HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission 2011-08-09 #3CITY OF
Meeting Date:
Agenda Item:
August 9, 2011
3
Community Development Department— Planning Division Case Numbers: SP11-003
P. O. Box 151560, San Rafael, CA 94915-1560
PHONE: (415) 485-3085/FAX: (415) 485-3184 Project Planner: Caron Parker - (415) 485-3094
REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBJECT: 350 Northgate One Shopping Center (Sign Program Amendment) - 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;
Northqate Properties LP, owners.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The applicant is requesting a Sign Program Amendment to add one 15 square foot shopping center
identification sign to the Northgate One Shopping Center. The "Northgate One" sign would be mounted as
individual channel letters on the arch beam above the entrance to the courtyard area of the center (Exhibit 3).
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." This sort of 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." (Zoning Ordinance Section
14.19.055.D.1)
Staff did not support the proposed fading color illumination and thus referred it to the Design Review Board
(DRB). The applicant contends that the sign is new and innovative and the color change is slow enough that it
does not blink or flash and therefore complies with the Sign Ordinance. Staff's opinion is that while the sign
does not blink or flash, (i.e., is in compliance with Section 14.19.080.C.1); it still represents a change in color,
which is specifically prohibited in Section 14.19.055.D.1., The DRB reviewed the project on June 7, 2011 and
in conclusion, did not support the sign as proposed. Their main concern was the changing colors of the
illumination. The DRB ultimately passed a motion (4-0) to support the project without the changing/fading
color. In place of the color change, they found that a steady white halo -illumination would be appropriate. The
applicant did not agree with the DRB recommendation and requested that the project be reviewed before the
Planning Commission.
Staff recommends that the fading color change is not appropriate and reluctantly recommends denial of the
project without prejudice. Staff does maintain that a new shopping center identification sign, with appropriate
illumination, would be a positive addition to the recently upgraded shopping center.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt the attached Resolution (Exhibit 2) denying, without
prejudice, the Sign Program Amendment. Staff would like to explain the phrase "without prejudice." If an
application is denied, an applicant is not allowed to submit a new application for the same, or substantially
the same, application for one year of the date of denial, unless the denial is made without prejudice. In this
case, staff is recommending that the denial be made without prejudice.
REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION - Case No: SP11-003
PROPERTY FACTS
Address/Location: 196-350 Northgate Drive Parcel Number(s): 1 175-321-23,29,37,38
Page 2
Property Size: 8.6 acres 374,616 sq ft Neighborhood: Terra Linda
Site Characteristics
General Plan Designation
Zoning Designation}
Existing Land -Use
Pro'ect Site:
General Commercial
General Commercial (GC)
Shopping Center
North:
Low Density Residential
Single Family Residential (R5),
Multi -Family Residential MR3
Residential
South:
Office
Office
Commercial
East:
Office
Office
Commercial
West:
Low Density Residential
R5
Residential
Site Description/Setting:
Northgate One Shopping Center is a single story retail center located on an 8.6 acre lot on the south side of
Manuel T. Freitas Parkway in the Terra Linda neighborhood of North San Rafael (Exhibit 1: Project Vicinity
Map). The property's General Plan Land Use Designation is General Commercial and the Zoning District is GC
(General Commercial). There are a total of 24 tenants at the Northgate One Shopping Center, including two
Anchor tenants (Safeway and Walgreen's). Big 5 Sporting Goods store anchors the eastern end of the plaza.
There is a freestanding building (Walgreen's) located on the northeast corner of the site fronting on Manuel
Freitas and Northgate Drive. There is also a small 250 square foot building (nail salon tenant) located in the
parking lot.
Existing signage includes one wall sign and one under canopy sign for each single tenant, two wall signs and
two logo signs for Safeway and five wall signs for Walgreens. There are also "Northgate One" signs that serve
as entry signs on the low concrete walls and a freestanding sign along the Freitas Parkway frontage.
