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Home My WebLink About12/18/1990, 1 - APPEAL OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION'S ACTION TO APPROVE A TWO-FOOT SETBACK FOR A MONUMENT SIG MEETING DATE: city of San Luis OBISPO - /IF-190 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT REM NUMBER: 0 - FROM: Arnold B. Jonas, Community Development Director; BY: Pam Ricci, Associate Planner SUBJECT: Appeal of Architectural Review Commission's action to approve a two-foot setback for a monument sign for HomeFed Bank located at the northwestern corner of Marsh and Santa Rosa Streets. CAO RECOMMENDATION: After considering the staff report, public testimony, applicant's presentation and ARC meeting minutes, either adopt a resolution upholding or denying the appeal of the Architectural Review Commission's action as deemed appropriate. BACKGROUND Situation/Previous Review On October 1, 1990, the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) approved a monument sign for HomeFed Bank with a two-foot setback. That action was appealed on October 9, 1990, by the applicant. HomeFed Bank would like a one-foot setback. In approving the monument sign, the ARC made findings to approve an exception to the sign regulations to allow installation of the sign. Freestanding or monument signs are not an allowed type of signage in the C-C zone without an approval of an exception. Because there are several similar monument signs in the nearby vicinity on sites with the same zoning, granting the exception to allow the monument sign here was not a major issue and is not the subject of this appeal. The subject of the appeal is solely the setback of the sign from the back of sidewalk. The sign setback shown on plans submitted for consideration by the ARC was not clearly dimensioned. A suitable setback for the sign did receive some discussion, although the issue of a one-foot versus a two-foot setback was not brought up until after the public hearing on the item had closed. Data Summary Address: 1135 Santa Rosa Street Applicant: HomeFed Bank Representative: Sylvia Cegelis Zoning: C-C (Central Commercial) General Plan: Retail Commercial Environmental Status: Categorically exempt. Project Description The applicant is proposing to ibstall a 4-foot high, 19 square-foot interior-illuminated monument sign for the bank. The sign would be located in the Santa Rosa street yard near the parking bay closest to the north side of the building. Of San lws OBISPO j Vf,iii COUNCIL AGENDA DEPORT HomeFed Appeal Page 2 The monument sign is designed to consist of double-sided plastic faces installed in an aluminum sign cabinet mounted on an aluminum base coated with stucco to match the building. The frame would be teal, the reveal at the base of the frame would be white and the sign face background would be teal with white logo and letters. The proposed color scheme is consistent with installed wall signs and complimentary to building colors (mauve main body stucco color and tan accents) . DISCUSSION 1. ARC Consideration of .Exception to Allow Monument Sign Freestanding signs are not allowed in the C-C and C-R zones. The reason for that restriction is that buildings in these zones were traditionally constructed up to property lines along street frontages making other forms of signage more suitable. On sites more recently developed in these zones, the ARC has approved exceptions to allow freestanding signs when there was an appropriate location available on the site for such a sign and the sign was needed to help give tenants adequate identification for their businesses. The ARC supported the idea of allowing a monument sign at the site by approving an exception to the sign regulations based on findings. It was felt that the proposed sign would not create undue visual clutter, would help identify the parking area available for bank patrons and would be located far enough away from the street intersection not to create any safety or visibility problems. Furthermore, allowing a monument sign at this site would not be a grant of special privilege since several other monument signs have been installed on sites in the nearby vicinity including the O'Leary Building, Santa Barbara Savings, Security Pacific Bank, County Bank and Golden China Restaurant. Although there are no immediate plans to widen Santa Rosa Street adjacent to the site, the city has already acquired 10 feet of additional right- of-way beyond the back of sidewalk along that street frontage. Therefore, the proposed monument sign would encroach into the right-of- way. A condition of monument sign approval requires the applicant to file for an encroachment permit from the city to allow the sign to be constructed in the right-of-way. The permit would contain language that the applicant agrees to remove the sign if plans to widen the street are pursued in the future. 