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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-03-26MINUTES HUNTINGTON BEACH OFFICE OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR Room B-6 - Civic Center 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach California WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26,1997 -1:30 P.M. ZONING ADMINISTRATOR: Mary Beth Broeren, Acting STAFF MEMBER: Lisa Mercurio, Hannah L. Brondial Bowen, Kim Langel (recording secretary) MINUTES: December 4, 1996 Minutes were approved. ORAL COMMUNICATION: None ITEM 1: PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO.97-1/SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO 97-1/ DESIGN REVIEW BOARD NO. 97-1 (COLUMBIA HOSPITAL WALL SIGNS) APPLICANT: Bruce Ward, AIA PE, 1408 S. Bodega Way #3, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 PROPERTY OWNER: Columbia Huntington Beach Hospital, Carlos Williams, 17772 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 REQUEST: To add two (2) wall signs to a penthouse tower; replace one (1) wall sign on canopy; remove one (1) wall sign on I.C.U. wing; and add internal illumination to street signs on Newman Avenue and Beach Boulevard. Special sign permit request is for 264.7 square foot wall sign area in lieu of the 200 square foot maximum allowed. LOCATION: 17772 Beach Boulevard (southwest corner of Newman Avenue and Beach Boulevard). PROJECT PLANNER: Lisa Mercurio Lisa Mercurio, Staff Planner, displayed site plan, elevations and photographs stating the request is to add two (2) wall signs to a penthouse tower; replace one (1) wall sign on canopy; remove one (1) wall sign on I.C.U. wing; and add internal illumination to street signs on Newman Avenue and Beach Boulevard. The special sign permit request is for 264.7 square feet of wall sign area in lieu of the 200 square foot maximum allowed. The subject property is Columbia Hospital located at 17772 Beach Boulevard. The surrounding uses are medical buildings, a church and cemetery and a residential tract. Staff stated that the freestanding Sign No. 1 will be 12 feet high with 17 square feet of sign area. Freestanding Sign No. 2 will be 18 feet with 31 square feet of sign area. Both Sign Nos. 1 and 2 are proposed to have internal illumination. There are three (3) wall signs proposed. An entrance canopy with 50 square feet of sign area, a sign on the tower facing Beach Boulevard with 157 square feet of sign area and a sign facing Newman Avenue with 57.5 square feet of sign area. The wall signage exceeds the square footage allowed by an additional 18 square feet for emergency signage that is requested. Staff supports the request because existing signs along Beach Boulevard obscure the signs that currently exist on the building. The Design Review Board has reviewed and approved the proposed request. Staff has not received any correspondence from the public in regards to the proposed request. Staff is recommending approval with the findings and conditions of approval as outlined in the staff report. Mary Beth Broeren, Acting Zoning Administrator, asked staff if the logo located at the entrance of the hospital would be removed. Staff stated that it would. Ms. Broeren asked staff if the Design Review Board had foreseen any adverse impacts to the adjacent residential tract from illumination of the tower sign . Staff stated that the panel was not large enough to create any adverse impacts. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Bruce Ward, 1408 S. Bodega Way, #5, Diamond Bar, applicant, stated that he concurs with staff s recommendation. THERE WERE NO OTHER PERSONS PRESENT TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE REQUEST AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO.97-1, SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO.97-1 AND DESIGN REVIEW BOARD NO.97-1 WERE APPROVED BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR WITH THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL. HE 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.97-1: 1. Special Sign Permit No. 97-1 for a 282.7 square foot wall sign area in lieu of the 200 square foot maximum is compatible with the character of the area and is needed for special circumstances. The new wall signs will allow visibility for the hospital from Beach Boulevard and Newman Avenue. The hospital is setback from Beach Boulevard 550 feet, and is 230 feet from Newman Avenue. Several two to four stories high medical office buildings further obstruct visibility to the hospital from street level. Most of the wall sign area (214.5 square feet) will be placed on the penthouse tower that is six stories high, and 18 square feet of the signage is an existing sign to identify the emergency entrance to the hospital. ;1 ZA Minutes - 3/26/97 2 (97ZM0326) 2. Special Sign Permit No. 97-1 for adding internal illumination to the existing 18 foot high freestanding sign on Beach Boulevard, with 31.5 square foot of sign area, in lieu of the 15 foot high sign allowed is compatible with the character of the area and is needed for special circumstances. The existing freestanding sign on Beach Boulevard is the only freestanding sign for approximately 625 feet of corner frontage. Adding internal illumination to the existing sign will allow the hospital better exposure to motorists traveling north and south on Beach Boulevard. 3. The proposed freestanding sign will not adversely affect other signs in the area because it is only seven feet wide and will not block the visibility of the other buildings on the site. The proposed wall signage will not adversely affect other signs in the area because it separated from other medical office buildings on the site by over 250 feet. 4. The proposed signage will not be detrimental to properties located in the vicinity. The location and design of the wall signs is similar to other business identification signs in the immediate vicinity and will not adversely affect adjacent properties. 