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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZOA SIGNS 1976 i D R A F T ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT S I G N O R D I N A N C E for The City of Palm Desert ARTICLE 25 . 38 PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL CODE Prepared by : Department of Environmental Services April 8 , 1976 CITY OF PALM DESERT CITY COUNCIL NOEL BRUSH, Mayor EDWARD MULLINS JR. , Mayor Pro Tem JAMES MC PHERSON ALEXIS NEWBRANDER WILLIAM SEIDLER PLANNING COMMISSION S, ROY WILSON, Chairman GEORGE BERKEY GLORIA KELLY MARY K. VAN DE MARK STAFF HARVEY L. HURLBURT, City Manager PAUL A. WILLIAMS, Director of Environmental Services STEVE FLESHMAN, Associate Planner SAM FREED, Assistant Planner Questions or comments concerning the draft Environmental Impact Report should be addressed to: Sam Freed, Assistant Planner Department of Environmental Services Post Office Box 1977 Palm Desert, California 92260 Phone: (714) 346-0611 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE I . INTRODUCTION 1 II . DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 3 III . EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING 9 A. Natural Environment 9 B. Man-Made Environment 9 IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS 19 A. Natural Environment 19 1 . Topography 19 2 . Seismic and Non-Seismic Geology 19 3. Vegetation and Wildlife 19 4 . Open Space 20 5 . Air Quality 20 6. Climate 20 B. Man-Made Environment 20 1 . Social Impact 20 2 . Economic Impact 20 3. Transportation 26 4 . Aesthetic Impact 26 5 . Urban Infrastructure 27 6. Noise 27 7 . Archaeologic Sites 27 V. ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT 28 BE AVOIDED VI . MITIGATION MEASURES PROPOSED TO MINIMIZE 29 THE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT VII . ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT 31 VIII . RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM 34 USES OF MAN' S ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAINTENANCE AND ENHANCEMENT OF LONG- TERM PRODUCTIVITY IX. IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE ENVIRON- 35 MENTAL CHANGES X. GROWTH-INDUCING IMPACT OF THE PROJECT 36 Table of Contents Page XI . BIBLIOGRAPHY 37 XII . APPENDIX A - EXISTING CITY SIGN REGULATION 38 XIII . APPENDIX B - LEGAL ASPECTS OF BILLBOARD 39 CONTROL XIV. APPENDIX C 41 I . INTRODUCTION On December 11 , 1975 , the Palm Desert City Council approved a new zoning ordinance for the city. Within that ordinance, the city had planned to include a revised set of advertising regula- tions designed to provide for the specific needs of this commu- nity. However , as the finalized version of the zoning ordinance began to be developed, it was decided that due to the complexity of the issues involved , review and approval of the new sign regu- lations , Article 38 , would be undertaken after the major portion of the ordinance had been adopted. Pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) , an environmental impact report (EIR) covering the zoning ordinance was certified as complete. This report did not address issues specifically related to the impact of the sign regulations . These matters of concern will be examined in this supplementary chapter to the zoning ordinance EIR. As a supplement , only those matters not covered by the previous EIR or information directly relevant to the sign regulations will be provided in this report . This report is designed to fulfill the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA) , amended State guidelines for the implementation of CEQA, effective January 1 , 1975 , and the City of Palm Desert Environmental Quality Procedure Reso- lution Number 74- 14 , which mandate that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) be prepared for discretionary projects whose cumulative impact may be considerable (Section 6) . This EIR is an informational document to be used in evaluating the environmental aspects of the proposed project . As such, it "may -1- Introduction not be used as an instrument to rationalize approval of a project , nor do indications of adverse impact enunciated in an EIR require that a project be disapproved" . (1) (1) Section 15012 , California Administrative Code -2- II . DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT A. THE PROJECT This EIR has been prepared for the first set of sign regula- tions specifically designed for use within the incorporated City of Palm Desert . When enacted , this ordinance will became Article 38 of the Palm Desert Zoning Ordinance, replacing the existing advertising regulations (Article 19 , Riverside County Ordinance Number 348) adopted by reference after the incorpora- tion of the City. B. OBJECTIVES This ordinance is intended : 1 . to implement the goals and policies of the General Plan regarding the development of a city that is visually attractive and preserving and enhancing the visual aspects of the City' s streets and highways ; 2 . to provide for a more orderly display of advertising devices and identification on properties within the residential , commercial, and industrial areas of the City; 3. to bring those advertising devices into harmony with the building, the neighborhood , and other signs in the area ; 4. to protect the general welfare of the businessman and residents of this community by regulating and controlling the location, design, quality of materials , illumination, and main- tenance of signs and sign structures. C. PROJECT LOCATION This ordinance will be effective solely within the city limits of Palm Desert , a municipal corporation in the State of California . -3- _,- WALL SIGN (FASCIA SIGN) I R I BUILDING I Q LINE C •: I N STANDE ING IG R SIGNC S LNJ FACADE i SIGN � I� I I i1i _-- -_- - ----T _ ----- - MARQUEE SIGN - - DER CANOPY J ;.,,.,.,.,.... \ I\ /� SIGN EXAMPLES Description of the Project C. Project Location, continued The current city encompasses an area of approximately 8. 86 square miles located along the southerly edge of the central portion of the Coachella Valley , in the central part of River- side County, near the intersection of State Highway 111 and State Highway 74 . The city lies entirely within Township 5 South, Range 6 East , beginning at the San Bernardino Base and Meridian. D. RELATION TO ZONING ORDINANCE As a general law city , Palm Desert is required to observe the regulations governing the adoption , amendment , and administration of zoning ordinances established in the California Government Code under Sections 65800-65999 of the Planning and Zoning Law. This enabling legislation provides that a city may enact an ordinance which will permit it to : 1 . "regulate the use of buildings, structures , and land as between industry, business, residence, and open space , including. . . enjoyment of scenic beauty. " 2 . "regulate signs and billboards. " 3 . "regulate location, height , bulk, . . . and size of buildings and structures. " The newly-adopted Palm Desert Zoning Ordinance establishes respon- sibility in the Design Review Board and Planning Commission for ap- proving all proposed developments requiring qualified aesthetic and architectural judgement to the end that the general appearance of all proposed developments shall preserve or enhance the physical environment and character of the City of Palm Desert . Among the -4- D. Relation to Zoning Ordinance , continued required drawings necessary for Design Review Process are plans indicating the size, color , materials , design, location, and method of illumination for all proposed signs . The proposed sign ordinance will expand upon the concern of the City by providing : - criteria to be used for the review of signs - legal definitions for type , size, and location of signs - submittal requirements for sign approval - prohibited signs - signs permitted in single-family, multi-family , commercial , and industrial zones - regulations for political signs - an amortization schedule for non-conforming signs -5- blAlU UP I-ALP'LAICINIA I ED14UND 0. BROWN,GOVERNOR FIGURE I HARVEY 0. 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EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING A. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Specific information on the natural environmental setting for the City of Palm Desert is provided in the EIR prepared for the Zoning , Subdivision , and Grading Ordinances , a copy of which is on file in the Department of Environmental Services in the Palm Desert City Hall. Pursuant to Section 15068 of the California Administrative Code, this previous document is being referenced as it applies on a general level to all portions of the Zoning Ordinance , which in- cludes these sign regulations . The purpose of this document is to focus on those impacts pertinent to the control and regulation of signs and sign structures . B. MAN-MADE ENVIRONMENT 1 . Land Use Palm Desert ' s 8 . 86 square miles contain a variety of land uses , including single-family and multi-family residential , retail and service commercial , professional offices , public uses , agriculture, and vacant land. Table A indicates the breakdown of the existing land use pattern in the City. Single-family residential : Of the approximately 6500 dwelling units within the City of Palm Desert , 46% are single-family resi- dences , which accounts for the largest classification. Signs found in these neighborhoods are small in size and deal predominantly with the sale of new or existing homes. In the newer areas , sub- division signs (along with the ubiquitous flags and pennants) become almost permanent fixtures as one tract after another or later phases of the same subdivision are built and put up for sale . Estimated -9- TABLE A . EXISTING LAND USE INVENTORY USE ACRES Residential Very Low Density 145 . 1 2 . 6 Low Density 428 . 8 7 . 6 Medium Density 390 . 3 6. 9 High Density 59. 0 1 . 0 Commercial 68. 9 1 . 2 Industrial - - Institutional 216 . 5 3 . 8 Agriculture 232 . 6 4 . 1 Open Space Public 86 . 1 1 . 5 Private 176. 3 3 . 1 Vacant (includes roads) 3866. 7 68 . 2 TOTAL CITY 5670. 3 100. 0 -10- B. Man-Made Environment , continued 1 . Land Use, continued number of signs is 120. Condominiums : These units varying greatly in size, design, and style, account for almost 22% of the housing stock. As with other residential development , most signs are the result of the sale or re-sale of these units . Over the past two years , the declining state of the national economy, combined with relatively high mort- gage interest rates , has resulted in a "soft" market with some new units remaining unsold . One of the major results of this trend has been the postponement of construction of planned future phases until the market improves. This delay simply adds to the time needed to sell these units , which increases the time period over which existing residences will be subject to the signs and flags commonly used in the real estate sales business . A second type of sign generally associated with condominium projects are the de- velopment identification signs. Because of their permanent nature , these signs tend to be attractively designed and well maintained and do not present the problems that are often found with temporary real estate signs . Number of signs is 30. Multi-family residential : Apartments comprise just over 17% of the City' s housing units . The new Zoning Map for Palm Desert pro- vides for multi-familydevelopment in 5 general areas : 1 on P g ( ) Highway 74 and Ocotillo , south of E1 Paseo , (2) on Santa Rosa Way between San Pablo Avenue and Portola Avenue , (3) on the north side of Alessandro Drive and adjacent to Las Palmas Avenue , (4) adjacent to Shadow Mountain Drive, between Tumbleweed Lane and Portola Avenue , and (5) east of Portola Avenue, between Highway 111 and Candlewood Street . Most signage in these areas is used for building -11- B. Man-Made Environment , continued 1 . Land Use Multi-family residential , continued identification or to advertise available units for rent . Since the demand for apartments is very strong in Palm Desert , especially on a seasonal basis , most "for rent" signs are posted only for a short period of time and are of a similar standard design sold in most department or hardware stores . There are approximately 32 signs in these areas . Mobilehomes : There are four mobilehome parks in Palm Desert , two adjacent to Highway 74 at the southern entrance to the City and two on the west side of Portola Avenue, south of Whitewater Storm Channel, and one mobilehome subdivision east of Portola and north of the Whitewater Storm Channel. These residential units provide almost 15% of the City ' s housing . The mobilehome parks are well- established with relatively high occupancy rates . Their signage is primarily used to identify the name of the project . The mobile- home subdivision north of the Storm Channel is similar in operation to a regular tract . Its remote location necessitates the use of a substantial amount of off-site signs such as billboards and small directional signs along the roadside. Approximately 10 signs would be involved. General Retail and Office Commercial : The property adjacent to Highway 111 has traditionally served as the primary shopping area for the City of Palm Desert . Beginning in the late 1940 ' s and early 1950' s along the north side, retail development spread to the south side of Highway 111 approximately25 . years ago . Within the last three or four years , retail and office development has -12- B. Man-Made Environment , continued 1 . Land Use General Retail and Office Commercial , continued shifted south to E1 Paseo . This chronological pattern of development is reflected in the different types of advertising devices found in each area. Early businesses in Palm Desert were entirely dependent upon attracting traffic from the highway. The overwhelming majority of roof signs and free-standing , pole signs are associated with businesses located adjacent to Highway 111 . All six of the City' s billboards are lo- cated along the highway. In contrast , the more recent commercial development on E1 Paseo is relatively free of roof signs and has only a minimum number of interior illuminated plastic signs. Most are made of carved wood and lit by spotlight . The regional commercial : ' development in the Palms to Pines shopping center exhibits the more sensitive consideration to signage design found in the more recent development . Illuminated signs are smaller in size and broken down to individual letters . Shops generally have single rather than multiple signs ; many are wood and, when illuminated , use low intensity lighting. As with the shops on E1 Paseo , an attempt has been made to relate the size , color, and location of the sign to the architecture of the building to which it is attached . Hotel development : is currently concentrated in three areas of the City - the intersection of Deep Canyon Road and Highway 111 , in the vicinity of E1 Paseo and Larrea Street , and -in the vicinity of E1 Paseo and Ocotillo Drive. These businesses have a combined capacity of 416 units . While future hotel development (located at -13- B. Man-Made Environment , continued 1 . Land Use Hotel Development , continued the eastern and western entrances to the City on Highway 111) will be carefully regulated within the Planned Commercial Resort District , most of the existing hotels operate with a combination of roof and free-standing pole signs . For units built along Larrea and Shadow Mountain Drive , even these signs are becoming less and less useful as in-fill commercial construction blocks their view from the high- way. Public/Institutional : Despite the large number of these type uses , such as the Post Office , Library, George Washington and Lincoln Schools , College of the Desert , the Living Desert Reserve, the FETCH Center for Retarded Children, and 8 churches , the signs as- sociated with these uses are few in number and generally small in size and usually limited to identification purposes . Agriculture : Although 232 acres of land within Palm Desert are devoted to agricultural use, primarily as date groves , they do not contribute to the roadside fruit and vegetable stands found in other portions of the Coachella Valley. The land is being held for eventual residential development and signs found in these areas advertise acreage for sale . 2 . Circulation The City of Palm Desert is bisected by State Highway 111 , the principal traffic artery between the upper and lower Coachella Valley. The heaviest traffic in the city occurs along Highway 111 , resulting in some congestion and traffic safety problems , which are -14- B. Man-Made Environment , continued 2 . Circulation, continued compounded by the frontage roads which parallel both sides of Highway 111 through most of the city. Signage problems on High- way 111 are made more difficult because of the extreme width of the road right-of-way, which varies from 175-200 feet compared to only 100 feet on E1 Paseo , and by the fact that the commercial property on the north side is significantly lower in elevation than on the south side . The current average daily traffic (ADT) volumes on the major east-west and north-south arterials serving Palm Desert are : Street ADT east-west : Highway 111 17 , 000 Avenue 44 4 , 200 E1 Paseo 2 , 900 Alessandro 250 north-south : Monterey Avenue 2 , 500 Highway 74 7 ,400 San Luis Rey Avenue 1 ,400 Portola Avenue 3 , 500 -15- Z O FQF N N O N W -zt N ct C N W N O rl W N Q In N 1•--� N N rl Q F- J O LL C fn K Q O N r N m J J m LL O On co O N N V to l0 O rl •--i N •--� K Z Y W O � (.0I O •�-I 1 •--� V 00 � V l0 .--I M N 00 C) Q C' J C)V) n V) O O 7 Z O Z I V) 0 F C Z F In M M -ZT M 7 M M N M W H V) C7 ui !n w W I W 0 W 2 W J LL C C7 N In N In l0 N M N 1 N fA l(n U . 3 J O N M Gh m O M C CC V) Z U N O O N N N 00 to N V' O O O O V 00 O In l0 00 N C 3k '-I •-'I rl J Q C) O F- N ro ro N d O .10 O N O O O) (U -P Y S- �G o y •a 4+ i 'O i O) U i -0 0) O ro ++ O .C: O faY 0 O ro •N C •� J a C pf r d U C C C J 10 E N !_ O C o t O O 3 U 00 O C +� +3 C +J L C' ^ leQ) aE O N i m 4 i ij ro 0 ro O i Y S- (f) O N O O N N a O Ol U "O •r r ro VI v C C C +> O N•E ro O •N N 2 +� Y O O C ro O O O O v r O C M r O z CJ '1 E c C 5.. o '0 1-+ m r a 1-+ 3 In +-+ ro m O I O C E ro z ro ro .--I ro ro 0 N rl ro •r 3 S- In Ol V Ol J a U rl U ro i .-+ C O N +� i - S- F- r G -) r V) O O C N ro O J C ro a)•r -C UJ Q of O •r i a) 0- +- d +.) Y •N r N Y +.a Y Y U C U to ro i) w U) i Y O) i C C Y i C d ro i C 01 CD •r a) d 0 J Q) O 3 O) O ro O 3 C O ro O ro N •E N J (n otf S. Q L Q m d S m C (n E 2 N J C E— N 8 i z 0 Q 0 W I N O N O e-I v Q O W 0' V) O K Q O l0 m J J m C) Z C> V M M r-1 N lA M l O O r-1 N F- Q J Y Ocn z W ZI CD O I t0 N 1 N 0' W O � O O N N F- W Z 0. C7 > c7 V) F- Z N en I O 1� W F C7 M LU N W 1 W � W 2 W 0_ J w Q d_ Z W ['3 0) r+ rr N N V) J m O r O d K N Z G7 N W O m m V' It l0 O It m Ln CT O V .--1 T M � r-I M J F- O F- a 0 r N aj G/ O ro a -a v O C,o C .c 3 wJ i o 0. 2 VI •VI N O O N O Q C7 N J 0 N O L . Y 0. Z C ro N Y i- +3 � (a Y C 1 0. m Y N O O.0 uj C O O W D' :3 N a Z O O_1 ✓T O .