HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4 - ARCH-0805-2019 (3885 S. Higuera) Public Market at Bonetti Ranch Sign Program Meeting Date: April 6, 2020
Item Number: 4
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION REPORT
FROM: Shawna Scott, Senior Planner BY: Cassidy McSurdy, Assistant Planner
PROJECT ADDRESS: 3885 S. Higuera FILE NUMBER: ARCH-0805-2019
APPLICANT: Tank Farm Center, LLC REPRESENTATIVE: Sean Beauchamp
____________________________________________________________________________
___For more information contact: (Cassidy McSurdy) at 781-7101 or cmcsurdy@slocity.org_
1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND SETTING
The project applicant, Tank Farm Center LLC, has applied for a Sign Program for the proposed
signage for Public Market at Bonetti Ranch. The proposed project is requesting a premise sign
program as required by prior Architectural Review1 with exceptions to the sign standards relating
to proposed wall, hanging, monument and directory signs.
General Location: The approximately 5.16-acre project
site is located on an existing developed parcel along the
intersection of Higuera Street and Tank Farm Road,
with direct access from both street frontages. The
Public Market at Bonetti Ranch is currently under
construction, and will include a variety of commercial
uses.
Present Use: Vacant
Zoning: Manufacturing (M)
General Plan: Services & Manufacturing
Surrounding Uses: Figure 1: Subject Property
North: M-SP (Commercial Uses: Office, The Tribune)
South: C-S (Commercial Uses: Offices and Services, Higuera Center)
East: M-SP (Commercial Uses: Retail, Tractor Supply)
West: R-2 (Residential Use: Medium Density
2.0 PROPOSED DESIGN
Architecture: Pastoral/Agrarian Design
Materials: Corrugated metal, wood, aluminum, bronze, high-density urethane foam, and acrylic
1 Resolution No. ARC-1013-16 Condition No. 5: Project Signage shall return to the ARC for review of a complete
signage program for the project site, monument signage may be reviewed by the Community Development
Director.
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Colors: Rust, natural wood and fiber coloring for backgrounds (some colors to be determined
based on individual tenant branding).
3.0 FOCUS OF REVIEW
The ARC’s role is to review and provide comments and recommendations to the Community
Development Director for the project in terms of its consistency with prior Architectural Review
approvals, the Sign Regulations, and the Community Design Guidelines (CDG) applicable to signs.
4.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND STATISTICS
The proposed sign program includes monument, directory, wall, and hanging signs, and as
proposed would require the following exceptions, summarized below and in the following tables:
•Monument signs exceed the total number allowed for a site with a request of three
monument signs where one is allowed per premise.
•Directory signs exceed the total number and maximum area allowed with a request
for two directory signs where one per premise is normally allowed and an individual
sign area of 12.5 square feet where a maximum sign area of 12 square feet is allowed.
•Wall signs exceed the total number allowable for Building 3 . The applicant proposes
three wall signs for a single tenant where two are normally allowed.
•Hanging signs proposed for four separate tenants located within Building 6 exceed the
total number per tenant and/or total area requirements. The applicant is requesting
to exceed the standard to allow for greater than one hanging sign per tenant with a
maximum area of greater than eight square feet.
Center Signs Ordinance Standard Proposed Existing
Monument Sign
Max Number
Max Area
Max Height
1 per premise
24 sq/ft
6 ft
3
18 sq/ft each
4 ft each
1
Directory Sign
Max Number
Max Area
Max Letter Size
1 per premise
12 sq/ft
6 in
2
12.5 sq/ft each
6 in
N/A
Tenant Signs Ordinance
Standard Bldg 1 Bldg 2 Bldg 3 Bldg 5 Bldg 6 Bldg
7 Bldg 8
Wall Signs
Maximum Number
Max Area (sq/ft)
Public Entry
2 per tenant
100
Required
N/A 2
60
Yes
3
43
Yes
2
42
No, 1
2
No, 1
1
104
Yes
2
77
No, 1
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5.0 DISCUSSION ITEMS
Consistency with the Sign Regulations and Community Design Guidelines
The Sign Regulations are intended to protect and enhance the character of the community
against visual blight and the proliferation of signs, which can seriously detract from the pleasure
of observing the natural scenic beauty of San Luis Obispo. Signs have an important design
component and must be architecturally compatible with the character of surrounding
development. Items identified for discussion by the ARC are summarized in the table below.
