Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-10-02I� n MINUTES HUNTINGTON BEACH OFFICE OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR Room B-6 - Civic Center 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach California WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2,1996 -1.30 P.M. ZONING ADMINI TRATOR - ACTING ZONING ADMINISTRATOR: STAFF MEMBERS: MINUTES: ORAL COMMUNICATION: Herb Fauland Linda Niles Lisa Mercurio, Wayne Carvalho, Mary Beth Broeren, Esther Baker (Recording Secretary) June 26, 1996, August 14, 1996 and August 28, 1996 approved. None ITEM 1: SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO 96-8 PETITION DOCUMENT: SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO.96-8 (HUNTINGTON HARBOUR MALL SIGN) (CONTINUED FROMAUGUST 21, 1996 ZONING ADMINISTRATOR'S MEETING) APPLICANT: Architectural Design & Signs, Inc. REQUEST: To replace the existing multi -tenant freestanding sign with a new 16 foot, four (4) inch high, 108 square foot sign identifying Huntington Harbour Mall and four (4) tenant panels. LOCATION: 17041 Algonquin Street (northwest corner at Warner Avenue) PROJECT PLANNER: Wayne Carvalho Linda Niles, Acting Zoning Administrator, conducted this item which was continued from the meeting of September 18, 1996. Ms. Niles indicated that the neighborhood representatives and the property owners of the mall and their representatives as well as landscape representative, Daryl Smith, Superintendent of Parks, Tree and Landscape Division of the Public Works Department, conducted a site meeting on October 11, 1996, to review options for adequately screening the view of the sign for property owners of Malta Drive. Ms. Niles stated that they were able to reach a satisfactory compromise and reviewed the conditions agreed upon. Mr. Economakos, area resident, stated he felt the fence would be more stable being at least two (2) feet high at the most northerly section rather than a minimum of one (1) foot. Ms. Niles responded that the City would look at that possibility when the fence plan is reviewed. Mr. Economakos asked about the location of the varying fence heights. Ms. Niles responded that the City has reviewed this, and it will be reflected in the fence plans. Mr. Carvalho instructed Mr. Evans to include the conditions of approval on the cover sheets of all sets of plans submitted. SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO. 96-8 WAS APPROVED BY THE ACTING ZONING ADMINISTRATOR WITH THE FINDINGS AND REVISED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF. THE ACTING ZONING ADMINISTRATOR STATED THAT THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR CAN BE APPEALED TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION WITHIN TEN (10) CALENDAR DAYS. FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO 96-8: 1. The 15 foot high, 108 square foot freestanding pylon sign is compatible with the character of the area and is needed for special circumstances defined by the applicant and approved by the Zoning Administrator, being that the mall is located 500 feet north of the nearest arterial (Warner Avenue). The sign will assist in providing direction to and exposure needed for a viable commercial center. 2. The proposed freestanding pylon sign will not adversely affect other signs in the area. The proposed sign is a replacement of an existing sign which is currently located within a landscape planter. 3. The proposed freestanding pylon sign will not be detrimental to properties located in the vicinity. The additional landscaping and fence extension will provide adequate screening of the sign for residents on Malta Circle. 4. The proposed freestanding sign at 17041 Algonquin Street (corner of Warner and Algonquin) will not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic visibility and will not be a hazardous distraction. The new sign will be situated in the same location as an existing sign, outside the required site angle area. ZA Minutes - October 2, 1996 2 (min1002) CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO 96-8• 1. The site plan and sign elevations received and dated May 31, 1996 shall be the approved layout with the following modifications: a. The maximum height of the sign shall be 15 feet. b. An additional 12 to 15 inch high panel shall be placed at the bottom of the sign to identify the range of addresses of the commercial center including the street name and directional arrow. c. All sign panels shall have an opaque background; only allowing illumination of the letters/numerals. 2. Prior to issuance of a building permit for the new sign, the following shall be completed: a. The existing nonconforming pylon sign on the Huntington Harbour Mall site shall be removed. b. A minimum of three (3), 48 inch box pine trees (the specific species to be determined with approval of the landscape plan) shall be planted in three locations specified by the City in the City mini -park. A landscape plan shall be submitted to the Department of Public Works and Community Development for review and approval to assure sufficient screening is provided of the sign for the residents of Malta Circle. Additional fencing is required to be constructed above the existing block wall. A fencing plan shall be submitted to the Departments of Community Development and Public Works for review and approval to assure sufficient screening of the sign is provided for the residents of Malta Circle as discussed at the site meeting on October 1, 1996 with the mall representatives, the neighbor representatives, and city staff. The plan shall depict the height, length and design of the fence, including colors and materials, and the method by which the fence will be installed. Building permits shall be obtained for the fence (extension) prior to installation. The fence shall run the entire length of the existing wall on the west side of the park and will vary in height from approximately one foot above the wall at the northerly most extension to allow a smooth transition, toga four foot high fence and in some locations a transition to approximately six feet above the wall. It is understood that depending on the location of the fencing (in front or behind the wall) there may need to be some trimming of existing mature vegetation behind the wall which would include hauling from that location. 