-1 d' I L w O 4J m i. W r10 ct 7 ro �--� I Q O V) F- 0 0_ CD a 0' 0 J O J U Z C r F-- a L C i .0 FQ- O ro Q ro J 3 z 3 ro ro o z o i ®e N city Ns4 1 Park � � a i aurlEDs�� fro. Park • COLLEGEOF THE • •�r�� DESERT l - _ MMCrp n6 ._.�0��---110'1•-- ,STF4 OR. ' er.JtD• -T We e°nto r°aD LrO G—J ej , i r U�/n.Jlieka � l We, cc t011n0 rd V t ©©� dwUD��M•� i ( <�� a tq N I t i O ,�iw$ ro al alm d T � D h Li el torlex way de s v> fin+o: bb�O' altp�; 36-,-11 ���(J • >� er ° G 4 > Aai �rl° 'iJn�V' onxo ERri �y < vld F can �13 1� GSY. rrr � t] Gor$oNo lv r al Z��',/���' A t •° � y o 1� nT� — W DIE WD. ( OAST •✓. . i ¢ rala-P p Z 9M.n0.l f Q MI[A¢V I T G I.M palyF 1 •+� / tit i IuniDar $fleet ...e < •nra 3 1 f .v'ao DinYen 3 street n� � { Q� ern- tea¢ I/L.JIi � enaeeo 4 Fw;rn• ..Y of Z e ttI- -S�-D IIILLL�JJJ7!! ,.fw�.. ironwood r i� �� d � D � lDl1ECK • .. 'mac �� .. � .. 1 I$„ • � � 4 i 1 I 'm��e ldnr r,°i rarnJn / ie� v / uunseovr rrarer ___-_ v ■ —t ecRscaA qr I, itR1A CV. rw.r eruct:>ir� •i t1,e+ 1�� S Fo W YSrACK / RMrrRA rrdrA �- CITY OF PALM DESERT 5x,,.Ao w,Y ;id.•u-7, �ii/�� }T` I lRca AIR ao. - ,ip 1 / d E EAo ao- -rar rgo,== _==-'�' EXISTING LOCAT/ON--- e co -TN 1-t Evil ------__-= 'V ' OOArO<A ,Vr.t Ake ' _ U I IVJr -y�T 'I 1 • � 2 �k1 •O'yrati �.a a C • STORM y9'V'L IV. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS Environmental impact is not limited to the effects on plants and animals , but includes the effects that the proposed ordinance may have on a wide variety -of physical , biological , economic , and social issues . Since the requirements of the sign ordinance may be met in a number of ways , this EIR will focus on general effects that are anticipated to follow from its adoption. A. Natural Environment 1 . Topography - Development of roads , golf courses , grading for structures , etc . carried on under the overall zoning ordi- nance will have a far greater impact on existing land contours and drainage patterns than that of sign structures . This impact should be even further diminished to the extent that the sign regulations encourage attached rather than free-standing signs . 2 . Seismic and Non-Seismic Geology - The major natural hazards faced by development in Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley are flash floods , earthquakes , and sand and dust storms generated by the frequent strong winds . These hazards become accentuated where there is in existence a large number of high, free-standing pole signs , billboards , and roof signs . The larger and higher the sign surface, the greater the wind load factor becomes . This ordinance would provide for the phased elimination of a number of these dangerous structures . 3 . Vegetation and Wildlife - The impact of the proposed sign regulations upon the vegetation and various wildlife habitats within the City is expected to be insignificant . 4 . Open Space - By reducing the number of roadside signs and billboards , the proposed ordinance should contribute to the pre- -19- IV. Environmental Impact Analysis , continued 4 . Open Space, continued servation of scenic vistas within the city. 5. Air Quality - While the sign ordinance will have no impact on overall air quality levels in the City, . it does discourage various types of illuminated signs and places stringent limits on the intensity of any light source . . No internally lit sign may exceed ten (10) candlepower at ten (10) . feet from the face i of the sign. All signs using internal illumination would only be permitted one-half (a) of the regular authorized sign area. These measures should provide some help in preserving views of the nighttime sky. 6. Climate - This ordinance is not expected to have any impact on climate conditions in the Coachella Valley. B. Man-Made Environment 1 . Social Impact - The adoption and enforcement of a modern sign ordinance will help to achieve one of the goals of the General Plan by creating a distinctive sign character for. the community. By establishing a careful review process for all signs , the ordinance can contribute to a sense of uniform quality and continuity through- out the City. The vast differences in sign quality that now exist for various areas in the City should be greatly reduced . As the number of existing , non-conforming signs decreases , Palm Desert will take on a more unique and distinctive appearance compared to surrounding communities . 2 . Economic Impacts - Since. tbe City does not have a property tax, the only revenue that would be lost due to the elimination of billboards would be from the annual business license fee. Ordinance -20- i f -21_ f p L - -22- IV. Environmental Impact Analysis , continued B. Man-Made Environment 2 . Economic Impacts , continued Number 60 provides for a fee of $60 for each double-faced bill- board. Since there are only 6 billboards within the City, this would amount to only $360 per year . (This assumes that these structures are not removed voluntarily by the property owner to allow other forms of development . ) While these several property owners would lose one source of rental income from the presence of the billboards , removal of these structures would eliminate one of the most visible forms of urban blight in the community and should enable surrounding property to experience an increase in land values. All but one of the billboards are located on the north side of Highway 111 and , while lower property values in this area may not be caused solely by the numerous billboards in the vicinity, their "spillover" presence does not enhance property values in the area. The following firms operate billboards in the City : Heywood Company - 2 signs Robert ' s Outdoor Advertising - 1 sign Ryan Outdoor Advertising - 3 signs None of these companies is located in Palm Desert . Robert ' s is closest in Palm Springs , with Heywood in San Bernardino and Ryan in La Mirada. Loss of these signs would not affect the labor market in the City. Approximately one-half of the messages con- tained on these billboards refer to condominium subdivisions within Palm Desert . Although billboards provide important off- site advertising for these developments , the expected 5-year -23- IV. Environmental Impact Analysis continued B. Man-Made Environment 2. Economic Impacts , continued amortization period should provide sufficient time for these projects to either complete construction or make alternative ar- rangements . The yellow pages of the telephone directory list thirteen firms involved in the construction , design , or installation of on-site signs. Only two , a commercial artist and a print shop , are lo- cated in Palm Desert. These are supplemented by a number of companies located throughout Southern California and the United States that produce certain types of specialty signs (such as carved wood) or signs used by large business chains such as banks , restaurants , and gas stations . Unlike billboards , these sign manufacturers should recieve a substantial amount of new business bringing non-conforming signs into line with the new regulations . City revenue from these operations is derived primarily from the business license fee, construction permits required by the Building and Safety Department , and fees collected by the Department of Environmental Services during the Design Review Board process . These charges are established at levels sufficient to offset the costs of administration. Major expenditures associated with the implementation of this ordinance fall into two categories : (1 ) initial notification and abatement of non-conforming signs and (2) code enforcement personnel to monitor the community to prevent construction of new non-conforming signs . After adoption of this ordinance , owners of illegal and non-conforming signs would have to be notified by mail, told which provisions of -24- IV. Environmental Impact Analysis , continued E . Man-Made Environment 2 . Economic Impacts , continued the ordinance they violate , and instructed as to the deadline by which said violation must be abated . The survey chart on existing sign conditions indicates that , of the 1334 signs in the City, 380 violations have been recorded. Taking into account that one sign could have several violations and that one property owner could be responsible for more than one sign , there are approximately 250-275 individuals or companies that would be in- volved in the abatement process . Assuming it requires one hour of staff time to notify each owner , notices could be sent to all cases within 6-7 weeks of the date the ordinance becomes ef- fective. Enforcement would then occur at periodic intervals throughout the 5-year amortization period as various deadlines are reached . Enforcement of existing sign regulations is an established , on-going expenditure that would also be required for a new sign ordinance. Other provisions of the zoning ordinance already man- date City approval for all new signs . The scope of this review would be somewhat narrowed by the new regulations . Permit tags affixed to all new signs should make the detection of illegal signs a much simpler task. The overall impact on the business community of these new sign regulations should be beneficial . The new ordinance will clarify the ambiguous areas of the existing regulations which had not been developed with the unique concerns of Palm Desert in mind. It will combine in one ordinance many of the new standards that -25- IV. Environmental Impact Analysis, continued B. Man-Made Environment 2 . Economic Impacts , continued have been approved over tha last two years. It will provide for the removal of existing non-conforming signs , such as roof signs , which, although banned in the previous ordinance, could not be eliminated due to the absence in the ordinance of a reasonable amortization schedule. This situation penalized new development by requiring standards to which existing businesses did not have to comply. The new ordinance will bring all development under the same provisions within five years . 3 . Transportation - The new regulations contain prohibitions on signs that rotate, move, flash, reflect or blink, or signs that resemble traffic signals . These provisions should improve traffic safety while driving in the City . 4 . Aesthetic Impact - Based on the summary chart of existing sign conditions , the new ordinance should immeasurably improve the physical appearance of the City ' s commercial district . More than 125 roof signs and 37 free-standing pole signs will be either removed completely or replaced by more attractive monument-type signs . In addition, 6 large billboard structures will also be removed, improving not only the existing urban areas , but the views of the valley floor and mountains as well . New signs will be more carefully designed to blend in with the architecture of the building and construction materials will emphasize the use of wood , metal , and masonry , rather than plastic . Overall , the effect will be to increase the sense of "openness" within the City. -26- IV. Environmental Impact Analysis, continued B. Man-Made Environment 5. Urban Infrastructure - The major impact of signage is upon consumption of electricity. As new development occurs and new signs are installed, the demand for electricity will increase. 6. Noise - The problem of highway noise and its impact on residential areas will not be affected by the proposed sign ordinance. 7 . Archaeologic Sites - The preservation of significant ar- chaeological sites would be handled as a part of the usual review process for new construction and would not involve this ordinance. -27- V. ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED Increased demand for electricity Views of the night sky will be reduced Increase in business overhead costs to pay for abatement of non-conforming signs -28- VI . MITIGATION. MEASURES PROPOSED TO MINIMIZE THE ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 1 . Increased demand for electricity. New development in Palm Desert will place additional demands for electricity upon the local utilities . Under normal circumstances , the amount of energy used for advertising lighting purposes is very small in comparison to other types of use. The new ordinance should reduce this relationship even further by minimizing the amount of signage permitted for each business and by setting low wattage standards for those signs that are illuminated. 2 . Views of the night sky will be reduced . By limiting the number and size of signs , removing certain types of signs (such as billboards and roof signs) , and setting light intensity standards , the degree of impact of signs and other advertising devices upon the night sky can be held to a minimum. 3 . Increase in business overhead costs to pay for abatement of non- conforming signs . There is no reasonable method by which to estimate the potential cost for abating all signs made non-conforming by this ordinance . In many cases , there are several methods by which this may be accomplished, each with different costs and benefits . Recognizing that total `cost is the most important factor , the ordinance es- tablishes a sliding scale amortization schedule allowing up to five (5) years in which to comply, based on the original permit value of the sign. In addition, signs which have only minor non- conforming features, such as 5 colors instead of the maximum of 4 , need only be replaced if the use changes or the sign is dilapidated -29- VI . Mitigation Measures Proposed t'o Minimize the Adverse Environ- mental Impact , continued 3 . continued and ready to come down. Where .special problems exist , such as where a sign has been built as an integral element of a building and whose removal would require unusual construction costs , the ordinance creates a seven (7) member Ad Hoc Sign Amortization Committee with authority to grant additional time to amortize the costs of abatement . -30- VII . ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT No Project Alternative The Palm Desert General Plan and Zoning Ordinance contain policy statements advocating the adoption of comprehensive sign regulations for use within the City. The no-ordinance alternative would therefore be in conflict with the General Plan. Status Quo Alternative The current ordinance on advertising restrictions that is being used by the City is taken directly from Article ,XIX of Riverside County Ordinance Number 348. The City also exercises control over signs through a provision of the Design Review Board or- dinance which requires approval for all signs erected in the City . The major problem with the existing arrangement is that the current ordinance does not have an amortization schedule for the removal of existing non-conforming signs . This allows many businesses to operate with very large roof - signs, while new businesses , subject to the more restrictive standards being used by the Design Review Board , have much smaller signs and may be at an unfair disadvantage in trying to attract customers . The new ordinance will bring all signs into conformance. The current County ordinance (adopted by reference) was designed for use throughout Riverside County. It was intentionally written in a simplified form so that it could be applied to the wide variety of communities found within the County. As such, it does not ad- dress many of the specific problems common to Palm Desert . The County ordinance allows a greater number of signs per business and, -31- VII . Alternatives to the Proposed Project , continued Status Quo Alternative, continued in many cases , would permit larger signs than recommended by the proposed ordinance. COMPARISON OF ORDINANCE STANDARDS SIGN EXISTING PROPOSED Free-Standing Height 20 Feet Maximum 12 Feet in C-1 (no in R-3 and C-1 wall sign) (plus wall sign) 10 Feet in R-3 Free-Standing Surface 2 Signs ; Maximum Size 1 Sign per Street Area in Shopping Centers 200 Square Feet Each Frontage ; Maximum and 20 Feet in Height 25 Square Feet and 8 Feet in Height Roof Signs PROHIBITED PROHIBITED Except in Mansard No Sign above Style Roof Eave Line Wall Signs 10% of Surface Area 1 Sign per Business of Front & Side Walls ; per Street Frontage 5% of Surface Area based on 1 Square of Rear Walls Foot of Sign Area per Front Foot with a Maximum of 50 Square Feet For Sale, Lease, or 1 Sign per Street 0-2 . 5 Acres-1 Sign Rent Signs - Commercial Frontage; Maximum 2 . 5-5 Acres-2 Signs 24 Square Feet and 5 Plus Acres-1 Sign 8 Feet in Hei-ght per Street Frontage Maximum 3 Square Feet and 4 Feet in Height For Sale, Lease, or Rent 1 Sign per Street Same as Commercial Industrial Frontage; Maximum 32 Square Feet and 10 Feet in Height -32- VII . Alternat.ives to the Proposed Proj.ect , continued Comparison of Ordinance Standards, continued SIGN EXISTING PROPOSED Flashing , Rotating PERMITTED PROHIBITED Reflecting Internal Illuminated No Special Require- Control of Glare ments and Light Intensity; only Allowed at Normal Sign Size Subdivisions 2 Unlighted Signs ; 1 Double-Face or 2 Maximum 100 Square Single-Face Unlighted ; Feet Each 32 Square Feet per Face More Restrictive Alternatives A reduction in the basic allotment of sign space would result in signs too small to be legible from the roadway. Cars would have to slow down to read the signs , possible causing a traffic hazard to other vehicles on the road. The elimination of lighted signs would have a substantial adverse impact on the many businesses in the City which operate primarily in the late afternoon and evening. -33- VIII . RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM COSTS AND BENEFITS Cumulative and long-term adverse impacts have been discussed in Sections IV and VI. Adoptiom of the sign ordinance will not have any impact on the range of beneficial uses of the environment . Other sections of the Zoning Ordinance control land use. The sign ordinance contains provisions which should improve the long- term health, safety, and general welfare of the community. Reduction in number and size of onsite and offsite signs will have a long-range beneficial impact on property values in the City. Short-term costs include loss of City revenue from business license fees and loss of income to property owners who receive rent from having billboards on their land . In addition , there is an estimated start-up cost for the code enforcement process for sign abatement . -34- IX. IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES The adoption of the sign ordinance will not produce any irreversible environmental changes . The reduction of total signage for the City will help to minimize adverse impacts . Resources used for construction are considered to be irretrievable, although many types of sign struc- tures are considered to be reusable. Energy , other than wind , solar, geothermal , or hydro-electric , used for construction and operation of signs is considered to be a non-renewable resource. -35- X . GROWTH-INDUCING IMPACT OF THE PROJECT The laws governing signs , sign structures , and other advertising devices do not , by themselves , greatly induce or discourage growth. Far more significant are the other provisions of the zoning ordinance and zoning map , the subdivision ordinance and .City budget . This ordinance will not eliminate signs ; it will only regulate the size and form in which they appear. It does not affect other advertising media commonly used in general retailing practice. In general, the size, quality, and impact of projects approved under this ordinance would be less adverse than those approved without it . -36- XI . BIBLIOGRAPHY Louise Ballinger and Raymond Ballinger , Sign Symbol and Form, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company , 1972 . William R. Ewald , Jr. , Street Graphics : A Concept and a System, American Society of Landscape Architects Foundation , June 1971 . City of Los Angeles , Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Revision of Certain Sections of the Los Angeles Municipal Code Relating to Onsite and Offsite Signs , Special Studies Unit , Department of City Planning , January 1 , 1974 . (CPC 23174 , CF 70- 1990) . City of Palm Desert , Final Environmental Impact Report for General Plan Amendments -01-75 , Zoning , Subdivision, and Grading Ordinances , Adopted by Resolution Number 75-105 , October 23 , 1975 . Persons Contacted Barbara Reilly, Department of City Planning , City of Loa Angeles Ralph Bailey, Research Assistant , League of California Cities -37- XII . APPENDIX A Existing advertising regulations for the City of Palm Desert - Article XIX, Riverside County Ordinance Number 348. -38- ARTICLE XIX ADVERTISING REGULATIONS SECTION 19 . 