31A - VARIANCE -1525 AND 1551 N TUSTIN

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Variance Nos. 2015 -03 & 2015 -04 April 27, 2015 Page 5 The granting of the variances is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights. Additional major building identification signs would assist with branding and marketing efforts of the buildings, reducing vacancy rates, increasing commercial activity, and allowing the property owner the ability to maximize the existing structures to their fullest potential. The placement of these signs has been carefully analyzed and is intended to reduce visual clutter while also increasing each building's visibility and the overall project site's branding efforts. • The granting of the variances will not be detrimental to the public or surrounding properties. The signs are intended to be visible from heavily - traveled commercial corridors and the adjacent Costa Mesa Freeway. The site location and building placements minimize any possibility of visual intrusion onto surrounding commercial properties. Moreover, the nearest residential communities are located almost 500 feet away to the southwest and the northeast. Finally, the project will not adversely affect the General Plan as the proposed signage is consistent with several goals of the General Plan. Approval of the variances supports Policies 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5 of Goal 4 of the Land Use Element (to protect and enhance development sites that are unique community assets). In addition, approval of the variances is consistent with the intent and purpose of Goals 1, 2, and 3 of the Scenic Corridors Element (to improve and provide identity, form, and public image to the City's linear transportation corridors) and Goals 1 and 2 of the Urban Design Element (to improve the physical appearance of the City through creating a sense of place, positive community image, and quality environment, and to improve the physical appearance of the City through development that is proportional and aesthetically related to its district setting). Public Notification The project site is not located within the boundaries of an established Neighborhood Association. However, staff contacted representatives of the City of Tustin, and the project site was posted with a notice advertising this public hearing, a notice was published in the Orange County Reporter, and mailed notices were sent to all property owners and tenants within 500 feet of the project site. At the time of this printing, no correspondence, by phone, written, or electronic, had been received from any members of the public. CEQA Compliance In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act the recommended action is exempt for further review per Section 15301. The Class 1 exemption allows the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, or leasing of existing structures. 31A-7