HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/06/1993, 1 - APPEAL OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION ACTION TO ALLOW AN EXCEPTION TO THE SIGN REGULATIONS FOR MEETIN-�DATE
��iINNI�II�HIIIIIII�uINNIIIIIIIII City of San LUIS OBISPO 7
_ COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITEM NUMBER: /
FROM: Arnold Jonas, Community Development Director o
PREPARED BY: Greg Smith, Associate Planneqoj�
SUBJECT: Appeal of Architectural Review Commission action to allow an exception to the sign
regulations for a monument sign for an office located on the southwest side of Broad
Street, between Pismo and Pacific Streets.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the attached resolution denying the appeal, and upholding the action of the ARC to approve
an exception to the Sign Regulations.
DISCUSSION:
Background
On March 1, 1993, the ARC approved an exception to the Sign Regulations, allowing a four-foot
height for a monument sign where a maximum height of three feet is normally allowed. A
neighborhood resident has appealed the Commissions decision.
Data Summary
Address: 1335 Broad Street
Applicant: Paul Buschur
Representative: Gary Foster
Appellant: William Marquardt
Zoning: 0
General Plan: Office
Environmental Status: Categorically exempt.
Project Action Deadline: Not applicable to appeals.
Site Description
The site is developed with an office building and a parking lot. The office building was made by
remodeling two older, wood frame houses.
EVALUATION:
Staff has summarized the issues relevant to the Council's review in the following sections:
ARC 21-93
Page 2
1. Original Application and Ordinance Standards. The applicant proposed a sign with an overall
height of five feet, two inches, and an area of 31.5 square feet, including a decorative framework.
The sign would be internally illuminated.
The following standards apply for the Office zone:
1. Height Regulations. Sign regulations for the Office zone allow a Moot height for monument
signs, and an 8-foot height for freestanding signs which are set back at least 15 feet.
2. Area Regulations. Sign regulations allow one freestanding or monument sign at each
premises, not to exceed 24 square feet in area. Note that the sign area is defined as the
rectangle including the sign face and the non-structural elements of.the sign structure.
3. Setback Requirements. Monument signs may be located within the street setback area; this
is normally 15 feet in the office zone, and the proposed sign would be set back 2 feet from the
existing right.of way.
Exceptions to these standards may.be approved if the ARC determines that there are exceptional
circumstances which justify such a request (Section 15.40.080, attached).
3. Commission Action. The ARC allowed an overall height of 4 feet, but denied the request to the
area limit, and required the decorative trim to be deleted. The approved sign would be an interior-
illuminated sign with a simple sheet metal frame, and an area of not more than 24 square feet.
The Commission's action was based on findings that exceptional circumstances exist which justify
the height exception, specifically the existence of a mature hedge at the normal 15-foot setback line,
and the existence of a nonconforming sign on the adjoining property.
4. Basis.for Appeal. The appellant believes that a the approved lighted sign would be incompatible
with the neighborhood. The brief letter of appeal does not state why the sign is judged to be
incompatible, nor upon the resolution desired - denial vs. conditional approval of sign exceptions.
The sign regulations for the Office zone specifically prohibit interior illumination for wall signs and
directory signs. No such prohibition is included in the paragraph referring to standards for
freestanding and monument signs in the Office zone, however, and staff is unable to find any record
of specific policy direction on the issue from the ARC or Council.
5. Existing Signs. Two existing monument signs at the site have been erected without permits, and
are to be removed.
The existing monument sign at the office next door to the site (1345 Broad) does not comply with
the Sign Regulations. It was erected with a permit which was approved by mistake.
The interior-illuminated sign at the east corner of Broad and Pacific Streets (1308 Pacific) was
erected with a permit approved by staff in 1989, as an ARC Minor and Incidental application.
6. Sight Distance. The Sign Regulations state that "Monument signs shall not be placed so as to
ARC 21-93
Page 3
obstruct visibility necessary for We vehicular and pedestrian circulation". Although the two-foot
setback proposed for the sign provides adequate sight distance if vehicles stop at the back of
sidewalk, a setback of four feet would provide additional time to react to pedestrians Approaching
from the southeast.
ALTERNATIVES
The council may uphold the appeal. If the appeal is upheld, the exception may be denied, or
approved subject to alternate conditions.
RECONEMENDATION
Staff recommends the council adopt the attached draft resolution denying the appeal, and upholding
the action of the ARC to approve an exception to the Sign Regulations, and allowing a monument
sign with a height of 4 feet where a maximum height of 3 feet is normally allowed.
