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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 EXPOSED NEON DSGN 08-03-98DATE: AUGUST 3, 1998 NO. 11 8-2-98~ in t e r-C o TO' FROM' SUBJECT: WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT REVISED EXPOSED NEON TUBING DESIGN GUIDELINES RECOMMENDATION That the City Council adopt Resolution No. 98-67 which establishes Exposed Neon Tubing Design Guidelines. FISCAL IMPACT There are no fiscal impacts associated with this project. No General Fund monies will be used for development of neon related uses. BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION Exposed neon tubing has become a popular choice of lighting for signs and in creating visual detail accenting the facades of commercial structures. The most prevalent example of this is the Tustin Market Place. Tustin City Code Section 9404c2 allows the use of neon and exposed tubing lighting when intended as a permanent feature integrated with a building's architectural design, subject to approval by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission requested that guidelines be drafted to summarize the City's policies for the use of exposed neon tubing. On July 13,1998, the Planning Commission recommended, by minute order, that the City Council adopt the proposed Exposed Neon Tubing Design StandardS. The proposed Design Standards are included with the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting as Attachment A. The Planning Commission felt that the new policies would be more effective if incorporated into the City Code rather than to be used as guidelines. Therefore, the Commission recommends that the proposed Exposed Neon Tubing Design Standards be adopted for eventual inclusion into the Zoning Code. Considering the Council's recent discussion regarding Auto Service Design Guidelines, staff has · ' n' prepared a modified version of the Planning Comm~ss~o s Design Standards, which refers to the document as "guidelines" rather than "standards". The Exposed Neon Tubing Design Guidelines are included as Exhibit A of Resolution No. 98-67. City Council Report Exposed Neon Tubing D. August 3, 1998 Page 2 on Guidelines A code amendment is required to implement these guidelines. The provisions in the guidelines allow the Zoning Administrator the authority to approve sign proposals, which pertain to the design of closed line neon tubing. The Sign Code and the Zoning Code, which defines the Zoning Administrator's authority, must be modified to change approval authority. If the City Council adopts Resolution No. 98-67, staff will prepare the necessary code amendments for this new provision for future Planning Commission review and City Council adoption. In developing these guidelines, eight local cities were surveyed for applicable neon regulations. The neon regulations for all of these cities were within the sign regulations of their City Codes and do not address the use of neon tubing as a building accent. All neon proposals in these cities required either Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator approval. Since it is apparent that neither review criteria or design guidelines exist in these eight local cities, the City of Tustin would be pioneering in the development of such guidelines. The only document found to be of assistance to staff, was the master sign program for the Tustin Market Place. Within the Tustin Market Place, exposed neon tubing has been successful as a predominant element in signage and architectural accenting. Staff has created illustrations for inclusion with the policies to assist in clarification of the guidelines. The following is a list of the major issues within the guidelines that staff is proposing for the Planning Commission's consideration. Definitions: Definitions for the types of exposed neon uses are provided. Also, since the use of neon in wall signs and located in display windows is common, a definition of wall signs and window signs has been provided. This is the same definition found in the Sign Code. Development and Design Guidelines: To ensure design compatibility, the colors of the lettering/copy and open and closed lined neon tubing should complement the structure/building. All open and closed lined elements shall not be used to merely "fill-up" the ' allowable placement area or used as attention-getting devices. Closed Lined Signs and Logos: To ensure that logos, graphics are proportionate to the letter/copy area, closed lined elements shall be limited to a maximum of 2/3 of the total proposed letter/copy area. When located within'a display window, neon tubing should be attached to clear acrylic backing to create an unobstructed view. Wall mounted exposed neon shall be backed with an opaque surface that complements the structure/building. City Council Report Exposed Neon Tubing De~ .. August 3, 1998 Page 3 Guidelines Open Lined Accent Lighting: Open lined neon tubing should be used to highlight or accent architectm'al elements of a structure or building. Exposed neon · tubing placed on the comer edge of structure or building does not accent any architectural features and therefore is discouraged. Neon tubing should be placed within the reveal of a structure or building faq:ade or placed within an articulated area of the fagade where there is a clear and distinct separation of materials, walls, architectural details or other similar design