1992 08 25 PCtO 0 UR
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1992 Ten Carat Decade
PLAMING CO I,S,SION
AGENDA
A Regular Meeting to be Held at the
La Quinta City Hall, 75-105 Calle Estado
La Quinta, California
August 25, 1992
7:00 P.M.
**NOTE**
ALL AGENDA ITEMS NOT CONSIDERED BY 11:00 P.M. MAY BE CONTINUED
TO THE NEXT COMMISSION MEETING
Beginning Resolution 92-026
Beginning Minute Motion 92-029
CALL TO ORDER - Flag Salute
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Item ............... ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT 92-027
Applicant .......... City of La Quinta
Location ........... City wide
Request ............ To amend Chapter 9, Planning and Zoning, relating to the
regulation of Adult Entertainment.
Action ............. Resolution 92-
PUBLIC COMMENT
This is the time set aside for citizens to address the Planning Commission on matters
relating to City planning and zoning which are not Agenda items. When addressing the
Planning Commission, please state your name and address.
PC/AGENDA
BUSINESS SESSION
1. Item ............... SIGN APPROVAL 92-177
Applicant .......... ARCO Products Company
Location ........... East side of Washington Street between the Whitewater Storm
Channel and Highway 111
Request ............ Approval of sign adjustment for service station and mini-
market.
Action ............. Minute Motion 92-
2. Item ............... CONSIDERATION OF GENERAL PLAN MASTER
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Applicant .......... City of La Quinta
Location ........... City wide
Request ............ Recommend City Council adopt the Master Environmental
Assessment (MEA) for the General Plan.
Action ............. Minute Motion 92-
CONSENT CALENDAR
Approval of the Minutes of the regular Planning Commission meeting held August 11,
199.
ADJOURNMENT
STUDY SESSION
MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 1992
CANCELLED
PC/AGENDA 2
PH #1
DATE:
APPLICANT:
CASE NO:
LOCATION:
REQUEST:
BACKGROUND:
STAFF REPORT
PLANNING COAE%HSSION MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1992
CITY OF LA QUINTA
ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT 92-027
CITY WIDE
TO AMEND CHAPTER 9, PLANNING AND ZONING RELATING TO
THE REGULATION OF ADULT ENTERTAINMENT.
Currently the City of La Quinta has adopted by reference some County ordinances dealing with
adult entertainment regulations. However, the City Attorney has determined, based upon current
court cases, that our regulations are unenforceable.
The attached draft ordinance was distributed to City Staff, Planning Commission, and City
Council for review and comment. The attached ordinance reflects all the changes and comments
received during that review period.
ANALYSIS:
1. The draft regulations create an Overlay Zone measured 600 feet north and south from
the centerline of Highway 111. This Overlay Zone will permit, through the Conditional
Use Permit process, adult entertain facilities as defined in the ordinance.
2. There are certain regulations dealing with the location of these facilities such as, they
cannot be located within 1000 feet of any, 1) lot upon which there is located a church,
public or private or periodical elementary, junior high school, public park or playground;
2) of each other; 3) any lot zoned for residential use.
3. In addition, each applicant for such facility will have to go through a police background
check in addition to the Conditional Use Permit.
4. An analysis has been done on Highway 111 identifying property upon which these
facilities could be constructed. It has been determined that there would be approximately
120 acres available along Highway 111, which could accommodate approximately 6 or
so facilities.
PCST.076
5. The Planning Commission can reduce the distances as recommended if they so desire,
but it is recommended that you accept the distances as contained in the ordinance.
6. The City Attorney has drafted this ordinance taking into consideration recent court cases.
RECOMMENDATION:
Move to adopt Planning Commission Resolution 92- and confirm the environmental
determination recommending the City Council adopt the Adult Entertainment Ordinance.
PCST.076
PLANNING COMMUSSION RESOLUTION 92-
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA,
RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO ADD
A CHAPTER TITLED "ADULT ENTERTAINMENT"
TO THE ZONING CHAPTER OF THE LA QUINTA
MUNICIPAL CODE.
CASE NO. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 92-027
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of La Quinta, California, did
on the 25th day of August, 1992 hold a duly -noticed public hearing to recommend to the City
Council the addition to Chapter 9 regulating the adult entertainment businesses throughout the
City; and
WHEREAS, this text amendment has complied with the Rules to Implement the
California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (County of Riverside 92-213, adopted by
reference in the City of La Quinta Ordinance 5) in that the Planning Director has conducted an
Initial Study and has determined that the proposed Text Amendment will not have a significant
adverse affect on the environment and that a Negative Declaration is hereby recommended for
adoption; and,
WHEREAS, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguement, if any,
of all interested persons desiring to be heard, said. Planning Commission did find the following
facts to justify the recommendation for approval of said Text Amendment.
1. The location of adult entertainment land uses in proximity to residential uses, churches,
parks, and schools may lead to increased levels of criminal activities, including drug use
and sales, prostitution, rape, and assaults in the vicinity of those land uses.
2. That the concentration of adult entertainment businesses near one another may contribute
to the blighting or downgrading of the neighborhood.
3. Ample commercial and retail space is currently available and will be available in the
future on the parcels of land fronting State Highway 111.
4. The Highway 111 commercial frontage is the most appropriate location in the City for
siting adult entertainment businesses.