1 . All outdoor advertising displays and on-site adver- tising structures and signs in the unincorporated area of the County of Riverside shall conform to the applicable provisions of this Article. If any specific zoning classification contained within this ordinance shall impose more stringent requirements than are set forth in this Article, the more stringent provisions shall be required. SECTION 19 .2 . DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this ordinance, the following words or phrases shall have the following definitions. (a) "Outdoor Advertising Display" means advertising struc- tures and signs used for outdoor advertising purposes, not including on-site advertising signs as hereinafter defined. (b) "Outdoor Advertising Structure" means a structure of any kind or character erected or maintained for outdoor adver- tising purposes, upon which any poster, bill, printing, painting or other advertisement of any kind whatsoever may be placed, including statuary, for outdoor adver- tising purposes. (c) "Outdoor Advertising Sign" means any card, cloth, paper, metal, painted, plastic or wooden sign of any character placed for outdoor advertising purposes, on or to the ground or any tree, wall, bush, rock, fence, building, structure or thing, either privately or publicly owned, other than an advertising structure. (d) The words "Outdoor Advertising Structure" and "Outdoor Advertising Sign" as defined in subsections (b) and (c) do not include: (1) Official notices issued by any court or public body or officer; (2) Notices posted by any public officer in performance of a public duty. or by any person in giving legal notice; (3) Directional, warning or information structures required by or authorized by law or by.Federal, State or County authority; including signs neces- sary for the operation and safety of public utility uses . (4) A structure erected near a city or county boundary, which contains the name of such city or county and the names of, or any other information regarding, civic, fraternal or religious organizations located therein. 9-13-73 104. 1 (e) "On-site Advertising Structures and Signs" means structures and signs that are erected or maintained to advertise goods sold, business conducted or services rendered on the parcel of land upon which the sign is located. (f) "Freeway" means a divided arterial highway for through traffic with full control of access and with grade separa- tions at intersections . (g) "Highway" means roads, streets, boulevards, lanes, courts, places, commons, trails , ways or other rights-of- way or easements used for or laid out and intended for the public passage of vehicles or of vehicles and persons . (h) "Edge of a Right-of-Way" means a measurement from the edge of a right-of-way horizontally along a line normal or perpendicular to the centerline of the freeway or high- way. (i) "Maximum Height" means the highest point of the structure or sign measured from the average natural ground level at the base of the supporting structure. 0) "Free Standing Sign" means any sign which is supported by one or more columns or uprights imbedded in the ground, and which is not attached to any building or structure. (k) "Surface Area" means that area of outdoor advertising signs and on-site advertising signs as measured by the smallest geometric form such as a square, rectangle, triangle, or circle, or combination thereof, which will encompass the face of the sign on which the message is displayed. (1) "For Sale, Lease or Rent Sign" means a sign advertising that the property or structure upon which the sign is_ located is for sale, lease, or rent. (m) "Shopping Center" means a parcel of land not less than 3 acres in size, on which there exists 4 or more separate business uses that have mutual parking facilities. (n) "Directional Sign" means a sign used to direct and control vehicular or pedestrian traffic that is located upon the same parcel of land as the use that it is intended to serve. SECTION 19 .3 . OUTDOOR ADVERTISING DISPLAYS . No person shall erect or maintain an outdoor advertising display in the unincorporated area of the County of Riverside, except in accordance with the following provi- sions . The changing of an advertising message or customary maintenance of a legally existing display shall not require a permit pursuant to this section. (a) Standards. (1) The zone classification of the land on which the display is to be erected or maintained shall specifically permit outdoor advertising displays. 9-13-73 104.2 (2) Each display shall be at least 500 feet from any other such display, unless in a particular zone a different interval shall be specified, in which event the minimum distance between such displays shall be not less than such interval. (3) The maximum surface area of the display shall not exceed 300 square feet. (4) The maximum height of the display shall not exceed 25 feet. (5) No display shall be affixed on or over the roof of any building, and no display shall be affixed to the wall of a building so that it projects above the parapet of the building . For the purposes of this section, a mansard style roof shall be considered a parapet. (6) No display shall be erected within an established setback or building line or within road right-of-way lines or within future road right-of-way lines that have been established by a specific plan. (b) Applications for Permit. (1) Application. No outdoor advertising display shall be erected until a permit therefor has been issued C by the Riverside County Planning Director. Applica- tion for such permit shall consist of a plot plan, in triplicate, containing the name, address and tele- phone number of the applicant, and a general description of the property upon which the display is proposed to be placed, and showing the precise location, type and size of the proposed display, property lines and dimensions, location of and distance to nearest displays and nearest buildings within 500 feet in each direction, nearby public and private roads and other rights of way, building setback lines and specifically planned future road right of way lines, in such manner that the property and the proposed advertising display may be readily ascertained and identified. If the applicant holds a permit for such advertising display issued by the State of California, the year and number of the State Permit shall be shown; if such permit has not yet been issued, the applicant shall notify the Planning Director of its number within 10 days after such State permit is issued. If the Planning Director determines that the proposed display conforms to the requirements of this ordinance, he shall promptly endorse zoning approval on the three copies of the plot 9- 13-73 104.3 plan, file one copy, forward one copy to the Director of Building and Safety, and return one copy to the applicant, which shall then be the permit; if he determines that the display does not conform to the requirements of this ordinance, he shall notify the applicant, giving his reasons . Promptly upon completing the erection of the outdoor advertising display, the applicant shall notify the Planning Director thereof in writing . If the erection of the outdoor advertising display has not been completed pursuant to the permit within two months after the date of its issue, the permit shall there- upon be void. No fee shall be charged for the application or the permit. (2) Appeal. If the Planning Director refuses to issue a permit, or summarily revokes a permit pursuant to paragraph 3, the applicant or permittee may with- in 10 days appeal to the Board of Supervisors by letter stating the reasons why he believes such . action to be improper.. The Board of Supervisors shall cause the appeal to be set for hearing at a regular meeting to be held not less than 13 nor more / than 22 days after the hearing is set and the Clerk \, shall mail or deliver written notice of the hearing to the Planning Director and to the applicant or permittee at least 10 days before *the hearing. At the conclusion . of the hearing or continuance thereof, the Board of Supervisors shall finally decide the matter. The effect of notice of revocation shall be suspended until 10 days after such decision. (3) Revocation. Any permit which has been issued as the result of material misrepresentation of fact by the applicant may be summarily revoked by the Planning Director who shall thereupon forthwith give written notice of revocation to the applicant. Within 10 days thereafter any display authorized by said permit shall be removed. Failure to remove such display within said 10 day period is a violation of this ordinance. Nothing in this ordinance shall be deemed to authorize the installation or maintenance of any outdoor advertising display in violation of any State law or regulation. 9-13-73 104.4 SECTION 19 .4. ON-SITE ADVERTISING STRUCTURES AND SIGNS. No person shall erect an on-site advertising structure or sign in the unin- corporated area of the County of Riverside that is in violation of the pro- visions contained within any specific zoning classification in this ordinance or that is in violation of the following provisions . (a) Free-Standing Signs (1) Located within 6.60 feet of the nearest edge of a freeway right of way line. a . The maximum height of a sign shall not exceed 45 feet. b. The maximum surface area of a sign shall not exceed 150 square feet. (2) All Other Locations . r . a. The maximum height of a sign shall not exceed 20 feet. b. The maximum surface area of a sign shall not exceed 50 square feet. (3) Shopping Centers - All Locations. Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-paragraphs 1 and 2, an alternate standard for free standing on-site advertising signs for shopping centers is established as follows: a . The maximum surface area of a sign shall not exceed 50 square feet or .25 percent (1/4 of 1%) of the total existing building floor area in a shopping center, whichever is greater, except that in any event, no sign shall exceed 200 square feet in surface area. b. The maximum height of a sign shall not exceed 20 feet. (4) Number of Free-Standing Signs - All Locations. Not more than one free-standing sign shall be per- mitted on a parcel of land, except that if a shopping center has frontage on 2 or more streets, the shop- ping center shall be permitted 2 free-standing signs, provided that the 2 signs are not located on the same street; are at least 100 feet apart and the second sign does not exceed 100 square feet in surface area and 20 feet in height. (b) Signs Affixed to Buildings - All Areas (1) No on-site advertising sign shall be affixed on, above or over the roof of any building, and no on-site advertising sign shall be affixed to the wall of a building so that it projects above the parapet of the building. For the purposes of this section, a mansard style roof shall be considered a parapet. 9-13-73 104.5 (2) The maximum surface area of signs affixed to a building shall be as follows: a . Front wall of building - The surface area of the sign shall not exceed 10% of the surface area of the front face of the building. b. Side walls of a building - The surface area of the sign shall not exceed 10% of the surface area of the side face of the building . C. Rear wall of a building The surface area of the sign shall not exceed 5% of the surface area of the rear face of the building. (c) Directional Signs - Directional signs to advise patrons of location, distance or purpose shall be permitted on a parcel of land as follows: (1) The maximum height of such signs shall not exceed 3 feet'. (2) The maximum surface area of such signs shall not exceed 6 square feet. (d) On-site Identification Signs - On-site identification signs affixed to the surface of walls, windows, and doors of permanent structures, which do not exceed 4 inches in letter height and do not exceed 4 square feet in area are permitted in addition to :any other sign permitted in this ordinance. SECTION 19 .5 . FOR SALE, LEASE OR RENT SIGNS. For sale, lease or rent signs shall be permitted to be placed in all zone classifications sub- ject to the following regulations. 1 . For one and two family residential uses - one sign not exceeding 4 square feet in surface area and not more than 4 feet in height. 2 . For multiple family residential uses - one sign for each separate frontage on a street, each sign not to exceed 16 square feet in surface area and not more than 8 feet in eight. 3 . For commercial uses - one sign for each separate frontage on a street, each sign not to exceed 24 square feet in surface area and not more than 8 feet in eight. 4. For industrial uses - one sign for each separate frontage on a street, each sign not to exceed 32 square feet in surface area and not more than 10 feet in height. 9-13-73 104.6 5 . For agricultural uses - one sign for each separate frontage on a street, each sign not to exceed 16 square feet in surface area and not more than 8 feet in height. SECTION 19 . 6. SUBDIVISION SIGNS. (a) On-site subdivision signs, advertising the original sale of a subdivision are permitted within the boundaries of a subdivision, upon approval of a plot plan pursuant to Section 18 .30 of this ordinance and subject to the follow- ing minimum standards: 1 . No sign shall exceed 100 square feet in area. 2 . No sign shall be within 100 feet of any existing residence that is outside of the subdivision boundaries . 3 . No more than two such signs shall be permitted for each subdivision. 4 . No sign shall be artificially lighted. (b) Off-site subdivision signs advertising the original sale of a subdivision, shall be permitted in all zone classi- fications; except the C-P-S, N-A, and W-1 Zones, provided a conditional use permit is granted pursuant to the provisions of Section 18.28 of this ordinance, and subject to the following minimum standards: 1 . No sign shall exceed .100 square feet in area. 2 . No sign shall'be within 100 feet of any existing residence. 3 . No more than two such signs shall be permitted. for each subdivision. 4 . The maximum period of time a sign may remain in place shall be two years . 5. No sign shall be artificially lighted. 6 . An agreement, secured by a $100 cash bond, shall be executed with the County for each sign, assuring the removal of the sign within the allowed time period. The bond and agreement shall be filed with the Department of Building and Safety. ADDED: 9-13-73 (Ord. 348. 1201) 9-13-73 104.7 XIII. APPENDIX B LEGAL ASPECTS OF BILLBOARD CONTROL The regulation of billboards in California has been a controversial subject for a great many years. Previous experience in other cities in- dicates that some of the most often asked questions are concerned with the legality of the proposed restrictions. The discussion of billboard control stems from two basic problems associated with this particular form of advertising. Unlike radio, tele- vision, or newspapers, the public has no means by which it can "shut-off" the message, except by avoiding travel on public thoroughfares, hardly a fair choice. Secondly, no other form of advertising has an economic im- pact on adjacent uses comparable to the negative economic effect of bill- boards on adjacent property values. To summarize the issue, a number of individuals have been asking: (1) whether the proposals, if enacted, would constitute taking of property without just compensation in violation of the U. S. and California Con- stitutions; and (2) whether the proposed regulations represent an unlawful incursion into the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech. At this time, the answer to both questions, under certain conditions, appears to be no. The Fifth Amendment to the U. S. Constitution reads in part: ". . . nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." -39- Legal Aspects of Billboard Control (continued) over the years, the Courts have made a subtle, but important dis- tinction for various governmental actions. In the case of the extension of San Pablo Avenue, for example, the City will be acquiring private proper- ty for public use, a taking for which just compensation must be paid. But where the City prohibits a property owner from using his land for certain uses because they may cause harm to other members of the community, the Courts have held that this is a valid exercise of the police power (the power to regulate in the public interest) and no compensation is needed. It is the adverse impact of billboards which justifies their control for the benefit of the public health, safety, and general welfare. In 1970, the California Supreme Court upheld an ordinance eliminating billboards, provided that a reasonable amortization period was used. 1 Some individuals claim that billboards fall under the protection of the First Amendment guaranteeing free speech. The proposed ordinance would be viewed as an unconstitutional restraint. Many cases have held that free speech is not an obsolute right (there is no right to yell fire in a crowded movie theatre) and is subject to reasonable regulation. Restrictions have been upheld to proscribe conduct which offends public sensibilities and tends to depress property values. (Kovacs v. Cooper (1948) 336 U.S. 77, 93 L. Ed. 513) 1 National Advertising Co. v. The County of Monterey, 1 Cal 3rd 875, 464 P. 2nd 33, 83 Cal Rptr. 577. -40- XIV. APPENDIX C COMPARISON OF VISUAL IMPACT OF ALTERNATIVE SIGN AREA RATIOS -41- u a L IL -117 3 i I F 3 � � I l 7 J _ ; ILL] 0 . . I i - rig JL ht JI if s its, ffl Sk r � 4 x I It ` py I Zi • I' IL 1 r i ----_= is I I I � 1 , I 77 f , � 9i 61 Ij L-_-1 E��� I Jim n � I i ? n _. 