PC 091411 - Laserfiche WebLink

a. P11-0033, Property Development Centers Application for Sign Design approval of a comprehensive sign program for the Pleasanton Gateway retail/commercial development, excluding the offices, located on the south side of Bernal Avenue between the I- 680/Bernal Avenue exit ramp and Valley Avenue. Zoning for the property is PUDC (Planned Unit Development Commercial) District. Marion Pavan presented the staff report and described the scope, layout, and key elements of the proposal. With respect to the new Condition No. 10 regarding replacing the sign on the south building elevation, Commissioner Pentin requested clarification from Mr. Pavan that he and not Safeway development. Mr. Pavan confirmed that was correct. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Theresa Moore stated that she is a life-long resident of Pleasanton and has reaped the benefits of the well-planned development in the City. She indicated that she has spoken earlier with Mr. Pavan and has had some of her questions answered; however, she would like to express some of her concerns to be part of the formal record. Ms. Moore stated that she lives across from the strip-mall portion of this development and that her main concern is the nine signs proposed to be facing their housing development. She further stated that when she asked Mr. Pavan why a monument sign was not proposed, Mr. Pavan explained that there is a 25-foot utility easement in that area. She noted that nine signs are a lot from an advertising standpoint and requested that the Commission consider setting them farther back instead of across the back side of that development. She noted that there is not a great view of the signs from Bernal Avenue, especially when the trees are in full foliage, and that basically it is their housing development that would be looking at those signs. She added that as people drive up, they need to be on top of the signs in order to see what they say. Ms. Moore stated that she was also opposed to the size of the signs, which look very large from their neighborhood. She requested that, if the signs are to remain, their sizes be reduced from one square foot per linear foot to .5 square foot per linear foot, which would be more residential-friendly and would also necessitate less lighting while still being visible. Ms. Moore noted that the ign Design Review brochure states that applications in areas with a Homeowners Association (HOA) need to provide an approval letter from the HOA stating its review and approval of the proposed project. She stated that she contacted the HOA, who indicated that it had been working closely with the project but PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 14, 2011 Page 3 of 28