5. That the regulation of adult entertainment businesses in the manner contemplated herein
allows ample opportunity for persons to establish adult entertainment businesses in the
City and does not place an undue burdon on those who wish to exercise their eights of
free speech through the sexually oriented communication.
RESOPC.081
6. That the City desires to regulate the location and appearance of adult entertainment
businesses to minimize the harmful secondary effects of such businesses on sun-ounding
neighborhoods and not to regulate in any way the free. expression of ideas through such
businesses.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the
City of La Quinta, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and constitute the findings of the
Commission in this case;
2. That it does hereby confirm and recertify the conclusion of Environmental Assessment
that the proposed Text Amendment will not result in any significant adverse effects and
that a Negative Declaration should be adopted.
3. That it does hereby recommend approval to the City Council of the above described
Zoning Text Amendment for the reasons set forth in this Resolution and as illustrated in
Exhibit "A" attached hereto.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the La Quinta
Planning Commission, held on this llth day of August, 1992, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
KATIE BARROWS, Chairwoman
City of La Quinta, California
ATTEST:
TERRY HERMAN, Planning Director
City of La Quinta, California
RESOPC.081 2
EXHIBIT A
Chapter 9.
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSES
Sections:
9.
.010
Purpose.
9.
.020
Definitions.
9.
.030
Police Permit
Required.
9.
.040
Conditional Use
Permit Required.
9.
.050
Delineation of
AE Zone Boundaries.
9.
.060
Revocation of
Permits.
9.
.070
Violation and
Penalty.
9. .010 Purpose.
.010 The City Council finds that adult entertainment
businesses, by their nature, have objectionable secondary
effects upon adjacent areas. The purpose of this chapter is to
ensure that these adverse effects will not contribute to the
blighting or downgrading of the surrounding neighborhoods, to
prevent crime associated with adult entertainment businesses,
to maintain the integrity of residential neighborhoods, to
protect minors from the secondary effects of adult
entertainment businesses, to protect retail trade occuring
adjacent to adult entertainment businesses, to maintain
property values within the City, and to protect and preserve
the quality of life within the City.
.020 It is not the intent of this chapter, and this
chapter shall not be so construed, to suppress, regulate, or
affect in any way the content of communication or expression
associated with adult entertainment businesses.
.030 The City Council finds that this chapter allows
the establishment of adult entertainment businesses at a
reasonable number of locations within the City.
9. .020 Definitions.
.010 For purposes of this chapter, the term "adult
entertainment business" is hereby defined to include the
following described uses:
A. "Adult Book Store": An establishment having as a
substantial or significant portion of its stock in trade,
books, magazines or other periodicals which are distinguished
or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting,
describing or relating to "specified sexual activities" or
"specified anatomical areas" or an establishment with a segment
or section devoted to the sale or display of such material.
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4876u/2588-00 -2-
B. "Adult Business": Either (1) any business which
is conducted exclusively for the patronage of adults, and as to
which minors are specifically excluded from patronage, either
by law or by the operators of such business, except any
businesses licensed by the State Department of Alcoholic
Beverage Control; or (2) any business, other than those
expressly specified in this chapter, where employees or patrons
expose "specified anatomical areas" or engage in "specified
sexual activities"; or (3) any other business or entertainment
characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, exposing,
describing, discussing or relating to "specified sexual
activities" or "specified anatomical areas" or (4) any dance
studio, photographic or modeling studio, or social club, other
than those where clientele is composed solely of persons under
eighteen (18) years of age.
C. "Adult Motion Picture Theater": An enclosed
building with a capacity of fifty or more persons used for
presenting material distinguished or characterized by an
emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to
"specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas"
for observation by patrons therein.
D. "Adult Mini Motion Picture Theater": An enclosed
building with a capacity for less than fifty persons used for
presenting material distinguished or characterized by an
emphasis on matter depicting or relating to "specified sexual
activities" or "specified anatomical areas" for observation by
patrons therein.
E. "Adult Motion Picture Arcade": Any place to which
the public is permitted or invited wherein coin or
slug -operated or electronically, electrically or mechanically
controlled still or motion picture machines, projectors or
other image -producing devices are maintained to show images to
five or fewer persons per machine at any one time, and where
the images so displayed are distinguished or characterized by
an emphasis on depicting or describing "specified sexual
activities" or "specified anatomical areas."
F. "Baths, Sauna Baths, Massage Establishments": Any
business or establishment for which a permit is required
pursuant to Chapter 5.32 of the La Quinta Municipal Code.
G. "Cabaret": Any business or establishment which
conducts, sponsors or allows entertainment subject to
Chapter 5.08 of the La Quinta Municipal Code, where such
entertainment is distinguished or characterized by an emphasis
on "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical
areas."
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4876u/2588-00 -3-
H. "Encounter Center" or "Rap Studio": Any business,
agency or person who, for any form of consideration or
gratuity, provides a place where two or more persons may
congregate, assemble or associate for the primary purpose of
engaging in, describing or discussing "specified sexual
activities" or exposing "specified anatomical areas."
I. "Escort Bureau or Introduction Services": Any
business or establishment which, for any form of consideration
or gratuity, provides introductions or companions for the
primary purpose of engaging in "specified sexual activities" or
exposing "specified anatomical areas."
J. "Figure Model Studio": Any business or
establishment which provides models or displays which expose
"specified anatomical areas" to customers or patrons.
K. "Public Dance Hall": Any business or
establishment subject to Chapter 5.12 of the La Quinta
Municipal Code which conducts, sponsors or allows dancing which
is distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on "specified
sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas."