41' r oil tn is � 0 � - � �•• � opf ME i r 1 z ` i L 9�i6 ,� h ill SS , F ZONING ORDINANCE TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ARTICLE 25.38-1 INTENT AND PURPOSE 25.38 (1 ) ARTICLE 25.38-2 DEFINITIONS 25.38 (1 ) ARTICLE 25.38-3 SIGN PERMIT PROCEDURES 25.38 (3) ARTICLE 25.33-4 EXCEPTIONS 25.38 (4) ARTICLE 25.38-5 ABATEMENT OF ILLEGAL SIGNS 25.38 (5) ARTICLE 25.38-6 ADJUSTMENTS 25.38 (5) ARTICLE 25.38-7 PERMIT REQUIREMENT 25.38 (5) ARTICLE 25.38-8 SAFE SIGNS 25.38 (5) ARTICLE 25.38-9 PERMIT RECORD REQUIREMENT 25.38 (5) ARTICLE 25.38-10 DOUBLE PERMIT FEE 25.38 (6) ARTICLE 25.38-11 PROHIBITED SIGNS 25.38 (6) ARTICLE 25.38-12 PERMITTED SIGNS - PURPOSE 25.38 (6) ARTICLE 25.38-13 SIGNS IN SINGLE FAMILY ZONES 25.38 (7) ARTICLE 25.38-14 SIGNS IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES OTHER THAN SINGLE FAMILY 25.38 (8) ARTICLE 25.38-15 SIGNS IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES 25.38 (10) ARTICLE 25.38-16 GENERAL PROVISIONS 25.38 (14) 25.38-16.01 Design Review Board Process 25.38 (14) 25.38-16.02 Sign Review Criteria 25.38 (14) 25.38-16.03 Signs Facing Private Property Prohibited 25.38 (15) 25.38-16.04 Required Information on Signs 25.38 (15) 25.38-16.05 Proper Maintenance of Signs 25.38 (15) 25.38-16.06 Color of Signs 25.38 (15) 25.38-16.07 Internal Illumination - Size Reduction 25.38 (16) 25.38-16.08 Glare from Signs 25.38 (16) 25.38-16.09 Location of Right Angle Signs 25.38 (16) 25.38-16.10 Obstruction of Passage 25.38 (16) 25.38-16.11 Maximum Sign Area Limitation 25.38 16) 25.38-16.12 Exceptions to Sign Limitations 25.38 (16) 25.38-16.13 Special Permits 25.38 (16) 25.38-16.14 Imitation of Traffic Signal 25.38 (16) i CONTENTS (continued) Page ARTICLE 25.38-17 SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGNS 25.38 (17) 25.38-17.01 Trade Construction Signs 25.38 (17) 25.38-17.02 "No Trespassing" Signs 25.38 (17) 25.38-17.03 Land Subdivision Signs 25.38 (17) 25. 38-17.04 Lease Potential Signs 25.38 (17) 25.38-17.05 Signs on Awnings,. Etc. 25.38 (17) 25.38-17.06 Political Sign Regulations 25.38 (18) 25.38-17.07 Signs for Public or Quasi-Public Uses 25.38 (18) ARTICLE 25.38-18 ENFORCEMENT 25.38 (18) 25.38-18.01 Territorial Application of Ordinance 25.38 (18) 25. 38-18.02 Duty to Enforce Ordinance 25.38 (18) 25.38-18.03 Interference with Enforcement 25.38 (19) 25.38-18.04 Compliance with Ordinance: Nuisance: Abatement 25.38 (19) 25.38-18.05 Removal and Amortization Period 25.38 (19) 25.38-18.06 Schedule I 25.38 (19) 25.38-18.07 Ad Hoc Sign Amortization Committee 25.38 (20) 25.38-18.08 Uncertainty of Article Provisions 25.38 (21 ) ARTICLE 25.38-19 EXCEPTIONS PROCESS 25.38 (21 ) ARTICLE 25.38-20 DISCONTINUANCE OF A BUSINESS 25.38 (21 ) ARTICLE 25.38-21 NON-CONFORMING SIGNS MAINTENANCE 25.38 (21 ) ARTICLE 25.38-22 SEPARABILITY 25.38 (21 ) ARTICLE 25.38-23 PENALTIES 25.38 (22) ii ARTICLE 25.38 SIGNS 25.38-1 INTENT AND PURPOSE This article is intended to implement the goals and policies of the General Plan particularly with regard to developing a City that is visually attractive and preserving and enhancing the. visual;• aspects-of the City's streets and highways. This article is also intended to provide for a more orderly display of adver- tising devices and identification on properties within the City of Palm Desert which are zoned commercial , industrial and residential ; to bring those devices in harmony with the building, the neighborhood, and other signs in the area; to protect the general welfare of the businessmen and residents within the same area, as well as the citizens of Palm Desert, and to do so by regulating and controlling the location, design, quality of materials, illumination, and main- tenance of signs and sign structures. 25.38-2 DEFINITIONS 25.38-2.01 Sign A sign shall mean any thing of visual appearance primarily used for, or having the effect of, attracting attention from the streets, sidewalks or other outside public areas for advertising purposes including the prohibited listing of prices. A sign shall not mean displays of merchandise or products for sale on the premises, signs inside buildings except when less than three feet behind a window and facing public view, or ornamentation, design, statuary, architecture, landscaping, pictures, paintings or other such art forms unless, in the case of any exceptions listed in this Section, the attraction, because of locations, size, use or the nature thereof, has the substantial effect of attracting attention for advertising purposes when viewed from an outside. public area. The basic intent behind this definition is not to discourage product displays, design or art forms epitomizing simplicity, good taste and compatibility with the community's desired image. 25.38-2.02 Advertising Device Any balloon, flag, pennant, propeller, oscillating, rotating, pulsating light, or other contrivance except a sign used to attract attention for the purpose of promoting (either directly or indirectly) , the sale of products of any person. 25.38-2.03 Advertising Display Any device, contrivance, statue or structure other than a sign used as a display, regardless of size and shape, for the purposes of attracting attention or making anything known, the origin or place of sale of which is on the property with such advertising display. 25.38-2.04 Area of a Sign The entire area within a single continuous perimeter of not more than eight (8) straight lines enclosing the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem, or any figure of similar character, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such sign from the background against which it is placed, provided that in the case of a sign designed with more than one exterior surface, the area shall be computed as including only the maximum single display surface 25.38-(1 ) which is visible from any ground position at one time. The supports, uprights or structure on which any such sign is supported shall not be included in determining the sign area unless such supports , uprights or structures are or is designed in such a manner as to form an integral background of the display. 25.38-2.05 Building In addition to its common meaning, a building shall include any structure requiring a building permit. 25.38-2.06 Business Sign A sign displaying information pertaining to goods or services offered or pro- duced by the business located on the property, but not including advertising devices or advertising displays. 25.38-2.07 Combination Sign Any sign incorporating any combination of the features of freestanding, pro- jecting and roof signs. 25.38-2.08 Construction Sign A temporary sign stating the names of those individuals or firms directly connected with the construction or development project, their addresses and their telephone numbers. 25.38-2.09 Freestanding Sign A sign supported by uprights or braces placed upon or into the ground and detached from any building. 25.38-2.10 Height of a Sign The greatest .verticle distance measured from the ground level directly beneath the sign to the top of the sign. 25.38-2.11 Identification Sign - A sign limited to the identifying name, symbol or insignia, or any combination thereof, of a building; use, or persons occupying the premises on which the sign is located. 25.38-2.12 Indirectly Lighted or Shadow Lighted Sign An indirectly lighted or shadow lighted sign shall mean any illuminated sign constructed so that the immediate source of the illumination is not visible when the sign is lighted and which does not exceed ten (10) candle power per square foot measured at ten (10) feet from the sign. 25.38-2.13 Name Plate A sign not exceeding one (1 ) foot by three (3) feet signifying only the name of the occupant and his occupation or specialty. 25.38 (2) 25.38-2.14 Outdoor Advertising Structure or Sign A sign placed for the purpose of advertising products or services that are not produced, stored or sold on the property upon which the sign is located. 25.38-2.15 Price Sign A sign limited to the name or identification of items or products offered for sale on the premises, and the price of said items or products. 25.38-2.16 Projecting Sign A sign other than a wall sign suspended from or supported by a building or structure and projecting outward therefrom. 25.38-2.17 Real Estate Sign A temporary sign advertising the sale, lease, or rent of the property upon which it is located, and the identification of the person or firm handling such sale, lease or rent. 25.38-2.18 Roof Sign A sign erected wholly on or above the roof of a building or structure. 25.38-2.19 Sign Face The surface or that portion of a sign that is visible from a single point as a flat surface or a plane and considered as such together with the frame and the background. 25.38-2.20 Wall Sign A sign attached to or erected on the exterior wall of the building or structure or on a canopy marquee or similar overhang with the exposed face of the sign in a plane .approximately parallel to the plane of the exterior wall and not exceeding above the roof line. 25.38-2.21 Face or Wall of Building The face or wall of a building shall mean the outer surface of any main exterior wall or foundation of a building, including windows and store fronts. 25.38-2.22 Political Signs Political signs shall mean any sign concerning candidates for political office or involving a ballot issue. 25.38-2.23 Vehicle Identification Signs Vehicle identification signs shall mean any sign attached to a vehicle which advertises the owner' s name and/or occupation which is permanently attached to the vehicle and does not exceed six (6) square feet in area. 25.38-3 SIGN PERMIT PROCEDURE It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, permit, or maintain, including painted signs, unless otherwise excepted by this Article, a sign upon any property without first obtaining a written sign permit from the Department of Environmental 25.38 (3) Services as required by this Article. Signs exceeding $500 in value shall be re- viewed through the Design Review Process as specified in Section 25.39-4 inclusive. Application for such permit shall be made on a form provided by the Department of Environmental Services and shall be accompanied by_a fee as established by Council Resolution. The application shall set forth and contain the following information and material : 25.38-3.01 Three Copies of a Plan Showing: (1 ) The location and size of any building or structures on the property, both existing and proposed; . (2) The location of off-street parking facilities, including major points of entry and exit for motor vehicles where directional signs may be proposed; (3) The position of the proposed sign and its relation to adjacent buildings and structures; and (4) The design and size, colors proposed, and proposed location of the sign or sign structure on the property. 25.38-3.02 A statement showing the sizes and dimensions of all other signs existing on the property. i 25.38-3.03 A statement showing the relationship of such sign or sign structure to the appearance and design of existing or proposed buildings and structures on the property. 25.38-3.04 Such other information as the Department of Environmental Services may reasonably require to secure compliance with this Article and the Ordinances of the City. 25.38-3.05 Signs on all proposed buildings or new additions to existing buildings shall be designed as an integral part of the total building design. 25.38-4 EXCEPTIONS The following signs, if not illuminated, shall be allowed on all commercial , indus- trial and residential zoned property without a sign permit being required: 25.38-4.01 One (1 ) Identification Sign Not exceeding one (1 ) square foot in area, and displaying only the name and address of the owner of the occupant. 25.38-4.02 Directional or Safety Signs As required, provided that: (1 ) Each such sign has first been reviewed and approved by the Design Review Board and/or the Director of Environmental Services; and i 25.38 (4) (2) Such signs do not exceed three (3) square feet per face. 25.38-4.03 Governmental Flags (1 ) Emblems or F1 0t of Non-Profit Organizations - As required, provided that each has first received approval by the Design Review Board and/or Director of Environmental Services. 25.38-4.04 Religious Charitable Educational , or Cultural Posters Not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area, and temporary in nature. 25.38-4.05 Governmental or Other Legally Required Posters, Notices or Signs 25. 38-4.06 Utility or Telephone Pay Station Signs 25.38-5 ABATEMENT OF ILLEGAL SIGNS The Director of Environmental Services shall see that this Ordinance is enforced. He shall not permit, and shall abate, any sign within the City which fails to meet the requirements of this Ordinance or other applicable law. 25.38-6 ADJUSTMENTS The Zoning Administrator for either new or existing signs, may grant slight ad- justments to sign colors or authorize deviations from sign area or setback require- ments not to exceed ten percent (10%) upon a finding that the conditions for variance exist as prescribed in the Palm Desert Zoning Ordinance and as further set forth herein. 25.38-7 PERMIT REQUIREMENT The Director of Environmental Services, or his authorized representative, shall remove any temporary sign for which a sign permit has not been obtained as required by this code.. The Director of Environmental Services, or his authorized representa- tive, shall notify the owner or user of a permanent sign which has been installed without the acquiring of a sign permit, that said illegal sign shall be removed within ten (10) days. Upon receipt of this notice, the owner or user of a permanent sign that is determined to be illegal does have the right to appeal the decision or notice within ten (10) days thereafter to the City Council pursuant to the provisions of the Public Nuisance Abatement Ordinance No. 24. 25.38-8 SAFE SIGNS The City Council shall adopt by Ordinance, a set of rules and regulations to guaran- tee that all signs are safely constructed. These rules and regulations shall be made available to the public. The Building Official shall see that all signs within the City meet the safety requirements promulgated in the rules and regulations. Unsafe signs shall be abated. 25.38-9 PERMIT RECORD REQUIREMENT The Planning Division shall keep a copy and permanent record of each sign permit issued. Each such copy shall show the permit number. The permittee shall be required to exhibit the permit at all times in a place satisfactory to the Director of Environmental Services. 25.38 (5) 25.38-10 DOUBLE PERMIT FEE The applicable fee for a sign permit shall be doubled when the installation of a sign is commenced before obtaining a permit therefore. 25.38-11 PROHIBITED SIGNS Except for those signs allowed under the provisions of Section 25.38-16.13, Special Permits, the following signs are prohibited in the City: 25.38-11 .01 Rotating Moving Flashing, Changing, Reflecting, or Blinking Signs Prohibited Signs which rotate, move, flash, reflect, blink or appear to do any of the foregoing including search lights, shall be prohibited unless required by law or utilized by a proper governmental agency, with the exception of approved time and temperature displays. 25.38-11 .02 Signs on Public Property or Right-of-Way Prohibited Signs on the public property or right-of-way shall be prohibited unless otherwise authorized by this Article. Signs prohibited shall include, but not be limited to realtor, open house, garage sale signs. This prohibition shall include all portable signs including those placed on vehicles with the exception of vehicle identification signs. 25.38-11 .03 Signs Not Advertising the Use Name of Owner, Products or Services ,Available on the Premises Prohibited Any permanent sign which does not advertise, without reference to prices , a use being made on the premises, name of the owner or user, or which does not advertise a product, an interest, service or entertainment available on the premises shall be prohibited. 25.38-11 .04' Temporary or Portable Free Standing Signs Except as otherwise provided herein. 25.38-11 .05 Advertising Devices 25.38-11 .06 Advertising Displays Outside of buildings. 25.38-11 .07 Combination Signs 25.38-11 .08 Roof Signs 25.38-12 PERMITTED SIGNS - PURPOSE No signs shall be erected or maintained in any zone as established by the Zoning Ordinance except those signs specifically enumerated in this Article. The number and area of signs as outlined in this Article are intended to be maximum standards which do not necessarily ensure architectural compatibility. Therefore, in addition to the enumerated standards, consideration shall be given to a sign's relationship to the overall appearance of the subject property as well as the surrounding community. Compatible design, simplicity and sign effectiveness are to be used in establishing guidelines for sign approval . 25.38 (6) 25.38-13 SIGNS IN SINGLE FAMILY ZONES 25.38-13.01 Realty Signs During a period of time when realty is offered for sale or rent, a sign so indicating, but not exceeding three (3) square feet in area or four (4) feet in height may be located on the property. No real estate signs shall be located on a roof, project from a building face, or move in any manner. Any such signs shall be -removed upon the rental of the property upon the completion of escrow or within thirty (30) days from opening of escrow, whichever occurs first. After the effective date of this Section, no person engaged in the real estate business as a broker, salesman, or otherwise, shall use or place signs on property being offered for sale or lease unless said sign program has first received.approval from the Director of Environmental Services. Prior to requesting approval of any real estate signs, evidence of a valid City business license shall be provided. 25.38-13.02 Name Plates Each dwelling is permitted one nameplate indicating any one or more of the following: the name of the occupant, the occupation, or the street address of the residence. Said sign shall not exceed one (1 ) square foot in area and if located on a pole, no part of the sign or pole should be more than four (4) feet above ground level . 25.38-13.03 Open House Signs During the period under which real estate is offered for sale or. lease for a period not to exceed three (3) days during any seven day period and while a salesperson is physically present on the premises, a sign indicating open house shall be permitted. Said sign shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area; and if located on a pole, no part of the sign or pole shall exceed four (4) feet above ground level . 25.38 (7) 25.38-13.04 Signs for Special Events One (1 ) unlighted sign shall be permitted for special events such as garage sales, patio sales,. block parties or similar events, for a maximum of two (2) calendar days per week with not more than one (1 ) time per calendar year. Said sign shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area or four (4) feet in height. 25.38-13.05 Other Signs No other signs shall be erected or maintained in any single family zone, as established by the Zoning Ordinance, except for those signs specifically authorized by the Design Review Board process. Any such sign so authorized shall be necessary to preserve a legal right or serve an economic need and shall not be deemed likely to cause undue detriment to surrounding uses or the economic values of the. surrounding properties. Signs so authorized shall be located and erected in a manner satisfactory to the Director of Environmental Services or his authorized representative. 