SA 1993-197 (SAPR 2016-0002) Plaza Tampico, Amendment No. 4December 5, 2016
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Ms. DeAnn Arnold
Massage Therapy
47699 Date Palm Court
Palm Desert, CA 92260
SUBJECT: SIGN PROGRAM AMENDMENT 2016-0002
PLAZA TAMPICO
Dear Ms. Arnold:
The Design and Development Department has reviewed and approved your request
for an amendment to the sign program at the Plaza Tampico located at 78-150 Calle
Tampico. The approval is subject to Conditions of Approval attached to the staff
report. The appeal period for this decision is 15 days and will end on Tuesday,
December 20.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (760) 777-7069.
Sincerely,
Carlos Flores
Associate Planner
Enclosures:
o Staff Report with Conditions of Approval
78-495 Calle Tampico I La Quinta 1 California 92253 1 760.777.7000 1 www.La-Quinta.org
DATE:
CASE NO:
APPLICANT:
PROPERTY OWNER:
REQUEST:
CEQA:
LOCATION:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
STAFF REPORT
December 5, 2016
SIGN PROGRAM AMENDMENT 2016-0002 (SA 93-197
AMENDMENT 4
MASSAGE THERAPY BY ANNIE ARNOLD
THE SMITH FAMILY TRUST
APPROVE A SIGN PROGRAM AMENDMENT FOR THE PLAZA
TAMPICO CENTER, AND FIND THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
THE PLANNING DIVISION HAS DETERMINED THAT THIS
PROPOSAL IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PURSUANT TO PROVISIONS OF
SECTION 15301 (a) OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT (CEQA), IN THAT THIS PROPOSAL INCLUDES
ON -PREMISE SIGNS.
78-150 CALLE TAMPICO
• The applicant proposes to amend the Plaza Tampico Sign Program to allow for
second floor tenants to have signs on the south elevation, facing Calle Tampico
(Attachment 1).
• The Sign Program was originally approved in 1989 and amended in 1993, 2000,
and 2002 by the Planning Commission (Attachment 2).
BACKGROUND
Plaza Tampico is a 6 acre commercial center located on the northeast corner of Calle
Tampico and Desert Club drive. The adopted sign program requires externally
illuminated signs constructed of aluminum, wood, or Gatorfoam.
The original program allows for 1/4" thick painted bronze aluminum channel letter
signs on all elevations for first floor level business only. The first amendment in 1993
allowed for signs to be constructed using three inch thick cedar wood. A second
amendment approved in 2000 permits permanent signs for second story businesses
that occupy 100% of the building's floor area. A third amendment was approved in
2002 to allow first floor business tenants facing Calle Tampico to use Gatorfoam for
building signs on the south elevation.
PROPOSAL AND ANALYSIS
The applicant requests a fourth amendment to the existing sign program for Plaza
Tampico (Attachment 3). The proposed amendment includes allowing first and
second floor tenants to have an exterior building sign on the south elevation, facing
Calle Tampico. The applicant has indicated that there is limited visibility for signs for
second floor tenants. City staff worked with the applicant and building owner to
ensure the amendment did not allow for too much signage along the south elevation.
The applicant proposes the following modifications to the sign program:
• Allow for second floor tenants to have an exterior building sign on the south
elevation, facing Calle Tampico.
• Allow for a maximum of five (5) signs on the south elevation, only to be placed
on sign envelopes shown on the Sign Program.
• Allow for the building owner to decide which tenants are allowed a sign on the
south elevation.
• Allow for a maximum of 25 square feet in sign area for signs on the south
elevation.
The proposed sign program amendment will provide increased visibility opportunities
for second floor tenants (Attachment 4). Additionally, the proposed amendment will
not allow for a cluttering of signs along the south elevation. Future signs for each
tenant will be submitted under the general sign permit process, and reviewed against
the parameters of this Sign Program.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Design and Development Department has determined that this project is exempt
from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental
Quality Act in that the proposed project can be characterized as an existing facility.
