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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/18/1994, 4 - R 167-93: TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE CITY'S SIGN REGULATIONS RELATING TO SIGN ILLUMINATION IN THE CITY'S OFFICE (""O"") ZONING DISTRICTS."��������� ► ►�IN�IIIIIIu�AIIQI�I r MEETINGDA� nwu ►I city o san �U�s os�spo - COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITEM NUMBER: 1! FROM: Arnold B. Jonas, Director of Community Development PREPARED BY: Ronald Whisenand, Development Review Manager SUBJECT: R 167 -93: Text amendment to the City's Sign Regulations relating to sign illumination in the City's Office ( "O ") zoning districts. CAO RECOMMENDATION: Introduce an ordinance to print amending Sections 15.40.020, 15.40.140, 15.40.160, and 15.40.180 of the Municipal Code (Sign Regulations) regulating the use of illuminated signs within the City's Office ( "O ") zoning districts. DISCUSSION In June of last year, the City Council asked the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) to review the issue. of sign illumination within the City's Office ( "O ") zoning districts. After several meetings, the ARC made specific recommendations on sign ordinance changes which were forwarded to the Council on November 16, 1993 (copy attached). The City Council reviewed the recommendations and directed staff to make some minor language changes and prepare the amendment for a public hearing before the Council. The language changes requested by the Council have been made and appear in the attached legislative draft and draft ordinance. The changes included eliminating the restriction to turn the signs off at 10 p.m. and providing both a "foot candle" and "lux" illumination standard. Amendments to the Sign Regulations can be made when the changes are consistent with the purposes of the sign provisions as contained in Section 15.40.020 of the Municipal Code. Among those purposes, the sign regulations are intended to "Protect and enhance the character an natural beauty of the community and its various neighborhoods and districts." The proposed restrictions on sign illumination will provide adequate signage for office uses within the "O" districts while still protecting adjoining residential uses from excessive light and glare. The proposed amendment is therefore consistent with the purposes of the Sign Regulations. The proposed amendment is a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). An initial study of environmental impact was previously prepared and adopted on June 15, 1993 which did not identify any significant environmental impacts. A copy of the environmental document is attached for Council reference. FISCAL IMPACT$ A staff survey found that approximately 14 percent of the parcels within the Office districts would have non - conforming signs if the ARC recommended ordinance is adopted. Because any sign amortization program to bring these signs into compliance would require extensive staff resources, the ARC has recommended that existing illuminated Office district signs be "grandfathered in" until such time as the sign is replaced. This processing approach would have ����� ►�H��IIIIIIIIIII °Il�Ili city of San Luis OBISPO Gja; COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Staff Report - TA 61 -93 November 16, 1993 Page 2 no fiscal impacts. Language to accomplishes this has been included in the draft ordinance that is before the Council for consideration. ALTERNATIVES The Council has previously reviewed and commented on the proposed ordinance language. Modifications that reflect the Council's desires have been included. The Council can adopt the proposed amendments or modify the language as deemed appropriate to further the purposes and goals of the City's Sign Regulations. Finally, the Council can decide to take no action. The no action alternative would result in indirect illumination of wall and freestanding signs continuing to be allowed with no further illumination restrictions. Attachments: Draft ordinance Legislative Draft as recommended by the ARC and revised by the Council November 16, 1993 Council staff report Adopted Negative Declaration ORDINANCE NO. (1994 SERIES) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AMENDING THE SIGN REGULATIONS RELATING TO SIGN ILLUMINATION WITHIN THE CITY'S OFFICE (0) ZONING DISTRICTS (TA 167 -93) WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission conducted five public hearing on application No. TA 167 -93 between August 16, 1993 and October 18, 1993 and recommended approval of amendments to the City's Sign Regulations; and WHEREAS, the City Council reviewed the Architectural Review Commission's recommendations as a business item on November 16, 1993 and recommended language modifications that eliminated hourly illumination restrictions and provided cross reference to "foot candle" and "lux" illumination standards; and WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a public hearing on, January 18, 1994, and has considered testimony of other interested parties, the records of the Architectural Review Commission hearing and action, and the evaluation and recommendation of staff, and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the