25.38-14 SIGNS IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES OTHER THAN SINGLE FAMILY The predominant idea in authorizing signs in the other residential zones is to strive for a one sign complex to eliminate clutter and to promote compatibility, proportion, simplicity and sign effectiveness. 25.38-14.01 Sign Area - Hotels & Apartments There shall be a basic allowable sign area of ten (10) square feet, plus one (1 ) additional square foot of sign area for each two se arate rental units to be encompassed in one sign with a maximum of fifty (50� square feet in area. A separate rental unit as used herein shall mean each room or combination of rooms for which a separate lodging charge is made. Such signs -shall include in their design layout, all accessory service signs. Accessory signs shall be prohibited unless designed in conjunction with or made an integral part of the principle sign. A criteria to be used in designing and locating these signs shall be those of proportion, simplicity, utility, and compatibility with surrounding uses and development. In addition, for hotels the wording on the signs shall be limited to the extent that the word "motel " shall not be permitted. Only the words "hotel , lodge, inn, motor inn, or chalet" shall be acceptable. 25.38-14.02 Sign Area - Condominiums There shall be a basic allowable sign area of ten (10) square feet plus one (1 ) additional square foot of sign area for every ten (10) units to be encompassed in one (1 ) sign for each main entrance. Said sign shall be displayed at the main entrance and shall only depict the name of the complex. Permanent signs within the complex shall be as approved by the Design Review Process, but no interior sign shall be larger than six (6) square feet. 25.38-14.03 Sign Area - Other Non-Residential Uses Allowed One (1 ) shadow lighted or unlighted identification sign not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area shall be permitted for an authorized non-commercial uses, separate and not in conjunction with a hotel or apartment use permitted, such as churches and the like. 25.38 (8) Authorized commercial uses shall be permitted: One (1 ) shadow lighted or unlighted identification sign not exceeding three (3) square feet in area .or four (4) feet in height. 25.38-14.04 Use of Attraction Boards for Hotels An attraction board may be included in the design and allowable sign area for a hotel or apartment house, subject to its location and design being approved as provided herein. A. The attraction board shall be designed and located so that it is made an integral part of the principle sign. B. If the principle sign is designed and located on a building or in such a manner that an attached attraction board sign would detract from the appearance of said sign, a detached attraction board sign shall be allowed, provided: (a) That the size of the detached attraction board sign shall be counted as part of the total allowable sign area. (b) That .the maximum allowed size for a detached attraction board sign shall be five (5) square feet per face. (c) The name of the hotel cannot be indicated on the detached attraction board sign. C. An appropriate combination of the following information shall be allowed on an attraction board sign: (a) "Summer Rate" (f) Air Conditioning (b) Vacancy (g) Continental Breakfast (c) Credit Cards (h) Welcoming Conventions (d) TV, Color TV (i) Any other information as approved by the (e) Pools, Therapy Pools Director of Environmental Services D. Rate Signs - In addition to the other sign usage authorized herein, actual rates or prices or rentals or other accommodations may be indicated by a single sign or attraction board not to exceed eighteen (18) inches by twenty- four (24) inches located no closer than one (1 ) foot on the inside of a window when facing public view in letters and numbers not to exceed three quarters (3/4) of an inch in height. The intent of this Section is to limit the use of hotel rate signs solely to the manner provided herein, including the restriction of rate signs that attempt to gain an unfair advantage over competition by the use of a business name which, in letters and/or figures, suggest a rate. All such signs authorized herein shall also comply, where compatible, with the provisions of Article 3, Chapter 1 , Part .3, Division 7 (Section 17560, et seq) of the California Business and Professions Code. Any such sign which fails to comply with the provisions of this Section shall con- stitute a public nuisance and may be abated as such. 25.38-14.05 Free Standing Signs Except for otherwise specified height limitations, free standin signs shall not be located on the public right-of-way and shall not exceed ten ?10) feet in height or the height of the adjacent building, whichever is less. 25.38 (9) 25.38-14.06 Double Frontage Lots All sign area allowed in Sections 25.38-14 inclusive shall be allowed on the main frontages for double frontage streets generally parallel with each other provided that the same use of property extends completely through from street to street; and the area of a sign allowed on the secondary frontage shall not exceed 25% of the main entitlement for identification purposes only. 25.38-14.07 Sale and Rental Signs Uses in Residential Zones other than Single Family Zones shall be authorized one (1 ) for sale or rent sign while the property is actually for sale or rent. These signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area or four (4) feet in height; and shall be designed and located in a manner satisfactory to the Director of Environmental Services. All such signs shall be removed upon the rental of the property or upon the completion of escrow or within thirty (30) days of opening of escrow, whichever occurs first. 25.38-15 SIGNS IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONES The predominant idea in authorizing signs in the commercial and industrial zones is to strive for one (1 ) sign per complex to eliminate clutter and to promote compati- bility, proportion, simplicity and sign effectiveness. 25.38-15.01 Sign Area - Commercial and Industrial Uses Except as otherwise provided in this Article, each separate business shall be limited to one (1 ) main sign integrated into the design of the building. Rela- tive thereto, the following sign areas shall apply: A. Buildings within one hundred (100) feet of public right-of-way - The total or aggregate area of a main sign for any business U a building located within one hundred (100) feet of the right-of-way upon which it faces shall not exceed the equivalent of one (1 ) square foot of sign area per lineal foot of frontage which the building has facing on a right-of-way or parking lot. Except as otherwise provided herein, such sign shall have a surface area no greater than fifty (50) square feet. No such signs shall be closer than ten (10) feet from any other sign permitted hereunder. Such a sign must be located adjacent .to the right-of-way or parking lot from which its maximum allowable size is determined. B. Buildings one hundred (100) feet or more from the right-of-way - The total aggregate area for a main sign for any business in a building located one hundred (100) feet or more from any right-of-way upon which it faces shall not exceed the equivalent of one and one-half (1�) square feet of sign area per lineal foot of frontage which the building has facing on a public right-of-way or parking lot. Except as provided herein, such signs shall have a surface area no greater than seventy-five (75) square feet. No such sign shall be closer than ten (10) feet from any other sign permitted here- under. Such a sign must be located adjacent to the right-of-way or parking lot from which its maximum allowable size is determined. 25.38 (10) C. Additional sign area for a single business in a buildin having over fifty 50 feet of frontage - A single business having a lineal frontage on any right-of-way in excess of fift (50) feet may be allowed, in addition to A or B above,. an additional one (1 square foot of sign area for each two (2) feet of frontage in excess of such fifty (50) feet up to one hundred (100) feet, and an additional one (1 ) square foot of sign area for each four (4) feet of frontage in excess of one hundred (100) feet. 25.38-15.02 Frontage on Two or More Streets or Parking. Lots A. Fronta e on two or more streets - A business in a building facing on more than one 1 right-of-way shall be allowed the authorized sign area on each street which it faces, provided that the areas may not be accumulated on one (1 ) right-of-way and shall not exceed the allowed area on any one (1 ) right-of-way. Location and design of such sign combinations must be approved by the Design Review Process so as to eliminate clutter and incompatibility of signs. B. Frontage on Parking Lots_ - A business having frontage only on a common usage or public parking lot or a business which has a rear frontage on a common usage or public parking lot may be allowed a single sign on said frontage, on the basis of one (1 ) square foot of sign area per lineal foot of frontage on said parking lot not to exceed fifty (50) square feet. No such signs shall be closer than ten (10) feet from any other sign permitted . hereunder. 25.38-15.03 Height A. _Wall Signs - The top of such sign shall not be higher than the eaveline of the building on which it is located as measured from the under side of the eave and in no event higher than twenty (20) feet. B. Free Standing Signs - Except as otherwise provided herein, free standing signs shall be prohibited on a single parcel of property where there is more than one business. Where authorized for a single business, a free standing sign shall not be located on the public right-of-way and shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in height. The size of the free standing sign shall not exceed the limitations of Section 25.38-15 inclusive and shall be in lieu of any wall signs. 25.38-15.04 Second Story Businesses Businesses maintained exclusively on the second floor of a two (2) story building may be allowed up to fifty percent (50%) of the sign area authorized for businesses conducted in single story buildings by the Design Review Process. 25.38-15.05 Sign for Pedestrian Traffic Where the principle sign for a business is located so that it cannot be seen by pedestrian traffic, an identification sign, in addition to that otherwise allowed in this Article, shall be permitted. Such a sign shall be no larger than three (3) square feet (three feet on each side) and it shall be designed and located so as to not distract from the appearance of the building or violate the intent of this Ordinance. 25.38 (11 ) 25.38-15.06 Public Pricing of Merchandise on Display In addition to the other sign usage authorized herein, where merchandise is physically displayed behind shop windows or otherwise in view of the public, the price of each separate item of such merchandise may be indicated in letters or numbers not exceeding three quarters (3/4) of an inch in height attached or in near proximity to the displayed item. The intent there is to allow such pricing only when it would be a usual and proper adjunct to mer- chandising the product under consideration. 25.38-15.07 Public Pricing of Merchandise Not on Display In addition to the other sign usage authorized herein, where the goods or services, rentals or sales are not on physical display to the public, the price of such goods, services, rentals or sales may be indicated by a single sign or attraction board not to exceed eighteen (18) by twenty-four (24) inches and located no closer than one (1) foot from a window when. facing public view, in letters and numbers not to exceed three quarters (3/4)_ of an inch in height. The intent there is to allow such pricing only when it would be a usual and proper adjunct to advertising the product or service under construction. 25.38-15.08 "Sale" Signs While a sale of goods or services is being conducted, a sale sign shall be allowed between one (1 ) and three (3) feet behind the glass line of the show window. Such a sign shall be in addition to, and shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the total authorized sign area but in no event more than five (5) square feet. When improperly used, sales signs constitute a public nuisance and may be abated as such. 25.38-15.09 Listing of Business Associates In addition to the other sign usage authorized herein, each separate business shall be allowed lettering on or behind windows facing the public view indicating the owners, operators or business associates exercising the use, provided that such letterings shall be enclosed within a single area and shall not exceed a total of three (3) square feet. 25.38-15.10 Use of Attraction Boards by Night Clubs and Cabarets In addition to the .permitted sign area, one attraction board to advertise night club, theater or cabaret entertainment shall be allowed provided that the location has the required off-street parking as set forth in the Palm Desert Ordinance Code. No permit shall be issued, nor shall any person erect an attraction board until its design and location are approved as provided for herein. A. The maximum allowable size for an attraction board shall be twenty-five (25) square feet if facing on a street; or fifteen (15) square feet on each side if the faces are at right angles to the street. The advertising on the attraction board shall be limited to coming and current entertainment only. Attraction boards shall not be used to advertise rates or prices of attractions. 25.38 (12) 25.38-15.11 Gasoline Service Stations Gasoline service stations shall be limited to those signs as approved by the Planning Commission as apart of their action on a conditional use permit and/or amendment thereto for the service station which shall in no event exceed the following limitations: (1 ) One double-faced free standing sign not to exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in area or not to exceed twenty (20) feet in height or the height of the building, whichever is less, and advertising only the name of the company. (2) One ten (10) square foot wall sign advertising the company name and/or operator. (3) One wall or ground sign, not exceeding eight (8) square feet in area or eight (8) feet in height for a ground sign, advertising the actual lowest price per gallon including all taxes at which regular, premium and unleaded gasoline are currently being offered. Any special conditions required for sale at such lowest price shall also be indicated. (4) One wall sign, not exceeding ten (10) square feet in area with the provision for changeable copy is ,permitted to advertise special sales and events related to nationwide and/or companywide special sales or events. , No other temporary signs shall be permitted. 25.38-15.12 Signs in District and Regional Shopping Centers In addition to the wall sign area allowed for individual businesses, shopping centers in excess of three and one-half (32) acres of land shall be allowed one (1 ) indirectly lighted identification sign on each right-of-way. Such signs _ shall not extend beyond the property line or into the right-of-way and shall be used solely to identify the shopping center, shopping area or businesses or activities conducted therein. Relative to such signs, the allowable sign area shall be based on five (5) square feet of sign per acre. These signs shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet, shall have a maximum fight of eight (8) feet, and shall- not be erected without first having proper approval as provided herein. 25.38-15.13 Sale and Rental Signs Commercial and industrial properties shall be authorized sale or rental signs on the following basis: Under 22 acres - 1 sign Over 21, acres, but less than 5 acres - 2 signs Over 5 acres - 1 sign per street frontage 25.38 (13) These signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area or four (4) feet in height and shall be designed and located in a manner satisfactory to the Director of Environmental Services. Such signs shall be removed upon completion of escrow or within thirty (30) days from the opening of escrow; whichever occurs first. 25.38-15.14 Interior Realtor Signs In lieu of any other pricing by signs authorized herein, real estate listings and other such supplemental advertising used in conjunction therewith may be indicated on not more than one sign and/or attraction board, no larger than three (3) square feet in area. Such signs shall be located no closer than one (1 ) foot or further than three (3) feet from a window facing public view. Said sign shall be located on the interior of the window. The intent of this provision is to allow only such window pricing and other such integrated advertising matter as is deemed conservatively necessary and proper to the merchandising of the properties being advertised. 25.38-15.15 Signs in RM Zones - Sign Area A mobile home park shall be allowed one (1 ) shadow lighted or unlighted identi- fication sign not exceeding the equivalent of one (1 ) square foot of sign area per ten (10) lineal feet of frontage on each right-of-way upon which the business fronts. No sign shall have a surface area of greater than thirty (30) square feet when erected at right angles to the right-of-way. (1 ) Free standing signs - Free standing signs shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height. (2) Sale and Rental Signs - Mobile home park properties shall be authorized one (1 ) sale or rental sign while the property is actually for sale or rent. These signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area or four (4) feet in height and shall be designed and located in a manner satisfactory to the Director of Environmental .Services. 25.38-16 GENERAL PROVISIONS The following general sign usage provisions and regulations shall apply for all signs. The basic intent is to protect the public and property owners against downgrading of aesthetic and property values. Therefore, any additional sign usage authorized hereunder shall be strictly construed in its application. 25.38-16.01 Each sign shall be submit to the Design Review Board process prior to its erection.. In the case of new developments, a signing program shall be sub- mitted as part of the Site Plan Review procedure. 