Report prepared by: Carlos Flores, Associate Planner
Attachments: 1. Project Information
2. Approved Sign Program Plaza Tampico
3. Proposed Sign Program Amendment Plaza Tampico
4. Photos of Existing Center
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - APPROVED DECEMBER 5, 2016
SIGN PROGRAM AMENDMENT 2016-0002
PLAZA TAMPICO SIGN PROGRAM AMENDMENT
Page 1of2
FINDINGS
1. Consistency with General Plan
The project site is designated Village Commercial on the General Plan land use map
and the proposed sign program amendment further promotes village commercial
uses at the center.
2. Consistency with Zoning Code
Sign program amendments are authorized by the Zoning Code and the proposed
sign program amendment is consistent with the purpose and intent of Chapter
9.160. The sign program amendment is in harmony with and visually related to:
a. All signs within the planned sign program, via the incorporation of several
common design elements such as materials, letter style, colors, illumination, sign
type or sign shape.
b. The buildings they identify. This may be accomplished by utilizing materials,
colors, or design motif included in the building being identified.
3. Compliance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
The Design and Development Department has determined that this project is
exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15301 of the California
Environmental Quality Act in that the proposed project can be characterized as an
existing facility.
4. Surrounding Uses
As conditioned, approval of the application will not create conditions materially
detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare or injurious to or
incompatible with other properties or land uses in the vicinity. The proposed sign
program amendment design elements are consistent in size and scale with the
existing signage in surrounding commercial centers.
GENERAL
1. The applicant agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City of La Quinta
("City"), its agents, officers and employees from any claim, action or proceeding to
attack, set aside, void, or annul the approval of this Sign Program Amendment. The
City shall have sole discretion in selecting its defense counsel. The City shall
promptly notify the applicant of any claim, action or proceeding and shall cooperate
fully in the defense.
2. Any changes to the sign program, including sign size, sign placement and/or sign
Page 1 of 2
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - APPROVED DECEMBER 5, 2016
SIGN PROGRAM AMENDMENT 2016-0002
PLAZA TAMPICO SIGN PROGRAM AMENDMENT
Page 2of2
design, will require a sign program amendment application to be filed with the
Design and Development Department.
Page 2 of 2
Project Information
CASE NUMBER:
APPLICANT:
PROPERTY OWNER:
REQUEST:
LOCATION:
GENERAL PLAN
DESIGNATION:
ZONING
DESIGNATION:
SURROUNDING
ZONING/LAND USES:
ATTACHMENT 1
SIGN PROGRAM AMENDMENT 2016-0002
MASSAGE THERAPY BY ANNIE ARNOLD
THE SMITH FAMILY TRUST
ADOPT A SIGN PROGRAM AMENDMENT FOR THE PLAZA
TAMPICO CENTER, AND FIND THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
78-150 CALLE TAMPICO
VILLAGE COMMERCIAL
VILLAGE COMMERCIAL
NORTH:
SOUTH:
EAST:
WEST:
JOHN ADAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
VACANT LAND
RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD
EMBASSY SUITES
•
PLAZA TAMPICO SIGN PROGRAM
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTE MOTION 2002-004
SIGN PERMIT APPLICATION NO. 93-197, AMENDMENT #3
PURPOSE: The purpose of this criteria is to establish sign standards necessary for
" tenant identification.insuring architectural compatibility through the use of common
graphic elements and colors.
FINDINGS:
A. That the Planned Sign Program Amendment, as conditioned, is consistent with
Chapter 9.160 (Signs) and 9.65 (Village Commercial) of the Zoning Ordinance.
B. That the Planned Sign Program Amendment allows design variation for exterior
signs in terms of color and materials, but limits sign placement and letter style
to create flexibility and visual harmony for each respective tenant.or business.
C. This Planned Sign Program Amendment does not adversely impact any
surrounding developments, nor obscure views of neighboring off-site signs.
D. Building signs shall be designed as an integral feature of the buildings they relate
to, and be in good scale and proportion to the structures consistent with the
design guidelines for The Village.
CONDITIONS:.
1. All sign contractors shall be licensed to do business in the City of La Quinta.and
possess a State Contractor's License to perform the work outlined herein.
