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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Staff feels the building is attractive, the site is functional, and recommend approval of the <br />application subject to the conditions of approval. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding the reasons why the McDonald's sign was approved at 30 feet. <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED <br /> <br />Raymund Villanueva, 13502 Hamburger Lane, Baldwin Park, represented In-N-Out Burger. <br />Mr. Villanueva stated In-N-Out Burgers do not consider themselves "fast food." They were <br />in business in 1948, preceding McDonald's. The main difference between In-N-Out Burger <br />and regular fast food restaurant is the food is not prepared in advance of the order. <br /> <br />The speaker described their meat process which is always fresh and never frozen. Their <br />meat is processed and trucked daily. Their method of cooking the burgers decreases the <br />emissions because fatty liquids do not drop into an open flame. <br /> <br />Their employees are paid well; their facilities are fInanced through operational cash, not <br />through banks. If the restaurant is successful, there will be no need to build a retail center. <br /> <br />The applicant agrees to all conditions except for the condition regarding the sign <br />(Condition 16). <br /> <br />Mr. Villanueva stated that at the close of escrow they will have already paid out <br />$1.8 million. They feel to be successful in this location, they need to have the most <br />visibility possible and are asking for consideration of the 30-foot pylon sign. They have <br />already conceded to the fact that the sign would be visible only from the westbound traffic. <br />The speaker feels their request is consistent with previously approved pylon signs (35 feet <br />height at Walmart, and 30-foot McDonald's sign). It is a matter of economics for In-N-Out <br />Burger; this site was selected because of it being a freeway-oriented site and a 20-foot sign <br />will not give In-N-Out Burger the minimum visibility needed to be successful on this site. <br /> <br />In response to Commissioner Wright, Mr. Villanueva would be willing to change the red <br />color to a burgundy in exchange for the 30-foot pylon sign. <br /> <br />PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED <br /> <br />The Commissioners discussed that fast food restaurants are "freeway-oriented" businesses. <br />Commissioner Hovingh commented that other geographic areas have small freeway signs <br />indicating the gas stations and restaurants available at the next freeway exit. Mr. Villanueva <br />advised that for CalTrans to install such a sign, the next available exit must be at least ten <br /> <br />miles away. <br /> <br />PIaJmIng Commission Minutes <br /> <br />Page 12 <br /> <br />April 10, 1996 <br />