04-12-2018 Planning Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

STAFF REPORT TO: Planning Commission Members FROM: Jessica Jagoe, Associate Planner DATE: April 6, 2018 RE: Little Canada Properties, Inc., 80 Little Canada Road E. – PUD Comprehensive Sign Plan Amendment Tim Smith, Property Owner, 80 Little Canada Road E. is seeking a PUD Comprehensive Sign Plan Amendment that would allow one wall sign per tenant space and painted wall graphics on the building. In 2010, a Comprehensive Sign Plan was approved for this property that required building signage to consist of “Individual letters with mounting style allowed either on a raceway or individually, and that plastic face signage would not be allowed”. In August 2017, Mr. Kjos of TNT Billiards, applied for a permanent sign permit, but was denied due to the fact the metal panel sign proposed did not meet the approved conditions. At that time, city staff reviewed the Comprehensive Sign Plan conditions and explained why the permit could not be approved. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Kjos proceeded with installation of the metal panel sign and also added painted wall graphics to the west elevation of the building without city approval. Both Mr. Smith and Mr. Kjos were made aware of the violations and given the option to either remove both signs or apply for an amendment to the existing plan. After several months of city staff contacting both parties to correct the violation, the Property Owner has applied for the amendment. Analysis – The previous Comprehensive Sign Plan besides being specific on the allowed mounting style also provided for a maximum of four wall signs on the north elevation of the building. Since that approval, the Property Owner has identified Tenant Suites located on all the elevations of the building that may have a need for signage. Therefore, the PUD Amendment request is to increase the number of wall signs up to nine and allowing them to be installed on all elevations of the building. The wall signs as proposed would vary between raceway mounting, individually mounted letters, panel signs, or painted wall graphics. In addition, the signs vary between internally illuminated, non-illuminated, or external overhead lighting. The applicant is not proposing any freestanding signage as part of the submission materials. However, there is a Poolside freestanding sign on this property. Mr. Smith should clarify whether or not this sign will be part of the Comprehensive Sign Plan or removed from the property (Note: Poolside does occupy part of 80 Little Canada Road E. for warehouse purposes.) As mentioned, the applicant is also requesting to be allowed one painted wall sign on the west elevation of the building. The City’s Architectural Guidelines for the Commercial Development Areas prohibit the use of painted wall graphics as a type of signage. This guideline was established due to concerns with painted wall graphics being difficult to remove when businesses change, and in maintaining them in good shape over the years. Another reason is, aesthetically, the use of spray-paint on the building is a cheaper way of doing a sign and the appearance reflects this.