Attachments: Draft Resolutions for approval, denial
Vicinity Map
Site Plan
Sign Plan
ARC Draft Minutes - 3/1/93
gtsL:AR2193CC.REP
RESOLUTION NO. (1993 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
DENYING AN APPEAL OF THE ACTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
COMMISSION TO APPROVE AN EXCEPTION TO SIGN REGULATIONS
FOR A MONUMENT SIGN AT 1335 BROAD STREET (ARC 21-93)
WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission conducted
a public hearing on a request to approve an exception to sign
regulations for a monument sign at 1335 Broad Street (ARC 21-93)
on March 1, 1993, and determined- to approve an exception to the
maximum height normally allowed; and
WHEREAS, the action of the Architectural Review
Commission has been appealed to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City council has conducted a public
hearing to consider the appeal on April 6, 1993; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the testimony �.
and statements of the appellant and applicant,. and other
interested parties, and the records of the Architectural Review
Commission hearing and action, and the evaluation and
recommendation of staff;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council resolves to deny the
appeal, and uphold the action of the Commission to approve a
four-foot high monument sign where a three-foot maximum height is
normally allowed, based on the following finding as adopted by
the Commission:
SECTION 1. Finding.
1. There are exceptional circumstances which apply to the site
which justify an exception to the height regulations,
specifically the existence of a mature hedge on the property
and the existence of a taller monument sign on the adjacent
property.
Resolution No. (1991 Series)
r�J} ARC 88-115
Page 2
On motion of
seconded by _ , and on the
following roll call voter
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this _ day
of , 1993.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED:
ity Adminiftrat6ve Off 'der
to ney
'�Co unity Development Director
„�HO[d/SIG”
RESOLUTION NO. (1993 Series)
l
A RESOLUTION. OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
UPHOLDING AN APPEAL OF THE ACTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
COMMISSION TO APPROVE AN EXCEPTION TO SIGN REGULATIONS
FOR A MONUMENT SIGN AT 1335 BROAD STREET (ARC 21-93)
WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission conducted
a public hearing on a request to approve an exception to sign
regulations for a monument sign at 1335 Broad Street (ARC 21-93)
on March 1, 1993, and determined,to approve an exception to the
maximum height normally allowed; and
WHEREAS, the action of the Architectural Review
Commission has been appealed to the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City council has conducted a public
hearing to consider the appeal on April 6, 1993 ; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the testimony
i
and statements of the appellant and applicant, and other
interested parties, and the records of the Architectural Review
Commission hearing and action, and the evaluation and
recommendation of staff;
NOW, THEREFORE, the council resolves to uphold the
appeal and deny the exception to the maximum height. limit, based
on the following findings:
SECTION 1. Findings.
1. There are no exceptional circumstances which apply to the
site which would justify an exception to the height
regulations.
2. The design of the proposed sign, specifically the internal
illumination, is inconsistent with the architectural style
of the existing building onthe site, and with the existing
and desired character of the neighborhood.
i
Resolution No. (1991 Series)
ARC 88-115
Page 2
On motion of
seconded by , and on the ,
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day
of , 1993.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED:
City A inist ative Office
tto ney
Community Dev lopment Director
��7
ib'
�•�'l JV \w`M�,�p JIIIr�. i'J 7 rM
• � \ iCpl cs ,- �� a;, .1� J r ���E .. �
i�r,.0 I p
:� ' � %Fr7Q7 SS C � ~J~ Z,'�i / a.S ■GAJ$ \`y
44
a
21,
IQ �\ /
0
ffl`� w40�'
� w r
� �J� "reg+s:•� � /� ti
QCt ' T� O
.; � aF it
IL
Irk-
R� 2
j 3 p� y
® 10'i ti /
S y%
\IL` Je-
O
Ck
tag
PF� H
—�I V
f
r�
iCMOOL r�jr .4b
\ !
tM-H /D• '�O �J
t+o%-a$
00r-92
ol
S
➢s�, c~ lot 1h O
o r O
V
'. '� � •r\"lad 9'n ��, .tom /L1 ,�f
a ty of sAn luis oBispo
990 Palm Street/Post Office Bon 8100 a San Luis Obispo.CA 93403-8100
APPEAL TO CITY COUNCIL
In accordance with the appeals procedure as authorized by TWO I, Chapter 1.20 of the San Luis Obispo
Municipal Code.the undersigned herebyappealsfromthedecisionof
rendered on which decision consisted of the following (Le. set forth factual
situation and the grounds for submitting this appeal. Use additional sheets as needed):
The undersigned discussed the.declslon being appealed with:
on
DATE&TIME APPEAL RECEIVED: Appellant
Gni c-c K^ /V1,44- Q v h
Name[nde
RECEIVE ® RepresentaWe
/y3 /jroa.� - S
OR 1 1 1993 Address
CITY CLERK S c-1 c/ f / yI/
SAN LUIS OBIBPO.CA' Phone
Odginal to City Clerk
nomey
Calendared for. n �/ ' Copy to Administradve Officer
Copy to the-IcHowing department(s):
(p0.00
IM TIT
S �
G �
I I
0
o - _
I
e
I �
- I z
— I
s 1
m
�A \
l
a
F� N 33S m
N _
fi
L a
NO
i .
