HomeMy WebLinkAbout2. PLN-21-00167 12125 Woodruff AveSTAFF REPORT
PLANNING DIVISION
DATE: APRIL 6, 2022
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBMITTED BY: ALDO E. SCHINDLER, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
REVIEWED BY: CRYSTAL LANDAVAZO, CITY PLANNER
PREPARED BY: ALFONSO HERNANDEZ, SENIOR PLANNER
SUBJECT: PLN-21-00167 (PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM) – A REQUEST FOR A
PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM TO APPROVE THE SIZE, LOCATION, AND
APPEARANCE OF SIGNS FOR A MULTI -TENANT COMMERCIAL
PARCEL
LOCATION: 12125 WOODRUFF AVENUE
ZONING: M-1 (LIGHT MANUFACTURING) & P-B (PARKING BUFFER)
REPORT SUMMARY
The proposed Planned Sign Program (PLN-21-00167) is a request to establish uniform signage
for a multi-tenant commercial center consisting of three single-story buildings. This proposed
sign program would allow a maximum of eighteen (18) wall signs, a monument sign, and a
freestanding sign. Based on the analysis contained within this report, staff is recommending the
Planning Commission adopt the following titled resolution:
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY APPROVING PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM (PLN-21-00167),
REGULATING THE QUANTITY, SIZE, LOCATION, AND APPEARANCE OF
SIGNS FOR A MULTI-TENANT COMMERCIAL PARCEL, LOCATED AT 12125
WOODRUFF AVENUE, AND ZONED M-1 (LIGHT MANUFACTURING) & P-B
(PARKING BUFFER)
BACKGROUND
The commercial center is located near the Southwest corner of Washburn Road and Woodruff
Boulevard. The are three buildings on site with a total size of 13,650 square feet. The buildings
were constructed in 1960, and no major renovations have taken place since that time. This
application was prompted by the applicant’s intentions to remodel one of the buildings. The
building located at the southeast corner of the property with a size of 4,250 square feet is
proposed to be renovated and occupied by a laundromat.
PC Agenda Page 1
12125 Woodruff Avenue – PLN-21-00167
April 6, 2022 – Page 2
The parcel is zoned M-1 (Light Manufacturing) and P-B (Parking Buffer) with a General Plan
Designation of Neighborhood Commercial. Directly to the South and West, abutting the subject
property, is a religious institution zoned C-1. Adjacent to the east is also zoned C-1 also
developed with a religious institution. Properties to the North are zoned M-1 developed with
retail, office, and manufacturing uses.
On November 22, 2021 the applicant filed a request for a Planned Sign Program. The
application was issued an incomplete letter on December 30, 2021. After receiving all necessary
materials, a deemed complete letter was issued on February 24, 2022. On March 24, 2022,
notice of the pending public hearing was published in the Downey Patriot and mailed to all
property owners within 500 feet of the subject property.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
Downey Municipal 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 a sign permit can be issued. The purpose of the proposed new Planned Sign
Program is to allow for a total of eighteen (18) wall signs, a monument sign, and a freestanding
signs at an existing commercial lot.
The commercial lot is allowed one wall sign per tenant space, and a secondary sign for “Building
Q” identified in the submitted site plan (Exhibit C). The combined maximum allowed sign area for
the wall signs is 513 square feet square feet. All wall signs must be channel letter, may include
logos in combination with channel letters, and must be internally illuminated. Signs will be centered
above each tenant space’s entrance and shall have a maximum height of 16 inches, except for
Building Q which will have a maximum height of 36 inches. The length of each sign will vary
dependent upon each tenant space’s lineal frontage. The allowed wall sign area is calculated,
per the Downey Municipal Code, as 1.5 square feet per lineal foot of tenant space frontage.
This Planned Sign Program will also allow for a monument sign and freestanding sign.
The monument sign is located near the Washburn Road driveway entrance, as indicated on the
approved site plan. The monument sign is existing at seven and a half (7.5) feet tall, five (5) feet
wide, and the sign area is 15 square feet. The freestanding sign will be located along the east
property line closest to the Woodruff Avenue driveway entrance. The proposed dimensions are
a height of 20 feet, width of ten (10) feet, and sign area of 40 square feet. Both the monument
sign and free-standing sign will be internally illuminated.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
It has been determined that this request is categorically exempt from California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15311 (Class 11, Accessory Structures).
Categorical Exemptions are projects that have been determined not to have a significant effect
on the environment. Class 11 exemptions consist of projects that involve the placement of
minor accessory structures to existing commercial developments, including on-premises signs.
PC Agenda Page 2
12125 Woodruff Avenue – PLN-21-00167
April 6, 2022 – Page 3
FINDINGS
Pursuant to the requirements of Municipal Code Section 9610.06 (Planned Sign Program),
the Planning Commission must make the following findings to approve the request:
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 Downey Municipal Code (DMC) states that particular developments are subject to
and must use a Planned Sign Program via Planning Commission approval in
accordance with DMC Section 9610. The proposed wall, freestanding, and monument
signs are all common among multi-tenant commercial developments including the
placement, size, and style of the proposed signs. Furthermore, the project directly
complies, or has been conditioned to comply, with all relevant provisions within Article XI
of the Downey Municipal Code. These provisions include, but are not limited to, review
process, setbacks, type of signs allowed, number of signs, lighting, and maintenance.
