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Home My WebLink About1990-10-30 - AGENDA REPORTS - DRAFT ORD SIGNS 90-35 (4)• 0 AGENDA REPORT City Manager Item to be presented J�fe/ f , r i/ . PUBLIC HEARING DATE: October 30, 1990 SUBJECT: Draft Ordinance pertaining to signs Ordinance Number: 90-35 DEPARTMENT: Community Development BACKGROUND /r During the past year, staff has worked with the Planning Commission and City Council to develop regulations to improve the sign section in the City's zoning ordinance. A Planning Commission study session was held on September 28, 1989, followed by a public hearing on December 19, 1989. A draft sign ordinance revision was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission to the City Council at that time. At its meeting of January 9, 1990 the City Council held a public hearing and expressed concerns regarding certain portions of the ordinance provisions. The Council requested that a survey of signs in the City be conducted. In May 1990, the Council affirmed the direction to proceed with a sign ordinance and indicated that, as a new City, they wished to complete this work before the end of the year. As a new City, there is an opportunity to create a new amortization schedule for nonconforming signs. The present schedule contained in the Code requires amortization over a ten-year period. The City may adopt an accelerated schedule if it does so within three years of the date of incorporation (or by December 15, 1990). The benefit to the City is that they do not have to bear the cost of sign replacement per the schedules if adopted within their time frame. The sign survey has been conducted and a revised sign ordinance, with a five year amortization period, has been prepared. Sign Survey Results In response to the Council's direction, a complete sign survey was conducted in July 1990. The survey includes a tabulation of each street in the City where signs are located and tabulates each sign by street and type of sign. Each sign has been photographed and cataloged and is available in 17 volumes for review in the Community Development Dept. The survey identifies seven different broad categories of sign types: monument, pole, portable, projecting, roof, wall -mounted, and _ wall -painted signs. Within most of these categories, subcategories are also identified. All streets in the City were surveyed, although the attached chart, "Sign Survey Results," only lists streets with twelve or more signs. Each arterial street (Bouquet Cyn. Rd., San Fernando Rd., Valencia Blvd./Soledad Cyn. Rd., Lyons Ave, McBean Pkwy., Sierra Hwy., 76cc _'0_r- l `Zb J�� Agenda Item: ao(, Agenda Report - 2 - October 30, 1990 etc.) has been identified as well as the cross streets. In descending order the total number of signs within each category on the chart is as follows: 1. Wall -mounted signs 2,122 2. Pole (pylon) signs 667 3. Wall -painted signs 317 4. Projecting signs 232 5. Monument signs 160 6. Multi -tenant signs 120 7. Roof signs 93 8. Portable signs 20 (may fluctuate on a daily basis) 9. Flashing/rotating 8 9. Other 6 Total 3745 Revised Draft Ordinance The draft: ordinance has been revised to respond to the general concerns of the City Council.at the January 9th meeting. The new revisions are as follows: 1. Allowance of multitenant signs, which were previously proposed to be prohibited, subject to requirements of the sign type (i.e., pylon, monument, etc.) 2. Pylon signs are .proposed to. be retained, but limited to 15 ft. in height (current code allows up to 42 ft.), a smaller allowable area than monument signs and limited to sites greater than 3 acres in size. 3. Addition of the requitement to include the sign permit number on the sign. 4. A mechanism for design review in the sign permit process. 5. A five-year amortization for nonconforming signs. The Planning Commission reviewed the attached draft ordinance and sign survey at its meeting of October 2, 1990 and recommended approval of the draft ordinance to the City Council. The Commission also directed the staff to meet with the Valencia Company to discuss their comments and possibly incorporate some revisions prior to the Council's consideration of the draft ordinance. The staff has met with representatives of the Valencia Company and the two local Chambers of Commerce. Revisions have been made in the draft ordinance since the Planning Commission public hearing on October 2, 1990 to reflect some of the suggestions of the Valencia Company. The changes are shown in the strikeover format in the draft ordinance and the staff Agenda Report - 3 - October 30, 1990 supports these changes. These are the only revisions made to the draft ordinance since it was first .distributed to the City Council on October 3, 1990 for an early review. The Canyon Country Chamber of Commerce has requested postponement of the public hearing. Analysis Based on the survey, the following is an estimate of the number of existing signs in the City that would be made nonconforming as a result of the draft ordinance: 1. Signs proposed to be eliminated: All existing signs in these categories would be required to be removed at the end of the 5 year amortization period (except portable signs which could be abated immediately): a. Roof signs 93 b. Flashing/Rotating signs 8 c. Painted wall signs 317 d. Portable signs 20 e. Projecting signs 232 2. Signs where standards are proposed to be modified: All existing signs in these categories that do not conform to the standards of the ordinance would require modification to conform or removal at the end of the 5 year amortization period: a. Pylon signs 300.of 667 signs Is. Wall mounted signs 300 of 2122 signs c. Monument signs 10 of 160 signs The above signs are designated as nonconforming based on the three main factors of site size, sign height, and sign area. These are factors which are readily identifiable or can be estimated from the survey information. If specific dimensions, distances and other details were known, then additional signs may be identified as nonconforming. As a companion policy to Council adoption of this ordinance, staff will be discussing the need for guidelines in declaring signs nonconforming and subject to abatement. Signage required to be abated can be replaced with conforming signs, such as monuments. There is no maximum set for signage per lot. Although the pylon sign category. would be heavily impacted by the ordinance and.many such signs would be required to -be removed or modified at the end of the amortization period, staff and the Planning Commission feel that a substantial reduction in the number, dimensions and frequency of such signs is essential in order to reduce the competitive clutter and collective blighting effect that these signs have on the fabric, climate and health of our business districts. It should also be noted that in the previous draft ordinance, the Planning Commission requested that the Staff's original suggestion to substantially reduce pylon sign size be 0 Agenda Report - 4 - October 30, 1990 modified to prohibit all pylon signs. That draft ordinance was the one that Council rejected in January. An allowance for pylon signs under certain circumstances is now proposed, to generally reduce their height and area, limit their use to larger sites of three acres or more, and allow special consideration for freeway oriented and automotive related uses. The amortization of the other sign types will also substantially improve. the overall appearance and image of the City, and will generally be less costly for business owners to replace or modify when the time comes, five years from the date of the ordinance (approximately the beginning of 1996). RECOMMENDATION 1. Approve the negative declaration. 2. Pending public testimony, approve the draft sign ordinance. 