Highlighted Sections Discussion Items
Chapter 15.4 – Sign Guidelines
§15.40.470.F(1) Monument Signs -
Number
§ 15.40.470.L Directory Signs –
Number and Size
The findings necessary to approve the number of monument signs
exception appear to be supportable based upon the unique
configuration of the lot providing street frontage and access on two
heavily trafficked streets; Higuera and Tank Farm. The signs are placed
for purpose of visibility from multiple entry points and are in proportion
to the site.
The findings to allow for an additional directory sign appear to be
supportable based upon the unique design of the site, which requires
pedestrian navigation between retail spaces where the layout of the
structures alongside required landscaping and awnings provide limited
visibility for tenants. In order to better provide this information to those
visiting the market, pedestrian directories are a necessary addition to
the site. They are strategically placed at the entrance to the market from
the parking area as well at the Market Hall building, Building 7.
Hanging Signs
Maximum Number
Max Area (sq/ft)
Public Entry
1 per tenant
8
Required
N/A N/A N/A N/A
T1; 1 at 20
sq/ft, No public
entry
N/A N/A
T2; 2 at 24 and
12 sq/ft, 1 with
no public entry
T3; 2 at 24 and
12 sq/ft, 1 with
no public entry
T4; 1 at 24
sq/ft, yes public
entry
Post Sign
Max Number
Max Area (sq/ft)
Max Height
1 per frontage
20
6 ft
1
20
5’6”
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
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ARC Discussion Item 1: The ARC should discuss whether the requested
exceptions are appropriate to allow for increased number of monument
any/or directory signs. Exceptions to the Sign Regulations are subject to
§15.40.600 Findings for Approval of an Exception, granting an exception
must be based on at least one of the required findings2.
§15.40.470.A.(1) Wall Signs –
Location and Number Permitted
Wall signs are required by Zoning Ordinance and encouraged by the CDG
to be located on a façade which has a public entry. The applicant’s
request for an exception to allow for signage on facades which lack
public entry appears to be supportable due to the pedestrian nature of
the site and issues of visibility created by landscaping, tall structures,
and site design leading to corridors and reduced visibility for
pedestrians navigating the site.
An additional exception is requested to allow for a total of three wall
signs for a single tenant. The findings necessary to allow for the addition
of a third wall sign for a single tenant appears to be supportable due to
the unique design of the site and structures, an adequate alternative for
sufficient visibility to the public with equal or superior design due to the
location of the site on a high trafficked roadway does not appear to be
evident, and the use of landscape, public art, and adjacent structures
would obscure views of the proposed signage from both pedestrian and
roadway locations.
ARC Discussion Item 2: The ARC should discuss whether the requested
exceptions are appropriate to allow for wall signs to be placed upon
façade without public entry and to allow increased number of wall signs
for a single tenant.
§15.40.470.E.1 and 15.40.470.E.2
Hanging and Suspended Signs –
Location, Number and Size
Hanging signs are required by Zoning Ordinance and encouraged by the
CDG to be located on a façade which has a public entry. The applicant is
requesting exception to this ordinance standard for multiple tenant
spaces. The applicant’s request for an exception to allow for additional
signage on facades without public entry appears to be supportable due
to the pedestrian nature of the site and issues of visibility created by
landscaping, tall structures, and site design leading to corridors and
reduced visibility for pedestrians navigating the site.
The proposed sign program includes a total of six hanging signs
proposed for Building 6 of the site plan which require exception to the
2 Sign Regulations Section 15.40.610: Findings for Approval of an Exception: A: There are exceptional
or unusual circumstances applying to the property involved which do not apply generally to
properties in the vicinity with the same zoning. B: The sign for which an exception is requested is a
nonconforming sign that acts as a neighborhood landmark or focal point while not disrupting
views of prominent community landscape features. C: The exception is consistent with the intent
and purpose of the sign regulations (see Section 15.40.110) and will not constitute a grant of special
privilege or entitlement inconsistent with limitations applied to other properties in the vicinity with
the same zoning. D: The sign exception is for superior design will not result in visual clutter and is
consistent with the intent and purpose of theses Sign Regulations.
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size and number per tenant limitations.
