HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 4.A 05/19/2014 Rec'd After Agenda Distribution4.A - Document Recv'd After Agenda Distribution
May 12, 2014
101 Ellis Street 46
Petaluma, CA 94952-3366 RECEMED
To: Petaluma Planning Division
11 English Street Uf 19 2014
Petaluma, CA 94952
Subject: City council hearing on Text changes to the City of Petaluma
Implementing Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 20 (Signs and Structures)
Dear planners,
I am sending this letter as I may not be able to attend the upcoming hearing (on Monday
May 19 at 7:00 pm) concerning the proposed modifications to the Zoning Ordinance
noted above. I have been a homeowner in Petaluma since December 2012 and have seen
the small changes in appearance and quality of life in that short period of time. I am
against allowing more signage, and/or relaxing the existing zoning rules, for the new and
existing businesses that have cropped up, most noticeably, along the Highway 101
corridor. This is for multiple reasons as follows:
1. Excessive signage is an eye sore and cheapens our once -rural town. Yes, I
know this will be called "progress' and moving into the 21" century yet
many rural towns retain their rustic "look" and keep simple, non -neon,
old-fashioned signage. The businesses will not go out of business nor will
they suffer without mega -signs that are lit every night.
2. Light pollution. The new businesses along Highway 101 are already
within obvious view and in this day of cable TV, newspaper flyers,
internet, smart phones, and "junk mailers, we do not need to know any
more that a certain business is here. It is too much.
3. Signage like at the Petaluma Outlet stores is reasonable and should be
allowed to face the freeway. More blatant signage like allowed for car
dealers or fast food establishments should not be allowed.
Petaluma Planning Dept. letter
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12 May 2014
4. With the new shopping center on East Washington (Sprouts; Target;
Dick's Sporting Goods; etc.) and now Friedman's on North McDowell,
the new buildings have crept way too close to Hwy. 101_ I moved in 2012
from the East Bay and I am now seeing the same nsodus operandi of stores
and signage that extends nearly continuously from Fremont to Hercules.
In Sonoma County I expected a slightly more rural look and higher quality
of life. Petaluma still has numerous ranch and dairy -related businesses
and I hope we respect our history.
I appreciate the chance to express my opinions and hope that this matter is resolved in a
democratic way, i.e. by the taxpayers and not the big businesses and lobbyists. Yes, the
corporations pay taxes too yet the homeowners have to live in Petaluma.
Sincerely,
David E. Demko
Cell: (510) 821-0194
Work: (415) 464-5151
e-mail: wavesterl2@yahoo.com
Petaluma Planning Dept. letter
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12 May 2014