The Planned Sign Program is consistent with the General Plan in that the following
policy is promoted by the proposed Planned Sign Program:
Policy 8.3.1 – Enhance the views of the property from the public streets to exhibit a
positive image.
The Planned Sign Program promotes the above policy by producing adequate
advertisement for the businesses on site that is complimentary to the architecture of the
recently approved development and compatible with other signs common amongst
similar types of commercial spaces. These features also contribute to the attractiveness
of the site from the public right-of-way.
2.The sign is in proper proportion to the structure or site on which it is located.
The proposed illuminated channel letter wall signs will be well spaced and in proper
proportion to the building façades of the tenant space. The size of the wall signs will vary
based on the lineal foot frontage for each tenant space, and only those tenant spaces
with multiple frontages are allowed a secondary sign. The letter height of all wall signs
shall be a maximum of 36 inches.
The square footages and dimensions of the freestanding and monument signs have
been found to be in proper proportion to the single-story commercial buildings, and
comply with municipal code standards. The allowed size, dimension, and quantity of
signs established in the proposed planned sign program will ensure proportionality with
the overall 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 wall signs include illuminated channel letter signs that will be mounted
onto the building. The size and height have been found to be compatible with the
existing building and will architecturally enhance the center. The planned sign program
will allow flexibility in regards to the color of each sign as long as they are compatible
PC Agenda Page 3
12125 Woodruff Avenue – PLN-21-00167
April 6, 2022 – Page 4
with the establishment. The allowable colors for the channel letters and logos are subject
to landlord and city approval. The lettering and advertising should be relative to the
nature of the business or service. The neighborhood is commercially developed and
similar signs are found on each corner of the intersection of Imperial Highway and
Lakewood Boulevard, therefore the combination of wall, freestanding, or monument
signs are found to be compatible with the surrounding businesses.
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 new wall signs shall include LED internal illumination in order to reduce the
brightness of the signs. The project has been conditioned to ensure that the LEDs and
power supplies will be enclosed behind the channel letters attached to the wall. The
conditions also include adjustments to the illumination of a sign if it if found that a
nuisance is caused by any particular sign.
5. The sign is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare.
The proposed illuminated wall signs will be mounted at a sufficient height and location
and will not affect pedestrian/vehicle access. The individual letters will affix safely to the
existing stucco façade. The monument sign and freestanding signs do not conflict with
ingress and egress to/from the site. All signs shall be designed, permitted, installed, and
inspected in conformance with local and state building and electrical standards. Thus, it
is found that the proposed sign program will not create a detrimental impact to any public
interest, health, safety, and/or welfare.
6. The sign complies with Section 9624, Lighting and Design Standards.
All proposed signs on the building will be internally illuminated using LED light units.
The signs will not conflict with Downey Municipal Code Section 9624. The conditions
include adjustments to the illumination of a sign if it is found that a nuisance is caused by
any particular sign.
CORRESPONDENCE
Staff had not received any correspondence as of the date this report was prepared.
EXHIBITS
A. Maps
B. Draft Resolution
C. Planned Sign Program
PC Agenda Page 4
12125 Woodruff Avenue – PLN-21-00167
April 6, 2022 – Page 5
Location
Aerial Photograph
PC Agenda Page 5
12125 Woodruff Avenue – PLN-21-00167
April 6, 2022 – Page 6
Zoning
PC Agenda Page 6
RESOLUTION NO. 22-____
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY APPROVING PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM (PLN-21-00167),
REGULATING THE QUANTITY, SIZE, LOCATION, AND APPEARANCE OF
SIGNS FOR A MULTI-TENANT COMMERCIAL PARCEL, LOCATED AT 12125
WOODRUFF AVENUE, AND ZONED M-1 (LIGHT MANUFACTURING) & 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 November 22, 2021, Sergio Moreno (hereinafter “applicant”), submitted a
request for Planned Sign Program establishing the size, location, and
appearance of all signs at the newly approved commercial development; and,
B. On December 30, 2021, the application was deemed incomplete; and,
C. On February 24, 2022, after receiving all necessary material the application was
deemed complete; and,
D. On March 24, 2022, a notice of the public hearing was sent to all property owners
within 500’ of the subject site and the notice was published in Downey Patriot;
and,
E. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on April 6, 2022,
and after fully considering all oral and written testimony, 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
comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is categorically exempt from
CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15311 (Class 11, Accessory Structures).
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 signs are permitted within the zone and it complies with all
applicable provisions of this chapter, the General Plan, and any other applicable
standards. The Downey Municipal Code (DMC) states that particular
developments are subject to and must use a Planned Sign Program via Planning
Commission approval in accordance with DMC Section 9610. The proposed wall,
freestanding, and monument signs are all common among multi-tenant
commercial developments including the placement, size, and style of the
proposed signs. Furthermore, the project directly complies, or has been
conditioned to comply, with all relevant provisions within Article XI of the Downey
Municipal Code. These provisions include, but are not limited to, review process,
setbacks, type of signs allowed, number of signs, lighting, and maintenance.