2. Sign Setback. Issue In the staff report prepared for the ARC, staff pointed out that a specific dimension for the monument sign was not included on plans and should be clarified with the applicant. Staff suggested that a five foot setback might be appropriate. The applicant's representative at the ARC meeting indicated that a five-foot setback was excessive. ill'Gli;ii11i1' city of San tuts OBISPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT HomeFed Appeal Page 3 The commission discussed different locations and appropriate setbacks for the sign. In making their motion to approve the sign, the ARC added the condition for the two-foot setback. After the meeting when the applicant's objection to the two-foot setback became known, staff asked for photo documentation to be submitted to show a mock-up of the sign with both the approved two-foot setback and the requested one-foot setback. This . item was continued from the December 4th council meeting to allow the applicant time to prepare the requested photo documentation. The requested photo documentation was received by staff on November 30, 1990 and is attached. As the applicant's letter points out the sign from a distance of 200 feet to the north is more visible with a one-foot setback. The applicant feels this is important to allow vehicles approaching from the north adequate time to make their turn into the driveway given the approximately 100 feet of distance between the sign and the driveway. Staff agrees that the one-foot setback allows for better visibility of the sign given existing improvements and landscaping that compete with the sign in the same visual corridor. Staff also feels that a one-foot difference in the setback is minor and will not affect driveway sight distances given the sign's distance from the driveway. The ARC in approving a two-foot setback for the sign did not have the opportunity to review the recently submitted photos. ALTERNATIVES In addition to the CAO's recommendation, the council may consider the following: 1. Continue the sign setback issue to a later date giving the applicant direction on necessary changes. RECOMMENDATION After considering the staff report, public testimony, applicant's presentation and ARC meeting minutes, either adopt a resolution upholding or denying the appeal of the Architectural Review Commission's action as deemed appropriate. Attached: Draft Resolutions Vicinity Map Letter from Applicant's Representative dated 11-29-90 Photos showing difference between 1-foot & 2-foot setbacks ARC Minutes of 10-1-90 Appeal Request Enclosed: Site Plan/Monument Sign Detail d:arc\90-93-3 .wp C- RESOLUTION NO. (1990 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO UPHOLDING AN APPEAL OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION'S ACTION APPROVING A TWO-FOOT MONUMENT SIGN SETBACK FOR HOMEFED BANK LOCATED AT 1135 SANTA ROSA STREET (ARC90-93) BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. Findincs. That this council, after consideration of the staff report, public testimony, the appellant's statements and the Architectural Review Commission's action, supports the appeal based on the following findings: 1. A one-foot setback allows for better visibility of the sign and better identification of the driveway entrance to the bank's parking lot. 2. A one-foot setback does not create any safety or visibility hazards. SECTION 2. Conditions. The request for a one-foot setback of the monument sign at 1135 Santa Rosa Street is hereby approved, subject to the following conditions: 1. The applicant shall obtain an encroachment permit from the city for the installation of a monument sign within the city's right-of-way. On motion of seconded by , and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: CABSENT: the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day �. of , 1990. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED: -.- � t inistrative Officer tone Community Deve pment Director �1 U 0 RESOLUTION NO. (1990 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO DENYING AN APPEAL OF THE ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION'S ACTION APPROVING A TWO-FOOT MONUMENT SIGN SETBACK FOR HOMEFED BANK LOCATED AT 1135 SANTA ROSA STREET (ARC90-93) BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. Findings. That this council, after consideration of the staff report, public testimony, the appellants ' statements and the Architectural Review Commission's action, denies the appeal based on the following findings: 1. A one-foot setback is not necessary to provide an effective '1 � and visible monument sign for the bank.. 2. A one-foot monument sign creates safety and aesthetic issues because of its proximity to the back of sidewalk. SECTION 2. The request for a one-foot setback of the monument sign at 1135 Santa Rosa Street is hereby denied. On motion of seconded by and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day n of , 1990. ��V r � Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED: City Adm'nistrative Officer ,h L44� C' r y Community Deve o ment Director a r � 0 ►+e► 0 Fes' �1 tt0 10 T � j 0 �R `O..°� 0TH °.tS• `!�G c�p t �J -TV. ICP 11An�s 61►v \gyp op^.tr tie If % 0 S�e5l. `�■ QOM tiAIN r 1p O v SOP o` 4' wAr •* �� f Fri�1 �edr 4,4 p0 �� ►arc++'e+.+'e°' �,,�,, � �� r 'r V' r VICINITY MAP ARO 90-93 NORTH C 1135 SANTA ROSA a i i it 'l '6f" VX In �a nr. Z e i .TY Vii ' � �.• _ � - r. ]_r - 1' k M _ - `°`_ - - iGN r z *�"r��(f. �>> �, ,• +y,Yt< mac.. rt - ��^r � tii�: T�1 f ten_...� i`�•�7 r- � a " �- ILA �t ` N �- g �1�jyK. � Y y \ t.K. � f�hX•.. V)Y- - .ice � �: • '♦ 4 3 .`r a .. .. a,. f < s Is a r_ ' ! LTi 4th r IF ...- � x+f � —e==�Insite Concepts Consulting Group. Inc_ - November 2.9 , 1990 City of San Luis Obispo Community Development Dept . 