elements. Sensitivity must be given to the placement of the neon tubing to. allow the light to create a soft glow. This affect is successful through back lighting or placing the tube next to the junction of two or more elements of the structure/building and out of view. The exposed hardware used to attach the tubes to the structure/building is not attractive when visible during daylight hours. Open lined neon tubes should be placed so that the glow affect of the lights during nighttime hours is not compromised because of the unattractiveness of the hardware and tubing during the daylight hours. To ensure design compatibility, open lined elements should be an integral component and relate to the overall design of the sign and/or structure. Animated lights, exposed conduits, exposed raceways, and lighting, which compete with the storefi'ont design, are discouraged and prohibited by the Sign Code (TCC9404al). To ensure compatibility with the height, bulk and area of the structure or building, open lined neon tubing shall be subject to Planning Commission approval. Colors of the exposed neon tubing should be compatible with the stmcture/building's colors and materials. Construction Practices: To maintain the original look of the neon tube surface, colors that are prone to fade, shall be coated with an anti-fade finish. To avoid inconsistencies in appearance and potential nuisances, brightness of the neon tubing shall be consistent. Light leaks are prohibited. Also, lights shall not be oriented toward adjacent residential properties. City Council Report Exposed Neon Tubing Dc~ .,n Guidelines August 3, 1998 Page 4 The neon tubing should be the only exposed element of the sign, logo, or open lined design. All conduit, raceways, crossovers, wiring, ballast boxes, transformers, and any other connection equipment for neon tubing, must be concealed. Posts and housing shall be painted to match the building and concealed. Maintenance Guidelines: Exposed neon tubing shall be maintained in good repair on a continual basis. Flickering, burned out, or broken lights shall be repaired in a period not to exceed 48 hours. When flickering, burned out, or broken lights exist, the sign or open line element shall remain off until the tubes can be replaced. The hardware of the neon tubes shall be maintained in good repair on a continual basis. The neon tubes shall be properly affixed at all times. The paint and appearance of the posts, brackets and housing' for the neon tubing shall be properly and consistently maintained. The illumination of neon shall be limited to the businesses and/or the commercial centers hours of operation. Associate Planner . Community Development Director Attachments: A- B- Minutes from the July 13, 1998 Planning Commission Mtg. & The Dram Exposed Neon Tubing Design Standards Resolution No. 98-67 and Exhibit A- Exposed Neon Tubing Design Guidelines. s:cdd~:creport~:xpneontubdesguid, doe Planning Commission M~''' ~tes July 13, 1998 Page 10 The Public Hearing c Browne seconded, to ado REGULAR BUSINESS: 8. Continued Item- Exposed Neon Tubinq Design Standards RECOMMENDATION That the P!anning Commission provide direction on the proposed additions and modifications to the Design Standards. Based 'On the Planning Commission's direction, staff will prepare revised draft Design Standards, code amendment and an appropriate Resolution recommending for City Council consideration. Lori Ludi, Associate Planner presented the' subject report. Commissioner Pontious stated that the standards look good but she' has a problem with limiting the neon to the business' hours of opera.tion. Daniel Fox noted that majodty of tenants in commercial centers will close at a faidy consistent hour. Commissioner Kozak commented on the standards'. Commissioner Browne moved, Commissioner Kozak seconded., to approve the Design Standards, as amended, to be forwarded to the City Council for their consideration. Motion carried 5-0.. 9~ Elizabeth A. Commissioner Davert move Actions taken at the July_~.7 1998 City_ Council Meetinq Development'Director presented the subject report. 'ssioner Kozak seconded, to receive and file. Motion carried 5-0. COMMISSION CONCERNS: Commissioner Kozak Inquired about the status of the Arco station on Red Daniel Fox responded that since the CUP was approved, work has but improvement is needed on the landscape planters. PLANNING COMMISSION DRAFT EXPOSED NEON TUBING DESIGN STANDARDS POLICY Ne,vn tubing has become a popular element of design in signage and to accent architectural details of a structure/building style. If used sparingly and in a tasteful and complementary manner, neon tubing can be a successful design element to a sign or structure/building. However~ over use of neon can detract from the design of a sign, or structure/building. Sensitivity shall be given in the colors, placement and amount of neon to ensure that the neon design is compatible with the surrounding structures and does not create a negative impact to any adjacent properties. DEFINITIONS ~Closed Line Figure LiOPn~ff ,-~~~~~~_ ~L~e~ng Lettering: Open Line Figure: Closed Line Figure: Wall Sign: Window Sign: Means the letters and. characters that form the sign copy, exclusive of any figures, symbols and decorative elements. Means lines that do not connect to form a two-dimensional figure, mass or enclosed area. Open Line Neon }YaH Sign Border /-- Means a graphic