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HomeMy WebLinkAbout31EE - SIGN PROGRAM 909 N GRANDREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: OCTOBER 21, 2014 TITLE: REGIONAL PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO. 2014 -02 TO ALLOW A DIGITAL READER BOARD SIGN FOR THE KIAITOM'S'TRUCKS DEALERSHIP AT 909 NORTH GRAND AVENUE - GEORGE SAELZLER, APPLICANT {STRATEGIC PLAN NO. 3,2) RECOMMENDED ACTION CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Ordinance on 18' Reading ❑ Ordinance on 2n' Reading ❑ Implementing Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For CONTINUED TO 71Wj -. 15; Receive and file the staff report approving Regional Planned Sign Program No. 2014 -02 as conditioned. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION On September 22, 2014, the Planning Commission adopted a resolution approving Regional Planned Sign Program No. 2014 -02 as conditioned by a vote of 6:0 (Alderete absent) to allow the construction of a 65 -foot high digital reader board sign for Kia/Tom's Trucks at 909 North Grand Avenue located in the Arterial Commercial (C5) zoning district. The Planning Commission made three changes to the recommended conditions of approval outlined in the attached staff report: A condition was modified to require 10 percent of the display time be allocated to public service announcements and be evenly distributed throughout the day; a condition was added that limited the operating hours of the sign to 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m„ and, a condition was added that required a lighting test within one week of operation of the sign to analyze light impacts on surrounding properties (Exhibit A). DISCUSSION The applicant is proposing to construct a new digital reader board sign for the Kia and Tom's Trucks dealership. The proposed sign will be 65 feet in height and will consist of a 750 square foot, double faced sign with a 450 square foot digital display area that will incorporate the latest lighting and display technologies. In addition, five static brand panels, each 110 square feet in size, will be located on the structural column of the sign. The top static panel has been designated to prominently identify "Santa Ana" just below the digital display sign. The static panels will consist of individual channel letters or channel logos that will be illuminated during the evening hours. The sign will also incorporate a minimum of 10 percent of the display time (minimum of six minutes per hour) to the City for public service announcements, warning messages or other similar messages as requested by the City. 31 EE -1 Regional Planned Sign October 21, 2014 Page 2 Program No. 2014 -02 STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT Approval of this item supports the City's efforts to meet Goal No. 3 Objective No. 2 (create new opportunities for business /job growth development through new General Plan and Zoning Ordinance policies). FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Karen Haluza Interim Executive Director Planning & Building Agency VF:rb vRreports\RPSP 2014 -02 909 N Gmnd.m Exhibit: A. Planning Commission Staff Report 31 EE -2 Economic Development, and encourage private REQUEST FOR Planning Commission Action PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 TITLE: PUBLIC HEARING — FILED BY GEORGE SAELZLER FOR REGIONAL PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO. 2014 -02 TO ALLOW A DIGITAL READER BOARD SIGN FOR THE KIAITOMS TRUCKS DEALERSHIP AT 909 NORTH GRAND AVENUE {Strategic Plan No. 3, 2} Prepared by Vince Fregoso Interim Executive Dir for RECOMMENDED ACTION PLANNING COMMISSION SECRETARY APPROVED ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Set Public Hearing For DENIED ❑ Applicant's Request ❑ Staff Recommendation CONTINUED TO Acting PI ninghianager Adopt a resolution approving Regional Planned Sign Program No. 2014 -02 as conditioned. DISCUSSION Request of the Applicant George Saelzler from Electra - Vision, representing Kia/Tom's Trucks, is requesting approval of a regional planned sign program to allow the construction of a 65 foot high digital reader board sign at 909 North Grand Avenue. Digital reader board signs are permitted as part of a Regional Planned Sign Program per Section 41 -885 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code. Project Location and Site Description The subject site consists of four properties located at 909 North Grand Avenue. These parcels are irregular in shape and total approximately 