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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPH 1 APPEAL CUP 90-1 05-21-90DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: APPLICANT: 76 MAY 21, 1990 WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PUBLIC HEARING N0. 1 5/21/90 Inter - Com APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION ON CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 90-1 CARL KARCHER ENTERPRISES 1200 N. HARBOR BOULEVARD ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA 92803 LOCATION: 14041 NEWPORT AVENUE (AT THE I-5 FREEWAY) ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT (CLASS II) RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council uphold the Planning Commission action by adoption of Resolution No. 90-52. A 24 foot high, 50 square foot freeway identification sign is adequate for freeway visibility. Approval of a sign exceeding this size and height will not only set a precedent, but will also be contrary to the efforts, the City has previously made in removing tall, unsightly freeway oriented signs. BACKGROUND At their regular meeting on April 9, 1990, the Planning Commission approved Resolution No. 2747(b) allowing a 24 foot high, 50 square foot identification sign for Carl's Jr. (Attachment A). The Planning Commission decision was a compromise which reduced the size and height of the sign to 24 feet high and 50 square feet from the original requested 35 foot height and 72 square foot sign area. The sign is proposed to be located adjacent to the I-5 freeway approximately 210 feet west of the intersection of the freeway off - ramp at Newport Avenue within the CMS commercial development project. In approving the design for the CMS commercial development, the Planning Commission authorized a center identification sign along City Council Report Conditional Use Permit 90-1 Page 2 Newport Avenue at the main entrance to the project. As a part of the monument display, a tenant identification directory is proposed on which Carl' s Jr. would be provided space of up to six ( 6 ) square feet. Three additional wall signs were also approved for Carl's Jr. Restaurant. These three wall signs are located on the freeway facing elevation (24 square feet in area), Newport Avenue facing elevation (45 square feet in area), and the parking lot facing elevation (18 square feet area) respectively. DISCUSSION The applicant contends that a 35 foot high, 72 square foot sign is necessary for freeway visibility. The applicant has stated that due to grade differential and vegetation along the freeway that additional height is necessary as the sign is freeway oriented. In reviewing the applicant's original request, the Planning Commission felt that a 24 foot high, 50 square foot sign would be adequate for the following reasons: 1. Visibility - The Commission acknowledged that the property owner has an agreement with Cal -Trans to trim the freeway vegetation. The Commission suggested it is incumbent that the applicant secure an agreement with the property owner to maintain trimming of the vegetation. It was noted by staff that as a result of the freeway widening project, the vegetation in question would be completely removed within two (2) years. The Council should be aware that the applicant could also get an encroachment permit from Cal -Trans if they wished to ensure adequate trimming of the trees. The Commission noted that the 24 foot sign reaches to the level of the freeway and by the time the traveler reaches the off -ramp they are face-to-face with the sign thereby providing adequate visibility. The applicant also contended that additional visibility is needed because as much as 30 to 40 percent of total revenue from restaurants can be derived from the drive-thru facility. The Commission noted however that there is no evidence as to how much drive-thru patronage is derived from freeway users. 2. Safety - The Commission not only addressed the issue of the height of the sign by focussing upon visibility, but also voiced a concern with the safety aspects of a tall sign. The Commission noted that given the traffic on the freeway at the off -ramp location and in proximity to a major interchange at the SR -55 and I-55, it would be difficult and dangerous to Community Development Department City Council Report Conditional Use Permit 90-1 Page 3 negotiate lanes for exiting on an impulse or from faster lanes of the freeway - nor would it be desirous to do so. The Commission noted that customers who wanted nourishment would have anticipated and made the decision to exit the freeway for food and would be in the slow lane. 3. General Plan The Commission voiced a concern with approving additional freeway -oriented pole signs particularly in regards to new tenants or enlargement of freeway signs where they could remain in perpetuity despite change of tenancies. The Scenic Highway Element of the General Plan addresses this issue by stating that "Signs oriented towards the freeway system shall be limited in square footage and height and shall be in compliance with the City of Tustin Sign Ordinance". 