HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 772 ZOA 94-3 Sign Ordianance CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
TRANSMITTAL LETTER
I . TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
II . REQUEST: Consideration of approval of amendments to the
sign ordinance as recommended by the planning
commission.
III . APPLICANT: City of Palm Deser-
IV. CASE NO: ZOA 94-3 MEETING DATE c7k1>toAc--
V. DATE: January 26, 1995 GC:T a>Jyf;';fl
C'�PASSED TD 2ND READING+"k-712- a—
VI . CONTENTS : t�8,33e 13
A. Staff Recommendation
B. Discussion
C. Draft Ordinance No. 772
D. Planning Commission Minutes involving Case No. ZOA 94-3
E. Planning Commission Resolution No. 1675
F. Planning Commission Staff Report dated January 3, 1995
G. Related maps and/or exhibits
A. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Waive further reading and pass Ordinance No. 772 to second
reading.
B. DISCUSSION:
As directed by city council September 22, 1994 , staff reconvened
the sign task force. The task force met twice in November 1994
and its recommendations were forwarded to planning commission.
The proposed sign ordinance amendments were presented to the
planning commission Tuesday, January 3, 1995 . The planning
commission heard from three members of the sign task force
generally endorsing the amendments .
There was discussion on how restrictive the provisions for "open
signs" should be. Sonia Campbell argued for color control (black
on white only) and the prohibition of logos on the open sign. In
the end commission decided that since the size was only three
square feet, that the colors used and whether or not a logo was
placed on it should not be a concern.
CITY COUNCIL
ZOA 94-3
JANUARY 26, 1995
Planning commission was concerned that the special event banners
could be up for extended periods of time. Accordingly a clause
was added limiting these special event banners to no more than 30
days . Staff also reported that several existing "open signs" on
El Paseo were measured and found to be 54 inches in height. The
height limit in section 1 subsection "B" was changed from 48
inches to 54 inches .
As well, planning commission felt that the sunset clause in the
ordinance would insure that the ordinance is not stretched beyond
the acceptable level .
Planning commission unanimously adopted its Resolution No. 1675
recommending approval of the proposed amendments .
Prepared by: .� 0,-
Reviewed and Approved by: -'
SRS/tm
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JANUARY 3, 1995
and construct, they should just be required to design at this
point, but not construct. In the event if it became
necessary because of a loss of temporary spaces, then they
must construct within a 30 day period.
Action:
Moved by Commissioner Spiegel, seconded by Commissioner
Whitlock, by minute motion amending P . . ing Commission
Resolution No. 1659 and eliminating the w••' d ' . d construct"
from Department of Community Developme a � ': Condition
No. 1 . Carried 4-0 .
(Commissioner Fernandez arrived at this time. )
•
B. Case No. ZOA 94-3 - CITY OF PALM DESERT, Applicant,GBH
F
C
Request for recommendation to city /04, l0
council approval of an amendment to the
sign ordinance.
Mr. Smith explained that the city council in September asked
staff to reconvene the sign task force which was originally
constituted in 1989 . They got together 12 people from the
business community and met initially November 7 . At that
point in time, members of the task force outlined a series of
changes, revisions and proposals they would like to
accomplish that would be covered under the city' s sign
ordinance. Staff took that list of items and tried to pull
it together. Some of the matters as outlined in the report
were already permitted and they just needed to get together
and do it; other matters did require amendment to the
ordinance. That information was brought back to the task
force on November 30 . Staff presented the information in a
better from at that point and with a few exceptions, the task
force unanimously recommended the changes be processed
through the city council and planning commission. He
explained that commission' s recommendation would be forwarded
to the city council . He said the following issues were
discussed: 1) The El Paseo Business Association requested
that they be permitted to install offsite signs directing
people to El Paseo; that could be done without an amendment
to the ordinance. They did need to have them designed and
the proposed locations specified. 2 ) The matter of open
signs specifically for businesses on El Paseo, although it
would apply citywide. Several businesses had been putting
open signs out within the setback area along El Paseo and the
ordinance right now did not permit that type of sign. It was
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JANUARY 3, 1995
the feeling of the task force that these types of signs could
be acceptable if the design criteria was restrictive enough.
In the draft resolution on page 3, section 1 paragraph B was
that they would create a section permitting pedestal mounted
open signs . A maximum height of 48 inches was stipulated,
but staff felt that 54 inches would be acceptable. Staff
proposed that the 48 inch height be changed to 54 inches .
The signs would have a maximum face area of three square
feet. In measuring some of the signs along El Paseo, he said
they were in the range of 15" by 22" and one was 18" by 18" .
The three square foot limit would allow the ones that were
there, which were around 2 and 2 1/2 square feet, and three
square feet would allow slightly larger open signs .
Commissioner Spiegel asked if these could be in windows . Mr.
Smith stated that these would be out in the setback area;
most buildings along El Paseo were five feet back from the
property line and then there was a ten foot sidewalk between
the curb and the property line. The open sign would be
placed within that five foot setback area; typically it was
placed in the landscaped area right on the corner of the
sidewalk. The signs could not impede pedestrian traffic flow
and they were not to contain extraneous verbiage advertising
the business, specials or sales events . The sign had to be
removed when the business was not open. Even with that
criteria the task force discussed extensively whether there
should be color control and whether or not the business name
and/or logo should be allowed. Some people wanted just the
word "open" , others wanted the business name. Staff took the
position that considering the size of the signs, they did not
want to regulate color; if the business community wanted to
regulate color, there was an organized business association
on El Paseo that could through their bylaws procedure create
a more restrictive standard if the membership wanted it. He
did not feel the city should be enforcing the fact that
someone put in blue on white instead of black on white copy.
As well, they discussed whether logos should be permitted on
the signs . Considering the size, he felt any logo would be
very small and they should not control whether someone put a
logo on an open sign. He said that commission would receive
some discussion on these issues because staff invited the
members of the task force to be present to address the
commission. 3) The restaurant industry specifically sought
permission to identify special events and promote them and it
would be done on a group basis . When the task force met the
second time it was decided that the chamber would coordinate
this effort and that it would be a citywide effort where they
would identify various special events that they wished and
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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would design a special type of welcoming banner. In the
draft ordinance staff suggested that up to four special
events could be identified each year and then the chamber
would coordinate it--the banners would all be the same size,
color and copy.
Commissioner Spiegel asked what kinds of events this would
cover; Mr. Smith stated that the Bob Hope Classic was
mentioned and various golf and tennis matches . Commissioner
Spiegel asked if there was a time limit; Mr. Smith said that
staff was suggesting that the event signs could be up one
week prior to the event, during the time of the event, and
one week after the event. Commissioner Spiegel noted that if
the event was three months, they could be up all year round.
Mr. Smith said that he was not aware of any event that lasted
that long.
