HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Reso 19-3100RESOLUTION NO. 19-3100
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY APPROVING A SITE PLAN REVIEW AND REVISION TO A
PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM (PLN-19-00051), THEREBY APPROVING A
REQUEST FOR MODIFICATIONS TO THE BUILDING FA<;ADE, AND
REVISING THE PERMITTED SIGN PROGRAM ON PROPERTY LOCATED 306
STONEWOOD ST, ZONED SP 89-1 (STONEWOOD SPECIFIC PLAN).
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 April 17, 2019, the applicant submitted a request to establish the restaurant at the
subject site. After a thorough review of the request, staff deemed this application
incomplete on May 13, 2019, due to missing information on the project plans; and,
B.On June 25, 2019, the applicant submitted the remaining information needed to
complete the application. Accordingly, staff deemed the application complete on July
23, 2019; and,
C.On August 8, 2019, 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 August 21, 2019, 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 project 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 Site Plan Review, the Planning Commission further finds,
determines and declares that:
1.The site plan is consistent with the goals and policies embodied in the General Plan and
other applicable plans and policies adopted by the Council. The subject site has a
General Plan Land Use Designation of General Commercial and is zoned Stonewood
Specific Plan (SP 89-1 ). The intent of the land use designation and zoning is to provide
commercial and service uses in the City that serve the broadest community and regional
needs. Furthermore, General Plan Policy 1.1.4 states "Provide an appropriate amount
of land area for people to acquire goods and services." The proposed restaurant will
meet these needs by providing a place for a variety of personal services within the mall
for those who live and work in the area. This business will be complementary to the
other retail/commercial uses that are located in the vicinity of the project site and
generate new jobs for the community. It is also a policy of the General Plan (Policy
8.2.2) to "Promote the upgrading of properties." The proposed improvements achieve
the goal of this policy since it will enhance the aesthetic quality of the existing mall. For
Resolution No. 19-3100
Downey Planning Commission
these reasons, the approval of this project is consistent with the goals, policies,
programs, and land uses of all applicable elements of the General Plan.
2.The proposed development is in accordance with the purposes and objectives of Article
IX and the zone in which the site is located. One of the purposes of the Zoning Code is
to allow development of properties, while avoiding impacts to the adjoining area. In this
case, the zoning is implemented through the Stonewood Specific Plan (SP 89-1), which
regulates how the mall is developed and utilized. The fa,;:ade modifications are intended
to help activate the northeastern side of the mall, which is one of the objectives of the
Specific Plan zoning. The salons are a complimentary use with other mall tenants and
can provide additional foot traffic and customer base to support said tenants.
Furthermore, the proposed project does not alter the existing setbacks, parking lots, or
circulation. The proposed fa,;:ade improvements comply with the development standards
within the zoning district and can be achieved while avoiding impacts to other uses in the
area. For these reasons, the proposed project is determined to be consistent with the
purpose and objects of the zoning code.
3.The proposed development's site plan and its design features, including architecture and
landscaping, will integrate harmoniously and enhance the character and design of the
site, the immediate neighborhood, and the surrounding areas of the City. The proposed
salon studio will occupy existing space and will not alter existing setbacks, parking lots,
or circulation on the site. The applicant is requesting to modify the existing facade of the
building by adding an exterior entrance into the tenant space. The proposed materials
and colors will add visual interest to the east side of the mall that is inviting to customers.
The proposed improvements integrate harmoniously into the architectural style of the
building. The proposed design will provide an aesthetic enhancement to an area of the
mall that was previously overlooked and served as utility access. Additionally, the area
will be provided with new landscaping to correspond with the character of the center.
4.The site pla_n and location of the buildings, parking areas, signs, landscaping, luminaries,
and other site features indicate that proper consideration has been given to both the
functional aspects of the site development, such as automobile and pedestrian
circulation, and the visual effects of the development from the view of the public streets.
The proposed studio will occupy existing tenant spaces and will not alter existing
setbacks, parking lots, luminaries or circulation of the site. The project will require
removal an empty planter located in the middle of the concrete sidewalk. To
accommodate the loss of this planter, the applicant has worked with the property owner
to enhance the existing planter on the left side of the entrance fa,;:ade with a variety of
plants that correspond with the center. Additionally, the applicant is adding potted plants
on the opposite side of the fa,;:ade entrance to enhance the visual appearance of this
entrance. The applicant's proposal will not impact the functional aspects of the site
development, such as automobile and pedestrian circulation, landscaping, signs, and the
visual effects of the development from the view of the public streets.