4. Size of Sign - Consistency with the Sign Code and precedence was an issue discussed by the Commission. Because the proposed sign is for a single tenant and not combined with other uses, the Commission felt a reduction in the cabinet size from 72 square feet per face to 50 square feet per face was appropriate. This reduction is consistent with similar identification pole signs within the Tustin Sign Code which allows for 50 square feet as the maximum size for a freestanding pole sign to be used for center identification and also reinforces General Plan statements about limiting the height and size of freeway signs. 5. Precedent - In conjunction with Commission concern regarding reluctance to approve freeway signage which appear to remain in perpetuity, there is the issue of precedent setting. The Commission acknowledged past efforts to remove tall freeway oriented signs. Approval of a 35 foot high sign would be contrary to city efforts to improve Tustin's freeway image. It is important to note that the Planning Commission did approve a freeway oriented sign that will give the applicant adequate visibility to attract customers. This sign is in addition to the four other signs previously approved advertising Carl's Jr. Community Development Department City Council Report Conditional Use Permit 90-1 Page 4 CONCLUSION Given the Planning Commission's findings regarding the issues associated with the height and size of the sign it is recommended that the City Council uphold the Planning Commission's action to approve a 24 foot height, 50 square foot identification sign. 4,1� Susan Tebo Senior Planner CAS:SKT:kf Christine Shingleton Director of Community Development Community Development Department 1 21 31 4I 51 6' 7' 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1.5 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23' 24' 25 26 27 28 RESOLUTION NO. 90-52 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S ACTION APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 90-1. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Tustin does hereby resolve as follows: i® The City Council finds and determines as follows: A. That a proper application for Conditional Use Permit 901 and Variance 90-7, was been filed by Carl Karcher Enterprises to request authorization to install a 35 foot high, 72 square foot identification pole sign, with "Drive -Thur" identification on the face of the sign, at 14041 Newport Avenue. B. That a public hearing was duly called, noticed and held for said application on April 9, 1990 by the Planning Commission at which time the Commission adopted Resolution No. 2747(b) approving a 24 foot high, 50 square foot identification sign. C. That an appeal of the Planning Commission's action has been filed by Carl Karcher'Enterprises. D. That a public hearing to consider the appeal of said application was duly called noticed and held on May 21, 1990. E. That establishment, maintenance, and operation of the use applied for will not be detrimental to the health, safety, morals, comfort, or general welfare of the persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such proposed use, in that: 1. The site is located in a PC -Comm. - Planned Community Commercial Zoning district, and the proposed sign advertises a use allowed in the PC - Comm. - Planned Community Commercial Zoning District. 2. The use applied for is in conformance with the tustin Sign Code {Section 9481(f)l. 3. That the proposed sign is architecturally compatible with the design of the Tustin Freeway Shopping 1'� 21 3' 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Resolution 90-52 Page 2 II. Center where the sign is to be located. 4. The height (24 feet) and area (50 square feet) of the sign are reflective of the goals of the Scenic Highway Element of the General Plan. 5. Comparable type signs in similar zoning districts allow for a maximum area of 50 square feet. F. That the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the use applied for will not be injurious or detrimental to the property and improvements in the neighborhood of the subject property, nor to the general welfare of the City of Tustin in that the Planning Commission has limited the height and size of the sign below the original applicants request to minimize impact on adjacent properties and improvements. G. Proposed development shall be in accordance with the development policies adopted by the City Council Uniform Building codes as administered by the Building Official, Fire Code as administered by the Orange County Fire Marshal and street improvement requirements as administered by the City Engineer. H. This project is categorically exempt (Class 3) from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. I. Final development plans shall require the review and approval of the Community Development Department. The City Council hereby upholds Conditional Use Permit 90-1 to authorize a 24 foot high, 50 square foot pole sign at 14041 Newport Avenue subject to the following conditions: A. The sign shall be constructed and installed pursuant to the submitted plans as herein modified showing a 24 foot high, 50 square foot, pole sign. Any modifications to these plans shall require the approval of the Community Development director and/or Planning Commission as determined by the Director. B. Conditions contained in this Resolution shall be complied with prior to issuance of any Building permits for the sign subject to review and approval of the Community Development