BACKGROUND
On April 14 2009, the Planning Commission approved a Sign Program Amendment as part of a Design Review
Permit for a major building fagade upgrade and landscaping renovation project at the shopping center. The
new Sign Program (SR08-74) included all new wall signs and under canopy signs, as well as a replacement to
the freestanding sign (Exhibit 4). One of the main discussions related to the Sign Program application was
whether to approve a proposed change to the freestanding sign from the existing internally illuminated static
changeable copy reader board to an electronic message display sign. Section 14.19.080.C.1 prohibits
animated and moving signs including "electronic message display, blinking, flashing, change in light intensity,
or moving signs, except time and temperature signs."
The Planning Commission ultimately approved the proposed electronic display, subject to the following
conditions:
a. The sign be non -illuminated from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.;
b. Content of message shall only change during overnight non -illuminated period;
c. Illumination levels shall change gradually, to maintain contrast only. Sharp changes in illumination
levels such as blinking, flashing or moving are prohibited;
d. Be limited to text only; no graphic depictions; and
e. Remain subject to review and operational modification by the Community Development Director for
one year from the date of first operation.
REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION - Case No: SP11-003 Page 3
The shopping center improvements and new signage were installed over the past few years and the center has
completed the previously approved work and landscaping.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The applicant is proposing to add one 15 -square foot "Northgate One" identification sign to be mounted on the
front of the metal entry arch trellis at the interior courtyard entrance to the shopping center (Exhibit 3). The
new sign would be mounted on the arched trellis feature in the center courtyard, between Starbucks and
FedEx Kinko's. The sign would use LED lights and be designed as individual halo -lit channel letters and
according to the applicant's scope of work, would be designed to "slowly fade" the halo -illumination from one
hue to another across the color spectrum. The applicant has indicated that the color rotation would take place
in approximately 4 -second intervals. A letter submitted by the applicant describing the sign is attached as
Exhibit 5. In addition, the applicant will present a demonstration of the color changing sign at the hearing.
ANALYSIS
General Plan 2020 Consistency:
The project requires consistency with all applicable policies and programs of the San Rafael General Plan
2020. The Sign Program approved in 2008 was found to be consistent with the following General Plan Policies:
CD -9 (Transportation Corridors), CD -10 (Nonresidential Design Guidelines), CD -20: (Commercial Signage),
NH -132 (Town Center Activities), NH -134 (Outdoor Gathering Places), NH -139 (Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
and Accessibility), NH -140 (Pedestrian Scale), and C -24a (The North San Rafael Promenade). Staff analysis
finds that proposed addition of one 15 -square -foot sign to the shopping center to be generally consistent with
these pertinent General Plan Policies.
Zoning Ordinance Consistency:
Pursuant to Zoning Ordinance Section 14.19.046, Sign Programs are specifically intended for unique uses and
property circumstances with the purpose of addressing multiple uses on one site. Shopping malls and multi -
tenanted buildings are types of specific uses for which Sign Programs are intended. Sign Programs are also
intended to achieve aesthetic compatibility between signs within a project and may allow some flexibility in the
number, size, type and placement of signs.
A Sign Program amendment may authorize increased sign area, increased sign height or an increased number
of signs when used to achieve aesthetic compatibility between signs within a project and to maintain design
continuity. The project proposes to amend the previously approved Sign Program in order to add one 15
square foot sign. In approving a Sign Program amendment, the decision making body shall make the following
findings:
➢ All of the signs contained in the program have one or more common design elements such as
placement, colors, architecture, materials, illumination, sign type, sign shape, letter size and letter type;
➢ All of the signs contained in the program are in harmony and scale with the materials, architecture, and
other design features of the buildings and property improvements they identify, and the program is
consistent with the general design standards; and
➢ The amount and placement of signage contained in the program is in scale with the subject property
and improvements, as well as the immediately surrounding area.
