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Home My WebLink AboutNotice of ActionCITY OF ATASCADERO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Administrative Hearing Final Action Report FROM: Mariah Gasch MEETING DATE: 4/23/2020 FILE NUMBER: USE 20-0018 PROJECT ADDRESS: 11300 Viejo Camino SITUATION: The applicant, Signcraft, is proposing two new identical monument -style neighborhood identification signs measuring approx. 4.5 feet by 8 feet each, at the Bordeaux Apartment complex. The Atascadero Municipal Code 9-15.008 limits neighborhood identification signage to one sign per arterial/ collector frontage. The applicant is requesting an exception to allow two signs along Viejo Camino, a collector road. The applicant is also requesting an exception to the base height, which is proposed to be approximately 8.5 inches. AMC 9-15.008 states that neighborhood identification signs shall have a base with a minimum height of one foot. EVALUATION: Sign #1 is proposed at the entryway corner where Maduro Lane intersects Viejo Camino Road. Sign #2 is proposed at the entryway corner where Bocina Lane intersects Viejo Camino Road. The signs are identical and are approximately 4.5 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The monument structure has a stone -covered fapade while the sign itself has a grey stucco finish. The signs will replace two existing freestanding signs. However, staff cannot locate permits for these and has added a condition that these be removed prior to scheduling the final inspection for the building permits. The sign face itself is approximately 6 feet by 3.5 feet for a total of almost 22 square feet. The height of the base is approximately 8.5 inches and matches the surrounding buildings on the property. Atascadero Municipal Code (AMC) 9-15.008 states that neighborhood identification signs shall have a base with a minimum height of one foot. The proposed base is approximately 3.5 inches shorter than what is required by the Municipal Code. The base height that the applicant has proposed is proportional to the rest of the sign. Staff supports approving an exception to the base height to meet the height the applicant proposes. The existing landscaping around the locations of the proposed signs is minimal. Staff has added a condition that the owner plant additional drought -tolerant landscaping around the base of each sign. The applicant is not proposing any lighting for the signs. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Administrative Hearing Officer approve Use 20-0018 to approve the request to allow up to two signs along the frontage of 11300 Viejo Camino Road with conditions of approval. Page 2 Z Categorical Exemption CEQA — Guidelines Section ❑ Statutory Exemption §§ 21000, et seq & ❑ No Project — Ministerial Project 15311 Findings AMC 9-15.011 requires the Hearing Officer to make the following 4 findings: 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 (b) describes the purpose to "encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication in the City and reduce possible traffic and safety hazards from confusing or distracting signs." 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 proposed signs are located at each entrance to the Bordeaux Apartment complex. They provide clear direction for those traveling on Viejo Camino. 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. Conditions 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 Attachments 1 and 2. 3. Building permit shall identify new drought tolerant landscaping with irrigation around the base of the sign to the satisfaction of the Community Development Page 3 Department. All proposed landscaping shall comply with the States's water efficiency regulations. 4. All existing unpermitted signs on the site shall be removed prior to scheduling a final building inspection. 5. All signs shall be located outside of the area required for safe sight distance. Code Requirements 1. AMC 9-15 (Sign Ordinance) 2. AMC 9-1.112 Administrative Use Permit Action: Q Approve ❑ Approve as modified ❑ Deny ❑ Continue to: to allow ❑ Continue indefinitely to allow: Hearing Officer Moak Attachment 2: Proposed Signs USE 20-0018 Proposed Sign #1 PP Proposed Sign #2 1 l .5T f Letter Dimensions 86jr Sign Dimensions 96 In i t 73.45 In 65AS In Attachment 3: Site Photos USE 20-0018 Existing Sign # 1 (to be removed)