The findings necessary to approve the request to exceed number per
tenant and square footage allowable for hanging signs can be supported
based upon the finding that due to the unique architecture, site design,
and desire to maintain consistency with the overall agrarian/pastoral
character of the site, hanging signs are a more appropriate approach to
signage than a wall sign would be. The proposal meets required
standards for wall signs as it relates to square footage and number per
tenant and is therefore an appropriately scaled alternative. The use of
consistent hanging signs of similar scale to adjacent buildings where the
architecture better allows for wall signs, is in conformance with CDG
6.6(F) requiring coordination and consistency of sign locations and size.
In addition, the architecture of Building 6 creates unique circumstance
where more customary wall signage would not be appropriate or easily
achieved.
ARC Discussion Item 3: The ARC should discuss whether the requested
exceptions are appropriate to allow for wall and hanging signs on facades
without public entry and to allow increased number and size of hanging
signs for a single tenant.
CDG Chapter 6.6 – Signs
§6.6(B)Design, (C)Details, (M)
Materials
The project plans (Attachment 1) include colors and materials for the
monument and directory signs. The sign program as proposed would
exercise flexibility for individual tenants as it relates to colors and
materials and provides a broader array of materials options to allow for
sufficient branding opportunity.
Staff recommends that the ARC recommend the following condition to
the Community Development Director: Plans submitted for a sign permit
shall include colors and materials of all signs for determination of
compatibility with the structure upon which they are placed. In addition,
no sign shall allow for internally lit cabinet or channel lettering as
required by previous Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC) Resolution No.
1008-16.
ARC Discussion Item 4: The ARC should discuss whether the colors and
materials for the monument, post and directory signs is appropriate for
the site. In addition, the ARC should discuss whether flexibility of colors
and materials for individual tenants should be limited.
Additional Signage: The additional signage proposed in the project plans includes wall and
freestanding post signage located at a public entrance and consistent with the previous
approvals and the Sign Regulations.
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6.0 ACTION ALTERNATIVES
7.1 Recommend approval of the proposed sign program and associated exceptions,
which may include specific conditions of approval to be considered by the
Community Development Director. This action may include recommendations for
conditions to address consistency with the Community Design Guidelines, prior ARC
approvals, and the Zoning Regulations or other policy documents.
7.2 Continue review of the project with direction to the applicant and staff on pertinent
issues, and identify specific CDG and/or Sign Regulations.
7.3 Recommend denial of the project. An action denying the application should include
findings that cite the basis for denial and should reference inconsistency with the
General Plan, Sign Regulations, CDG, Zoning Regulations or other policy documents.
7.0 ATTACHMENTS
1.Public Market at Bonetti Ranch Sign Program – Project Plans
2.Resolution No. CHC-1008-16 - ARCH-1219-2015
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SIGN PROGRAM
Landlord
Tank Farm Center, LLC
PO Box 1188
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
Contact: Shala Schultz shalaschultz@g3realestate.co
Plannin
City of San Luis Obispo Planning
Department
919 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo , CA 93401
Consultant
Southpaw Sign Company
1820 Railroad Street
Oceana, CA 93455
Contact: Sean Beauchamp sean@southpawsigns.com
805-440-4 7 4-5700
Table of Contents
Page1 Cover, Contacts, Table of Contents
RECE!\/ED
CITY OF SAN LUIS 08!SPO
JAN 3 l 2020
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Page 2 Introduction, Lanlordffenant Requirements
General Sign Requirements, Tenant Signage Details
Page 3 Site Map/General
Page 4 Site Map/ Building Designations
Center Signage Locations
Page 4-A Center Sign M-1 Placement
Page 4-B Center Sign M-2 Placement
Page 4-C
Page 5
Page6
Page7
Page 8
Page9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Center Sign M-3 Placement
Center Signage General
Center Signage Details
Building 1 Signage Details
Building 2 Signage Details
Building 3 Signage Details
Building 5 Signage Details
Building 6 Signage Details
Building 7 Signage Details, Exterior
Building 8
Lighting Specifications
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Item 4
•INTRODUCTION
The intent of this criteria is to provide guidelines neccesary to
achieve a visually coordinated, balanced and appealing sign
environment, harmonious with the architecture of the project ,
while maintaining provisions for individual graphic
representation of tenant.
Conformance to this sign criteria shall be rigorously enforced
and any nonconforming sign shall be removed by the tenant or
tenant's sign contractor at tenant's expense, upon demand of
the Landlord.