3. Introduce Ordinance No. 90-35, waive further reading, and pass to second reading. ATTACHMENTS 1. Sign Survey 2. Ordinance No. 90-35 3. Planning Commission Resolution No. P90-52 4. Planning Commission Staff Report Dated October 2, 1990 5. Negative Declaration MAR:lkl:236 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 22.52 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, ADOPTED BY REFERENCE, RELATING TO THE STANDARDS FOR CERTAIN SIGNS. PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY'GIVEN: A Public Hearing will be held before the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita to consider an ordinance regarding the standards for certain signs. The ordinance proposes, but is not limited to: a•reduction in allowable wall sign area, limits pole sign heights, prohibits portable signs, roof signs, projecting signs, moving and revolving signs, painted wall signs, and other related modifications. The hearing will be held by the City Council in the City Hall Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Blvd., 1st Floor, Santa.Clarita, the 30th day of October, 1990, at or after 6:30 p.m. Proponents, opponents, and any interested persons may appear, and be heard on this matter at that time. Further information may, be obtained by contacting the City Clerk's Office, Santa Clarita City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., 3rd Floor, Santa Clarita. If you wish .to challenge this order is court, 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 to the City Council, at, or prior to, the public hearing. Dated: September 26, 1990 Donna M. Grindey City Clerk Publish Date: October 15, 1990 9 0 PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE • 1. Mayor Opens Hearing a. States Purpose of Hearing 2. City Clerk Reports on Hearing Notice 3. Staff Report (City Manager) or (City Attorney) or (RP Staff) 4. Proponent Argument (30 minutes) 5. Opponent Argument (30'minutes) 6. Five-minute Rebuttal (Proponent) a. Proponent 7. Mayor Closes Public Testimony 8. Discussion by Council 9. Council Decision 10. Mayor Announces Decision i ORDINANCE NO. 90-35 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, SUPERSEDING AND AMENDING PORTIONS OF TITLE 22 (THE PLANNING AND ZONING CODE) ADOPTED BY REFERENCE PERTAINING TO SIGN REQUIREMENTS THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Council does hereby find and determine as follows: A. A Planning Commission study session was held on September 28, 1989, to discuss the subject of necessary revisions to the City's sign regulations. B. A duly noticed public hearing was held on the proposed sign ordinance revisions by the Planning Commission on December 19, 1989, at -the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, 'Santa Clarita at 6:30 p.m. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the Negative Declaration and recommended approval to the City Council of proposed amendments to the City's sign regulations. C. A duly noticed public hearing was held by the Council on January 9, 1990, at the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita at 6:30 p.m. D. Following the City Council public hearing, the Council directed the staff to conduct a sign survey, and consider revisions to the draft ordinance and return to the Council at a later date. E. A duly noticed public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on October 2, 1990 in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:30 p.m. F. A duly noticed public hearing was held by the Council on October 30, 1990, at the City. Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita at 6:30 p.m. SECTION 2. Based upon the testimony and all evidence received at the public hearing, the Council further finds and determines as follows: A. The City of Santa Clarita is proceeding in a timely fashion with the preparation of a general plan. There is a reasonable probability that this ordinance will be consistent with the general plan proposal currently being considered or studied, that there is little or no probability of substantial detriment to or interference with the future adopted general plan if the proposed project is ultimately inconsistent with that plan, and that the proposed project complies with all other applicable requirements of state law and local ordinances. - 1 - B. Implementation of this proposal will cause no adverse effects on the environment. SECTION 3. Definitions contained in Section •22.08.190 of Chapter 22.08 as referenced in Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City of Santa-Clarita are hereby amended to add the following definitions in the regular alphabetical sequence as appropriate: A. Sign. Automotive - Oriented. Automotive oriented sign means a sign that is primarily representing a business. devoted to automotive sales and/or services. B. Sign, Monument. Monument sign means a sign which is completely self-supporting, has its sign face or base on the ground and has no air space, columns or supports visible between the ground and the bottom of the sign. C. Sign, Pylon. Pylon sign means a sign in which the sign face is separated from ground level by means of one or more supports such as poles or columns. D. Sign. Wall - Painted. A wall painted sign means a sign that is painted directly on a wall or other vertical, or non -horizontal surface, and does not project from the surface to which it is applied. SECTION 4. Section 22.52.850. of Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City of Santa Clarita is hereby deleted. SECTIONS. Section 22.52.860. of Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City of Santa Clarita is hereby superseded and amended to read as follows: 22.52.860. Business Signs - In Agricultural and Special Purpose Zones. Business signs are permitted in Zones A-1, A-2, A -2-H; 0-S, SR -D, P -R, B-1, A -C and W subject to the following restrictions: A. Sign Area Permitted. In Zones A-1, A-2, A -2-H, 0-S and W, one business sign, not to exceed 12 square feet in sign area, shall be permitted per lot or parcel of land. B. Height Permitted. 1. Freestanding, monument type signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 3 feet, measured vertically from ground level at the base of the sign. 2. Pylon signs shall not exceed a maximum of 15 feet in height, measured vertically from ground level at the base of the sign. 3. Wall business signs shall not extend above the lowest point of a roof or highest point of a parapet wall. - 2 - C. Location of Signs. 1. Business signs shall not: (a) Be placed on any property nearer than 25 feet to a lot line, other than one adjoining a street or highway; (b) Be placed within a required front or corner side yard nearer than 10 feet to the highway line of the adjacent street, highway or parkway. D. Projection Permitted. 1. Wall business signs shall not project more than 18 inches from the building to which they are attached. 2. Business signs which project over public rights-of-way are subject to the requirements of the Building Code, set out at Title 23 of this code. E. Movement. Signs shall not rotate, move or simulate motion in any way. F. Lighting. Signs may be internally or externally lighted, provided: 1. That in Zones A-1, A-2, A -2-H, 0-S or P -R, no exposed incandescent lamp used shall exceed a rated wattage of 25 watts; and 2. That any continuous or sequential flashing operation is prohibited. SECTION 6. Section 22.52.880. of Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los .Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City of Santa Clarita is hereby superseded and amended to read as follows: 22.52.880. Wall Business Signs. This section shall govern all wall signs as defined in Chapter 22.08 and shall apply in all Commercial and Industrial Zones and the R -R Zone. A. Sign Area Permitted. 1. Each ground -floor business establishment fronting on and/or oriented toward one or more public street, highway or parkway shall be permitted a maximum of one square foot of wall sign area for each one linear foot of building frontage, exce t that when individuallv cut letters are nrovidedhe ratio may be increased to 1.5 square feet of wall sign area for each one linear foot of building frontage. 