5. The proposed freestanding signage will not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic visibility and will not be a hazardous distraction. The existing 18 foot high sign on Beach Boulevard is 17 feet away from the entrance to the hospital/medical complex and is not located within the site angle visibility area of the entrance corner. The proposed wall signage will not be a hazardous distraction because the white letters are of a standard font and size. FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO 97-1• 1. That the proposed signs are compatible with the style or character of existing improvements on the site and are well -related to each other, reflecting a common theme and design style. CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO 97-1/ PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO.97-1: 1. The site plan and sign elevations received and dated March 3, 1997 shall be the approved layout with the following modifications: a. Both freestanding signs shall include the address, including street name, with minimum six (6) inch numerals. 2. Prior to submittal for building permits, zoning entitlements conditions of approval shall be printed verbatim on the cover sheet of the working drawings. 3. The Zoning Administrator reserves the right to rescind this planned sign program and 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. ZA Minutes - 3/26/97 3 (97ZM0326) INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC CODE REQUIREMENTS: 1. Special Sign Permit No. 97-1 and Planned Sign Program No. 97-1 shall not become effective until the ten day appeal period has elapsed. 2. Special Sign Permit No. 97-1 and Planned Sign Program No. 97-1 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. 97-1 and Planned Sign Program No. 97-1, 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. 5. All signs shall conform to the HBZSO. Prior to installing any new signs, or changing sign faces, a building permit shall be obtained from the Department of Community Development. 6. The applicant shall submit a check in the amount of $38.00 for the posting of the Notice of Exemption at the County of Orange Clerk's Office. The check shall be made out to the County of Orange and submitted to the Department of Community Development within two (2) days of the Zoning Administrator's action. ITEM 2• PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO 92-3(R)/SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO.97-2 (STRUCTURE SIGN) APPLICANT: Will Hawes, 1700 W. Anaheim Street, Long Beach, CA 90813 PROPERTY OWNER: Jakosky Properties, 503-32nd Street, Suite 200, Newport Beach, CA 92663 REQUEST: To permit an 18 foot, 10.75 inch high freestanding structure as a supergraphic, which will be used to hold channel letters for business identification purposes. LOCATION: 19118 Brookhurst. PROJECT PLANNER: Hannah L. Brondial Bowen Hannah Brondial Bowen, Staff Planner, displayed site plan and elevations stating the request is to permit an 18 foot, 10.75 inch high freestanding structure as a supergraphic at 19118 Brookhurst, which will be used to hold channel letters for business identification purposes. The business is SO CAL Raceway which was conditionally approved by the Planning Commission in August of 1996, for retail sales and operation of an indoor racetrack for radio -controlled automobiles. On March 13, 1997, the Design Review Board reviewed and approved the colors, materials and design of the proposed structure. 1 7 ZA Minutes - 3/26/97 4 (97ZM0326) Staff stated that Planning Commission Chairperson Ed Kerins was concerned that when the original conditional use permit was approved in 1996, the applicant clearly stated that they had no need for additional signage and now they are requesting additional signage. Staff indicated that the applicant for the conditional use permit is not the party requesting additional signage. Staff stated they are recommending approval of the request with the findings and conditions of approval as stated in the staff report with two (2) additions. Staff stated that the business currently has an existing banner on the building that is not permitted. They are suggesting that the business owner apply for a temporary use permit for the unpermitted banner. Staff is also suggesting that a condition be added that would allow the applicant a remainder of 165.45 square feet for future channel letters. Mary Beth Broeren, Acting Zoning Administrator, asked staff what is the proposed color of the tubing, has there been any discussion about illumination of the tower, and has the applicant pursued with the property owners use of the three (3) existing wall signs. Staff stated that the tubing would be purple, the tower would not be illuminated and, that she is unaware of any interaction with the property owners regarding use of the existing signage. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Will Hawes, 1700 W. Anaheim Blvd., Long Beach, applicant, stated they are requesting signage for exposure on Brookhurst Street for future tenants of the center. Mr. Hawes stated that the unpermitted banner currently in place will be removed. Ernie Liske, 503-32nd Street, Newport Beach, representing applicant, stated that the property owners are requesting the additional signage not the tenants who operate SO CAL. THERE WERE NO OTHER PERSONS PRESENT TO SPEAK FOR OR AGAINST THE REQUEST AND THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Mary Beth Broeren, Acting Zoning Administrator, stated she will approve the request with modifications to the conditions of approval. These modifications shall include: ► The maximum sign area allowed on the space frame structure will be 64.68 square feet. ► The space frame structure will not be illuminated. ► The color of the space frame (metal tubing portion) will match the accent color of other similar structures in the center (currently purple) and the color of the structure's column will be painted to match the building color. ► No hanging signs or