proposed amendment is consistent with the purposes of the Sign Regulations and other applicable City ordinances; and WHEREAS, the City Council had previously considered and adopted a negative declaration of environmental impact on June 15, 1993 (ER 61 -93) that addressed potential impacts caused by adoption of new sign illumination regulations; BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. The Council determines that there will be no significant environmental impacts as a result of amending the regulations, and hereby finds the negative declaration previously adopted on June 15, 1993 adequate for environmental review purposes. SECTION 2. The Sign Regulations are hereby amended by the change to Sections 15.40.020, 15.40.140, 15.40.160, and 15.40.180 which are fully contained in the attached Exhibit A, included in this ordinance by reference. SECTION 3. A summary of this ordinance, together with the names of council members voting for and against, shall be published at least 5 days prior to its final passage, in the Telegram- Tribune, a newspaper published and circulated in this City. This ordinance shall go into effect at the expiration of thirty (30) days after its final passage. //-3 Ordinance No. (1994 Series) Sign Regulations Amendment Page 2 INTRODUCED AND PASSED TO PRINT by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo at its meeting held on the _ day of , 1994, on motion of , seconded by , and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Mayor Peg Pinard ATTEST: City Clerk Diane Gladwell APPROVED: #'J� EXHIBIT A 15.40.020 Purpose. These regulations are intended to: A. Protect and enhance the character and natural beauty of the community and its various neighborhoods and districts; B. Protect those uses which are adequately and appropriately identified from too many and too large signs in their environs; C. Protect commercial districts from sign clutter; D. Protect residential districts from light and glare caused by commercial signs; E. Protect the public's ability to identify uses and premises without confusion; F. Eliminate unnecessary distractions which may jeopardize pedestrian or vehicular traffic safety; G. Assure the maintenance of signs; H. Implement the community design objectives expressed in the general plan; and I. Encourage energy conservation in sign design. 15.40.140 Office zone. The following signs are permitted within the office (0) zone district: A. Signs for residential uses as provided in Section 15.40.130; B. Total area of all signs for professional office uses shall not exceed fifty square feet per business or tenant, including: 1. One freestanding sign at each premises not to exceed twenty -four square feet in area or eight feet in height; 2. One wall sign for each business or tenant, not to exceed five percent of the building face or twenty-five square feet, whichever is less, for each frontage; 3. One directory sign at each premises and not exceeding one square foot for each room or suite occupied as a unit; 4. Sign illumination, where allowed shall be indirect and shall utilize focused light fixtures that do not allow light or glare to shine above the horizontal plane of the top of the sign or onto any public right -of -way or adjoining property. Indirect glare shall not exceed that value which is produced by an illumination of the reflecting surface not to exceed 10 luxes (1 candlepower) measured 10 feet from the sign. No internally illuminated signs shall be allowed except as provide for in subsection 6 below; 5. Hospitals are allowed to have internally illuminated signs subject to the illumination levels authorized by Section 15.40.160C. C. Signs which do not conform to the provisions of this section, but which lawfully existed and were maintained prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified herein, shall be made to conform when the sign is replaced. y -5 15.40.160 General standards The following standards apply to signs located in all zone districts: A. Shopping Center Identification Signs: With architectural review commission approval, in addition to the signs permitted for individual tenants or businesses, shopping centers may have one identification sign per frontage (or freeway exposure) not to exceed twenty -five feet in height or seventy -two square feet in area. Such shopping center signs shall not be included in the dimensional or area calculations for individual tenants or businesses. B. Yards: Except as provided in this chapter, no signs shall be allowed within the required yard area. Traffic directional signs and identification signs not exceeding three feet in height may be placed in the required yard area. C. Illuminated Signs: Lighting for exterior illuminated signs shall be so arranged that it does not create a hazardous glare for pedestrians or vehicles either in a public street or on any private premises. Each sign shall be designed so that illumination does not exceed one hundred luxes (ten candlepower) at a distance ten feet from the sign. D. Freestanding and Monument Signs: Monument signs may be used where freestanding signs are permitted by the provisions of this chapter. Such monument signs shall have the same area limitations as freestanding