PC 10/12/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Swift presented the staff report on the application for a variance from Section 18.96.060 of the Pleasanton Municipal Code and design review approval to allow the installation of a second freestanding sign in Amador Center, 25 feet in height and approximately 130 sq. ft. in size (identification panel and reader board). The staff report covers the variance findings and staff is recommending denial of this variance. Mr. Swift provided a photo of the area with a sketched outline of the proposed sign for the Commissioners' review. In response to Commissioner Barker, Mr. Swift advised that the applicants have been advised of the options available. However, staff believes the solution needs to be worked out between the Center's owners and Walgreen's officials. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Wade McClure, 1026 San Miguel Rd., Concord, represents Walgreen's and the contractor for the sign. He stated this Walgreen's store has poor marketing performance. Mr. McClure stated that at the time of the store's opening, they were denied their own freestanding sign as well as being denied inclusion on the Safeway monument sign. Mr. McClure advised that Walgreen's is open to other sign designs, the reader board can be deleted from the overall design, and a solid base could be used rather than a single pole. He distributed a photograph to the Commissioners, indicating the small "window" the existing sign is visible to passing traffic. Chairman Wright clarified with the speaker that Walgreen's is willing to remove the reader board and to eliminate the pole, which means the 25 foot height is the only remaining issue. Chairman Wright advised that staffs suggestions speak to redesigning the Safeway monument sign as well as granting a concession to placing a sign on Valley Ave. The speaker stated that Walgreen's Corporate does not wish to be part of a directory monument sign with other stores and wishes to have their own freestanding sign. Mr. McClure agrees that a sign height of less than 25 feet would have more visibility at this location. Bill House, of Walgreen's, stated Walgreen's can work with staff on an appropriate sign design, although the 25 foot sign is typical of what they have in other locations. He advised he will talk with Corporate officials. Staff advised that perhaps the application should be continued indefinitely for the applicants to speak with Walgreen's Corporate office. Commissioner Hovingh commented that the Walgreen's lawyers should have read the CC&R's of the shopping center before leasing the space. Mr. House stated their lawyers do read the CC&R's, and they also analyze the traffic count numbers. He noted that this store has never performed as was anticipated, and they are trying to get some relief by increasing their visibility. Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 October 12, 1994