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Home My WebLink About07/16/1991, 7 - APPEAL OF AN ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION DECISION TO DENY AN EXCEPTION TO SIGN REGULATIONS REQUESTED FOR A FREESTANDING SIGN AT 1525 CALLE JOAQUIN (THE CHEVRON STATION). ��u��I�IINIIIIIIIII ".7 r MEETING GATE: h`� JII ci o San Luis OBispo 1- /& niis COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITEM NUMBER FROM: Arnold Jonas, Community Development Director PREPARED BY: Whitney McIlvaine, ,.`Pssistant Planner SUBJECT: Appeal of an Architectural Review Commission decision to deny an exception to sign regulations requested for a freestanding sign at 1525 Calle Joaquin (the Chevron Station) . CAO RECOMMENDATION Adopt a resolution denying the appeal, and concur with action of the ARC to deny the exception. Consequences of Not Taking Recommended Action If the Council upholds the appeal, the existing 20 foot tall sign would be replaced with a 30. 6 foot tall sign. Granting the exception would tend to undermine the - intent of the City's sign regulations. BACKGROUND The ARC denied a request on a 6-0 vote (one commissioner absent) to install a higher sign that] allowed by the City's regulations (ARC 91-38) . The applicant is appealing that decision based on . his opinion of the service station's unusual site conditions. Previous Review In 1988 , the ARC denied a request to allow an existing nonconforming sign to remain at this site. The ARC did approve size and height exceptions smaller than the ones requested, based on the service station's setback from Los Osos Valley Road, which is larger than setbacks for nearby service stations. Council concured with the ARC action, and denied an appeal. Data Summary Appellant: Michael Murphy, Chevron Station owner Representative: Ken Berry, Vogue Sign Co. Zoning: C-T General Plan: Tourist Commercial Environmental Status: Categorically Exempt Project Action Deadline: 11/6/91 DISCUSSION Sign Regulations: Freestanding signs along Calle Joaquin are limited to 16 feet in height with 72 square feet of sign area. Signs which exceed this standard require review and a granting of exception by the Architectural Review Commission. ��,��ii►�►Illillil��11111111) city of san L"IS OBispo NMI 0 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Nigning Froposai: e p canrequesting freestanding sign with 62 . 5 square feet of sign area displaying the Chevron hallmark. The proposed sign would be located near the northwest corner of the service station building. The existing sign, which is 20 feet tall with 80 square feet of sign area, and located near the station's entrance, would be removed. Scenic Highways/Sign Control: The Scenic Highway Element of the General Plan designates the intersection of Los Osos Valley Road ! and Highway 101 as an area of high scenic value (see attached map and photo) . The City has established sign controls for the Calle Joaquin area to preserve scenic views. Granting an exception to allow a 30.6 foot high sign - nearly twice the allowed height - would tend to undermine the City's sign regulations, and would conflict with the policies established in the Scenic Highways Element. i Realizing the need to balance the advertizing objectives of affected businesses with City policy on sign control, the City has asked the sponsor to amend Senate Bill 358 to include San Luis Obispo in a pilot program. The program would allow signs with various restaurant, motel, and service station logos to be posted along Highway 101 (see attached letter from the mayor and newspaper article) . The bill was passed by the senate on May 24 . It is now before a committee in the assembly. Nearby Signs: The ARC has approved exceptions for freestanding I signs in the vicinity: a 20 foot tall, 80 square foot sign for the Allstar Inn; and a 20 foot tall, 120 square foot sign for use by both Margie 's Diner and the Howard Johnson Motel. The nearby Texaco and Arco service stations have replaced large freestanding signs with 16 foot tall conforming signs. ALTERNATIVES I 1. Adopt a resolution to uphold the appeal (Draft Resolution No. 2) . If Council upholds the appeal, a 30 . 