PL PACKET 11211995 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

STAFF REPORT DATE: November 21, 1995 TO: Planning Commission Members FROM: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant . ITEM: Petition for a Wall Sign Variance -=Wirth Companies for the Apache Medical Building BACKGROUND: The Wirth Companies, the management company for the Apache Medical building, have, submitted a petition for a sign variance for the Apache Medical building, basing their request on a lack of adequate exterior commercial signage for business tenants. They are asking to be allowed to place two additional commercial signs on the exterior south wall. The Wirth Companies indicated in their application that while some of the established businesses are recognized and have historically been associated with the "Apache" sign to denote their location, many of the newer businesses that are now leasing in the building do not have that advantage. Because they are not as well known in this community, their contention is that the lack of an exterior sign is creating a hardship in that they are not able to provide their services. In an attempt to establish themselves in this community, they will need the additional signage. The Wirth Companies also contend that the "Apache" lettering on the white marble in the center of the building should not be considered in the calculation of the square footage for signage. Mr. Schmitt explains that the lettering can be removed, but not the white marble as it is an integral part of the building. It cannot be feasibly removed without damaging the building. ANALYSIS: In reviewing the sign ordinance, it appears that there is an unclear definition of what was meant by "commercial establishment" with regards to this situation. Chapter 14, (1400.12, Subd. 2 (1)) states that there will be one identification sign per right-of-way frontage per commercial establishment. The question before Staff is, whether or not the Apache Medical Building is considered one commercial establishment or are the individual service businesses located within the Apache Medical Building each a commercial establishment? If the Planning Commission establishes that each business located in the Apache Medical Building is an individual service establishment, then the next question is the number of wall signs allowable for the Apache Medical Building. The City's sign ordinance states that the total area of all wall signs affixed to a wall may not exceed 15% of the total area of that wall. Based on the information provided by the Wirth Companies, the total area of the wall is 9,090 square feet; the total of the proposed sign area, including the Apache sign, is