25.38-16.02 Sign Review Criteria All signs which are regulated by this Article shall be submit to the approval of the Design Review Board Process. In approving or rejecting a particular sign permit, the reviewing body shall be submit to the following review criteria: (1 ) That the sign is necessary for the applicant's enjoyment of substantial trade and property rights; 25.38 (14) (2) That the sign is consistent with the intent and purpose of this Article and Zoning Ordinance; (3) That the sign does not constitute a detriment to public health, safety, and welfare; (4) That the size, shape, color and placement of the sign is compatible with and bears a harmonious relationship to the building it identifies; (5) That the size, shape, color and placement of the sign is compatible with and bears a harmonious relationship to the neighborhood and other signs in the area; (6) That both the location of the proposed sign and the design of its visual elements (lettering, words, figures, colors, decorative motifs, spacing and proportions) are legible under normal viewing conditions prevailing where the sign is to be installed. (7) That the location and design of the-proposed sign does not obscure from view or unduly detract from existing or adjacent signs;. (8) That the location and design of the proposed sign - its size, shape, illumination and color - are compatible with the visual characteristics of the surrounding area so as not to detract from or cause depreciation of the value of adjacent developed properties; and (9) That the location and design of a proposed sign in close proximity to any residential district does not adversely affect the value or character of the adjacent residential district. 25.38-16.03 Signs Facing Private Property Prohibited All signs authorized hereunder must be placed on the side of property facing on public or ,private right-of-way. 25.38-16.04 Required Information on Signs Each sign shall have the name of the maker, the date of the erection and the permit number.' ', Such information shall be clearly legible and on the lower right hand corner of the face of the sign in a conspicuous place. 25.38-16.05 Proper Maintenance of Signs The user, owner or leasee of a sign authorized hereunder shall maintain it in a manner satisfactory to the Director of Environmental Services or his authorized representative. All signs shall be maintained in a neat attractive condition and in adequate repair. 25.38-16.06 Color of Signs All signs regulated by this Ordinance shall contain no more than four (4) colors. Black and white shall be considered as colors. 25.38 (15) 25.38-16.07 Internal Illumination — Size Reduction If internal illumination, as opposed to exterior lighting, is authorized to illuminate any sign, one-half (112) of the otherwise authorized sign area shall be permitted. Excessive glare shall be eliminated. 25.38-16.08 Glare from Signs All illuminated signs in all zones shall be designed in such a manner as to avoid undue glare or reflection of light on private property in the surrounding area, in no event shall any sign exceed ten (10) candlepower at ten (10) feet from the face of the sign. 25.33-16.09 Location of Right Angle Signs Right angle signs on faces of building shall not extend over eighteen (18) inches beyond the face of the building where located unless supported on the marquee. No right angle sign shall extend below eight (8) feet from the sidewalk or the right-of-way. Right angle signs supported by posts or standards shall not extend beyond the property .line or into the public right-of-way. 25.38-16.10 Obstruction of Passage Signs shall not be constructed so as to obstruct any door, window, or fire escape of. any building. 25.38-16.11 Maximum Sign Area Limitation Unless otherwise authorized by this Article, regardless of the zone where located, no sign shall exceed the maximum area allowed to advertise the use being made on the premises. 25.38-16.12 Exceptions to Sign Limitations Nothing herein contained shall prevent the erection, construction or maintenance of official traffic, fire and police .signs, signals, devices and markings of the State Department of Transportation, the City Council or of other competent public authorities, or the posting of the notices required by law. 25.38-16.13 Special Permits (1 ) Nothing herein contained shall prevent the City Council from granting a temporary special permit or otherwise permitting, on such terms as it may deem proper, signs or the like advertising or pertaining to any civic, patriotic or special event of general public interest taking place within the boundaries of the City when it can be found that same will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare, interest or safety, nor injurious to adjacent property or improvements. (2) Grand opening may be approved by the Director of Environmental Services subject to appropriate conditions. 25.38-16.14 Imitation of Traffic Signal No person shall place, maintain or display upon, or in view of .any street or highway any unofficial sign, signal , or device, or any signal , sign or device which purports to be or resembles an official traffic sign or signal or which hides from view any official traffic sign or signal . Any such signal may be abated forthwith. 25.38 (16) 25.38-17 SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGNS 25.38-17.01 Trade Construction Signs One (1 ) unlit sign advertising the various construction trades shall be per- mitted on construction sites during the period that valid building permit approval exists. Such signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet per .20,000 square feet of land area with a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet in area and shall be removed before a notice of completion is issued for the building being constructed. No trade construction signs shall exceed eight (8) feet in height. 25.38-17.02 "No Trespassing" Signs A "No Trespassing" or "No Dumping" sign not exceeding three (3) square feet shall be authorized for each parcel of property in addition to other authorized signs and shall be located and designed to other authorized signs and shall be located and designed thereon in a manner satisfactory to the Director of Environmental Services or his authorized representative. 25.38-17.03 Land Subdivision Signs Signs advertising land subdivisions shall be limited to one (1 ) double-faced sign of thirty-two (32) square feet per side, placed at a right angle to the street or two (2) thirty-two (32) square foot signs facing the street. Such signs shall be at least two hundred (200) feet apart a d shall be placed upon the subdivision or on land leased by the subdivider. 16 such signs shall . be removed at the end of two (2) years or when ninety (90%) percent of the sub- division is sold, whichever occurs first. These signs shall not be illuminated. 25.38-17.04 Lease Potential Sign One (1 ) si n advertising lease potential for future development, not to exceed twelve (12� square feet in area, fifteen (15) feet from any property line, shall be permitted for a single parcel multiple unit development. However, such a sign shall not be erected until Design Review Board approval is received for the pro- posed project, and all such signs shall be removed before a notice of completion is issued for the building or upon expiration of the Design Review Board process approval . These signs shall face the street and shall not be illuminated. 25.38-17.05 Signs on Awnings, Etc. Painted, non-illuminated or indirectly lighted signs may be permitted on the borders or marquees, canopies, awnings, arcades or similar structures or attach- ments if located and erected in a manner satisfactory to the Director of Environmental Services or his authorized representative. .Such signs shall be included in the total authorized sign area. (1 ) Signs - Marquees and Canopies - Indirectly lighted or shadow lighted signs shall be permitted on the upper or lower surface of fixed marquees and similar structures, the front face of which faces the public right- of way, provided that the outer dimensions of such signs shall not exceed sixteen inches (16") in height, and provided further that each letter or image on such a sign does not exceed twelve (12) inches in height. The location and design of such signs must be approved by the Director of Environmental Services or his authorized representative. Such shall be included in the total authorized sign area. 25.38 (17) 25.38-17.06 Political Sign Regulations Applicants for political signs, as defined herein, shall comply with the following requirements: (1 ) The applicant shall post a One Hundred Dollar ($100) cash bond with the City to guarantee removal of the political signs. (2) Each sign shall not exceed five (5) square feet in area. (3) The signs shall not be located closer together than five hundred (500) feet. (4) No political signs shall be allowed in any residential zone. (5) Such signs shall not be nailed to trees, fence posts or public utility poles and shall not be located in the public right-of-way: (6) All political signs shall be removed within ten (10) days after the election date or the bond posted shall be forfeited and the City shall use whatever part of the bond money as is necessary for removal . Any amount of the bond remaining shall be refunded upon request made within ninety (90) days after the election. No political signs will be posted earlier than forty-five (45) days prior to an election. (7) The One Hundred Dollar ($100) bond requirement herein shall also apply to signs located at campaign or party headquarters. (8) No fee or permit shall be required for the right to erect political signs but the applicant, or his agent, shall file with the Director of Environmental Services, a map or sketch, or otherwise adequately locating where the signs will be erected. (9) The City,shall establish a separate account to be entitled "Political Sign Removal" for the purpose of accounting for these monies. Surplus monies from this account will be used to remove signs illegally posted without a bond. (10) No signs shall be permitted on trucks, automobiles , trailers, or any other movable vehicles except for bumper stickers or other equivalent stickers not exceeding five inches by twenty inches (5" x 20") in size. 25.38-17.07 Signs for Public and Quazi-Public _Uses Directional and public convenience signs for public and quazi-public uses may be permitted on public property. The design must conform to standard directional sign specifications promulgated by the Director of Environmental Services and approved by the Design Review Board. The total number of signs allowed shall be based on the minimum number necessary for adequate public identification as determined by the Director of Environmental Services. 25.38-18 ENFORCEMENT 25.38-18.01 Territorial Application of Ordinance The provisions of this Article shall apply to all territory within the City of Palm Desert. 25.38 (18) 25.38-18.02 Duty to Enforce Ordinance It is the duty of the Director of. Environmental Services to enforce all of the provisions of this Article. 25.38-18.03 Interference with Enforcement It is unlawful for anyone to interfere with the Director of Environmental Services in the performance of his duties. 25.38-18.04 Compliance with Ordinance: Nuisance: Abatement The Council hereby determines that the public peace, safety, morals, health, and welfare, require that all signs and advertising structures heretofore constructed or erected in violation of any Ordinance of the City of Palm Desert in effect at the time such sign was constructed or erected, be and they are hereby made subject to the provisions of this Ordinance. Such signs shall be made to conform and comply with such requirements as soon as reasonably possible after the effecting date of this Ordinance. All signs and advertising structures which are not made to so confirm and comply within a reasonable time shall be and they are hereby declared to be public nuisances and may be abated in the manner provided by Ordinance No. 24. 25.38-18.05 Removal and Amortization Period Any sign .and outdoor advertising structure or sign which is non-conforming to the requirements of this Ordinance, either by a variance previously granted or by conformance to the existing sign regulations at the time of the initial permit for said sign was issued, shall either be removed or brought up to Code requirements within the period of time prescribed herein. Such nonconform- ing signs may be abated forthwith by the following schedule: The Schedule,. based upon the remaining value of the sign, is determined on the basis of the cost of the permit at the time that the sign was installed. . 25.38-18.06 SCHEDULE I Original Permit Value of Sign Period for Removal $ 10.00 or Less Immediately $ 10.01 to $ 500.00 1 year $ 500.01 to $1 ,000.00 2 years $1 ,000.01 to $2,500.00 3 years $2,500.01 to $5,000.00 4 years OVER $5,000.00 5 years 25.38 (19) 25.38- 18.07 Ad Hoc Sign Amortization Committee Within thirty (30) days after the effective date of this Article, the City Council shall , by resolution, establish an Ad Hoc Sign Amortization Committee. Said Committee shall establish the appropriate value or amortization period for any sign which is presented by the owner of said sign. (1 ) Membership The Committee shall consist of at least seven (7) members: a. Consisting of one of each of the following: One representative from the Chamber of Commerce One representative from the Board of Realtors One Councilperson One Planning Commissioner One Design Review Board Member b. One from any of the following fields of endeavor with a maximum of two: Attorneys Accountants Construction Building and Design (2) Selection The City Council shall select the representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Realtors from a list of three provided by each group. (3) Termination The Committee shall exist for a six (6) month period after its establishment. (4) Procedure An owner of a sign who objects to'the proposed amortization period for his sign may request a reevaluation by the Sign Amortization Committee. Such a procedure shall be initiated by the filing of a request for re- evaluation with the Director of Environmental Services who shall call a meeting of the Committee to make a judgment. Upon notification by the City of the existence of a non-conforming sign and the City' s estimated amortization period established by the utilization of the Schedule, the owner of said sign may appeal said established time period to the Ad Hoc Amortization Committee. If the appeal includes a request based upon an existing lease, said appeal shall be accompanied by a notorized copy of the signed maintenance lease in effect on January 1 , 1976. (5) Criteria of Evaluation The Amortization Committee shall establish the amortization period for any sign submitted to them based upon: A. Permit value of the sign at the time of original construction. B. Special circumstances applicable to the sign such as it being an integral construction element of the building, whose removal would require a major modification of the structure; or if the nonconforming character of the sign is determined by the Board to be so minor as to create an undo hardship upon the owner. 25.38 (20) (6) Actions of the Amortization Board The Board may affirm the established amortization period or establish a new amortization period for a sign under consideration. However, no extended amortization period shall exceed an additional five (5) years. (7) Confirmation of Board Actions The City Council shall confirm or deny and refer back to the Committee for reconsideration, all findings of the Amortization Committee within fifteen (15) days after their decision. 25.38-18.08 Uncertainty of Article Provisions Whenever the criteria is uncertain as to the ambiguity of the provisions, the applicant shall be referred to the Planning Commission for determination. The Planning Commission shall then authorize the sign criteria which best fulfills the intent of this Article. 25.38-19 EXCEPTIONS PROCESS The Planning Commission may approve exceptions relating to size, number and loca- tion of signs after a Public Hearing in instances where an applicant is faced with exceptional circumstances because of type or location of business, or is trying to achieve a special design effect. The applicant must show that: A. The sign will be integrated into the architecture of the building; and B. The sign will not be detrimental to neighboring businesses or the community in general . The approval of exceptions shall be consistent with the provisions of Section 25.39-5.01 . 25.38-20 DISCONTINUANCE OF-A BUSINESS Within ninety (90) days of the discontinuance of a business in any commercial or industrial zone or before a new business occupies the building, whichever comes first, the sign owner, his agent, or the property owner shall remove all nonconforming signs and the wording advertising or relating to the discontinued business from all conforming signs. 25.38-21 NONCONFORMING SIGNS MAINTENANCE Except for normal repair or maintenance not exceeding fifty (50) percent of the value of the sign, no sign in existence upon the adoption of this Ordinance shall be modified, altered, moved or replaced, unless it is made to comply with the pro- visions of this Ordinance. 25.38-22 SEPARABILITY If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of the Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase hereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more of the sections , subsections, clauses or phrases hereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional . 25.38 (21 ) 1 25.38-23 PENALTIES Any person, firm or corporation willfully violating any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a maximum fine of not more than Five Hundred ($500) or by imprison- ment for a period not exceeding six (6) months, or both such fine and imprison- ment. 25.38 (22) " 9g6 —�c�ao A l � (7q) 67r- 2oor -- ` O�r �lr -4T -- - - eaz. V � E • �� ��,, Z a1 n 1 ��� c� e P-le a) c ° r. N C O 1 1 fi + es > Cd C) U o U N - Cd .r, A U CO a o Cd i r a x .,4 m ,1 ri 3 4-+ O Cd C 4� 4� q U 1 O U H Cd •ri ri •rI ti' •rl x 'H I A U +� U� N O co O U7 <U U C. CD T., I -P a 4- A C A U 0 sa O U � .0 -P •ri r-i W u ri ri O -P r-1 r N cd N h0 H Cd U N Cd •rl O .0i H U CJ •ri 4 -H (D c ri 4 N N 110 •ri •H r. U ri D> S•a O U •rl _q t0 I~ U O -H A i t fr N S•� �+ .rq ill •rl rl cd •O x U) u a a •o Fi H O v U 4-IH a O U 8 CJ N A Cd U £-i N Cd 0) e > + x u o Q. 9 O O U T 'H O I A U] 0 P, - S-i 0 C A .H 41 111 . EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL SETTIN61 1, A. Natural Environment The primary features of the physical environment are described in various sections throughout`the,GenerelIan. In Section 6, Environmental Elements, the various physical characteristics of the planning area's natural environment are detailed. Included is a discussion of the following: - topography - geology and soils - seismic and non-seismic geologic hazards - flooding - vegetation and wildlife Those features of the physical environment not specifically dealt Cwith by the General Plan are described in more detail below: 1 . Climate - The Coachella Valley has an arid desert climate. Water laden marine storms deposit most of their precipitation in the San Jacinto, San Gorgonio and Santa Rosa Mountains. Frequently the annual rainfall in the mountains exceeds 40 inches while on the Valley floor less than 5 inches is normal . Most rain falls as a result of infrequent and short winter storms. On rare occasions there are high intensity summer storms which can create runoff problems in the form of flash flooding. Street flooding is also common under these condi- tions. The climatic attractions of the Coachella Valley are its nor- mally clear skies and pleasant winter temperatures. The area within the Palm Desert City limits and that portion of the Sphere of Influence south of the City experiences temperatures similar to those at Palm Springs. In Palm Springs, the annual l average maximum is 88°F. and the annual average minimum is 56°F. Summer highs commonly exceed 1000F. and occasionally exceed 1200F. Winter lows are in the 40's but sometimes dip below 200F. At higher elevations , in the northern portion of the planning area, the temperatures are lower and precipitation greater. The daytime temperature difference between the 950-foot level and the 21750-foot level averages 9.8 degrees. 