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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-05-23APPPOVED 6/13/95 ---------------- ---------------- MINUTES HUNTINGTON BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1995 Council Chambers - Civic Center 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach, California STUDY SESSION - 6:00 PM ZONE CHANGE NO. 94-4/CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 94-26/ TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 14990 (58 UNIT SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION) SITE PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 94-2/TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 14515 (58 UNIT SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION) AGENDA REVIEW REGULAR MEETING - 7:00 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE A P P P P P P ROLL CALL: Holden, Lii,engood, Biddle, Gorman, Kerins, Tillotson, Speaker AGENDA APPROVAL A. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - (4 MINUTES PER PERSON, NO DONATING OF TIME TO OTHERS) Anyone wishing to speak must fill out and submit a form to speak prior to Oral Communication or Public Hearing items. No action can be taken by the Planning Commission on this date, unless agendized. NONE B. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS B-1 APPEAL OF SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO 94-3 (CONTINUED FROM THE MARCH 28, 1995, PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING): APPLICANT/ APPELLANT: Steven C. Nicholson, P.O. Box 2442, Newport Beach, CA 92659 LOCATION: 18361 Beach Boulevard (west side of Beach, north of Ellis) This is an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's action on Special Sign Permit No. 94-3. Specifically, the applicant is appealing Condition of Approval No. Lb. which requires an existing non -conforming sign to be lowered in height and reduced in overall size. The condition requires the sign to be lowered from 21.5 feet high to 14.5 feet in height and to reduce the square footage from 112.5 square feet to 67.5 square feet. The applicant appealed the decision of the Zoning Administrator because he believes the existing sign is consistent with other signs in the area and that it does not pose any undue impacts upon other properties in the vicinity. The Planning Commission continued this appeal from the March 28, 1995, meeting because it was anticipated an amendment to the sign code would have occurred by this I time. On May 11, 1995, the applicant submitted revised plans depicting an alteration of the existing sign. The newly proposed sign is shorter and smaller in area than the existing sign but still larger and taller than approved by the Zoning Administrator or allowed by code. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Since the Subcommittee has not yet made any final recommendations regarding re -write of the sign code, staff recommends a further continuance of this item. A continuance to the September 26, 1995, Planning Commission meeting would be consistent with other special sign permit requests which have been continued until after anticipated action on the new code. The Planning Commission does, however, have the discretion to take action on any one of various options that this appeal presents. PC Minutes - 5/23/95 2 (pcm029) 1 THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Steve Nicholson, PO Box 2442, Newport Beach, applicant, presented a revised special sign request to the Commission. Mr. Nicholson stated that he would prefer the original request be approved, but if the Commissioner's could not accept the original request, the revised request they received tonight would be acceptable. THERE WERE NO OTHER PERSONS PRESENT TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE REQUEST AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. A MOTION WAS MADE BY BIDDLE, SECOND BY LIVENGOOD, TO APPROVE ALTERNATIVE ACTION "B" OVERTURNING THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR'S ACTION AND APPROVING SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO. 94-3 FOR A 17 FOOT HIGH, 90 SQUARE FOOT SIGN, WITH FINDINGS AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Livengood, Biddle, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: Gorman, Kerins ABSENT: Holden ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO. 94-3: 1. Strict compliance with Article 976 will result in a substantial economic hardship to the applicant, as the businesses located to the rear of the property do not have direct street exposure along Beach Boulevard. The modified sign still gives the applicant the opportunity to advertise those businesses along Beach Boulevard. 2. Special Sign Permit No. 94-3 for a 17 foot high, 90 square foot sign as modified by the conditions of approval will not adversely affect other signs in the area, as it is consistent with height, size, and wording of the surrounding signage in the area. Other businesses in the area advertise only the name of the business and do not include information about what kind of services or products are available unless they are part of the actual business name. PC Minutes - 5/23/95 (p=029) 3. Special Sign Permit for a 17 foot high, 90 square foot sign as modified by the conditions of approval will not be detrimental to property located in the vicinity of such sign, and will be compatible with the surrounding area. The modified sign is an architectural improvement over the existing sign as it is less bulky, massive, and intrusive. In addition, the modified sign requires removal of the extraneous