.020 For purposes of this chapter, the term
"Specified Sexual Activities" shall include any of the
following:
A. Actual or simulated sexual intercourse, oral
copulation, anal intercourse, oral anal copulation, bestiality,
direct physical stimulation of unclothed genitals, flagellation
or torture in the context of a sexual relationship, or the use
of excretory functions in the context of a sexual relationship,
any of the following depicted sexually oriented acts or
conduct: analingus, buggery, coprophagy, coprophila,
cunnilingus, fellatio, necrophilia, pederasty, pedophilia,
piquerism, sapphism, zooerasty; or
B. Clearly depicted human genitals in a state of
sexual stimulation, arousal or tumescence; or
C. Use of human or animal ejaculation, sodomy, oral
copulation, coitus, or masturbation; or
D. Fondling or touching of nude human genitals, pubic
region, buttocks or female breast; or
E. Masochism, erotic or sexually oriented torture,
beating or the infliction or pain; or
F. Erotic or lewd touching, fondling or other
sexually oriented contact with an animal by a human being; or
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4876u/2588-00 -4-
G. Human excretion, urination, menstruation, vaginal
or anal irrigation.
.030. For purposes of this chapter, the term
"specified anatomical areas" shall include any of the following:
A. Less than completely and opaquely covered (1)
human genitals or pubic region; (2) buttocks; or (3) female
breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola;
or
B. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state,
even if completely and opaquely covered.
9. .030 Police Permit Required.
.010 Any applicant for a conditional use permit for
an adult entertainment business shall make application for a
police report to the chief of police, or his designated
representative. Prior to submitting such application, a
nonrefundable fee shall be paid to the city clerk to defray, in
part, the cost of investigation and report required by this
chapter. The city clerk shall issue a receipt showing that
such application fee has been paid. The receipt, or a copy
thereof, shall be supplied to the chief of police at the time
such application is submitted. Such application does not
authorize the applicant to operate an adult entertainment
business.
.020 Each application for a police permit shall
contain the following information:
(a) The full, true name and any other names used by
the applicant.
(b) The present address and telephone number of the
applicant.
(c) The previous addresses of applicant, if any, for
a period of five (5) years immediately prior to the date of the
application and the dates of residence at each.
(d) The applicant's height, weight, color of eyes and
hair and date and place of birth.
(e) Two photographs of the applicant at least 2" x 2"
taken within the last six months.
(f) Business, occupation or employment history of the
applicant for the five (5) years immediately preceding the date
of application.
07/09/91
4876u/2588-00 -5-
(g) The business license history of the applicant and
whether such applicant, in previous operations in this or any
other city, state, or territory, under license, has had such
license or permit for an adult entertainment business or
similar type of business revoked or suspended, the reason
therefor, and the business activity or occupation subsequent to
such action of suspension or revocation.
(h) All convictions within the last five years of any
crime involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or moral turpitude.
(i) If the applicant is a corporation, the name of
the corporation shall be set forth exactly as shown in its
articles of incorporation or charter, together with the place
and date of incorporation, and the names and addresses of each
of its current officers and directors, and each stockholder
holding more than five percent (5%) of the stock in the
corporation. If the applicant is a partnership, the applicant
shall set forth the name, residence address and dates of birth
of the partners, including limited partners. If the applicant
is a limited partnership, it shall furnish a copy of its
certificate of limited partnership filed with the county
clerk. If one or more of the partners is a corporation, the
provisions of this subsection pertaining to corporations shall
apply. The applicant corporation or partnership shall
designate one of its officers or general partners to act as its
responsible managing officer. Such designated persons shall
complete and sign all application forms required of an
individual applicant under this chapter, but only one
application fee shall be charged.
(j) Such other identification and information as the
police department may reasonably require in order to discover
the truth of the matters hereinbefore specified as required to
be set forth in the application.
(k) The chief of police may require the applicant to
furnish fingerprints.
.030 The applicant, if an individual, or designated
responsible managing officer, if a partnership or corporation,
shall personally appear at the police department and produce
proof that a nonrefundable application fee, established by
resolution of the City Council, has been paid and shall present
the application containing the aforementioned and described
information.
.040 The chief of police shall have thirty (30) days
to investigate the application and the background of the
applicant. Upon completion of the investigation, the chief of
police shall grant the permit if he finds that:
07/09/91
4876u/2588-00 -6-
(a) The required fee has been paid.
(b) The application conforms in all respects to the
provisions of this chapter.
(c) The applicant has not knowingly made a material
misrepresentation in the application.
(d) The applicant, if an individual, or any of the
stockholders of the corporation, any officers or directors, if
the applicant is a corporation, or any of the partners,
including limited partners, if the applicant is a partnership,
has not within the last five years been convicted in a court of
competent jurisdiction of any crime involving dishonesty,
fraud, deceit, or moral turpitude.
.050 if the chief of police, following investigation
of the applicant, deems that the applicant does not fulfill the
requirements as set forth in this chapter, he shall notify the
city manager of such opinion and, within thirty (30) days of
the date of application, provide copies of the investigation
report to the city manager. The city manager shall within ten
(10) days, grant the permit or deny the application and notify
the applicant by certified mail of such denial. Any applicant
who is denied a permit by the city manager may appeal such
denial to the city council pursuant to the provisions of this
chapter.