2. Where a ground -floor business establishment fronts only on a parking lot, alley, open mall, landscaped open space or other public way, the exterior building wall_ facing such parking - 3 - C� lot, alley, open mall, way shall be considered computing permitted wall landscaped open space .or other public a building frontage for purposes of sign area. 3. A ground -floor business establishment having entrances intended for and regularly utilized by the public on the side of a building which is not considered building frontage as defined by this code, shall be permitted one wall sign on each such side, provided said sign does not exceed one-half said sign .area permitted on the building frontage of said business. Where a business has more than one building frontage recognized by this section, an average of the total of the width of all frontages permitted sign areas shall be used to compute the total sign area. 4. Any .building containing business establishments, which front only on an interior mall having a limited number of entrances, shall be considered a single establishment for the purpose of computing the wall sign area permitted on the exterior walls of such building. 5. In the event a side wall sign is permitted pursuant to section A.3 above, the total sign area for such building (including signs on frontage walls and side walls), shall not exceed a maximum sign area permitted by sections A.1 and A.3 above. 6. Each ground -floor business establishment, not covered by paragraph A.1 above, and except as limited by paragraph A.4 above, shall be permitted a minimum sign area of 10 square feet for each building frontage. 7. Each business establishment located on a second floor and facing the street or .highway shall be permitted a maximum of 10 square feet of sign area as a wall business sign. 8. In all listed zones, each business establishment located on the ground, or second floor having no building frontage, shall be permitted a maximum of one square foot of. sign area facing the street or highway. B. Steep Sloping Roofs. That portion of any actual or false roof varying 45 degrees or less from a vertical plane may be considered an extension of the building wall for the purpose of wall business -sign placement. C. Height Permitted. Wall business signs shall not extend above the highest point, exclusive of any roof structures, of the roof or parapet. D. Lighting. Wall business signs may be internally or externally lighted. - 4 - E. Dimensions. The maximum vertical dimensions of a wall sign box and/or the sign copy shall not exceed two feet, except that the Director may approve taller vertical dimensions for signs located on buildings occupied by large single tenant occupancies VyfVXOJl $ 90fV 0V fO ¢900¢ � Of J$Q f¢¢f/ and/or for initial capital letters or logos. If a site plan is first submitted to and approved by the Director, as provided in Part 12 of Chapter 22.56, signs greater than a two -foot vertical dimension may be permitted subject to the Director's review and approval of said sign. SECTION 7. Section 22.52.890. of Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City of Santa.Clarita is hereby superseded and amended to read as follows: 22.52.890. Monument Signs. Monument signs shall be permitted in commercial, industrial, and R -R zones subject to the following: A. Number and Frontage. 1. Only one monument sign may be permitted on any lot or parcel of land having a minimum of 100 feet of continuous street or highway frontage. For the purposes of calculating frontage on a corner lot, frontage shall include the total linear distance of said lot of each of the streets. 2. Notwithstanding paragraph A.1 above, in the event any building has continuous street or highway frontage exceeding 100 feet, one additional monument sign shall be permitted for each 400 feet which exceeds said continuous frontage of 100 feet. In no event, however, shall a monument sign be located closer than 250 feet from any other monument or freestanding sign. 3. The intent of this ordinance is to reduce the number, and hence the competitive clutter of numerous freestanding pylon signs within the City. To implement that intent, no parcel of land 'whereon there exists a nonconforming freestanding pylon sign(s) as of the. effective date of this ordinance, shall be allowed a monument sign unless at least one existing nonconforming pylon sign or billboard of equal or greater sign area is first removed. B. Sign Area. A maximum of 54 square feet per sign face, including the base, shall be permitted except that the Director may apnrove a monument sign area of up to 96 square feet for centers containing 5 acres or more of land area. A monument sign shall have no more than two sign faces. C. Ratio. The height to length ratio for monument signs shall be less than or equal to 1 to 1.5 (1:1.5). In no event shall the height of a monument sign exceed two thirds (2/3) of its length. - 5 - 9 D. Height. The maximum height of a monument sign shall be six feet, however, a maximum height of 8 feet may be permitted for monument signs for centers containing 5 acres or more of land area, subiect to the Director's review and approval. Such height shall be measured from -the elevation of the top of the curb fronting such sign -when within 10 feet of a street property line. Schen such sign .is set back from a property line more than 10 feet, sign height shall be measured from the elevation of the ,ground level surrounding the base of the sign. E. Location of Monument Signs. 1. Monument signs shall be set back a minimum of one foot from any street or public right-of-way. The area between such street or right-of-way and the monument sign shall be attractively landscaped and maintained to enhance the appearance of such sign. 2. No monument sign shall be located closer than 15 feet from the intersection of any driveway and a street or public right-of-way line. 3. No monument sign shall be located in such a manner as to impede traffig sight visibility as determined by the Director. F. Lighting. Monument signs may be internally or externally lighted, but may not cause excessive glare to the detriment of traffic safety as determined by the Director. SECTION 8. Section 22.52.895. of Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City of Santa Clarita is hereby added to read as follows: 22.52.895. Pylon Signs. In lieu of a monument sign as permitted in Section 22.52.890, pylons signs shall be permitted in zones C -H, C-2, C-3, C -M, C-R, M-1, M-1.5, and M-2 subject to the following: A. Number, Frontage, and Property Area. 1. A maximum of one (1) pylon sign per parcel of land containing a minimum of three .(3) acres and 500 feet of street frontage shall be permitted. For the purposes of calculating frontage on a corner lot, frontage shall include the total linear distance of said lot of each of the streets. 2. The intent of this ordinance is to reduce the number, and hence the competitive clutter of numerous and excessively tall freestanding pylon signs within the City. To implement that intent, no parcel of land whereon there exists a nonconforming freestanding pylon sign(s) shall be allowed another freestanding pylon sign as of the effective date of this ordinance, unless all existing nonconforming pylon signs or billboards are first removed. B. Sign Area. A maximum of 40 square feet per sign face shall be permitted. A pylon sign shall have no more than two sign faces. C. Height. The maximum height of a pylon sign shall be 15 feet as measured from the elevation from the ground level -surrounding the base of the sign, except as provided in Section 22.52.970.F. of this chapter. D. Location of Pylon Signs. 1. Pylon signs shall be set back a minimum of three feet from any street or public right-of-way. The area between such street or right-of-way and around the base of the pylon sign shall be attractively landscaped and maintained to enhance the appearance of such sign. 2. No pylon sign shall be located closer than 15 feet from the intersection of any driveway and a street or -public right-of-way line. 3. No pylon sign shall be located in such a manner as to impede traffic sight visibility as determined by the Director. E. Lighting. Pylon signs may be internally or externally lighted, but may not cause excessive glare to the detriment of traffic safety as determined by the Director. SECTION 9. Section 22.52. 