31A - VARIANCE - 2401 S PULLMAN ST

Home Browse Search

Variance No. 2015 -07 October 12, 2015 Page 3 Project Analvsis Variance requests are governed by Section 41 -638 of the SAMC. Variance requests may be granted when it can be shown that the following can be established: • That there exists a special circumstance related to the property, such as size, shape, topography, location or surroundings. • That the granting of the variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of substantial property rights. • That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public or surrounding property • That the granting of the variance will not adversely affect the General Plan. If these findings can be made, then it is appropriate to grant the variance. Conversely, the inability to make these findings would result in a denial, Using this information, staff has prepared the following analysis which in turn forms the basis for the recommendation contained in this report. Del Amo Motorsports is proposing to occupy stand -alone building that was previously occupied by Grainger. The site is located along a reverse -curve on Pullman Street which has created an irregular shaped lot. Section 41 -863 of the SAMC contains provisions for wall and canopy signs, which are intended to ensure that businesses have adequate signage to promote successful commerce while preserving the quality of the visual environment by preventing sign clutter, and providing for public safety by disallowing signs that may distract drivers or impede the use of sidewalks. Pursuant to this SAMC section, Del Arno Motorsports would be permitted one sign, along with five words describing goods sold at the site, on the northwest elevation and on the north elevation, Further, said signs could only be placed on the ground floor of the building or 20 feet, whichever was less. However, special site characteristics and architectural components of the building have resulted in a configuration in which strict application of the SAMC would limit the tenant's advertising and branding ability. These characteristics and components include the following: building placement both on and off -site that limits exposure and view; and a building design that has resulted in a building elevation beyond that of a traditional building fagade. In analyzing the applicants request for Variance No. 2015 -07, staff believes that the following findings of fact warrant approval of the variance: • The project site has special circumstances related to its location, surroundings, and design. As detailed above, the site is located on a reverse - curve. The reverse -curve has resulted in an odd shaped lot and a building that has two frontages along the same street. The reverse - curve has also resulted in adjacent properties, with considerably smaller setbacks than the 31A-5