5.The proposed development will improve the community appearance by preventing
extremes of dissimilarity or monotony in new construction or in alterations of facilities.
The subject site is a tenant space within the Stonewood Center, a regional shopping
mall. The use of multiple architectural accents on large buildings, such as the mall, can
provide architectural relief, while avoiding monotony. The applicant has achieved this
goal with the steel metal finish on the accents and awning over the entrance. The
proposed new entry will allow the building to avoid monotony, but the landscape and
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August 21, 2019-Page 2
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Resolution No. 19-3100
Downey Planning Commission
overall design still blend pleasantly with the other architecture used throughout the mall.
The simple and sleek awning style is also found at Rock n' Brews, BJ's Restaurant, and
a larger version of this style awning is seen at the Macy's entrances in a white color. The
proposed project will upgrade the overall appearance of the site and, in turn, improve the
visual interest on the east side of the mall.
6.The site plan and design considerations shall tend to upgrade property in the immediate
neighborhood and surrounding areas with an accompanying betterment of conditions
affecting the public health, safety, comfort, and welfare. This project will reestablish an
area of the mall that is less visited by customers and parking areas not used as
commonly as the other sides of the mall. The activity generated by this use and new
entry will help to activate the eastern side of the mall. Furthermore, the project will
eliminate the existing fa9ade of the tenant space, which served as utility access, and
upgrade it to a new bold style. As such, the enhancements will upgrade the appearance
of the building and provide betterment to the aesthetic quality of the area.
7.The proposed development's site plan and its design features will include graffiti
resistant features and materials in accordance with the requirements of Section 4960 of
Chapter 10 of Article IV of this Code. As part of this project, staff is recommending
several conditions of approval, which include the use of graffiti resistant materials in the
construction of the new entry. Should any graffiti appear on the site, staff has included a
condition of approval that the applicant have it removed within 48 hours of application.
With these conditions, staff feels that the design features will be in accordance with
Section 4960 of the Municipal Code.
SECTION 4. 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
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.
Program 8.1.1.8 of the General Plan states, "Promote good quality sign design." The
proposed signs are aesthetically consistent with the building's architecture along with the
scale and locations of other wall signs in the center. This will enhance the mall's
appearance, thus it is consistent with the aforementioned General Plan program.
Furthermore, Section Vl(D)(19) of the Stonewood Specific Plan allows the Planning
Commission to approve deviations to the Planned Sign Program.
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 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 provided proper spacing
between the signs to avoid a massive appearance of the signs. The signs are
aesthetically consistent with the architecture of all the buildings. The proposed size,
location and style of the proposed sign is consistent with wall signs allowed by the
Planned Sign Program and 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 new entry will have a variety of textures and colors to compliment and
correspond with the existing building. The new entrance to the mall is intended to
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Resolution No. 19-3100
Downey Planning Commission
increase attention to this side of the mall and the installation of a properly scaled wall
sign will identity to the new entry. The proposed sign program amendment will allow one
exterior sign, limited to one (1) channel letter wall sign of 69.57 square 1 feet. The
proposed sign will read "Sola Salons." and include the nationally recognized Sola Salon
Studios logo which will be 6.25 square feet. The letters on the sign will be black with the
aluminum return painted black to match. The sign will also be reverse illuminated with
LED as shown on the plans. The signs are aesthetically consistent with the building
design and the colors that are being used for the entrance. Additionally, the size of the
proposed sign is consistent with the building setbacks and the apparent mass of the
tenant space.
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 with LED,· which minimizes
light or glare generated from the signs. The design and proposed lighting for the signs
allows a reasonable illumination of the signs while advoiding unnecessary light and
glare. Additionally, the proposed entry and sign are oriented toward the east of the
northern parking lot and is separated from adjacent residential uses by over 473 feet. As
such, the lowest reasonable level of illumination is being used for the sign.
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. The proposed wall sign will not be allowed to flash, blink or cause
any other action that could cause a distraction to vehicles in the area. The sign will be
required to meet light standards so as not to cause a detriment. The design of the signs
will enhance the facade in the area. As such, the proposed sign program modification
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. The sign will be internally illuminated and required to maintain
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 sign will utilize proper materials and design to be
compatible with the architecture of the existing building. As such, the sign program is in
compliance with Municipal Code Section 9624.
