HomeMy WebLinkAboutNotice of ActionCITY OF A' TASCADERO
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Administrative Hearing Final Action Report
FROM: Mariah Gasch MEETING DATE: 8/3/2020
FILE NUMBER: USE20-0056
PROJECT ADDRESS: 8665 EI Camino Real
SITUATION: The applicant, Johan Scharin, is proposing to expand an existing
monument sign at the Atascadero Oaks Shopping Center. In 2002, the owner went
through a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) process to get a Master Sign Program approved.
This approved a larger monument sign than what is allowed by the Atascadero Municipal
Code (AMC). This sign program was amended later in 2002 and then again with the CUP
for Fitness Evolution in 2015. The proposed addition exceeds the previously approved
size, requiring an amendment to the current sign program.
EVALUATION: The monument sign is approximately 22 feet tall with three double-faced
cabinet signs for current tenants. The applicant is proposing to add a fourth cabinet sign
for a single tenant, the Laurus College. The Laurus College will continue to have a smaller
sign in one of the existing cabinets as well. The existing faces will remain unchanged and
stay as they are pictured in Attachment 2. The proposed cabinet will be 3'x 11' for a total
of 33 square feet. This cabinet sign will be added to the bottom of the monument sign.
The plan has been reviewed by the City Engineer and it has been determined that the
addition will not hinder site distance for the shopping center. In accordance with AMC 9-
15.008, the existing sign is located in a decorative stone base within a landscaped planter.
The addition will not affect the sign's height and have only a small effect on the sign's
overall appearance. There will continue to be ample room around the base for
landscaping and the addition of the sign will not affect the height of landscaping. Staff
recommends approving the monument sign addition as proposed.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Administrative Hearing Officer approve
Use 20-0056 to allow an amendment to the existing Atascadero Oaks Shopping Center
sign program, approving the addition of one cabinet sign to an existing monument sign.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION I
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Categorical Exemption CEQA — Guidelines Section
Statutory Exemption §§ 21000, et seq &
No Project — Ministerial Project
15311
Page 2
Findings
AMC 9-15.011 requires the Hearing Officer to make the following 4 findings:
1. The need for such signing is based on the purposes set forth in Section 9-15.002;
The proposed signs accomplish three of the required purposes. Section 9-15.002 (a)
describes the purpose 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) describes the purpose of implementing
"quality sign design standards that are consistent with the City's General Plan, Zoning
Ordinance and Appearance Review Guidelines". Finally, Section 9-15.002 (i) describes
the purpose of regulating "signs in a manner so as not to physically interfere with or
obstruct the vision of pedestrian or vehicular traffic."
2. The opportunity to combine signs for more than one (1) use on a single sign
structure has been considered;
The existing sign has multiple tenants who share two of the three monument sign faces.
Due to the number of tenants in the center, the individual signs can be difficult to read
from EI Camino Real. The Laurus College is a major tenant in the center and a larger sign
is justifiable.
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 signs are 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)
Improving the appearance and character of Atascadero, including signage, is a
Framework Principle of the General Plan. These signs in this zoning district are
appropriate for the desired appearance and character of the City.
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1. Building permits shall be obtained prior to installation of the signs. Property owner's
permission shall be obtained in writing and submitted to City prior to issuance of
permit(s).
2. The design and location of each sign shall be consistent with what is shown in
Attachment 2.
Code Requirements
1. AMC 9-15 (Sign Ordinance)
2. AMC 9-1.112 Administrative Use Permit
Page 3
Ac' n:
Approve
❑ Approve as modified:
❑ Deny
Hearing Officer
Attachment 2: Proposed Sign
USE 20-0056
Proposed Sign
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