HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-15-2003 ARC Agenda Item 1CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT ITEM # 1
BY: Pamela Ricci, Senior Planner (781-7168) FK MEETING DATE: September 15, 2003
FROM: Ronald Whisenand, Deputy Director (Development Review
FILE NUMBER: ARC 92-03
PROJECT ADDRESS: 1772 Calle Joaquin
SUBJECT: Architectural review of a proposed flagpole in an open space area, located on Calle
Joaquin, adjacent to the KSBY property and west of Highway 101.
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a 50-foot high, illuminated flagpole placed within the developable part of the site zoned
Office with the Special Consideration Overlay zoning, based on findings, and with a condition.
BACKGROUND:
Situation
On September 2, 2003, the ARC considered the requested flagpole and continued action to a date
specific — September 15, 2003. A copy of the 9-2-03 staff report is attached (Attachment 4).
After extensive public testimony in support of the proposed flagpole, the ARC discussed the
proposed flagpole and American flag at length, focusing on three issues: flagpole location,
height, and lighting. Commissioners were generally supportive of the flagpole as proposed, but
were not sure if locating the flagpole in the C/OS-10 zone was consistent with General Plan Land
Use Element policies. A motion was made and seconded to approve the flagpole essentially as
proposed, with findings and conditions, but the motion was voted down without prejudice after a
discussion of flagpole location.
The Commission asked the applicant to consider relocating the flagpole approximately 40 feet
closer to the KSBY studio's parking Iot, within the O-S zone. The applicant indicated they would
be willing to consider such relocation, assuming there was adequate space and the property
owner consented. The Commission asked staff to verify location of property lines relative to the
C/OS-10 and O-S zone boundaries and to put the item first on the September 15, 2003 ARC
meeting agenda for final action.
EVALUATION
Given the ARC's support for the height and illumination of the proposed flagpole, the last
remaining issue is the location. A colored copy of an aerial photograph showing the portion of
the parking lot and building closest to the proposed flagpole with zone boundaries overlain is
included in the Commission's packet (Attachment 1). This exhibit shows that the flagpole could
be installed within 7-8 feet of the edge of the asphalt paving and be properly located on the O-S
,\I �
ARC 92-03 (American Legion Flagpole)
Page 2
portion of the site. As an alternative, the flagpole could also be located in the triangular -shaped
planter area between the edge of the parking lot and the building, which is also within the O-S
zoning.
At the request of the Commission, Attachment 2 includes the approval letters for KSBY's
remodel of the building and site improvements in conjunction with the relocation of the
television studio and offices to the site. These letters include findings, which cite keeping
development low profile and visually unobtrusive to blend in with the hillside location.
Attachment 3 includes three letters. One is from resident Nancy Willison, 230 Catalina, San
Luis Obispo, who suggests that the flagpole proposal should be tasteful in scale and located in
the proper zoning. The second is from Wayne King who questions why planning staff has
brought up issues with the proposed flagpole. The third is from Kristina Bennett who is
concerned that it will interfere with the natural greenbelt, block night sky vision, and possibly be
a part of "branding" the community as having a specific political belief
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a 50-foot high, illuminated flagpole placed within the developable part of the site zoned
Office with the Special Consideration Overlay (O-S) zoning, based on the following findings,
and subject to the following condition:
Findings
1. The proposed flagpole installation is consistent with Land Use Element Policy 6.2.2 A.,
which allows development on hillside location when the improvement is proposed within the
development limit line, which at this location would be within the O-S zoning.
2. As conditioned, the proposed flagpole is consistent with Land Use Element Policy 6.2.2 H.
since its illumination will be properly shielded, which will minimize the impacts of exterior
lighting.
3. As conditioned, the proposed flagpole is consistent with Section 7.2 E. of the City's
Community Design Guidelines that lighting shall be minimized and prevents any glare
visible to neighbors so that no exterior light interferes with views of the night sky and
hillside.
4. An exception to the sign regulations to allow a 50-foot flagpole where a maximum height of
35 feet would normally be allowed is appropriate here, as well as consistent with the purpose
and intent of the sign regulations, because its height and location are visually compatible
with the existing building and in character with surrounding development.