SECTION 5. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 4 of this resolution,
the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby approves the Site Plan Review and
Planned Sign Program (PLN-19-00051 ), 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.
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Resolution No. 19-3100
Downey Planning Commission
SECTION 6. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of August, 2019.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Minutes were duly approved at a Regular meeting of the
Planning Commission held on this 21st day of August, 2019, by the following vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
Owens, Frometa, Spathopoulos and Dominguez
None
Duarte
None
Mary C a'nagh, Secretar
City Pl ning Commissio
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Resolution No. 19-3100
Downey Planning Commission
SITE PLAN REVIEW, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
AND PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM (PLN-19-00051)
EXHIBIT A -CONDITIONS
PLANNING
1)The approval of this Site Plan Review and Planned Sign Program (PLN-19-00051)
allows a new exterior entrance on the northeast side of the Stonewood Mall.
Additionally, this approval allows the construction of a new awning, modifications to the
exterior fa<;:ade of the tenant space, and an update to the Sign Program as listed below.
2)Approval of this Site Plan Review and Planned Sign Program (PLN-19-00051) 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 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.
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)Applicant shall provide a lighting plan for parking area adjacent to the new exterior entry.
Additional lighting shall be provided to meet city standards prior to permit issuance if
deemed necessary to meet standard.
6)All exterior lights shall be LED and shall be directed, positioned, and/or shielded such
that they do not illuminate surrounding properties and the public right-of-way.
7)Fa<;:ade improvements must be consistent with plans date stamped August 22, 2019.
8)Changes to the facades and/or colors shall be subject to the review and approval of the
City Planner. At his/her discretion, the City Planner may refer changes to the facades
and/or colors to the Planning Commission for consideration.
9)Customers shall not be within the business after the specified closing time
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Resolution No. 19-3100
Downey Planning Commission
10)All buildings and walls shall be finished with graffiti resistant materials. Prior to the
issuance of building permits, the applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the
City Planner, that the finished materials will comply with this requirement.
11)Any graffiti applied to the site shall be removed within 48 hours.
12)The applicant shall comply with the art in public places requirements set forth in Downey
Municipal Code 8950 et seq. This shall include payment of all required fees prior to the
issuance of building permits. Should the applicant exercise their right to install public art
on site, the public art application (including payment of all deposits) shall be submitted
prior to the issuance of building permits.
13)The Planned Sign Program is revised to allow one (1) illuminated wall sign with a
maximum sign area of 69.58 square feet to be located above the new entry on the
northeast elevation of the mall.
14)Prior to the final of building permits, all landscaping shall be installed. This shall include
the replacement of any damaged trees during construction. The type of landscaping
shall be as what was noted in the approved Staff Report. All landscape shall be
installed and permanently maintained.
15)The currently proposed exterior signs shall be installed as approved by the Planning
Commission. The exterior sign shall be limited to the one (1) channel letter wall sign of
69.57 square feet that reads "Sola Salons." Including the nationally recognized Sola
Salon Studios logo which will be 6.25 square feet. The letters on the sign will be black
with the aluminum return painted black to match. The sign will also be reverse
illuminated with LED as shown on the plans.
BUILDING
15)All construction shall comply with the most recent adopted City and State building codes:
2016 California Building Code
2016 California Electrical Code
2016 California Mechanical Code
2016 California Plumbing Code
2016 California Fire Code
2016 California Green Code
16)The Title Sheet of the plans shall include: Occupancy Group, Occupant Load,
Description of use, Type of Construction, Height of Building, Floor area of building(s)
and/or occupancy group(s)
17)A design professional will be required at time of construction drawings, to prepare plans
for proposed improvements per the Business and Professions' Code.
19)Public and private site improvements shall be designed in accordance with the
Americans with Disabilities Act and Chapter 11 of the California Building Code. Site plan
shall include a site accessibility plan identifying exterior routes of travel and detailing
running slope, cross slope, width, pedestrian ramp, curb ramps, handrails, signage and
truncated domes. Path of travel shall be provided from the public right of way and
accessible parking to building. The design professional shall ensure that the site
accessibility plan is compliance with the latest Federal and State regulations.
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