The proposed addition of one 15 -square -foot sign on the central courtyard arch trellis element would have
been considered a minor sign program amendment and approved at staff level. However, given the proposed
fading/changing illumination of the sign, staff deemed the project would constitute a Major Sign Program
Amendment. Applications for Major Amendments require the review and recommendation of the DRB and
REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION - Case No: SPII-003 Page 4
final action by the Planning Commission. The applicant has described that the proposed illumination would
"...slowly fade the halo illumination from one hue to another across the color spectrum." Staff finds that this
type of illumination does not conform to the illumination standards in the Zoning Ordinance. Specifically, the
following type of illumination is prohibited pursuant to Zoning Ordinance Section 14.19.055.D.1: "Blinking,
flashing or fluttering lights, or illumination that has a change in light intensity, brightness or color." Staff
determined that the proposed fading color, albeit a slow change (4 second intervals), would not be consistent
with the Section 14.19.055. D.1 specifically as it relates to changing colors. The applicant contends that the
proposed illumination is not blinking or flashing and that the change in color hue is subtle and therefore is
consistent with the sign ordinance. Staff agrees that the sign is not designed to blink or flash, and would not
interfere with traffic safety. However the sign does change color, albeit slowly, and this type of illumination is
prohibited and would require an Amendment to the Sign Ordinance in order to approve as proposed.
While the Sign Ordinance has specific language regarding prohibited signs, Planning staff has been open
minded to being creative when reviewing sign designs. Specifically, when approving the most recent Sign
Program (SR08-74) for the Northgate One Shopping Center, the Planning Commission concluded that the
proposed electronic reader board was consistent with the sign ordinance, even though "electronic message
displays" are not allowed pursuant to Section 14.19.080.C.1. The decision to approve the electronic message
display was made based on recognition that the proposed sign was an upgrade to reflect a more modern sign
design and would allow the commercial tenants an easier way to change the sign message. However, the
following conditions of approval were required: 1) the reader display must remain static during the day; 2) the
message on the board be changed at night only; and 3) the sign remain non -illuminated between 10:00 pm
and 7:00 am. These conditions were included in order to allow for an updated type of reader board signage,
but also ensure that the sign would remain static to comply with the intent of prohibiting electronic displays. As
such, the Planning Commission considered the updated sign to be compliant with the Sign Ordinance and a
text amendment was not necessary.
Both staff and the DRB support the addition of an illuminated identification sign on the courtyard arch.
However, the issue is whether the illumination should be allowed to change or fade. As discussed throughout
this report, it is staff and the DRB's opinion that the proposed changing/fading illumination would result in a
type of sign that is prohibited by the Ordinance.
One of the alternatives that was acceptable to the DRB and included in their recommendation was that the new
shopping center identification sign with a non-fading/changing white halo illumination would be appropriate.
Staff does concur with this recommendation and actually, would even be supportive of an illumination color
different than white, as long as the color remained static. As discussed in the Executive Summary, the
changing colors for the proposed sign would not be consistent with existing signs approved at the Northgate
One Shopping Center. One of the goals of a sign program is to establish design continuity "so that all signage
has a consistent and common design theme and placement, utilizing common materials, colors and
illumination" (Section 14.19.046.C). The proposed fading color sign would be a departure from this goal and
from the limitations placed on the Northgate One freestanding sign recently approved.
The Northgate One Shopping Center is an established shopping center in the Terra Linda neighborhood. It is
prominently signed with a newly constructed freestanding sign along Freitas Parkway. This freestanding sign
does not change messages and is not illuminated after 10:00 pm. Staff does not support the addition of a
fading color sign. However, if the applicant wishes to move forward with color illumination, staff believes the
proposed illumination could be conditioned similar to the approved electronic reader display on the
freestanding sign. Suggested conditions of approval would be:
1) Color would be static during the day;
2) A different color could be added but the change would occur during the night hours (after 10:00 pm).