Condition
1. Details of shielding to properly direct lighting upward shall be submitted with working
drawings for a building permit to the approval of Planning staff.
ARC 92-03 (American Legion Flagpole)
Page 3
Attached:
Attachment 1: Aerial photograph clarifying flagpole location
Attachment 2: ARC 29-97 approval letters for KSBY studios
Attachment 3: Letters from Nancy Willison, Wayne King, & Kristina Bennett dated 9-3-03
Attachment 4: 9-2-03 ARC staff report with attachments
L:\Arc\92-03-2 (KSBY flagpole)
\I1-5
Attachment 2
city of sAn Luis oBispo
R 9 E231 a N
...... .... .
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
February 24, 1998
KSBY TV/6
467 Hill Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
SUBJECT: ARC 29-97: 1772 Calle Joaquin
Modification to an already approved building remodel.
Dear Applicant:
I,
The Architectural Review Commission, at its meeting of February�1998, approved the
proposed revisions with a condition that the height of the central tower be lowered two
feet to be consistent with the originally approved plans, and the original intention of the
site's rezoning, which was to assure that the remodeled building would be low profile and
blend in with the hillside location.
The decision of the Commission is final unless appealed to the City Council within ten
days of the action. The appeal period will expire on Friday, February 27, 1998 at 5:00
p.m. An appeal may be filed with the City Clerk by any person aggrieved by a decision
of the Commission.
The Architectural Review Commission's approval expires after one year if construction
has not started, unless the Commission designated a different time period. On request,
the Community Development Director may grant a single one-year extension.
If you have questions, please contact Pamela Ricci at 781-7168.
Sincerely,
Ronal hisenan
Development Review Manager
RW:mk
cc: One Media Way
PERMA A CA LTD PTP
l� The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities. `( 7
l Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7410.
city of sAn Luis oBispo
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249
April 11, 1997
KSBY TV 6
467 Hill Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
SUBJECT: ARC29-97
Dear Applicant:
1772 Calle Joaquin
The Architectural Review Commission, at its meeting of April 7, 1997, granted
final approval to the project, based on the finding that the project will improve the
quality of the building, but not be visually obtrusive, consistent with the intent of
the rezoning to O-S approved through City Council Resolution No. 1301 (1996
Series), with the following items to return to stall' for approval:
1. location and details of the required motorcycle, long-term bicycle
storage (bicycle lockers), and short-term bicycle spaces (inverted-U type
rack);
2. a final sample of the selected stone veneer;
3. enhanced landscape screening of the base of the building visible from the
freeway and of the satellite farm where feasible;
4. irrigation and landscaping choices that protect existing oak trees;
5. landscape, building, and parking lot lighting; and
6. sign details and lighting.
B. Approve the proposed project sign program allowing: two wall signs, including
an exception to maximum area standards for the freeway -oriented sign; one
freestanding sign; and an exception to the illumination standards for the Office
zone, based on the following findings, and subject to the following conditions:
Findings
The location and size of the proposed freeway -oriented sign is in scale with the
size of the building walls on which it is to be placed and helps to provide
adequate identification to the business.
2. The total square footage of signage for the proposed business is within the 100
square -foot maximum allowed in the O -S zone.
/O The City of San Luis Obispo is commilled to include the disabled in all of its services, programs and activities.
v Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (805) 781-7410.
Q
ARC 29-97
Page 2
3. The approval of the requested exceptions will not compromise the City goals
listed in the purpose of the sign regulations. No public purpose would be
served by strict compliance with the sign regulations in this case.
4. There are unique circumstances that exist at the site which warrant an exception
to the sign regulations, specifically the illumination standards for the office zone
outlined in Section 15.40.140 B. 4., because of its outlying location that is not in
close proximity to residential uses.
(,nnrlitinne
1. Total project signage shall not exceed 100 square feet.
2. Illumination levels for all proposed signs shall conform with the general
illumination standards contained in Section 15.40.160 C. of the sign regulations.
3. The freestanding sign shall conform to the standards contained in
Section15.40.140 B.I. (24 square feet maximum sign area and 8 feet in
height).
