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Home My WebLink AboutOFF-SITE SIGNAGE 2010 CITY OF PALM DESERT DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: APPROVAL OF AN EXTENSION TO THE 60-DAY SUSPENSION OF ENFORCEMENT OF CHAPTER 25.68 SIGNS, SECTION 25.68.050 M PROHIBITED SIGNS, FOR ADDITIONAL 180 DAYS TO ALLOW THE DISPLAY OF TEMPORARY OFF-SITE SIGNAGE FOR RETAIL BUSINESSES. SUBMITTED BY: `Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner DATE: August 26, 2010 CONTENTS: Photos of off-site signage Recommendation That the City Council, by Minute Motion, approve an additional 180-day suspension of enforcement of Chapter 25.68 Signs, Section 25.68.050 M Existing Off-Site Signage Prohibition, to allow retail businesses temporary off-site signage not located within the public right-of-way. Discussion On June 24, 2010, the City Council suspended enforcement of Section 25.68.050 M for a period of 60 days to allow retail businesses temporary off-site signage. Off-site signage was still prohibited for real estate companies, commercial brokers, or for other advertising purposes, and prohibited within the public right-of-way. During the 60-day trial period, staff found no adverse visual or aesthetic impacts on the community. Field studies showed that most business owners either chose not to place off-site signage, or were unaware of the 60-day trial period. Staff is requesting an additional 180 days to study the situation before devising or recommending a future program for off-site signage. During the additional 180-day trial period, staff will observe the visual and aesthetic impacts on the community. If the program assists businesses afid continues not to have adverse aesthetic impact on the community, then staff will devise a future program for off-site signage approvals during summer months until a more robust economic recovery is realized. This program would come back to the City Council for consideration. 180-day suspension off-site signage August 26, 2010 Page 2 of 2 The decision to temporarily allow off-site signage for an additional period of 180 days will help staff observe the positive and/or negative effects on local merchants and the community. Staff recommends a suspension of enforcement of Section 25.68.050 M for an additional 180-day period to allow temporary off-site signage for retail businesses. Submitted By: Department Head: Kevin Swartz auri Aylaian Assistant Planner Director, Community Development Approval: CITY COUNMAYION APPROVED DEN", RECEIVED OTHER ciME G DATE u S C✓ J n . Wohlmuth AYES: z 1 ity M Hager NOESt ABSENM ABSTAINt VERIFIED Original on File with City erk's Office * Approvpd the racomm?ndation, with City Code Compliance staff specifically requested to ensure all such signage does not impair line of sight of the public right-of-way on corners for vehicular traffic and also that it does not impede either pedestrian or disabled access (e.g. wheelchairs) on sidewalks/walkw; in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 4-0 .sat =?r� 1' � �y � - �';� .:`°'• �F '.!�'-�� - ,-_ �� .. M R ;VIA LUMBER . .� e rr i r' p t N /f t � Y. t Y fx Y Am f fy .,tile 08 - 11 . .rcr.' `F t t t r ;r i T'e I a y` t • f > f J CITY OF PALM DESERT DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Approval to suspend Chapter 25.c-3 Signs, Section 25.68.050 M Prohibited Signs, for a period of 60 days to allow the display of temporary off-site signage for retail businesses. SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner DATE: June 24, 2010 CONTENTS: Photos of off-site signage for Karen's Cafe, CJ's Diner, and Venezia Recommendation That the City Council, by Minute Motion, approve a 60-day suspension of Chapter 25.68 Signs, Section 25.68.050 M existing off-site signage prohibition, to allow retail businesses temporary off-site signage not located within the public right-of-way, as requested by several small business owners. Discussion On September 10, 2009, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1190, updating and revising Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 25.68, Signs. The Sign Ordinance prohibits any off-site signage under Section 25.68.050 M. The Code Enforcement division has cited multiple business owners for advertising with off-site signage. Due to the continuing economic downturn, local merchants have expressed concern regarding visibility from a primary street, and the need for off-site signage. The smaller retail and restaurant owners are the ones having the greatest difficulty. When their businesses are not located on a primary street and are tucked behind other buildings, they have been placing off-site signage at other locations trying to lure customer traffic. Attached to the staff report are examples of this off-site signage. Staff is proposing to suspend Section 25.68.050 M for a period of 60 days to allow retail businesses temporary off-site signage. Temporary off-site signage would not be allowed for real estate companies, commercial brokers, or for other advertising purposes. All off-site signage will be prohibited within the public right-of-way. During the 60-day trial period, staff will observe the visual and aesthetic impacts on the community. If the program assists businesses, and does not have adverse aesthetic effects on the community, then staff will devise a future program for off-site signage approvals during summer months until a more robust economic recovery is realized. This program would come back to the City Council for consideration. Temporary Off-site signage June 24, 2010 Page 2 of 2 Staff has received requests from small businesses such as these to grant leniency during the summer months when their revenue is lowest due to the absence of seasonal visitors. Staff believes the decision to temporarily allow off-site signage for a period of 60-days will have a positive short-term effect on local merchants. Whether the effect is sufficient to keep struggling business viable is uncertain. Staff recommends a suspension of Section 25.68.050 M for a 60-day period to allow temporary off-site signage for retail businesses. Submitted By: Department Head: Kevin Swartz Lauri Aylaian Assistant Planner Director, Community Development Approval: CITY COUNCIL, TION APPROVED DrNTF,D hn . Wohlmuth RECEIVED OTHER City anager MEETI G DATE AYES- re r NOES: Y ABSENT: ABSTAIN: C VERIFIED BY: Original on File with City Jerk's Office * Approved the recommendation and directed staff to explore the suggestions provided by City Council for addressing this matter after 60 days. 55=0 GVlanning\Kevin Swartz\Word\Misc\Terrrprrrary off street signage.dm _ � :fix;# �' . - - _ ,• . Ica - ' i 4-, d f "Oil , il4 \ f 1. ,� i i .. • 4 .5 .jam, e\:'!•d if �FS �� ,T..�.a 06. 2A010 13 ' 33 r s r y 1 r .i f ; x t ti ,�• ti 4. 1