9. .040 Conditional Use Permit Required.
0.10 Notwithstanding any other provision of the La
Quinta Municipal Code to the contrary, no person shall
establish, conduct, operate, or maintain any adult
entertainment business as defined in Chapter 9. .020 of
this code on any property in the City of La Quinta without
having first obtained a conditional use permit therefor
pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 9.172 of this title.
.020 Notwithstanding any other provision of this code
to the contrary, no conditional use permit shall be granted by
the City for any adult entertainment business unless each of
the following findings is made:
A. The premises upon which the adult entertainment
business is proposed to be located is not located within 1,000
feet of any lot upon which there is located a place of
religious worship; public, private or parochial elementary,
junior high or high school; or public park or playground.
07/09/91
4876u/2588-00 -7-
B. The premises upon which the adult entertainment
business is proposed to be located is not located within 1,000
feet of any lot upon which there is located any other adult
entertainment business as defined in Chapter 9. .020 of
this code.
C. The premises upon which the adult entertainment
business is proposed to be located is not located within 1,000
feet of any lot zoned for residential use.
D. The premises upon which the adult entertainment
business is proposed to be located is located in the adult
entertainment (AE) overlay zone, as defined in section
9. .050 of this code.
E. The exterior appearance of the structure in which
the adult entertainment business is proposed to be located will
be consistent with the external appearance of commercial
structures already constructed or under construction within the
immediate neighborhood.
F. The exterior appearance of the structure will not
cause blight, deterioration or substantially diminish cr
impair property values within the neighborhood.
G. The applicant has received a police permit
pursuant to Section 9. .030 of this Code.
.040 For the purposes of subsection .020 above, all
distances shall be measured in a straight line, without regard
to intervening structures or objects, from the nearest point of
the building or structure used as a part of the premises where
said adult entertainment business is conducted to the nearest
property line of any lot or premises described in A through D
of that subsection.
9. .050 Delineation of AE Zone Boundaries.
.010 Areas of the City of La Quinta hereby designated
as being within the Adult Entertainment (AE) overlay zone are
those parcels located in whole or in part within six hundred
(600) feet from the centerline of State Highway 111.
.020 The zoning designation for the parcel shall
constitute the base or underlying zone and the AE designation
shall constitute an overlay zone. In the event of conflicting
provisions between the underlying zone and the AE overlay zone
regulations, the requirements and restrictions of the AE
overlay zone shall take precedence over the requirements of the
underlying zone.
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4876u/2588-00 -8-
9. .060 Revocation of Permits.
The city manager may, based on evidence that any
of the provisions of this chapter have been violated, suspend
or revoke a police permit or conditional use permit; provided
that written notice by certified mail of such suspension or
revocation is furnished to the permittee. The permittee,
within ten (10) days after receipt of notice of suspension or
revocation, may file an appeal with the city clerk to be taken
to the city council. In the event an appeal is timely filed,
the suspension or revocation shall not take effect until final
decision has been rendered by the council. If the permittee
fails to take an appeal within the ten-day filing period
provided herein, suspension or revocation shall take effect
immediately upon expiration of such filing period.
9. .070 Violation and Penalty
.010 Every person, whether acting as an individual
owner, employee of the owner, operator or employee of the
operator, or whether acting as a mere helper for the owner,
employer or operator, or whether acting as a participant or
worker who in any way operates, manages or conducts any adult
entertainment business as defined in Chapter 9. .020
without first obtaining a conditional use permit from the City
or who shall violate any provisions of this chapter, shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor. Any person violating any of the
provisions of this chapter shall be fined not less than One
Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for each offense. Each day such
violation shall continue shall be regarded as a separate
offense.
.020 Any establishment operated, conducted or
maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter is
unlawful and a public nuisance, and the City Attorney may, in
addition to or in lieu of prosecuting a criminal action
hereunder, commence an action or actions, proceeding or
proceedings for the abatement, removal and enjoinment thereof,
in the manner provided by law and shall take such other steps
and shall apply to such court or courts as may here
jurisdiction to grant such relief as will abate or remove such
establishment or activities defined in Chapter 9. and
restrain and enjoin any person from operating, conducting or
maintaining such an establishment contrary to the provisions of
this chapter.
Section 2. Severability.
If any provision, clause, sentence or paragraph of this
chapter or the application thereof to any person or
circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not
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affect the other provisions of this Chapter which can be given
effect without the invalid provision or application, and to
this end the provisoins of this Chapter are declared to be
severable.
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BI #1
DATE:
CASE NO:
REQUEST:
APPLICANT:
ARCHITECT:
LOCATION:
ZONING:
BACKGROUND:
STAFF REPORT
PLANNING COM MSSION MEETING
AUGUST 25, 1992
SIGN APPROVAL 92-177
APPROVAL OF SIGN ADJUSTMENT FOR SERVICE STATION AND
MINI -MARKET
ARCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
PHILIP GRAHAM COMBS, ARCHITECT (TOM RIGGLE)
EAST SIDE OF WASHINGTON STREET BETWEEN THE
WHITEWATER STORM CHANNEL AND HIGHWAY 111
C-P-S (SCENIC HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL)
The plot plan application for this property which is a part of the One Eleven La Quinta Center,
was approved by the Planning Commission on June 23, 1992, and by the City Council on July
10, 1992. As required by those Conditions of Approval, the sign program was reviewed and
approved by the Design Review Board on August 5, 1992.