Department. C. The sign area shall be reduced to 50 square feet. D. Construction plans and structural calculations shall be submitted to insure requirements of the Uniform Building Codes, State Handicap and Energy Requirements are 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Resolution 90-52 Page 3 complied with as approved by the Building Official. Plans should reflect architectural details and elevations for the project subject to final approval by the Department of Community Development. E. The subject Conditional Use Permit is valid only for Carl' s Jr. use. In the event said use is terminated, the pole sign in its entirety shall be removed from the site within thirty (30) days from the date said use terminates. F. Conditional Use Permit approval shall become null and void unless building permits are issued within twelve (12) months of the date of this Exhibit and substantial construction is underway. G. Prior to the issuance of building permit, payment shall be made of any and all required fees. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Tustin City Council, held on the 21st day of May, 1990. MARY E. WYNN City Clerk RICHARD B. EDGAR Mayor i 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Resolution 90-52 Page 4 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF ORANGE ) CITY OF TUSTIN ) RESOLUTION NO. 90-52 CERTIFICATION SS MARY E. WYNN, City Clerk and ex -officio Clerk of the City Council of the City of Tustin, California, does hereby certify that the whole number of the members of the City Council of the City of Tustin is ; that the above and foregoing Resolution No. 90-52 was duly and regularly introduced, passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the day of , 1990, by the following vote: COUNCILMEMBER AYES: COUNCILMEMBER NOES: COUNCILMEMBER ABSTAINED: COUNCIL4EMBER ABSENT: Mary E. Wynn, City Clerk 1 04 3 4 5 G 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17I 191 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 281 RESOLUTION NO. 2747(b) A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, AUTHORIZING A 24 FOOT HIGH, 50 'SQUARE FOOT POLE SIGN WITH "DRIVE-THRU" IDENTIFICATION VERBIAGE ON THE FACE OF THE SIGN AT 14041 NEWPORT AVENUE AT THE I-5 FREEWAY. The Planning Commission of the City of Tustin does hereby resolve as follows: I. The Planning Commission finds and determines as follows: A. That a proper application for Use Permit 90-1 and Variance 90-7, has been filed by Carl Karcher Enterprises to request authorization to install a 24 foot high, 50 square foot identification pole sign, with "Drive-Thru" identification on the face of the sign, at 14041 Newport Avenue. B. That a public hearing was duly called, noticed and held for said application on April 9, 1990. C. That establishment, maintenance, and operation of the use applied for will not be detrimental to the health, safety, morals, comfort, or general welfare of the persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such proposed use, in that: 1. The site is located in a PC -Comm. - Planned Community Commercial Zoning district, and the proposed sign advertises a use allowed in the PC -Comm. - Planned Community Commercial Zoning District. 2. The use applied for is in conformance with the Tustin Sign Code {Section 9481 (f)}. 3. That the proposed sign is architecturally compatible with the design of the Tustin Freeway Shopping Center where the sign is to be located. 4. The height and area of the sign are reflective of the goals of the Scenic Highway Element of the General Plan. 5. Comparable type signs in similar zoning districts allow for a maximum area of 50 square feet. D. That the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the use applied for will not be injurious or detrimental to the property and improvements in the ATTACHMENT A W 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Resolution No. 2747(b) April 9, 1990 Page 2 neighborhood of the subject property, nor to the general welfare of the City of Tustin in that the Planning Commission has limited the height and size of the sign below the original applicants request to minimize impact on adjacent properties and improvements. E. That granting of the Variance fo'r "Drive-Thru" identification will not constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with other properties in the vicinity and commercially zoned properties in that there are other 20-25 foot high signs in the vicinity. F. These are special circumstances applicable to the property that deprive the subject property of privileges enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity under similar circumstances in that over 40% of the business revenues associated with the Carl's Jr. use are a result of drive-thru business. There are other drive thru businesses in commercial districts in the City that have large drive-thru signage. The project site is also located immediately adjacent to the freeway which allows for drive-thru capacities not realized by other businesses along Newport Avenue due to the freeway market and unique visibility vantage point. G. Proposed development shall be in accordance with the development policies adopted by the City Council, Uniform Building Codes as administered by the Building Official, Fire Code as administered by the Orange County Fire Marshal and