This way, the sign could display different colors but not continually fade;
3) Sign lighting would be turned off between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am.
REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION - Case No: SPI 1-003
Page 5
These conditions would help continue the existing design consistency on site. However, staff is seeking
guidance from the Planning Commission to determination if the proposed color changing sign could be
approved without a zoning ordinance text amendment.
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD RECOMMENDATION
The project was reviewed by the Design Review Board on June 7, 2011 (Commissioner Lang as liaison). The
video from this meeting can be viewed at www.cityofsanrafael/orq/meetings by navigating to the June 7th DRB
item "Archived Video's" and clicking on the "video" link. The applicant presented a sample of the proposed
illuminated lettering and conducted a demonstration for the Board. The applicant indicated that the proposed
sign was a new and innovative approach and the purpose of the sign was to add visual interest and create a
sense of place for pedestrians. There were no comments from the public at the hearing. The Board members
discussed the project and were generally supportive of the proposed new sign size, type and location but were
not supportive of the proposed fading color change. The Board unanimously passed a motion (member
Summers absent) to support the project without the rotating color change and to restrict the color of the halo -
illumination to white.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
The proposed project is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
pursuant to Section 15301(e).1) of the CEQA Guidelines which exempts additions to existing structures less
than 10,000 square feet.
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING / CORRESPONDENCE
The Notice of Hearing for the project was conducted in accordance with noticing requirements contained in
Chapter 29 of the Zoning Ordinance. A Notice of Public Hearing was mailed to all property owners and
occupants within a 400 -foot radius of the subject site, the Terra Linda Homeowner's Association and all other
interested parties, 15 calendar days prior to the date of all meetings, including this hearing (Exhibit 6). Staff
received no letters or comments in response to the public notice for the Planning Commission hearing. One
letter of opposition was received as a result of the notice for the Design Review Board hearing and is attached
as Exhibit 7.
OPTIONS
The Planning Commission has the following options:
1. Deny the project without prejudice (staff recommendation);
2. Approve the application as presented by the applicant and direct staff to return to the next Commission
meeting with a Resolution of approval; or
3. Approve the application as recommended by DRB, with white halo -illumination and no fading colors,
and direct staff to return at the next meeting with Resolution for approval;
4. Approve the application with halo -illumination of a single color (and no fading colors) and direct staff to
return at the next meeting with Resolution for approval; or
5. Continue the application to allow the applicant to address any of the Commission's comments or
concerns.
EXHIBITS
1. Vicinity/Location Map
2. Draft Resolution denying without prejudice the Sign Program Amendment
3. Project plans (8.5" x 11 ")
REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION - Case No: SP11-003
4. Signs Program (SR08-74) for Northgate One Shopping Center approved in 2009
5. Applicant letter dated April 7, 2011
6. Public Hearing Notice
7. Public Correspondence
(11" x 17" size plans distributed to the Planning Commission only)
cc: Scott Blair, 9932 Prospect Avenue, Studio 137, Santee, CA 92371
Northgate Properties, LP, 501 Second Street, SF 94107
Page 6
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL PLANNING COMMISSION DENYING, WITHOUT
PREJUDICE, A SIGN PROGRAM AMENDMENT (SP11-003)TO ADD A 15 SQUARE FOOT HALO
ILLUMINATED WALL SIGN DESIGNED TO FADE SLOWLY ACROSS THE COLOR SPECTRUM AT
THE NORTHGATE ONE SHOPPING CENTER AT 350 NORTHGATE DRIVE
(APN: 175-321-37)
WHEREAS, on April 26, 2011, Scott Blair, applicant, submitted an application to the City of San Rafael
requesting a Sign Program Amendment to install a new 15 square foot, halo -illuminated sign designed to fade
slowly across the color spectrum at the Northgate One Shopping Center; and
WHEREAS, on June 7, 2011, the proposed project was reviewed by the Design Review Board and
recommended for approval with the condition that the sign be halo -illuminated with white only and non -fading;
and
WHEREAS, the applicant requested that the Planning Commission review their proposal to include a
halo illuminated wall sign that fades across the color spectrum; and
WHEREAS, upon review of the application, the project was determined to be statutorily exempt from
the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section
15270, Projects which are Disapproved; and
WHEREAS, on August 9, 2011, the San Rafael Planning Commission held a duly -noticed public hearing
on the proposed project, accepting all oral and written public testimony and the written report of the Community
Development Department staff and closed said hearing on that date;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission of the City of San Rafael does
hereby deny the Sign Program Amendment, without prejudice, based on the following findings of fact:
Sign Program Amendment (SP11-003)
Findings
1) All of the signs contained in the program have one or more common design elements such as placement,
colors, architecture, materials, illumination, sign type, sign shape, letter size and letter type:
a. The new "Northgate One" sign will be designed as individual aluminum faced letters and halo -lit,
consistent with the existing signs at the shopping center approved as part of a Master Sign Program
(SR08-74). In addition, the style of lettering will be the same as the signs on the entrance walls and the
freestanding sign.