portions of the sign (arrow and Visa advertisement) and the reduced size, boxed pilasters, and landscaping will serve to balance out the smaller rectangular sign faces. Also, the modified sign includes only the names of each business and eliminates the services or products offered, resulting in a sign more compatible with other signs in the area. 4. Special Sign Permit No. 94-3 for a 17 foot high, 90 square foot sign as modified by the conditions of approval will not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic vision, as there is a seven (7) foot clearance between the ground and the base of the modified sign to maintain motorist's visibility around the corner of the site. 5. The sign will be in keeping with the character of the surrounding neighborhood, as it is consistent with other commercial signage in the area along Beach Boulevard. Other signs along Beach Boulevard are currently undergoing upgrades to add more architectural features and are being reduced in size. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO. 94-3: 1. The site plan and site elevations received and dated May 11, 1995, shall be the approved layout with the following modifications: a. That the freestanding pole sign (denoted as Sign No. 2 on the site plan) shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the date of approval; b. That the freestanding pole sign shall be reduced to 17 feet in height and 90 square feet in size and shall contain the sign faces and colors as approved by the City's Design Review Board; c. That the two (2) columns of the sign shall be encased with a stucco finish square section; d. Address numbers shall be attached to column encasement and the letters shall be a minimum of six (6) inches in height; and e. A planter with landscaping shall be installed around the base of the sign. 2. The Zoning Administrator reserves the right to rescind this special sign permit approval in the event of any violation of the terms of the applicable zoning laws. Any such decision shall be preceded by notice to the applicant and a public hearing and shall be based on specific findings. PC Minutes - 5/23/95 4 (pcm029) CODE REQUIREMENTS 1. The sign shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Ordinance Code, Building Division, and Fire Department. 2. The applicant shall meet all applicable local, State, and Federal Fire Codes, Ordinances, and standards. B-2 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 95-25/SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO. 95-3/PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO. 95-3 (CONTINUED FROM THE MAY 9, 1995 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING): APPLICANT: Rick Denman, Signs & Services Company, 10980 Boatman Avenue, Stanton, CA 90680 LOCATION: 16242 Beach Boulevard (southeast corner at Stark Avenue) Conditional Use Permit No. 95-25, Special Sign Permit No. 95-3 and Planned Sign Program No. 95-3 were continued from the May 9, 1995 Planning Commission meeting at the applicant's request in order to provide the applicant ample time to submit revised sign elevations. The proposal by Mr. Rick Denman of Signs & Services, Inc. includes approval a coordinated sign program for the Sport Chalet Center, which includes a 25 foot high, 206 square foot freestanding electronic readerboard sign, a 10 foot high, 60 square foot monument sign, up to 522 square feet of wall signage identifying the Sport Chalet building, and separate criteria for wall signage on the west building. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Planning Commission approve the planned sign program, conditional use permit and special sign permit with the suggested modifications to the area of the electronic readerboard sign (maximum area 115 sq. ft.), based upon the following: • The signs are compatible with surrounding land uses and are consistent with the goals and policies contained in the General Plan. • A 25 foot high, 115 square foot electronic readerboard will not impede the flow of traffic on Beach Boulevard. • With the proposed modification to the electronic readerboard sign, the sign will not adversely impact motorist vision on Beach Boulevard, nor impact other signs in the immediate vicinity. • The signs will assist motorists to enter the center from Stark Avenue and avoid making a U-turn on Beach Boulevard. • The signs will be architecturally compatible with the buildings on site and in the immediate vicinity. PC Minutes - 5/23/95 5 (pcn1029) THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Dennis Trausch, 8025 McGroarty, Sunland, representing applicant, addressed the need for a readerboard sign because the building was set back from Beach Boulevard and the landscape requirements would cause poor visibility. Mr. Trausch also stated that they had a revised proposal to reduce the "Sport Chalet" sign by two (2) feet. Rick Denman, 10980 Boatman Ave., Stanton, author of the sign program, gave a brief history of the proposal to the Commission. Mr. Denman stated that the purpose of the readerboard sign's height was to allow visibility from the freeway exit, and allow time for a safe lane change. Rod Wilson, 16242 Beach Boulevard, stated his support for the request. Frank Dubbs, 16242 Beach Boulevard, store manager, says the readerboard sign is necessary because of the store's poor visibility from Beach Boulevard. THERE WERE NO OTHER PERSONS PRESENT TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE REQUEST AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. The Commission asked staff to comment on the applicant's revised proposal. Staff stated