street improvement requirements as administered by the City Engineer. H. This project is categorically exempt (Class 3) from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. I. Final development plans shall require the review and approval of the Community Development Department. II. The Planning Commission hereby approves Conditional Use Permit 90-1 and Variance 90-7 to authorize a 24 foot high, 50 square foot pole sign, with "Drive-Thru" identification verbiage, at 14041 Newport Avenue subject to the following conditions: A. The sign shall be constructed and installed pursuant to the submitted plans as herein modified showing 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2747(b) 2 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF TUSTIN, AUTHORIZING A 24 FOOT HIGH, 50 SQUARE 3 FOOT POLE SIGN WITH "DRIVE-THRU" IDENTIFICATION VERBIAGE ON THE FACE OF THE SIGN AT 14041 NEWPORT 4 AVENUE AT THE I-5 FREEWAY. 5 The Planning Commission of the City of Tustin does hereby resolve as follows: 6 I. The Planning Commission finds and determines as follows: 7 A. That a proper application for Use Permit 90-1 and 8 Variance 90-7, has been filed by Carl Karcher Enterprises to request authorization to install a 9 24 foot high, 50 square foot identification pole sign, with "Drive-Thru" identification on the face 10 of the sign, at 14041 Newport Avenue. 11 B. That a public hearing was duly called, noticed and held for said application on April 9, 1990. 12 C. That establishment, maintenance, and operation of 13 the use applied for will not be detrimental to the health, safety, morals, comfort, or general welfare 14 of the persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such proposed use, in that: 15 1. The site is located in a PC -Comm. - Planned 16 Community Commercial Zoning district, and the proposed sign advertises a use allowed in the 17 PC -Comm. - Planned Community Commercial Zoning District. 18 2. The use applied for is in conformance with the 19 Tustin Sign Code {section 9481 (f)}. 20 3. That the proposed sign is architecturally compatible with the design of the Tustin 21 Freeway Shopping Center where the sign is to be located. 22 4. The height and area of the sign are reflective 23 of the goals of the Scenic Highway Element of the General Plan. 24 5. Comparable type signs in similar zoning 25 districts allow for a maximum area of 50 square feet. 26 D. That the establishment, maintenance, and operation 27 of the use applied for will not be injurious or detrimental to the property and improvements in the 28 Planning Commission Minutes April 9, 1990 Page 2 RECOMMENDATION - Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 2764 denying the requested modification to the exterior building elevations, originally approved by Design Review 89-08. Commissioner Baker movedx Le Jeune seconded to approve the consent calendar. Motion carried 3-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. USE PERMIT 90 -1, -VARIANCE 90-7 APPLICANT: CARL KARCHER ENTERPRISES 1200 N. HARBOR BOULEVARD ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA 92803 PROPERTY OWNER: CODY SMALL CMS DEVELOPMENT 3100 AIRPORT LOOP DRIVE; A-3 COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA 92626 LOCATION: 14041 NEWPORT AVENUE (AT THE I-5 FREEWAY) LEGAL DESCRIPTION: ASSESSOR'S PARCEL # 402-371-1-3 AND MORE SPECIFICALLY AS 10T 1 , 2 AND 3 OF THE NEWPORT AVENUE TRACT; A PORTION OF LOT 15 IN BLOCK D OF BALLARD'S ADDITION; AS SHOWN ON MISCELLANEOUS MAPS AND RECORDS IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER ZONING: PC COMMERCIAL - PLANNED COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS: CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT (CLASS 11) REQUEST: AUTHORIZATION TO INSTALL A 35 FOOT HIGH 72 SQUARE FOOT ALUMINUM CABINET BUSINESS IDENTIFICATION WITH "DRIVE-THRU" DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE LOCATED ON THE POLE SIGN FACE RECOMMENDATION - It is recommended that the Planning Commission either: 1. Deny Use Permit 90-1 and Variance 90-7 by the adoption of Resolution No. 2747, as submitted or revised;or, 2. Approve Use Permit 90-1 as revised by staff regarding location, orientation and size by the adoption of Resolution No. 2747(b), as submitted or revised. Presentation: Susan Tebo, Senior Planner Commissioner Le Jeune asked if the three signs with "Drive-Thru" n„ thpn wPrP all legal. non -conforming signs. Planning Commission Minutes April 9, 1990 Page 3 Staff replied that the monument sign for Taco Bell on 17th Street was approved as a monument sign with "Drive-Thru", not as a pole sign. The Director noted that "Drive-Thru" as a directional sign is not prohibited, but must conform to the Sign Code requirements of being six (6) square feet, or not to exceed four (4) feet in height, and to only one per street entryway; monument signs are mostly less than five (5) feet in height and limited to six (6) square feet; however, the applicant is asking for a 35 foot pole sign, up in the air, and not to the standards of the Sign Code. The Public Hearing was opened at 7:10 p.m. Mr. John Baker, Carl Karcher, Enterprises, noted that their intent and desire is to work with the City of Tustin; they are only asking for a sign that fully fits within the Sign Code; they are not asking for a Variance, and personally