Mr. Smith stated that the Cook Street area businesses
suggested a need for directory signs at street entrances from
Cook Street, as well as directory signs in front of the
multi-tenant buildings in the industrial park. Mr. Smith
noted there was already a provision allowing for multi-tenant
identification. The provision for directory signs at the
street entrances could be accomplished similar to the model
home tour sign program in that these would be located on the
public rights-of-way, so they needed to get together to
design a sign and then through an encroachment procedure and
the architectural review commission they could accomplish
this if that was what was wanted out there, but it would have
to be done on a group basis . No amendment to the ordinance
would be necessary to accomplish that.
Mr. Smith indicated that one of the major issues with the
task force was available window signage. Currently there was
a five square foot limit. That applied to a business with
ten feet of frontage on El Paseo and also applied to Cal
Spas; Cal Spas was located about 850 feet or more from the
street and they had about 200 feet of window area, but they
were still limited under the current ordinance to five square
feet of temporary window signage. They were proposing a
major change to that limit. Most of the people that
requested the additional window signage were located in
commercial centers where businesses were substantial
distances from the street. He stated that they did propose
to separate out El Paseo from other commercial areas . Their
first thought was to leave the five square foot limit on El
Paseo. They changed that position and were now suggesting a
ten square foot limit for El Paseo. In the remainder of the
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general commercial areas along Highway 111 specifically, they
would increase the five square foot limit to a 20 square foot
limit. That would apply to businesses with up to 50 feet of
window exposure. With greater than 50 feet of linear window,
they would get up to 50 square feet of temporary window
signage. Greater than 100 feet of linear window exposure,
other than on El Paseo, would be entitled up to 75 square
feet of temporary window signage. He noted that it sounded
like a lot, but in the case of a 100 foot wide window area,
typically they were eight feet high and 800 square feet of
window glass, then they could have up to 75 square feet of
temporary window signage. He said that using Marshall 's as
an example on Town Center Way, they had weekly sales items
that came in from corporate that they hoped to be able to
advertise in the window. What they did now was hang the
signs three feet in back of the glass, which was not deemed
a sign under the ordinance. He said that put most of their
advertising devices over the shopping carts, which was okay
in the mornings, but later in the afternoon when most of the
carts were out in the store or parking lot, there were people
walking into signs in the store. He stated that they were
looking at nine percent of the window area covered with
signs . They called it temporary window signage, but in fact
it could be fairly permanent. They also tried to take into
consideration distance from the street. They created two
sub-categories where if a business was greater than 250 feet
from the street, then those businesses based on whatever
window exposure they had, they could double their normal
allotment--if they were otherwise entitled to 20 square feet
of window signage which most of the smaller tenants would
fall into that category, if the business was in a center like
Marshall ' s or Mervyn' s, they would fall into the greater than
250 feet from a public street category and would be able to
double their otherwise entitlement. He said there was a
third category where if they were greater than 600 feet from
a public street, which included the Desert Springs
Marketplace center across from the Marriott, the Price
Club/Home Base Center, and the Lucky' s center on Washington.
They were suggesting that those business in those
circumstances would be able to triple their basic allotment.
Staff was comfortable with the above formula for temporary
window signage. He said he looked at many businesses and
even with the tripling of the basic entitlement staff didn't
see any situation where 40% of the window area would be
exceeded. However, staff was proposing that this whole
amendment would have a sunset clause in it. It must be
revisited within one year and if it is felt that it is too
lenient and the city does not want to continue the program,
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
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then it would close on its own unless specifically (through
planning commission and council) extended within that one
year. He said that would be in the amendment to the
ordinance. It would just be the amendments that were being
enacted and the key one was the window signage amendment. He
also noted that he did an extensive city survey with two
members of the council and this was their way of making sure
that the changes weren' t taken too far.
Commissioner Spiegel clarified that they were looking at
three things : the open signs, the restaurant owners special
event signs, and the window signs . Mr. Smith concurred, but
noted that the special event signs while originating from the
restaurant community, would apply to everyone. Mr. Diaz
noted that they would have to have city council affirmation,
which would prevent someone from having a year long special
event.
Chairperson Jonathan opened the public testimony and asked if
anyone wished to speak in FAVOR or OPPOSITION to the
proposal .
MS . SONIA CAMPBELL, 73-910 El Paseo, stated that she was
a store owner and president of the El Paseo Business
Association. As far as the open signs were concerned,
they were in favor of the 54 inch height and the three
square foot signage, but they would like to have the
name of the business on it also, or if the name was too
large, just the word open. She said they would rather
have that then any type of logo, or a coffee shop sign
depicting a cup of coffee. They would also like to have
a clean, uniform sign on the street and as far as she
would be concerned, she would not have an open sign. As
far as their legislation was concerned, they could not
amend their bylaws; their bylaws for the association
were to promote and advertise the street, not to go
ahead and make any laws, so they depended upon the city
and code enforcement to enforce the signage.
Commissioner Spiegel asked if Ms . Campbell was suggesting
that they don't have any controls that would supersede the
city' s . Ms . Campbell replied no, they depended upon code
enforcement to be out on the street. Commissioner Spiegel
said that whatever was passed for window signage would apply
to El Paseo and they would have no way of establishing other
ground rules for the businesses on El Paseo; Ms . Campbell
concurred. Commissioner Spiegel said that if they were to
adopt an open sign that didn' t require a logo for the rest of
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JANUARY 3, 1995
the city, then El Paseo could not require that for El Paseo;
Ms . Campbell said they would like to have the open sign, just
a clean open sign for El Paseo to have a uniform street, not
for the whole city. Commissioner Spiegel asked Mr. Diaz if
El Paseo could have a separate rule from the rest of the
city. Mr. Diaz replied yes . Ms . Campbell said they would
also prefer to have the open signs in a standard color, just
black on white so that it would be a standard sign for
everyone. Commissioner Spiegel asked if Ms . Campbell was
speaking for the entire El Paseo Business Association, and
not just herself; Ms . Campbell said she was speaking for the
whole street.
Chairperson Jonathan noted that as the resolution exhibit A
was written, it did not refer to El Paseo; he asked if it was
staff ' s intent to create open signs for anywhere in the city.
Mr. Smith replied that they were looking for a citywide
standard, considering the size at three square feet, so the
maximum would be 21" by 21" . He did not see the need to
create differing standards; the size was very restrictive on
its own. Commissioner Spiegel noted that the El Paseo
merchants were asking for a specific color and way of
identifying the merchant. Mr. Smith stated that he heard
otherwise at the task force meetings--there were people who
wanted the choice of color and hoped to have the business
name on the sign. He said that whatever way the commission
wanted to go was fine with staff . Code would go out and
enforce what the city enacted.
