PC Resolution-20-10-13-01PC RESOLUTION NO. 20-10-13-01
SIGN PERMIT (SP) 20-019 AND SIGN PROGRAM (SP) 20-025
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN
CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA CONFIRMING ISSUANCE OF A CATEGORICAL
EXEMPTION AND APPROVING A REQUEST FOR A SIGN PERMIT, SIGN PROGRAM,
& SIGN EXCEPTION RELATED TO A REQUEST TO ALLOW FOR A NEW
MONUMENT SIGN AND AN UPDATED SIGN PROGRAM TO ALLOW FOR AN
INCREASE, ABOVE THE MUNICIPAL CODE MAXIMUM SIGN AREA, IN THE
SQUARE FOOTAGE OF BUILDING MOUNTED SIGNAGE FOR PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 31876 DEL OBISPO STREET (ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 668-
241-21) (APPLICANT: ANDREW STROSCHER, PROPERTY OWNER)
Whereas, Andrew Stroscher, 32101 Cook Lane, San Juan Capistrano, CA
92675, has requested approval of Sign Permit (SP) 20-019, Sign Program (SP) 20-025,
and a sign exception request, to update an existing sign program for a multi-tenant
commercial building at 31876 Del Obispo Street (APN: 668-241-21). The proposed
amendment would allow for an increase in the square footage on the tenant storefront
identification signage. The applicant concurrently is seeking a sign exception request to
allow for the building mounted sign to exceed the maximum sign area permitted by the
Land Use Code. The applicant has also submitted plans to allow for the installation of a
monument sign. The subject property, generally located on the west side of Del Obispo
Street and south of Ortega Highway, has a General Plan Land Use Designation and a
Zoning Designation of General Commercial; and,
Whereas, Stroscher, Theodore H, is the owner of real property located at
31876 Del Obispo Street (APN: 666-261-09); and ,
Whereas, the proposed project has been processed pursuant to Section 9-
2.301, Development Review of the Land Use Code; and,
Whereas, The City's Environmental Administrator has determined that the
entire project is categorically exempt from further review under 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. A Notice of Exemption (NOE) wou1d be filed with the County
Recorder's Office within 5 days should the project receive final approval; and,
Whereas, the Planning Commission has considered the Environmental
Administrator's determination pursuant to Section 1507 4 of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), has considered all project environmental documentation; and,
Whereas, the Planning Commission conducted a duly-noticed public
hearing on October 13, 2020, pursuant to Title 9, Land Use Code, Section 9-2.302 to
consider public testimony on the proposed project and has considered all relevant public
comments; and,
PC Resolution 20-10-13-01 2 October 13. 2020
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission of
the City of San Juan Capistrano does hereby find that the entire project is Categorically
Exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act per State
CEQA Guidelines Section 15311; Class 11 "Accessory Structures". The entire project is
exempt under Section 15311 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, Subsection (b)(3) of Section 9-2.343, Sign Permits and Sign Programs
of Title 9, Land Use Code of the City of San Juan Capistrano:
A. The proposed monument sign meets all design criteria within Municipal Section 9-
3.543, because the sign would be painted and designed to match the existing
building, is oriented to achieve a balanced composition and harmony with other
architectural elements of site, is placed within an existing landscape area, and it
has a solid base provided with landscaping. Additionally, the sign meets the
Community Design Element Policy 1.2 Encourage high quality and human scale
design in development to maintain the character of the City, because the sign is
designed with high quality materials, designed for vehicular traffic and circulation
orientation, and maintains a similar design of signage found in the City.
B. The monument sign complies with the criteria of the Sign Code with respect the
standards for property within the General Commercial zone, as it conforms to the
size, height, and design requirements of Section 9-3.543. Furthermore, the
monument sign, and related developmenUdesign standards, would be
incorporated into the amended sign program.
C. Staff has determined that the proposed sign is not detrimental to the public health,
safety, or welfare; would not have adverse impacts on adjacent properties or
rights-of-way; or obstruct the view of other legal signs, and be compatible with
surrounding areas because the sign is proposed to be located within an existing
landscape area and outside of the visibility triangle necessary for safe vehicular
travel, which ensures that the sign does not create a hazard to adjacent properties,
and is generally consistent with the Design Guidelines, which require the sign to
be complementary to the architecture and design of the project site.
D. Staff has determined that the sign is appropriate within the context of the project
and compatible with the surrounding area due to the massing of the signage being
compatible with the overall massing of the site, and not proposing the maximum
allowable size of signage for a monument sign.
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, Subsection (c)(3) of Section 9-2.343, Sign Permits and Sign Programs
of Title 9, Land Use Code of the City of San Juan Capistrano:
PC Resolution 20-10-13-01 3 October 13 2020
A. 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 Policy 1. 2 Encourage hiqh-
quality and human scale design in development to maintain the character
of the Citv. The signs are to be constructed from durable industry standard
materials, and the size of the signs, with exception of the sign exception
request, 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/Lettedng Style/Spacing. The sign age 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 would 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.
B. The sign program conforms to all applicable requirements of this Code, with
exception the requested deviation forthe allowable sign area for building mounted
signage, because the proposed signs do not exceed the total signage allowed by
the Municipal Code and because the sign design is architecturally compatible with
the proposed building; there is no specific plan or comprehensive development
plan that apply to the property. 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.
C. 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.
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:
PC Resolution 20-10-13-01 4 October 13 2020
1 . The building-mounted signage complies with all other applicable material in the
sign code section, specifically the maximum height and minimum clearance from
adjacent grade is provided, with an overall design that is consistent with the
architecture of the proposed building.
