PC Resolution-20-01-28-01PC RESOLUTION NO. 20-01-28-01
SIGN PROGRAM (SP) 19-008
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING ISSUANCE OF A CATEGORICAL
EXEMPTION AND APPROVING SIGN PROGRAM (SP) 19-008 FOR CHICK-FIL-A
LOCATED AT 31872 DEL OBISPO STREET (ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 668-241-
20) (APPLICANT: JENNIFER DAW).
Whereas, Jennifer Daw, 15635 Alton Parkway, Suite 350, Irvine, CA 92618 (the
"Applicant"), on behalf of Chick-fil-A, has requested approval of Sign Program (SP) 19-008,
a request for review of an updated sign program for Chick-fil-A consisting of the addition of
building mounted wall sign on the proposed building's east elevation and the installation of
a freeway-oriented monument sign at 31872 Del Obispo Street (APN:668-241-20). The
subject site has a General Plan Land Use Designation of General Commercial and a
Zoning Designation of General Commercial; and,
Whereas, Stroscher Ranch LLC are the owners of real property located at 31872 Del
Obispo Street (APN: 668-241-20); and,
Whereas, the proposed project has been processed pursuant to Section 9-2.301,
Development Review of the Land Use Code; and,
Whereas, the Environmental Administrator has reviewed the project pursuant to
Section 15061 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that
the project is Categorically Exempt (Section 15311, "Accessory Structures") from further
review. The project is consistent with Section 15311 because installation of signage on the
property constitutes the placement of minor structures accessory to a commercial facility;
and,
Whereas, the Planning Commission has considered the Environmental
Administrator's determination pursuant to Section 1507 4 of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA); and,
Whereas, the Planning Commission conducted a duly-noticed public meeting on July
9, 2019, pursuant to Title 9, Land Use Code, Section 9-2.302 and City Council Policy 005
to consider public testimony on the proposed project and considered all relevant public
comments. At their meeting of July 9, 2019 and, on a 5-0 vote, the Planning Commission
passed a motion to continue the item to an unspecified date to allow the applicant an
opportunity to address Planning Commission concerns with the proposed freeway-oriented
monument sign, specifically related to its proposed height, size, and placement; and
Whereas, the Planning Commission conducted a duly-noticed public meeting on
January 28, 2020, pursuant to Title 9, Land Use Code, Section 9-2.302 and City Council
Policy 005 to consider public testimony on the proposed project and considered all relevant
public comments.
PC Resolutioh 20-01-28-01 2 January 28, 2020
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission of
the City of San Juan Capistrano does hereby find that the project is Categorically Exempt
(Section 15311, "Accessory Structures") from further review under CEQA. The project is
consistent with Section 15311 Accessory Structures, Class 11 (a), as the Sign Program and
the eventual installation of new signs on the property constitutes the placement of minor
structures accessory to an existing commercial facility.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning
Commission of the City of San Juan Capistrano does hereby make the following findings as
established by Section 9-2.313 of Title 9, Land Use Code of the City of San Juan
Capistrano in support of Sign Program (SP) 19-008:
1. The sign program is consistent with the General Plan and Design Guidelines, and is
complementary to the architecture and design of the development project because
the sign program is consistent with the following General Plan Community Design
Element policy and Design Guidelines:
• General Plan Community Design Element Pofjcy 1. 2 Encourage high-quality
and human scale design in development to maintain the character of the City.
The signs are to be constructed from durable industry standard materials,
and the size of the signs complies with the Municipal Code, which limits the
size (height and width) to ensure a human scale.
• Policy 8, C. 1. Colors. The proposed signage avoids the use of multiple colors.
• Policv 8.C.3 Sign Copv/Lettering Style/Spacing. The signage utilizes a
consistent lettering style and avoids the use of overly intricate typefaces and
crowded text.
• Policy 8. C. 4 Sign Illumination. The wall signs and monument sign will consist
of individual letter signage that is internally illuminated.
• Policy 8. C. 5 Placement. The signs are placed in a manner that complements
the architectural features.
• Policy 8. C Wall and Building Signs. The wall signs do not project by more
than 12 inches from the walls upon which they are attached. Additionally, the
lettering does not occupy more than 75% of the background area.
2. The sign program conforms to all applicable requirements of this Code because the
proposed signs do not exceed the total sign age allowed by the Municipal Code and
because the sign design is architecturally compatible with the proposed building.
Moreover, the Code allows the applicant to apply for a sign program to create a
compatible design theme for all signs for the site. Through the sign program, the
applicant has created a visually pleasing method of providing compatible and
complementary signs throughout the site to minimize visual clutter and to unify the
appearance of the site to create a distinctive sense of place. There is no specific
plan or comprehensive development plan that applies the project site.
3. The sign program is generally compatible with the design character of adjacent
properties and/or rights-of-way because the signs will not impact the right of way
and will not create light or glare impacts to the adjacent properties.
PC Resolution 20-01-28-01 3 January 28. 2020
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning
Commission of the City of San Juan Capistrano does hereby make the following findings as
established by Section 9-3.543 (k) of Title 9, Land Use Code of the City of San Juan
Capistrano in support of the Sign Exception request:
1. The proposed freeway-oriented monument sign complies with all other applicable
material in the sign code section, specifically the design of the sign is consistent as it
would have a solid base provided with landscaping and an overall design that is
consistent with the architecture of the proposed building. Additionally, the overall
sign area of the freeway-oriented monument sign and the previously approved
monument sign to be located along the Del Obispo frontage would comply with the
60 sq. ft. aggregate maximum sign area.
2. The proposed freeway-oriented monument sign would be in harmony with the
architectural design of the building because the sign is proposed to be textured and
painted to match the proposed building.
3. The proposed freeway-oriented monument sign would not impede vision of
vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic as its placement is located outside of the site
visibility triangle referenced in Section 9-3.559 of the San Juan Capistrano Municipal
Code. Furthermore, the illumination of the monument sign complies with Section 9-
3.543 of the San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code. As a result, the sign would not
create a hazard to other adjacent properties or tenants.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning
Commission of the City of San Juan Capistrano hereby approves Sign Program (SP) 19-
008, subject to those conditions of approval established by Exhibit A, attached hereto and
incorporated herein.
CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS: The documents and materials associated with
this Resolution that constitute the record of proceedings on which these findings are based
are located at San Juan Capistrano City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan
Capistrano, California 92675. The Development Services Director is the custodian of the
record of proceedings.
SEVERABILITY: If any provision of this Resolution is held invalid, the
remainder of this Resolution shall not be affected by such invalidity, and the provisions of
this Resolution are severable.
PROTEST OF FEES, DEDICATIONS, RESERVATIONS OR OTHER
EXACTIONS: Pursuant to Government Code Section 66020, the applicant may protest the
imposition of fees, dedications, reservations or other exactions imposed on this
development project by taking the necessary steps and following the procedures
established by Sections 66020 through 66022 of the California Government Code.
PC Resolution 20-01-28-01 4 January 28. 2020
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTE ay of January, 2020.
Sergio Klo~istant Development Services
Director/Secretary