2.81 acres in size. The two northernmost properties are approximately 0.81 acres in size and are remnant parcels from the Santa Ana Freeway (1 -5) widening project. These parcels were acquired from Caltrans and integrated into the site approximately 13 years ago. The remaining two parcels are located south of the former remnant parcels and are about two acres in size. The site is currently occupied by a Kia automotive dealership and Tom's Trucks. Three sales and service buildings are located on the premises that total approximately 23,500 square feet. The site is surrounded by the Santa Ana Freeway (1 -5) to the north, the Orange County Register facilities to the south and east, and commercial and multiple - family residential uses to the west (Exhibits 1, 2 and 3). EXHIBIT A 31 EE -3 Regional Planed Sign Program No. 2014 -02 September 22, 2014 Page 2 Proiect Description The applicant is proposing to construct a new digital reader board sign for the Kia and Tom's Trucks dealership. The proposed sign will be 65 feet in height and will consist of a 750 square foot, double faced sign with a 450 square foot digital display area that will incorporate the latest lighting and display technologies. in addition, five static brand panels, each 110 square feet in size, will be placed on the structural column of the sign. The top static panel has been designated to prominently identify "Santa Ana" just below the digital display sign. The static panels will consist of individual channel letters or channel logos that will be illuminated during the evening hours. The proposed sign will utilize L.E.D. lighting for the digital sign, with both automatic and manual dimming capabilities part of the sign function. The sign will also incorporate a minimum of five percent of the display time (minimum of three minutes per hour) to the City for public service announcements, warning messages or other similar messages as requested by the City. Proiect Background In 1961, Variance No. 1527 was approved to allow a new and used car retail sales lot together with accessory auto service activities on the residentially zoned site. In 1962, Reason Buick obtained approval to allow auto sales and service, becoming the first tenant of the site, where it remained until the early 1990's. In 1994, the Buick dealership vacated the site and was replaced by Tom's Trucks, which was approved for retail sales of trucks. Several years later, The Suzuki Depot received approval to allow auto sales on the premises. In 2013, the City Council approved an amendment application (zone change) to rezone the property from residential to commercial in order to be consistent with the use of the site. The applicant has met with staff to begin discussions regarding future development opportunities on the site, including an expansion of the existing business operation. In March 2014, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. NS -2861, which amended the standards pertaining to Signage. Included within this ordinance was a provision that allowed certain commercial centers and attractions to apply for planned sign programs to allow unique signage, including digital displays, on the premises. The ordinance also required that the planned sign programs be reviewed by the Planning Commission. General Plan and Zoning Analysis The subject site has a General Plan land use designation of General Commercial (GC), which allows for commercial and office uses such as the existing auto sales use. General Commercial districts are primarily located on commercial corridors and major arterial roadways in the City such as Grand Avenue. They provide accessible commercial development along the City's arterials as well as provide support facilities and services, including automotive sales and service uses. 31 EE -4 Regional Planed Sign Program No. 2014 -02 September 22, 2014 Page 3 The subject site is zoned General Commercial (C -2). General Commercial areas of the City allow a variety of retail, office and service uses such as automotive dealerships and ancillary signage. The proposed project is consistent with the current zoning for the site. Protect Analysis Regional planned sign program requests are governed by Section 41 -885 of the SAMC, Regional planned sign program requests may be granted when it can be shown that the following can be established: The scale and intensity of the proposed signage is consistent and harmonious with surrounding land uses and does not create conditions that could contribute to visual