The Municipal Code specifically permits a maximum of 42 square feet of signage for service
stations. This includes one double faced free standing monument sign, maximum 24 square feet
in area, maximum 8 feet in height, advertising the company name and one wall or ground sign
maximum 8 square feet in area and 8 feet in height, advertising the lowest price per gallon,
including all taxes for regular, premium, and unleaded gasolines. Also one maximum ten square
foot wall sign advertising the company is permitted.
The Applicant had originally requested approval of 236 square feet of signage excluding "self
service" and "pull forward" signs adjacent to the pump islands. The Design Review Board
approved a total of 128 square feet of signage. The Board deleted two "24-Hour" signs (sign
B) on the building and two spandel signs (sign E) which were to be mounted between the
columns on the pump island closest to Washington Street.
The 128 square feet approved still exceeds the 42 square feet allowed by Code by 86 square
feet. Therefore, the Applicant has requested approval of a sign adjustment as permitted by the
Municipal Code requirements. The sign adjustment procedure permits the Planning Commission
PCST.074
to approve signage in excess of that stipulated in the Ordinance. In this case, the Applicant is
requesting additional signs and sign area. As previously noted, the monument sign with their
name and prices is limited to 32 square feet (combined 24 square feet plus 8 square feet) of sign
area. Their monument sign (sign C) as approved by the Design Review Board is 42 square feet
in area and 8 feet tall. On the mini -market wall, the Applicant proposed and received approval
of two 35 square foot "AM/PM" signs (sign A). One sign would face Washington Street and
the gas pump islands while the second sign would face the southeast towards the shopping
center.
The Applicant also proposed and received approval of two canopy mounted "AM/PM" signs
(sign D) each with 8 square feet of area. These would face north and south
SIGN ADJUSTMENT:
Since one wall sign is permitted advertising the name of the company, the Applicant's request
is to allow a second wall sign on the building and the two "AM/PM" canopy signs.
Additionally, since sign area is limited to 42 square feet a sign adjustment request is also to
permit the additional 86 square feet approved by the Design Review Board.
For additional signs to be approved by the Planning Commission, a finding must be made that
the additional signage is needed for compensation of inadequate visibility or to facilitate good
design balance. To approve additional sign area, one or more of the following findings must
be made:
1. Additional area is needed to over come a disadvantage as a result of an exceptional
setback between the street and sign.
2. Additional area is needed to achieve an affect which is essentially architectural,
sculptural, or graphic art.
3. Additional area is needed to permit more sign area in a single sign than is allowed but
less than the total allowed on 'the site.
4. Additional area is needed to allow a sign to be in proper scale with its building or use.
5. Additional area is needed to allow a sign to be compatible with other conforming signs
in the vicinity.
6. Additional area is needed to establish the allowable amount of sign in location of signing
when no street frontage exists or when do to an unusual lot shope (e.g., flag lot) the
street frontage is excessively narrow in proportion to the average width of the lot.
PCST.074
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Due to the location within the shopping center and the multiple access points, the finding to
allow additional signs for inadequate visibility can be made. With regards to additional area,
it probably can be argued that there are exceptional setback disadvantages due to the location
of the building that additional signage is needed because of the multiple frontages facing either
streets or parking lots.
RECOMMENDATION:
Move by Minute Motion 92- to approve and a sign adjustment to allow sign program as
approved by the Design Review Board.
Attachments:
1. Location map
2. Conditions of Approval for sign program
3. Design Review Board staff report for the meeting of August 5, 1992
4. Sign exhibits
PCST.074 3
S lor I
CASE MAP
CASE No. PLOT PLAN 92-482-1 NOPTH
SCALE:
ARCO PRODUCTS 1 rvrs
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - FINAL
PLOT PLAN 92-482
ARCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
AUGUST 5, 1992
1. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to installation of any signs.
2. The two spandel signs ( sign "E") shall be removed.
3. All "self service/health warning" and "pull forward" signs shall not be
internally illuminated.
4. Temporary window signs, if displayed, shall be limited to 10% of the window
display area.
5. The maximum height of the monument sign (sign "C") at the west end shall not
exceed eight feet.
6. 1124 Hours" signs on the building shall be deleted.
7. Final sign program shall be approved by the Planning and Development
Department to ensure compliance with approved conditions.
8. Approval of the sign program is subject to Planning Commission approval of
a sign adjustment to allow additional square footage permitted by the
approval.
CONAPRVL.062
FILE Curt' B1 #c
DATE:
CASE NO:
REQUEST:
APPLICANT:
ARCHITECT:
LOCATION:
ZONING:
BACKGROUND:
STAFF REPORT
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
AUGUST 5, 1992
PLOT PLAN 92-482
APPROVAL OF SIGN PROGRAM FOR SERVICE STATION AND
MINI -MARKET
ARCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
PHILIP GRAHAM COMBS, ARCHITECTS, INC.
EAST SIDE OF WASHINGTON STREET BETWEEN WHITEWATER
STORM CHANNEL AND HIGHWAY 111
C-P-S (SCENIC HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL)
This plot plan application was approved by the Planning Commission on June 23,
1992, and City Council on July 7, 1992. One of the Conditions of Approval was that
the sign program be approved by the Design Review Board. The Applicant has
submitted his proposed sign program for approval.
EXISTING SIGN REQUIREMENTS:
The Municipal Code requirements specify sign requirements for service stations.
