HomeMy WebLinkAboutNotice of ActionNotice of Action
CITY OF ATASCADERO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
FROM: Bailey Sullivan, Assistant Planner MEETING DATE: 8/03/2022
FILE NUMBER: USE22-0064
PROJECT ADDRESS: 6700 EI Camino Real B
The applicant, Tyndall Tile, is proposing two new wall signs in the Downtown Commercial
(DC) zoning district. These will be the only signs for the business at 6700 EI Camino Real
Suite B. Tyndall Tile has already obtained a business license for this location in suite B.
The proposed sign facing El Camino Real (sign "A") is eight feet long and four feet tall (8'
x 4') for a total of 32 square feet. The sign is centered above the business's front window.
The length of the building fapade with the proposed sign is approximately 87 feet. A
second sign is proposed facing the City's plaza adjacent to La Plaza (Sign "B"). This sign
is six feet long and four feet tall (6'x4') for a total of 24 square 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 -square -feet per tenant space in the Downtown
Commercial zoning district. Since the proposed sign for Tyndall Tile is 6 square feet above
the allowed maximum in the Downtown Commercial zoning district, the applicant is
requesting the exception in order to increase sign visibility from the surrounding areas.
EVALUATION:
The total aggregate signage area for the business is proposed to be 56 square feet with
the two signs proposed. The wall signs would help identify and promote this business and
would be consistent with existing signage in the area. In addition, this building 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 plaza. The proposed sign design
is also proportionate to the existing building wall.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Administrative Hearing Officer approve USE22-0064 to allow the
signage as proposed.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
❑X
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:
Page 2
1. The sign is consistent with the purposes set forth in Section 9-15.002;
The proposed signs help meet needs that are based on 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;" and
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". Finally, Section 9-15.002(h) intends to "limit the size and number of signs to
levels that 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
onsidered,
The proposed signs are on two different sides of the building. There is no opportunity
to combine signs to meet the intent of the two signs.
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 signs shall be consistent with Attachments 2 and 3.
Page 3
Code Requirements
1. AMC 9-15 (Sign Ordinance)
2. AMC 9-1.112 Administrative Use Permit
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Location Map
Attachment 2 - Proposed Signs
Attachment 3 - Proposed Elevations
. Action:
Approve
❑ Approve as modified
❑ Deny
❑ Continue to: to allow
❑ Continue indefinitely to allow:
Phil Dunsmore, Hearing Officer
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Attachment 2: Proposed Signs
USE22-0064
Sign A
Sign B
Attachment 3: Proposed Elevations
USE22-0064
Facing EI Camino Real
Facing La Plaza