signs but shall not exceed one -third the height of allowed freestanding signs. Monument signs shall not be placed so as to obstruct visibility necessary for safe vehicular and pedestrian circulation, but may be placed in required street yard and /or setback area E. Projecting and Suspended Signs: Projecting signs, including marquee signs and suspended signs, shall conform to the following requirements: 1. The minimum clearance between the lowest point of a sign and the grade immediately below shall be eight feet. 2. The minimum horizontal clearance between a sign and the curb line shall be two feet; the maximum projection over a public sidewalk shall be two - thirds the width of the sidewalk or six feet, whichever is less. 3. The top of a projecting sign shall not exceed the height of the face of the building by which it is supported. F. Wall Signs: The distance between the highest point of a wall sign and the grade immediately below shall not exceed twenty -five feet. 15.40.180 Abatement or- conformance required when. Except as provided .for in Section 15.40.140 C, signs which do not conform to the provisions of this chapter, but which lawfully existed and were maintained prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified herein, shall be removed or made to conform within sixty days after written notice by the department of community development, when: A. The use of the premises changes and the exterior of the building or other site conditions are to be altered; or B. A sign is damaged by any cause resulting in replacement or repair cost equal to or greater than one -half of its replacement value at the time the damage occurs; or C. In accordance with the amortization schedule outlined in Section 15.40.190. y -6 Legislative Draft Ordinance .. ............................. RigttI ting indicates new text. Stfikeeu indicates deleted text. 15.40.020 Purpose. These regulations are intended to: A. Protect and enhance the character and natural beauty of the community and its various neighborhoods and districts; B. Protect those uses which are adequately and appropriately identified from too many and too large signs in their environs; C. Protect commercial districts from sign clutter; D. l ?rotect st. pn.. W & i stricts from Iight aril glary paused b}� commercial gns 0.1$. Protect the public's ability to identify uses and premises without confusion; EF. Eliminate unnecessary distractions which may jeopardize pedestrian or vehicular traffic safety; F.G. Assure the maintenance of signs; and 6. Implement the community design objectives expressed in the general plan; and .......................................... ............................... )..i encourage energy? cQnservattan in sign designs 15.40.140 Office zone. The following signs are permitted within the office (0) zone district: A. Signs for residential uses as provided in Section 15.40.130; B. Total area of all signs for professional office uses shall not exceed fifty square feet per business or tenant, including: 1. One freestanding sign at each premises not to exceed twenty -four square feet in area or eight feet in height ; 2. One wall sign for each business or tenant, not to exceed five' percent of the building face or twenty -five square feet, whichever is less, for each frontage and net ifieludifig 3. One directory sign at each premises, not inter�e- illuf inat a and not exceeding 15.40.160 General standards The following standards apply to signs located in all zone districts: A. Shopping Center Identification Signs: With architectural review commission approval, in addition to the signs permitted for individual tenants or businesses, shopping centers may have one identification sign per frontage (or freeway exposure) not to exceed twenty-five feet in height or seventy -two square feet in area. Such shopping center signs shall not be included in the dimensional or area calculations for individual tenants or businesses. B. Yards: Except as provided in this chapter, no signs shall be allowed within the required yard area. Traffic directional signs and identification signs not exceeding three feet in height may be placed in the required yard area. C. Illuminated Signs: Lighting for exterior illuminated signs shall be so arranged that it does not create a es fazards glare for pedestrians or vehicles either in a public street or on any private premises. Each sign shall be designed so that illumination does not exceed ten -eat legewef one hun. Te. tunes (t h!; Wdlepower at a distance ten feet from the sign. D. Freestanding and Monument Signs: Monument signs may be used where freestanding signs are permitted by the provisions of this chapter. Such monument signs shall have the same area limitations as freestanding signs but shall not exceed one -third the height of allowed freestanding signs. Monument signs shall not be placed so as to obstruct visibility necessary for safe vehicular and pedestrian circulation, but may be placed in required street yard and /or setback areas. E. Projecting and Suspended Signs: Projecting signs, including marquee signs and suspended signs, shall conform to the following requirements: 1. The minimum clearance between the lowest point of a sign and the grade immediately