HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-28-2015 CHC Item 1 (ARCH-1540-2015 1940 & 1960 Santa Barbara)Meeting Date: September 28, 2015
Item Number: # 1
CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: Review of a pole sign and three new signs on an existing one-story master list historic
structure in the Railroad District.
PROJECT ADDRESS: 1940 & 1960 Santa Barbara BY: Januar Saptono, Planning Technician
FILE NUMBER: ARCH-1540-2015 FROM: Brian Leveille, Senior Planner
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION
Recommend the Community Development Director approve the project based on findings, and subject
to conditions.
SITE DATA
Applicant SLO Railroad Museum
Historic Status Master List
Submittal Date June 17, 2015
Complete Date September 22, 2015
Zoning PF-H (Public Facility with
Historic Overlay)
General Plan Public (Government facilities)
Site Area 2.9 acres (125,280 square feet)
Environmental
Status
Categorically Exempt from
environmental review under
Section 15301 of the CEQA
Guidelines (Class 1, Existing
Facility)
SUMMARY
The applicant proposes to construct a pole sign and place three new signs on an existing Master List
historic structure in the Railroad Historic District. The project requires review by the Cultural
Heritage Committee since the signs are proposed on a Master List Historic Resource with minor
exceptions from the Sign Regulations. The project evaluation should focus on the project ’s
conformance with the Historic Preservation Program and Railroad District Plan Guidelines.
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PROJECT INFORMATION
Site Information/Setting
Railroad Historic District
The subject property is within the Railroad Historic District and located between Osos Street and
High Street adjacent to Union Pacific Railroad. The subject property is approximately 2.88 acres in
size (125,280 square feet), is developed with the Historic Railroad Warehouse Building which
houses the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum and long term parking spaces to serve rail travelers.
Uses adjacent to the site include residential, general store, vehicle services, restaurant and offices.
Southern Pacific Freight Warehouse
Built around 1895, this warehouse is believed to be one of the oldest existing railroad structures in
San Luis Obispo County. This 50 foot by 100 foot building was once a primary freight loading
point for both the Pacific Coast and Southern Pacific Railroads, linking San Luis Obispo with other
towns in the County, State and Nation1. Architectural elements of the warehouse include large 6
over 6 windows and gable roof that are supported by knee brackets. Exterior materials include
wood siding, and a truncated gable roof with corrugated metal. The property was added to the
Master List historic properties list in 1983 (Attachment 3, Historic Resources Inventory). The
structure is described in the historic resource inventory as a warehouse/factory. Renovation to
convert the warehouse to a Railroad museum began in 2004 and was completed in 2014.
Figure 1: The freight warehouse front façade, 2015 Figure 2: The freight warehouse front façade, 1998
Project Description
The applicant proposes to construct a pole sign and three new signs on the existing Master List
historic structure. The applicant, SLO Railroad Museum, has requested the new signs in order to
enhance the visibility of the historic warehouse building. The proposal includes exceptions to the
Sign Regulations to allow a pole sign which, at 20 feet, exceeds the standard height limitation of 16
feet, and four total signs (including pole sign) where only two signs are allowed in the PF-H zone.
1 Railroad district plan, historic resources: Southern pacific freight warehouse.
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These proposed signs require review to ensure that the exceptions and the proposed signs will be
compatible with the Railroad District.
Project components are summarized below:
Pole sign: The proposed pole sign is approximately 20 feet high. The sign is to be located on
the planter area on the western part of the property. The sign consists of non-operable train
crossing signal, 2-sided non illuminated museum logo identical with the proposed wall sign
and neon “open” sign. The sign structure/base is made from metal and is to be painted Union
Pacific Silver. There will be no illumination proposed for the sign except neon “open” sign
that is only illuminated when the museum is open (Attachment 4, project plans, pgs. 1).
Wall sign: The proposed wall sign is approximately 4’-8” in diameter with a total area of 29
square feet. This circular sign is wrapped in yellow band to complement the color of the
existing structure and train locomotive character from the 1800s to represent the historic part
of the railroad. Colors also include red, white, blue and black. The sign is proposed to be
located on the North facade of the structure (Attachment 4, project plans, pgs. 2 & sheet 3,
site plan).
Eyebrow sign: One 13” tall eyebrow sign is proposed along the southern side of the
structure. The sign has a total area of 12 square feet and would contain the name of the
museum. Graphically, the sign consists of yellow background, black lettering and red border
(Attachment 4, project plans, pgs. 2).