3. Maintenance and operation of the sign shall comply with the following: a. The Parkway License Agreement between the City and the applicant shall remain in effect. ZA Minutes - October 2, 1996 3 (min1002) b. The sign shall only be illuminated during the hours in which the center is open for business. In no case shall the sign be illuminated after 10:00 PM. c. Both sides of the screening fence shall be maintained by the applicant. 4. Special Sign Permit No. 96-8 shall become null and void unless exercised within one (1) year of the date of final approval, or an extension of time is granted by the City of Huntington Beach. A request for an extension shall be submitted with the applicable fee, a minimum of 30 days prior to the expiration date. INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC CODE REQUIREMENTS• 1. The development 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. 3. The Zoning Administrator reserves the right to revoke Special Sign Permit No. 96-8 if any violation of these conditions of the Huntington Beach Ordinance Code occurs. ITEM 2: SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO 96-12 PETITION DOCUMENT: SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO.96-12 (MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP) APPLICANT: Kevin McConnell REQUEST: To install one (1) 20 foot high, 80 square foot freestanding sign in lieu of the code permitted height of 10 feet and area of 60 square feet, and to install four (4) wall signs totaling 306 square feet in lieu of the code maximum of 200 square feet. LOCATION: 16751 Beach Boulevard (West side of Beach, north of Terry). PROJECT PLANNER: Lisa Mercurio Lisa Mercurio, project planner, presented the staff report including site plans. Ms. Mercurio stated that the proposed signs conform with the General Plan's goals and policies by providing coordinated signage. Ms. Mercurio stated that she has not received any public correspondence, either written or verbal, regarding this request. Staff recommends approval of the freestanding ZA Minutes - October 2, 1996 4 (min1002) sign with the condition established previously by the Design Review Board that the sign be modified to include the address as part of the sign cabinet. Staff recommends the wall signs be modified to be a maximum of 200 square feet. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Kevin McConnell, applicant, stated that Mitsubishi wished to modify the application in order to reduce the total square footage of sign area. They would reduce the wall signage to 197 square feet by removing all the channel letters on the south face and replacing it with a logo. He also stated that they would like to modify the main sign to include the address on the pole cover. Mr. Fauland asked about sign number five (5). Mr. McConnell mentioned that this sign was previously permitted and will remain. He stated that this sign was not part of the application. Mr. Fauland asked where the address would appear on the pole. Mr. McConnell responded that the numbers would be just below the sign and high enough to be seen by vehicular traffic. He suggested six (6) inches high letters. Mr. Fauland noted that the actual request was for an 80 square foot freestanding sign, not 70 square foot. THERE WERE NO OTHER PERSONS PRESENT TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE REQUEST AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Mr. Fauland indicated that the modified conditions include a 20 foot high freestanding pole sign, with 80 square feet of sign area and six (6) inch high, white address numbers and four (4) wall signs [three (3) logo signs and one (1) channel letter) not to exceed 197 square feet as identified on plans submitted October 2, 1996 along with the colors and materials as submitted. SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO.96-12 WAS APPROVED BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR WITH THE FINDINGS AND MODIFIED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF. HE STATED THAT THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR CAN BE APPEALED TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION WITHIN TEN (10) CALENDAR DAYS. ZA Minutes - October 2, 1996 5 (min1002) r FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO 96 12/DRB NO 96 46/ PSP NO.96-10: 1. Strict compliance with Chapter 233, Signs, will result in a substantial economic hardship to Mitsubishi dealer located at 16751 Beach Boulevard. Due to the high speeds of vehicles on Beach Boulevard and the need to ensure visibility of the business, coordinated, clear, signage is necessary to ensure visibility of the business. As modified by staff, with a maximum 200 square feet of wall signs, and the modified 20 foot high, 80 square foot internally illuminated freestanding pole sign, the signage will allow visibility, maintain a cohesive look to the signs on site and along Beach Boulevard, comply with policies of the General Plan calling for coordinated signage, and comply with the requirements of the proposed sign code for sign area but not number of signs per frontage. Given the speeds along Beach Boulevard, the clearer and more coordinated signs on site, the more easily comprehended and understood they will become. This may actually increase business and safety for motorists on Beach Boulevard. 