Those requirements are as follows:
1. One double faced free-standing monument sign, maximum 24 square feet in
area, maximum 8 feet in height, advertising the company name.
2. One wall or ground sign, maximum 8 square feet in area, and 8 feet in height,
advertising the lowest price per gallon, including all taxes for regular,
premium, and unleaded gasolines.
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These requirements would a ow a maximum of 42"square feet f signage on the site.
REQUESTED SIGN PROGRAM:
The Applicants are requesting approval of a number of signs including a
monument/price sign, four wall signs, two canopy signs, and two gas pump spandel
signs. All signs are proposed tc be internally illuminated.
The monument sign consists of the words "ARCO and AM/PM" as well as prices for
premium, unleaded, and regular gasolines. The copy portion of the sign would be
three feet one and one-half inches tall and thirteen feet five inches long and be
mounted on a stucco pedestal painted to match the building. Colors utilized would
be the typical ARCO colors. The sign would be placed on the berm adjacent to
Washington Street directly in front of the canopy. The maximum height of the sign
including base at the west end should not exceed eight feet as stipulated in the
Municipal Code requirements.
DRBST.063
The building wall signage proposed by the Applicants consists of two "AM/PM" signs
(35 square feet each) and two "24 Hours" (24 square feet each) can signs. One of
the "AM/PM" signs (three feet two inches by thirteen feet two inches long) would be
placed over the entry of the Mini -Market facility which faces directly west. The
second sign would be placed on the wall of the building facing the southeast or
shopping center parking lot. The two "24 Hour" signs (four feet six inches tall by
five feet four inches wide) would be placed on the southwest face and northeast face
of the buildings. No color information is provided.
The proposed canopy mounted "AM/PM" signs would be placed on the north face and
south face of the canopy closest to the west end or Washington Street. This sign
would be approximately five feet nine inches long and one foot three inches high and
would contain eight square feet of area. These signs would be the typical AM/PM
orange, red, purple, and blue in color.
Between the three sets of pump islands closest to Washington Street, the Applicant
is proposing two blue colored lighted spandel signs with the ARCO logo in red.
These signs would be nine foot six inches long by three feet high. The top height
of these signs above finish grade would be approximately twelve feet.
The total square footage of all the signage as proposed by the Applicant is 236
square feet.
The sign program also includes small miscellaneous direction/informational signs.
A "pull forward" sign would be placed at the ends of the islands while a "self
service/health warning" sign would be placed above that. This is typical of ARCO
service stations.
SIGN ADJUSTMENT REQUEST:
As previously noted, the Municipal Code allows a maximum of 42 square feet of
signage for a service station. If the approved amount of signage exceeds that
amount, the Planning Commission will need to approve a sign adjustment for the
additional square footage. The need for that will be dependent upon the Design
Review Board action.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Under Municipal Code requirements, the combined monument and price sign is
allowed to be 32 square feet. The Applicants are proposing 42 square feet which
exceeds the maximum by ten square feet. The Municipal Code allows ten square feet
of wall signage to identify the business. The Applicants are proposing eight signs
which would be placed either on walls, canopies or between the pump islands totaling
194 square feet. This does not count the "self serve/health warning" and "pull
forward" signs. This would appear to be more signage than is warranted or
necessary to reasonably identify the business. Staff feels that the 24 hour signs are
not necessary and should not be deleted. It should be noted that in the case of Wal-
Mart and Albertsons, that such extraneous signing was proposed but not allowed.
Any person getting close enough to read the signs should be able to see that the
facility is open, especially at night due to the lighting. With regards to the "AM/PM"
signs on the building, Staff feels that the locations facing the front entry and the
southeast are acceptable.
DRBST.063 2
Staff feels that the canopy mounted "AM/PM" is not needed for identification and
should be deleted. The name and main price sign will be visible from both the north
and south and as people enter the shopping center adjacent to the gas station they
will be able to see either the monument sign because it sticks up above the wall or the
main "AM/PM" sign placed on the front of the building.
Staff sees no function other that to add clutter, for the spandel signs. They do not
appear to be needed to structurally support the canopy or provide architectural
compatibility. Therefore, they should be removed or be stuccoed to match the
canopy supports.
Staff feels that the "self serve/health warning" and "pull forward" signs are
acceptable provided they have no company name reference on them.
As previously noted, 236 square feet of signage is proposed. For comparison, Phar-
Mor was granted 243 square feet of sign area for its 66,450 square feet of floor space
while Wal-Mart was granted 185 square feet of signage for its 127,154 square feet of
floor space. Shell Oil which was approved at the corner of Highway 111 and Adams
Street was granted 150 square feet of signage.
RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS:
1. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to installation of any signs.
2. The two spandel signs shall be removed or stuccoed to match the canopy
supports.
3. All "self service/health warning" and "pull forward" signs shall not be
internally illuminated.
4. Temporary window signs, if displayed, shall be limited to 10% of the window
display area.
5. The maximum height of the monument sign at the west end shall not exceed
eight feet.
6. No sign shall be provided on canopies. "AM/PM" signs on canopy shall be
deleted.
7. 1124 Hours" signs on the building shall be deleted.
8. Final sign program shall be approved by the Planning and Development
Department to ensure compliance with approved conditions.
9. Approval of the sign program is subject to Planning Commission approval of
a sign adjustment to allow additional square footage permitted by the
approval.