�.F 1
"s
• r
z
1/ 1'
f
I
F
m � u
a
' - HT1 `.,:..�•`.-... ._" L� �\�/ � 1
m
at
ARC Minutes
March 1, 1993
Page 7
AYES: Cooper, Combrink, Sievertson, Homer, Illingworth
NOES: Underwood
ABSENT: Gates
The motion passed..
SIGN:
4. ARC 21-93: 1335 Broad Street: A request to approve an exception to the Sign
Regulations to allow an illuminated monument sign for Century 21 Realty; O
zone; Paul Buschur, applicant.
Commr. Sievertson stepped down due to a conflict of interest.
Greg Smith, Associate Planner, presented the staff report, recommending the
commission deny the requested exceptions.
Paul Buschur, applicant, responded to the staff report and indicated that the buildings
are setback from the street. He indicated that the proposed location fits the landscaping
and would not be a safety problem. He noted that no additional monument signage is
proposed for other tenants.
Commr. Combrink indicated he wanted to continue consideration of the project for a
solution. His concern centered on the sign next door. He suggested using the building
colors for the frame. He could support a 3-foot height plus the framing.
Commr. Illingworth felt the frame design was inconsistent with the building. He was
leery of granting an exception.
Commr. Cooper noted the Old Town Neighborhood context of the area and the
cumulative impact of numerous signs.
Chairman Underwood indicated that he could support a 4-foot height based on the
findings of the existing landscaping, the sign on the adjacent property, and the frame
materials to correspond to the existing building.
ARC Minutes
March 1, 1993
Page 8
Commr. Cooper moved to grant a.minor exception to the Sign Regulations allowing a
sign for Century 21 Realty based on the finding that exceptional circumstances warrant
the exception including the existence of a sign within the landscaped area and the
presence of a non-conforming sign on the adjacent property and approved the monument
sign, with a 4-foot height, where 3-feet maximum is normally allowed.
Commr. Combrink seconded the motion.
AYES: Cooper, Combrink, Homer, Illingworth, Underwood
NOES: None
ABSENT: Gates, Sievertson
The motion passed.
Commr. Sievertson returned to the meeting.
i
MINUTES
The minutes of February 1, 1993, were approved as written.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. to a regular meeting of the Architectural Review ,
Commission scheduled for March 15, 1993, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room
(Room 9) of City Hall, 990 Palm Street.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg Smith
Recording Secretary
WIZCOM PRODUCTIONS TEL NO .805 549-8421 Rpr 06 ,93 12 : 14 P .01
I
A STING q�AGENDA
April 6, 1993
_ITEM #-�-__
Attention: Peg Pinard
Penny Rappa
Bill Roalman
Allan Settle
Dave Romero
Dear Mayor Pinard,
I am writing to you and the City Council members to express my concern over the approved 4'high
illuminated monument sign to be placed at the corner of Broad and Pismo Streets. My husband and I
had planned to attend the council meeting tonight however we were called out of towtt. I felt it was
important to tell you my views in this faxed letter.
We live at the corner of Broad and Buchon Streets in a wonderful Victorian home. We are proud to
be a part of the Old Town section of San Luis Obispo. We, and all of our neighbors meticulously care
for and maintain our historic residences.
Placing alarge, illuminated sign at the Century 21 Realty location would greatly reduce the charm and
character of the Old Town neighborhood. ]'he architecture of the Century 21 Realty property is
designed in a Victorian style. The property is also nicely landscaped. As a business location it blends in.
with the homes near by. 1 feel that placing an over-sized, glowing commercial sign there would not be
appropriate for that site nor the surrounding neighborhood,
Please consider an appeal of this sign. We do not.need this exception to the sign regulations. Let us
uphold and maintain the wonderful charm of Old Town and keep the billboards off our streets.
CS1PiM TO:
❑-D--notes Aclon ❑ FYI
1 ,Camdl Z CDDDTR.
Sincerely, U CAO ❑ F 9.DIP.
Z ACAO O FIRE L- Ell
ATTi, \TLY ❑ FW DIR.
❑ POLICE CN
❑ KGPTT.T's9 C_] RECDIR.
G d Jane Nichols E-3-C-F.EAD FIT�E7 I,TIL 0IR
ary S1`� =� ❑
14 Broad Street
an Luis Obispo, CA 93401