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* COVID-19 NOTICE *
Consistent with Executive Orders N-25-20 and No. N-29-20 from the
Executive Department of the State of California and the San Luis Obispo
County Health Official’s March 18, 2020 Shelter at Home Order, the AUP
Meeting will not be physically open to the public and Planning Staff will be
teleconferencing into the meeting.
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comments should be a maximum of 500 words, which corresponds to approximately
3 minutes of speaking time. If a comment is received after the agenda item is heard
but before the close of the meeting, the comment will still be included as a part of the
record of the meeting but will not be read into the record.
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Administrative Use Permit agendas and staff reports may be viewed on the City's
website: www.atascadero.org. Final Action Reports will be available after the
meeting, and upon request from the Community Development Department.
Copies of the staff reports or other documentation relating to each item of business referred to on
the Agenda are on file in the Community Development Department and are available for public
inspection on our website, www.atascadero.org. All documents submitted by the public during AUP
meetings that are either read into the record or referred to in their statement will be noted in the audio
recording and available for review by contacting the Community Development Department. All
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CITY OF ATASCADERO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
6500 PALMA AVE ▪ ATASCADERO, CA 93422 ▪ (805) 461-5035 ▪ FAX 461-7612
Administrative Use Permit Hearing
A G E N D A
The City of Atascadero’s Zoning Hearing Officer will hold a public hearing
at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at City Hall to consider the
following project.
1. 5760 EL CAMINO REAL, STE. D, USE21-0039; The application for the project
is to allow for a commercial painted sign that exceeds size limitations in
the Downtown commercial zoning district. (Movement for Life
Physical Therapy) (Mariah Gasch, Assistant Planner)
2. 5760 EL CAMINO REAL, USE21-0040; The application for the project is to
allow for a non-commercial message art mural. (Equality Mural
Project) (John Holder, Associate Planner)
3. 5995 ENTRADA AVE, USE21-0042; The application for the project is to
allow for a non-commercial art mural. (Equality Mural Project) (John
Holder, Associate Planner)
PLEASE NOTE: Any court challenge to the actions taken at the public
hearing may be limited to considering only those issues raised at the public
hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence to the City of
Atascadero at, or prior to, the public hearing.
Any decision of the Hearing Officer is final unless appealed to the Planning
Commission within 14 days of the action. Any person aggrieved by the
decision may file an appeal. Appeal forms are available in the Community
CITY OF ATASCADERO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
May 6, 2021
Page 2 of 2
File: \\cityhall\User_Documents\japplegate\Desktop\AUP AGENDA 5.13.21.doc Print Date: 05/06/211:53 PM
Development Department or on the City’s website (www.atascadero.org).
The fee for filing an appeal is $806 and must accompany the appeal
documentation.
CITY OF ATASCADERO
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPEMENT
Administrative Hearing Agenda Report ITEM # 1
FROM: Mariah Gasch MEETING DATE: May 13, 2021 FILE NUMBER: USE21-0039 PROJECT ADDRESS: 6907 El Camino Real Suite D
SITUATION:
The applicant, Southpaw Sign Co., is proposing one new painted wall sign in the
Downtown Commercial (DC) zoning district. The sign is for the business Movement for
Life at 6907 El Camino Real. Movement for Life has already obtained a business license
for this location in suite D. The proposed sign is twenty feet long and four feet tall (20’ x
4’) for a total of 80 square feet. The sign is centered above the business’s main entry
door. The length of the building façade with the proposed sign is approximately 155 feet.
Atascadero Municipal Code 9-15.008 limits wall signage to one square-foot per linear foot
of building frontage with a total combined maximum of 50-sqaure-feet per tenant space
in the Downtown Commercial zoning district. Since the proposed sign for Movement for
Life is 30 square feet above the allowed maximum in the Downtown Commercial zoning
district, the applicant is requesting the exception in order to maximize underutilized wall
space alongside Capistrano Avenue.
This wall already has one existing painted sign for Wild Fields, which is located next door
to this business. Wild Fields requested an exception to the size of their painted wall sign
in 2019. The Wild Fields sign is a total of 98 square feet.
EVALUATION:
The total aggregate signage area for the business is proposed to be 80 square feet with
only one sign proposed. The painted wall sign would help identify and promote this
business and would be consistent with existing signage for the building. In addition, this
building is part of a planned center and is set back a considerable distance from the
adjacent rights-of-way. Larger signage will increase visibility from the public way as well
as from the adjacent parking lots. The proposed sign design is also proportionate to the
existing building wall.
