HomeMy WebLinkAboutNB 3 PKG & SIGN PLAN 05-16-83DATE:
TO:
SUBJECT:
May 16, 1982
NEW BUSINESS
No. 3
Inter-Corn
Honorable Mayor & City Council
Mary Ann Chamberlain, Associate Planner
Appeal of Planning Commission Approval of Tustin Heights Shopping
Center Parking and Sign Plan
BACKROUND
The Tustin Heights Shopping Center was developed and built under County
standards and subsequently annexed into the Citytn January, 1966. On
October 5, 1981, a use permit was approved by the Planni.ng Agency which
approved the following items for the revitalization of the center:
1. additional landscaping along. Irvtne Boulevard;
2. replace all wall signs with new wall signs according to the new
master sign plan;
3. painting and replastering as needed;
4. installing new high sodium parking lot lights;
$. installation of a 6'-8" block wall on the easterly portion of the
property line.
At that time, the parking lot restriping plan had not been finalized and
the resolution of approval, (No. 2002), Item II(e) stated:
"Submission of final parking layout for Planning Agency and staff
review and approval."
The minutes of October 5, 1981 contained the following:
"Mr. Edgar commented that he would encourage the owner to help put
in new street improvements at the signal to accon~odate realignment
of the streets (Old Irvine Boulevard with the center entrance)."
The only mention of the free standing sign was that no additional free
standing signs would be authorized for this site until all existing
non-conforming signs are removed (Ralph's, Guild Drug, Builder's Emporium).
On February 14, 1983, the Planning Commission approved Variance 83-4 which
authorized two (2) front wall signs of 75 square feet for Ralph's in lieu
of the allowed one (1) per store frontage.
Ouring the discussion, Chairman Sharp expressed concern about the
non-confirming center identification sign and requested that the minutes
reflect such. He further requested that staff research the possibility of
using redevelopment funds, if appropriate,'to help defray to cost of
reconstructing the nearby intersection and therefore allow relocation of
the sign and rQduce the degree of non-conformance.
Mayor & Council Members
May 16, 1983
Page 2
In an effort to improve the visual impact of the center I.D. sign, the
Planning Commission conditioned the approval {Resolution No. 2077) of the
Ralph's variance to include:
"C. No other signs will be allowed on the front elevation.
The existing pole sign for center identification shall be
modified to include pole covers and sign cabinets to match the
existing master sign plan.
£. Final sign and parking plans shall require the review and
approval of the Planning Commission."
On April [1, 1983, the Planning Commission reviewed the parking and sign
plans and reco~nended the Redevelopment Agency allocate $18,400 in the
current fiscal year budget to reconstruct the public improvements for the
modifications of the intersection. In a separate action, the Planning
Commission approved the parking and sign plan as submitted (copies
enclosed). The sign plan showed the center I.D. sign with the following
modifications:
1. Remove the existing "Tustin Heights" sign (a reduction of g9
square feet.
2. Cover existing steel beam with matching sheet metal cover to
match the center colors.
3. Replace Ralph's sign from rectangular to oval with a reduction
from 260 square feet to 176 square feet.
4. Remove 5' steel beam from top of sign.
The only issue that needs a formal action from the City Council at this
time is the approval of the modification of the entrance to the Tusttn
Heights Shopping Center. (Please see two site plans enclosed, existing and
proposed.) This action is explained under Redevelopment Agency Item No. 4
but needs to have conceptual approval for the proposed parking plan. If
the Council denies this approval, then the entrance/intersection will
remain as is. If the ~ouncil desires to deny the proposed sign plan then
the pole sign will remain as is, i.e.:
1. no pole cover will be allowed, the beams will remainI as is;
the Ralph's sign will remain at 260 square feet and rectangular in
shape;
3. the height of the sign will remain at 80 feet rather than being
reduced to 75 feet.
Mayor & City Members
May 16, 1983
Page 3
DISCUSSION
· The center identification sign is an existing non-conforming sign which has
never been structurally altered since annexation (1966). The only changes
have been face changes which have occurred every few years for maintenance
and aesthetic purposes. In 1972, Food Giant was changed to Food King and
in 1975 changed to Ralph's. The cans now are 8 years old and in need of
repair. The requested change from the rectangle to the oval would reduce
the size of the Ralph's sign by.about 30% in area.
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