Hanging sign: One entrance sign is proposed to place on the eastern part of the structure
above the main entrance of the museum. This rectangle sign is approximately 1’ by 3’ with a
total area of 3 square feet. The color and lettering of the sign are similar to the proposed
eyebrow sign (Attachment 4, project plans, pgs. 2).
EVALUATION
The CHC’s role is to review the project in terms of its consistency with the Historic Preservation
Guidelines and Railroad District Plan.
Historic Preservation Guidelines
Section 3.4.4 of the Historic Preservation Guidelines: Exterior changes to historically-listed
buildings or resources should not introduce new or conflicting architectural elements and should
be architecturally compatible with the original and/or prevailing architectural character of the
building, its setting and architectural context. Additions to historic buildings shall comply with
the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards to complement and be consistent with the original style
of the structure. Building materials used to replicate character-defining features shall be
consistent with the original materials in terms of size, shape, quality and appearance. However,
original materials are not required.
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Railroad District plan
Architectural Guidelines- Signs and awnings
1. Signage should generally be non-illuminated. Spot lighting should be used where lighting is
needed.
2. Signs should either be monument type, or painted or applied individual letters directly on
building walls.
3. The City will consider exceptions to Sign Regulations to encourage historic sign designs and
placement.
4. Signs within the Railroad right-of-way should be simple, clearly legible, and reflect historical
railroad graphic standards and colors2
Staff Analysis: The proposed signs include features designed to be compatible and in keeping with
the theme of the Historic Southern Pacific Warehouse Building and close proximity of the rail lines.
Additionally the location of the pole sign will not obstruct the view of the Master List property
because the warehouse has minimal visibility from Santa Barbara Avenue and the overall scale of
the signage face itself is substantially below what can be approved with a pole sign approval
(approx. 50 sq. ft. proposed vs. up to 72 sq. ft. maximum allowed by the Sign Regulations).
Typically the Sign Regulations discourage signs that are placed on roof features and not placed flat
on the wall, however, this sign location is not uncommon for this architectural style of building, and
is appropriate on railroad depot style buildings (Figures 3 & 4, below). Similar sign placement is
also seen on depot structures such as in the Paso Robles and Oceano depots. The proposed sign will
not alter the historically-listed structure because it is compatible with the historical context. Lastly,
the hanging sign located on top of the main entrance of the museum is considered miscellaneous
small sign and typically exempt from the City of San Luis Obispo sign regulations.
As described above the proposed signs comply with the historic preservation guidelines and
Railroad District Plan because they are simple, and reflect historical railroad graphic standards and
colors. The signs do not conflict with the existing architectural character of the historic building
and property. The sign designs and details are consistent with the historical railroad warehouse
building, the Railroad Museum use, and are complementary with the architectural Guidelines of the
District which encourage a “Railroad Vernacular” style.
2 Railroad District Plan Architectural Guidelines, Signs and Awnings, Page 79
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Figure 3: S.P.R.R.Tanks, Oceano Figure 4: S.P.Depot, Paso Robles
The CHC recommendation will inform the Community Development Director regarding
compatibility of the proposed project with the existing Master list and the Railroad District. The
Community Development Director will incorporate this recommendation into review of the project
for compliance with the City of San Luis Obispo sign regulations.
RECOMMENDATION
Support the location and the proposed signs per submittal based on findings in the attached draft
resolution.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Continue the item with direction to the applicant and staff on pertinent issues.
2. Deny the project. An action denying the application should include findings that cite the basis
for denial and should reference inconsistency with the Historic Preservation Program Guidelines
or Secretary of the Interior Standards.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Resolution
2. Vicinity Map
3. Historic Resources Inventory
4. Project Plans
CHC 1-5
CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE
RESOLUTION NO. XXXX-12
A RESOLUTION OF THE SAN LUIS OBISPO CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF SIGNS BY THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIRECTOR FOR THE SAN LUIS OBISPO RAILROAD MUSEUM
ARCH-1540-2015
WHEREAS, the Cultural Heritage Committee of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted
public hearings in the Council Hearing Room of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo,
California on September 28, 2015, for the purpose of considering the signs for San Luis Obispo
Railroad Museum; and
WHEREAS, notices of said public hearings were made at the time and in the manner
required by law; and
WHEREAS, the Cultural Heritage Committee has duly considered all evidence, including
the testimony of the applicants, interested parties, and the evaluation and recommendations by
staff, presented at said hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Cultural Heritage Committee of the
City of San Luis Obispo as follows:
Section 1. Findings. Based upon all the evidence, the Cultural Heritage Committee makes the
following findings:
1. The proposed signs on the Master List Historic Southern Pacific Freight Warehouse
property which includes a pole sign and three new signs mounted on the building is
consistent with the Historic Preservation Guidelines, since the signs do not conflict with
the existing architectural character of the historic building and property.
