HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Resolution 2018-11 03/27/2018RESOLUTION 2018-11
CITY OF PETALUMA PLANNING COMMISSION
APPROVING SITE PLAN AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
FOR SIGN PROGRAM REVISIONS FOR THE WASHINGTON SQUARE SHOPPING CENTER LOCATED AT
373 S. MCDOWELL BOULEVARD (APN: 007-280-055)
FILE NO. PLSR-18-0003
WHEREAS, Site Plan and Architectural Review for revisions to the Sign Program for the Washington
Square shopping centerwas approved by the Planning Commission on May 14, 2003 (File #203 -SPC -0128);
and
WHEREAS, the Fulcrum Property Corporation, on behalf of property owner Washington Square
Associates LLC, submitted an application for Site Plan and Architectural Review for a modified Sign
Program for the Washington Square shopping center to allow for increased letter height (the "Project");
and
WHEREAS, the proposed Sign Program revisions incorporates previously approved Conditions of
Approval through Planning Commission for the existing, approved Sign Program; and
WHEREAS, public notice was published in the Petaluma Argus -Courier and mailed to all residents
and occupants within 500 feet of the Project site in compliance with state and local law; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to consider Site Plan and
Architectural Review for the modified Sign Program on March 27, 2018, at which time all interested parties
had the opportunity to be heard; and
WHEREAS, on March 27, 2018, the Planning Commission considered the staff report dated March
27, 2018, analyzing the application, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
determination included therein; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA AS
FOLLOWS:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
2. The proposed Sign Program revisions are consistent with the provisions of the Petaluma General Plan
2025 and Implementing Zoning Ordinance, as outlined below.
a. The proposed project is, for the reasons discussed in the March 27, 2018 Planning Commission
staff report, consistent with the Petaluma General Plan. The Sign Program will conform to the
intent, goals, and policies of the Petaluma 2025 General Plan, including General Plan Policy 2-P-
5 (Aesthetic Character on Major Arterial Corridors) and Goal 9-G-1 (Diverse and Sustainable
Local Economy).
b. The modified Sign Program is consistent with Implementing Zoning Ordinance §24,010- Site Plan
and Architectural Review, whereas all required findings for Site Plan and Architectural Review at
§24.010(G) can be made in that:
i. The 'graphics and signage' section of the Washington Square Tenant Design Manual
addresses the design of all signs within the shopping center. The design standards relating to
signage include the style and placement of lettering, size, color, materials and methods of
illumination for all signs. The proposed increase in letter height from 3 -feet (3') to 4 -feet (4')
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-11 Page 1
for Junior Anchor signs would continue to be in harmony and proportion with the surrounding
commercial tenant signage. The updated facades for Suites 10-A, 10-B, and 10-C included
an increase of useable area for tenant signage on the front fapades. The proposed increase
in letter height would be in harmony and proportion with the additional useable area for
signage with the Junior Anchor tenant facades. Therefore, the proposed increased letter
height allowance for the Junior Anchor tenants would be appropriate and adds further visual
interest and overall harmony to the new fapade designs. No modifications to building
elevations are proposed in conjunction with the modified Sign Program;
ii. The proposed project would not modify the architectural style of existing or approved
development within the shopping center, as it is a Sign Program that only regulates signage.
Therefore, this finding is not applicable;
iii. The proposed project would not modify the architectural siting of existing or approved
development within the shopping center, as it is a Sign Program that only regulates signage.
Therefore, this finding is not applicable;
iv. The 'graphics and signage' section of the Washington Square Tenant Design Manual
addresses the design of all signs within the shopping center. The design standards relating to
signage include the style and placement of lettering, size, color, materials and methods of
illumination for all signs. All new signage would continue to incorporate the design standards
outlined in the manual in a manner than allows for taller letters but not increased sign area
over what is presently allowed. The proposed increase in letter height from 3 -feet (3') to 4 -
feet (4') for Junior Anchor tenant signs would result in signage that is proportional to the
additional useable area for signage with the newer tenant facades. However, the increase
in letter size would not change the maximum allowable sign area allotted to each individual
tenant. All new signage would continue to be subject to the design manual standards that
address the size, location, design, color, number, lighting, and materials of signs;
v. The proposed new sign letter height would not modify the bulk, height and color of proposed
or approved structures, as it is changes to a Sign Program that only regulates signage.
Therefore, this finding is not applicable;
vi. The proposed project would not modify landscaping, as it is a Sign Program that only
regulates signage. Therefore, this finding is not applicable; and
vii. The proposed project will not modify site access, as it is a revision to the Sign Program that
only regulates signage. Therefore, this finding is not applicable.
3. The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), under CEQA Guidelines § 15311(a) (Accessory Structures, On -Premise Signs), as a
Sign Program that will result in the construction and placement of sign structures that are accessory
to the existing Washington Square shopping center. The project also does not trigger any of the
exceptions to the exemption outlined at CEQA Guidelines § 15300.2.
4. Based on its review of the entire record herein, including the March 27, 2018 Planning Commission
staff report, all supporting, referenced, and incorporated documents and all comments received and
foregoing findings, the Planning Commission hereby approves Site Plan and Architectural Review for
the modified Washington Square Sign Program, subject to the conditions of approval attached hereto
as Exhibit A.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-11 Page 2
ADOPTED this 27th day of March, 2018, by the following vote:
Commission Member
Aye
No
Absent
Abstain
Councilmember Healy
X
Chair Benedetti- Petnic
X
Alonso
X
Bauer
X
Gomez
X
Marzo
X
Vice Chair Wolpert
X
. ATTEST:
H a�her Hines, Corrlii�iission Secretary
#� j.
r
Gina Benedetti - Petnic, Chair
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Lisa TennenbaIwI, Assistant City Attorney
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-11 Page 3
SPAR CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Washington Square Shopping Center Sign Program
Located at 373 South McDowell Boulevard
APNs: 007-280-055
FILE NO: PLSR-18-0003
Planning Division
Exhibit A
1. This approval is for the modified Sign Program date stamped February 1, 2018, prepared by Fulcrum
Properties, and included in Exhibit 1 (Sign Program). Furthermore, this approval supersedes in whole the
previous approval granted by Planning Commission (File #203 -SPC -0128) on May 14, 2003.
2. The site shall be kept cleared at all times of garbage and debris. No outdoor storage shall be permitted.
3. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City or any of its boards, commissions,
agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding against the City, its boards,
commissions, agents, officers, or employees to attack, set aside, void, or annul any of the approvals
of the project, when such claim or action is brought within the time period provided for in applicable
State and/or local statutes. The City shall promptly notify the applicants/developers of any such claim,
action, or proceeding. The City shall coordinate in the defense. Nothing contained in this condition
shall prohibit the City from participating in a defense of any claim, action, or proceeding and if the
City chooses to do so appellant shall reimburse City for attorneys' fees by the City.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-11 Page 4