990 Palm Street/Box 8100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 Attn: Pam Ricci, Planner RE:. HomeFed Bank 1135 Santa Rosa St . , Monument Sign Setback Dear Pam, Per our receiit telecoms, I 've enclosed the photographs comparing setbacks of 1 ' 0" and 2 ' 0" . As the photos show, the 2' 0" setback as included in the Design Review Commission ' s vote effectively blocks out 75% of the sign visibility at a vehicular approach to the property of 200 feet . While visibil- ity at 100 feet is not blocked as severely, please note in the photos that the entry driveway is at the 100 foot mark. Drivers will not see the sign in time to safely make the turn into the property entr- ance . As we have discussed, the ingress/egress at this. location is quite i tricky already the .signage as it effects traffic safety becomes even more important . With a 1 ' 0" setback, the sign is far more visible from 200 feet, thus making vehicular entrance to the property easier to safely accomplish. With regular landscape maintenance, the amount of sign blockage from the nearby bushes will be kept to a minimum if the 1 '0" setback is allowed either administratively of through appeal to the City Council. Regardless of landscape mainentance, the sign visibility blockage created with a 2 '0" setback cannot be mitigated.. I hope the photos and this letter clarify any - questions, but please do call me if there is anything else I can provide for you. To reiterate our telecoms, an administrative adjustment to the setback would be preferable, but an appearance before the City Council on December 18th is being prepared for, pending your findings. I appreciate your attention to this issue, Pam, and will look forward to ' hearing from you regarding the administrative adjustment soon. Sincere 1:V1 —SyllvTa Cegelis - The I .C.c. Group, Inc. Enclosures: Two sheets mounted photos. 7801 kkss-on Center Court Suee 200 Son Dego ColJoinio 92108(619(2980925 �—�/ 1 � O ARC Minutes October 1, 1990 Page 9 SIGNS`. A. ARC 90-93: 1135 Santa Rosa Street; request for exception to the Sign Regulations to allow a monument sign for Home Fed Bank; C-R zone. Jeff Hook, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending the commission approve the monument sign based on findings. Sylvia Cegelis, representative, responded to the staff report and explained the sign request. She objected to setting the monument sign back 5 feet behind the public sidewalk on Santa Rosa Street. Commr. Cooper felt the preferred location was acceptable. Commr. Underwood agreed with Commr. Cooper's comment. He also liked the Opreferred location for the sign. Commr. Gates liked the sign but wanted to see it relocated to the north side of the driveway. Commr. Bradford agreed with Commr. Gates' comment. Commr. Underwood moved to approve the sign request with direction that the 4-foot tall sign's length be reduced from 6 feet to 4 feet so that its overall size will be 16 square feet rather than 19 feet as proposed and that the sign be setback 2 feet from the rear of the sidewalk. Commr. Gates seconded the motion. AYES: Underwood, Gates, Morris, Phillips, Bradford, Cooper NOES: None ABSENT: Chatham The motion passes. C1 �-ice OST — 9 - 90 T U E 16 10 FRIARS SUITES o city o san lis osisp fi tr:i[ IPL 990 PAtm StroolIP091 Office Ana 0100 - San Luis OWADe, CA 99403.6100 APPEAL TO CITY COUNCIL. In accorda,ice with the appeals procedure uy authorlaad by Title 1 , Chapter 1 . 20 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code . the undersigned hereby appeals from u,e derision of Archteetural Review Commission rendered on October 1 , 1990 , which decision consisted of the following ( 1 .�r set forth factual situation and the grounds for submitting this appeal . Use additional sheets as needed) : The applicant requested a 4 'x6 ' monument sign (as recommended by Staff, Pam Ricci) with a 1 ' set- back. The motion was made, seconded and carried to approve a 4 'x4 ' monument sign with a 2 ' setback. Because the reduced size and increased setback were made in the motion, public hearing was closed and the applicant did not have an opportunity to speak and address the effect the changes in size & setback would have on the visibility of the sign. • Of particular concern is the setback, which will result in the sign ( at any Size ) being of no practical use to vehicular traffic due to the pecuilar ingress/egress .driveway at the site, and nearby hushes which block clear visibility of the driveway. The bushes, which are not on the applicant 's site, effectively block both the driveway and any sign that is more than 1 ' 0" setback from the sidewalk. The applicant requests the City Council hear the appeal of ' he Oct . 1st 1990 decision of the Architectural Review Commission. Tho undersigned discussed the decision being appealed from with: Pam Ricci, Staff on OCt. 4 , 1990 Linnaea Phillips, ARC on Oct . 1 , 1990 (who suggested the appeal ) Appellant: HomeFed Bank Name/Title Sylvia Cegelis, Principal UT r •� ..1 — RepresenRncivc The I .C.c. Group, Inc. 7801. Mission Center Court - .Suite 200 Address San Diego, CA 92108 , 619/298-0925 Phone FAX# 619/297-5746 Originui for City Clerk for: Copy to city Attorney J� C lrn a ed // 1 0 _ Copy to City Administrative officer Copy to the fo11dwjoz department(s) : �_.louAs Cily C rk