900 of Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning code as adpted by reference by the City of Santa Clarita is hereby deleted. SECTION 10. Section 22.52.910. of Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City of Santa Clarita is hereby superseded and amended to read as follows: 22.52.910. Incidental Business Signs. A. Each business establishment may be permitted one incidental business sign provided: 1. That such sign is a wall mounted sign and, 2. That such sign does not exceed two square feet -in sign area. B. This provision shall not be interpreted to prohibit the use of similar signs of a larger size or in greater numbers where otherwise permitted by this Title 22, and computed as part of the sign area permitted for business signs as provided in Sections 22.52.880. through 22.52.920. 4 SECTION 11. Section 22.52.970.F. of Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City -of Santa Clarita is hereby added to read as follows: - 7 - F. Freestanding Pylon Signs - Freeway and/or. Automotive Oriented. If a site plan is first submitted to and approved by the Director, as provided in Part 12 of Chapter 22.56, freestanding pylon signs may be permitted for freeway and/or automotive oriented uses subject to the Director's review and approval of said sign. SECTION 12. Section 22.52.990. A.S. of Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City of Santa Clarita pertaining to prohibited signs is hereby superseded and amended to read as follows: 5. Any continuous or sequential flashing operation, other then signs displaying time of day, atmospheric temperature. SECTION 13. Section 22.52.990.B. of Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City of Santa Clarita pertaining to prohibited signs is hereby superseded and amended to read as follows: B. Revolving signs, all or any portion of which rotate. SECTION 14. Section 22.52.990.I. of Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City of Santa Clarita pertaining to prohibited signs is hereby superseded and amended to.read as follows: I. Portable signs, except for temporary real estate signs as regulated by Section 22.52.940, and campaign signs. SECTION 15. Section 22.52.990.K -M (inclusive) of Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City of Santa Clarita pertaining to prohibited signs is hereby added to read as follows: K. Projecting signs L. Roof signs M. Wall -painted signs SECTION 16. Section 22.52.991 of Chapter 22.52, Part 10, of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City of Santa Clarita is hereby added to read as follows: Permit Number Required. The sign permit number shall be affixed to the sign so that the legal approval of the sign shall be known by field inspection. The permit number shall be easily readable from ground level and may be placed in a location, such as on a side or underside. The permit number need not be part of the sign face. SECTION 17. Section 22.52.992 of Chapter 22.52, Part 10, of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the City of Santa Clarita is hereby added to read as follows: S:M 0 9 Design Review. In addition to the authority granted by Section 22.56, Part 12 (Director's Review -- Procedures) of this code, .signs shall be subject to review for general design and appearance. Such review shall include, but not be limited to appropriateness of colors, materials, shape, illumination, and other aesthetic and design characteristics. The design and exterior materials of signs shall enhance andcompliment the main building on site and shall be of similar quality and architectural style. Such review shall also consider the appropriateness of a sign in terms of its location and compatibility with the surrounding area and other signs in- the vicinity. In connection with such design review. the Director may vary any of the sign standards contained in this Chapter in order to achieve the overall objectives of the City's sign ordinance and enable reasonable flexibility for unique circumstances and special design themes. Special design standard districts may also be approved by the City Council in order to promote special commercial centers and village designs with unique design characteristics. SECTION 18. Paragraph 2 of subsection B of Section 22.52.1540 of Chapter 22.52, Part 10 of the County of Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Code as adopted by reference by the -City of Santa Clarita pertaining to termination of signs is hereby superseded and amended to read as follows: 2. In the case of buildings or structures nonconforming due to standards, signs, as follows: a. Signs as prohibited by Section 22.52.990, 30 days. b. All other signs and sign structures, except outdoor advertising structures, five years. SECTION 19. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this ordinance and cause it to be published in the manner prescribed by law. ATTEST: PASSED AND APPROVED this day of , 1990. CITY.CLERK MAYOR STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES) ss CITY OF SANTA CLARITA) I, , City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 90-1 was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the day of , 1990. That thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted and passed at a regular meeting of the City Council on the day of , 1990, by the following vote, to wit: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: MAR:r ID 215 - 10 - CITY CLERK CITY'OF'SANTA CLARITA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REGARDING A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 22.52 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE, ADOPTED BY' REFERENCE, RELATING TO SIGNS. PUBLIC NOTICE IS.HEREBY GIVEN: A Public Hearing will be held before.the Planning Commission and City Council.' of the City of Santa Clarita to consider an ordinance regarding the standards. for certain signs..__ Public testimony regarding the proposed ordinance will be heard by the Planning Commission in the City Hall.Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard on the Second (2nd) day of October 1990 at or after 6:30 p.m. The ordinance proposes, but is not limited to: a reduction in allowable wall sign.area, limits pole sign heights, prohibits portable signs, roof signs, projecting signs, moving and revolving signs, painted wall signs, and other related modifications. The Planning Commission may decide to amend the proposed ordinance based upon testimony.and other information at the public hearing in any lawful manner deemed appropriate . A Negative Declaration has been prepared for this proposed project and is available for public review beginning at 4:00 p.m. on September 11, 1990 at: Valencia Library Community Development Dept. 23743 Valencia Boulevard City Hall Valencia, California 91355 and at 23920 Valencia Boulevard Suite 300 Santa Clarita, CA 91355 For further information regarding this proposal, you may contact the City of Santa Clarita, Department of Community Development, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Third Floor, Santa Clarita, CA 91355; Telephone: (805) 255-4330. If you wish to challenge the adoption of the proposed ordinance in court, 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 to the Planning Commission, at, or prior to, the public hearing. Lynn M. Harris, Director of Community Development Pasted: Santa Clarita City Hall Sheriff's Department Santa Clarita Post Office Published: Newhall Signal September 11, 1990. SUMMARY OF PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS TO SIGN ORDINANCE ORDINANCE SEC. NO. EXISTING CODE PROPOSED CHANGE 3 Certain definitions not presently included Adds four new definitions 4 Permits portable outdoor signs 5 Regulates business.signs in agricultural and special purpose zones; permits signs up to 60 sq. ft. in ht., allows pylon, projecting, and roof top signs 6 Allows wall sign area 2 to 3 sq. ft./lineal ft., defines height permitted in relation to roofline, does not regulate vertical dimension of a sign. 7. Allows roof and freestanding signs (may be pylon signs). 8. Allows projecting business signs. 