6 foot tall freestanding sign will replace an existing 20 foot tall sign. 2 . Continue the appeal with direction to the applicant/appellant. RECOMMENDATION Adopt a resolution denying the appeal and concurring with ARC action denying the requested exception. Attachments draft resolutions 1 and 2 vicinity map proposed and existing signs appellant' s letters applicable scenic highway policy newspaper article and letter from mayor minutes and action notice from ARC meeting - 6/3/91 Draft Resolution No. 1 RESOLUTION NO. (1991 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DENYING AN APPEAL FROM THE ACTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TO NOT ALLOW AN EXCEPTION TO SIGN REGULATIONS WHICH WOULD ALLOW A 30.5 FOOT TALL FREESTANDING SIGN, AT 1525 CALLE JOAQUIN WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission conducted a public hearing on application No. ARC 91-38 on June 3, 1991, and denied a request to approve an exception to the Sign Regulations for a higher freestanding sign at 1524 Calle Joaquin; and WHEREAS, the applicant has appealed that decision to the City Council; and WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the testimony and statements of the 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 Architectural Review Commission subject to the following findings: SECTION 1. Findings. 1. The requested sign and exception to the Sign Regulations are categorically exempt under provisions of City of San Luis Obispo CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301. 2. An exception beyond that already approved for signage at this site would constitute a grant of special priviledge, and would tend to undermine the city's amortization program for signs that do not meet current standards. 3. The proposed sign does not comply with the Scenic Highways Element of the General Plan. o7 -3 Draft Resolution No. 1 Page 2 On motion of. , seconded by and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ASSENT: the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day of 1990. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED: City Administrative Officer /iX/Att#ne �G Community Devel6&ent Director d:\wm\reso\arc91-38 I Draft Resolution No. 2 RESOLUTION NO. (1991 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO UPHOLDING AN APPEAL FROM THE ACTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TO DENY AN EXCEPTION TO SIGN REGULATIONS WHICH WOULD ALLOW A 30. 6 FOOT TALL FREESTANDING SIGN AT 1525 CALLE JOAQUIN WHEREAS, the Architectural Review Commission conducted a public hearing on application No. ARC 91-38 on June 3, 1991, and denied a request to approve an exception to the Sign Regulations for a- higher freestanding sign at 1525 Calle Joaquin; and WHEREAS, the applicant has appealed that decision to the City Council; and WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the testimony and statements of the 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 approve the exception allowing a nonconforming freestanding sign, subject to the following findings and conditions: SECTION 1. Findings. 1. The requested sign and exception to the Sign Regulations are categorically exempt under provisions of City of San Luis Obispo CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301. 2. Exceptional circumstances apply to this site which justify the requested exception: specifically, a setback from Los Osos Valley Road which is larger than setbacks for nearby service stations. Draft Resolution No. 2 Page 2 SECTION 2 . Conditions. 1. A single freestanding sign is approved at 1525 Calle Joaquin, and shall not exceed 30. 6 feet in height or 62 .5 square feet in area. The existing freestanding sign shall be removed. 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 , 1991. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED: *Nib (� City Administrative officer trn Community Devel ent Director L J : 10 �:::.; '.•. i I O /o/7 I � � M p� pY� /V Ltf ty �a�f0 Y L d. Fro / � I VICINITY MAP NORTH i1P 134- : � A V \\, J � � do a M 4\ Z o OCA a 7 upz C� o • f � Z � u • � N �_ II ".- � � CSC 1 Z ►�7 w � czl: rol !N - III V e � W $ <c NCO z � wo � 4� ,o(A ca 1 P n r 3 N Zr I • L � s o; Y ►��►►�►►i�►il��li�lli111�1111��p°1°°�I II III city of sAn tuis oaspo 990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 a San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 June 5, 1991 Mike Murphy Chevron 1525 Calle Joaquin San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 Subject: ARC 91-38: 1525 Calle Joaquin Request for exception to the Sign Regulations to allow a higher sign than allowed for Murphy's Chevron The Architectural Review Commission, at its meeting on June 3, 1991, denied the above request based on the following findings: 1. An exception beyond that already approved for signage at this site would constitute a grant of special privilege and would tend to undermine the city's amortization program for signs that do not meet current standards. 