took offense to the inference that they are asking for an "unsightly" sign; he reiterated their reasoning for opening the new facility; and noted that they want to keep up with the growth and demands of Tustin; the site was chosen because it provides freeway visibility and access for an added customer base; and he agreed that the 35 foot sign could be an inaccurate depiction, but that they have proven that a 24 foot sign would be useless. He presented artists conceptual drawings to conclude that 35 feet was accurate; noted that the Marie Calendar's sign would provide the same visibility that they are seeking; and that "Drive-Thru" is detrimental to the success of the new store. Mr. Jack Vodrey, Carl Karcher Enterprises ( and a resident of Tustin for 21 years), noted that he was one of the committee members that drafted the current sign ordinance; that the original ordinance was a weak document that left conclusions up to individual interpretations of staff members; he contributed most of the technical data; and he uses Tustin's Sign Code as an example in other cities, as it is one of the best in the state. He read from the Sign Code: "An identification sign means any sign referring to the name, service, or trade of the business." He indicated that the original intent of that statement was to limit the verbage on the sign to the logo, the name, and their service; that most of the signs in the city conform to this concept; that Carl's Jr. Drive- Thru fits the criteria; he felt that there was nothing in the ordinance that indicates that "Drive-Thru' is prohibited; that staff is interpreting the Sign Code in a liberal manner as they see it; the Code states that there can be the name, service, or trade of the business, but cannot include the name of specific products or brand names. He stated that he was grieved to see staff members Planning Commission Minutes April 9, 1990 Page 4 perverting the ordinance to their own will; and suggested that "Drive-Thru" be allowed as a service. Mr. Dan Glurae, vi.ch, Regional Director of Operations for all Orange County Carl's Restaurants, noted that their goal is to bring the new restaurant up to a current status; that out of the 60 restaurants he represents, the ones with the drive-thru provide 43% of their business from the drive-thru; they feel that this is a positive location due to the success of their location nearby, and due to the spontaneous purchases made by people noticing their freeway sign; and that it was very critical to the operators to be visible, and to let the guests know that there is a drive-thru for their convenience. Mr. Robert Aran, Attorney on behalf of Carl Karcher Enterprises, and State Counsel to the California Electric Sign Association and the Sign Users Council of California, addressed the staff's comments: He noted that precedents are not set because one person is allowed, under certain circumstances, a sign that is a different height than another's; there are no such things as precedents; that staff should be concerned that the general welfare of the area residents are not affected by what is asked for; that the City has the right to reasonably exercise the power to regulate the time, manner and location of the signage of the community; but that the City does not have the power to control sign form of content; that by not allowing "Drive-Thru" the staff is controlling the content of the sign, which is not permitted by law. He commented that, unless the staff had owned a restaurant, their conclusion that a 24 foot sign was enough was unjustified. He also noted that by the time Cal Trans has completed their work, it is conceivable that this restaurant will not have generated enough business because it was unable to advertise properly by the identification of "Drive- Thru". Based on his analysis, the applicant's request is reasonable. Mr. Chester Maharaj, 15622 California Street, Tustin, noted that he felt that it was time that Tustin re -looked at its ordinances because of all of the changes occurring in the City; that big business should not be able to "bull -doze" their way and get what they think they want; that the citizens have to live here; that the staff has done a good job by suggesting a 25 foot sign; that, aesthetically, the applicant's request is not right. After looking at the presentation, he noted that the two photographs are different, one with a wide-angle lens, and one with a medium telephoto lens. He also noted that he felt that the City Council (sic) should be careful in passing things like this, as it is easy for a business to "bull -doze" in, but that the citizens have to live with it. Planning Commission Minutes April 9, 1990 Page 5 The Public Hearing was closed at 7:35 p.m. Commissioner Baker noted that there were a lot of comments questioning staff's presentation and asked for a confirmation from the City Attorney. Ms. Lois Jeffrey, City Attorney, affirmed that the presentation is correct; that the presenter's for Carl Karcher's have a different interpretation of the City's Code and that they are entitled to make that argument; however, based on the Attorney's office analysis, they support staff's interpretation. Commissioner Baker asked what Cal Trans would be doing at this location; and asked for a confirmation of the number of signs that the applicant