2. Tenants signs may be illuminated from an external source, provided the light
fixture is shielded to comply with the requirements of the City's Zoning
Ordinance. Internally illuminated signs are not allowed, unless otherwise
approved by the Planning Commission (i.e., Business item agenda). In order to
apply for an illuminated building sign, a business must occupy 25 percent of the
building's Ieaseable floor area .for the level it is located on.
3. Building signs shall conform to the following requirements:
First floor level tenants are permitted one building sign per street or parking lot
frontage not exceeding one square foot of sign area per lineal foot of building
CondPlazaSign#3/p/greg
frontage, or 50 square feet. The aggregate total per business is 100 square
feet. Sign sizes include logo pictorials.
Second floor level tenants are not permitted exterior building signs, unless the
business leases 100 percent of the upstairs floor area. One building sign per
street or parking lot frontage is allowed not exceeding one square foot of sign
area per lineal foot of building frontage, or 50 square feet. The aggregate total
per business is 100 square feet. Sign sizes include logo pictorials.
a. Sign construction specifications are:
Option #1 - 1/4" thick aluminum (individual 24 inch high letters) with
painted surface stud mounted to the adjacent stucco surface. One row
of sign copy is allowed. Logo pictorials may not exceed 30 inches.
Option #2 - Three inch thick wood (i.e., redwood or cedar) plaque
measuring 3'-0" wide by 14'-0" long with 24 inch high letters
sandblasted into the wood. Nine inch high letters shall be used for two
rows of copy information. Letters shall be painted darker than the
proposed background color (i.e., white, light brown, etc.). A painted 1"
wide border shall frame the sign graphics, including radius corners.
Option #3 - One inch thick Gatorfoam® letters, measuring 2.5 inches
wide, are required for signs facing Calle Tampico, provided the letter
faces are covered using a brushed silver laminate accented by a blue trim
border. Sign letters shall not exceed a height of 24 -inches, and no more
than one row of sign copy is allowed. Logos may not exceed a height of
30 inches.
b. Additional requirements:
• Helvetica type lettering shall be used for sign graphics, unless the
business has a registered trademark and/or more than three
existing businesses with identical graphic characteristics.
• Exterior signs shall be located on the building's facade below the
second floor windows and above the first floor windows. Major
tenants may place their building identification signs on tower
elements of the center, subject to approval by the Community
Development Director.
• Signs shall be proportional to the facade they are to be mounted
onto. Existing architectural features of the building shall not be
CondPl azaS ign#3/p/greg
• •
modified to place a tenant sign on the facade unless the change
enhances the overall design characteristics of the office complex.
Earth tone colors are required for all exterior sign graphics
excluding corporate users.
Prior to submission of a Sign Application to the City, the applicant
shall obtain written approval for the sign from the property owner
and/or his or her legal agent.
4. One monument sign per street frontage is allowed based on the City's Zoning
Ordinance requirements in effect at the time a building permit is applied for.
5. All other signs not addressed herein shall be subject to the rules and regulations
of City's Sign Ordinance when submitted.
6. The Community Development Director may approve material changes that are
architecturally compatible with the proposed program, subject to approval by
the property owner.
7. Modifications to this Sign Program shall be reviewed and approved by the
Planning Commission.
8. This Sign Program Amendment superceded ali previous City of La Quinta
approvals.
CondPla7aSign#3/p/greg
PLAZA TAMPICO SIGN PROGRAM
Amendment #4
PURPOSE: The purpose of this criteria is to establish sign standards necessary for tenant
identification insuring architectural compatibility through the use of common graphic
elements and colors.
FINDINGS:
A. That the Planned Sign Program Amendment, as conditioned, is consistent with Chapter
9.160 (Signs) and 9.65 (Village Commercial) of the Zoning Ordinance.
B. That the Planned Sign Program Amendment allows design variation for exterior signs
in terms of color and materials, but limits sign placement and letter style to create
flexibility and visual harmony for each respective tenant or business.
C. This Planned Sign Program Amendment does not adversely impact any surrounding
developments, nor obscure views of neighboring off-site signs.