below shall be eight feet. 2. The minimum horizontal clearance between a sign and the curb line shall be two feet; the maximum projection over a public sidewalk shall be two - thirds the width of the sidewalk or six feet, whichever is less. 3. The top of a projecting sign shall not exceed the height of the face of the building by which it is supported. F. Wall Signs: The distance between the highest point of a wall sign and the grade immediately below shall not exceed twenty-five feet. 15.40.180 Abatement or conformance required when. ... E�eoepts prpvtded for ip �ecttdn 15 4D 140 Ssigns which do not conform to the 41 provisions of this chapter, but which lawfully existed and were maintained prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified herein, shall be removed or made to conform within sixty days after written notice by the department of community development, when: A. The use of the premises changes and the exterior of the building or other site conditions are to be altered; or B. A sign is damaged by any cause resulting in replacement or repair cost equal to or greater than one -half of its replacement value at the time the damage occurs; or C. In accordance with the amortization schedule outlined in Section 15.40.190. //_9 r.1 L7 (.1?l1 0� sm MIS OBIS)PO lfla;�M COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT FROM: Arnold B. Jonas. Director of Community Development PREPARED BY: Ronald 1Whisenand, Development Review Mana -er SUBJECT: Consider recommendations of the Architectural Review Commission on sign illumination within the City's Office ( "0 ") zoning districts. CAO RECOINEMENDATION: (1) Accept the recommendations of the Architectural Review Commission on proposed amendments to the City's sign ordinance; and (2) direct staff to prepare an environmental analysis of the recommended revisions and schedule the amendments for a public hearing before the City Council. DISCUSSION In April of this year, the City Council directed the Community Development Department to review and consider possible amendments to the City's Office ( "0 ") zone sign illumination standards. The request came as a result of Council's consideration of an appeal of the Architectural Review Commission's (ARC) action to approve an interior illuminated sign for Century 21 on Broad Street. The Council felt there were inconsistencies in the current sign regulations and suggested that additional protection of near -by residential properties may be needed. At that time, the sign regulations specified that illumination of wall signs in "0" zones is limited to exterior or indirect lighting. Freestandina signs however, had no illumination restrictions like wall signs, and could therefore be internally illuminated if desired. There did not appear to be any basis for this code discrepancy. Since "0" districts contain a mixture of residential and office uses, and since they are typically located adjacent to residential zones, staff proposed that wall and freestanding signs be regulated in the same manner. Staff presented an amendment that prohibited interior illumination of all signs in the "0" zoning districts. The proposed amendment language received ARC and Planning Commission support and was eventually introduced and adopted by the Council. The revised "0" zone sign provisions went into effect in July. As a follow -up to ordinance adoption, the Council directed the issue of sign illumination back to the ARC to determine whether additional office zone illumination restrictions would be warranted. In addition, the Council directed that the ARC hold a noticed hearing in order to allow public input on the issue of sign illumination. The ARC held five hearings on sign illumination between August 16 and October 18. The Commission heard from a broad spectrum of interested members of the community including residents, sign manufactures, electrical contractors, as well as the Chamber of Commerce. In addition, the Commission preformed various night time Feld measurement of illuminated signs in order to determine acceptable illumination levels. City o[ SATI [LUS) OBI`)�)O G9 COUNCIL AGENOA REPORT Staff Report - TA 61 -93 November 16, 1993 Pave 2 At the conclusion of the ARC's review, it was determined that "0" zones are sensitive sites where residential and commercial interests need to be protected. The Commission felt that illuminated signs should be allowed but with limitations to ensure that they are compatible with near -by residences. The recommended limitations are as follows: A. Illumination of wall or freestanding signs, if provided, shall be indirect. No internally illuminated signs will be allowed within the "0" zoning districts. B. If indirect illumination is used, it shall be focused so that it does not allow light or glare to shine above the horizontal plane of the top of the sign or onto any public right -of -way or adjoining property. C. Illumination levels shall not exceed 10 luxes at ten feet. A lux is the metric unit used for measuring illumination (one lumen per square meter). The illumination or lux level could be measured with the use of a standard light meter that the Department would have to purchase. Note that 10 luxes is equivalent to the illumination