MR. ROBERT J. LEO, Executive Director of the Palm Desert
Chamber of Commerce and a resident of Palm Desert,
stated that the task force was a study in efficiency and
effectiveness . Never had he served on a task force that
only had two meetings, that brought such diverse people
together who walked away shaking hands and agreeing with
everyone at the end of the second meeting. He felt the
ordinance with the sunset clause would give the business
people the opportunity to test the amendments to see if
they worked. Palm Desert was changing and when the
ordinance was passed, there wasn't as much growth or
development as right now. He felt that overall the
three areas identified as the open signs, special
events, and window signage would give them the chance to
see if this was the kind of signage that still maintains
an aesthetic standard that they want to maintain in Palm
Desert.
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JANUARY 3, 1995
Commissioner Spiegel asked if Mr. Leo would have any
objection to a specific time limit on special events , such as
one week. Mr. Leo replied no, but he would not limit it to
one week. He felt they were probably looking at a 30 day
span. Commissioner Spiegel felt that if there was a special
event, there should be a time limit on the event so that
advertising was not up for long periods of time. Mr. Leo
felt the suggestion was one week before, one week during, and
one week after--24 to 30 days would work. He said they would
like to have the signs down as quickly as possible also. Mr.
Smith indicated that the section had a provision where the
chamber would propose the special events to the city council ,
so if there was going to be a special event that would last
longer, that was something the council would want to look at .
Chairperson Jonathan said in the third category for the
additional window signage, as he understood it, was for
temporary signs and asked how "temporary" was being defined
for this purpose. Mr. Smith replied on-going; the ordinance
was not real specific . What code enforcement had been
enforcing was that this was a sale sign or special sign for
the window. Chairperson Jonathan asked Mr. Leo if the
committee addressed the issue of what "temporary" meant for
purposes of window signs . Mr. Leo replied no, not
specifically. Mr. Diaz said that in other cities he had been
with, they were by definition a sign painted on the window
and thereby considered a temporary sign. There was no time
limit placed on that sign and it did not require a permit .
He felt otherwise they would be controlling it by size and
reminded commission that there was the sunset clause . All
the control there was size, 25% of the window in that case .
Here there was a maximum of 40% when they were 600 feet away.
In actuality everyone else was talking about 9% . Once they
started defining signs on windows and putting time limits on
them as window signs, then they would get into problems .
Chairperson Jonathan said that he was not objecting to it,
but as a point of clarification, when they said temporary, it
was a different usage for that word. The sign that went on
the window within the size limitation could be on year round.
Mr. Diaz said that was correct and it might be able to last
longer than the outside sign that was described as permanent,
but by definition they said the sign inside the window was a
temporary sign.
Chairperson Jonathan closed the public testimony and asked
for commission comments .
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PALM DESERT PLANNING COMMISSION
JANUARY 3, 1995
Commissioner Whitlock commended Mr. Smith and the task force
for putting the proposal together so concisely. She felt the
sunset clause was ideal and whomever deserved the credit for
that she commended. Because of the sunset clause she would
be prepared to make a motion for approval .
Commissioner Spiegel agreed; he said that their objective was
to make Palm Desert as successful as possible, not to hurt
any of the merchants and with the sunset clause, if there was
a lot of abuse to any of the amendments, it would become
quite obvious within 12 months . The only thing he wanted to
add was the 30 day limit on special events . He would not
like to see them go on forever. With that addition he was in
favor.
Chairperson Jonathan added that he had some significant
reservations about some of the sizes, particularly when they
could be tripled, but the sunset provision was innovative and
he seconded Commissioner Whitlock' s commendations and that
was persuasive to him and he was willing to give it a one
year try. He asked Commissioner Whitlock if she was willing
to amend her recommendation to include the 30 day limit for
special event signage. She replied yes .
Action:
Moved by Commissioner Whitlock, seconded by Commissioner
Spiegel, approving the findings as presented by staff .
Carried 5-0 .
Moved by Commissioner Whitlock, seconded by Commissioner
Spiegel, adopting Planning Commission Resolution No. 1675,
recommending to city council approval of ZOA 94-3, subject to
the amendments . Carried 5-0 .
VIII . ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None.
IX. MISCELLANEOUS
None.
X. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE
None.
13
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1675
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO
THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF A ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT RELATING TO SIGNS .
CASE NO. ZOA 94-3
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert,
California, did on the 3rd day of January, 1995, hold a duly noticed
public hearing to consider the amendment of the zoning ordinance
section 25 . 68 relating to signs; and
WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of
the "City of Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California
Environmental Quality Act, Resolution No. 80-89, " in that the director
of community development has determined the amendment to be a class 5
categorical exemption; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all
testimony and arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to
be heard, said planning commission did find the following facts and
reasons to exist to recommend approval of the zoning ordinance text
amendment:
1 . The proposed amendment relating to signs are consistent with
the intent of the zoning ordinance and protect the community
health, safety and general welfare.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the
City of Palm Desert, 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 approval to the city council of
ZOA 94-3 as provided in the attached exhibit labeled Exhibit
"A" .
3 . That the planning commission recommends to city council that
the ordinance which implements this resolution should contain
a provision that the amendments contained therein shall be
rescinded automatically and have no effect whatsoever one
year after the effective date of the city council approval
( i .e. 30 days after second reading) unless the city council
acts to extend the ordinance.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1675
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm
Desert Planning Commission, held on this 3rd day of January, 1995, by
the following vote, to wit:
AYES: BEATY, FERNANDEZ, SPIEGEL, WHITLOCK, JONATHAN
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
SABBY JONATHAN, Chairperson
ATTEST:
RAMON A. DIAZ, Secretary
Palm Desert Planning Commission
2
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1675
EXHIBIT "A"
Section 1
That section 25 . 68 . 340 Signs for pedestrian traffic be and the
same is hereby amended as follows :
25 . 68 . 330 Sign for pedestrian traffic.
A. Where the principal 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 chapter, shall be
permitted. Such a sign shall be no larger than
three 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 chapter. (Ord. 129 ss
4 (part) , 1977 : Ord. 98 ss 1 (part) , 1975 : Exhibit
A ss 25 . 38-12 . 05)
B. Businesses in the commercial and industrial
districts may place a pedestal mounted "open" sign
with a maximum height of 54 inches and maximum
face area of 3 square feet in front of their place
of business . Said sign must be placed on private
property in a location which does not impede
pedestrian traffic flow. Said signs shall not
include extraneous verbiage advertising the
business, specials or sales events . Said signs
must be removed when the business is not open for
business .
Section 2
That section 25 . 68 . 350 Special event signs be and the same is
hereby amended as follows :
25 . 68 . 350 Special event signs .
A. With the approval of the director of
community development, a business may erect one
temporary sign, mounted on a wall facia or
freestanding, advertising special events,
promotions or sales . The director may approve up
to thirty square feet of sign area depending upon
the type of event, building design and right-of-
way frontage for a period not to exceed thirty
days per year.
