HomeMy WebLinkAboutDirection - Xtnsns to Allow Outdoor Displays of MerchandiseCITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: REQUEST FOR DIRECTION REGARDING EXTENSIONS TO
CONTINUE ALLOWING OUTDOOR DISPLAYS OF MERCHANDISE
SUBMITTED BY: Missy Grisa, Assistant Planner
DATE: March 11, 2010
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, that the City Council provide staff direction regarding outdoor
displays of merchandise. The practice of allowing outdoor displays of merchandise
with issuance of a Temporary Use Permit can be extended for one year, or can be
made permanent.
Executive Summary
On October 23, 2008 and April 23, 2009, the City Council addressed the downturn in the economy
and how it was affecting local merchants by temporarily permitting outdoor displays of merchandise.
Direction was given to staff to allow applicants limited outdoor displays of merchandise in all
commercial zones through issuance of a Temporary Use Permit. These permits are due to expire on
April 23, 2010, and staff is requesting Council direction to either extend the program for another
year, or to make it permanent
Background
Staff believes the decision of City Council to temporarily approve the outdoor displays of
merchandise has had a positive effect on local merchants. The ability to call attention to a storefront
with a tasteful display of merchandise draws the attention of the shopping public more than a sign
does. Since the economy has significantly slowed down, staff recommends continuing to allow the
display of outdoor merchandise in all commercial zones. Approval of this recommendation would
allow existing applicants to continue their display without issuing a new permit, as well as allow staff
the ability to approve new applications, with final approval by the Director of Community
Development.
The following conditions would continue to be required:
• Provision of professional quality display and signage, with signage limited to no more
than a total of five square feet in area, including any pedestal signs;
• Maintenance of adequate parking spaces, sidewalk area and walkways at all times;
• Maintenance of clear lines of sight to adjacent businesses, signage, and view
corridors;
• The prohibition of clothes racks, folding chairs and tables, pallets, A -frame signs,
and merchandise displayed on the ground or without attractive shelving, display
fixtures, or stands;
Staff Report
Approval to Continue to Allow Outdoor Displays of Merchandise
Page 2 of 2
March 11, 2010
• Any other conditions deemed appropriate by the Director of Community
Development in order to preserve the visual and aesthetic character of an appealing,
up market shopping experience.
Initially in 2008, when City Council first approved this temporary use, staff saw an influx of new
applications for outdoor display of merchandise. Recently, staff has not seen many of these
applications, with the last one approved in September 2009. Yet, it has provided business owners
with a tasteful alternative to create a welcoming storefront that calls attention to the shopping public
more than would a sign. Staff believes that this decision has had a positive impact on local business
merchants and recommends approval of continuing to allow outdoor displays of merchandise either
for a period of one year or on a permanent basis.
If approved on a permanent basis, staff would return with proposed revisions to the appropriate
sections of the municipal code that currently allow these displays only with a Conditional Use Permit.
After these revisions are prepared, staff would return to the Planning Commission and City Council
for final consideration of the zoning amendments.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no fiscal impact to the City associated with this approval.
Submitted by: Department Head:
Lauri Aylaian,
Director of Community Development
sy Grisa, Assistant Planner
Approval:
M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
* By nute Motion, continue the City's CITYCOUNCIL ACTION
APPROVED ✓✓''st DENTED
current program for one additional RECEIVED OTHER
year, allowing the outdoor display of
merchandise with issuance of a
Temporary Use Permit. 5-0
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Original on File with City�lerk's Office
G:\Planning\Missy Grisa\Mist\Long Term TUP- Outdoor Display\City Council 2010\Staff Report-TUP Extension Approval.doc