generated by a typical residential porch light. One example of an indirect illuminated sign that complies with this standard is the office sign at 1302 Marsh Street (comer of Marsh Street and Johnson Ave.). D. Illuminated signs shall be turned off at 10 p.m. or the close of business, which ever occurs last. The legislative draft of the recommended sign ordinance modifications is attached for Council review. In addition to the above illumination regulations, the ARC is recommending additional changes to help clarify the purpose of new regulations, and to provide Sierra Vista and French Hospitals (which are located in Office districts) exempt status from the sign illumination restrictions. Since hospitals need to maintain high visibility to those in need of emergency services, it was determined that higher illumination levels would be appropriate. Finally, the ARC felt that amortization of signs made non - conforming by these regulations is important but wanted to "soften" the impact on existing businesses. It was therefore proposed that all existing illuminated signs would be "grandfathered in" until such time as thesign is replaced. The above recommendations by the ARC are being presented for Council consideration. The Council needs to discuss the recommendations and determine whether any amendment to the sign regulations is warranted at this time. If so, the amendment (either the ARC draft or other acceptable lan17 ,e) needs to be sent back to staff for environmental review and scheduling of a noticed public hearing before the Council. Clt1' Of San LUIS OBIS�JO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Staff Report - TA 61 -93 November 16, 1993 Page 3 FISCAL IMPACTS A staff survey found that approximately 14 percent of the parcels within the Office districts would have non - conforming signs if the ARC recommended ordinance is adopted. Because any sign amortization program to bring these signs into compliance would require extensive staff resources, the ARC recommends that existing illuminated Office district signs be "grandfathered in" until such time as the sign is replaced. This processing approach would have no fiscal impacts. Should the Council however wish to actively pursue an amortization program, the staffing and fiscal impacts need to be recognized. ALTERNATIVES The Council can decide to pursue the ARC draft language with or without language modification. In addition, the Council can decide to allow either full or no illumination of signs within the Office districts. Finally, the Council can decide to take no action. The no action alternative would result in indirect illumination of wall and freestanding signs with no further illumination restrictions. Attachments: Legislative Draft Ordinance as recommended by the ARC Legislative Draft Ordinance Highlighting indicates new text. °•-err keeui indicates deleted text. 15.40.020 Purpose. These regulations are intended to: A. Protect and enhance the character and natural beauty of the community and its various neighborhoods and districts; B. Protect those uses which are adequately and appropriately identified from too many and too large signs in their environs; signs: C. Protect commercial districts from sign clutter; D. Prated iestderfltal- dtArfc€s fro l�gh€ artd dare eausui .. by co mmerc at $E. Protect the public's ability to identify uses and premises without confusion; Ep. Eliminate unnecessary distractions which may jeopardize pedestrian or vehicular traffic safety; 1 `G. Assure the maintenance of signs; a,,�d GT. Implement the community design objectives expressed in the general plan; 2nd I i. Eacourage ertercy conser�auori �n stgrt destan 15.40.140 Office zone. The following signs -are permitted within the office (0) zone district: A. Sians for residential uses as provided in Section 15.40.130; B. Total area of all signs for professional office uses shall not exceed fifty square feet per business or tenant, including: 1. One freestanding sign at each premises not to exceed twenty -four square feet in area or eight feet in height a9d nei ineluding, inier-ieF Riumiflated sign 2. One wall sign for each business or tenant, not to exceed five percent of the building face or twenty -five square feet, whichever is less, for each frontage afid neE i- eltldi°a iiufninated —/OJL ................ %1...... .......................................................... ..............__.............__ ... 15.40.160 General standards The following standards apply to signs located in all zone districts: A. Shopping Center Identification Signs: With-architectural review commission approval, in addition to the signs permitted for individual tenants or businesses, shopping centers may have one identification sign per frontage (or freeway exposure) not to exceed twenty -five feet in height or seventy -two square feet in area. Such shopping center signs shall not be included in the dimensional or area calculations for individual tenants or businesses. B. Yards: Except as provided in this chapter, no signs shall be allowed within the required yard area. Traffic directional signs and identification signs not exceeding three feet in height may be placed in the required yard area. C. Illuminated Signs: Lighting for exterior illuminated signs shall be so arranged that it does not create a hazafeuds hizard ©us glare for pedestrians or vehicles either in a public street or on any private premises. Each sign shall be designed so that illumination does not exceed ......................................... ten eandlepowef one: ;hundied .luxes at a distance ten feet from the sign. D. Freestanding and Monument Signs: Monument signs may be used where freestanding signs are permitted by the provisions of this chapter. Such monument signs shall have the same area limitations as freestanding signs but shall not exceed one -third the height of allowed freestanding signs. Monument signs shall not be placed'so as to obstruct visibility necessary for safe vehicular and pedestrian circulation, but may be placed in required street yard and; or setback areas. E. Projecting and Suspended Signs: Projecting signs, including marquee signs and suspended signs, shall conform to the following requirements: 1. The minimum clearance between the lowest point of a sign and the grade immediately below shall be eight feet. 2. The minimum horizontal clearance between a sign and the curb line shall be two # -/3 3. One directory sign at each premises, - HkiHii•"'ed and not exceeding one square foot for each room or suite occupied as a unit; . : ;,, ;:::::..81gn..iIILmination, where allowed shalI.bz. indirect and.shall u6lize.focused light that do::not a1Io« hIli or glare to shine abose:.the horizontal plane of the top of hh� sio i any pubic right -oT way or adjoining property. Indirect glare shall not. exceed that Val . d . e s produced by tllum nation..6 the reflecttna?sWft cenet to:exceed l0 luxes measured 'from the sign : No internally illumirated stgr>s::shaII:.liz allowed eecept as provide tor.ir 7F1lIVFfi1GEiVLL.IC.YG1S dULFIVJ,1LCtt: UY:JCGLlV[t ... .}3V IW17.: 15.40.160 General standards The following standards apply to signs located in all zone districts: A. Shopping Center Identification Signs: With architectural review commission approval, in addition to the signs permitted for individual tenants or businesses, shopping centers may have one identification sign per frontage (or freeway exposure) not to exceed twenty -five feet in height or seventy -two square feet in area. Such shopping center signs shall not be included in the dimensional or area calculations for individual tenants or businesses. B. Yards: Except as provided in this chapter, no signs shall be allowed within the required yard area. Traffic directional signs and identification signs not exceeding three feet in height may be placed in the required yard area. C. Illuminated Signs: Lighting for exterior illuminated signs shall be so arranged that it does not create a #ass .hazardous glare for pedestrians or vehicles either in a public street or on an}, private premises. Each sign shall be designed so that illumination does not exceed left eafidlepe ef: one'hundred luxes at a distance ten feet from the sign. --.. _�._._t._ .. _. D. Freestanding and Monument Signs: Monument signs may be used where freestanding signs are permitted by the provisions of this chapter. Such monument signs shall have the same area limitations as freestanding signs but shall not exceed one -third the height of allowed freestanding signs. Monument signs shall not be placed so as to obstruct visibility necessary for safe vehicular and pedestrian circulation, but may be placed in required street yard and /or setback areas. E. Projecting and Suspended Signs: Projecting signs, including marquee signs and suspended signs, shall conform to the following requirements: 1. The minimum clearance between the lowest point of a sign and the grade immediately below shall be eight feet. 2. The minimum horizontal clear: rice between a sign and the curb lire shall be two teet; the maximum projection over a public sidewalk shall be two- thirds the width of the sidewalk or six feet, whichever is less. 3. The top of a projecting sign shall not exceed the height of the face of the building by which it is supported. F. Wall Signs: The distance between the highest point of a wall sign and the grade immediately below shall not exceed twenty -five feet. 15:40.180 Abatement or conformance required when. E xcept as provided mertton 15 '4a I4 .signs which do not conform to the provisions of this chapter, but which lawfully existed and were maintained prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified herein, shall be removed or made to conform within sixty days after written notice by the department of community development, when: A. The use of the premises changes and the exterior of the building or other site conditions are to be altered; or B. A sign is damaged by any cause resulting in replacement or repair cost equal to or greater than one -half of its replacement value at the time the damage occurs; or C. In accordance with the amortization schedule outlined in Section 15.40.190. # -/5 city of San lws OBISpo INITIAL STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT L _ SITE LOCATION C• L• W e APPLICATION NO. 3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION mj r; _�S li/�n "� l..y.,c UFf•e. ����Jer,•..��`3 r:a�S APPLICANT •� Of x.