3
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1675
Signs approved under this section shall be
compatible and harmonious with the color of the
building and adjacent buildings . When improperly
used, special event signs constitute a public
nuisance and may be abated. Special event signs
for periods in excess of thirty days may only be
permitted pursuant to a resolution of the city
council granting such approval which shall specify
the period during which the sign may be displayed.
(Ord. 587 ss 2 (Exhibit A ss 13) , 1989; Ord. 422
Exhibit A ss 7, 1985 : Ord. 272 (part) , 1981; Ord.
129 ss 4 (part) , 1977 : Ord. 98 ss 1 (part) , 1975 :
Exhibit A ss 25 .28-12 . 08)
B. The Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce may
designate, subject to city council affirmation, up
to four (4) special events per year which its
membership wishes to promote through the use of
special event banners . Said chamber of commerce
to design and make available to businesses in the
city for a fee a special event banner which may be
installed up to seven ( 7 ) days prior to the
designated event, during the designated special
event and for up to seven ( 7 ) days after the
conclusion of the designated special event, for a
total time period not to exceed 30 days .
Said special event banners shall not exceed
20 square feet in area. Design of said special
event banners shall be reviewed and approved by
the city prior to distribution by the chamber.
Once the design has been approved by the city,
said special event banners may be installed on
private property without further approval or
permit from the city.
Section 3
That section 25 . 68 . 340 Temporary signs within window areas be and
the same is hereby amended as follows :
A. On El Paseo between Portola Avenue and
Highway 74 temporary informational signs not to
exceed ten ( 10) square feet of the window area may
be placed on the inside of said window and shall
not require prior approval of the city.
B. In the general commercial (other than the
area described in section A above) , planned
commercial and service industrial districts
4
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1675
businesses shall be entitled to a basic twenty
(20) square feet of temporary informational window
signage which may be placed on the inside of said
windows without the prior approval of the city.
C. Businesses falling under section "B" above,
which have greater than 50 feet of linear window
exposure shall be entitled to up to 50 square feet
of temporary window signage. Businesses having
greater than 150 feet of linear window exposure
shall be entitled to up to 75 square feet of
temporary window signage.
D. Businesses falling under section "B" and "C"
above which are set back more than 250 feet from a
public right-of-way (street) may double their
otherwise entitled temporary window signage.
Businesses falling under section "B" and "C"
above which are set back more than 600 feet from a
public right-of-way (street) may triple their
otherwise entitled temporary window signage.
E. Notwithstanding the above sections A, B, C
and D, in no event may temporary window signage
exceed 40% of the window area of the business .
5
•
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
Proof ofF=t�blit:Publication of11 :�::' '1_' FINANCE D
�, EP„RP, ENT tVtifiej
:95 JAN 17 Pfl 9 39
CITY OF PALM DESERT
LEGAL NOTICE
CASE NO. ZOA 94-3
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing
will be held before the Palm Desert City Council to
consider amendments to the sign ordinance,Section
25.68 of the municipal code. STATE k_ Cf: CALIFORNIA,
SAID pu0c hearing will be held on Thursday, County of Riverside, IJanuary `26, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chamber at the Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510
am a ca.t.i.zen of the ► h.ited
Fred Waring Drive,Palm Desert,California,at which State5 and a resident of the
time and place all interested persons are aforesaid;to Countyaforesaid; l cel'ft overattend and be heard. Written comments concerning the age of eighteen,1 years,
all items covered by this public hearing notice shall be
accepted up to the date of the hearing. Information d not a partyto or interested
concerning the proposed project and/or negative i _r
p iri t.t-5 above--entitled �THatter,. I
declaration is available for review in the department
of community development/planning at the above
an the princi.pal r_:lerk: of
address between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m. Monday through Friday. If you challenge the printer of the Desert Post,
proposed actions in court, you may be limited to a newspaper.per. of general circulation,
raising only those issues you or someone else raised at
the public hearing described in this notice,or in written printed and published !�.�.:: ;1;:1.'y in the
planning City of Palm Desert, C.:c_x..wity of
correspondence delivered to the tannin commission
(or city council)at, or prior to,the public hearing.
/s/ SHEILA R. GILLIGAN,City Clerk Riverside, and which newspaper
City of Palm Desert, California has Lz.o i a iudned a. newspaper of
27403 (PUB JAN 11, 1995)
taerieral circulation by the Superior
Court of the (:_ uity of Riverside,
State of California, under the date
of October 5, t.r96.4, Case 1''1._int.:er 83658 ii
that the notice, of which the annexed
is a printed copy (set in type not--
smaller than nonpareil) , has i:e.?en
p._th1.a..shecl :in each rE..,-iular and entire
issue of said newspaper and not in any
sa._appi.errx nt thereof CA.) the fo:l.l.cs.iiricl
date. tcr-wit: 1/1.7../95
I certify (or declare)
under penalty of perjury that the
foregoing is. true and correct.
Dated at. Pa.lrn Desert,, Ca..la.for-ni.a
this: ';1
ii.driec
�-- --
•
•
.
ti `�
CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Planning Commission
DATE: January 3, 1995
CASE NO: ZOA 94-3
REQUEST: Approval of amendments to the sign ordinance .
APPLICANT: City of Palm Desert
I . BACKGROUND:
September 22 , 1994 city council in response to business community
requestsf to
cvn for adjustments sgn to the sign ordinance directed force which had been formed when the fsign
reconvene the sign
ordinance was last updated in 1989 .
The sign task force is comprised of 12 persons representing
various business interests , the architectural review commis7 , 19o4
and the chamber of commerce .
and task force
e met they hoped November could be
and outlined area
achieved. Staff reviewed
tthe
hevrrequests
s ,and
9presented a report to
the task force when it
4 .
the task
With a few exceptions, which
will
that delineated
changeslater
be ,
yprocessed
force unanimously recommended
through city council and planning commission.
II . ANALYSIS :
At the November 7 , 1994 task force meeting the following issues
were discussed:
A. El Paseo Business Association requested that it be permitted
to install off-site signs directing people to El Paseo .
Response:
This type of sign request can be accomplished without
amendment to the ordinance .
th
t
B. Several business owners
on rmitlneat Paseo smalquextedrior a'opene
ordinance be amended to P
signs .
Response: rs , in
While these signs have existed yea
located aCopenthe
ordinance currently does not permit exterior
signs . Section 1 of the draft resolution would allow
STAFF REPORT
ZOA 94-3
JANUARY 3 , 1995
pedestal-mounted "open" signs with a maximum height of 48
inches and maximum face area of three square feet.
These would be pedestrian sized signs and would only indicate
that a business is "open" . No extraneous verbiage would be
permitted ( i .e. sales, 40% off, etc. ) . These signs could not
be located in the public right-of-way. Signs could include
business name and/or logo, but the primary purpose would be
indicate that the particular business is "open" . These signs
would be removed when the business is not open.
The El Paseo business representatives, while they concurred
that these signs should be permitted, were split on whether
the signs should include the business name or logo. As well,
they could not agree on whether the colors should be limited
or should be left to the individual business .
