HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission 2011-09-27 #4 CITY OF
Community Development Department – Planning Division
P. O. Box 151560, San Rafael, CA 94915-1560
PHONE: (415) 485-3085/FAX: (415) 485-3184
Meeting Date: September 27, 2011
Agenda Item:
Case Numbers:
SP11-003/SE11-001
Project Planner:
Caron Parker - (415) 485-3094
REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBJECT: 350 Northgate One Shopping Center (Sign Program Amendment and Sign
Exception) - Master Sign Program Amendment to allow the construction of a 15 square
foot “Northgate One” sign mounted on the courtyard area entrance arch trellis at the
Northgate One Shopping Center; APN: 175-321-37; General Commercial GC Zone;
Scott Blair, applicant; Northgate Properties LP, owners. (continued from August 9, 2011)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On August 9, 2011, the Planning Commission reviewed a request for a proposed Sign Program Amendment to
add one 15 square foot shopping center identification sign to the Northgate One Shopping Center. The
proposed “Northgate One” sign would be mounted as individual halo-illuminated channel letters on the arch
beam above the entrance to the courtyard area of the center (Exhibit 1). The proposed illumination of the sign,
as described by the applicant, would “slowly fade the halo illumination from one hue to another across the color
spectrum.” The proposed changing illumination does not conform to the illumination standards in the Zoning
Ordinance, which specifically prohibit “Blinking, flashing or fluttering lights, or illumination that has a change in
light intensity, brightness or color.”
The DRB had previously reviewed the project on June 7, 2011 and in conclusion, did not support the sign as
proposed. The DRB ultimately passed a motion (4-0) to support the project without the changing/fading color.
Staff had recommended denial of the proposed project and presented the Commission with a Resolution for
denial. After careful discussion the Planning Commission determined that the proposed color fading design
was subtle and would be a positive addition to Northgate One. On a split vote (Commissioners Lang, Pick and
Colin in support, Commissioners Sonnet and Robertson opposed, and Commissioners Paul and Wise absent),
the Commission passed a motion to conditionally approve the proposed Sign Program Amendment. The video
from the Planning Commission meeting can be viewed at www.cityofsanrafael/org/meetings by navigating to
the August 9th PC item “Archived Video’s” and clicking on the “video” link. Since the Commission could not
take action on the draft Resolution presented for project denial, the Commission instructed staff to return with a
revised Resolution of approval, including findings for a Sign Exception and specific conditions of approval. No
members of the public presented testimony and the Commission indicated that the item was to be scheduled to
return on the consent calendar.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt the attached Resolution (Exhibit 2) conditionally
approving the Sign Program Amendment and Sign Exception.
EXHIBITS
1. Project plans (8.5” x 11”)
2. Draft Resolution of approval
cc: Scott Blair, 9932 Prospect Avenue, Studio 137, Santee, CA 92371
Northgate Properties, LP, 501 Second Street, SF 94107
REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION - Case No: SP11-003 Page 2