The decision of the Commission is final unless appealed to the City Council within ten
days of the action. The appeal period will expire on April 17, 1997. An appeal may be
filed with the City Clerk by any person aggrieved by a decision of the Commission.
While the City's water allocation regulations are in effect, the Architectural Review
Commission's approval expires after three years if construction has not started, unless the
Commission designated a different time period. On request, the Community Development
Director may grant a single one-year extension.
If you have questions, please contact Pamela Ricci at 781-7168,
Ronald.Whisenand
Development Review
RW:mk
cc: One Media Way
PERAM A CA LTD PTP
0
Attachment 3
3 September 2003
Architectural Review Commission
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
To the Architectural Review Commission:
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
[SEP 22003
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
I was alarmed to read about the possible location of a lighted flag placed on a space zoned for
conservation and open space. I am opposed to this idea for a couple of reasons:
1. I very much appreciate the natural beauty one sees when approaching San Luis Obispo from the
south. This is what gives our area its value.
2. There is already a large American flag flying on private property at the end of South Higuera. It is my
opinion that it is too large and disrupts the natural beauty of this area.
3. I appreciate the service of our veterans but I feel flag flying should be tasteful and in the proper zoning
areas, not an in -your -face proposition.
Please find an appropriate location for this flag that is in an area already marked by human development
and preserve our precious oopen space.
Sincerely,
lflali,�&( OC6�_AwIl
Nancy Williso
230 Catalina
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
(805)543-0325
of 1 I 9/3/03 8:26 AM
Dave Romero Mayor Slo 9.3.03
Dave
I'm astonished; I only wish my vocabulary was sufficient to explain my
disgust of your planning staff.............Why in the world is there a
discussions going on over a simple installation of an American flag:....... .
It would be interesting for the SLO citizens to know just how many staff
hours have been devoted to objecting to the installation of one of
Americas great patriotic symbols.
..........and it was testified that this has been going on for five years; what a
disgrace .......... and why do we need a general plan designation for this
desolate hill top?
It appears we (all taxpayers) have too many planners with nothing better
to do.
Dave; we simply have too much government; It's time to clean the house.
I would hope you will have the courage and conviction to send the planners
to the woodshed for the thrashing they richly deserve.
With a great deal of sincerity; I remain a fan of yours.
Wayne king
965 Airport Dr.. Slo 93401
residing in Pismo; home to the counties largest American Flag on 101
lI0N�00 �1 0016
Coot P 0 d3S
a3AGOS8
Pam Ricci - flag
Page 1 1
From: "Kristina B." <kristinabridget@hotmail.com>
To: <pricci@slocity.org>
Date: 9/8/03 11:06PM
Subject: flag
Dear Pam,
I am a concerned citizen of San Luis Obispo County writing to voice concern
about the proposed 50 foot American Legion flag. I clearly and strongly
object to this flag being raised as described in the proposal I read
(illuminated, 10x17, 50 feet high). My concerns are mainly that it will
interfere with the natural greenbelt, block night sky vision, and possibly
be a part of "branding" the community as having a specific political belief.
Thank you for listening,
Kristina Bennett
1311 Stoney Creek
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(I work in San Luis Obispo and spend many evenings there socially)
Express yourself with MSN Messenger 6.0 -- download now!
http://www.msnmessenger-download.com/tracking/reach_general
,,,k6
•
0 Attachment 4
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION AGENDA REPORT ITEM # I
PR
BY: Pam Ricci, Associate Planner (781-7168) MEETING DATE: September 2, 2003
FROM: Ronald Whisenand, Deputy Director (Development Revie
FILE NUMBER: ARC 92-03
PROJECT ADDRESS: 1772 Calle Joaquin
SUBJECT: Architectural review of a proposed flagpole in an open space area, located on Calle
Joaquin, adjacent to the KSBY property and west of Highway 101.
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a 35-foot high, non -illuminated flagpole placed within the developable part of the site
zoned Office with the Special Consideration Overlay zoning, based on findings.
BACKGROUND:
Situation
The applicant, American Legion Post 66, would like to install an exterior -illuminated, 50-foot
tall flagpole with the American flag on the south side of the project site in an open space zone,
which is visible from Highway 101.