9. Permits incidental business signs. 10. Allows up to 42 ft. height limit for pylon signs. 11. Freeway and automotive -oriented signs not distinguished from other signs. 12. Prohibits certain flashing signs, limits amount of lighting, and if located less than 100 ft. from residential.or agricultural zones. 13. Permits revolving signs which rotate no faster than 6 revolutions per minute. Prohibits portable outdoor signs Regulates business signs more stringently; sign area limited to 12 sq. ft. ht. limited to 3 ft.; limits pylon signs to 15 ft. in ht.; limits • projecting signs to an 18 in. projection; and prohibits rooftop signs. Reduces wall sign area to 1 sq. ft./lineal ft. in all zones, simplifies and prohibits ht. of sign from extending above a roof line. Limits vertical dimension of a wall sign to 2 ft., with exceptions. Prohibits roof signs, and sets forth development standards for monument signs. Prohibits projecting business signs. Provides new, more limiting development standards for incidental signs. Sets new height limit of 15 ft. for pylon signs Allows pylon signs in most C & M zones. Adds new language to allow for freeway and automo- tive -oriented pylon signs to be approved by Director's review. Prohibits all flashing signs except those displaying.date, time, and temperature. Prohibits all revolving signs. SUMMARY OF PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS TO SIGN ORDINANCE ORDINANCE SEC. NO. EXISTING CODE 14. Among the list of prohibited signs are "portable signs" (with exceptions). 15. Certain signs not presently prohibited. 16. Not presently required. 17. Presently limited opportunity to review for aesthetics. 18. Permits amortization of signs over 10 yr. periods. -2- MAR: 221 2_MAR:221 PROPOSED CHANGE Exceptions have been removed. All portable signs are prohibited. Adds the following signs to the list of prohibited signs: projecting, roof, and wall painted. Requires inclusion of permit number on sign. Requires design review. Aesthetic concerns may* reviewed for appropriateness. Authorizes a 5 yr. amortization period. SIGN SURVEY RESULTS July. 1990 ti -I I IMuLti-1 I IMutti-1 I IMuLti- ANIA DR. __ __ 6 __ _- __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 14 __ __ 20 APPLE ST. -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- 2 -- 9 1 -- 13 ARCH ST. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 3 -- 12 1 -- 16 AVE.-CROCKER -- -- 3 -- 2 -- 3 -- -- -- -- -- 64 -- -- 72 AVE. SCOTT -- -- 4 -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- -- -- 7 -- -- 12 AVE. STANFORD -- 14 -- -- -- 2 -- -- -- -- -- 42 -- -- 58 BOUQUET CYN RD. -- -- 11 -- 12 1 54 -- -- 24 -- 1 150 20 1 274 CAMP PLENTY RD. -- -- -- -- 2 -- 4 2 -- 3 -- -- 55 8 -- 75 CHESTNUT ST. -- 1 -- 3 -- -- 2 -- -- 7 -- -- 13 • CREEKSIDE RD. -- -- 5 -- -- -- 40 1 -- -- -- -- 40 -- -- 86 DE LONE RD. -- -- -- -- -- -- 11 -- -- -- 1 -- 10 -- -- 22 FRIENDLY VALLEY PKWY. -- -- -- -- -- -- 5 -- -- 3 3 -- 2 -- 1 14 FURNIVAL AVE. -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- 1 -- 4 9 -- 15 GOLDEN TRIANGLE RD. -- -- 1 -- 5 -- 12 -- -- 3 -- -- 18 -- -- 39 GOLDEN VALLEY RD. -- -- 1 -- 2 -- 8 -- -- -- -- -- 31 2 -- 44 LYONS AVE. 1 2 9 -- 21 1 76 -- 2 45 10 2 313 24 1 507 MAGIC MOUNTAIN PKWY. -- -- 3 -- -- -- 8 -- -- 16 2 -- 27 3 -- 59 MC BEAN PKWY. -- -- 12 -- -- -- 17 -- -- -- -- -- 40 -- -- 69 NEWHALL AVE. -- -- 1 -- -- -- 4 -- -- -- 1 -- 8 -- -- 14 OAK AVE. -- -- 1 -- 2 -- 9 -- -- 7 -- -- 53 11 -- 83 PINE ST. -- -- -- -- 4 -- 5 1 -- 3 2 -- 16 8 -- 39 PLACERITA CYN R0. -- -- 3 -- -- 1 5 -- -- -- -- 1 8 1 -- 19 RAILROAD AVE, -- -- -- -- -- -- 3 -- -- 3 -- -- 2 5 -- 13 REUTHER AVE. -- 1 -- 1 -- 4 -- -- 1 -- 1 37 2 -- 47 RYE CYN RD. -- -- 11 -- -- -- 5 -- -- -- -- -- 2 2 -- 20 SAN FERNANDO RD. -- 1 8 -- 6 -- 78 1 -- 20 32 -- 257 66 -- 471 SAND CYN RD. -- 3 -- -- 1 23 -- -- -- -- -- 16 4 -- 47 SEGO CYN RD. -- -- -- -- 1 -- 5 -- -- -- -- -- 22 -- 1 29 SIERRA HWY. 1 -- 6 -- 11 -- 75 4 -- 2 5 -- 152 26 -- 282 SOLEDAD CYN RD. -- -- 10 -- 33 1 120 11 -- 83 22 -- 488 87 1 854 SPRINGBROOK AVE. -- -- -- -- -- -- 2 -- -- 1 -- -- 11 7 -- 21 TOURNAMENT RD. -- 2 3 -- -- -- 2 -- -- -- -- -- 18 10 -- 33 TOURNEY RD. -- __ 2 __ _- _' 9 -- -- 1 -- -- 5 -- 1 18 VALENCIA BLVD. -- 21 -- -- -- 20 -- -- 7 -- -- 58 2 -- 108 VALLEY ST. -- 1 -- 2* ' 6 -- -- -- 1 -- 9 -- -- 19 WALNUT ST. -- -- 1 -- 1 -- 4 -- -- 4 1 -- 21 4 -- 36 WILEY CYN RD. -- 3 1 -- 6 -- -- -- -- -- 9 -- -- 19 ALL OTHERS COMBINED-- 0 0 16 0 1 0 36 0 1 6 4 0 84 14 0 162 TOTALS: 2 5 160 1 107 5 667 20 3 232 93 5 2122 317 6 3 745 •Multi -tenant, rotating pole sign **Streets'with less than 12 signs RESOLUTION NO. P90-52 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF CODE AMENDMENTS RELATING TO SIGN REQUIREMENTS THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Planning Commission does hereby find and determine as follows: a. A Planning Commission study session was held on September 28, 1989, to discuss the subject of necessary revisions to the City's sign regulations. b. A duly noticed public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on December 19, 1989 in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:30 p.m. C. A duly noticed public hearing was held by the City Council on January 9, 1990, in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita. at 6:30 p.m. d. Following the City Council public hearing, the Council directed the staff to consider revisions to the draft ordinance and return to the Council at a later date. e. A duly noticed public hearing was held by the Planning Commission on October 2, 1990 in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:30 p.m. SECTION 2. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received at the public hearing, and upon studies and investigation made by the Planning Commission and on its behalf, the Commission further finds and determines as follows: a. The City of Santa Clarita is proceeding in a timely fashion with the preparation of a general plan. There is a reasonable probability that this project, will be consistent with the general plan proposal currently being considered or studied, that there is little or no probability of substantial detriment to or interference with the future adopted general plan if the proposed resolution is ultimately inconsistent with that plan, and that the proposed project complies with all other applicable requirements of state law and local ordinances. b. Amending the code relating to 'signs is necessary for the protection of the public health, safety, welfare and environment. RESO P90-52 - 2 - SECTION 3. The City of Santa Clarita Planning Commission has reviewed and considered the environmental information contained in the Initial Study, and determines that it is in compliance with CEQA and that the proposed project will not have a significant impact on the environment. A negative declaration was prepared for this project. Based upon the findings stated above, the Planning Commission recommends approval of the negative declaration to the City Council. SECTION 4. Based on the .foregoing, the Planning Commission hereby recommends approval to the City Council of the code to be amended to substantially read as shown in the attached Exhibit 1. SECTION 5. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution. PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED -this 2nd day of October, 1990. � � l Y `}1�7777 /Louis Brathwait/e, Chairman Planning Commission I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 2nd day of October 1990, by the following vote of the Commission: AYES: Commissioners: Brathwaite, Modugno, Woodrow, Cherrington NOES: Commissioners: ABSENT Commissioners: Garasi e JL o cL7-iCMNarriDirectorunity Development MAR:r ID 218 RESO P90-52 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA STAFF REPORT Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 89-005 DATE: October 2, 1990 TO: Chairman Brathwaite and Members of the Planning Commission FROM: Lynn M. Harris, Director of Community Development " ,Gy -n V- Avl CASE PLANNER: Michael Rubin, Associate Planner APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita LOCATION: Citywide REQUEST: An ordinance to revise existing regulations pertaining to signs. At a Planning Commission study session, on September 28, 1989, the Commission discussed potential revisions to the City's sign regulations. Following the study session, the Commission held a public hearing on December 19, 1989 to consider amendments to the City's sign ordinance, as drafted by the'staff. The. Commission approved the amendments as proposed, with no further revisions. On January 9, 1990, the City Council held a public hearing on the draft sign ordinance and expressed concerns regarding certain of the ordinance provisions. The Council also requested that a survey of signs in the City be conducted. In response to the Council's direction, a complete sign survey has been conducted and the draft ordinance has been revised. The new revisions are as follows: (1) Allowance of multitenant signs, which were previously proposed to be prohibited; (2) Pylon signs are proposed to.be retained, but limited to 15 ft. in height (current code allows up to 42 ft.), but with a smaller allowable area than monument signs; (3) Addition of the requirement to include the sign permit number on the sign; (4) A mechanism for design review in the sign permit process; and 5) A five-year amortization for nonconforming signs. As indicated above, a complete survey of all signs in the City (commercial.and industrial zones) has been conducted. Approximately two full months was involved in the survey in which each business sign in the City was photographed and cataloged by type of sign and address. A compilation was then made by street, listing the number of each type of sign by street. This information is useful to both assess the current sign situation as well as for future amortization purposes. For example, the 1.25-2 mile stretch of Lyons Avenue has a total of 507 signs including 76 pylon signs. (The street is approximately 2 miles long and approximately 1.25 miles of the north side'of the street is not developed with commercial or industrial uses.) Another example is Soledad Canyon Road which has 854 signs including 120 pole signs (Soledad Canyon Road is approximately 7 miles long and has substantial areas either in open space, or residentially developed). In the commercial areas of these streets, numerous signs are competing for attention which causes a cluttered appearance. This cluttered appearance can cause a negative image of the City, information overload to the readers and distraction to.drivers. The attached ordinance has been prepared to promote effective signage and manage signs in the City so that signs serve their intended purpose safely and collectively promote a positive, rather than negative, appearance. &.a PROSECT DESCRIPTION: The following is a description of the draft ordinance, including the revisions described above: 1. Elimination of the Following Types of Signs: A. Roof Signs: Although not a major problem in the City yet, roof signs generally appear as afterthoughts which are attached to the top of buildings that.are not properly integrated into the building design. Their height and size are often out of scale with the character of development. B. Flashing, rotating and scintillating signs: (These signs are already partially prohibited.) Presently prohibited are programmable electronic messages in which more than one-third of the lights are turned on or off at one time, or if a programmable sign is located less than 100 feet on the same side of the street or highway from residentially zoned property. Staff proposes to prohibit all flashing signs except those displaying the time of day and atmospheric temperature. Rotating signs are presently permitted only if they rotate at a maximum of six revolutions per minute. The sign ordinance revisions would prohibit all rotating signs. C. Signs painted directly on wall surfaces: The Commission previously expressed a preference for signs that have a three-dimensional element. The proposed ordinance would prohibit painted wall signs except for incidental signs such as directional and/or informational signs, which may not exceed 12 to 24 square feet in area. D. Pylon signs: Freestanding signs which are supported by a pole, column, or other support device, other than a monument sign are a "pylon signs." The Commission previously expressed a desire to disallow pylon signs in favor of monument signs except for consideration of freeway and automotive -related pylon signs on a case by case basis. The draft ordinance provides for freeway and automotive -related signs subject to the Director's Review section in the code. Pylon signs currently may be a maximum height of 42 feet with a permitted sign face area of 150 square feet (plus additional area based on street frontage). The draft ordinance proposes a reduction in pylon sign height to 15 feet maximum and a maximum sign face area of 40 square feet. Pylon signs would only be allowed on larger properties containing a minimum 3 acres and 500 feet of street frontage to reduce the proliferation and provide.for their separation. E. Portable signs: Most portable signs are already prohibited, however, some exceptions are permitted in the current code. For clarity and ease of administration, all portable signs have been prohibited in the proposed ordinance revision. F. Proiecting signs: Projecting signs are signs that are generally located at a right angle to a building. The code presently defines a projecting sign as any sign that projects more than 18 inches from a building face. This type of sign extends outward from the building Vol i �► -3- in a fashion similar to freestanding pole sign. The draft ordinance prohibits projecting signs; however, it should be noted that smaller signs which extend 18 inches or less would still be allowed. 2. Reduction of Present Standards A. The existing allowable sign area for a wall sign is presently two to three square feet per.lineal foot of .building frontage. This has been reduced to one square foot per lineal foot of building frontage in the proposed ordinance. This is the most common standard in other sign ordinances. B. Height (or vertical width of individual signs, or letters of channel cut signs) of wall signs is not presently regulated. Staff proposes a two foot height (vertical width) of a sign face with Director's review for consideration of additional height of letters/signs for capital lettering and when the sign would be set back a substantial distance from the street. 3. Monument Signs Consistent with the trend in many progressive cities, new freestanding signs are encouraged to be the monument type of sign. A greater allowance of sign area will be available if a monument sign is used, rather than a pylon sign. A monument sign is a sign that is opaque from the ground upward (no visible posts or supports) and is usually a low profile sign. Standards within the proposed ordinance for monument signs include: A. A 54 square foot limit with a width to height ratio of a maximum of 3:2. This is to emphasize that a monument sign should be greater in width.than height to create a low profile appearance. B. A minimum of a one foot landscaped setback from a street right-of-way would be requited. C. A 15 foot distance from a driveway would be required (also for adequate sight distance). 4. Creation of New Standards A. Reauirement to state sign hermit number. For future enforcement purposes, it was felt that the sign permit number should be clearly affixed to the sign for ease of identification that a sign has a sign permit. The number could be located on an underside, or side, or other location that would not need to be part of the sign face, but still visible at ground level and at close range. B. Design review. The Council also felt that review for appropriateness of general design and appearanceassociated with signs should be incorporated into the new ordinance. Language has been added to incorporate a review of aesthetics (i.e., materials, colors, shape, compatibility with the vicinity); at the sign permit stage. -4- C. Amortization schedule. The need also exists to revise the amortization schedule that presently exists in the code. A ten year period exists in which nonconforming signs must be removed. The City has the ability to amend this to a period of five years. Newly incorporated cities have the opportunity to develop an amortization schedule that is more stringent than the county inherited schedule, if the new schedule is adopted within three years of incorporation (December 15, 1990). The current processing time frame of this ordinance will allow an adoption date by the City Council by the required deadline. To accomplish the above revisions,it is also necessary to amend the ordinance to add new definitions for: "Sign; Wall -painted", "Sign, Pylon", "Sign, Monument", and "Sign, Automotive -oriented". ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, an Initial study was prepared for this project. It was determined that this project could not have a significant effect on the.environment, and a Negative Declaration has been prepared. INTERDEPARTMENT/INTERAGENCY REVIEW: This ordinance was prepared with the consultation of the City's Public Works Department --Traffic Engineering Division, and the City Attorney's Office. IXIAN4.4CT The provisions of the draft ordinance are meant to address the major concerns' with the present County -inherited code so that the present sign problem is not exacerbated and establish an amortization schedule for non -conforming signs in order to promote an improved business climate and enhance the image of the City. RECOMMENDATION 1. Recommend approval of the attached Negative Declaration to the City Council. 2. Recommend approval of the attached draft ordinance to the City Council. 3. Adopt theattached resolution. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Summary Chart 2. Resolution (with Draft Ordinance) 3. Negative Declaration MAR/s ID:220 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA N E G A T I V E D E C L A R A T I O N CERTIFICATION DATE: APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita TYPE OF PERMIT: Zoning Ordinance Amendment FILE NO.: ZOA-89-005 LOCATION OF THE PROJECT: Citywide DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT: Amendments to Section 22.08.190 and Chapter 22.52 part 10 of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code (Definitions and Signs). [X] City Council It is the determination of the [ ] Planning Commission [ ] Director of Community Development upon review that the project will not have a significant effect upon the environment. Mitigation measures [ ] are attached [X] are not attached Form completed by: Michael A. Rubin, Associate Planner (Name and Title) Date of Public Notice: September 11. 1990 [X] Legal advertisement. ( ] Posting of properties. [ ] Written notice. 0 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (Initial Study Form B) CITY OF SANTA CLARITA CASE NO. ZOA-89-005 Prepared by: Michael A. Rubin Project Location: Citywide Project Description and Setting: Proposed revisions to the sign code of the zoning ordinance, primarily commercial and industrial zones within the City and establishing an amortization schedule for nonconforming sings General Plan Designation N/A Zoning: All zones Applicant: City of Santa Clarita Environmental Constraint Areas: None A. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS h. Other modification of a wash, channel, creek, or river? ........................... ( ] [ ] [X] YES MAYBE NO 1. Earth. Will the proposal result in: a. Unstable earth conditions or in changes in geologic substructures? .................. [ ] [ ] [X] b. Disruptions, displacements, compaction or overcovering of the soil? ............... ( ] [ ] [X] C. Change in topography or ground surface relief features? ........................... [ ] [ ] [X] d. The destruction, covering or modification of any unique geologic or physical features? .............................. I 1 [ l [X] e. Any increase in wind or water erosion of soils, either on or off the site? .......... [ ) [ ] [X] f. Exposure of people or property to geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, ground failure, or similar hazards? ................................... [ ] [ ] [X] g. Changes in deposition, erosion or siltation? ................................. [ ] [ ] [X] h. Other modification of a wash, channel, creek, or river? ........................... ( ] [ ] [X] 2. 3. - 2 - YES MAYBE NO i. Earth movement (cut and/or fill) of 10,000 cubic yards or more? ....................... [ ] [ ] (X] j. Development and/or grading on a slope greater than 25Z natural grade? ............ [ ] ( ] [X] k. Development within the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone? ...................... [ ] ( ] [XI 1. Other? [ I [ ] (X] Air. Will the proposal result in: a. Substantial air emissions or deterioration of ambient air quality? .................... [ ] [ I [X] b. The creation of objectionable odors? ....... [ ] [ I [XI C. Alteration of air movement, moisture, or temperature, or any change in climate, either locally or regionally? .............. [ ) [ ] [XI d. Development within a high wind hazard area? ...................................... [ ] [ I [XI e. Other? [ ] [ I [XI Vater. Will the proposal result in: a. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff? ............................ [ l [ I [XI b. Alterations to the course or flow of flood waters? .............................. [ ] [ ] [XI C. Change in the amount of surface water in any water body? ......................... [ ] [ I [XI d. Discharge into surface waters, or in any alteration of surface water quality, in- cluding but not limited to temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? ............. [ I [ I [X] e. Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters? ..................... [ ] [ I (X] f. Change in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or with- drawals, or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations? ............ [ I [ ] [XI g. Substantial reduction in the amount of water otherwise available for public water supplies? ............................ [ ] [ I [XI 9 to - 3 - 5. Animal Life. Will the proposal result in: a. Change in the diversity of species, or YES MAYBE NO h. Exposure of people or property to water use of an area? ............... ( ] related hazards such as flooding? .......... ( ] [ I [X] i. Other? [ I [ I [XI 4. Plant Life. Will the proposal result in: Reduction of the numbers of any unique, a. Change in the diversity of species or number rare or endangered species of animals? ..... [ ] [ I [X] of any species of plants (including trees, Introduction of new species:o£ animals shrubs, grasses, crops, and microflora)? [ ] [ ] [X] b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, the migration or movement of animals? ...... [ ] [ I [X] rare or endangered species of plants? ...... [ ] [ ] [X] C. Introduction of new species of plants into habitat and/or migratory routes? ........... [ I [ I (X] an area, or in a barrier to.the normal re- plenishment of existing species? ........... [ ] [ j (X] d. Reduction in acreage of any agricultural crop? ...................................... [ ] [ ] [XI 5. Animal Life. Will the proposal result in: a. Change in the diversity of species, or the numbers of any species of animals (birds, use of an area? ............... ( ] land animals including reptiles, fish and insects or microfauna)? .................... [ ] [ j (XI b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of animals? ..... [ ] [ I [X] C. Introduction of new species:o£ animals into an area, or result in a barrier to the migration or movement of animals? ...... [ ] [ I [X] d. Deterioration to existing fish or wildlife habitat and/or migratory routes? ........... [ I [ I (X] 6. Noise. Will the proposal result in: a. Increases in existing noise levels? ........ [ ] ( ] [XI b. Exposure of people to severe or unacceptable noise levels? ................. [ ) [ ] (X] C. Exposure of people to severe vibrations? ( ] [ I [X] 7. Light and Glare. Will the.proposal produce substantial new light or glare? ................. [ ] [ I [X] 8. Land Use. Will the proposal result in: a. Substantial alteration of the present land use of an area? ....................... ( I [ ] [X] b. A substantial alteration of the planned land use of an area? ............... ( ] [ I [X] 0 - 4 - E YES MAYBE NO C. A use that does not adhere to existing zoning laws? ............................... I I I I [XI d. A use that does not adhere to established development criteria? ...................... [ ] I ] IX] 9. Natural Resources. Will the proposal result in: a. Increase in the rate of use of any natural resources? ................................. I ] [ l IX] b. Substantial depletion of any nonrenewable natural resources? ......................... [ ] [ I [XI 10. Risk of Upset/Man-Made Hazards. Will the proposal: a. Involve a risk of an explosion or the release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation) in the event of an accident or upset conditions) .......................... [ ] b. Use, store, transport or dispose of hazard- ous or toxic materials (including, but not limited to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation)? ................................ I 1 C. Possible interference with an emergency response plan or an emergency evacuation plan? ...................................... I l d. Otherwise expose people to potential safety hazards? ................................... [ I 11. Population. Will the proposal: a. Alter the location, distribution, density, or growth rate of the human population of an area? ..................... [ ] b. Other? [ ] 12. Housing. Will the proposal: a. Remove or otherwise affect existing housing, or create a demand for additional housing? ........................ b. Other? 13. Transportation/Circulation. Will the proposal result in: a. Generation of substantial additional vehicular movement? ........................ [ ] • ,• - 5 - YES MAYBE NO b. Effects on existing parking facilities, or demand for new parking? ................. [ j [ J [X] C. Substantial impact upon existing transportation systems, including public transportation? ............................ I ] I ] IXJ d. Alterations to present patterns of circulation or movement of people and/or goods? .............................. I ] I J [X] e. Increase in traffic hazards to motor vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians? ....... [ ] [ ] [X] f. A disjointed pattern of roadway improvements? .............................. I ] I ] [X] 14. Public Services. Will the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered govern- mental services in any of the following areas: a. Fire protection? ........................... [ ] [ ] [X] b. Police protection? ......................... [ ] [ ] [X] C. Schools? ................................... [ ] [ ] [X] d. Parks or other recreational facilities? .... [ ] [ ] [X] e. Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? ........................... [ ] [ ] [X] f. other governmental services? ............... [ ] I ] [X] 15. Energy. Will the proposal result in? a. Use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy. ..................................... [ ] I J [XJ b. Substantial increase in demand upon existing sources of energy, or require the development of new sources of energy? [ ] [ ] [X] 16. Utilities. Will the proposal result in a need for new systems; or -substantial alterations to the following utilities: a. Power or natural gas? ...................... [ ] [ ] [X] b. Communications systems? .................... [ ] [ ] [X] C. Water systems? ............................. [ ] I ] [X] d. Sanitary sewer systems? .................... [ ] [ ] [X] e. Storm drainage systems? .................... [ ] [ ] [X] YES MAYBE NO f. Solid waste and disposal systems? .......... [ ] [ ] [XJ. g. Will the proposal result in a disjointed or inefficient pattern of delivery system improvements for any of the above? ......... [ ] [ ] [X] 17. Human Health. Will the proposal result in: a. Creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard (excluding mental health)? ... [ J { ] [X] b. Exposure of people to potential health hazards? ................................... [ ] [ ] [X] 18. Aesthetics. Will the proposal result in: a. The obstruction of any scenic vista or view open to the public? ................... [ ] [ ] [X] b. Will the proposal result in the creation of an aesthetically offensive site open to public view? ....................... [ ] [ ] [X] C. Will the visual impact of the proposal be detrimental to the surrounding areal .... [ J { ] [X] 19. Recreation. Will the proposal result in an impact upon the quality or quantity of existing recreational opportunities? ..................... ( J [ ] [X] 20. Cultural Resources. a. Will the proposal result in the alteration of or the destruction of a prehistoric or historic archaeological site? .............. [ ] [ ] [X] b. Will the proposal result in adverse physical or aesthetic effects to a prehistoric or historic building, structure, or object? [ ] [ ] [X] C. Does the proposal have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values? ............. [ J [ ] [X] d. Will the proposal restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential impact area? ..................... [ ] [ ] [X] 0 P - 7 - Discussion of Impacts. Section Subsection Evaluation of Impact Not applicable. Please see nage 9. section D. B. DISCUSSION OF WAYS TO MITIGATE THE SIGNIFICANT EFFECTS IDENTIFIED Not applicable. Please see nape 9. section D. 0 P C. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE Section 15065 of the. California Environmental Quality Act states, in part, that if any of the following can be answered yes or maybe, the project may have a significant effect on the environment and an Environmental Impact Report shall be prepared. YES MAYBE NO 1. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self sus- taining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? ................. [ ] [ ] (X] 2. Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals? (A short-term impact on the environment is one which occurs in a relatively brief, definitive period of time while long-term impacts will endure well into the future.) ........... ( ] [ ] [X] 3. Does the project have impacts which are individually limited but cumulatively considerable? (A project may impact on two or more separate resources where the impact on each resource is relatively small, but where the effect of the total of those impacts on the environment is significant.) .. [ ] [ ] (X] 4. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? ......... [ ] [ ] (X] Various amendments are proposed to the City's sign ordinance. The existing ordinance is part of the county -inherited zoning ordinance. The existing standards are perceived to be quite lenient and allow more than a reasonable amount of sign.space. A need exists to regulate the bulk, height, and aesthetics of signs to a greater extent than what presently appears in the City's sign ordinance, and to create an amortization schedule for nonconforming signs. A series of revisions proposed by this interim ordinance amendment are intended to improve.the visual qualities of the urban form of the City of Santa Clarita. No actual work of installing signs will result from this ordinance, therefore no adverse environmenmtal.effects will occur. At such time as sign permits are requested for actual sign installation, any required environmental review will be conducted at that time. 0 10 - E. DETERMINATION On the basis of this Initial Study, it is determined that: The proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED . .................................... [X] Although the proposed project COULD have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described in this Initial Study have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED ..................................... I The proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required . ......................................... I 1 DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA September 11, 1990 Date gnature Michael A. Rubin, Associate Planner Name and Title MAR:r ID 204