b. However, the proposed fading color change is not consistent with the type of illumination approved for
the existing wall signs. The existing wall signs are static with white halo -illumination. The proposed
fading sign, located in a prominent place on the courtyard arch beam at the end of the Manuel Freitas
entrance driveway, would be highly visible and detract from the design, including illumination type, of
the previously approved wall signs, all of which are halo -lit with one color (white) and are designed as
static color signs.
Exhibit 2
2) All of the signs contained in the program are in harmony and scale with the materials, architecture, and other
design features of the buildings and property improvements they identify, and the program is consistent with
the general design standards Specified in Section 14.19.054 in that:
a. The proposed "Northgate One" sign is small (15 square feet) and would fit proportionally on the metal
arch beam to which it is proposed to be mounted;
b. The proposed "Northgate One" sign is simple, designed to mount directly to the arch beam and
therefore would not clash with the background color and materials of the metal arch beam;
c. The proposed sign will serve as an identification sign at the end of the main entry and act as a focal
point that at the end of the main entry to the center;
d. However, as proposed, the fading color type of illumination. is not in harmony with the static color
illumination approved for all of the existing signs at the center.
3) The amount and placement of signage contained in the program is in scale with the subject property and
improvements, as well as the immediately surrounding area in that there is only one sign proposed as
part of the sign program amendment and the material used to design the sign and the type of lettering is
similar to the existing "Northgate One" signs in the center. However, while the addition of an
illuminated identification sign on the courtyard arch beam is a logical and reasonable addition of
signage, the proposed fading changing/fading illumination would result in a type of sign that is
prohibited by the Sign Ordinance Section 14.19.055.D.1.
4) Fading/changing illumination signs are a prohibited sign in the San Rafael Ordinance (Section
14.19.055.D.1) and therefore, cannot be allowed as part of a Sign Program.
The foregoing Resolution was adopted at the regular meeting of the City of San Rafael Planning Commission
held on the 9th day of August 2011.
Moved by Commissioner
AYES: COMMISSIONERS
NOES: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS:
and seconded by Commissioner
SAN RAFAEL PLANNING COMMISSION
ATTEST: BY:
Paul Jensen, Secretary
2
Dan Sonnet, Chair
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PROJECT:
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ADDRESS:
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San Raf ti, CA 94903
DATZ
6/24/08
BY
REVISIONS.