The City's sign regulations allow flagpoles displaying the national, state, or local flags, if they
conform to required setbacks and height standards for the underlying zones where they are
proposed. In this case, there are two primary issues with the request:
The proposed 50-foot height of the flagpole exceeds the maximum allowed 35-foot
height for the Conservation Open Space (C/OS) zone.
The location of the proposed flagpole in a C/OS zone is inconsistent with General Plan
policies which attempt to strictly limit the type of structures and improvements allowed.
Because the proposed flagpole does not conform to City requirements contained in the sign
regulations, it needs to reviewed and approved by the ARC as an exception.
Data Summary
Address: 1772 Calle Joaquin
Applicant: American Legion Post No. 66
Representative: Robert P. Bryn
Property Owner: NVG — Santa Barbara LLC ETAL
Zoning: C/OS-10 (Conservation/ Open Space)
General Plan: Open Space
ARC 92-03 (American Leo Flagpole) 49
Page 2
Environmental Status: Categorically exempt under Class 11, Accessory Structures, of the CEQA
Guidelines.
Site Description
The project site is located at the top of a knoll on the west side of Highway 101. Calle Joaquin,
located to the south of Los Osos Valley Road, provides access to the site. The site is developed
with the former restaurant building, now KSBY's broadcast studios and offices, and parking lot
areas. The nearest land uses include motels and restaurants.
EVALUATION
In supporting a flagpole, the ARC must find that it is consistent with the purpose of the sign
regulations and the General Plan. The applicant has noble and patriotic intentions with the
installation of the proposed flagpole. However, as submitted, it appears that the installation
cannot be found to be consistent with the General Plan because of the site's Open Space zoning.
The following paragraphs evaluate the flagpole:
1. Proposed Location
The proposed location of the flagpole is within the open space zone, approximately 36 feet from
the edge of the KSBY parking lot. The land itself is not steeply sloping and is relatively flat and
grassy. Building a flagpole at the proposed location would not significantly disturb the natural
environment because it would not involve grading or vegetation removal.
The real issue is that the site where the flagpole is proposed is zoned Conservation/Open Space
(C/OS). In 1996, the City Council approved a rezoning of the developed part of the site from
Tourist Commercial to Office. This was done in anticipation of the impending move of KSBY
from its former location on Hill Street to the project site. This rezoning was viewed as a win -win
for the City as it removed KSBY, a long-standing nonconforming use, from a R-1 neighborhood,
and resulted in a less intensive use for this isolated and visible hillside location.
According to Figure 6 in the Land Use Element (LUE), the site is located in the Calle Joaquin
Hillside Planning area. The building on the site predated the City's Hillside Planning Program.
The LUE states that the Calle Joaquin area should allow the continuation of a commercial use for
the existing building on the hill, but no further development. This is the reason that the
remainder of the area around the developed part of the site is zoned C/OS.
In the hillside areas, the areas inappropriate for development have either been placed in a C/OS
zoning or called out in the General Plan by a specific contour elevation. In the case of the KSBY
property, the development limit line is the edge of the Office zoning. The Land Use Element
states that development, including buildings, driveways, fences and graded yard areas, shall be
within the development limit line. The only exceptions to this are for a structure necessary to
protect public health and safety, a designated wireless telecommunication facility on the South
Street Hills, or a replacement dwelling. The proposed flagpole does not fit any of these
exception categories.
\ K:1,
ARC 92-03 (American Lei Flagpole) •
Page 3
2. Flagpole Ilci ht
The proposed flagpole is 50 feet in height. According to the land use element, there is a 35 feet
maximum within an open space zone. Since the proposed flagpole is 15 feet over the maximum,
the ARC would need to grant a height exception. Given the elevation of the site, the flagpole
would appear more prominent than if it were installed on a flatter site.