The Planned Sign Program is consistent with the General Plan in that the
following policy is promoted by the proposed Planned Sign Program:
PC Agenda Page 7
Resolution No. 22-______
Downey Planning Commission
Policy 8.3.1 – Enhance the views of the property from the public streets to exhibit
a positive image.
The Planned Sign Program promotes the above policy by producing adequate
advertisement for the businesses on site that is complimentary to the architecture
of the recently approved development and compatible with other signs common
amongst similar types of commercial spaces. These features also contribute to
the attractiveness of the site from the public right-of -way.
B. The sign is in proper proportion to the structure or site on which it is located. The
proposed illuminated channel letter wall signs will be well spaced and in proper
proportion to the building façades of the tenant space. The size of the wall signs
will vary based on the lineal foot frontage for each tenant space, and only those
tenant spaces with multiple frontages are allowed a secondary sign. The letter
height of all wall signs shall be a maximum of 36 inches.
The square footages and dimensions of the freestanding and monument signs
have been found to be in proper proportion to the single-story commercial
buildings, and comply with municipal code standards. The allowed size,
dimension, and quantity of signs established in the proposed planned sign
program will ensure proportionality with the overall 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 wall signs include illuminated channel letter signs
that will be mounted onto the building. The size and height have been found to
be compatible with the existing building and will architecturally enhance the
center. The planned sign program will allow flexibility in regards to the color of
each sign as long as they are compatible with the establishment. The allowable
colors for the channel letters and logos are subject to landlord and city approval.
The lettering and advertising should be relative to the nature of the business or
service. The neighborhood is commercially developed and similar signs are
found on each corner of the intersection of Imperial Highway and Lakewood
Boulevard, therefore the combination of wall, freestanding, or monument signs
are found to be compatible with the surrounding businesses.
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. All new wall signs shall include LED internal
illumination in order to reduce the brightness of the signs. The project has been
conditioned to ensure that the LEDs and power supplies will be enclosed behind the
channel letters attached to the wall. The conditions also include adjustments to the
illumination of a sign if it if found that a nuisance is caused by any particular sign.
E. The signs are not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare.
The proposed illuminated wall signs will be mounted at a sufficient height and
location and will not affect pedestrian/vehicle access. The individual letters will affix
safely to the existing stucco façade. The monument sign and freestanding signs do
not conflict with ingress and egress to/from the site. All signs shall be designed,
permitted, installed, and inspected in conformance with local and state building and
electrical standards. Thus, it is found that the proposed sign program will not create
a detrimental impact to any public interest, health, safety, and/or welfare.
PC Agenda Page 8
Resolution No. 22-______
Downey Planning Commission
F. The signs comply with Section 9624, Lighting and Design Standards. All
proposed signs on the building will be internally illuminated using LED light units.
The signs will not conflict with Downey Municipal Code Section 9624. The
conditions include adjustments to the illumination of a sign if it is found that a
nuisance is caused by any particular sign.
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-21-00167), subject to conditions of approval attached hereto, 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.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6st day of April, 2022
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 6st day of April, 2022
by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS:
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
City Planning Commission
PC Agenda Page 9
Resolution No. 22-______
Downey Planning Commission
PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM (PLN-21-00167)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
1) The approval of this Planned Sign Program approves the size, location, appearance,
and number of the signs for a multi-tenant commercial center located at 12125 Woodruff
Avenue.
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) An affidavit of Acceptance of Conditions, as provided by the City of Downey, shall be
signed, notarized, and returned to the Planning Division within fifteen (15) days of
approval. This approval will be considered invalid until this condition has been fulfilled.
6) Primary wall signs shall only be mounted on the store front façades (facing the parking
lot) of the subject buildings. Secondary wall signs for specific tenant spaces shall be
mounted as indicated in the Planned Sign Program.
7) The monument and freestanding sign shall be placed as shown on the approved on
program site plan.
8) 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 exempt signs, which shall
comply with the requirements of the Downey Municipal Code.
9) Prior to the installation of new wall signs, the applicant shall obtain all required Building
permits. The applicant shall also obtain all required building inspection for all signs.
10) Within six months of the approval of this Planned Sign Program “Building Q” shall
receive final inspections for building permits to renovate the tenant space. Landscaping
shall also be improved to meet existing Downey Municipal Code standards.
PC Agenda Page 10
Resolution No. 22-______
Downey Planning Commission
11) The property owner shall notify all tenants that all individual tenant signs shall be brought
into compliance with the Planned Sign Program at such time that the tenant’s lease is
renewed or when any changes are proposed to the sign, whichever occurs first. In any
case, the property owner shall bring all signage into compliance within one (1) year of
this Planned Sign Program approval.
END OF CONDITIONS
PC Agenda Page 11
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 12
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 13
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 14
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 15
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 16
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 17
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 18
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 19
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 20
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 21
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 22
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 23
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 24
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 25
Exhibit C
PC Agenda Page 26