 p.m., at Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA. After the flag salut
Secretary Cavanagh called roll.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Matias Flores, District 4
Miguel Duarte, District 1
Steven Dominguez, District 3, Vice"Chairman
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Patrick Owens, District 2, Chaim
Jim Rodriguez, District 5
OTHERS PRESENT: Aldo E. Schindler, Director of Community Development
Yvette Abich Garcia, City Attorney
David Blumenthal, CityPlanner
Monica Esparza, Senior Planner
Mary Cavanagh, "ecretary
-MENT6; REQUEST FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS; AN
'71
e ChArman Dominguez invited everyone to attend a
0 off h 15, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at Furman Park. The I
it Downey Police and Sheriff's Officers in attendance, 0
PRESENTATIONS: None.
CHANGES TO THE AGENDA. None,"
REPORT ON CITY COUNCIL:
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. PILN-17-0001 jCbndDominguez opened the public
hearing to continue PLN -11 7-00202 to the meeting of March 21, 2018
It was moved by Com I i sioner Flores, seconded by Duarte, and passed by a 3-0-2 vote, with Chairman
Owens and Comnis, loner Rodriguez absent, to continue PLN -1 7-00202 to March 21, 2018.
Senior Planner Monica Esparza gave a PowerPoint presentation of the request to amend Article
IX, Chapter 6 (Signs) of the Downey Municipal Code to adopt language addressing signage for
private primary education (K-12) schools. Currently, schools in the R-1 and R-2 zones are only
allowed to construct Exempt Signs. The only signs allowed in the R-3 and R-3-0 zones are wal'
Attachment "C"
signs, temporary signs, and exempt signs. Ms. Esparza explained what exempt signs, temporary
signs, and wall signs are. She presented the proposed language, which includes standards for
wall signs and monument signs for schools located within any residential zone. Ms. Esparza
explained the difference between monument signs and freestanding signs. This zone text
amendment would impact five (5) private schools within the City.
Vice -Chairman Dominguez asked if the non -illuminated, wall signage was consistent with the
public schools' signage. Ms. Esparza explained that the public schools do not have specific sig
standards at that the school board is responsible for approving signage. Director of Community
Development Schindler further explained that the illumination of the monument signs will be the
same as the illumination that public schools have. City Planner Blumenthal stated that the
language for the non -illuminated wall signs is derived from the sign regulations for commercial
properties facing residential uses. Vice -Chairman Dominguez asked if there were any public
schools within the City of Downey that had illuminated wall signs. City Planner Blumenthal state
that he was not aware of any within the City and that a full survey has not been done. Vice
Chairman Dominguez inquired about the plan for the existing monument sign at St. Pius X —
Matthias Academy. Ms. Esparza stated that the school's intention is to demolish the existing
monument sign and construct a new monument sign, if the text amendment is adopted. Vice
Chairman complimented staff on the amendment and the presentation. I
Disclosures: None.
Claude Ellen, Encore Imaging, Ontario, CA, sign contractor for St. Pius X — Matthias Academy,
discussed the changes in signs and reviewed the proposed monument sign for the school
including the location and illumination.
Public Comments: None,
14 WMWINW��fll
It was moved by Commissioner Flores, seconded by Duarte, and passed by a 3-0-2 vote, with Chairman
Owens and Commissioner Rodriguez absent, to adopt Resolution 17-3047, thereby approving a Zone
Text Amendment (PLN -1 7-00162).
NOWAGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
ENDAR ITEMS: A
Commissioner Flores motioned the Commission approve the Consent Calendar as is.
Director of Community Development Schindler statedthat staff received and forwarded to the Commission, a
geven (7) page email with revisions to the October,4; 2017 Minutes by Commissioner Rodriguez, along with
2n email from Chairman Owens regarding the proposed revisions which Chairman Owens requested that his
=ail be read into the record as follows:
"Good Morning Planning Commissioner Colleagues, Community Development Schindler, Madarr
Attorney Garcia and City Planning Staff,
After review of the Submitted Changes to the minutes of October 4, 2017,1 agree with Commissioner
Rodriguez in regards to corrections.