3. Aesthetics
The KSBY site is highly visible from Highway 101. The proposed flagpole is 50 feet in height
and illuminated. Given the elevation and vantage of the site, the flagpole will be a prominent
fixture seen from Highway 101 and will bring more attention to the building. Although a
flagpole flying the American flag is not considered a commercial sign, the addition of a 50-foot
tall, illuminated flagpole will bring more attention to the building and site, functioning somewhat
like a sign. In addition, Land Use Element Policy 6.2.3 H. requires that lighting be minimized on
hillside sites. The applicant's proposal to illuminate the flagpole would be inconsistent with this
policy.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Deny the flagpole as proposed as being inconsistent with the Hillside Planning policies
contained in the Land Use Element of the General Plan because of its location in a C/OS
zone, 50-foor height, and fact that it is illuminated.
2. Continue the item with direction to the applicant and staff on desired changes to plans or
additional information needed for the ARC to render a decision.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve a 35-foot high (maximum allowable height in the Office zone), non -illuminated
flagpole placed within the developable part of the site zoned Office with the Special
Consideration Overlay (O-S) zoning, based on the following findings:
1. The proposed flagpole installation is consistent with Land Use Element Policy 6.2.2 A.,
which allows development on hillside location when the improvement is proposed within the
development limit line, which at this location would be within the O-S zoning.
2. The proposed flagpole is consistent with Land Use Element Policy 6.2.2 H. since it is non -
illuminated, which will minimize exterior lighting.
3. The proposed flagpole is consistent with Section 7.2 E. of the City's Community Design
Guidelines that lighting shall be minimized and prevents any glare visible to neighbors so
that no exterior light interferes with views of the night sky and hillside.
Attached: Vicinity map, Flagpole plans, and excerpts from LUE, Sign Regulations & Design
Guidelines
L:Arc\92-03 (American Legion Flagpole)
•
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SAN LUIS OBISPO POST No. 66, Inc.
A Non Profit organization
100 1 MILL S I NEE 1 • SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA m 93401
July 2, 2003
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA. 93401
Dear Sirs:
The attached application is for a civic project conducted by a non-profit Veteran's Organization, American
Legion Post 66 of San Luis Obispo.
This project is to enhance the beauty of our City of San Luis Obispo by installing a 50 foot flag pole on
the hill next to KSBY Studios.
We hereby respectfully request a waiver of the review fee for this project.
Robert P. Bryn, Past Commander
AMERICAN LEGION POST #66
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SLO General Plan
Land Use Element
6.1.2 Open Space Uses Lands designated Open Space should be used for
purposes which do not need urban services, major structures, or extensive
landform changes. Such uses include: watershed protection; wildlife and native
plant habitat; grazing; cultivated crops; and passive recreation. Buildings. I#ghting'y
paving, use of vehicles and alterations to the landforms and native Qr ttraditio al
landscapes on open space lands should be minimized so rural character and
resources are maintained. Buildings and paved surfaces, such as parking or
roads, shall not exceed the following: where a parcel smaller than ten acres
already exists, five percent of the site area; on a parcel of ten acres or more, three
percent. As explained in the Open Space Element, the characteristics of an open
space area may result in it being suitable for some open space uses, but not the
full range.
6.1.3 Open Space Land Divisions Parcels within Open Space areas should not
be further divided.
6.1.4 Interim Open Space Designation The General Plan Land Use Element
Map shows desired future uses for most land within the urban reserve line.
However, the City has not decided the best eventual use for some areas. Such
areas are designated Interim Open Space, indicating that they will be suitable for
urban development when certain conditions are satisfied. Examples of such
conditions include demonstrated need for further urban development that cannot be
satisfied on already urbanized land, provision of proper access and utility service,
and environmentally acceptable reduction of flood hazards. The Interim Open
Space designation is to be changed to an urban classification only when the
conditions necessary for development can be satisfied and a certain type of
development is approved. After further study, it may be found that permanent
Open Space is an appropriate classification for areas initially classified as Interim
Open Space.
6.1.5 Interim Open Space Uses and Parcel Sizes Uses within Interim Open
Space areas should be the same as in Open Space areas (policies 6.1.1 and
6.1.2). Interim Open Space areas should not be further subdivided until a
development plan or a specific plan is approved (pursuant to policy 1.13.3), except
to separate land to be dedicated in fee to the City, or other responsible public or
nonprofit agency, for permanent open space.