Exceptions to the standards shall not be permitted without
approval from Landlord and modification to the sign program by
the City of San Luis Obispo Planning Department.
Accordingly, the Landlord will retain full rights of approval for
any sign used at this property.
No sign shall be installed without written Landlord approval and
required City of San Luis Obispo sign permit.
In the event that tenant improvements or unforseen leasing
arrangements create a sign opportunity not covered in the
existing sign program, the Landlord reserves the right to
authorize signage that follows the guidelines and intent set forth
in this sign program.
•LANDLORD/TENANT REQUIREMENTS
1.Each tenant shall submit to Landlord for written approval,
three copies of the dailed shop drawings of the proposed
signage, indicating conformance with the sign criteria herein
outlined.
2.The Landlord shall determine and approve the availability and
position of a tenant name on any directory signs.
3.Te nant shall pay for all signs, related materials and
installation fees(including final inspection costs).
4.Te nant shall obtain all neccesary permits from City of San
Luis Obispo.
5.The tenant shall be responsible for fulfillment of all
requirements of this criteria.
6.It is the responsibility of the tenant's sign contractor to verify
all conduit and transformer locations and service access prior to
fabrication when electric signs are used.
7.Should a sign be removed, it is the tenant's responsibility to
patch all holes, paint surface to match existing color, and restore
surface to original condition.
•GENERAL SIGN CONSTRUCTION
REQUIREMENTS
1.All signs and their installations shall comply with all local
building codes.
2.Sign Contractor to be fully licensed with City of San Luis
Obispo and shall maintain full Workman's Compensation
Insurance and general liability insurance.
3.All penetrations of building exterior to be sealed waterproof
and color finished to match existing exterior.
4.The Landlord reserves the right to refuse work deemed to be
below standard.
5.Color coatings are to exactly match the colors on the
approved plans.
6.Finished surfaces of metal shall be free from oil canning and
warping. All sign finishes shall be free from dust, orange peel,
drips and runs and shall have uniform surface conforming to the
highest standards of the industry.
7.In no case shall any manufacturer's label be visible from
normal viewing angles.
8.Non-illuminated letters are to be fabricated from durable rust
inhibiting materials, such as aluminum, bronze, high density
urethane foam, or acrylic .
•PROHIBITED SIGNS
1.No moving or audible signs will be permitted.
2.No banners, pennants or feather types signs will be
permitted.
3.Acrylic faced, illuminated sign cabinets that do not conform to
logo graphic components.
•ABANDONED SIGNS
Any signage left after 30 days from vacating premises shall be
property of Landlord.
•TENANT SIGNAGE DETAILS
!h� (ntent of this criteria is to create the opportunity for
md1v1dual tenant use of logos and colors where appropriate and
plan for uniform type and colors for all tenants on directional
signage.
TENANT SUITE SIGNAGE
Te nants are allowed signs in designated quantities, locations
and sizes as detailed on attached plans.
For individual tenant suite signs, tenant logo/brand fonts colors
and graphics can be used.
Halo illuminated letters, neon letters and non-illuminated letters
may �e used. Per Condition #11(Resolution CHC-1008-16),
face ht channel letters are not permitted.
Routed, carved or hand painted signs may be used
Sign details that promote a high quality of image are
encouraged. These details may include, but are not limited to -
dimensional letters, additional graphic layers, use of gold leaf or
other unique design features.
WINDOW & DOOR SIGNAGE
Te nants are allowed window signage per city sign code. This is
another o�portunity for use of tenant logo/brand fonts, colors
and graphics as approved by Landlord.
SHOPPING CENTER/TENANT SIGNAGE
Te nant identification on monument sign is at Landlord's
discretion.
Use of tenant logo/brand fonts and colors are allowed
upon Landlord's approval.
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Item 4
Resolution No. CHC-1008-16
ARCH-1219-2015 (120 Tank Farm Road/3897 S. Higuera Street)
Page 3
plans and be clearly visible to contractors and City inspectors (Mitigation Measure
CR-1).
7.The slate roofing material shall be replaced with a more historically appropriate material
such as wood shingle, subject to the approval of the Architectural Review Commission.
8.Historic plaques/displays shall be placed among the site providing historical background of
the property and evolution of the project including identification of reconstructed buildings.
The historical site plan should be included in the historic plaques.