2. The proposed signs on the Master List Historic Southern Pacific Freight Warehouse
property which includes a pole sign and three new signs mounted on the building are
consistent with sign guidelines in the Railroad District Plan, since the signs are generally
non-illuminated, a simple style, and reflect railroad graphic standards and colors.
3. The proposed pole signs will enhance the community’s understanding and recognition of
the City’s Historic Master List property as well as the City’s Historic Preservation
Program.
Section 2. Environmental Review. The project is categorically exempt under Class 1, Existing
Facilities, (Section 15301) of CEQA Guidelines, since the proposed signs involve negligible or no
expansion of an existing use, and will result in minor alterations to existing facilities.
Section 3. Action. The Cultural Heritage Committee hereby recommends approval of
application ARCH-1540-2015, subject to the following conditions:
Conditions:
1. Final project design and construction drawings submitted for a building permit shall be in
Attachment 1
CHC 1-6
Resolution No. XXXX-15
ARCH-1540-2015 (1940 Santa Barbara St.)
Page 2
substantial compliance with the project plans as approved by the Community
Development Director. A separate, full-size sheet shall be included in working drawings
submitted for a building permit that lists all conditions and code requirements of project
approval as Sheet No. 2. Reference should be made in the margin of listed items as to
where in plans requirements are addressed. Any change to approved design, colors,
materials, or other conditions of approval must be approved by the Director or
Architectural Review Commission, as deemed appropriate.
2. The pole sign shall be located in line with pedestrian lighting in the planter area on the
western part of the property.
3. No sign shall be illuminated except the neon “open” sign only when the museum is open.
On motion by Committee Member , seconded by Committee Member , and
on the following roll call vote
AYES:
NOES:
REFRAIN:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this 28th day of September, 2015.
Brian Leveille, Secretary
Cultural Heritage Committee
Attachment 1
CHC 1-7
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VICINITY MAP ARCH-1540-2015
1940 & 1960 SANTA BARBARA ST.¯
Attachment 2
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Attachment 3
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Attachment 3
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Attachment 3
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Attachment 3
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Vicinity Map
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Historic semifore signal
and base structure
(non-operable)
Historic metal control
boxes and supports painted
Union Pacific Silver
2-sided, non-
illuminated, digitally
printed museum logo
(19 sq. ft.)
Neon “OPEN” sign
(Illuminated only
when open, 2.5 sq. ft.)
Project
location
Existing
parking area
Sign Primary Identification
Scale: 1/4"= 1'-0"
OPEN
A
ALL IDEAS, DESIGNS, ARRANGEMENTS, AND PLANS INDICATED OR
REPRESENTED BY THIS DRAWING ARE OWNED BY AND THE
PROPERTY OF PIERRE RADEMAKER DESIGN, AND WERE CREATED,
EVOLVED, AND DEVELOPED FOR USE ON AND IN CONNECTION WITH
THE SPECIFIED PROJECT. NONE OF SUCH IDEAS, DESIGNS,
ARRANGEMENTS OR PLANS SHALL BE USED BY OR DISCLOSED TO
ANY PERSON, FIRM OR CORPORATION FOR ANY PURPOSE WHATSO-
EVER WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF PIERRE RADEMAKER
DESIGN. WRITTEN DIMENSIONS ON THESE DRAWINGS SHALL HAVE
PRECEDENCE OVER SCALED DIMENSIONS. CONTRACTORS SHALL
VERIFY AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL DIMENSIONS AND
CONDITIONS ON THE JOB, AND THIS OFFICE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF
ANY VARIATIONS FROM THE DIMENSIONS AND CONDITIONS SHOWN
BY THESE DRAWINGS. SHOP DETAILS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE
OFFICE FOR APPROVAL BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FABRICATION.