6.1.6 Eventual Uses This element identifies intended uses for each area
designated Interim Open Space. Such areas are discussed under Optional Use
and Special Design Areas, and Hillside Planning.
One area not discussed under those headings is: About 11 acres between Los Verdes
Park and San Luis Obispo Creek, which may be used for residential development if the
flood hazard is mitigated without significant harm to the creek.
w
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Land Use Element _ SLO General Plan
Mow
FIGURE 6 HILLSIDE PLANNING AREAS
City Of
san Luis oBispo
00
:--60-60060600' HILLSIDE PLANNING
:• a•••■••••° s..... a: BOUNDARIES
66 ` Ik b
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SLO General Plan
6.2 Hillside Policies
Land Use Element
6.2.0 Introduction As discussed in the open space section, San Luis Obispo
wants to keep open its steeper, higher, and most visible hillsides. Some of the
lower and less steep hillside areas, however, are seen as suitable for development,
particularly where development is coupled with permanent open space protection of
the more sensitive areas. This section focuses on where and how some hillsides
may be developed.
The City establishes comprehensive standards and policies for hillside
development for the following reasons:
A. To protect and preserve scenic hillside areas and natural features such as
the volcanic Morros, ridge lines, plant communities, rock outcroppings and
steep slope areas that function as landscape backdrops for the community.
B. To set the limits of commercial and residential development in hillside areas
by establishing a permanent open space green belt at the edge of the
community.
C_ To protect the health, safety and welfare of community residents by directing
development away from areas with hazards such as landslides, wildland
fires, flooding and erosion.
6.2.1 Development Limits Hillsides planning areas should have carefully chosen
development limit lines, and special design standards for the areas which can be
developed. The location of the development limit and the standards should cause
development to avoid encroachment into sensitive habitats or unique resources as
defined in the Open Space Element, and public health and safety problems related
to utility service, access, wildland fire hazard, erosion, flooding, and landslides and
other geologic hazards. Also, the development limit line and the standards should
help protect the City's scenic setting. (Locations of hillside planning areas are
shown in Figure 6. More precise locations of the development limit line and the
urban reserve line are shown on large-scale aerial photographs on file at the
Community Development Department; these are part of the Land Use Element.)
6.2.2 Development Standards Development —including buildings, driveways,
fences and graded yard areas— on hillside parcels shall:
A. Be entirely within the urban reserve line or development limit line, whichever
is more restrictive (though parcel boundaries may extend beyond these lines
when necessary to meet minimum parcel -size standards), unless one of the
following three exceptions applies.
67
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Land Use Element
SLO General Plan
1. A location outside the ijrban reserve line or development limit line is
necessary to protect public health and safety.
2. New wireless telecommunication facilities may be appropriate on South
Street Hills inside the three -acre leasehold already developed with
commercial and municipal radio facilities, subject to use permit approval
and architectural review and approval. Applicants shall comply with all
other provisions of this section, and demonstrate that (a) new facilities will
not individually or additively interfere with City radio equipment necessary
for emergency response coordination, and (b) will not cause on -site radio
frequency radiation levels to exceed exposure standards established for
the general public by the American National Standards Institute.
3. Where a legally built dwelling exists on a parcel which is entirely outside
the urban reserve line or development limit line, a replacement dwelling
may be constructed subject to standards B through H below.
B. Keep a low profile and conform to the natural slopes;
C. Avoid large, continuous walls or roof surfaces, or prominent foundation
walls, poles, or columns;
D. Minimize grading of roads;
E. Minimize grading on individual lots; generally, locate houses close to the
street; minimize the grading of visible driveways;
F. Include planting which is compatible with native hillside vegetation and
which provides a visual transition from developed to open areas;
G. Use materials, colors, and textures which blend with the natural landscape
and avoid high contrasts;
H. Minimize exterior lighting.
6.2.3 Parcels Crossing the Limit Lines Before development occurs on any
parcel which crosses the urban reserve or development limit lines, the part outside
the lines shall be protected as permanent open space.
