75B - PH - ZONING SIGN PROGRAMS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2013 -02 February 24, 2014 Page 4 planned sign programs, These findings will ensure that the scale and intensity of the proposed signage is consistent with surrounding land uses, that the location of the proposed signage will not create a hazardous environment for those on City streets or nearby freeways, and that the proposed signage is compatible with the scale, intensity; and site development characteristics. Scale and intensity will be determined by a variety of factors, including height of existing or proposed on -site buildings; quantity of on -site buildings, facades, and street frontages; scale of buildings relating to surrounding land uses and transportation routes for pedestrians and motorists visibility from transportation corridors or public spaces; and architecture, colors, materials, illumination, and other site characteristics.. Staff surveys illustrate that other jurisdictions with similar regional commercial centers that review planned sign programs on a case -by -case basis take similar measures to limit distracting or potentially- hazardous signage while also allowing flexibility that reflects site development characteristics and context. The proposed action would add provisions that require applications reviewed by the Planning Commission to comply with all provisions of Section 41 -860 and several provisions of Section 41 -861 in order to guarantee the health, welfare, and safety of residents and workers in the immediate vicinity. These two sections will be modified to allow for expanded opportunities for distinctive signage, including aerial or balloon signs and electronic message displays, to better meet the unique needs of regional centers or attractions; Finally, the proposed code amendments would create a provision for electronic message displays ( "digital signs ") in planned sign programs for regional commercial centers and regional attractions. Staff surveys of other jurisdictions with similar planned sign program provisions for large -scale centers show that various cities often remand requests for digital technology to their planning commissions . and that these bodies review such requests on a case -by -case basis to ensure appropriate actions are taken that reflect the context and site development characteristics of each proposal. The proposed code amendments would also establish baseline conditions for all electronic message displays that would protect the health, safety, and welfare of those within viewing distance of such signage while also allowing flexibility in digital technology as it advances over time. Public Outreach and Notification The proposed action was presented to the Planning Commission as a work study session on April 22, 2013. On September 23, 2013, a public hearing was held on the item after which the Planning Commission recommended the proposed code amendments for approval by the City Council. Members of the business community representing properties that may be affected by the proposed code amendments were invited to attend both meetings to learn about staffs proposed changes and to provide input. Since then, the City has received additional input from various stakeholders that may be affected by the proposed code amendments. During the time between the September 23, 2013 and this public hearing, staff continued to survey other cities similar in scale to Santa Ana that have regional centers 75B -6