-2-
Cftybfbown�y STAFF REPORT
PLANNING DIVISION
DATE- MARCH 712018
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBMITTED BY: ALDO E. SCHINDLER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY EVELOPM
REVIEWED BY: DAVID BLUMENTHAL, CITY PLANNE
PREPARED BY: MONICA ESPARZA, SENIOR PLANNER
SUBJECT: PLN -1 7-00162 (ZONE TEXT AMENDME — A REQUEST TO AMEND
ARTICLE IX, CHAPTER 6 (SIGNS) OF THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL
CODE TO ADOPT LANGUAGE ADDRESSING SIGNAGE FOR PRIVATE
PRIMARY EDUCATION (K-12) SCHOOLS
LOCATION- CITYWIDE
FALO =M, I
Article IXj Chapter 6 (Sighs) of the Downey Municipal Code does hot include development
standards for signs at private primary education (K-12) schools that are located within
residential zones. As such, these schools must apply for a variance in order to obtain signage.
The proposed ordinance seeks to create uniformed signage standards specific to private
primary education (K-12) schools located in all zones.
Based on the analysis contained in this report, staff is recommending the Planning Commission
?.dopt the following titled resolution:
r-ITM.-TORMMM
churches, it does not speak to schools associated with churches that are not located on the
same property.
On August 29, 2017, staff met with representatives for St. Pius X — St. Matthias Academy to
discuss options for a new, LED monument sign. This school is located at 7851 Gardendale
Street on property zoned R-1 5,000. Similar to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, this school is
located within a residential zone and is not located on the same site as a church. Therefore,
they were unable to apply for a sign permit without having to request a variance for the signage.
The City of Downey currently has five (5) private primary education schools located on
residentially zoned property that are not associated with churches and/or are not located on the
same property as the church they are affiliated with. Existing signage for each of these schools
was obtained via Zone Exceptions and Variances. Pursuant to D.M.C. Section 9164, a
Variance is "a permit which grants a property owner relief from development standards
contained in this article when strict compliance with this article would result in undue hardship
on the owner due to special circumstances or conditions applicable to a property, including size,
shape, topography, location, or surroundings."
Based on the findings required to approve a variance, a recommendation of approval would not
be possible since the City cannot grant a variance based on the zoning of a lot. Additionally, the
intent and purpose of the Sign Ordinance, found in D.M.C. Chapter 6, is to allow the expression
of political, religious, and other noncommercial speech at all times. As such, staff felt it
necessary to create uniformed signage standards, specific to private, primary education schools
so as to assist schools in residential areas with their signage needs.
Public schools within the City of Downey are within the jurisdiction of Downey Unified School
District and therefore are exempted from city regulations.
On February 22, 2018, notice of the pending public hearing was published in the Downey Patriot
as a'/8th page ad in accordance with the requirements of the Downey Municipal Code,
On October 18, 2017, the Planning Commission initiated a Zone Text Amendment to amend
Article IX, Chapter 6 (Signs) to adopt language addressing signage for private primary
education schools. Staff reviewed sign ordinances for the following eight (8) cities regarding
school signage: Pasadena, Glendora, Norwalk, Covina, South Gate, West Covina, Pico Rivera,
and Bell Gardens. Based on this research, Staff recommends that the following section be
added to Article IX, Chapter 6:
9620.05 PRIVATE PRIMARYEDUC"ATION K-1? SCHOOLS
In addition to the signs permitted within the underlying residential zone, as outlined in Table
9.6.2 of this Chapter, primary education schools, located within a residential zone, are permitted
the following signs:
a) One (1), non-illuminatedwall sign per street frontage, not to exceed a maximum sign
area of 32 square feet per sign.
(1) Wall signage content shall be limited to the school name and address; and
Zone Text Amendment (School Signage) - PLN -17-00162
March 7, 2018 - Page 2
A C
b) One (1) monument sign, located along the school's primary street frontage, which shall
not exceed a maximum sign area of seventy (70) square feet, and a maximum height of
eight (8) feet.