2. Air Quality - The air quality of the Coachella Valley has been steadily deteriorating during the past few years . The problem is two-fold : dust and oxidants. The dust problem is most acute in the lower Valley and results from human activity; e.g. , burn- ing dumps , vehicle movement on unpaved roads , sand and gravel operations , and agricultural burns. Table 1 summarizes air quality in the southeast Desert Air Basin. The high oxidant levels are believed to be the result of pollutants from the Los Angeles Basin which have been carried through the San Gorgonio Pass. Local automobile sources contribute to the problem. Findings by the Riverside County Air Pollution Control District indicate that local vehicular emissions are not of sufficient amounts to explain the existing high levels of Valley pollutants. The pollution problem is accentuated by the Valley physiography. With mountains to the north, south, and west, air commonly be- comes trapped and moves up and down the long narrow depression of the Valley. In addition, stable air masses often confine pollgtants closer to ground elevation than usual . -13- FIGURE 3 + I I � ¢ � I E. I = IN„ _ oi W I (i" C c f � C � " 0 p < •a e m p 9 N_ •eY� • W • �---�--- Prv�6 PkNi IW �•� d! �N ..�y 6� G n as i0 0. ano a 9 n o m _'e P . d• m 9A I —y �• m .• � C N r [ pt �/•a y u oq p- � t ; ��• n v QCI Qm O 'cE p $ N p P ¢ U u E x c r W d• m d r ti w F- 0Or ¢ � h -14- t FIGURE 4 / + j 0 W I ' m I 1O I c c o V z y V I !^° T o �09000 .Q ^ ry N e N Cd✓ V ' [ O© -OO® u o O= c LL� O �W f • Z < 3 + W zo�O e W O s • •� p W Z ° • N O ®� o J C7 I o O s •Sg• J z— K. � S EF y • F k5r0 Utz(( o OLL, L > -15- e. FIGURE 5 . ( � S W I J I W ? E d f � W I - e v I c v E F Q a a � S (V N N S'K o • c o .o � .o � •� N N N n O 3 T o o E 0©060 o O c u E „^ yv c _ O O /1 N O o`l, ; P aNO Jm . I _ • '�/ �a1•Ma Off. O�Z: • � 9 � s t Z - 1 mOO P I R o a W N a o O U ¢ J ��� �Q f � LL ¢R vUi • 3M 1-¢w Z O U— � � W O W —16— FIGURE 6 _.........� / a I O i L' I W N ' c I n I i _ L L• Z r , 9e Z N � 11 6 a o 2 i a Q oY J • � W Q # • � �U• O r 1 c i J � �'� O� Z [C•Q'y I � J IVJiS K J U• - Z e O O; Q�W N ® e O • •J[CQ e h'® e J J /�_ 3Q hQF � e O Z 0 16 -17- I TABLE 1 AIR MONITORING DATA SOUTHEAST DESERT AIR BASIN RIVERSIDE COUNTY PORTION - 1970 Number of Days California State Standards Maximum Average Containment State Standard Exceeded Concentration Oxidant 0. 10 ppm, I-hour 49 0.48 ppm Carbon 40 ppm, 1-hour or Monoxide 10 ppm, 12-hours 0 0 ppm Sulfur 0.5 ppm, 1 -hour or Dioxide 0.04 ppm, 24-hours 0 0 ppm Nitrogen Dioxide 0.25 ppm, 1-hour 0 0 ppm Particulate 100 g/m3, 24-hours or Matter 60 g/m3, annual geometric mean 35 471 CSource: Southeast Desert Basin Implementation Plan, 1971 . SOURCE OF VARIOUS EMISSIONS SOUTHEAST DESERT AIR BASIN (tons pe r day) Particulate Nitrogen Sulfur Carbon Hydrocarbons Matter Oxides Dioxide Monoxide Automotive 45 (38.8%) 5 (2.5%) 47 (46. 1%) 1 .9 (24.4%) 377 (84. 2%) Planes , Shrp, Rail 37 (31 .9%) 14 (6.9%) 27 (26.5%) 4.9 (62.8%) 37 (8.3%) Stationary 34 (29.3%) 184 (90.6%) 28 (27.4%) 1 .0 (12.8%) 34 (7.5%) Total 116 203 102 7.8 448 Source: SCAG, 1975 Regional Transportation Plan, p. D-43 -18- 3• Hydrology - A groundwater level of between 80 to 200 or more feet below the surface is the normal condition for the City and Valley floor. The water level in this region of the Coa- chella Valley is dropping. However, the Coachella Valley County Water District (CVCWD) is currently involved in a program to re- charge the groundwater basin. Using water from the Colorado River the CVCWD expects to raise the groundwater to its 1945 level by the year 2000. The quality of groundwater in the Valley is considered to be quite good and is used for domestic as well as agricultural pur- poses. Total dissolved solids average 175 ppm although this fig- ure varies greatly. In the southern portion of the planning area the water is rather hard , while in the northern area it is very soft. Well water is generally not used directly from individual wells , but is piped to holding tanks in the northern. portion of the City. This. creates a blending of water from various areas having a wide range of dissolved solids. The following table summarizes the water quality of the planning area. SUMMARY OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY FACTOR AVERAGE RANGE Total Dissolved Solids 175 ppm 100 - 250 ppm Hardness 110 ppm 100 - 250 ppm Fluorides 0.4 ppm, 0.2 0.8 ppm 4. Mineral Resources There are no mineral resources of economic value within the planning area. . � 45-275 PRICKLY PEAR LANE, PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260 TELEPHONE (714) 346-0611 REPORT OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION DATE June 2, 1976 APPLICANT City of Palm Desert P. 0. Box 1977 Palm Desert, California 92260 CASE NO. Sign Ordinance EIR The Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert has considered your request and taken the following action at its meeting of June 1, 1976 CONTINUED TO DENIED XX APPROVED BY PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION No. 152 PLACED ON THE AGENDA OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF FOR CONCURRENCE WITH THE PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION. PLACED ON THE AGENDA OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF FOR PUBLIC HEARING. Any appeal of the above action may be made in writing to the Director of Environmental Services , City of Palm Desert , within fifteen (15) days of the date of the decision. PAUL A. WILLIAMS , Secretary Palm Desert Planning Commission Applicant County Road Department CVCI+ID 5/27/76 City of Palm Desert STAFF REPORT To: Planning Commission Report On : Final EIR Applicant: City of Palm Desert Case No. : Sign Ordinance I . REQUEST: That the Planning Commission certify the final Environmental Impact Report on the proposed Sign Ordinance for the City, (Article 25.38 of the Municipal Code) , as complete and recommend said approval to the City Council . II . STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission approve Resolution No. 152 , recommending to the City Council that they certify as complete the final Environ- mental Impact Report for the proposed Sign Ordinance. Justification is based upon : 1. Conformance to requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and the City Resolution on the implementation of CEQA. III . BACKGROUND: While working on the preliminary outlines of the Sign Ordinance, the staff concluded that the potential economic and aesthetic impacts of the new Ordinance warranted preparation of a complete EIR. The procedure in this case is to first prepare a draft of the environ- mental impact report. This was completed by the staff of the Department of Environmental Services by April 8, 1976. This draft report is then circulated to other municipal agencies, public utilities, and interested citizen groups for their review and comment. The following agencies have reviewed copies of the draft EIR and the proposed Ordinance: 1. Riverside County Air Pollution Control District 2. Coachella Valley County Water District 3. California Department of Transportation 4. Riverside County Planning Commission 5. Riverside County Road Department 6. Palm Desert Post office 7. Coachella Valley Cable Television 8. Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce 9. Palm Desert Property Owners Association 10. Palm Springs Planning Department 11. Indio Planning Department 12. Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) 13. College of the Desert 14. Riverside County Sheriff's Office 15. Southern California Gas Company 16. Palm Desert Disposal Services , Inc. -1- Staff Report Final EIR Proposed Sign Ordinance May 27, 1976 III. BACKGROUND: (continued) 17. Riverside County Office of Fire Protection and Planning 18.. Indian Wells Planning Department 19. Rancho Mirage Planning Department 20. Southern California Edison Company 21. Desert Chapter, Southern California Service Station Association 22. John Dickson 23. General Telephone Company 24. California Parks and Recreation , History Preservation Department 25. Riverside Museum Associates 26. Palm Desert Board of Realtors 27. Palm Desert Branch Library 28. Desert Beautiful , Inc. 29. Imperial Sign Company 30. Mission Neon Sign Company 31. W. G. Rave Designs 32. Chief Sign Crafts 33. League of California Cities 34. Dave Erwin , City Attorney 35. Members of the Chamber of Commerce Ad Hoc Sign Ordinance Review Committee 36. The Desert Sun 37. The Daily News 38. Riverside Enterprise 39. KPSI 40. KREO 41. KWXY 42. KMIR 43. KGUY -2- Staff Report Final EIR Proposed Sign Ordinance May 27, 1976 III . BACKGROUND: (continued) The final EIR on the Sign Ordinance consists of: 1. the draft EIR 2. the comments on the report received by the City 3. the City's response to these comments 4. the comments received at the Public Hearing. IV. COMMENTS RECEIVED ON THE DRAFT EIR: Only three responses have been received to this date on the EIR. 1. Riverside County Air Pollution Control District - The staff received a telephone call from Mr. Warren Stovaugh, Chief Engineer, on April 29 , 1976. His verbal comment was that the project would not have any significant impact on the air quality of the region. Response: No response requested or required. 2. Riverside County Department of Fire Protection & Pla_ nniny - David J. Ortegel Fire Protection Officer - o comment on craft EIR. Only response concerned a section of the Ordinance which will be addressed in the Ordinance staff report. Response: No response requested or required. 3. California Department of Transportation Robert F. Pond, Project Studies Co-ordinator - The agency had reviewed the draft EIR and had no comments on the proposal . Response: No response requested or required. V. SUMMARY OF DRAFT EIR: Since the Sign Ordinance is actually a part of the Zoning Ordinance, the Zoning Ordinance EIR was used to provide the basic environmental data and analysis. The Sign Ordinance EIR was written as a supple- ment to the earlier Zoning Ordinance EIR. The major environmental impacts identified by the EIR on the Sign Ordinance are economic and aesthetic.. The chart on Pages 16 and 17 indicates that there are some 250-275 individuals or companies which would have to be contacted because of sign violations. A number of these would require removal of expensive roof or free-standing signs. The proposed Ordinance would also eliminate billboards , which provides revenue to property owners and to the City of Palm Desert from business license fees. The EIR points out that the loss of City revenue would amount to only $360 per year and that businesses would have up to five (5) years to amortize the costs of sign replacement. The City would receive a number of benefits if the new Ordinance was implemented. The removal of all roof signs and a substantial reduction in the number of free-standing signs would improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the community and would offer improved vistas of the sur- rounding mountain ranges. The Ordinance would permit faster removal of current non-conforming signs and will tend to reduce the size and number of internally-lit plastic cabinet signs. Several additional costs and benefits are discussed in the EIR. -3- A r � I DEPARTMENT OF FIRE PROTECTION IN COOPERATION WITH THE 1 -•� (� - d C'O LSAT S' -��.-�.'V3yr CALIFORNIA DIVISION OF FORESTRY - �_ < RIl%I'R.SIDL DAVID L. FLAKE BOX 248 COUNTY FIRE WARDEN P.O. JACINTO (` �18 WEST SAN STREET PERRIS, CALIFORNIA 92370 TELEPHONE (714) 657-3183 May 12, 1976 City of Palm Desert Department of Environmental Services P.O. Box 1977 Palm Desert, CA 92260 Reference: Proposed Sign Ordinance Gentlemen: We appreciate the opportunity to review the proposed Ordinance and E.I.R. Our only comment is directed at section 25.38-13, specifically subsection 13.02 -name plates. We feel that all buildings with emphasis on single family dwellings should have a sign indicating street address. This sign should be readily visible, during day or night, to the operator of any emergency vehicle on the street. We frequently have problems locating addresses in an emergency situation, and signs of this nature would help alleviate the problem. If we can be of any further assistance please contact us. Very truly yours, DAVID L. FLAKE County Fire Warden 4J. 0 EGEL Fire Protection Planning and Engineering Officer DJO:jl RECEIVE ® MAY 1 " 197E ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES CITY OF PALM DESERT STATE OF CALIFORNIA--BUSINESS AND TRANSPORTATION AGENCY EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT 8, P.O. BOX 231 O SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA 92403 May 21, 1976 Project Review 08-Riv-74;111-93.4/96.0; 37.8/40.7 Environmental Services City of Palm Desert 45-275 Prickly Pear Lane Palm Desert, CA 92260 Attention Mr. Paul A. Williams Dear Mr. Williams: Thank you for the opportunity to review the proposed sign Ordinance and the Draft EIR on the Sign Ordinance for the City of Palm Desert. We have no comments on this proposal. Very truly yours, J. E. PEDDY District Director By X%W� o" Robert F. Pond Pro ect Studies Coordinator (71 ) 383-4059 RECEIVE ® PA Y 2 5197- ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES CITY OF PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 152 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, SETTING FORTH ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL , THAT THE FINAL ENVIRON- MENTAL IMPACT REPORT ON THE PROPOSED SIGN ORDINANCE BE CERTIFIED AS COMPLETE. WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, did review the final Environmental Impact Report on the proposed Sign Ordinance of the City of Palm Desert, to be known as Article 25.38 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code, at a Public Hearing on June 1, 1976; add, WHEREAS, said final Environmental Impact Report has complied with the requirements of the "City of Palm Desert Environmental Quality Procedure Reso- lution Number 74-14"; and, WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did take into consideration the comments and the reports of the various reviewing agencies and private citizens. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert, California, as follows: 1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings of the Commission in this case; 2. That it does hereby recommend to the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California , the above described final Environmental Impact Report be certified as complete. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert Planning Commission held on the 1st day of June, 1976, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: BERKEY, KELLY, MILLS, VAN DE MARK, WILSON NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN : NONE S. ROY WILSON , CHAIRMAN ATTEST: PAUE A. WILLIAMS, SECRETARY -1- INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM City of Palm Desert TO: Dave Erwin, City Attorney FROM: Sam Freed, Assistant Planner SUBJECT: Sign Ordinance EIR DATE: June 29, 1977 March 11 , 1976 - published Notice of Preparation of Sign Ordinance EIR April 23, 1976 - filed Notice of Completion April 23 - June 1 - Circulated .draft EIR & draft Ordinance for comments to 43 agencies and individuals , including news media. June 1 , 1976 - Planning Commission certified EIR at public hearing by Planning Commission Resolution No. 152 July 8, 1976 - City Council considered EIR & Ordinance but continued case to July 22, 1976 July 22, 1976 - City Council certified EIR by Resolution No.' 76-89 Sam Freed, Asst. Planner As _ n PROOF OF PUBLIC.A...JN This spay_ ..;for the County Clerk's Filing Stamp (2015.5 C.C.P.) STATE OF CALIFORNIAJ ss. County of Riverside ; 1 I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the County aforesaid; I am over the age of eighteen years, and not a party to or interested in the above Proof of Publication of entitled matter. I am the principal clerk of the printer of PALM DESERT POST, a newspaper of general circu- _ Cityof Palen Desert lation, published weekly, in Palm Desert, County of _ - - ________ ------------------------------` Riverside, and which newspaper has been adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Notice of Preparation of Env— Court of the County of Riverside, State of California, ----------- under date of October 5, 1964, Case Number 83658; that the notice, of which the annexed is a printed copy, ironmental Impact Report NO. 74-14 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- has been published in each regular and entire issue of NoncE O0-PREPARATION OF.ENVIRONMENTAL said newspaper and not in any supplement thereof on IMPACT.REPORT P,ursua ntato Citv Counc I Resolution No, '34 andl the the following dates to-wit: California Environmental OualitylAct of41970ANOT.IC I SERE BVLGIVEN that Dr ff nvir mental )mpact .. A been Prepared ' to/the ollowing bed pro ECi Yop05@d pro to —3/11/76 s be P,raposed SI, ORDI .. __—.__.__ _____________________ 'A CEyfor:the Otvot,Palm Deser4Article 25.3aeof the Pal Des Mun lc litaI AnYjt er50n Sh ng TO i t,rcom ment s;i n;wr I t i ng t re pan dingpenvlronmentaItfac ____.._..____. torso our{efMcts"of ihe'Proposetl proiect��sshld�cantact ih PIannInglDivlson%staff in the Department of Environmental ervices1r45-27540ricklvik ea Lane Palm DeserT, Califor nla. PAU A. LAMS I certify (or declare) under penalty or perjury that the Dtrector.of Environmental Sere ce foregoing is true and correct. PDP-a ttT Signature 1 Date--------— --3/1 2 — ---- ----------- 1976- at Palm Desert, California PROOF OF PUBLICATION :❑■Mr ;❑■MW EME League of California Cities :❑■.. :❑■M l California Cities Work Together Sacramento, California March 9, 1976 OFFICERS President Pete Wilson Mayor,San Diego First Vice-President Helen Putnam Mayor,Petaluma Second Vice-President Mr. Sam Freed Duane Winlero Council Member,Fullerton City of Palm Desert Past President p, 0. Box 1648 Lee H.Davies Mayor,Modesto palm Desert, CA 92260 Executive Director Don Benninghoven DIRECTORS Dear Mr. Freed: Henry Alarcon Council Member,El Carlo William H.