Staff is proposing that the city establish a provision which
would allow the basic sign subject to height and size limits,
and would leave any further restrictions ( i .e. color and
whether business names or logos could be included) up to the
recognized El Paseo Business Association. The group could so
amend it bylaws and then the members would adhere to the
standards which they voted to accept.
C. Representatives of the restaurant industry asked that the
ordinance be amended to permit various business groups to
band together to promote special events .
Response:
We proposed to amend the ordinance to allow various business
interests to determine which special events they, as a group,
would like to promote as special events .
As an example, the restaurant industry group would meet and
determine that they would like to promote three special
events throughout the year which they would identify. They
would design special banners for those events . The city
would permit the banners to go up one week before the event,
and require that they be taken down one week after the event
concludes .
These banners would meet certain criteria, i .e. all the same
colors , all the same size, must be mounted on buildings and
on pr_iv4te _property. We don' t want them tied between two
palm trees .
2
STAFF REPORT
ZOA 94-3
JANUARY 3, 1995
Currently the grand opening banners are limited to 30 square
feet in size. We would suggest that these special event
banners be limited to 20 square feet--that would still allow
2 feet by 10 feet. A business would be allowed one special
event banner per street frontage. So a corner business would
be entitled to two. We would suggest that in order to
maintain consistency of quality and color that the group
would order the banners from the manufacturer rather than
each individual member of the group going to his own
supplier.
In discussing this matter with the task force, it was decided
to allow this type of special event promotion subject to it
being coordinated through the chamber of commerce.
It is expected that the chamber will identify various
"special events" . It will design banners and make them
available to businesses for a fee. The identified special
events and the design of the banners is subject to
affirmation by the city. In the draft ordinance staff
suggests that up to four (4) s ecial events could be
identified per year.
D. The representative for the Cook Street business area
suggested a need for business directory signs at street
entrances from Cook Street, as well as directory signs in
front of multi-tenant buildings in the industrial park.
Response:
The directory signs in front of individual multi-tenant
industrial buildings are permitted under the ordinance
section 25 . 68. 335 .
The business directory sign at the street entrance points
from Cook Street could be done as the model home tour program
signs . The businesses in that area should agree upon a
design for the directory sign, present it to the city and
when approved, have it/them installed. These signs will be
located on part of the public right-of-way and as such,
following approval by architectural review commission, will
require an encroachment permit from public works department.
No amendment to the ordinance is required.
E. Several,members of the task force indicated that adciitiona
window signage was needed to promote sales beyond the five
(5) square feet permitted in section 25 . 68 . 340 .
3
STAFF REPORT
ZOA 94-3
JANUARY 3 , 1995
Response:
Most of the people requesting additional window signage were
located in commercial centers where businesses are a
substantial distance back from public streets .
It was staff ' s proposal to retain the existing five square
foot limit for El Paseo between Portola and Highway 74 .
Other general commercial , planned commercial and service
industrial zoned areas would get a basic 20 square feet of
window signage.
Businesses with greater than 50 feet of linear window
exposure, other than on El Paseo, would be entitled to up to
50 square feet of temporary window signage . Greater than 100
feet of linear window exposure, other than on El Paseo, would
be entitled to up to 75 square feet of temporary window
signage.
Most business windows are 8 feet high or greater. Therefore,
a 100 foot wide window would have an area of at least 800
square feet ( 100 ' x 8 ' ) . The window sign(s ) then would
amount to 9 . 3% ( i .e . 75 square feet of sign in an 800 square
foot window area) .
In a 60 foot wide window the percentage covered by sign( s )
would be 10 . 4% ( i .e. 50 square foot sign in a 480 square foot
window) .
In a 16 foot wide window store front on Highway 111 , the 20
square feet of window sign( s ) would amount to 13 . 9% ( i .e . 20
square foot sign( s ) in 144 square feet of window) .
Now we also recognize that in certain centers ( i . e. Price
Club Center, Ralphs at Country Club and Cook, Luckys on
Washington Street, Desert Crossing, Palms to Pines and Waring
Plaza) businesses are located a substantial distance back
from the public streets . In these instances , we propose to
expand upon the basic entitlement established above .
If a business is located more than 250 feet from a public
right-of-way, its basic entitlement would be doubled. A 60
foot wide window more than 250 feet from a public right-of-
way could then have up to 100 square feet of signage, but
this Wou. d still only amount to about 21% of the window area.
A 200 foot wide window 250 feet back from a public right-of-
way could have up to 150 square feet of signage (75 square
4
STAFF REPORT
ZOA 94-3
JANUARY 3 , 1995
feet by 2 ) . This would amount to 9 . 4% of the window covered
by sign(s ) .
In the case of businesses with extreme setbacks ( i .e. Home
Base area, the Ralphs center at Country Club and Cook, both
over 600 feet from a public street) we propose to allow these
businesses to triple their basic entitlement.
Cal Spas , located between Price Club and Home Base, is
located more than 600 feet from Dinah Shore Drive and has 52
feet of frontage. Under this proposal it would be entitled
to 150 feet of window signage ( i .e. 50 square feet by 3) .
This would amount to 36% of the window area .
The Bazaar, located next to Cal Spas , has 137 feet of linear
window exposure. It would be entitled to 225 square feet of
window signage which would amount to 20 . 5% of its window area
( i . e . 225 : 1096 = 20 . 5%) .
The task force for the most part endorsed this proposal . The
El Paseo representatives differed with some people urging an
increase in the basic entitlement while others wished to
retain the existing five square foot maximum.
Considering that we are proposing to increase the basic
entitlement in most business areas from five ( 5 ) square feet
to twenty ( 20 ) square feet, then staff feels that an increase
for El Paseo businesses from 5 to 10 square feet for
temporary window signs is reasonable. Of course, if the El
Paseo Business Association wishes it could amend its bylaws
to require a more restrictive standard ( i .e . 5 square feet) .
While staff is comfortable with the above formula for
temporary window signage, we feel that a certain maximum
percentage of the window area which may be used for temporary
window signage should be prescribed. We are suggesting that
in no event may temporary window signage exceed 40% of the
window area of the business .
III . SUNSET CLAUSE:
Many in the community consider amendments to be major changes in
city policy ( i .e. open signs , special event banners and increased
size of wilidgw_s_igns ) . As a safety net we propose to include a
sunset clause in this ordinance . The ordinance will automatically
expire one ( 1 ) year after its approval by city council unless it
is extended by the city council . Assuming the ordinance is
5
STAFF REPORT
ZOA 94-3
JANUARY 3 , 1995
approved by February or March 1995 , then it would be staff ' s
intention to revisit the issue in November or December 1995 to
consider the pros and cons of these changes .
IV. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
That the planning commission recommend to city council approval of
an amendment to the sign ordinance.