1009 BIAIR SIGN PROGRAMS
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c 7fi«ephnaaiethecxchtim pmparyo(BUIRSION PIIOGRAL18andue tfier«ulto(theoJgtnalwmkofiu cmplo-ytu.7htyatemBmRad The colors pltnted on this document -'-y f.. the
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pmdv<tmanefmmdacetding to tfiue plana DimhurmnotdaiNrion (ahneplammantone oolct d,mcmpbyzuo[pavccompaoy, orme It is impot[ant to note that the finished mors may vary Sheet
o(ahnep6m to eomrtueepmdvcuafmi6t tothorn emCIM L«dq Ia EXPRESSLY FOABIDDEN.In dw eaent iM1atm<h rahihition ocmn,
Dam BW0.57cN PROGRAMS cpc<u tuba (utryuimbotndf umscnd draternndcd N«<dnsnc�mp6m. fsom the specified ealots. '
Exhibit 4-1
'N
01
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I
EQ 4'-10" EQ
0.1 / 8.4 1/2 -ACRYLIC /FLUSH MOUNTED. SCALE 3/4 "= 1'-0"
CONCRETE WALL & FINISH (P-11 "SOMBRERO BUFF")
BY OTHERS
G'l��9iTJF1tc]lli .Vali
4 TYPICAL WALL ELEVATION SCALE 1/4°=1'-0'
Signs 13.1 / B.4: Remodel entry wall/ Project Identity
• Existing entry wall by others
• New copy / graphics to be flush mounted 1/2" acryllcwith
acrylic enamel finish as shown and as per color schedule.
Signs C.I / CA: Address Numerals
• Existing entry wall finish to be by others
• New copy / graphics to be flush mounted 1/4" acrylic with
acrylic enamel finisfi as shown and as per color schedule.
Existing
Thcrun"bmnsed Thecolorspintedonthlsdocumentmayvaryfromtha
GN pRGGItAMSa colon 5peu6ed.
It is important to note that the finished colors mayvary Sheet #2
from thespeciNd colon.
Exhibit 4-2
L� BLAIR SIGN
PROGRAMS
Caron Parker
City of San Rafael
1400 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, Ca. 94915
Re: Northgate One/Pergola sign .
Design and lighting specifications
Dear Caron,
April 7, 2011
In support of our application for the above referenced project we offer the following
considerations:
The current City of San Rafael sign ordinance, we believe, did not anticipate the
technology proposed by our submittal in its creation and therefore does not
include a category, allowed or forbidden, for subtle change of hue created by the
LED lighting as proposed. Therefore, one may be compelled to categorize the
submittal as "moving" or "blinking" which are terms used to describe animation
and/or moving electronic message centers. We believe those categories do not
apply to the LED lighting proposed.
The display is deep inside.the project and Is not directly visible from the public
right-of-ways. The brightness and illumination type is the same, or similar, to
conventional halo -lit channel letters such as those used on the Safeway facade.
i We believe that the aesthetic effect of the proposed design with specific
illumination, color control and duration of color rotation (appx. 4.seconds),
enhances the project and therefore the community, The design intentions are to
separate the worl< from a commercial sign category by way of enhanced
aesthetics and visual appeal.
v A granting of approval will not set a precedent for wider use of the design since, if
approved, it will be as an amendment to an existing site specific sign program.
Also, being included in a sign program relieves restrictions set forth in the current
city wide sign ordinance,
Sincerely,
Scott Blair, Owner Exhibit 5
BLAIR SIGN PROGRAMS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - PLANNING COMMISSION
You are invited to attend the Planning Commission hearing on the following proposed project:
PROJECT: 350 Northgate One Shopping Center — Request for a Sign Program Amendment to allow the construction of a new 14 square
Foot sign mounted on the front of the existing arch beam above the entrance to the courtyard area. The sign would be illuminated and designed
to slowly fade from one color hue to another across the color spectrum; APN: 175-321-37; General Commercial (GC) Zoning District; Northgate
Properties, LP, owners; Scott Blair, Blair Sign Programs, applicant; File No.: SR11-003.
