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CUP No. 2012-16 & VA No. 2012-05 <br />August 13, 2012 <br />Page 6 <br />allow indoor sports facilities within industrial buildings, as such these types of buildings often need <br />modification in order to accommodate this use. As rock climbing facilities need tall vertical <br />structures that simulate challenging natural environments and the building as originally <br />constructed cannot achieve this without an increase in height, special circumstances exist that <br />warrant a variance. Maintaining the building height at its current 20 foot height would affect the <br />viability of the use at this location and would provide an undue hardship to the property owner. <br />The granting of the variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial <br />property rights. Compliance with the height standard would significantly limit the building's <br />viability as a rock climbing facility, which is a conditionally permitted use within the SAMC. <br />Further, the granting of the height variance will preserve the property owner's right to develop <br />and lease a vacant industrial property with a use that is allowed in the zoning district. The new <br />use will help to revitalize a vacant industrial property, which will preserve the property owner's <br />right to upgrade, develop and lease their property. <br />The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public or surrounding properties as <br />the building and site will be constructed and rehabilitated to comply with all applicable <br />development standards except for the height and signage requirements. The proposed height <br />of the portion of the building that would exceed the height limitation is 50 feet and would not <br />block access to light and air, or obscure views. Further, the project will be consistent with the <br />objectives of the Indoor Sports Facility ordinance, which encourages the reuse of industrial <br />properties for sports related uses such as climbing facilities. <br />Finally, the project will not adversely affect the General Plan. The addition of an indoor climbing <br />facility at this location supports several General Plan Policies, including Land Use Element Policy <br />1.8 which encourages the development of commercial recreational facilities, and Policy 2.2 which <br />encourages development which accommodates the City's need for goods and services. This <br />project will provide a much needed opportunity for recreation within an area of the City that is <br />substantially underserved by the existing parks. <br />Variance No. 2012-05 (b) - Location of Wall Signs <br />The applicant is also proposing to install two wall signs on the top level of the building. SAMC <br />Section 41-863(d)(1) limits the placement of wall signs to a maximum height of 20 feet. The SR-55 <br />Freeway is located higher than the existing building, which makes it difficult to see signage on this <br />building. Allowing the installation of signage that will be approximately 47 feet in height from the <br />base of the building will allow Sender One the ability to identify the facility to drivers travelling along <br />the SR-55 Freeway. Conditions of approval have been placed on the variance to ensure that the <br />signage will be in compliance with all other signage regulations. Staff recommends approval of the <br />variance from the maximum sign placement height based on the following facts and findings: <br />31A-8