V. ATTACHMENTS :
A. Draft resolution
B. Exhibits distributed to task force
C . Update report to city council
Prepared by /� y<<�.�L •
Reviewed and Approved by
SRS/tm
6
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1675
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING TO
THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL OF A ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT RELATING TO SIGNS .
CASE NO. ZOA 94-3
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Desert,
California, did on the 3rd day of January, 1995, hold a duly noticed
public hearing to consider the amendment of the zoning ordinance
section 25 . 68 relating to signs; and
WHEREAS, said application has complied with the requirements of
the "City of Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California
Environmental Quality Act, Resolution No. 80-89 , " in that the director
of community development has determined the amendment to be a class 5
categorical exemption; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all
testimony and arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to
be heard, said planning commission did find the following facts and
reasons to exist to recommend approval of the zoning ordinance text
amendment:
1 . The proposed amendment relating to signs are consistent with
the intent of the zoning ordinance and protect the community
health, safety and general welfare.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the
City of Palm Desert, 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 approval to the city council of
ZOA 94-3 as provided in the attached exhibit labeled Exhibit
"A" .
3 . That the planning commission recommends to city council that
the ordinance which implements this resolution should contain
a provision that the amendments contained therein shall be
rescinded automatically and have no effect whatsoever one
year after the effective date of the city council approval
( i .e. 30 days after second reading) unless the city council
acts to extend the ordinance.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1675
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm
Desert Planning Commission, held on this 3rd day of January, 1995 , by
the following vote, to wit:
AYES : BEATY, FERNANDEZ , SPIEGEL, WHITLOCK, JONATHAN
NOES : NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
SABBY JONATHAN, Chairperson
ATTEST:
RAMON A. DIAZ , Secretary
Palm Desert Planning Commission
2
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1675
EXHIBIT "A"
Section 1
That section 25 . 68 . 340 Signs for pedestrian traffic be and the
same is hereby amended as follows :
25 . 68 . 330 Sign for pedestrian traffic .
A. Where the principal 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 chapter, shall be
permitted. Such a sign shall be no larger than
three 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 chapter. (Ord. 129 ss
4 (part) , 1977 : Ord. 98 ss 1 (part) , 1975 : Exhibit
A ss 25 . 38-12 . 05)
B. Businesses in the commercial and industrial
districts may place a pedestal mounted "open" sign
with a maximum height of 54 inches and maximum
face area of 3 square feet in front of their place
of business . Said sign must be placed on private
property in a location which does not impede
pedestrian traffic flow. Said signs shall not
include extraneous verbiage advertising the
business, specials or sales events . Said signs
must be removed when the business is not open for
business .
Section 2
That section 25 . 68 . 350 Special event signs be and the same is
hereby amended as follows :
25 . 68 . 350 Special event signs .
A. With the approval of the director of
community development, a business may erect one
temporary sign, mounted on a wall facia or
freestanding, advertising special events,
promotions or sales . The director may approve up
to thirty square feet of sign area depending upon
the type of event, building design and right-of-
way frontage for a period not to exceed thirty
days per year.
3
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1675
Signs approved under this section shall be
compatible and harmonious with the color of the
building and adjacent buildings . When improperly
used, special event signs constitute a public
nuisance and may be abated. Special event signs
for periods in excess of thirty days may only be
permitted pursuant to a resolution of the city
council granting such approval which shall specify
the period during which the sign may be displayed.
(Ord. 587 ss 2 (Exhibit A ss 13) , 1989 ; Ord. 422
Exhibit A ss 7, 1985 : Ord. 272 (part) , 1981; Ord.
129 ss 4 (part) , 1977 : Ord. 98 ss 1 (part) , 1975 :
Exhibit A ss 25 . 28-12 . 08)
B. The Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce may
designate, subject to city council affirmation, up
to four (4 ) special events per year which its
membership wishes to promote through the use of
special event banners . Said chamber of commerce
to design and make available to businesses in the
city for a fee a special event banner which may be
installed up to seven ( 7 ) days prior to the
designated event, during the designated special
event and for up to seven ( 7) days after the
conclusion of the designated special event, for a
total time period not to exceed 30 days .
Said special event banners shall not exceed
20 square feet in area. Design of said special
event banners shall be reviewed and approved by
the city prior to distribution by the chamber.
Once the design has been approved by the city,
said special event banners may be installed on
private property without further approval or
permit from the city.
Section 3
That section 25 . 68 . 340 Temporary signs within window areas be and
the same is hereby amended as follows :
A. On El Paseo between Portola Avenue and
Highway 74 temporary informational signs not to
exceed ten ( 10) square feet of the window area may
be placed on the inside of said window and shall
not require prior approval of the city.
B. In the general commercial (other than the
area described in section A above) , planned
commercial and service industrial districts
4
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1675
businesses shall be entitled to a basic twenty
(20) square feet of temporary informational window
signage which may be placed on the inside of said
windows without the prior approval of the city.
C. Businesses falling under section "B" above,
which have greater than 50 feet of linear window
exposure shall be entitled to up to 50 square feet
of temporary window signage. Businesses having
greater than 150 feet of linear window exposure
shall be entitled to up to 75 square feet of
temporary window signage.
D. Businesses falling under section "B" and "C"
above which are set back more than 250 feet from a
public right-of-way (street) may double their
otherwise entitled temporary window signage.
Businesses falling under section "B" and "C"
above which are set back more than 600 feet from a
public right-of-way (street) may triple their
otherwise entitled temporary window signage.
E . Notwithstanding the above sections A, B, C
and D, in no event may temporary window signage
exceed 40% of the window area of the business .
5
CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: SIGN TASK FORCE MEMBERS
SMITH,STEVE S , ASSOCIATE PLANNER
DATE: NOVEMBER 21, 1994
SUBJECT: SUGGESTED CODE CHANGES FROM FIRST TASK FORCE
MEETING OF NOVEMBER 7 , 1994
Date of Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 30, 1994
8 : 30 a.m. - Community Services
Conference Room
The following items were discussed at the meeting and our responses
follow:
i) Sonya Campbell indicated that El Paseo needed off-site sign(s)
directing people to El Paseo.
Response: El Paseo Business Improvement District should have
sign( s ) designed and select desired locations for
installation. Plans would then
n works
go to Architectural
departmentReview
ew
Commission for review, public
encroachment permit (assuming it is to be located on public
property) and finally to city council . An amendment to the
ordinance is not required to accomplish this request.
ii) Several business owners on El Paseo requested that the
ordinance be amended to permit neat, small exterior "open"
signs .
Response: Mr. Diaz indicated that he would work on this
matter immediately to permit these signs ahead of the actual
code amendment. He will report on same at the next meeting.