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Existing Wild Fields sign
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Administrative Hearing Officer approve USE21-0039 to allow the
signage as proposed.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
☒ Categorical Exemption CEQA – Guidelines Section 15311
☐ Statutory Exemption §§ 21000, et seq & ________________________
☐ No Project – Ministerial Project
Findings
AMC 9-15.011 requires the Hearing Officer to make the following 4 findings:
1. The sign is consistent with the purposes set forth in Section 9-15.002;
The proposed sign helps meet needs that are based in the following purposes outlined in
section 9-15.002 of the AMC. Section 9-15.002(a) intends to “Maintain and improve the
aesthetic environment and overall community appearance to foster the City’s ability to
attract sources of economic development and growth.” Section 9-15.002(c) intends to
“implement quality sign design standards that are consistent with the City’s General Plan,
Zoning Ordinance and Appearance Review Guidelines;” Section 9-15.002(e) intends
to “minimize possible adverse impacts of signs on private and public property in order to
maintain property values and to maintain a positive City image;” Section 9-
15.002(g) intends to “generally limit commercial signage to on-site locations in order to
protect the aesthetic environment from the visual clutter associated with the unrestricted
proliferation of signs, while providing channels of communication to the public.” Finally,
Section 9-15.002(h) intends to “limit the size and number of signs to levels that
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reasonably allow for the identification of a residential, public or commercial location and
the nature of any such commercial business.”
2. The opportunity to combine signs for more than one (1) use on a single sign
structure has been considered;
The proposed sign is centered above the existing door and is large enough to be visible
to advertise the individual tenant’s services.
3. For freeway-oriented signs, the sign area and height are the minimum needed to
achieve adequate visibility along the freeway due to highway ramp locations and
grade differences; and
The proposed sign is not freeway-oriented.
4. Conformance with all other applicable codes and ordinances of the City, including,
but not limited to, the Zoning Ordinance, General Plan and its several elements,
and the appearance review guidelines. (Ord. 604 § 2, 2016)
The sign conforms with applicable codes and ordinances of the City, including Framework
Principles of the General Plan that call for improving the appearance and character of
Atascadero through signage. General Plan Policy 1.3 states: “Enhance the rural character
and appearance of the City, including commercial corridors, gateways and public
facilities.” The proposed sign helps promote the downtown commercial corridor. General
Plan Goal LOC 4 states: “Provide for a strong and distinctive Downtown Area.” This sign
will help enhance and promote a commercial node in the downtown area, and allow for a
unique and distinctive sign design that will help frame street-facing businesses in the
downtown commercial zone. Additionally, the proposed sign is in compliance with the
City’s appearance review manual guidelines related to signs. Specifically, the sign is in
scale and proportion in its visual relationship to the building and surrounding structures,
and can be considered harmonious with the building.
Conditions
1. The design and location of the sign shall be consistent with Attachment 2.
Code Requirements
1. AMC 9-15 (Sign Ordinance)
2. AMC 9-1.112 Administrative Use Permit
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Location Map
Attachment 2 - Proposed Elevation
Action:
Approve
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Approve as modified
Deny
Continue to: _______________ to allow _________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Continue indefinitely to allow: __________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________
Phil Dunsmore, Hearing Officer
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Aerial Map
Attachment 1: Location Map
USE21-0039
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Front Elevation
Attachment 2: Proposed Elevation
USE21-0039
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CITY OF ATASCADERO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPEMENT
Administrative Hearing Agenda Report ITEM # 2
FROM: John Holder MEETING DATE: May 13, 2021 FILE NUMBER: USE21-0040 PROJECT ADDRESS: 5760 El Camino Real
SITUATION: The applicant is proposing a 30 by 27 foot art mural sized at 5760 El
Camino Real. The proposed is located in the downtown zone and has a wall facing north
on El Camino Real. There are no other art murals on the property and the building
currently contains commercial and residential units. The proposed art mural will be
painted on the north façade and will be visible from El Camino Real.
EVALUATION: City policy allows art and murals in all zoning districts with review of an
Administrative Use Permit to ensure that the message is non-commercial in nature and
does not create any safety issues related to distractive or reflective elements. The
proposed art mural will cover the entire building façade facing north and promote an
environmental sustainability message. The City has reviewed a similar wall murals
located along Traffic Way and there are other similar murals in the downtown zone. The
size and location will not pose any safety hazards and proposed artwork will not depict a
commercial message or advertisement for a business.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Administrative Hearing Officer approve
USE 21-0040 determining that the proposed mural at the above address is non-
commercial in nature and consistent with the attached exhibits.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
☒ Categorical Exemption CEQA – Guidelines Section 15301
☐ Statutory Exemption §§ 21000, et seq & ________________________
☐ No Project – Ministerial Project
The proposed project is Categorically Exempt (Class 01) from the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et
seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000,
et seq.) CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15311, because the proposed
project includes the minor alteration of an existing structure that will have no expansion
of the existing use.
Findings
1. Modification of the applicable standard will not result in a project that is
inconsistent with the General Plan;
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There are no conflicts with the policies set forth in the City’s General Plan.
2. Modification of the applicable standard will not result in a project that is
inconsistent with the character of the immediate neighborhood or contrary to its
orderly development;
The proposed project is not commercial in nature and does not conflict with the
character of the immediate neighborhood. The proposed mural will enhance
building quality in the downtown district.
3. Modification of the applicable standard will not result in a project that is not in
compliance with any pertinent City policy or criteria adopted by ordinance or
resolution of the City Council;
The proposed mural is will not conflict with City policies.