shape or mass formed by and enclosed within continuous lines, exclusive of sign lettering. Means a sign attached parallel to or erected on the fascia, parapet or exterior wall of a building, structure, wall or fence with the exposed face of the sign in a line approximately parallel to the plane of the exterior wall. (TCC Sect. 9402) Means 'any sign attached, painted, or pasted, either permanent or tem- porary, on the interior or exterior of a window and intended to be viewed from the outside. (TCC Sect. 9402) Exposed Neon Tubing Design Stand, Planning Commission July 13, 1998 Page No.2 PERMIT PROCESS The process and procedures for the development or modification of exposed neon tubing shall be consistent with the General Plan and Zoning Code. Open lined figures of neon/exposed light intended as a permanent feature integrated with the design of the building to accent architectural features, exclusive of sign lettering, shall require a design review subject to Planning Commission approval. Closed line figures and sign lettering of neon/exposed light shall be subject to design review approval by the Zoning Administrator. AH sign types, locations and sizes shall comply with the Sign Code. PROJECTS SUBJECT TO STANDARDS Any new exposed neon tubing, or any existing, legally established, noncon- forming neon tubing that is altered as described in Section 9405(e) of the Tustin City Code, shall' comply with the regulations set forth within, these design standards. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS o Open lined neon shall be com- patible with the height, bulk Open Line Figure 1 Lettering The open line neon provides a proportionate and compatible design element to the front facade of the building and area of the structure and subject to Planning Commission approval. , The size and spacing of closed lined elements shall be in proportion to the lettering of a proposed sign, and the height, bulk and area of the building fagade and shall be subject to Zoning Administrator approval. The closed line figUre and lettering are proportionate in size and fit within the copy space of the facade. Lettering Closed line figure The closed line figure and lettering is inappropriate in size and proportion. Acceptable Exposed Neon Tubing Design Standard Planning Commission July 13, 1998 Page No.3 Logo. Size = 21 sq. ft. (2/3 of letter copy area) This is an example of an appropriate logo size, .proportionate to the. copy area and the facade. · Lettering = 32 sq. ft. . Close lined lo go s/graphic accents along sign bands shall be limited to 2/3 of the ~otal proposed lettering/copy area. Closed line accents, which are proposed to exceed the maxi- mum size allowed, shall be sub- ject to .Planning Commission approval. . Open.and Closed line elements shall not be used to merely "fill-up" the allowable place- ment area or used as an atten- tion-getting device. ' Roof reval ~ I ~ A reveal is an appropriate ~,~1~ location for decorative ~1~ neon lighting. The'neon Neon tubing *' ' ~,.[ tubing is not visible from ~1 public view. and is unob- . ]{ trUsive to surrounding Unacceptable Open line figures Lettering This is an example of unacceptable over use of neon. Neon illumi- · nation should blend with the architectural elements and style of the building. Neon used to attract allen- · lion should be avoided. The use of ,neon should.not com- pete with the oveall design of this facade. DESIGN STANDARDS 1. An open lined neon element shall be placed within a reveal of the structure's fagade or placed within an ar- ticulated space o fthe'fagade'where there is a clear and distinct separation of materials, walls, architectural de- tails or other similar design elements. 2. Open lined elements shall generally be an integral component of and.relate to the overall design, materi- als and colors ofthe sign and/or structure. Exposed Neon Tubing Design Standa~ Planning Commission July 13, 1998 Page No.4 Neon on an opaque backing is not appropriate 3~ Animated lights, exposed conduits and raceways are prohibited. 4~ Neon tubing located in a display window shall be attached to a clear acrylic backing. o All signage shall be subject to the regulations. referenced in Section 9401 of the Tustin City Code or the approved sign program for the sub- ject property. o Neon lighting that competes with the store front design is prohibited. Neon lighting outlining storefront windows is prohibited. o The colors of open and closed lined neon tubing shall be compatible with the color palate of the structure. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Neon Window Signs Neon on a clear acrylic background is acceptable lo Surfaces with color mixes (i.e. pastels, fluorescent, complex mixtures, and intense reds, yellows and purples) shall be co&ted with ultraviolet-inhibiting clear coat in a matte, gloss, or semi-gloss finish. . Surface brightness of all illuminated materials shall be consistent in all letters and design components of the sign or structure. Light leaks are prohibited. . . All conduit, raceways, crossovers, wiring, ballast boxes, transformers, and other equipment necessary for neon tubing connection shall be concealed. All exposed neon must be backed with an opaque coating. All housings and posts for exposed neon tubing shall be painted out to match the building background immediately behind and adjacent to the tubing. Exposed neon hardware Unacceptable OOOlOOOlooo Exposed Neon Tubing Design Standan Planning Commission July 13, 1998 Page No.5 o Neon tubing shall be effectively screened ~om adjacent residential areas. MAINTENANCE STANDARDS 1. Flickering bulbs, burned out bulbs, and/or broken lights shall be repaired in a period not to exceed 48 hours fxom the time it is noticed. 