As required by state law, the project's potential environmental impacts have been assessed. Planning staff recommends that this project will not have a
significant effect on the environment and is Categorically Exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15301
(Existing Facilities). If the Planning Commission determines that this project is in an environmentally sensitive area, further studies may be required
MEETING DATE/TIME/LOCATION: Tuesday, August 9, 7:00 p.m. City Council Chambers, 1400 Fifth Ave at D St, San Rafael, CA.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Caron Parker, Project Planner at (415) 485-3094 or caron.parker@cityofsanrafael.org. You can also
come to the Planning Division office, located in City Hall, 1400 Fifth Avenue, to look at the file for the proposed project. The office is open from
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. You can also view the staff
report after 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before the meeting at http://www.cityofsanrafael.org/planningcommission
WHAT WILL HAPPEN: You can comment on the project. The Planning Commission will consider all public testimony and decide whether to
approve or deny the application.
IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND: You can send a letter to the Community Development Department, Planning Division, City of San Rafael, P. O.
Box 151560, San Rafael, CA 94915-1560. You can also hand deliver it prior to the meeting.
At the above time and place, all letters received will be noted and all interested parties will be heard. If you challenge in court the matter described above, you may be limited to raising
only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered at, or prior to, the above referenced public hearing
(Government Code Section 65009 (b) (2)).
Appeals of decisions by the Planning Commission to the City Council shall be made by filing a notice thereof in writing with the required fee to the Planning Division of the Community
Development Department within 5 working days of a decision involving Title 14 (Zoning) (SRMC Section 14.28.030) or within 10 calendar days of a decision involving Title 15
(Subdivisions) (SRMC 15.56.010).
Sign Language and interpretation and assistive listening devices may be requested by calling (415) 485-3085 (voice) or (415) 485-3198 (TDD) at least 72 hours in advance. Copies of
documents are available in accessible formats upon request. Public transportation to City Hall is available through Golden Gate Transit, Line 22 or 23. Para -transit is available by calling
Whistlestop Wheels at (415) 454-0964.
To allow individuals with environmental illness or multiple chemical sensitivity to attend the meeting/hearing, individuals are requested to refrain from wearing scented products.
Exhibit 6
Page 1 of 2
Caron Parker
From: stanton klose [stantonklose@gmall.com]
Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2011 12:39 PM
To: Caron Parker
Subject: Re: Proposed 350 Northgate Sign
Caron,
Thanks for sending the drawings. My observations/comments:
1. The area of the sign is a bit more than 15sf, not 184sf as stated in the Notice of Public
Hearing.
2. If the color of the sign changes over time, and the Sign Ordinance doesn't permit "changing light
intensity, brightness or color," then it seems unambiguously clear that the proposed sign wouldn't be
allowed, and I can see no justification for approval of a variance if one were requested.
3. That said, there are already three Northgate One signs along the Freitas Parkway frontage, one
on each of the flanking entry walls and a third on the readerboard pylon. I'm surprised that the
Sign Ordinance would permit a fourth one.
4. Good design (and good marketing practice) would suggest that all Northgate One logotypes be
as similar as possible. The logotypes on the entry walls are ground lighted dimensional • .
letterforms and underscores: Northgate One is bronze and the underscores are silver. The
logotype on the pylon is white and yellow (and non -illuminated?) Why would the Owner want
an additional logotype to be different than the three existing ones?
5. The color change feature might make sense for an entertainment -oriented tenant like the
theater, but, Sign Ordinance notwithstanding, it doesn't seem appropriate for a doughnut shop or
Petco.
Thank you for taking my opinions into account.
Stanton
On Fri, May 27, 2011 at 10:48 AM, Caron Parker <Caron.Parker a,cityofsanrafael.org> wrote:
Stanton -
I am so sorry that you came down and were not able to see the file. It had just organized the file to put
in a folder but it was buried under some other paperwork on my desk.
I have attached a copy of the plans. The sign would be mounted on the new metal arch and the end of
the entry driveway. It would simply read "Northgate One." Staff was also concerned about the
potential for this to set a precedent for animated signs, which is why we are taking it to the Design
Exhibit 7-1
5/31/2011