or physical blight intrusion or similar incompatibilities. The location of the proposed signage will not contribute towards a hazardous environment for pedestrians, cyclists or motorists on City streets or freeways. The proposed signage is compatible with the scale, intensity, and site development characteristics on which it is proposed, which may be determined by height of existing or proposed buildings on -site, the quantity of freestanding buildings, facades, and street frontages, the scale of buildings as they relate to pedestrian and vehicular access surrounding land uses and transportation corridors; visibility from streets, highways, pedestrian areas, rail corridors bikeways other transportation routes, parks, and other public spaces; architecture color(s), material( s), illumination, and other site characteristics; the nature of business activities conducted on -site; and, visibility from any property used or zoned for residential purposes. If these findings can be made, then it is appropriate to grant the regional planned sign program permit. 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. In analyzing the regional planned sign program request, staff believes that the following findings of fact warrant approval of the regional planned sign program. In March 2014, the City adopted new sign regulations that allowed regional commercial centers and attractions, such as auto dealerships, to apply for regional planned sign programs that would allow the ability to install unique signage specific to these uses and locations. The ordinance ensured that the implementation of such sign programs would not have detrimental effects on permitted adjacent sensitive uses, such as residential neighborhoods, due to potential nuisances caused by scale, quantity, light, visual distractions or off -site advertising. 31 EE -5 Regional Planed Sign Program No, 2014 -02 September 22, 2014 Page 4 The new ordinance requires applications for regional planned sign program be reviewed in a manner similar to that for conditional use permits, as detailed in Sections 41 -633 through 41 -651 of the SAMC. The ordinance also contains findings of fact for planned sign programs, which are intended to 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. Further, the ordinance contains provisions for electronic message displays ( "digital signs ") in planned sign programs for regional commercial centers and regional attractions. The review of these digital signs is intended to 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. Staff review of the proposed regional planned sign program indicates that the proposed digital reader board sign is consistent with the provisions of the ordinance. First, the site is eligible to apply for an electronic sign as it meets the definition of a regional automobile dealership. Second, the proposed sign will comply with the conditions imposed on an electronic message display sign, including provisions that the sign contain a maximum of one (1) double -faced sign per freeway frontage, will be oriented to minimize visual and light emitting intrusion onto residentially zoned or used properties, will maximize its visibility from the Santa Ana (1 -5) Freeway, will produce a maximum light level of 0.3 foot - candles over ambient light levels, will incorporate a means to ensure flexibility in reducing light levels upon request by the City, will provide a means of limiting excessive light or glare and will have automatic diming capabilities. Third, the sign copy will also be restricted to change only through an immediate transition of the message that does not have the appearance of moving text or images, shall not use flashing, intermittent or moving lights or produce the optical illusion of movement, and shall be on display for a minimum of eight seconds. Fourth, the sign will not be located within fifty (50) feet of a traffic signal or sign, or at a location that would not maintain safe conditions for motorists, pedestrians or cyclists as determined by the Public Works Agency. Finally, a minimum of five percent of the display time (three minutes per hour) will be allocated for public service announcements or warning signs as requested and provided by the City (Exhibit 4). The proposed 65 foot high digital reader board sign has been designed to be consistent and harmonious with the surrounding commercial land uses and will not contribute to visual or physical blight. The height of the sign is needed as the Santa Ana (1 -5) Freeway is elevated above