2. The proposed sign does not comply with the Scenic Highways Element of the general plan. The decision of the commission is final unless appealed to the City Clerk within ten days of the date of this letter. An appeal may be filed by any person aggrieved by a decision of the commission. If you have any questions, please contact Whitney McIlvaine at 549-7175. Sincerely, Ken Bruce Senior Planner cc: Ken Berry, Vogue Sign Co. /I � ARC Minutes June 3, 1991 Page 10 Commr. Cooper moved to grant schematic approval to the project with direction to recess the entry doors somewhat, and to return to the commission with samples of another type of bulkhead tile, cornice lighting, and details on the sign trim color, flag detail, control joint in elevation, stucco furring, and other ways to illuminate the sidewalk and sign, restudy of the entry doors and side door, and a different color treatment for arches. Commr. Illingworth seconded the motion. AYES: Cooper, Illingworth, .Bradford, Combrink, Gates, Illingworth NOES: Underwood ABSENT: Morris The motion passes. SIGNS: 8. ARC 91-38: 1525 Calle Joaquin; request for exception to the Sign Regulations to allow a higher sign than allowed for Murphy's Chevron; C-T zone. Pamela Ricci, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending the commission deny the request. Ken Bruce, Senior Planner, explained past sign requests. Mike Murphy, applicant, responded to the staff report and indicated the new sign will clean up the area and appear just over the roof. He indicated his intent was to attract new customers. He described the unusual conditions associated with the site. He indicated that the new location will allow the sign to be visible from the highway going north or heading west on Los Osos Valley Road. Ken Berry, Vogue Sign Company, explained the reasons for the sign location. John Narrone indicated the proposed location was selected based on visibility. He described the station's financial problems. Commr. Cooper noted that other businesses had conformed to the 20-foot height limit. He could not support an exception. / II ARC Minutes June 3, 1991 Page 11 Commr. Bradford felt the situation was more a problem of increased competition. She felt a different sign location might be acceptable, but could not support the extra height. Commr. Combrink supported staffs position. He felt a pilot logo sign project could help the station's business. Commr. Illingworth felt the extra height would help the business, but indicated he had a problem with supporting the exception. He felt this was a unique situation because the station was located on a "non-street". He suggested the idea of a monument sign facing Highway 101. Commr. Gates suggested exploring the alternatives, especially logo signing. Commr. Underwood felt two small signs were a better idea than a single pole sign. Con= Cooper moved to deny the sign exception based on the following findings: 1. An exception beyond that already approved for signage at this site would constitute a grant of special privilege and would tend to undermine the city's amortization program for signs that do not meet current standards. 2. The proposed sign does not comply with the Scenic Highways Element of the general plan. Con= Combrink seconded the motion. AYES: Cooper, Combrink, Illingworth, Bradford, Gates Underwood NOES: None ABSENT: Morris The motion passes. COMMENT & DISCUSSION The commission reviewed and commented on three alternative park plans for the Laguna Lake Parks Master Plan. Discussion of Hillside Development Standards and Architectural Review Application Guidelines were continued to the commission's special meeting of June 10, 1991. 