i. Changeable copy shall not change more than once every ten seconds during the hours
of 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
ii.Illuminated, changeable signage shall be turned off during the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 6:30
a.m.;
iii. Changeable copy shall not rotate, move, or cause uncontrolled direction of lights, flash,
reflect, scroll, brighten, or include animated text or video;
iv. Signs must have a dim control to minimize light output and brightness;
v. No audio output allowed;
vi. Lighting levels on the digital sign shall not exceed 0.3 foot candles above ambient light
from a distance of 250 feet, as measured according to standards of the Outdoor
Advertising Association of America (OAAA);
vii. Illumination shall be directed such that minimal light spill will occur on either side or the
top or bottom of the sign face;
viii.A light sensor shall be installed with the sign to measure ambient light levels and to
adjust light intensity to respond to such conditions: the light sensor adjusts the
sign's brightness in order to compete with ambient light; the darker the
surrounding ambient light, the less bright the sign is;
ix. Content shall be limited to school events only and shall not be sold or leased for
commercial or off-site advertising,
x. Changeable copy shall be no more than 75% of the sign area; and
xi. Sign shall be 10 feet from the property line.
xii. Schools with an interior side property line abutting a residential lot shall not erect a
monument sign closer than 50 feet from said residential lot.
c) Freestanding signs are prohibited.
The above -stated language is designed to accommodate both proposals from Our Lady of
Perpetual Help and St. Pius X — St. Matthias while taking into consideration the impacts on
adjacent residential properties. Although St. Pius X — St. Matthias requested that the
changeable copy be allowed to change every 8 seconds, further research found that Downey
Unified School District allows copy to be changed every 10 seconds. It is staff's opinion that
these standards should remain consistent with existing practices, therefore the proposed code
language states 10 seconds. Additionally, the lighting requirements take into account
surrounding residential uses. As there is currently no illuminated, changeable signage at either
of these schools, staff felt it necessary to include standards to minimize the impact of the
Zone Text Amendment (School Signage) - PLN -17-00162
March 7, 2018 - Page 3
en(
lighting of these new signs by requiring hours when the sign must be shut off, light sensors, and
specific lighting and brightness levels.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
Staff has reviewed the proposed Zone Text Amendment for compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Upon completion of this review staff has determined that
the proposed zone text amendment is not subject to CEQA pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) of
the State CEQA Guidelines, because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable
indirect physical change in the environment.
BOM
Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 9832.06, there are two (2) findings that must be adopted
prior to the City approving the Zone Text Amendment. A discussion of the findings follows:
A. The requested amendment is necessary and desirable for the development of the
community and is in the interests or furtherance of the public health, safety, and
general welfare.
The requested amendment is necessary and desirable for the development of the
community because these private schools are attended by residents of Downey and the
surrounding communities. In order for these schools to provide signage for the
community to advertise school functions, standards need to be put in place to allow
private schools to do so. Private schools located in residential zones do not have the
same rights as those located within commercial zones, therefore, this is necessary to
establish consistency among private schools located within the city. Furthermore, the
amendments is in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare because the
proposed standards mitigate negative impacts to surrounding residential uses by
providing light sensors, hours indicating when the sign must be turned off, and specific
lighting and brightness standards.
B The proposed amendment is in general conformance with the General Plan.
The proposed amendment is in conformance with General Plan Goal 7.4, wherein it
states "combine efforts by the local school districts and the city towards enhancing the
community." The amendment was initiated by the inability to modify and add new
signage to two (2) private schools located within residential zones. Whereas these
schools serve the surrounding community, the City felt it was necessary to support these
schools' efforts to promote school -sponsored events. Additionally, this amendment also
promotes General Plan Program 8.1.1.8, wherein it states "promote good quality sign
design". The proposed language is designed to accommodate the schools' needs while
maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design.
As of the date that this report was printed, staff has not received any correspondence regarding
this application.
-Zone Text Amendment (School Signage) PLN -17-00162
March 7, 2018- Page 4
? e
N
Based on the analysis contained within this repor( staff is concluding that the proposed Zone
Text Amendment (PLN -17-00162) will enable private, primary education schools located within
residential zones the ability to erect signage associate with their operations.
A. Propose Planning Commiss on esolution
B. Draft •
Zone Text Amendment (School Signage) - PLN -17-00162
March 7, 2018 - Page 5
AgmdAkagse--5
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. City staff was approached by Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Pius X Matthias
Academy, private, primary education schools located within residential zones, to
erect monument signs; and,
B. Article IX; Chapter 6 (Signs) does not permit monument signs within residential
zones, therefore, the schools were unable to build the signage commonly associated
with schools; and,
C. On October 18, 2017, the Planning Commission initiated a Zone Text Amendment to
amend Article IX, Chapter 6 (Signs) to adopt language addressing signage for
private, primary education schools; and,
D. On February 22, 2018, notice of the pending zone text amendment was published in
the Downey Patriot as a'/$`h page ad in accordance with the requirements of the
Downey Municipal Code; and,
E. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on March 7, 2018, 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
requested Zone Text Amendment is not subject to CEQA pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) of
the State CEQA Guidelines, because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable
indirect physical change in the environment.