� J• S D� • S 0 0 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Y NEGATIVE DECLARATION MITIGATION INCLUDED EXPANDED INITIAL STUDY REQUIRED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT REQUIRED PREPARED BY r. (� �. % w e OC4 0^ * DATE ^DLI / 19 I5 3 COMMUNITY DE1ELOPMENT DIRECTOR ACTT N:^� Q DATE���Ig3 SUMMARY OF INITIAL STUDY FINDINGS I. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 11. POTENTIAL IMPACT REVIEW POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS A. COMMUNITY PLANS AND GOALS .................... ............................... None B. POPULATION DISTRIBUTION AND GROWTH ............ ............................... A/dn e C. LAND USE ........................................ ............................... Ala n c D. TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION ............... ............................... NOn < E. PUBLICSERVIC£S ................................. ............................... /Vdnr F. UTILITIES ............................. Me e G. NOISE LEVELS .................................... ............................... H. GEOLOGIC & SEISMIC HAZARDS & TOPOGRAPHIC MODIFICATIONS .................... ,I /o+l r I. AIR QUALITY AND WIND CONDITIONS ................ ............................... /v6A P J. SURFACE WATER FLOW AND QUALITY ........ ............................... ...... NQ n r K. PLANT LIFE ................................. .............................., ...... LANIMAL LIFE ...................................... ........................i...... N�nr M. ARCHAEOLOGICAL/HISTORICAL .................... ............................... r 0// e N. AESTHETIC ....................................... ............................... / AV 6AC 7� O. ENERGYlRESOURCE USE ........................... ............................... wool e P. OTHER ........................................... ............................... NO It C 111. STAFF RECOMMENDATION SEE ATTACHED REPORT y -/6 Environmental Review - ER 61 -93 April 20, 1993 Page 2 I. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING The project involves a minor amendment to the City's sign ordinance regulating in illumination within the City's office (0) zoning district. The sign ordinance currently prohibits "direct" (interior) illumination for wall signs within the 0 zone. There is presently no illumination restriction however relating to freestanding signs. The draft amendment proposes to treat illumination of freestanding and wall signs in a. similar fashion. This amendment will affect signs within the office (0) zones City wide. No specific areas will be targeted by the new changes. II. POTENTIAL IMPACT REVIEW A. Community Plans and Goals As stated above, the amendment will apply to all O zones City wide. The changes are being proposed in order to meet the purposes of the City's sign and zoning regulations. Specifically, the amendments will provide controls for sign illumination within the 0 zones. Since O districts are often located -in transition between residential and commercial neighborhoods, the sign regulations need to be sensitive to the mixture of residential and commercial uses in the area. For this reason, the sign regulations currently restrict "direct" illumination of wall signs in the 0 zones. The proposed amendment will provide a similar restriction to freestanding signs. It is important to note that other ordinance options exist that will accomplish the same or similar goals. These options include restriction of all sign illumination (both direct and indirect) in the O zones or providing illumination in the O zones with Architectural Review Commission or Administrative Hearing Officer review. These alternatives are also consistent with the purposes of the sign and zoning regulations in that they protect adjoining land uses from potential light and glare impacts. SIGNIFICANCE: The proposed amendment will further the goals of the City and will therefore not be considered significant. N. AESTHETIC The proposed amendment will provide illumination controls within the City's office (0) zoning districts. The current sign regulations allow for direct illumination of freestanding signs in Environmental Review - ER 61 -93 April 20, 1993 Page 3 the O zones. office zones typically contain a mixture of residential and office uses. In addition, O zones typically buffer Therefore, some residential and commercial neighborhoods. thin the O zones may b additional illumination controls wielminating ..direct e desired. Options under consideration include illumination) or eliminating illumination" (i.e. interior illumination altogether (i.e. "direct and indirect "). The recommended text language eliminates direct illumination of th freestanding signs. s re restriction that presently existsli l n theO zones for wa111signse Indirect illumination would ialadwellings. but is considered less obtrusive for nearby esident l SIGNIFICANCE: The proposed modifications sinificant impacts sign illumination will not result in potentially g ,s office (o) residential properties in or adjacent to the City zoning districts. III. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that a negative declaration be approved for the proposed sign ordinance amendment. /8