6.2.4 Development Credit Transfer Any residential development credit obtained
from Open Space designations outside the urban reserve line or development limit
line should be transferred to land inside the lines.
�10
SIGN REGULATIONS — Chapter 15.40
Article V. Sign Standards
15.40.170 General standards.
All signs shall conform to the following general
standards (by sign type) in addition to standards
for the zone district in which they are located,
unless an exception is granted through the
architectural review process.
Note: Please also refer to the definitions, and
sections describing exempt signs, prohibited
signs, and signs requiring architectural review.
A. Awning signs: Signs on awnings shall not
cover more than 25 percent of the main area of
the awning, or exceed 25 square feet in size,
whichever is smaller.
B. Cabinet signs: Generally, cabinet signs
should have dark backgrounds and light letters
rather than the reverse.
C. Changeable copy signs: These may be used
in lieu of a wall or window sign, but may not
exceed 6 square feet in size (theater signs are not
subject to this area limit).
D. Clearance -Awning, projecting, marquee,
and suspended signs: Where permitted, these
signs shall conform to the following require-
ments:
1. Vertical clearance. The minimum clear-
ance between the lowest point of a sign and the
grade immediately below shall be 8 feet.
2. Horizontal clearance. The minimum
horizontal clearance between a sign and the curb
line shall be 2 feet; the maximum projection over
a public sidewalk shall be two-thirds (2/3) the
10
width of the sidewalk or 6 feet, whichever is
less.
E. Clearance - Pole signs: Where permitted,
pole signs must have a minimum vertical clear-
ance of 8 feet.
Pole,
I' MiN.
Figure 4 - Pole Sign
F. Fence signs: Signs attached to fences are
permitted wherever wall signs are permitted
providing they do not encroach into the public
right-of-way or cross a common property line
and are limited to a maximum area of 16 square
feet.
G. Flags: The use of the American flag should
have patriotic rather than commercial signing
functions. Flag poles displaying only national,
state, or local flags shall be located outside of
required setback areas and shall conform to the
height requirements for structures in the site's
zoning district. Flag poles displaying other than
national, state, or local flags shall be subject to
height, area, lighting, and location standards
established by this chapter for pole signs.
H. Height: Ile top of a sign attached to
building shall not be higher than 25 feet or the
height of the building face, excluding parapets,
whichever is less. Signs shall not be located
above the second story. Generally, signs should
San Luis Obispo Community Desouidelines 0 7.3 - Public Facilities
The use of solid, opaque fencing shall be limited to the side yards between living ares on adjacent
lots. The preference is for a more naturalistic approach to screening in the side yards, with semi-
transparent fencing combined with landscaping, or landscaping alone.
-kE. Exterior lighting. Land Use Element hillside development policy 6.2.2.H states that development on
hillside parcels shall "Minimize exterior lighting. " The following guidelines implement this policy.
1. The number and intensity of exterior lighting fixtures shall be minimized.
Each exterior light fixture shall be directed downward, and shall incorporate shielding to prevent
light spilling onto adjacent properties, and otherwise prevent any glare visible to neighbors, so that
no exterior light interferes with views of the night sky and the hillside.
7.3 - Historic Resource Preservation
The City's requirements for the preservation of historic and cultural resources are administered by the Cultural
Heritage Committee (CHC). The guidelines adopted by the CHC and in the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code
(Section 2.48) should be reviewed for projects that may be subject to those guidelines and regulations.
7.4 - Public Facilities
A. Bus shelters. Bus shelters and transit turnouts on public and private property should be designed in
compliance with the following guidelines.
When required. The City's Master Bus Stop Plan designates where bus shelters and related
facilities will be required.
2. Site planning. When a project is required to incorporate a bus stop, convenient access to the bus
stop for resident pedestrians and bicyclists should be carefully considered in project design.
3. Bus shelter design. A property owner that installs a bus shelter must either:
a. Select a standard shelter design that has already been approved by the ARC. Design
specifications can be obtained from the Public Works Department; or
b. Develop a custom design that integrates more effectively with the project architecture and
landscape design. An owner choosing this option will be responsible for maintaining the
structure.
Chapter 7 - Special Design Considerations
November 2002
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