2. When the neon bulbs of an open or closed line element are in need of repair, the entire element shall remain offuntil the repair is conducted. 3. The appearance of the hardware shall be maintained in an attractive and working manner. Repairs of hardware shall be conducted in a period not to exceed 48 hours af- ter City notification. 4. The illumination of the exposed neon robing shall be limited'to the business's and/or the center's hours of operation~ RESOLUTION NO. 98-67 ]0 ]4 ]5 ]9 2O 22 23 24 2? 28 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA. ADOPTING EXPOSED NEON TUBING DESIGN GUIDELINES AND DIRECTING STAFF TO PREPARE THE APPLICABLE CODE AMMENDMENTS. The City Council of the City of Tustin does hereby resolve as follows: I. The City Council finds and determines as follows: Ao That the Sign Code requires Planning Commission Review for exposed neon tUbing when intended as a permanent feature integrated with a building's architectural design. Bo That Sign Code does not include any policies or design guidelines for the use of exposed neon tubing. C. That development guidelines are needed to promote and protect the public health, safety and general welfare and preserve and enhance the quality of the City relating to the use of exposed neon tubing. D. That on July 13, 1998, the Planning Commission recommended by minute order that the City Council adopt the proposed ExPosed Neon Tubing Design Standards. Eo That on August 3 1998, the City Council considered the Planning Commission's recommendation and is desirous of adopting the document as Guidelines, provided in Exhibit A. I1o In preparing the Exposed Neon Tubing Design Guidelines, the City Council finds and determines: A. That it is appropriate for the Zoning Administrator and the Planning Commission to consider applications requesting the use of exposed neon tubing within designated zoning districts. S. That the design guidelines establish certain requirements for open and closed ended eXposed neon lighting elements. That the design guidelines mitigate impacts typically associated with the use of exposed neon tubing. Do That amendments to the City's Zoning and Sign Codes are necessary to implement the guidelines. 10 l? 2O 2! 24 25 2.7 Resolution No. 9~. , Page 2 The City Council hereby adopts the Exposed Neon Tubing Design Guidelines, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and directs staff to prepare the appropriate Code Amendments to implement the guidelines. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Tustin City Council, held on the 3rd day of August, 1998. THOMAS R. SALTARELLI MAYOR PAMELA STOKER CITY CLERK STATEOF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF ORANGE ) CITY OF TUSTIN ) I, Pamela Stoker, City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of the City of Tustin, California, do hereby certify that the whole number of the members of the City Council of the CitY of Tustin is five; that the above and foregoing Resolution No. 98-67 was dulY passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Tustin City Council, held on the 3rd day of August, 1998, by the fo]lOwing vote: COUNCILMEMBERAYES: COUNCILMEMBER NOES: COUNCILMEMBERABSTAINED: COUNCtLMEM~ER ABSENT: PAME!.A STOK__R CITY CLERK EXHIBIT A RESOLUTION NO. 98-67 EXPOSED NEON TUBING DESIGN GUIDELINES POLICY Neon tubing has become a popular element of design in signage and to accent architectural details of a structure/building style. If used sparingly and in a'tasteful and complementary manner, neon tubing can be a successful design element to a sign or structure/building. However, over 'use of neon can detract from the design of a sign, or structure/building. Sensitivity shall be given in the colors, placement and amount of neon to ensure that the neon design [~ compatible with the surrounding structures and does not create a negative impact to any adjacent properties. DEFINITIONS 'Open Line  Closed Line Figure · .. ~Lettering Lettering: Open Lk~e Figure: Closed Line Figure: Wall Sign: Window Sign: Means the letters and characters that form the sign copy, exclusive of any figures, symbols and decorative elements. Open Line. Neon Wall Sign Border Means lines that do not connect to form a two-dimensional figure, mass or enclosed area. Means a graphic shape or mass formed by and enclosed within cominuous lines, exclusive of sign lettering. Means a sign attached, parallel to or erected on the fascia, parapet or exterior wall of a building, structure, wall or fence with the exposed face of the sign in a line approxi .mately parallel to the plane of the exterior wall. (TCC Sect. 9402) Means any sign attached, painted, or pasted, either permanem or tem- porary, on the interior or exterior of a window and intended to be viewed from the outside. (TCC Sect. 9402) Exposed Neon Tubing Design Guideli: City Council A~ 3, 1998 Page No.2 PERMIT PROCESS The process and procedures for the developmem or modification of exposed neon tubing shall be consistent with the General Plan and Zoning Code. Open lined figures of neon/exposed light intended as