As wel3,--we will include an amendment to actually permit
"open" signs . The criteria we would request would be to allow
pedestal mounted "open" signs with
a maximum height of 42
inches and maximum area of 3 square
SIGN TASK FORCE MEMBERS
NOVEMBER 21 , 1994
These would be pedestrian sized signs and would only indicate
that a business is "open" . No extraneous verbiage would be
permitted ( i .e. Sales , 40% Off, Etc. ) . These signs could not
be located in the public right of way. Signs could include
business name and/or logo, but the primary purpose would be to
indicate that the particular business is "open" . These signs
would be removed when the business is not open.
iii ) Linda Kirkendale requested that the restaurant industry be
permitted to decide as a group to promote certain special
events through the use of banners .
Response: We propose to amend the ordinance to allow various
business interests to determine which special events they, as
a group, would like to promote as special events .
As an example, the restaurant industry group would meet and
determine that they would like to promote 3 special events
throughout the year which they would identify. They would
design special banners for those events . The city would
permit the banners to go up one week before the event, and
require that they be taken down one week after the event
concludes .
These banners would meet certain criteria, i .e . all the same
colors , all the same size, must be mounted on buildings and on
private property. We don' t want them tied between two palm
trees .
Currently the grand opening banners are limited to 30 square
feet in size. We would suggest the these special event
banners be limited to 20 square feet - that would still allow
2 feet by 10 feet. A business would be allowed one special
event banner per street frontage . So a corner business would
be entitled to two . We would suggest that in order to
maintain consistency of quality and color that the group would
order the banners from the manufacturer rather than each
individual member of the group going to his own supplier.
iv) Buff Benson representing the Cook Street business area
suggested a need for business directory signs at street
entrances from Cook Street as well as directory signs in front
of multi-tenant buildings in the industrial park.
2
SIGN TASK FORCE MEMBERS
NOVEMBER 21 , 1994
Response : The directory signs i underront of d thedual multi-
ordinance .
tenant industrial buildings is permitted
The business directory sign at the street entrance points from
Cook Street could be done as the model home tour program
signs . The businesses in that area should agree upon a design
for the directory sign, present it to the city and when
approved have it/them installed.
v) Several members of the group indicated that additional window
signage was needed to promote sales .
Response: Most of the people requesting additional window
signage were located in commercial centers where businesses
are a substantial distance back from public streets .
It is our proposal to retain the existing 5 square foot limit
for El Paseo between Portola and Highway 74 . 1
Other general commercial and planned commercial oned areas
would get a basic 20 square feet of window signage .
Businesses with greater than 50 feet of linear window
exposure, other than on El Paseo, would be entitled to up to
50 square feet of temporary window signage. Greater than 100
feet of linear window exposure, other than on El Paseo, would
be entitled to up to 75 square feet of temporary window
signage .
Most business windows are 8 feet high or greater. Therefore
a 100 foot wide window would have an area of at least 800
square feet ( 100 ' x 8 ' ) . The window sign(s) then would amount
to 9 . 3% ( i .e . 75 square feet of sign in an 800 square foot
window area.
In a 60 foot wide window the percentage covered by signs ( s )
would be 10 . 4% ( i .e . 50 square foot sign in 480 square foot
window) .
In a 16 ' wide window store front on Highway 111, the 20 square
feet of window signs (s ) would amount to 13 . 9% ( i .e. 20 square
foot sign(s) in 144 square feet of window) .
Now, we . also recognize that in certain centers (i .e. Price
Club Center, Ralphs at Country Club and Cook, Luckys on
Washington Street, Desert Crossing, Palms to Pines and Waring
Plaza businesses are located a substantial distance back from
3
SIGN TASK FORCE MEMBERS
NOVEMBER 21 , 1994
the public streets . In these instances, we propose to expand
upon the basic entitlement established above.
If a business is located more than 250 feet from a public
right-of-way its basic entitlement would be doubled. A 60 '
wide window more than 250 feet from a public right-of-way
could then have up to 100 square feet of signage, but this
would still only amount to about 21% of the window area.
A 200 ' wide window 250 feet back from a public right-of-way
could have up to 150 square feet of signage (75 square feet X
2 ) . This would amount to 9 . 4% of the window covered by
sign( s ) .
In the case of businesses with extreme setbacks ( i .e. Home
Base area, the Ralphs center at Country Club and Cook, both
over 600 feet from a public street, we propose to allow these
businesses to triple their basic entitlement.
Cal Spas , located between Price Club and Home Base, is located
more than 600 feet from Dinah Shore Drive and has 52 feet of
frontage . Under this proposal it would be entitled to 150
feet of window signage ( i .e. 50 square feet X 3) . This would
amount to 36% of the window area.
The Bazarre, located next to Cal Spas, has 137 feet of linear
window exposure. It would be entitled to 225 square feet of
window signage which would amount to 20 . 5% of its window area
( i . e . 225 : 1096 = 20 . 5% ) .
While we feel comfortable with the formula outlined above, it
may be that in order to assure that some unexpected situation
doesn' t pop up that we want to establish a maximum percentage
of the window area that can be covered with temporary window
signs . The Task Force can discuss this issue and see if it
wishes to establish such a maximum, and if so, what the limit
should be.
STEVE SMITH
ASSOCIATE PLANNER
SS/db
4
CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Crites and City Council
FROM: Ramon A. Diaz, Assistant City Manager/Director of
Community Development and Planning
DATE : December 8 , 1994
SUBJECT: Sign Task Force Report
Please be advised that the sign task force was convened pursuant to
the direction of the city council at its September 22 , 1994
meeting. The task force met on November 7 , 1994 with 12
representatives of various businesses representing a broad
geographic area of the city.
Issues brought up at the November 7 , 1994 meeting included:
1) Open signs
2 ) The need for additional window signs
3) Directional signs for the industrial area
4 ) Directory signs for the industrial area
5 ) Restaurant owners wished the ability to promote certain
special events through use of banners
November 14 , 1994 Mayor Crites, Councilmember Benson, Jim Engle Jr.
of Imperial Sign Company and Steve Smith of the planning staff
conducted an extensive tour of the city reviewing signs and other
issues .
Following the November 14 , 1994 tour, and based on comments
received from the task force members, staff prepared proposed
amendments which were then presented to the sign task force on
November 30 , 1994 . Due to the required lead time to have this
appear on your agenda, this report was prepared prior to
November 30 , 1994 meeting. We will report on the outcome of the
task force meeting orally at the December 8 , 1994 meeting.
It is our intention, if the proposed amendments are deemed
satisfactory to the task force, to set the matter for hearing by
planning commission early in January 1995 . When the planning
commission is satisfied, it will recommend the amendments to the
city council which should be set for hearing in February or March
1995 .
RAMON A. DIAZ
ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/DIRECTOR
OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
ORDINANCE Ili 637
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COiJNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AN
AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT
RELATING TO AWNINGS AND SIGNS SECTION 25.68.