(Harry)Armstrong The Los Angeles office of the League-has requested that we respond to your Council Member, request for information on E.I.R.s prepared for new. sign ordinances. We M.end Arnoldle q p p g Director of Parks and Recreation Santa Fe Sermon are therefore forwarding for your review a draft E.I.R. prepared by the Thomas Bradley City of Los Angeles on proposed signing regulations. This, I am afraid, is Mayor,Los Angeles - - George Bul)an the extent of the materials we have on.this subject. . Council Member,Roseville Rea Clark Council Member,Watsonville Dr.Thomas J.Clerk We have taken.the liberty of contacting the California Roadside Council Mayor,Long Beach (2636 Ocean Avenue, .San Francisco, CA, 94132, telephone (415) 681-6189) , Raymond C.Davis Pokes Chief.Santa Ana to ascertain if they had any information pertaining to your request. Their Donald F.Dillon Council Member,Fremont response was negative. Robert C.Frst" Mayor,Carlsbad Louisa Giersch I hone the information enclosed will rove useful to you and we would a re- Council Member,Antioch J' P y Pp Francis L.Greiner date its return within our usual two-week loan period. If we can be of any City Clerk,San Jose Harold M.Hayes further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Mayor,Montclair Mary W.Henderson Council Member,Redwood City Willi.R.Jelavich Sincerely, Council Member,Mountain View n Jerome Kelthley YphA. City Manager,Glendale Jack D.MalteaterMayor,San Leandro James L.MartinBailey Director of Public James L Fresno Thomas J.Mellon Research Assistant Chief Administrative Officer San Francisco Date C.Mitchell Council Member,Morro Bay RAB'ft Richard G.Nagel Council Member,El Segundo Enclosures (5) Thomas M.O'Connor City Attorney,San Francisco Joel F.Perez Council Member,Orange John H.Reading Mayor,Oakland Lawrence Tastiest Fine Chief,South San Francisco Richard Weaver Planning Director,Santa Fe Springs 1108"0" STREET • SACRAMENTO 95814 HOTEL CLAREMONT • BERKELEY 94705 702 HILTON CENTER • LOS ANGELES 90017 (916)444-5790 (415)843-3083 (213) 624-4934 (LYS his- 11/Z Funk ( �� Ream �2 6LQ l 4 400 T Z i;�" 1 � - / ' ;#2 Ff2- 6 727 474 Ss �1 ©� 327— o 70 7 4 t +fin m Removal of Billboards ' by State Ruled - Legal But Regulations -Log _qllgEIC5 Must Be Adopted First, Judge Says l � BY TtY1tNA OLFYEBFTi I Ttmez San wl,ler California can remove billboards t from landscaped highway`-,but only CC PART II i � ��9 � of Billboards ��rr ff ��� jl after it adopts valid regulations for FRIDAY.MARCH 26.1976 9q tbp ® ' doing so,Superior ay O William H. Lech riled Thursday.ending a two- � I e-old controversy. j From �p.{G; ®p�q Upheld dccad - ' ,From 8 icih ���S ��tl i'V 1Rvit's ]9-page written opinion ended 14 civil suits filed in six c.,n- "and does not violate the equal formal rules or regulations have been ities and tried jointly here under a protection clause of the federal Con-' 0onlinved from First Page adopted." relatively new system of coordinat- slilullon. . :' 7neerjal and pmEit-oriented and, as yid regulations can be adopted {ng casts On line issues lhrouBhout lie move billboards as a valid held the slexercise of lauch, are not entitled to First only after public hearings where the the state. its polim power.Because of that.he jmeidmentisotection. public and the outdoor advertising Offering a ltPo victory to each said,the companies have no constlt- Smondly' he landscaped provi- a antics can make objections or Evg- side,Levi said the slate Ikpartmect lion it right to compensation for the jsions do not regulate,control or pre- e,tions The regulation., would be Of Transportation legally can remove hlllooards without federal protebtion, 'iscribe he content of any billboard ad°pied by I)OT t0 implement the . billhoards under the Outdoor Adver- which must be removed within three Imessag�" the judge said, "nor do law which f.evit upheld. tising Act but must soap its informal ears after a highway is designated •they totally prohibit billboards ad- Levit said that Leonard Barr,chief ' guidelines and adopt regulations for y,a landscaped highway. - jacent to freeways:' of outdoor advertising control for implementing the acts 23-year-old it disagreed with he sign corm Because they can put"any menage California,lust drafted formal regu-- provisions on landscaped freeways. panics who argued that the billboard they desire"on nearly 32,000 other tatters when he look he pb in 1966. removal provisions "accomplish no !billboards, he said, the companies but the regulations never were The salts involved the suite's major objective other than aesthetics icannot argue that removal of 260 adopted. (billboards costs them their freedom "The court finds,"I-evit ruled."as � outdoor advertising companies, and he constitutional go law- e- ;,If h tacitly conceded by the Sate, that ' which own 32.OW billboards.met en"�s he ut lim o nofethe law- pre- I )3•illbanrd laws by cities, counties regulations arc necessary in order to ing only 260 situated along stalled freeways and marked for ro- power to accomplish solely aesthetic I land states,Levit added,have gener- Implement,interpret and enforce the moval.About 709 miles of the states objectives." tally been Upheld by the courts for 60 lansscali provisions; that until the mova miles of highways are land- ears state adopts appropriate administra- It soaped. Levu said the law's aesthetic objeo- �in discussing the Berry-built,hap- five regulations .. . the landscaped l.evit said the companies are entitl- econ provisions requiring the removal of ed W be paid for the billboards which tiv,whichvalidale lstered use aE he police inn implementing guidelines landscaped high billboards may not be enforced." are torn dawn only d the signs are fit"et ,in promoting use the general ways law,Levu agreed with the ad- The questioned landscaped free- " covered by the federal Highway M it and ab.ic cone- denied duo companies s of law,which hthey have e s }vay provisions of the Outdoor 3. F ' Beautification Act of 1965.'Mat lacy welfare,prosperity Pvertising Act were adopted in]mat e ' controls placing of billboards within "'Tumony showed, Levlt noted, 'protected b-v the 141h Amendment to They require ulanting and main- ( a 660 feet of interstate and primary that landscaping state freeways at- Ithe U.S.Constitution. P tenance, of "ornamental vegetation" highways and forces states to mn- tracts business and industry, in. Both suite and biil.ward cum any and removal of billboards within h- form or IOse ]0/o of then federal cmases he value of residential and attorneys agreed before the Trial,ic- Three )'cars of classification of he highway money. commercial property and attracts iTit been used but t-a number fthat m"no highway as "landscaped f ' MAIL denied the advertising corn- tourists. oani�' - - - -panics' argument that 14'.h Amend- He also denied the sign tom. i _ ment guarantees of equal protection argument that removal of billboards of the law entitled them to be paid hterfered with their First Amend- for billboards not covered by the fed- ment constitutional right to freedom era]act as well. "The difteremlegslative treatment °f,In he first place"' Levit wrote, _ . .is justified as a rcasenable Bassi- 'qhe vast majority of the messages . 1, Ficatfon in order that CaliforniaId may carried on(their)billboards are corn- .. obtain the maximum f0L high- rlesse Turn to Page 0.Col.1 - way Funds available;' Levu said, d. i 45-275 PRICKLY PEAR LANE, PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260 TELEPHONE (714) 346-0611 NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Pursuant to City Council Resolution No. 74-14 and the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Draft Environmental Impact Report has been prepared with respect to the fol- lowing described project. The proposed project is to consist of: The Proposed SIGN ORDINANCE for the City of Palm Desert, Article 25.38 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code. Any person wishing to submit comments in writing regarding environ- mental factors or effects of the proposed project should contact the Planning Division Staff in the Department of Environmental Services, 45-275 Prickly Pear Lane, Palm Desert, California. Paul A. Williams Director of Environmental Services Published: Post in 3 locations. 9 EIR FORM 115 To: State of California The Resources Agency Secretary for Resources 1416 Ninth Street, Room 1311 Sacramento, California 95814 From: City of Palm Desert NOTICE OF COMPLETION Responsible Agency CITY OF PALM DESERT Division ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Project Title SIGN ORDINANCE, DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Address POST OFFICE BOX 1977 City PALM DESERT C ountyRIVERSIDE Zip 92260 Contact Person SAM FREED Area Code 714 Phone 346-0611 Ext. 52 PROJECT DESCRIPTION OF NATURE, PURPOSE, AND BENEFICIARIES: Adoption of a revised set of sign regulations for the City of Palm Desert. Restrictions will become Article 38 of Zoning Ordinance. Purpose is to control the erection and maintenance of signs and billboards within the City. Ordinance is intended for the protection and benefit of the public health, safety, and general welfare. Project Location City PALM DESERT Project Location County RIVERSIDE Time Period Provided for Review APRIL 23 1976 - MAY 24, 1976 — Address Where Copy of Draft E. I. R. is Available PALM DESERT BRANCH LIBRARY 450480 PORTOLA AVENUE _ PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260 cc: File -1- k! it E INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM City of Palm Desert TO: Sam Freed FROM: Paul A. Williams SUBJECT: E.I .R. for the Sign Ordinance DATE: March 19, 1976 As soon as you are far enough along with the E.I.R. for the Sign Ordinance please talk to me about distribution. I feel that this will require special distribution versus the normal . 45-275 PRICKLY PEAR LANE, PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260 TELEPHONE (714) 346-0611 Date: June 22, 1976 LEGAL NOTICE CITY OF PALM DESERT FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT ON PROPOSED NEW SIGN ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Palm Desert City Council to consider the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed new Sign Ordinance which will become Article 25.38 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code. SAID Public Hearing will be held on July 8, 1976, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Palm Desert City Hall , 45-275 Prickly Pear Lane, Palm Desert, California, at which time and place, all interested persons are in- vited to attend and be heard. PAUL A. WILLIAMS, DIRECTOR Department of Environmental Services Publish : Palm Desert Post - June 24, 1976 1 45-275 PRICKLY PEAR LANE, PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260 TELEPHONE (714) 346-0611 May 17, 1976 LEGAL NOTICE CITY of PALM DESERT FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT ON PROPOSED NEW SIGN ORDINANCE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Palm Desert Planning Commission to consider the final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed new advertising regulations which will become Article 25 . 38 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code. SAID public hearing will be held on June 1, 1976, at 7 : 00 p .m. in the Council Chambers in the Palm Desert City Hall , 45-275 Prickly Pear Lane , Palm Desert , California, at which time and place, all interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. PAUL A. WILLIAMS , Secretary P . D. Planning Commission Publish: P .D. Post May 20 q PROOF OF PUBLII_ +ION This sr- is for the County Clerk's Filing Stamp 0� (2015.5 C.C.P.) STATE OF CALIFORNIAl ss. County of Riverside I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the County aforesaid; I am over the age of eighteen years, and not a party to or interested in the above Proof of Publication of entitled matter. I am the principal clerk of the printer of PALM DESERT POST, a newspaper of general circu- lation, published weekly, in Palm Desert, County of f'Q-g�i--- 4- i-Ge%FrSlpo.S_eCi__NBw &�93L_—__ Riverside, and which newspaper has been adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the Superior Ordinance Court of the County of Riverside, State of California, -'" "'" --- "" ` -_"-- "— '-"""- -`-" under date of October 5, 1964, Case Number 83658; that the notice, of which the annexed is a printed copy, has been published in each regular and entire issue of -------------- - ------------ said newspaper and not in any supplement thereof on Paste clipping the following dates to-wit: of Notice SECURELY In This Space CEGAL'NOTICE S ZD/76 CITY OF.PALM DESERT / FIN IMPACT REPORNTAL .._._. ------------ .-------------- ._____._________—._.__________________ ONP DNEW ION NCE of .give . af.. li .heltlbe- Commi ( Pl�aonlhe finalEnv{r ra act .__.-------------—_______—________------------- ___—____ cipR �(EI R)_f roposetl ne dvertisl reputations hl �wi:llwb e(Article al of C e ,th�Pal t uni CI od SAID pu1 np 1 be held ][tunn e �b�tJ7:00 I certify (or declare) under penalty or perjury that the inirhe_C chambers P tY P I rY P" Palmr. CitygHall, 4 rick arjL�ane, foregoing is true and correct. / e III lfor nla, at 'h imeja lacev' elln ted Pe son re invited to d and be heard VA%W I LL•1 AM ar .131P lannin --_11—'---- m ission p ommissi Signature Date5/2-1-------------------- -- — — -- 1976--- at Palm Desert, California PROOF OF PUBLICATION off a 1 nM 45-275 PRICKLY PEAR LANE, PALM DESERT,CALIFORNIA 92260 TELEPHONE (714) 346-0611 April 23, 1976 REQUEST FOR REVIEW AND COMMENT The enclosed documents have been prepared by the City of Palm Desert and are being forwarded to you for recommenda- tions and comments. These include: A Proposed Sign Ordinance P A Draft Environmental Impact Report on The Sign Ordinance Comments on the draft EIR should be concerned with probable impacts on the natural environment (e.g. - water and air pollution) and on public resources (e.g. - demand on muni- cipal services and revenue sources) . Responses should be sent to: The Department of Environmental Services, P. 0. Box 1977, Palm Desert, California 92260, be- fore May 24, 1976. Public hearings on the draft EIR and the Sign Ordinance have been tentatively scheduled for June 1, 1976. Persons wishing to attend the hearings should contact the Department of Environmental Services for a final meeting time and date. PAUL A. WILLIAMS DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES PAWN SIGN ORDINANCE AGENCIES TO BE NOTIFIED - EIR' s M. Kenneally, Chief Engineer AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT - Riverside County 5888 Mission Blvd. Riverside , CA 92509 787-2416 Lowell 0. Weeks General Manager - Chief Engineer COACHELLA VALLEY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT P.O. Box 1058 Coachella, CA 92236 398-2651 R. E. Deffebach Director - District 8 California Dept . of Transportation P.O. Box 231 San Bernardino , CA 92403 383-4578 Keith Downs Associate Planner County of Riverside Planning Commission 46-209 Oasis Street Room 304 Indio, CA 92201 347-8511 Ext . 277 , 78 , 79 Robert Brock Office of Road Commissioner and County Surveyor 46-209 Oasis Street Room 313 Indio , CA 92201 347-8511 Ext . 267 Dan Scanny Foreman/Mails U. S . Post Office Palm Desert, CA 92260 346-3864 Joe Benes V.P. and General Manager COACHELLA VALLEY TELEVISION P.O. Box 368 Palm Desert , CA 92260 346-8157 Elmer Huling, President PALM DESERT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 908 Palm Desert, CA 92260 346-6111 PALM DESERT PROPERTY OWNER' S ASSN. 73-833 E1 Paseo Palm Desert, CA 92260 -2- John Mangione, City Planner P.O . Box 1786 Palm Springs City Hall Palm Springs , CA 92262 323-2661 , Ext . 231 Bill Northrup, Planning Director INDIO CITY HALL P .O. Drawer 1788 Indion, CA 92201 347-2351, Ext . 27 Gary Wiedle COACHELLA VALLEY ASSN. OF GOVTS , (CVAG) HMS Plaza, Suite 4 74-133 E1 Paseo Palm Desert, CA 92260 D.R. MacPherson COLLEGE OF THE DESERT 43-500 Monterey Avenue Palm Desert, CA 92260 346-8041 Captain Byrd Riverside County Sheriff' s Office P.O. Box 1617 Indio, CA 92201 R.W. Riddell Engineering Dept . SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAS CO. P.O . Box 2200 Riverside, CA 92506 327-8531, ask for Riverside Ext . 214 Jim Langdon PALM DESERT DISPOSAL SERVICES , INC . 36-711 Cathedral Canyon Drive P.O . Drawer LL Cathedral City, CA 92234 328-2585 or 328-4687 David Ortegel FIRE PROTECTION PLANNING & ENGINEERING OFFICER County Administration Bldg. 46-209 Oasis Street Indio, CA 92201 Harry Schmitz Director of Planning & Building 45-300 Club Drive Indian Wells , CA 92260 Gerald Dupree Director of Planning 69-825 Highway Ill Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 328-8871 Kermit Martin SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON CO. P.O. Box 203 Palm Desert , CA 92260 346-8660 -3- Jim Lillibridge , President Southern California Service Station Assn. Desert Chapter 68-384 Highway III Palm Springs , CA 92262 John Dickson 73-611 Highway 111 Palm Desert, CA 92260 D.M. Pinkstaff Area Construction Supervisor GENERAL TELEPHONE CO . 83-793 Avenue 47 Indio, CA 92201 347-2711 James M, Doyle, Supervisor History Preservation Dept . Parks & Recreation P.O . Box 2390 Sacramento, CA 95811 (916) 445-8006 Riverside Museum Associates 3720 Orange Street Riverside, CA 95811 Ted Smith c/o HMS Realtors 74-133 El Paseo Palm Desert , CA 92260 Lyman Martin c/o Sunshine , Meat, Fish, & Liquor Co . 73-986 Highway 111 Palm Desert, CA 92260 Al Stutz 72-845 Highway 111 Palm Desert , CA 92260 Herb Powers 45-104 Larkspur Lane Palm Desert , CA 92260 Graham Dexter c/o Welcome - Kite Co. 73-757 Highway Ill Palm Desert , CA 92260 Palm Desert Board of Realtors 73-851 Highway Ill Palm Desert, CA 92260 Palm Desert Branch Library 45-480 Portola Avenue Palm Desert , CA 92260 J -4- Desert Beautiful, Inc. Chief Sign Crafts 73-970 E1 Paseo 85-591 Grapefruit Blvd. Palm Desert, CA 92260 Coachella, CA The Desert Sun League of California Cities 74-617 Highway 111 1108 "0" Street Palm Desert, CA 92260 Sacramento , CA 95814 Attn: Ralph Bailey The Daily Enterprise 74-455 Highway 111 Palm Desert, CA 92260 Aunt A4VT'11-1 The Daily News 45-050 Larkspur Lane Palm Desert, CA 92260 Riverside Enterprise 74-455 Highway 111 Palm Desert , CA 92260 K.P. S . I . Charlie Stuchell 17 4N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs , CA 92262 K.R.E.O. Robert Mehl 82-625 Miles Avenue Indio , CA 92201 K.W.X.Y. Glenn Barnett 68-700 - 34th Avenue Palm Springs , CA 92262 K.M. I .R. John Weston 400 Tachevah Drive Palm Springs , CA 92262 K.G.U.Y. News Director Imperial Sign Co . 46-120 Calhoun Indio , CA 92201 Mission Neon Sign Co . 83-597 Peach Street Indio, CA 92201 W.G. Rave 73-026 San Nicholas Street Palm Desert, CA 92260 � d 45-275 PRICKLY PEAR LANE, PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260 TELEPHONE• (714) 346-0611 NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Pursuant to City Council Resolution No. 74-14 and the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Draft Environmental Impact Report has been prepared with respect to the fol- lowing described project. The proposed project is to consist of: The Proposed SIGN ORDINANCE for the City of Palm Desert, Article 25.38 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code. Any person wishing to submit comments in writing regarding environ- mental factors or effects of the proposed project should contact the Planning Division Staff in the Department of Environmental Services , i 45-27.5 Prickly Pear Lane, Palm Desert,. California. Paul A. Williams j Director of Environmental Services Published: r Post in 3 locations.