HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/04/2003, COMM 1 - OUTDOOR ADVERTISING I
MEEi,,rG AGENDA
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DATITEM # �
Commnnication
March 4, 2003
To: Co�6
From: Ken Sohi*reaticommissioner
Copies: Ken Haorge, John Mandeville, Gil Tmj�illo,and
Park& Debbie Black
Re: Outdoor Advertising
The February 14th issue ofthe.League of California.Cities'bior_ity Focazs comains an
article(attached)that,for me, contains very welcome news.
Caltrans will no longer issue permits for outdoor advertising(signs)without written proof
of consent firom local jurisdictions. In short,for those sections of interstate and primary
highways within San Luis Obispo City,we will now have a strong voice in the sign
permitting process. The article implied that the County of San Luis Obispo might have
an equally strong voice in the permitting of signs in unincorporated areas provided the
County were to adopt standards different from those administered by Caltrans.
For the first time in my memory,it appears that we may be able to exert some control
over the appearance of the gateways to our city 101, 1, 227 as well as those sections
of those roadways that lay within the City. While I recognize that SB 1480 probably has
no retroactive clauses,we may, over time,be able to eliminate the old"billboard alleys"
that diminish the attractiveness of our natural landscapes.
Consequently, I recommend that the Council direct staff to study SB 1480 as amended
and to return to the Council at an early date with recommendations as to how these new
changes can be integrated into our ordinances and policies in order to maximize the
City's ability to reduce highwaysigning chafersa
and to inre that those signs that we
would be wig to permit are of the best design quality.
In addition, I would request that(1)our planning and legal staff alert our Planning
Commissioners and our Architectural Review Commissioners of these new
developments;and(2)our administrative staff suggest how we might best work with the
County to solicit the Board of Supervisors' cooperation with regard to better sign control,
if not for the entire County,then at least for the approaches to the City of San Luis
Obispo.
If any of you are planning an auto trip to Oregon in the near future,please be alert to how
well that progressive State handles its highway signs- simple, direct, consistent and
efficient in reducing sign clutter and preserving the viewscape.
CDrnm i