Attachments:
1. Location map
2. Plan exhibits
DRBST.063 3
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MEMORANDUM
HONORABLE CHAIRWOMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
AUGUST 25, 1992
ADOPTION OF THE GENERAL PLAN MASTER ENVIRONMENTAL
ASSESSMENT (MEA)
BACKGROUND:
The General Plan Update was initiated on June 25, 1992, with a joint City Council and Planning
Commission Workshop to review a draft MEA which established existing conditions and
provided a comprehensive data base for the development of the updated General Plan. Six
subsequent public workshops have been held to develop the Updated General Plan which is
scheduled for Planning Commission public hearing on September 22, 1992.
This Master Environmental Assessment (MEA) has been prepared pursuant to California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 151969 to establish a data base to
provide information which has been used for the preparation of the Draft General Plan Update
and Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The MEA identifies and organizes physical,
environmental, and socio-economic characteristics in the City and surrounding area. The MEA
contains five sections and appendices:
I. Land Use and Zoning
II. Circulation
III. Public Services and Infrastructure
IV. Natural Resources
V. Environmental Hazards
VI. Appendices on Economics and Population.
MEMOFB.031
In addition, each chapter includes a summary of key issues identified by the City, citizens and
other governmental agencies. The Introduction/Summary of the MEA is attached; the full
document was delivered for your .review in July.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Staff has determined that adoption of the MEA is not subject to CEQA review, as it is a
document consisting of basic research and data collection, and is therefore exempt from CEQA
pursuant to Guidelines, Section 15306.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council adopt by
resolution the General Plan Master Environmental Assessment.
MEMOFB.031
1.0 Introduction
The Master Environmental Assessment (MEA) for the City of La Quinta, California
General Plan Update and Environmental impact Report (EIR) has been prepared to
provide City officials, citizens and other interested parties with an overview of the
physical, environmental and soclo-economic characteristics within the City and the
surrounding area. This document, considered an advisory document pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Section 15169, contains information used
in the preparation of the updated General Plan and accompanying Environmental Impact
Report (EIR). The information within the MEA can and should be utilized in the
preparation of future environmental documents for proposed projects within the City of
La Quinta.
The MEA includes six chapters and two appendices which include discussions and
analyses of various planning related topics, including land use, circulation, public services
and infrastructure, natural resources, environmental hazards, and soclo-economic
characteristics. All of the chapters include a Summary of Key Issues as identified by the
City, citizens and other government agencies during preparation of the General Plan
Update and EIR.
Chapter 2, General Planning, Land Use and Zoning, presents an overview of the existing
status of planning and development within the City of La Quinta. In addition to a
discussion of the existing General Plan and Specific Plans, an evaluation is presented of
the impact of the implementation of these plans on the development of the City. Other
topics covered in this chapter include an overview of the City's existing general plan, the
existing zoning, large land ownership, and the relationship of the City to the general plans
of adjacent jurisdictions.
Chapter 3, Circulation, provides a thorough discussion of the status of the existing
transportation system within the City of La Quinta. it includes a description of the existing
roadway system, traffic volumes, and existing intersection capacities. The chapter also
addresses transit, bicycle and pedestrian modes of transportation and concludes with a
discussion of the existing circulation system deficiencies.
Chapter 4, Public Services and Infrastructure, includes a discussion of public safety, City
administration, educational, recreational, health care, and private utility facilities and
services within the City of La Quinta. It includes an analysis of the public services and
Infrastructure necessary to meet existing and projected population demands.
Chapters, Natural Resources, includes an overview of the environmental resources within
the City. Specifically, the chapter discusses biological resources and habitat, visual,
cultural and historical resources, climate, topography, mineral and soil resources, and
air quality.
Chapter 1 City of Le Quinta General Plan
Introduction 1-1 Master Environmental Assessment
Chapter 6, Environmental Hazards, provides a discussion of natural and manmade
hazards which exist within the City of La Quinta. These hazards include geologic and
seismic, soil (liquefaction and soil erosion), flooding, noise, fire, and the transportation and
use of hazardous materials. This chapter also includes a discussion of energy
conservation and emergency preparedness programs affecting the City.
Appendix A, 1990 Census Data, includes a summary of the available 1990 Census data
for the City of La Quinta.
Appendix 8, Existing Economic Conditions and Population and Employment Projections,
provides an overview of the status of economic development strategies within the City
and concludes with an assessment of economic opportunities and constraints within
La Quinta.
This MEA was prepared for the City of La Quinta General Plan Update and
accompanying Environmental Impact Report. While the contents can be utilized in the
preparation of subsequent project specific EIR's, all information should be verified by the
appropriate sources prior to use.
Chapter 1 City of La OLAnta General Plan
Introduction 1-2 Master Environmental Assessment
W-TOADWAIMT
CC
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION - CITY OF LA QUINTA
A regular meeting held at the La Quinta City Hall
78-105 Calle Estado, La Quinta, California
August 11, 1992 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. The meeting was called to order at 7:04 P.M. by Chairwoman Barrows.
Commissioner Ellson led the flag salute.
H. ROLL CALL
A. Chairwoman Barrows requested the roll call. Present: Commissioners Mosher,
Ellson, Marrs and Chairwoman Barrows. Commissioner Marrs moved and
Commissioner Ellson seconded a motion to excuse Commissioner Adolph.
Unanimously approved.