D. Building signs shall be designed as an integral feature of the buildings they relate to,
and be in good scale and proportion to the structures consistent with the design
guidelines for The Village.
CONDITIONS:
1. All sign contractors shall be licensed to do business in the City of La Quinta and
possess a State Contractor's License to perform the work outlined herein.
2. Tenants signs may be illuminated from an external source, provided the light fixture is
shielded to comply with the requirements of the City's Zoning Ordinance. Internally
illuminated signs are now allowed, unless otherwise approved by the Planning
Commissions (i.e., Business Item agenda). In order to apply for an illuminated building
sign, a business must occupy 25 percent of the building's leasable floor are for the level
it is located on.
3. Building signs shall conform to the following requirements:
The following pertains to the north, east, and west elevations:
First floor level tenants are permitted one building sign per street or parking lot
frontage not exceeding one square foot of sign area per lineal foot of building
frontage, or 50 square feet. The aggregate total per business is 100 square feet,
inclusive of any signage the tenant has on the south elevation. Sign sizes include logo
pictorials.
Second floor level tenants are not permitted exterior building signs unless the business
leases 100 percent of the upstairs floor area. One building sign per street or parking lot
frontage is allowed not exceeding one square foot of sign area per lineal foot of
building frontage, or 50 square feet. The aggregate total per business is 100 square
feet. Sign sizes include logo pictorials.
The following pertains only to the south elevation, facing Calle Tampico:
First and second floor level tenants are permitted one exterior building sign along the
south elevation frontage, only to be placed on the sign envelopes as shown on the
exhibit below. The building owner shall decide which tenants are allowed a sign on the
south elevation. Each sign shall not exceed 25 square feet in area. Sign sizes include
logo pictorials.
a. Sign construction specifications are:
Option #1: - 1/4" thick aluminum (individual 24 inch high letters) with painted
surface stud mounted to the adjacent stucco surface. One row of sign copy is
allowed. Logo pictorials may not exceed 30 inches.
Option #2: - Three inch thick wood (i.e., redwood or cedar) plaque measure 3'-0"
wide by 14'-0" long with 24 inch high letters sandblasted into the wood. Nine
inch high letters shall be used for two rows of copy information. Letters shall
be painted darker than the proposed background color (i.e., white, light brown,
etc.). A painted 1" wide border shall frame the sign graphics, including radius
corners.
Option #3: - One inch thick Gatorfoam letters, measuring 2.5 inches wide, are
required for signs facing Calle Tampico, provided the letter faces are covered
using a brushed silver laminate accented by a blue trim border. Sign letters
shall not exceed a height of 24 -inches, and no more than one row of sign copy
is allowed. Logos may not exceed a height of 30 inches.
b. Additional requirements:
• Helvetica type lettering shall be used for sign graphics, unless the
business has a registered trademark and/or more than three existing business
with identical graphic characteristics.
• Exterior signs shall be located on the building's facade below the second
floor windows and above the first floor windows on all elevations except for the
south elevation. Major tenants may place their building identification signs on
tower elements of the center, subject to approval by the Design and
Development Director.
• Signs shall be proportional to the facade they are to be mounted onto.
Existing architectural features of the building shall not be modified to place a
tenant sign on the facade unless the change enhances the overall design
characteristics of the office complex. Earth tone colors are required for all
exterior sign graphics excluding corporate users. Prior to submission of a Sign
Application to the City, the applicant shall obtain written approval for the sign
from the property owner and/or his or her legal agent.
4. One monument sign per street frontage is allowed based on the City's Zoning
Ordinance requirements in effect at the time a building permit is applied for.
5. All other signs not addressed herein shall be subject to the rules and regulations of
City's Sign ordinance when submitted.
6. The Design and Development Director may approve material changes that are
architecturally compatible with the proposed program, subject to approval by the
property owner.
7. Modifications to this Sign Program shall be reviewed and approved by the Design and
Development Department.
8. This Sign Program Amendment superseded all previous city of La Quinta approvals.
ATTACHMENT 4
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