4. Modification of the applicable standard will not result in the authorization of a
use not otherwise allowed;
No new or modified uses are proposed.
5. The proposed art display is non-commercial in nature; and
The proposed artwork does not display a commercial message.
6. The size, location, and/or medium used will not pose any safety risks to drivers.
The proposed mural is located on the north side of the building and will be seen
from El Camino Real. The size and location does not pose a safety risk to drivers.
Conditions:
1. If the mural is defaced, or vandalized, the property owner will repair or repaint the
wall as needed.
2. Prior to any modification or replacement of the mural, the applicant or property
owner shall provide staff with a sketch or photo of any proposed changes to ensure
a non-commercial message at least five (5) working days prior to any changes.
Code Requirements
1. AMC 9-1.112 Administrative Use Permit
2. AMC 9-15 Signs
Action:
Approve
Approve as modified
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Deny
Continue to: _______________ to allow _________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Continue indefinitely to allow: __________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________
Hearing Officer
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Location Map
Attachment 2: Proposed Mural Location
Attachment 3: Proposed Mural
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Attachment 1: Location Map
USE 21-0040
Proposed Project
(5760 El Camino
Real)
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Attachment 2: Proposed Mural Location
USE21-0040
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Attachment 3: Proposed Mural
USE21-0040
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CITY OF ATASCADERO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPEMENT
Administrative Hearing Agenda Report ITEM # 3
FROM: John Holder MEETING DATE: May 13, 2021 FILE NUMBER: USE21-0042 PROJECT ADDRESS: 5995/5991 Entrada Avenue, Atascadero, CA, 93422
SITUATION: The applicant is proposing a 25 by 25 foot art mural at 5995/5991 Entrada
Avenue. The project is located in the downtown zone on a wall facing the parking area
behind a commercial building on Entrada and adjacent to El Camino Real. There are no
other art murals on the property and the building contains a commercial paint company.
The proposed art mural will cover a portion of the southeast facing building façade of
5991 Entrada and will be facing the parking area of 5995 Entrada. Both 5991 Entrada
and 5995 are currently occupied by the same commercial paint comany.
EVALUATION: City policy allows art and murals in all zoning districts with review of an
Administrative Use Permit to ensure that the message is non-commercial in nature and
does not create any safety issues related to distractive or reflective elements. The mural
will be painted on a blank wall section. The City has reviewed a similar size wall mural
located along Traffic Way and there are other similar murals in the downtown zone. The
size and location will not pose any safety hazards and proposed artwork will not depict a
commercial message or advertisement for a business.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Administrative Hearing Officer approve
USE 21-0042 determining that the proposed mural at the above address is non-
commercial in nature and poses no safety concerns.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
☒ Categorical Exemption CEQA – Guidelines Section 15301
☐ Statutory Exemption §§ 21000, et seq & ________________________
☐ No Project – Ministerial Project
The proposed project is Categorically Exempt (Class 01) from the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et
seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000,
et seq.) CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15311, because the proposed
project includes the minor alteration of an existing structure that will have no expansion
of the existing use.
Findings
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1. Modification of the applicable standard will not result in a project that is
inconsistent with the General Plan;
There are no conflicts with the policies set forth in the City’s General Plan.
2. Modification of the applicable standard will not result in a project that is
inconsistent with the character of the immediate neighborhood or contrary to its
orderly development;
The proposed project is not commercial in nature and does not conflict with the
character of the immediate neighborhood. The proposed mural will enhance
building quality in the downtown district.
3. Modification of the applicable standard will not result in a project that is not in
compliance with any pertinent City policy or criteria adopted by ordinance or
resolution of the City Council;
The proposed mural will not conflict with City policies.
4. Modification of the applicable standard will not result in the authorization of a
use not otherwise allowed;
No new or modified uses are proposed.
5. The proposed art display is non-commercial in nature; and
The proposed artwork does not display a commercial message.
6. The size, location, and/or medium used will not pose any safety risks to drivers.
The proposed mural is located on the north-west side of the building and will be
seen from El Camino Real and Entrada. The size and location does not pose a
safety risk to drivers.
Conditions:
1. If the mural is defaced, or vandalized, the property owner will repair or repaint the
wall as needed.
2. Prior to any modification or replacement of the mural, the applicant or property
owner shall provide staff with a sketch or photo of any proposed changes to ensure
a non-commercial message at least five (5) working days prior to any changes.
Code Requirements
1. AMC 9-1.112 Administrative Use Permit
2. AMC 9-15: Signs
Action:
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Approve
Approve as modified
Deny
Continue to: _______________ to allow _________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Continue indefinitely to allow: __________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________
Hearing Officer
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Location Map
Attachment 2: Proposed Mural Location
Attachment 3: Proposed Mural
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Attachment 1: Location Map
USE 21-0042
Proposed Project
(5995/5991 Entrada)
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Attachment 2: Proposed Mural Location on building
USE 21-0042
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Attachment 3: Proposed Mural
USE 21-0042
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