the project site. Further, the sign will be oriented toward traffic on the 1 -5 Freeway, which will minimize light impacts on residential uses located north and southwest of the freeway. The sign will incorporate the latest technologies that will minimize light intrusion into neighborhoods, including automatic and manual dimmers that will regulate the lighting levels that may spill into adjacent uses. 31 EE -6 Regional Planed Sign Program No. 2014 -02 September 22, 2014 Page 5 • The proposed sign will be located on private property that is adjacent to an on -ramp to the Santa Ana (1 -5) Freeway. The sign will also be located approximately 100 feet away from the nearest street and at a height of 65 feet, which will minimize the potential for creating a hazardous environment for pedestrians, cyclists or motorist travelling on Grand Avenue or the I- 5 Freeway. • The proposed signage will be compatible with the scale and site development characteristics on which it is proposed as the sign will be placed adjacent to and oriented toward the Santa Ana (1 -5) Freeway, which is the intended audience for the sign. The 65 foot height of the sign will allow the sign to be visible from the elevated freeway. Further, the proposed digital reader board sign is an appropriate type of sign for the automotive and truck dealership, with these types of electronic signs normally found in conjunction with auto dealerships. Automotive dealerships typically advertise the various makes and models of the vehicles that are for sale on the premises. A digital reader board sign will allow the makes and models to be displayed on a single sign, as opposed to the construction of a static sign that would contain multiple sign panels or the construction of several static signs. Finally, the proposed sign will be architecturally compatible with the buildings found on -site. Public Notification The project site is located within the Saddleback View Neighborhood Association and is adjacent to the Mabury Park and Grand Sunrise Neighborhood Associations. The Presidents of these neighborhood associations were notified by mail 10 days prior to this public hearing. The project site itself was posted with a notice advertising this public hearing, a notice was published in the Orange County Reporter and mailed notices were sent to surrounding property owners and tenants within 500 feet of the project site, as well as concerned citizens listed on the Permanent Notification List. At the time of this printing, staff received one phone call regarding the proposed project. No correspondence, either written or electronic, has been received from any members of the public. CEQA Analysis In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the proposed project is exempt from further review pursuant to Sections 15311 and 15332. Section 15311 applies to structures accessory to a commercial use, with the proposed on- premise sign a minor structure that is accessory to the primary automotive and truck dealership use. Section 15332 applies to in -fill development, such as the proposed sign, that is consistent with the general plan and zoning designations, is on a site that is less than five acres in size, and will not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air or water quality. Categorical Exemption Environmental Review No. 2014 -90 will be filed for this project. 31 EE -7 Regional Planed Sign Program No, 2014 -02 September 22, 2014 Page 6 Strategic Pian Alignment Approval of this item supports the City's efforts to meet Goal No. 3 Economic Development, Objective No. 2 (create new opportunities for business /job growth and encourage private development through new General Plan and Zoning Ordinance policies). Conclusion Based on the analysis provided within this report, staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve Regional Planned Sign Program No. 2014 -02 as conditioned. r Vince Pregoso, Al P Acting Planning Ma fag VF:jm OrsportsWSP 2014.02 909 N Grand.092214,pa Attachments: Exhibit 1 -- General Vicinity Map Exhibit 2 — Land Use Map Exhibit 3 —Site Photograph Exhibit 4 — Regional Planned Sign Program submittal 31 EE -8 Cs. cs't'T NI Rt q41/1 RI 'i 0 flJ I� RI xM s 0 ,�nR R P JE S Ri M2 0 SD -21 R1 R1 0 Ml nJ R3 Ri 999 M2. R2 Rx ' Rl a IM1n,• R1 Rl R1 C2 R..