SECTION 3. Having considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to it at
said public hearing, the Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares that:
A. The requested amendment is necessary and desirable for the development of the
community and is in the interests or furtherance of the public health, safety, and general
welfare. The requested amendment is necessary and desirable for the development of
the community because these private schools are attended by residents of Downey and
the surrounding communities. In order for these schools to provide signage for the
community to advertise school functions, standards need to be put in place to allow
private schools to do so. Private schools located in residential zones do not have the
same rights as those located within commercial zones, therefore, this is necessary to
establish consistency among private schools located within the city. Furthermore, the
amendments is in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare because the
Resolution No. 18 -
Downey Planning Commission
proposedstandards mitigate negative impacts to surrounding residential uses by
providing light sensors, hours indicating when the sign must be turned off, and specific
lighting and brightness standards.
B. The proposed amendment is in general conformance with the General Plan in that the
proposed amendment is in conformance with General Plan Goal 7.4, wherein it states
"combine efforts by the local school districts and the city towards enhancing the
community." The amendment was initiated by the inability to modify and add new
signage to two (2) private schools located within residential zones. Whereas these
schools serve the surrounding community, the City felt it was necessary to support these
schools' efforts to promote school -sponsored events. Additionally, this amendment also
promotes General Plan Program 8.1.1.8, wherein it states "promote good quality sign
design". The proposed language is designed to accommodate the schools' needs while
maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design.
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 recommends that the City
Council add the following section to Article IX, Chapter 6 of the Downey Municipal Code to read
as follows:
In addition to the signs permitted within the underlying residential zone, as outlined in
Table 9.6.2 of this Chapter, primary education schools, located within a residential zone,
are permitted the following signs:
a) One (1), non -illuminated wall sign per street frontage, not to exceed a maximum
sign area of 32 square feet per sign.
(1) Wall signage content shall be limited to the school name and address
and
b) One (1) monument sign, located along the school's primary street frontage,
which shall not exceed a maximum sign area of seventy (70) square feet, and a
maximum height of eight (8) feet.
i.Changeable copy shall not change more than once every ten seconds during the
hours of 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
ii.Illuminated, changeable signage shall be turned off during the hours of 8:00 p.m.
to 6:30 a.m.;
iii.Changeable copy shall not rotate, move, or cause uncontrolled direction of lights,
flash, reflect, scroll, brighten, or include animated text or video;
iv.Signs must have a dim control to minimize light output and brightness;
v.No audio output allowed;
Zone Text Amendment (School Signage) - PLN -17-00162
March 7, 2018 - Page 2
Resolution No. 18
Downey Planning Commission
vi.Lighting levels on the digital sign shall not exceed 0.3 foot candles above
ambient light from a distance of 250 feet, as measured according to
standards of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA)
vii. Illumination shall be directed such that minimal light spill will occur on either side
or the top or bottom of the sign face;
vii.A light sensor shall be installed with the sign to measure ambient light levels and
to adjust light intensity to respond to such conditions: the light sensor
adjusts the sign's brightness in order to compete with ambient light; the
darker the surrounding ambient light, the less bright the sign is;
ix.Content shall be limited to school events only and shall not be sold or leased for
commercial or off-site advertising;
x.Changeable copy shall be no more than 75% of the sign area; and
xi.Signshall be 10 feet from the property line.
xii.Schools with an interior side property line abutting a residential lot shall not erect
a monument sign closer than 50 feet from said residential lot.
c) -Freestanding signs are prohibited.
SECTION 5. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of March, 2018.
Patrick Owens, Chairman
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 7'h day of March,
2018, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
COMMISSIONERS:
NOES:
COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT'
COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN:.
COMMISSIONERS:
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
City Planning Commission
-Zone Text Amendment (School Signage) PLN -17-00162
March 7, 2018 - Page 3