banners will be allowed on the structure. ► The tenant, SO CAL Raceway, shall obtain a Temporary Sign Permit from the Community Development Department for their existing unpermitted banner or remove the banner. ZA Minutes - 3/26/97 5 (97ZM0326) PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO.92-3(R) AND SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO.97-2 WERE APPROVED BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR WITH THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL. HE 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.97-2: Special Sign Permit No. 97-2 for an 18 foot - 10.75 inch high space frame structure (with a clearance of 15 ft. and 10.75 inches) which will be used to support a channel letter sign is compatible with the character of the shopping center and is needed for special circumstances defined by the applicant and approved by the Design Review Board. The space frame structure will support a channel letter sign for the tenant in Building 2. The applicant is requesting this structure (defined as a supergraphic) on behalf of the property owner because the unit does not have visibility from either Garfield or Brookhurst. This structure would give the tenant visibility from Brookhurst. (Previously, the current tenant had indicated that signage was not needed for their business. The property owner is requesting the space frame structure, however, to increase visibility for Building 2 which will improve its leasing potential.) 2. The proposed structure will not adversely affect other signs in the area because it will be in conformance with the rest of the criteria in the existing sign program for the center. The maximum height of the channel letters will be 26.4 inches and the maximum sign area allowed will be 64.68 sq. feet. 3. The proposed structure will not be detrimental to properties located in the vicinity. The space frame structure would be setback at least 150 feet from the public right away and at least 90 feet from adjacent properties. Furthermore, the structure will not be illuminated. 4. The proposed structure will not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic visibility and will not be a hazardous distraction. The space frame structure would have a clearance of 15 feet and 10.75 inches, which would allow fire apparatus and other vehicles to pass underneath it. One portion of the structure (column) would be located in an existing planter area and the other portion would be attached to the facade of Building 2. FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL - PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO.92-3(R): That the proposed structure is compatible with and well -related to the style or character of existing improvements on the site, reflecting a common theme and design style. 1 ZA Minutes - 3/26/97 6 (97ZM0326) CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - SPECIAL SIGN PERMIT NO 97-2/ PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO.92-3(R): 1. The site plan and site elevations received and dated February 5, 1997 shall be the conceptually approved layout with the following modifications: a. The maximum height of the channel letters shall be 26.4 inches. b. The maximum sign area allowed on the space frame structure shall be 64.68 square feet. c. The space frame structure shall not be illuminated. d. The color of the space frame (metal tubing portion) shall match the accent color of other similar structures in the center (currently purple) and the color of the structure's column shall be painted to match the building color. 2. No hanging signs or banners shall be allowed on the structure. 3. Should signage not be located on the space frame, a wall sign shall be allowed for the tenant consistent with the size provisions of the Huntington Beach Zoning Subdivision Ordinance. 4. The loss of landscape material shall be minimized. Any landscape material removed for the placement of the space frame column shall be replaced and planted in the immediate vicinity. 5. The tenant, SO CAL Raceway, shall obtain a Temporary Sign Permit from the Community Development Department for their existing banner, which was erected without a permit, within 10 days of this approval, or remove the banner. 6. The Zoning Administrator reserves the right to rescind this revision to the planned sign program and 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. INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC CODE REQUIREMENTS: 1. Special Sign Permit No. 97-2 and Planned Sign Program No. 92-3(R) shall not become effective until the ten day appeal period has elapsed. ZA Minutes - 3/26/97 7 (97ZM0326) 2. Special Sign Permit No. 97-2 and Planned Sign Program No. 92-3(R) 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. 97-2 and Planned Sign Program No. 92-3(R), 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. The development shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Municipal Code, Building Division, and Fire Department as well as applicable local, State and Federal Fire Codes, Ordinances, and standards, except as noted herein. 5. Construction shall be limited to Monday - Saturday 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Construction shall be prohibited Sundays and Federal holidays. 6. All signs shall conform to the HBZSO. Prior to installing any new signs, or changing sign faces, a building permit shall be obtained from the Department of Community Development. 7. The applicant shall submit a check in the amount of $38.00 for the posting of the Notice of Exemption at the County of Orange Clerk's Office. The check shall be made out to the County of Orange and submitted to the Department of Community Development within two (2) days of the Zoning Administrator's action. THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 2:05 PM BY THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2,1997 AT 1:30 PM. o �� Mary Be h Broeren, Acting Zoning Administrator :kjl ZA Minutes - 3/26/97 8 (97ZM0326)