� r.21. cz 0 M2 M� M2 M2. MI na R3 ` c R A C2 GZ C2 cz..w M2 nla 3 4 oz 0 i Igo- P .ROU .uw - dmu ,cam R o2 r P a 11 C2 p r w c2 ca. Rear � 5037 �I� M2 � Ma.Ro-�l M2 Mt � I �, F.._RZ r � e A � I R2 R2 112 J'�R12M I M2 Pdz +au M2 tt11 MI cz i cz R2 ! "� d I -101,1 I�i a �1�1 li2.A �:wa� R2 mpa MI IMtl R2 I u R C2 02 777 cz rmu c2mun rzI %M Gxnami M1 M1 M7 M2' x i C2 D R2 R4 AH �'y Hz 9 Ml M7 �C2 pM1 b R3 RJ A] !iJ R)� M1Yl MI t ,t R RJ Rs rsa nJ nJ. lu Mi nrt Mi a M2 Mt v� R3 ,, A��J ,,yy IIJ RJ RJ RJ RJ Utl M1I11 MI D q Al GEtlERALAGROKTUFALI OR MIMESIALREREEd11AL. RI SNELEEAMILYPESDEVIIAL .E MFKNGMWIRh110N CC GOVE:NMENT W ER Ed TAOFAMILYH£DEtlm raA 0CMM8F0ALSLRHMAIN MI UGNTINDUSMAL m MULTIP.EDWETYMULTFIE CI OOMMUNIttCLMMUCAL M2 HEAWINDUSMAL FAMILYPESoWCE 01MG DOW COMMETIAUMU3MM 015MCT Mo MIUTWOPFRAIIONS RA SUBLIMANAM MEJIS C2 GEdEiALOOMMEd7AL C ORG4 SPACE FE FODMIIALFSATE Ca CEN1RALBUENESS P PoFEgoNAL ED SPEORCDEVE.OPNWT CIA CETRALBURNESSAMSTMUAGE FCD PANNEDOOMMUNIWOWROPMEW S' SFWACPAN CA PLANNED SI(FPNGMTER PFO PLANNED F NDEd1IALDEaCHNIER 05 AREiALOGMMEOAL RPSP 2014 -02 KIA/TOM'S TRUCKS 909 NORTH GRAND AVENUE - 500 FEET r -1ooG FEEL P L A N N I N G A N D 8 U I L D I N G A G E N C —y — EXHIBIT 1 VICINITY MAP 31 EE -9 S.F.R. N uo STATE PROPERTY MUTLI- RESIDENCE Sq /VT q RAF OULEVARD P P� COMM. w COMMERCIAL N ;. VACANT z OFFICE FRUIT STREET REGISTER ce M.F.R. cc RPSP 2014 -02 KIA/TOM'S TRUCKS P 909 NORTH GRAND AVENUE P L A N N I N G A N D 8 U I L 6 1 N G A G E N C Y LAND USE MAP EXHIBIT 2 31 EE -10 4, 0• r 909 N. GRAND AVENUE SANTAANA, CA 92701 EXHIBIT 4 31 EE -12 PROJECT ADDRESS: 909 N. GRAND AVENUE ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER: 398-111-25,398-111-26, & 398- 111 -27 PROPERTY OWNER HEILDLER FAMILY TRUST PO BOX 88, SANTAANA, CA 92702 APPLICANT NAME AND TELEPHONE: GEORGE SAELZLER 909 -626 -0705 EXT100 GENERAL PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION: GC (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) CURRENT ZONING DISTRICT;. C2 APN 398 - 111 -25, & 398- 111 -27, 398- 111 -26' TOTAL EXISTING AND PROPOSED LOTAREA: 122,403 SQ. FEET, 2.81 ACRES PROPOSED AND EXISTING FLOOR AREA: SERVICE BUILDING A -APPROX. 11,316 SQ. FEET SERVICE BUILDING B - APPROX. 4,938 SQ. FEET BUILDING C - APPROX. 1,582 SQ. FEET BUILDING D - AAPROX.. 5,863 SQ. FEET nSNS9p '� 583nm � � ,y Rmnu R � t C 4'ah roar Y k ©I�.';'.... a ..*.. c. . 4h 3 _ P k.dWS F�O.t' � 'rvny� Sam jcY £ -din TO Scmf U&S 31 EE -13 I A \\ � � M y jj � i \ } > z \�\ 2� NVId 3115 ImPRN a» nasals llnas W,nPdq m-0 _ ez 0 oe .as z -4 u tlVBL'L I '3are`.. -- ,ez sstttrosenNa•v { I� m I Z I U� Q s z ` w. z m w; w m > OW - -� D w z: BE m (D' „4 ITS � ��N �y \$1W6L — Ile4tltl .OS da V \.`lh mows :e3.r�� - IIII' �•y J NOUVOOI NOIS — a9SOdOad 31 EE -15 *1umPAH m,j (D< (D7 �z :m :z ;m ------------ ------------- .--- ----------- FRUIT STREET Fim Hydrnnt PHOTO SITE PLAN 31 EE -16 Al '.. i T 31 EE -18 1 1 a Arm fit PHOTO 16 Y A i t 1 1 a Arm fit PHOTO 16 Y A i 31 EE -20 C6 Cil i F, r p , Y' 1 � u 3 G 2 V ..0 Lin, VIA; -. �_ 31 EE -22 31 EE -24 ( AM O " m i ❑Lo i - + Z �® uJ 1I N _ N vg 55 Fi e W e. l IL A q i b •, a rid 1 & t ti U 31 EE -24 cc i 4 N' t r � 31 EE -26 CD (]..-I li N5ign: The proposed freeway sign is architecturally designed to be a representative of a multiple vehicle dealership(s). The modern design reflects today's and tomorrow's vehicle industry. 31 EE -28 ELECTRONIC MESSAGE DISPLAY Proposed electronic display will consists of two (2) single face Daktronics,lnc displays. Model GalaxyPro® Outdoor Color Matrix, 216 pixels high by 450 pixels wide, each pixel is made up of three (3) L.E.D.s (one (1) red, one (1) blue, and one (1) green), spacing is 20mm from center to center of each pixel group, 144 quadrillion colors are capable; automatic and manual dimming circuit, louvers to minimize vertical light output and solar interference. The display will be set to light output that will minimize impact to the surround - residential properties (see attached Daktronics, Inc. light study). To maximize the visibility from the adjacent freeway, the sign has been pro- posed to be located as close to the rights -of -way as possible. The closer the display is to the viewer, the smaller the display needs to be. The height has been selected to achieve adequate viewing time. Automatic and manual dimming capabilities will guarantee a maximum pro- duction of 0.3 foot - candles over ambient light levels. The display incorporates a photo cell that the computer translates to appropriate light levels. As condi- tions change the computer adjusts the display(s) light output. If light and /or glare adjustments are requested by the city, a review of the light output will be analyzed immediately. No screen transitions are