CC Min 2001-10-22 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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9. STAFF REPORTS - None 10. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS - None 11. PUBLIC HEARING - A. Public hearing on the appeal of the decision made by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) to deny an architectural permit exception to the Sign Ordinance for a freestanding sign at 3600 Rolison Road/1251 Annette Avenue; (610) 7.'22 p.m. - Council Member Hartnett stated that in the past his law firm has provided legal representation to the appellant. He recused himself and left the dais. Principal Planner Jany explained the background leading to the denial of the architectural permit exception by the Architectural Review Committee. He stated that although the property was not yet scheduled for business signage evaluation, the application for a use permit triggered the sign compliance review. He cited the application history and the reasons for the Architectural Review Committee not making the findings to grant a sign permit exception. Project Planner Kelly gave a review of the City's sign code enforcement process and the effect on Redwood City businesses. Special Counsel Francois Sorba stated that the City has a right to have an ordinance, however, certain requirements must be met. If the sign is off site, it must comply with Caltrans requirements and the code provides that a city has a right to enact ordinances, provided that they are zoning ordinances. Dan Clapp, attorney representing the appellant Nano Maldonado, stated that the request of exception to the sign ordinance is based on the grounds of survival and necessity. He continued to use a PowerPoint presentation to present the appeal. He stated the sign has an l 1-second exposure either north or south on Highway 101. He stated that when Mr. Maldonado purchased the property in 1990, the fence was a chain link fence and afforded the possibility of obtaining business from the freeway but is now replaced with a soundwall. He stated that people affected by the sign in Redwood City that were asked by petition at various stages had approved of the sign. He reminded Council that tenants are very difficult to find and he read a quote from the Chronicle referring to the economy in the San Francisco Bay Area. He stated that Section 5499 of the Professional Business Code pertaining to on premises advertising prohibits removal where special topographic circumstances result in a material impairment of visibility of a display or the owner's ability to adequately and effectively continue to communicate with the public through the use of REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 22, 2001 MINUTES PAGE 4 MINUTES Book No. 59 Page No. 35