Laserfiche WebLink
CUP No. 2012-16 & VA No. 2012-05 <br />August 13, 2012 <br />Page 7 <br />• The project site has a special circumstance related to its size, shape and location. The property is <br />a 17 acre, irregularly shaped parcel that sits 20 to 25 feet below the adjacent Newport-Costa Mesa <br />(SR-55) Freeway. Due to its location, approval to allow wall signs at the top level of the building <br />will allow the facility to be visible to vehicles travelling the SR-55 Freeway. Therefore, special <br />circumstances exist that warrant a sign variance. <br />The granting of the variances is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial <br />property rights. When constructed, the building was intended to accommodate industrial uses <br />and did not anticipate the need for commercial signage brought about by the introduction of indoor <br />sports facilities as conditionally permitted uses within Industrial zones. Since the proposed use <br />will be a regional attractor and has different signage needs than an industrial use, the granting of <br />the signage variance will preserve the property owner's right to develop and lease a vacant <br />industrial property with a use that is allowed in the zoning district. The new use will help to <br />revitalize a vacant industrial property which will preserve the property owners right to upgrade, <br />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 are proposed to be rehabilitated to comply with all applicable development <br />standards except for the height and signage requirements. Further, the signs will be consistent <br />with the sign code and have been designed to not negatively affect the surrounding properties. <br />The signage will not include any exposed neon or incorporate any type of flashing light or <br />movement that could affect traffic. The project will be consistent with the objectives of the <br />Indoor Sports Facility ordinance, which encourages the reuse of industrial properties for sports <br />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 />Public Notification <br />The project site is not located within or near any neighborhood association. Staff has been in <br />contact with the property owner, who has informed the existing tenants of the proposed use. The <br />project site itself was posted with a notice advertising this public hearing, a notice was published in <br />the Orange County Reporter and mailed notices were sent to property owners within 500 feet of <br />the project site, as well as concerned citizens listed on the Permanent Notification List. At the time <br />of this printing, no correspondence had been received. <br />31A-9