2. The proposed wall signs (200 sq. ft. max.) and freestanding sign (20 foot tall and 80 sq. ft.), as modified by staff, sign will not adversely affect other signs in the area. The signage will allow visibility, help to create a cohesive look to the signs on the site and along Beach Boulevard, comply with policies of the General Plan calling for coordinated signage, and comply with the sign area requirements of the proposed sign code. 3. The proposed 197 feet of wall signage and freestanding sign, as modified by staff, will not be detrimental to property located in the vicinity and will be compatible with the surrounding area. Given the requirements of the proposed sign code and the General Plan policies calling for coordinated signage, nonconforming signs will slowly be brought into a cohesive look along Beach Boulevard. 4. The proposed 197 feet of wall signage and freestanding sign, as modified by staff, will not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic vision. The proposed signs will be required to comply with the site angle and visibility requirements of Chapter 233, Signs, of the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. Given the speeds (50 MPH) on Beach Boulevard, the clearer the signage on site, the more easily it will be read and understood. This may improve visibility and may increase safety for motorist on Beach Boulevard. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO 96 12/DRB NO 96 46/ PSP NO.96-10: 1. The site plan and site elevations received and dated October 2, 1996 shall be the approved layout with the following modifications: ZA Minutes - October 2, 1996 6 (min1002) a. The wall signage area shall total square footage shall not exceed 197 square feet. There will be one (1) channel sign on the east elevation, with 36 inch high letters, for an area of 144 square feet; there will be three (3) additional wall signs -1) 18 square foot service sign, 2) 15 square foot Mitsubishi Dealer single face sign, 3) 20 square foot Mitsubishi logo sign. b. The freestanding sign shall include the address with minimum six inch letters applied to the front of the pylon. c. The colors and materials as submitted to the Design Review Board will be used on signs. d. The pole sign is to be 20 feet in total height, sign area is to be 8 feet wide and 10 feet high, for 80 square feet of sign area. e. The existing Hummer and Jeep signs are to be removed from site. 2. Prior to of submittal for building permits, the following shall be completed: a. Zoning entitlement conditions of approval shall be printed verbatim on the cover page of all the working drawing sets used for issuance of building permits (architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing). 4. Prior to issuance of building permits, the following shall be completed: a. Submit copy of the revised site plan, floor plans and elevations pursuant to Condition No. 1 for review and approval and inclusion in the entitlement file to the Department of Community Development. b. A Landscape Construction Set must be submitted to the Department of Public Works and approved by the Departments of Public Works and Community Development. The Landscape Construction Set shall include a landscape plan prepared and signed by a State Licensed Landscape Architect which identifies the location, type, size and quantity of all existing plant materials to remain, existing plant materials to be removed and proposed plant materials; an irrigation plan; a grading plan; an approved site plan and a copy of the entitlement conditions of approval. 10. This Special Sign Permit shall not become effective for any purpose until an "Acceptance of Conditions" form has been properly executed by the applicant and an authorized representative of the owner of the property, recorded with County Recorder's Office, and returned to the Planning Division. ZA Minutes - October 2, 1996 7 (min1002) 11. The Community Development Director ensures that all conditions of approval herein are complied with. The Community Development Director shall be notified in writing if any changes to the site plan, elevations and floor plans are proposed as a result of the plan check process. Building permits shall not be issued until the Community Development Director has reviewed and approved the proposed changes for conformance with the intent of the Zoning Administrator's action and the conditions herein. If the proposed changes are of a substantial nature, an amendment to the original entitlement reviewed by the Zoning Administrator may be required pursuant to the HBZSO. INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC CODE REQUIREMENTS• 1. Special Sign Permit No. 96-12 shall not become effective until the ten day appeal period has elapsed. 2. Special Sign Permit No. 96-12 shall become null and void unless exercised within one year of the date of final approval or such extension of time as may be granted by the Director pursuant to a written request submitted to the Department of Community Development a minimum 30 days prior to the expiration date. 3. The Zoning Administrator reserves the right to revoke Special Sign Permit No. 96-12, pursuant to a public hearing for revocation, if any violation of these conditions or the Huntington Beach Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance or Municipal Code occurs. 4. Construction shall be limited to Monday - Saturday 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Construction shall be prohibited Sundays and Federal holidays. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 2:05. BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16,1996. Linda Niles Acting Zoning Admin' trator 1 i Herb Fauland Zoning Administrator HF:MBB:efb ZA Minutes - October 2, 1996 8 (min1002)