proposed from one to the next at this time. A min- imum of eight (8) seconds for each visible output will be adhered to. The company name and phone number will displayed on the side of the sign for contact At the base of the sign will be a 24 hours a day, seven days per week email and phone contact. In addition, the sign will have a power dis- connect. Five (5 %) percent display time will be available to the city for public service announcements or warning messages as requested by the city. The time will be evenly distributed within the total messages throughout the day. The electronic message display will comply with all required federal, state, and local laws. 31 EE -29 0 iw qJ CL 46; alai 31 EE-30 I August 26, 2013 City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 Re: Lighting Analysis and Explanation for Proposed On- Premise LED Sign at We Suzuki Depot in Santa Ana, GA To Whom This May Concern: The following letter and accompanying graph pertains to the Daktranics Galaxy Pro proposed for installation by Electra- Vision Advertising Corporation at Kla Suzuki Depot located at 909 N. Grand Avenue in Santa Ana. We hope you find the following Information beneficial. The accompanying graph depicts illumination levels that the proposed display will produce based on nighttime running levels. These nighttime levels are based on a worst -case scenario of an all -white display. Actual levels will be much lower than what is represented on the graph, as typical content runs at 25 to 35 percent of the brightness of an all-white display. Also, the highest illumination level produced 600 feat away frc m the signs .tip? foot candles This level is only 4% of the light from a single wax candle, and most foot candle measuring devices are unable to even record a level that low. Levels at distances and angles beyond are either nonexistent or so low a foot candle meter wouldn't be able to record a level. Therefore, the residential areas across Santa Ana Freeway and to the south of the proposed sign location, which are furtherthan 600 feet away from the sign, would see an extremely low, immeasurable amount of light from the sign. Most Importantly and as alluded to above, the graph assumes absolute darkness with regard to ambient light. In other words the light from the adjacent roadways is not taken Into account, nor are lightsfrom parking lots, streets, the moon, etc. The presence of any of these ambient light factorsfurther reducesthe measurable light from the proposed display. For example, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America standards (as compiled by the International Dark Sky Association) for outdoor illumination dictate that average lighting formajor roads should be 1.3foot candles. When considering the light from the digital sign itself is only creating at most 0.28 foot candles (at a distance of 200 feet and zero degrees from the center of the display) at its highest illumination on the roadway, the light from said display would be absorbed by the lightfrom the Santa Ana Freeway and neighboring industrial /commercial properties, located to the west and south of the proposed sign location. Daktronics, Inc. is committed to providing LED displays that adhere to the regulatory environment, working closely with our customers for a responsible approach to the market. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Daktronics, Inc. 31 EE -31 DAKTRONIOS air-1- ��y Angela Bailey Slgnage Legislation 605- 692 -0200 ext. 56608 31 EE -32 ti ■ ROH - 09122/14 RESOLUTION NO. 2014 -38 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING REGIONAL PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM NO. 2014 -02 AS CONDITIONED TO ALLOW A DIGITAL READER BOARD SIGN FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 909 NORTH GRAND AVENUE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines and declares as follows: A. The applicant is requesting approval of Regional Planned Sign Program No. 2014 -02 as conditioned to allow the construction of a 65 foot high digital reader board sign for the property located at 909 North Grand Avenue. B. Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41 -885 requires a Regional Planned Sign Program to be approved by the Planning Commission. C. On September 22, 2014, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on Regional Planned Sign Program No. 2014 -02. D. The Planning Commission determines that the following findings, which must be established in order to grant this Regional Planned Sign Program pursuant to Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41 -885, have been established for Regional Planned Sign Program No. 2014 -02 to allow for the construction of a 65 foot high digital reader board sign: 1. The scale and intensity of the proposed signage is consistent and harmonious with surrounding land uses and does not create conditions that could contribute to visual or physical blight intrusion or similar incompatibilities. The proposed 65 foot high digital reader board sign has been designed to be consistent and harmonious with the surrounding commercial land uses and will not contribute to visual or physical blight. The height of the sign is needed as the Santa Ana (1 -5) Freeway is elevated above the project site. Further, the sign will be oriented toward traffic on the I- 5 Freeway, which will minimize light impacts on residential uses located north and southwest of the freeway. The sign will incorporate the latest technologies that will minimize light Resolution No. 2014 -38 Page 1 of 6 31 EE -33 intrusion into neighborhoods, including automatic and manual dimmers that will regulate the lighting levels that may spill into adjacent uses. 2. The location of the proposed signage will not contribute towards a hazardous environment for pedestrian's cyclists or motorists on City streets or freeways. The proposed sign will be located on private property that is adjacent to an on -ramp to the Santa Ana (1 -5) Freeway. The sign will also be located approximately 100 feet away from the nearest street and at a height of 65 feet, which will minimize the potential for creating a hazardous environment for pedestrians, cyclists or motorist travelling on Grand Avenue or the 1 -5 Freeway. 3. The proposed signage is compatible with the scale, intensity, and site development characteristics on which it is proposed, which may be determined by height of existing or proposed buildings on -site; the quantity of freestanding buildings, facades, and street frontages; scale of buildings as they relate to pedestrian and vehicular access surrounding land uses and transportation corridors; visibility from streets, highways, pedestrian areas, rail corridors bikeways other transportation routes, parks, and other public spaces; architecture color(s), material( s), illumination, and other site characteristics; the nature of business activities conducted on -site; and, visibility from any property used or zoned for residential purposes. The proposed signage will be compatible with the scale and site development characteristics on which it is proposed as the sign will be placed adjacent to and oriented toward the Santa Ana (1 -5) Freeway, which is the intended audience for the sign. The 65 foot height of the sign will allow the sign to be visible from the elevated freeway. Further, the proposed digital reader board sign is an appropriate type of sign for the automotive and truck dealership, with these types of electronic signs normally found in conjunction with auto dealerships. Automotive dealerships typically advertise the various makes and models of the vehicles that are for sale on the premises. A digital reader board sign will allow the makes and models to be displayed on a single sign, as opposed to the construction of a static sign that would contain multiple sign panels or the construction of several static signs. Finally, the proposed sign will be architecturally compatible with the buildings found on -site. E. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the proposed project is exempt from further review pursuant to Sections 15311 and Resolution No. 2014 -38 Page 2 of 6 31 EE -34 15332. Section 15311 applies to structures accessory to a commercial use, with the proposed on- premise sign a minor structure that is accessory to the primary automotive and truck dealership use. Section 15332 applies to in -fill development, such as the proposed sign, that is consistent with the general plan and zoning designations, is on a site that is less than five acres in size, and will not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air or water quality. Categorical Exemption Environmental Review No. 2014 -90 will be filed for this project. Section 2. The Planning Commission of the City of Santa Ana after conducting the public hearing hereby approves Regional Planned Sign Program No. 2014 -02 as conditioned in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. This decision is based upon the evidence submitted at the abovesaid hearing, which includes