HomeMy WebLinkAboutCh 25.68 Signs Sec 25.68.050M - Suspend for 1yrCITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Approval to suspend Chapter 25.68 Signs, Section 25.68.050 M
Prohibited Signs, for a period of one year (January 9, 2014 through
January 9, 2015) to allow the display of temporary off -site signage for
retail businesses in certain situations.
SUBMITTED BY: Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner
DATE: January 9, 2014
CONTENTS: Photos of off -site signage for Karen's Cafe, CJ's Diner, and Venezia
Recommendation
By Minute Motion: Approve staff's recommendation to suspend for a period of
one year (January 9, 2014, through January 9, 2015) Chapter 25.68 Signs,
Section 25.68.050 M existing off -site signage prohibition, allowing retail
businesses that do not have building frontage on a primary street temporary off -
site directional signage not located within the public right-of-way, as requested by
several small business owners.
Discussion
The current Sign Ordinance prohibits any off -site signage under Section 25.68.050 M of the
Palm Desert Municipal Code. Over the last three years, the Code Enforcement Division has
cited multiple business owners for advertising with off -site signage. In the early part in 2010, due
to the continuing economic downturn, local merchants expressed concern regarding visibility
from a primary street, and the need for off -site signage. The smaller retail and restaurant
businesses that are having the greatest difficulty are not located on a primary street and are
located behind other buildings. The business owners have been placing off -site signage at other
locations trying to lure customer traffic.
On June 24, 2010, the City Council suspended enforcement of Section 25.68.050 M for a period
of 60 days to allow retail businesses temporary off -site signage. Off -site signage was prohibited
for real estate companies, commercial brokers, or other advertising purposes, and prohibited
within the public right-of-way.
On August 26, 2010, the City Council continued the suspension of enforcement of Section
25.68.050 M for an additional 180 days allowing the temporary off -site signage for retail
businesses.
Temporary Off -site signage
January 9, 2014
Page 2 of 2
During the trial periods, staff found no adverse visual or aesthetic impacts on the community.
Field studies showed that all businesses that participated located their signs in an approved
location. It was also found that the trial period program assisted businesses and had a positive
impact on the community.
Over the past three months, the Code Enforcement Division has cited several businesses for
off -site signage. Three of the business owners, one of whom spoke at the December 12, 2013,
City Council meeting, have expressed concerns that the economy has still not recovered and
their businesses are suffering. Each owner stated that during the trial signage programs, their
businesses excelled, because customers were able to find their locations.
On September 26, 2013, the City Council approved a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to modify
Section 25.56.080. G. allowing businesses in commercial and industrial districts to place a
pedestrian -oriented A -frame or pedestal mounted "open" sign in front of a business. This
amendment helps pedestrian traffic oriented businesses greatly by placing an "open" sign in
front of their business. This amendment does not address the businesses that do not have
frontage on a primary street, and that are located behind other buildings.
Staff is proposing to again suspend Section 25.68.050 M for a period of one-year allowing retail
businesses that do not front on a primary street temporary off -site signage. The temporary off -
site signs would resemble real estate signs. Temporary off -site signage would not be allowed for
real estate companies, commercial brokers, or other advertising purposes. All off -site signage
will be prohibited within the public right-of-way. At any time the Director of Community
Development can revoke the temporary off -site signage program if the signs are found to be a
nuisance or a danger to public health and safety.
Staff believes the decision to temporarily allow off -site signage for a period of one year would
have a positive, short-term effect on local merchants. Whether the effect is sufficient to keep
struggling businesses viable is uncertain.
Submitted By:
Kevin Swartz, ssistant Planner
Department Head:
t auri Aylaian, Di ec r of Community Development
'o n M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
CITY COUNCIL CTION
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Original on File with Ci%C.'lerk's Office
G:\Planning\Kevin Swartz \ Word \Miac ltems\Final temporary off -site ,s gnage Jan 9th.doc