San Luis Obispo
Railroad Museum
P.O.Box 13260
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
Sign A Elevation
PR/DS
PR
02-24-15
07-30-15
Exterior Signage
SLR-1401
1 3
1041 CHORRO STREET, SUITE 230SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 93401rademakerdesign.com
TELEPHONE: 805/544-7774
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Sign Details
Scale: 1/2"= 1'-0"
Sign Under-Canopy Entrance Sign
Scale: 1/4"= 1'-0"
Non-illuminated
full-color
museum logo
Sign South Elevation
Scale: 3/16"= 1'-0"
C
C
D
D
B
BSign North Elevation
Scale: 3/16"= 1'-0"
3'-0''
Sign area:
3 sq. ft.
Sign area:
29 sq. ft.
Sign area:
12 sq. ft.
4'-8''
11'-0''
13''
Eyebrow sign
secured to canopy
Welded 3/4 sq.
metal supports
3 sq. ft. 2-sided
hanging sign
12 sq. ft. canopy sign
29 sq. ft. wall sign
(15% of wall area = 65 sq. ft. allowed)
Note: All signs constructed
with vinyl graphics on 1"
thick painted weather-
proof substrate. All edges
to be black.
1'-
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ALL IDEAS, DESIGNS, ARRANGEMENTS, AND PLANS INDICATED OR
REPRESENTED BY THIS DRAWING ARE OWNED BY AND THE
PROPERTY OF PIERRE RADEMAKER DESIGN, AND WERE CREATED,
EVOLVED, AND DEVELOPED FOR USE ON AND IN CONNECTION WITH
THE SPECIFIED PROJECT. NONE OF SUCH IDEAS, DESIGNS,
ARRANGEMENTS OR PLANS SHALL BE USED BY OR DISCLOSED TO
ANY PERSON, FIRM OR CORPORATION FOR ANY PURPOSE WHATSO-
EVER WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF PIERRE RADEMAKER
DESIGN. WRITTEN DIMENSIONS ON THESE DRAWINGS SHALL HAVE
PRECEDENCE OVER SCALED DIMENSIONS. CONTRACTORS SHALL
VERIFY AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL DIMENSIONS AND
CONDITIONS ON THE JOB, AND THIS OFFICE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF
ANY VARIATIONS FROM THE DIMENSIONS AND CONDITIONS SHOWN
BY THESE DRAWINGS. SHOP DETAILS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE
OFFICE FOR APPROVAL BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FABRICATION.
Sign B, C, and D
Elevations and Details
PR/DS
PR
02-24-15
07-30-15
Exterior Signage
SLR-1401
2 3
1041 CHORRO STREET, SUITE 230SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 93401rademakerdesign.com
TELEPHONE: 805/544-7774
San Luis Obispo
Railroad Museum
P.O.Box 13260
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
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Boardwalk
SANTA BARBARA STREET
Sign Location Site Plan
Scale: 1"= 20'-0"
Sign A
Sign
Sign
SAN LU
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P
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RAILRO
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D
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Sign
C
D
B
ALL IDEAS, DESIGNS, ARRANGEMENTS, AND PLANS INDICATED OR
REPRESENTED BY THIS DRAWING ARE OWNED BY AND THE
PROPERTY OF PIERRE RADEMAKER DESIGN, AND WERE CREATED,
EVOLVED, AND DEVELOPED FOR USE ON AND IN CONNECTION WITH
THE SPECIFIED PROJECT. NONE OF SUCH IDEAS, DESIGNS,
ARRANGEMENTS OR PLANS SHALL BE USED BY OR DISCLOSED TO
ANY PERSON, FIRM OR CORPORATION FOR ANY PURPOSE WHATSO-
EVER WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF PIERRE RADEMAKER
DESIGN. WRITTEN DIMENSIONS ON THESE DRAWINGS SHALL HAVE
PRECEDENCE OVER SCALED DIMENSIONS. CONTRACTORS SHALL
VERIFY AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL DIMENSIONS AND
CONDITIONS ON THE JOB, AND THIS OFFICE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF
ANY VARIATIONS FROM THE DIMENSIONS AND CONDITIONS SHOWN
BY THESE DRAWINGS. SHOP DETAILS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE
OFFICE FOR APPROVAL BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH FABRICATION.
Site Plan
PR/DS
PR
02-24-15
07-30-15
Exterior Signage
SLR-1401
3 3
1041 CHORRO STREET, SUITE 230SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA 93401rademakerdesign.com
TELEPHONE: 805/544-7774
San Luis Obispo
Railroad Museum
P.O.Box 13260
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
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