CASE NO. : ZOA 89-1
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, did
on the 28th day of September, 1989, hold a duly noticed public hearing to
consider an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance Section 25.68 relating to
signs and awnings; and
WHEREAS, said application has complied with requirements to the "City
of Palm Desert Procedures to Implement the California Environmental Quality
Act, Resolution No. 80-89", in that the director of community development
has determined the amendment to be a class 5 categorical exemption; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all
testimony arguments, if any, of all interested persons desiring to be heard,
said city council did find the following facts to justify its action as
described below:
1. That the Zoning Ordinance Amendment is consistent with the
objectives of the zoning ordinance.
2. That the Zoning Ordinance Amendment is consistent with the adopted
General Plan and affected Specific Plans.
3. That the Zoning Ordinance Amerdnent would better serve the public
health, safety, and general welfare than the current regulations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the
consideration of the council in this case.
2. That it does hereby approve a Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment 89-
1, provided in the attached exhibit, labeled Exhibit "A" to amend
Municipal Code Section 25.68.
3. These amendments are limited in their effect to regulating the
construction of new on-premises advertising displays. A new on-
premises advertising display means, for purposes of this section,
a display whose structure or housing has not been affixed to its
intended premises. Construction means, for purposes of this
section, the manufacturing or creation of a new on-premises
advertising display.
}
ORDINANCE NO. : 637 i
4. That notwithstanding the above noted section limiting the effect
of these amendments, any illegally installed signs may be abated
pursuant to section 25.68.
5. The City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, California, is hereby
directed to publish this ordinance in the Palm Desert Post, a
newspaper of general circulation, published and circulated in the
City of Palm Desert, California, and shall be in full force and
effective thirty (30) days after its adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm Desert
City Council, held on this llth day of April, 1991, by the following vote,
to wit:
AYES: BENSON, CRITES, SNYDER
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: KELLY
ABSTAIN: WILSON
WALTER H. SNYDER, Mayor
ATTEST:
r
"A--'{-`3,---
'-SHEILA R ILLI , Ci Clerk
City of a Desert, California
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OM1DA ICE NO. : 637
FIIBIT "A"
Section 8 of Ordinance 587 shall read as follows:
SECTION 8: That Section 25.68.310 Freestanding signs be and the same
is hereby amended to read as follows:
A. A building, commercial complex, shopping center or other
commercial or industrial developments housing more than one
(1) tenant and having frontage on a public street shall be
entitled to one freestanding sign on each street frontage to
identify the building, commercial/industrial complex, or
shopping center. The area of such sign(s) to be determined
as follows:
1. Freestanding signs for buildings, commercial complexes,
shopping centers and other commercial/industrial
developments located on less than five acres of property
shall not exceed one-half the total allowable signage of
the front of the building and shall be subtracted
therefrom and in no event exceed fifty (50) square feet.
Maximum height of these signs shall be six (6) feet
unless topographic or other physical features exist
necessitating a higher sign but in no event shall total
sign structure height exceed then (10) feet from the
2. Freestanding signs for buildings, commercial complexes,
shopping centers and other commercial/industrial
developments housing more than one tenant located on
five acres of land or more shall be allowed one
identification sign on each right-of-way with an
allowable sign area based on a ratio of ten square feet
per acre to a maximum of 100 square feet. Maximum
height of these signs shall be six feet unless
topographic or other physical features exist
necessitating a higher sign but in no event shall the
total sign structure height exceed ten feet from the
gra d.
B. Individual businesses located on their own individual
property, having frontage on a public street and individual
(unshared) access from said public street shall be entitled
to a freestanding sign subject to the area and height limits
delineated in part 1 and 2 of subsection "A" above, as may be
applicable based on the area of the site.
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ORDINANCE NO. : 637 -
C. When apc=-oving any freestanding .:1 the architectural review
carmissi_n shall affirmatively :..;xe the finding that said
approval shall visually enhance the aesthetic quality of the
property on which the sign is to be located.
D. All freestanding signs shall be placed within a permanently
landscaped area of not less than twenty-four square feet, and
be architecturally compatible with the building or complex
and not encroach in the
public right-of-way.
E. Notwithstanding the limit of one sign on each right-of-way
when a shopping center or industrial
has street eet frontage
9
on any one street in excess of 1600 feet then an additional
sign shall be permitted subject to the signs being separated
by a minimum distance of 400 feet.
In the case of centers in the regional commercial zone having
over 7000, 000 square feet of gross leasable retail floor
area, said center identification signs may contain the name
of tenants and/or activities concbicted within the center
which operate during evening hours.
Section 9 of Ordinance 587 shall read as follows:
CTION 9: That Section 25.68.390 be and the same is hereby rescinded.
Section 11 of Ordinance 587 shall read as follows:
SECTION 11: That Section 25.68.490 be and the same is hereby amended
to read as follows:
25.68.490 Glare from Signs:
The following sentence shall be added as a eond sentence:
"Internally illuminated signs shall be limit,d to a maximum
four hundred thirty (430) milliamps ballast and lams".
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ORDINANCE NO. 631
AN ORDINANL,r, OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE C'TY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT RELATING TO SIGNS.
CASE NO. ZOA 90-3
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California,
did on the 13th day of December, 1990, hold a duly noticed public
hearing to consider amendment of zoning ordinance amendment to Section
25. 68 relating to signs; and
WHEREAS, said amendment has complied with the requirements of the
"City of Palm Desert Procedure for Implementation of the California
Environmental Quality Act, Resolution No. 80-89, " in that the director
of community development has determined the amendment to be a class 5
categorical exemption; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all
testimony and arguments, if any, of all persons desiring to be heard,
said city council did find the following facts and reasons to exist to
approve a zoning ordinance text amendment:
1 . The proposed amendment relating to signs is consistent with
the intent of the zoning ordinance and protects the community
health, safety and general welfare.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of
Palm Desert, California, as follows:
1 . That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute
the findings of the council in this case.
2. That it does hereby approve ZOA 90-3 as provided in the
attached exhibit labeled Exhibit "A" .
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Palm
Desert City Council, held on this 10th day of January, 1991, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES: BENSON, CRITES, KELLY, SNYDER
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: WILSON
ABSTAIN: NONE
^fit'
WALTER H. SNYDER, yor
ATTEST:
c/,Q•
.l ' ('/ /f L)— '
SHEILA R. O-ILLIGAN, C ty Clerk
City of Palm Desert, ,talifornia
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ORDINANCE NO. 631
EXHIBIT "A"
Section 1 : That Section 25 . 68 . 090 of the Palm Desert Municipal
Code be amended to add subsections I and J, which will read as follows:
"I . Business and identifications signs that mention more than
two ( 2 ) goods or services sold on the premises .
J. Business and identification signs that employ slogans,
sayings, or mottos. "
Section 2 : That Section 25. 68 . 440 of the Palm Desert Municipal
Code be amended to add subsection K, which will read as follows :
"K. That the quantity of information displayed in a proposed
sign does not cause visual clutter. "
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