but is not limited to: the Request for Planning Commission Action dated September 22, 2014 and exhibits attached thereto; and the public testimony, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference. ADOPTED this 22nd day of September, 2014 by the following vote: AYES: Commissioners: Bacerra, Bauer, Gartner, Mill, Nalle, Yrarrazaval (6) NOES: Commissioners: None (0) ABSENT: Commissioners: Alderete(1) ABSTENTIONS: Commissioners: None (0) APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney By: Ryan O. Hodge Assistant City Attorney Eric Alderete Chairman 31 EE -35 Resolution No. 2014 -38 Page 3 of 6 CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, KAREN GERARDO, Secretary of the Planning Commission, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2014 -38 to be the original resolution adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Ana on September 22, 2014. Date: Planning Commission Secretary City of Santa Ana 31 EE -36 Resolution No. 2014 -38 Page 4 of 6 Conditions for Approval of Regional Planned Sign Program No. 2014 -02 Regional Planned Sign Program No. 2014 -02 is approved subject to compliance, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Planning Manager, with all applicable sections of the Santa Ana Municipal Code, the California Administrative Code, the California Building Standards Code and all other applicable regulations. The applicant must comply in full with each and every condition listed below prior to exercising the rights conferred by this sign program. The applicant must remain in compliance with all conditions listed below throughout the life of the sign program. Failure to comply with each and every condition may result in the revocation of the sign program. A. Planning Division 1. There shall be a maximum of one (1) double -faced sign per freeway frontage. 2. The digital reader board sign shall comply with the following requirements: a. Be oriented to minimize visual and light emitting intrusion onto properties zoned or used for residential purposes b. Maximize visibility from adjacent or nearby freeway corridors. C. Produce a maximum 0.3 foot - candles over ambient light levels. d. Include a means of ensuring additional flexibility in reducing light levels upon request by the City. e. Provide a means of limiting excessive light or glare. f. Have automatic diming capabilities. 3. The sign copy shall change only through an immediate transition of the sign copy or message that does not have the appearance of moving text or images, shall not use flashing, intermittent or moving lights or produce the optical illusion of movement, and be displayed for a minimum of eight seconds. 4. The sign shall not be located within fifty (50) feet of a traffic signal or sign, or placed in a location that would not maintain safe conditions for motorists, pedestrians or cyclists as determined by the Public Works Agency. 5. The property owner shall comply with Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 41- 638.2 that pertains to graffiti abatement. Resolution No. 2014 -38 31 EE-37 Page 5 of 6 SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 PAGE 2 OF 2 6. The property owner shall provide the City and the public a designated phone number and email address for emergencies or complaints that will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days per week. 7. In addition to their on- premise advertising and identification purposes, the signs shall be used for public service announcements or warning signs as requested and provided by the City of Santa Ana. At a minimum, five ten percent of the display time every hour shall be set aside for these public messages. (Modified by the Planning Commission September 22, 2014.) 8. At all times, the sign shall comply with all federal, state and local laws, regulations and permitting requirements. 9. The uppermost static sign panel on the column of the sign shall at all times display "Santa Ana." 10. The sign may only be operational between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 1000 P.M. (Added by the Planning Commission September 22, 2014.) 11. Within one week after the sign is activated, a qualified lighting consultant / electrical engineer shall measure the sign intensity at the sign face and ensure compliance with Santa Ana Municipal Code section 41 -885. Written verification of compliance shall be provided to the Planning Department within one week (Added by the Planning Commission September 22, Resolution No. 2014 -38 Page 6 of 6 31 EE -38