a permanent feature integrated with the design of the building to accent architectural features, exclusive of sign lettering, shall require a design review subject to Planning Commission approval. Closed line figures and sign lettering of neon/exposed light shall be subject to design review approval by the Zoning Administrator. All sign types, locations and sizes shall comply with the Sign Code. PROJECTS SUBJECT TO GUIDELINES Any new exposed neon tubing, or any existing, legally established, noncon- forming neon robing that is altered as described in Section 9405(e) of the Tustin City Code, shall comply with the regulations set forth within these design standards. DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES 1. Open lined neon shall be com- patible with the height, bulk Open Line Figure Lettering The open line neon provides a proportionate and compatible design element to the front facade of the building and area of the structure and subject to Planning Commission approval. 2. The size and spacing of closed lined elements shall be in proportion to the lettering of a proposed sign, and the height, bulk and area of the building faq:ade and shall be subject to Zoning Administrator approval. The closed line figure and lettering are proportionate in size and fit within the copy space of the facade. Lettering Closed line figure The closed line figure and lettering is inappropriate in size and proportion. Acceptable Exposed Neon Tubing Design Guideline City Council August 3, 1998 Page No.3 Logo Size = 21 sq. ft. (2/3 of letter copy area) This is an example of an appropriate logo size, proportionate to the copy area and the facade. Lettering = 32 sq. ft. I t_ . e Close lined lo go s/graphic accents along sign bands shall be limited, to 2/3 of the total proposed lettering/copy area. Closed line accents, which are proposed to exceed the maxi- mum size allowed, shall be sub- ject to Planning Commission approval. Open and Closed line elements shall not be used to merely "fill-up" the allowable place- ment area or used as an atten- tion-getting device. UnaccePtable Open line figures Lettering ' This is an example of unacceptable over use of neon. Neon illumi- nation should blend with the arChitectural elements and style of the building. Neon used to attract atten- tion should be avoided. The use of neon Should not com- pete with the oveall design of this facade. ~ Roof A reveal is an appropriate location for decorative neon lighting. The neon Neon tubing is not visible from tubing public view and is unob- trusive to surrounding uses. DESIGN GUIDELINES 1. An open lined neon element shall be placed within a · reveal of the structure's faq:ade or placed within an ar- ticulated space of the fagade where there is a clear and distinct separation of materials, walls, architectural de- tails or other similar design elements. 2. Open lined elements shall generally be an integral component of and relate to the overall design, materi- als and colors of the sign and/or structure. Exposed Neon Tubing Design Guideli City Council August 3, 1998 Page No.4 Neon on an opaque backing is not appropriate ge Animated lights, exposed conduits and raceways are prohibited. o Neon tubing located in a display window shall be attached to a clear acrylic backing. t All signage shall be subject to the regulations referenced in Section 9401 of the Tustin City Code or the approved sign program for the sub- ject property. . Neon lighting that competes with the store front design is prohibited. Neon lighting outlining storefront windows is prohibited. . The colors of open and cloSed lined neon tubing shall be compatible with the color palate of the structure. CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES Neon Window Signs Ill Neon on a clear acrylic background is acceptable e . . Surfaces with color mixes (i.e. pastels, fluorescent, complex mixtures, and intense reds, yellows and purples) shall be coated with ultraviolet-inhibiting clear coat in a matte, gloss, or semi-gloss finish. Surface brightness of all illuminated materials shall be consistent in all letters and design components of the sign or structure. Light leaks are prohibited. All conduit, raceways, crossovers, wiring, ballast boxes, transformers, and other equipment necessary for neon robing connection shall be concealed. All exposed neon mUSt be backed with an opaque coating. All housings and posts for exposed neon tubing shall be painted out to match the building background immediately behind and adjacem to the robing. Exposed neon hardware Unacceptable camel/omO ClClCl/riOO mOCl ClClCl ClClCi Exposed Neon Tubing Design Guideline City Council August 3, 1998 Page No.5 5. Neon tubing shall be effectively screened from adjaeem residential areas. MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES . Flickering bulbs, burned out bulbs, and/or broken lights shall be repaired in a period not to exceed 48 hours from the time it is noticed. . , . When the neon bulbs of an open or closed line element are in need of repair, the emire elemem shall remain offuntil the repair is conducted. The appearance of the hardware shall be maintained in aa attractive and working manner. Repairs of hardware shall be conducted in a period not to exceed 48 hours af- ter City notification. The illumination of the exposed neon tubing shall be limited to the business's and/or the center's hours of operation.