they would stand by their original recommendation for the sign to conform with code. Staff stated that City Council had approved readerboard signs to be primary and business signs to be secondary. A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECOND BY KERINS, TO APPROVE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 95-25, SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO. 95-3 AND PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO.95-2 AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF WITH FINDINGS AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Livengood, Biddle, Gorman, Kerins, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: None ABSENT: Holden ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 95-25 1. The approved 25 foot high, 115 square foot electronic readerboard sign as modified by the conditions of approval will conform with the standards and criteria set forth in Chapter 233 of the HBZSO. The reduced area of the readerboard sign will be in keeping with the newly constructed buildings on site. PC Minutes - 5/23/95 6 (pcm029) 2. The electronic readerboard sign as modified by the conditions of approval is compatible with other signs on the site and in the vicinity. With the conditions imposed, the size of the readerboard sign will be compatible with other freestanding signs in the immediate area. 3. The electronic readerboard sign as modified by the conditions of approval will not adversely impact traffic circulation in adjacent rights -of -way or create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The electronic readerboard is not located within any required site angle visibility area. 4. The proposed electronic readerboard sign will not have adverse visual impacts on adjoining commercial and/or residential neighborhoods. The readerboard sign is located over 300 feet away from property zoned residential, and will not have any impact to residential property owners. FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO. 95-3 Planned Sign Program No. 95-3 will provide signs that reflect a common theme for the retail center by incorporating similar design elements in terms of materials, colors, illumination and sign type. 2. Planned Sign Program No. 95-3 will provide for signs that will be compatible with the architectural style and color of the buildings. 3. The proposed signs will be compatible with other signs in the immediate vicinity. 4. The proposed signs are substantially in compliance with the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance except for signs granted under Special Sign Permit No. 95- 3. FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO. 95-3: 1. Strict compliance with Chapter 233 will result in a substantial economic hardship to the applicant. The proposed 10 foot high monument sign, additional wall signage area for Sport Chalet, and logos on directional and regulatory signs, are necessary for adequate business exposure on Beach Boulevard, because the Sport Chalet building is setback over 450 feet from Beach Blvd. The monument sign will provide street exposure for 1-6 tenants in the Building "B" which faces north to Stark Avenue. 2. The proposed 10 foot high, 60 square foot monument sign, 180 square foot wall sign identifying Sport Chalet on the north elevation of the Building "A", and Sport Chalet logos on directional and regulatory signs will not adversely affect other signs in the area. The signs will be in keeping with the character of the surrounding neighborhood. There are other 10-25 foot high freestanding signs in the immediate vicinity. PC Minutes - 5/23/95 7 (p=029) The proposed 10 foot high, 60 square foot monument sign, 180 square foot wall sign identifying Sport Chalet on the north elevation of the Building "A", and directional and regulatory signs with Sport Chalet logos will not be detrimental to property located in the vicinity of such sign; and will be compatible with the surrounding area. The added sign area for Sport Chalet will assist customers to turn onto Stark Avenue to enter the center. 4. The proposed sign at 16242 Beach Boulevard will not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic vision. The proposed signs, including the 10 foot high monument sign will comply with the minimum site angle visibility requirement for freestanding signs located in a landscape planter. 5. The proposed 25 foot high, 206 square foot electronic readerboard sign may be detrimental to traffic on Beach Boulevard, and may adversely impact other signs in the area. Traffic flow may be impacted with the amount of information displayed on the message center. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 95-25/ PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO. 95-3/SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO. 95-3: 1. The planned sign program, including site plan and sign elevations received and dated May 17, 1995 shall be the approved layout with the following modifications: a. The electronic readerboard sign shall be modified to comply with Section 233.12 of the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. 2. The Planning Commission reserves the right to rescind Conditional Use Permit No. 95-25, Special Sign Permit No. 95-3, and Planned Sign Program No. 95-3 in the event of any violation of the terms of the applicable zoning laws. Any such decision shall be preceded by notice to the applicant and a public hearing and shall be based on specific findings. CODE REOUIREMENTS• 1. The proposed signs and sign program shall comply all applicable provisions of the Ordinance Code, Building Division, and Fire Department, except for exceptions granted under Special Sign Permit No. 95-3. 