will have. Staff replied that the freeway widening would be initiated at this location within two (2) years; that the property owner could trim the trees to six ( 6 ) feet, and that the photographs are misleading; and that they will have three (3) building signs, a monument sign, and the pole sign. The Director replied to the applicant's presentation: 1) regarding qualifying for a freeway sign --this is not an outright permitted use, the decision regarding the sign and its content is up to the discretion of the Planning Commission; 2) regarding the content of "Drive-Thru"--staff is not indicating that it is inappropriate signage, but is permitted on street frontages with up to six (6) square feet per sign face; that the applicant's statement from the previous meeting's tape that the purpose of the sign was to "direct the pedestrian and vehicular traffic", met the exact definition of the Sign Code's definition of a directional sign; and 3) regarding Mr. Aran's representation of staff's abilities --She felt that it was a bit of an arrogant position; that Carl Karcher's owes the staff an apology; that they have the ability to make decisions of this nature; and that they are looking out for the best interest of the Community. Commissioner Le Jeune asked if a representative from CMS was present. Staff noted that they preferred not to be involved; they have negotiated a lease with the applicant. Commissioner Le Jeune asked the applicant if they had signed a lease with the developer. Planning Commission Minutes April 9, 1990 Page 6 Mr. Baker replied that they have not signed a lease, as yet; that the developer had no schedule for trimming the trees; that the situation between Carl's Jr. and the developer is changing, and that Carl's Jr. may purchase the property. Commissioner Kasparian asked the applicant for his reaction to staff's comments regarding Cal Trans trimming the trees. Mr. Baker replied that their main concern is Cal Trans' timetable which seems to be moving and is far behind the applicant's timetable to develop; that trimming is an option that might be available; the trees will grow back; and that they have to make a decision on this major investment prior to knowing how the trees will affect the sign. Commissioner Kasparian asked for a clarification as to whether or not the applicant has permission to trim the trees. Mr. Baker replied negatively. Staff replied negatively, as well, and noted that CMS Development has the permission to trim the trees; that she has spoken to Cal Trans and CMS Development; and that she has a copy of the permit. Commissioner Kasparian asked the applicant if they had an agreement with the property owner to trim the trees; and why not, if it was so important. Mr. Baker replied that the development is changing dramatically relative to Carl's Jr.; they may have less control to trim; CMS told Carl's that they do not intend to trim the trees if they do not have to, as it would incur a $22,000 expense; that there are safety problems involved; and that it must be coordinated with Cal Trans. Commissioner Kasparian noted that even if the 35 foot sign is approved, the trees are going to grow; and if there is no control in the future, they would be having the same problem. Mr. Baker agreed and noted that he did not know the nature of the growth of these trees. Commissioner Kasparian asked if the sign was intended to be oriented to draw in traffic from Tustin or the freeway. Mr. Baker replied that it was to draw in freeway traffic; and that any comment he made to the contrary on previous tapes must have been a misstatement. Planning Commission Minutes April 9, 1990 Page 7 Commissioner Kasparian asked if one of the photographs show that even at 35 feet the sign is partially hidden. Mr. Baker affirmed, and noted that they were only asking for the minimal amount that they required. Commissioner Le Jeune commented that in the past he has voted against freeway oriented pole signs due to new tenants expanding them and leaving them there forever. Commissioner Baker noted that the 24 foot sign reaches to the level of the freeway; that by the time they reach the off -ramp, people are face-to-face with the sign; he feels that there is no need to go to the higher sign; that it is difficult to negotiate the lanes at that point for exiting on impulse; and that the customers they will attract will probably have already made the decision to get off the freeway for food or fuel. Commissioner Kasparian noted that he is also in favor of signage appropriately done; that the 24 foot sign would be adequate; and that it is incumbent on the applicant to deal with .the property owner to keep the trees trimmed. He also noted that he was in favor of the "Drive-Thru" reference on the sign as it might be recognized as a particular feature of some customers. Mr. Baker asked for time to rebut the comments of the Commission. Ms. Jeffrey commented that the public hearing would have to be re- opened; and that a rebuttal session was inappropriate. Commissioner Kasparian moved, Baker seconded to approve Use Permit 90-1 and Variance 90-7 by the adoption of Resolution No. 2747(b), as submitted. Motion carried 2-1, Le Jeune opposed. Commissioner Le Jeune introduced Rita Westfield, Assistant Director. 4. 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