2. The scale of the proposed building-mounted signage would be in harmony with
the architectural design of the building because the signage is proposed to be
centered between existing columns, equally spaced, similar to the previously
approved building-mounted signage.
3. The building-mounted signage would not impede vision of vehicular, bicycle, or
pedestrian traffic as it would have a minimum of 7' clearance from the adjacent
grade as stipulated in Section 9-3.543 of the San Juan Capistrano Municipal
Code. Furthermore, the illumination of the sign age 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 the project subject to
those conditions of approval established by Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated
herein.
EFFECTIVE DATE & FINAL APPROVAL: This project approval shall
become effective following expiration of the fifteen (15) day appeal period without filing of
an appeal application. The appeal period shall expire at 5:30 pm , Wednesday, October
28, 2020.
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.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 13th day of October, 2020.
Sergio K otz, AICP, Assistant Development
Services Director/Secretary
Project#:
Project Name:
APPROVAL DATE:
EFFECTIVE DATE:
EXHIBIT A
RESOLUTION #: 20-10-13-01
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Sign Permit (SP) 20-019 & Sign Program (SP) 20-
025
Del Obispo Shopping Center Monument Sign and
Sign Program Update
October 13, 2020
October 29, 2020
These conditions of approval apply to Sign Permit (SP) 20-019 & Sign Program (SP)
20-025; Del Obispo Shopping Center Monument Sign and Sign Program Update: a
request for review of a monument sign and an updated sign program to allow for an
increase in the square footage of the building mounted signage at 31876 Del Obispo
Street (APN 668-241-21 ). The applicant concurrently is seeking a sign exception
request to allow for the building mounted signage to exceed the maximum sign area
permitted by the Land Use Code. Any proposed changes to this approval shall be
submitted to the City Development Services Department, along with the required
application and deposit or fee, for review. For the purpose of these conditions, the term
"applicant" shall also mean the owner or any successor(s) in interest to the terms of this
approval.
Planning
1. Sign Program (SP) 20-025 is granted to allow for the amendment of a
uniform sign program for a multi-tenant commercial building located at
31876 Del Obispo Street (APN: 668-241-21). Approval is granted based
on the application materials submitted on September 18, 2020. These
materials are conditioned herein and shall not be further altered unless
reviewed and approved by the affected city departments. Minor
modifications to this approval which are determined by the Development
Services Director to be in substantial conformance with the approved
plans, and which do not intensify or change the use or require any
deviations from adopted standards, may be approved by the Development
Services Director upon submittal of an application and the required
deposit or fee. If not appealed, this approval shall become effective on the
first business day following the fifteenth (151h) day after the date of the
Planning Commission's approval.
2. Sign Permit (SP) 20-010 is granted to allow for installation of a 6'-high
monument sign located at 31876 Del Obispo Street (APN: 668-241-21).
Approval is granted based on the application materials submitted on July
14, 2020. These materials are conditioned herein and shall not be further
altered unless reviewed and approved by the affected city departments.
Minor modifications to this approval which are determined by the
Development Services Director to be in substantial conformance with the
Planning Commission Resolution 20-10-13-01
SP 20-019 & SP 20-025
Del Obispo Shopping Center
Conditions of Approval
October 13, 2020
Page 2 of 3
approved plans, and which do not intensify or change the use or require
any deviations from adopted standards, may be approved by the
Development Services Director upon submittal of an application and the
required deposit or fee. If not appealed, this approval shall become
effective on the first business day following the fifteenth (151h) day after the
date of the Planning Commission's approval
3. Should the number of tenants of the building increase to more than four,
i.e. five or greater, a sign program amendment would need to be
considered by the Planning Commission.
4. The property owner shall provide an updated sign program that
incorporates the maximum 6'-high monument sign.
5. Approval of this application does not relieve the applicant from complying
with other applicable Federal, State, County or City regulations or
requirements.
6. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of San
Juan Capistrano and its officers, employees, and agents from and against
any claim, action, or proceeding against the City of San Juan Capistrano,
its officers, employees, or agents to attack, set aside, void, or annul any
approval or condition of approval of the City of San Juan Capistrano
concerning this project, including but not limited to any approval or
condition of approval of the City Council, Planning Commission, or City
Planner. The City shall promptly notify the applicant of any claim, action,
or proceeding concerning the project and the City shall cooperate fully in
the defense of the matter. The City reserves the right, at its own option, to
choose its own attorney to represent the City, its officers, employees, and
agents in the defense of the matter.
7. The applicant shall be responsible for informing all subcontractors,
consultants, engineers, or other business entities providing services
related to the project of their responsibilities to comply with these
conditions of approval and all pertinent requirements in the San Juan
Capistrano Municipal Code, including the requirement that a business
license be obtained by all entities doing business in the City.
8. In the event that exhibits and written conditions are inconsistent, the
written conditions shall prevail. If there are any disparities between these
conditions and the plans or final revised plans that are approved for any
subsequent phase, the conditions and/or plans as stipulated in the later
approval shall prevail.
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Planning Commission Resolution 20-10-13-01
SP 20-019 & SP 20-025
Del Obispo Shopping Center
Conditions of Approval
October 13, 2020
Page 3of3
9. lflS The applicant shall pay all fees at the time fees are determined payable
and comply with all requirements of the applicable federal, state, and local
agencies. The duty of inquiry as to such requirements shall be upon the
applicant.
Date of Approval: October 13, 2020
Resolution No.: 20-10-13-01
Effective Date: October 28, 2020
Applicant Acceptance of Conditions of Approval:
By: ~ I O-zt-Zo2.0
ApplicanUAgent Date