PC 03/13/96 - Laserfiche WebLink

. . . 4. REVISIONS AND OMISSIONS TO THE AGENDA Mr. lserson advised the Commission that Item 6b., UP-95-80/Z-95-255, GTE Mobilnet/Tea Group, was continued to March 27, 1996. 5. MATTERS CONTINUED FOR DECISION There were none. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. AP-96-01 Annellant: Jack Hovinl!h (Z-95-217/V-95-18. Safewav. Inc.. and Essenar Investments. Inc.) Appeal of the decision of the Zoning Administrator's approval for a variance from the Municipal Code and for design review approval to allow the construction of two new freestanding monument signs, one facing Santa Rita Road, and one facing Valley Avenue, of the Amador Plaza shopping center property located on the southwest corner of Santa Rita Road and Valley Avenue. Mr. Iserson presented the staff report on the appeal of the Zoning Administrator's approval of a variance to allow two monument signs for the Amador Center at Valley Avenue and Santa Rita Rd. The request by the applicants was to allow a second monument sign on Santa Rita Road, increase the allowable size from 50 sq. ft. to 56.31 sq. ft., and increase the allowable height from 12 ft. to 14 ft. In October, 1994, an application by Walgreens to permit a 25 ft. pylon sign on Santa Rita Road was denied by the Planning Commission due to the sign's height and design. Staff did agree that Walgreens had valid visibility concerns. During the present remodeling project, the Center's applicants requested an additional monument sign; this variance was granted by the Zoning Administrator. During the appeal period, Commission Hovingh contacted staff stating his opposition to the monument signs and the Zoning Administrator's approval, based on his belief that there are no special circumstances with respect to this shopping center and that approval would be a precedent-setting action for other C-N zoned commercial centers. Staff feels that due to limited visibility through the parking lot to the store fronts due to the existing service station and the existing and new trees along Santa Rita Road, it is acceptable to allow a second monument sign for the Center. Staff can support the two monument signs on the main arterials, as well as incorporating the major tenants' names in the monument sign. Staff did determine that changes in height and sign size would be necessary, however, and that it would be possible to provide adequate sign visibility while adhering to the height and area limitations of the Code. Staff feels the variance should be approved with the condition to reduce the area and height and supports a resolution denying the appeal of the Zoning Administrator's actions. Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 March 13, 1996