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Variance No. 2004-12 October 25, 2004 Page 3 the proposed flagpole falls within the definition of a structure, staff is concerned that the flagpole is over two times above the maximum allowable height and is immediately adjacent to single-family residences (Exhibi t 8). Second, the City's General Plan designates the Santa Ana Freeway as a primary street corridor and Seventeenth Street a secondary street corridor. One of the goals of the General Plan is to discourage the intrusion of unsightly signage and other similar structures, such as the proposed flagpole, which impact the visual and aesthetic qualities of these corridors. These corridors are also major influences on Santa Ana's image and maintaining the corridors free from obstructions is a primary goal of the General Plan. Additionally, approval of this variance would set a precedent for similar types of requests, such as signage, for other businesses located along any freeway in Santa Ana. In 1995, the Chevron Gas station located at 400 East Seventeenth Street and on the opposite side of the freeway from the subject property, applied for a 70-foot tall pole sign. The Planning Commission and City Council denied the request due to the concerns that it would prompt other similar requests in the City. Additionally, adjacent uses may be prompted to once again consider removing their existing sign and constructing a new and taller sign. Approval of this request may encourage businesses to apply for similar requests to gain greater visibility in the area and from the freeway. Finally, the existing service station is situated at a prominent business location, directly north of the freeway off-ramp and immediately adjacent to the freeway on-ramp. Additionally, Seventeenth Street is a major arterial street and provides a large volume of traffic in this area. There is also an existing 35-foot freestanding pole sign on the southeast portion of the site that provides additional recognition for the property. Therefore, there is no need for additional signage or identification of the premises. Staff has considered the immediate surroundings, specifically the freeway and the adjacent residential uses, in reviewing the applicant's request. The freeway overpass measures 35-feet from street level and the proposed flagpole is substantially higher at over two times the height. Also, the proposed flagpole is not consistent with typical requests for flagpoles and is over twice the height of the tallest and most recently approved flagpoles. It has been determined that a need for such a great disparity 758-9