9.The ARC shall consider the Building 5 awning element and its relationship (i.e. proximity)
to the water tower.
10.The railings associated with the Building 6 balconies shall be enclosed to screen materials
associated with the residential units.
11.The signage plan does not need to return to the CHC for review and may be approved as
part of a sign program reviewed by the Architectural Review Commission. The signage for
the site shall include signage that is compatible with the historic ranch including non
illuminated, externally illuminated, halo illuminated, and neon signage.
On motion by Commissioner Kincaid, seconded by Commissioner Baer, and on the following
roll call vote:
AYES: Commissioners Baer, Kincaid, Larrabee, Papp, Walthert, Vice-Chair Brajkovich,
and Chair Hill
NOES: None
REFRAIN: None
ABSENT: None
The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 61h day of June, 2016.
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Item 4
3885 S. Higuera Sign Program
ARCH-0805-2019
Architecture review of a Sign Program for Public Market at Long -
Bonetti with exceptions to sign standards.
April 6, 2020
Applicant: Tank Farm, LLC
Focus of Review
2
ARC review due to:
◼Prior Architectural Review Conditions of Approval
requiring separate ARC review for Sign Program
ARC Purview:
◼Review the project in terms of its consistency with the
Sign Regulations, Community Design Guidelines, and
prior approvals
◼Provide comments and recommendations to the
Director for final approval
3885 S. Higuera
Background
4
Establishment of Public Market at Long Bonetti Ranch was
reviewed by ARC and CHC for compliance with applicable city
standards related to design, mass and coordination with historic
context of the site.
The prior ARC approval required the Sign program be brought
back to the ARC for architectural review. In addition to
requirement for review, prior CHC review limited the types of
signage to exclude internally lit cabinet or channel lettering.
Project Description
5
The project applicant, Tank Farm Center LLC, has applied
for a Sign Program for the proposed signage for Public
Market at Bonetti Ranch. The proposed project is requesting
a premise sign program as required by prior Architectural
Review with exceptions to the sign standards relating to
proposed wall, hanging, monument and directory signs.
Design
7
◼The proposed signage includes monument signage,
directory signage, a freestanding post sign, externally lit
wall signage, and hanging signs.
◼The proposed project includes the following materials:
◼Corrugated metal, wood, aluminum, bronze, high-density urethane
foam, and acrylic
◼Colors and Lighting types
◼Rust, natural wood and fiber coloring for backgrounds (some colors to
be determined based on individual tenant branding)
◼External lighting
Evaluation Discussion Item #1:
Number of Monument and Directory Signs
8
Number and Dimensions: Exceptions to the overall number and dimensions
of Monument and Directory signs are requested:
•Total Number: 3 Monument Signs are
proposed on the site in addition to 1
existing for a total of 4. 2 Directory
Signs are also proposed. Ordinance
standard allows for up to 1 per premise
of each type of sign.
•Total Dimensions: The Directory Sign is
proposed to be 12.5 square feet.
Ordinance standard limits to the
maximum area of a Directory Sign to
12 square feet. Monument Signs meet
ordinance standard related to height and
area as proposed.
Evaluation Discussion Item #2:
Number, Location, and Size of Wall Signs
Location of Wall Signs:
•3 of the proposed wall signs are located on a façade without public entry.
Number of Wall Signs Per Tenant:
•3 wall signs are requested for Building 3 where 2 are allowed per Ordinance Standard.
Size of Wall Signs:
•Building 7 proposes a 104 square foot sign requiring
exception to ordinance standard of 100 square feet for wall
signs.
Evaluation Discussion Item #3: Number,
Location, and Size of Hanging Signs
Location of Hanging Signs:
•3 of the proposed wall signs are located on a façade without public entry.
Number of Hanging
Signs Per Tenant:
•Tenant 2 and Tenant 3 in
Building 6 are requesting 2
hanging signs each where 1 is
allowed per Ordinance
Standard.
Size of Hanging Signs:
•All proposed hanging signs
exceed the allowable
maximum area of 8 square feet and range between 14 square feet and 24 square feet.
Evaluation Discussion Item #4: Design, Details,
Materials
The monument and directory signs include proposed
design and materials to include similar finishes and
materials to onsite buildings.
The sign program as proposed would request
to exercise flexibility for individual tenants as
it relates to colors and materials and provides
a broader array of materials options to allow
for sufficient branding opportunity.