AgdaPkt 2000-12-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

q-A�f subsequently filed a sigNarchitectural permit application requesting an exception to the Sign Ordinance. The application was reviewed by the ARC on September 19, 2000, and since no findings for an exception could be made, the permit was conditioned to: a) Relocate the wall-mounted phone number to the window area. b) Remove the wood sign from the side of the building. The applicant was sent a Notice of Official Action September 27, 2000 (see attachment �, and filed an appeal on November 2, 2000. The business at 1034 EI Camino Real is in a small, two-story building, shared with an adjoining business (presently vacant). The site signage consists entirely of wall signs including the business name and phone number wall-mounted in large individual plastic letters and a separate painted board sign with the business name and phone number located on a side walL Analysis Appeal 1: The existing pole sign is 25 feet high and appears to be 40 years old. The Sign Ordinance allows up to fifteen feet in height for freestanding pole signs (Sec.3.79c). The Ordinance further states that if "the proposed sign is part of or incorporates an architectural feature such as a tower or spire that enhances the design of the projecY' an exception can be made and up to 24 feet in height can be allowed. The ARC felt that this pole sign did not meet the above criteria for an exception and furthermore that the pole sign exceeds the parameter of the height exception of the Sign Ordinance. The ARC applied the "standard" seven-year amortization period for non-conforming signs Sec. 3.130d. The two roof signs, by definition, are prohibited (Sec. 3.114f). One roof-mounted sign consists of painted plywood which projects over the right-of-way. The other sign is constructed as an internally lit readerboard mounted on a short pipe which extends seven feet above the roofline of the building. The ARC determined that these roof signs do not meet the criteria to qualify as exceptions (see photographs, attachment 3). They were, however, granted a four-year amortization period rather than imrnediate abatement as stated under the general application for prohibited signs (Sec. 3.112). The ARC determined that none of these three signs should be forwarded to the Historical Resources Advisory Committee to seek a classification as historical signs. The ARC further recommended that the owner consider initiating a sign program for the entire site in order to bring the eclectic mixture of illegal and nonconforming signs to current standards during the 4-7 year amortization period. Options include wall signs, monument signs, awning signs, etc. Appeal 2: The Sign Ordinance specifically states that telephone numbers "shall not be displayed on any signs other than window signs" (Section 3.78b). This aspect of the Ordinance has been consistantly upheld and no exception could therefore be made by the ARC. As shown in attachment 4, the telephone number display consists of individual wall-mounted plastic characters which are of the same size as the business name.