PC 02/23/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to Commissioner Michelotti, Mr. Swift stated that staff is comfortable with the proposed guidelines and possible sign ordinance revisions. He further stated that the proposed guidelines would not depart from the types of signs previously approved for retail centers on an ad hoc basis. Chairman McGuirk commented about the Paychex monument sign on Hopyard and West Las Positas. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. James Paxson, Hacienda Owners Association, stated he is in concurrence with the staff report and its conditions. He advised Hacienda had originally asked that the Paychex sign have maroon lettering, but the blue is their corporate color, so they were allowed to keep it. Mr. Swift stated that the sign already fell under the current guidelines. Pat O'Brien, 27 Castledown Road, stated that with more and more distressed property in the valley, the use of these logo signs will be more prevalent. Commissioner Hovingh proposed that in five years or so these signs would have to come up for renewal. Mr. O'Brien thought it would not be feasible for a 15-year tenant. Commissioner Michelotti stated her belief that City staff is the last stop for approval of these signs, and they must "bite the bullet" and say no. She would not like to see these nonconforming signs become the norm. Chairman McGuirk thought the signage program of the '80's may not work in the '90's, and perhaps it is time to rethink how the centers market their tenants' businesses. Further discussion ensued among the Commissioners on their thoughts of how some current signs look as well as how they interpret the new guidelines. Commissioner Finch stated his belief that of the many tenants in Hacienda, there are only a few with obtrusive signs. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Angelina Summers, 4750 Sutter Gate Avenue, would not like to see established businesses come forward and change their existing signs. Mr. Swift advised he was unfamiliar with the Paychex sign, though he stated that if it did get approved when it should not have, he reiterated that staff will have be more diligent. This is a problem with business owners throughout Pleasanton, not just Hacienda. In response to Chairman McGuirk, another business would not be able to use the Paychex sign as an example and get a similar sign. Commissioner Hovingh stated his desire to see the monument signs have fewer than five tenant names, the use of indirect illumination, and little repetition of the same tenant signs. Planning Commission Minutes Page 14 February 23, 1994