B. Staff Present: Principal Planner Stan Sawa, Associate Planner Greg Trousdell,
Associate Planner Leslie Blodgett, and Department Secretary Betty Anthony.
ffi. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Tentative Tract 25953 - Continued a request of Mr. & Mrs. Harold Hirsch for
a one year extension of time for tract which creates 139 single family lots on 38.4
gross acres.
1. Associate Planner Greg Trousdell presented the information contained in
the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and
Development Department.
2. Chairwoman Barrows opened the public hearing. Mr. Hirsch stated he
was available for any questions the Commission may have. There being
no questions, Chairwoman Barrows closed the public hearing.
3. Commissioner Ellson asked if Condition #36 could be changed and
required to be one story for all units along north property line.
Commissioner Mosher gave a brief history as to why the two corner units
were allowed to be two story. Discussion followed.
PC8-11 1
Planning Commission Minutes
August 11, 1992
4. There being no further discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Mosher
and seconded by Commissioner Marrs to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 92.-025 recommending to the City Council approval of
Tentative Tract 25953 one year extension of time, subject to conditions.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, Ellson,
Marrs, Chairwoman Barrows. NOES:
None. ABSENT: Commissioner Adolph.
ABSTAINING: None.
B. Tentative Tract 25363: a request of Santa Rosa Developers for a one year
extension of time fora tract which creates 75 single family lots on 20± acres.
1. Associate Planner Greg Trousdell presented the information contained in
the Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and
Development Department. Two typographical corrections were noted
regarding the Conditions of Approval #8 and #36.
2. Commissioner Ellson asked Staff if there was a possibility of the retention
basin being joined with the City park. Staff stated they would look into
the possibility. Discussion followed regarding maintenance and lot sizes.
3. Chairwoman Barrows opened the public hearing. Mr. Brian Esgate,
applicant representative, stated he would be willing to work with the City
regarding the joining of the retention basin and the City park. He further
stated that all lots in the project were 7,200 square feet or more and he
agreed with all of Staffs recommendations.
4. There being no further discussion, Chairwoman Barrows closed the public
hearing. Discussion followed regarding amending Condition #9.A to
require the development to work with the City to coordinate the park and
retention basin development.
5. There being no further discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Marrs
and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt Planning Commission
Resolution 92-026 recommending to the City Council approval of a one
year extension of time for Tentative Tract 25363 subject to the amended
Conditions 9.A.
ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Commissioners Mosher, Ellson,
Marrs, Chairwoman Barrows. NOES:
None. ABSENT: Commissioner Adolph.
ABSTAINING: None.
IV. PUBLIC COMMENT: - None
PC8-11 2
Planning Commission Minutes
August 11, 1992
V. BUSINESS SESSION
A. Tentative Tract 24230, Lake La Quinta; a request of Wilma Pacific South
Management Corporation (Dennis LaMont) for approval of a revised plan for the
recreation lot at Marquessa on Lake La Quinta subdivision.
1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained in the
Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and Development
Department.
2. Mr. Jim LaLoggia, applicant, addressed the Commission and stated that
Wilma Pacific and the homeowners had come to a mutual agreement
regarding the changes to the recreation lot and other problems. Mr.
LaLoggia presented two letters to verify the agreement. Commissioner
Marrs thanked Wilma Pacific and Mr. LaLoggia for making the effort to
solve the problems.
3. There being no further discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Mosher
and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adopt Minute Motion 92-026
approving the revised recreation lot plans for Tentative Tract 24230.
Unanimously approved.
B. Plot Plan 91-457; a request of J. Paul Smith for a one year extension of time for
a 10,000 square foot night club.
1. Associate Planner Leslie Blodgett presented the information contained in
the Staff report noting amendments to Conditions #4, #10, and #11, a
copy of which is on file in the Planning and Development Department.
2. Commissioner Ellson inquired why Condition #8 had been deleted. Staff
explained this was a Council decision during the original approval.
3. There being no further discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Mosher
and seconded by Commissioner Marrs to adopt Minute Motion. 92-027
approving the one year extension of time for Plot Plan 91-457.
Unanimously approved.
C. Plot Plan 90-434; a request of Quiel Brothers for Wal-Mart to approve an
installation of a flag pole adjacent to the store entry.
1. Principal Planner Stan Sawa presented the information contained in the
Staff report, a copy of which is on file in the Planning and Development
Department.
PC8-11 3
Planning Commission Minutes
August 11, 1992
2. Chairwoman Barrows inquired if the flag pole was to be lighted. Staff
stated it would not as far as we know.
3. There being no further questions, it was moved by Commissioner Ellson
and seconded by Commissioner Marrs to adopt Minute Motion. 92-028
approving a one year extension of time for Plot Plan 90-434.
Unanimously approved.
VI. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. There being no corrections to the Minutes, Commissioner Marrs moved and
Commissioner Mosher seconded a motion to approve the Minutes of the regular
meeting of July 14, 1992, as submitted. Unanimously approved.
VH. OTHER -
A. Commissioner Ellson inquired if the City was requiring the new low voltage
lighting with the new construction. Staff stated they were.
VIH. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Commissioner Mosher and seconded by Commissioner Ellson to adjourn
this regular meeting of the Planning Commission to a regular meeting on August 25, 1992, at
7:00 P.M. in the La Quinta City ]Bull Council Chambers. This meeting of the La Quinta
Planning Commission was adjourned at 7:47 P.M., August 11, 1992.
PC8-11 4