1 ' in cit� y of san luis oBis o p MIFmild 990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403.8100 APPEAL TO CITY COUNCIL In accordance with the appeals procedure as authorized by Title I . Chapter 1 .20 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code. the undersigned hereby appeals from the decision of A . /7:�, C rendered on 91 , which decision consisted of the following ( i .e. set forth factual situation and the grounds for submitting this appeal . Use additional sheets as needed) : } The undersigned discussed the decision being appealed from with: on e= 2-7/ ft- e. DATE & TIME APPEAL RECEIVED: /l K' ,YleC h e,i Name/Title RECEIVED Representative 3.'osp� , JUN 1 4 1991 /SSS Address CITY CLERK SAN LUIS OBISPO,CA Phone Original for City Clerk �_/� _d/ Copy to City Attorney Ce n ared for: 7 Copy to City Administrative Officer Copy to t efollowing department(s) : .. City Clerk 9 �` CHEVRON AUTOMOTIVE 1525 CALLE JOAQUIN SANLUIS OBISPO CA . J34U SAN LUIS CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS LAN LUIS OBISPO ? CA. 93405 DEAR CITY COUNCIL MEMBER-) ; I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TO YOU TO PLEAD FOR Yij11R PERMISSION TO REINSTATE MY FREEWAY CHEVRON SIGN . FOR MY CHEVRON SIGN IO BE THE HEIGHT THAT WOULD GIVE FREEWAY VISIABILITY TO MY BUSINESS . SINCE THE LOWERING OF MY SIGN , CHEVRON HAS CANCELLED ALL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SITE WHICH WAS TO INCLUDE A CONVENICE STORE AND EXTENDED ISLANDS . ALIO .MINCE THEN 1'iY' J{`LT-TME HAS DECREASFr' 3'i ;i i !•:. I'll Ai' OF HAVING A STEADY 2% GROWTH . I AM HAVING A STEADY DECEASE iN BUSINESS PER PiONTH . CHEVRON 11AS ALREADY SAID THAT IF T111S TREND CONTiUE THEY WILL BE FORCED TO ABANDON THE LOCATION , WHICH WOULD OBVIOUSLY PUT ME OUT L-)F BUSINESS , ALONG WITH 5 017HER MEN WITH FAMILIES THAT WORT FOR ME . I UNDERSTAND THAT THE REASON THE SIGN WAS BROUGHT DOWN WAS BECAUSE , IT IS 1N THE CALLE JOAQUIN SIGN AREA , WHICH AGAIN i CAN NOT UNDER:ITAND THE MISUNDERSTANDING . If MY ., I _•1v WA:; INDEED ON CALLS JOAQUIN THE FRONJA :i ROAD SUCH AS KIMBALL MOTORS . LOCATION IS THE SAME FRE::i(;R15ED HEIGiiT WOULD BE SUFFICENT . UNFORTUNATELY. TEAT iS I.10T .TEE CASE Willi MY Lo(.'ATION . TiiE CALLS ,.-)()AQUIN WHICH MY STATION IS UN , RU1" ALPioZI PERPENDICULAR TO 101 , 140T PARALLEL TO i T . NOT ONLY THAT , !:U'l MY STATION SITS IN A HOLT. AND IS ABOUT 300 FEET OFF LU-". VALLEY ROAD AND 500 FEET OFF 101 . AND IS COVERED BY A OVERPASS 011 101 AND TREES 014 LOS 050" VALLEY ROA1, . 4000J THEREFORE I HOPE YOU CAN UNDERSTAND MY PLIGHT. AND ALLOW ME TO REINSTAIE MY SIGN, TO A HEIGHT THAT WOULD BE--T SERVE MY BUS INE.?S . ENCLOSED YOU WILL FIND PICTURES AND MAPS OF THC FRFOSED SIGNAGE . I WOULD GREATLY APPRICATE YOUR PROMPT ATTL•NIIUN To THIS MATTER . i COMPLIED WITH THE ORDENANCE FOR OVER ONE YEAR AND HAVE STEADY SEEN MY VOLUME ERODE AWAY MONTHLY . I CAN NUT HELP BUT THINK THAT THIS WAS NOT THE INTENT OF THE ORDENCE BUT MERELY A GEOGRAPHICAL MISTAKE. SINCERELY . lICHAEL P . MURFiiY (OWNER ) WE HAVE ALREADY :LEEN ONE BUSINESS CLOSE OUT HER1? BOY ) LETS NOT SEE ANOTHER. a • i �� i • O _ s ♦mob ♦0 frP♦ -\4 I ;I ` I I '4 I 44 .I 44 I I 4rpa, i I I e� I ; � // \\ I \♦ \ NO SCALE \\ rte• ♦ I S I..t.� /i p•• Tana Fein Road T � / I 6ueklaf Rood 1 DESIGNATED SCENIC HIGHWAYS �� O — V 1 STA ROADS OF HIGH OR MODERATE SCENIC VAL SM Luis OBISPO OUTSIDE 5 OF THE TSAN EUISCENICI5�En LIM DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 990 Palm St/P.O.Boa 721,San Luis Obispo,CA 97406 ■E■■ ROADS OF HIGH SCENIC VALUE (805) 541.1000 4 ^ / t San Luis Obispo County(CaliL) TELEGRAM-TRIBUNE . q'. ASLO leaders push ti �f or signs ® n 101 : . If.,San Luis Obispo officials have To solve the problem without allow- i their way,a new set of road signs will ing large signs, the city has worked -a- ppear along Highway i01. for the past three years to get the logo L Mayor Ron Dunin has sent a letter signs installed, said Councilwoman to state Senator Ed Davis,R-Valencia, penny Rappa, who has spearheaded = asking for the city to be included in a the drive. pIlot highway sign program set forth The signs would be a good compro- in a bill proposed by Davis. mise with business owners upset Senate Bill 358 would establish a because motorists passing through on ,•: pilot program between Calabasas and highway 101 can't see their signs, Camarillo where signs with various Rappa said. restaurant, motel and service station 'They would help both the busi- logos would be posted along Highway nesses and the traveler on Highway 10L Such signs can be found along 101," she said. "This way everybody ... Interstate 5. could win." In the letter, Dunin noted that city But Rappa is hoping for signs a lot officials have worked to eliminate classier than those found on Inter- large signs over the years because state 5. Instead of standard green they detract from the citys appear- road signs, she would prefer to see ance. An ordinance passed in 1977 nicely landscaped monument signs limited the height of signs to 16 feet, that would compliment the city. and gave businesses 10 years to take In the past, San Luis Obispo the ovetsized.signs down. officials have submitted resolutions to But manv businesses objected the League of California Cities to get when the deadline came due.Howard support for legislation similar to the Johnson's, for instance, filed suit Davis bill. against the city over the ordinance, "Rather than follow your bill with but t the suit was later resolved. one that is nearly identical," Dunin' The business people have argued wrote, "we are asking you to amend 7,that without large signs, motorists your bill to include that section of don't know that businesses are even Highway 101 that goes through SLO there For businesses depending on as an additional pilot project" tourists for their livelihood, this is an City officials expect to find out later �- 'unreasonable hardship, the business this month whether Davis will make: l: . people have said the amendment �X L y 00 .�lc�vnc y Q 44 ^ city of sAn luis 'OBISPO 0 C'" OFFICE OF THE MAYOR• 990 PALM STREET l�I� 3 Ott` Post Office Box 8100• San Luis Obispo,CA 93403.8100 • 805!549.7111 May 1, 1991 The Honorable Ed Davis California State Senate Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: PROPOSED LEGISLATION SB 358 LOGO SIGNING Dear Senator Davis: The City of San Luis Obispo is interested in legislation you introduced February 15, 1991, which would require the Department of Transportation (CalTrans) to adopt regulations permitting logo signing pilot projects. The bill establishes Highway Route 101, between Calabasas and Camarillo, as the first pilot project area. We not only support this legislation, we want to expand it. We would like our city to be added as an additional "pilot project." San Luis Obispo (SLO) has worked aggressively to eliminate large, nonconforming signs over the past several years. One concern that has been raised repeatedly by tourist- oriented businesses is that our sign ordinance limits or eliminates visibility of their businesses by the travelling public. The travellers on Highway 101 in particular are often unaware of the services available to them near SLO off-ramps. At the same time, though, we are proud of the appearance of our City from the highway, and have no interest in promoting large pole signs or billboards that would obstruct that appearance. Therefore,we have been exploring ways to provide adequate identification for freeway-oriented businesses,while retaining the city's clean,environmentally-sensitive image. We have investigated several alternatives and determined that a logo-signing program similar to the program on Interstate Highway 5 would best meet our goals. To this end, we have twice submitted resolutions to the League of California Cities, first to get support for legislation similar to what you propose, and second to obtain sponsorship. The resolution to sponsor such legislation is currently being reviewed by the League's Housing, Community, and Economic Development Committee. Rather than follow your bill with one that is nearly identical, we are asking you to amend your bill, to include that section of Highway 101 that goes through SLO as an additional pilot project. The two pilots represent different highway situations: Calabasas to Camarillo � I� Senator Ed Davis Page 2 May 1, 1991 is a large rural area that is rapidly becoming urbanized, and San Luis Obispo is small, compact, and striving to retain its small-town characteristics. Both would benefit by the alternative to sign clutter represented by a logo sign program Please let us ]mow by May 20, 1991 if you are able to make this change. You may write to me or to Councilwoman Penny Rappa at the above address, or call Judith Lautner, Associate Planner, at (805) 549-7166. Sincerely, RON DUNIN Mayor c: Councilwoman Penny Rappa Assemblywoman Andrea Seastrand Senator Ken Maddy Arnold Jonas, Director, Community Development Department .00Wl9