2. The electronic readerboard sign shall be prohibited to operate between the hours of 10:30 PM and 6:30 AM. PC Minutes - 5/23/95 8 (pcm029) 3. The electronic readerboard sign shall be used for public service announcements at least 10% of the message time, or any percentage deemed necessary by the City of Huntington Beach for emergency conditions. 4. Temporary banners, balloons, flags, etc., shall be permitted a maximum 15 days per calendar year with proper City permits. 5. The electronic readerboard shall have cylinders, a shade screen and a photocell for reducing the intensity of lighting at night. 6. The maximum measurable light output of the electronic readerboard shall not exceed 50 foot candles at the property line. 7. Messages in an electronic readerboard shall be no faster than one message ever four (4) seconds, and the minimum interval between messages shall be at least one second. Continuous motion of messages is not permitted. 8. Light intensity changes (other than between day and night uses) are not permitted. 9. Mobile, A -frame, and portable signs which are not permanently attached to the ground or building are strictly prohibited. 10. Conditional Use Permit No. 95-25 and Special Sign Permit No. 95-3 will become null and void unless exercised within one (1) year of the date of final approval, or such extension of time as may be granted by the Planning Director pursuant to a written request submitted to the Planning Division a minimum 30 days prior to the expiration date. C. CONSENT CALENDAR C-1 CODE AMENDMENT NO.95-1 - REVISIONS TO THE RESIDENTIAL INFILL ORDINANCE A MOTION WAS MADE BY TILLOTSON, SECOND BY SPEAKER, TO CONTINUE CODE AMENDMENT NO. 95-1, REVISIONS TO THE RESIDENTIAL INFILL ORDINANCE, TO THE JUNE 13, 1995 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Livengood, Biddle, Gorman, Kerins, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: None ABSENT: Holden ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED PC Minutes - 5/23/95 9 (p=029) C-2 RESOLUTION NO. 1504 - Amending the Planning Commission By-laws. A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECOND BY GORMAN, TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 1504, AMENDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION BY-LAWS, USING THE OPTIONAL LANGUAGE, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Livengood, Biddle, Gorman, Kerins, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: None ABSENT: Holden ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED C-3 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED MAY 9 1995 A MOTION WAS MADE BY BIDDLE, SECOND BY SPEAKER, TO APPROVE PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATED MAY 9, 1995, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Livengood, Biddle, Gorman, Kerins, Speaker NOES: None ABSENT: Holden ABSTAIN: Tillotson MOTION PASSED D. NON-PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS D-1 GENERAL PLAN UPDATE PRESENTATION NO 1 Staff presented General Plan Update No. 1. E. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS/INOUIRIES E-1 PLANNING COMMISSION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS: No Subcommittee Reports Commissioner Biddle - asked staff to investigate why the crosswalk was removed at the intersection of Loma and Main Street. Staff stated they would investigate and report back at the next meeting. PC Minutes - 5/23/95 10 (p=029) Commissioner Gorman - asked staff for information regarding the Huntington Beach Elementary School District's lawsuit filed against the City of Huntington Beach in regards to the amendment of Seabridge Specific Plan and adoption of the Negative Declaration. Legal counsel stated that a writ action seeking to overturn permits had been filed because the school district felt that the project did not comply with CEQA in mitigation school fees. F. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ITEMS F-1 ZONING ADMINISTRATOR EVENING MEETINGS - Request to limit evening meetings to an as needed basis. A MOTION WAS MADE BY LIVENGOOD, SECOND BY KERINS, TO SUPPORT STAFF'S REQUEST TO LIMIT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR EVENING MEETINGS TO AN AS NEEDED BASIS, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Livengood, Biddle, Gorman, Kerins, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: None ABSENT: Holden ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED F-2 CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING Howard Zelefsky, Planning Director - restated actions taken at the May 22, 1995, City Council meeting. F-3 PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING Scott Hess, Senior Planner - stated that the Planning Commission meetings of June 13 and June 27, 1995, would begin at 6:00 PM with a Study Session discussing the General Plan Update. Mr. Hess stated that these Study Sessions would be televised. PC Minutes - 5/23/95 11 (p=029) C G. ADJOURNMENT Adjourn to the June 13, 1995, Planning Commission meeting at 6:00 PM. A MOTION WAS MADE BY KERINS, SECOND BY BIDDLE, TO ADJOURN TO A 6:00 PM STUDY SESSION, TO BE TELEVISED, AND THEN TO THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 7:00 PM, TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 1995, BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES: Livengood, Biddle, Gorman, Kerins, Tillotson, Speaker NOES: None ABSENT: Holden ABSTAIN: None MOTION PASSED /kjl APPROWED BY: Ho rd Zelefsky reta 4Planninommission Chairperson PC Minutes - 5/23/95 12 (p=029)