HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-08 - AGENDA REPORTS - TEMPORARY NON COMMERCIAL SIGNS (2)Agenda Item: 12
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
PUBLIC HEARING City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by:
DATE: February 8, 2011
SUBJECT: AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 11 AND TITLE 17 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING THE USE OF TEMPORARY,
NON-COMMERCIAL SIGNS IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council approve Master Case 10-046 consisting of Unified Development Code Amendment
10-003, and introduce and pass to second reading an ordinance entitled, "AN ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA APPROVING
MASTER CASE 10-046, ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND AMENDING
TITLE 11 AND TITLE 17 OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE
PERTAINING TO THE REGULATION OF TEMPORARY, NON-COMMERCIAL SIGNS."
BACKGROUND
This item was continued from the City Council's meeting of January 25, 2011.
Leading up to the April 2010, City election, some questions arose regarding whether the area and
height restrictions on temporary, non-commercial signs in Section 17.19.230 of the City code
apply to campaign signs. Although Section 17.19.230 as written does not specifically address
campaign signs, it is clear from the legislative history of action taken by the City Council to
amend Section 17.19.230 in December 2008, that the intent was to have this section of the UDC
address quantity, sign area, height, and removal timeframes associated with campaign signs.
Accordingly, the City Attorney's office has worked with staff to draft the proposed Ordinance to
clarify the City Council's intent.
At the November 2, 2010, Planning Commission meeting, the Planning Commission heard a
presentation from the City Attorney's office and unanimously recommended that the City Council
Ordinance passed to
Second reading
adopt the proposed amendements to the Unified Development Code.
AN AT VCTC
As written, Section 17.19.230 places area, height, and location restrictions on non-commercial
temporary freestanding signs. Section 17.19.230 also prohibits all temporary freestanding signs
from being lighted. Prior to December 2008, in addition to restricting the area and height of
signs, Section 17.19.230 limited the number of temporary freestanding campaign signs and
required that they be removed no later than seven days after an election. On December 8, 2008,
City Council adopted Ordinance No. 08-16 and removed the restrictions related to campaign
signs. While the general area and height restrictions were not removed, it is clear from the
Agenda Report for Ordinance No. 08-16 that the City Council intended that they not apply to
campaign signs.
Amendments are proposed to address the intent of the City Council, and clarify the use of
temporary, non-commercial signs. The proposed changes will not regulate the installation of
signs in the City's right-of-way, or on any public property. All signs on public property will still
be prohibited with the proposed regulations. However, all temporary, non-commercial signs
(including campaign signs) would be limited to a maximum sign area per sign of 32 square feet
on private property. For all residential and commercial properties in the City, a maximum
aggregate sign area would be limited to 100 and 200 feet, respectively. This would allow for the
individual property owner to display any number of signs on their property provided that they did
not exceed the sign area for any particular sign, or the total sign area allowed for the entire site.
Should a property owner violate these provisions, the City Attorney's office is recommending
that the City Council adopt amentments to Chapter 11 of the Municipal Code regarding the
enforcement and penalties associated with this type of violation.
Additionally, this ordinance would require the removal of all freestanding temporary signs within
ten (10) days of the event (or election) to which they relate. The draft ordinance as originally
presented to the Planning Commission indicated that the removal requirement would apply only
to campaign signs. However, during staff's presentation and in response to comments and
direction from the Planning Commission, staff made clear that the removal requirement would
apply to all temporary freestanding signs, so the draft ordinance attached to this staff report
reflects that direction.
Further, because the clarification was made at the Planning Commission that the removal
requirement applies to all temporary freestanding signs, the definition of campaign signs is no
longer needed in the code. (There is only one other reference in the code to campaign signs, and
it is redundant by virtue of the proposed temporary freestanding sign provisions—so it can also
be deleted.)
A copy of the proposed amendments is attached to the Ordinance as Exhibit "A". Within the
exhibit, the language proposed for addition to the UDC is underlined, while language proposed
for removal is s*...,ek thfetigl
Finally, at the last Council meeting, a question was posed as to whether the ordinance could
provide that after a temporary sign has been placed in the right of way illegally a second time, the
sign would be held by the City until after the election or event to which it relates. This would not
be permissable under due process provisions of the constitution. However, as presently drafted,
there are provisions in the ordinance that would discourage such behavior.
More specifically, if signs are placed illegally in the public right of way, the, sheriff or an agent of
the City's Community Development Department can remove such signs. Notice would then be
provided to the owner of such signs, if ownership can be determined. If no response is received
after 10 days, the signs are deemed abandoned and may be destroyed by the City. If the owner of
the signs wishes to collect the signs, the owner can be cited administratively, and a $50 fine for
the first "day" of violation (regardless of the number of signs collected by the City) would be
assessed.
Thereafter, if there is a second violation of the prohibition on placing signs within the public
right of way within a one year period of the first violation, the owner of such signs, upon
retrieving the signs from the City, would be subject to an administrative fine of $100 PER SIGN.
A third violation would carry a fine of $250 PER SIGN.
NOTICING
All noticing requirements for a public hearing have been completed. A 1/8th page advertisement
was placed in The Signal newspaper on January 4, 2011. To date, staff has not received any
correspondence regarding these proposed amendments.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS
An Initial Study was prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). The Initial Study determined that all impacts related to the proposed modifications are
considered to be less than significant. Therefore, a Negative Declaration was prepared in
accordance with Section 15070 of CEQA.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. The Council may wish to modify the fine schedule associated with illegally placed and
then subsequently retrieved signs. The intent of the current schedule is to impose a minimal fine
for the first violation in the event that such violation was inadvertant (as sometimes it may be
difficult to identify where the public right of way begins and private property ends), with an
increased penalty for subsequent violations. The $50 first fine (regardless of the number of
signs) could be modified further to indicate that the first violation is simply a warning.
Alternatively, a warning could be issued provided that only one or two signs are found at the time
of the first violation—but if more than that are found, the $50 fine would be imposed.
2. Other action as determined by the City Council.
N
FISCAL IMPACT
No direct fiscal impact is anticipated with the proposed amendments.
ATTACHMENTS
Ordinance -
Exhibit "A"
Negative Declariation and Initial Study
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA APPROVING MASTER CASE 10-046,
ADOPTING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION, AND AMENDING TITLE 11 AND TITLE
17 OF THE CITY OF SANTA. CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO THE
REGULATION OF TEMPORARY, NON-COMMERCIAL SIGNS.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ORDAINS AS
FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Amendments of Chapters 11.12 and 17.19 of the Municipal Code.
Chapter 11.12 of Title 11 and Sections 17.19.050 and 17.19.230 of Title 17 of the City of Santa
Clarita Municipal Code are amended and restated to read as follows:
Chapter 11.12
INTERFERENCE WITH CITY PROPERTY OR NOTICES
11.12.010 Removing or Defacing Official Notices Prohibited - Exception.
11.12.020 Posting Signs and Defacing Property Prohibited When.
11.12.030 Signs or Billboards on Public Highways Prohibited Exceptions.
11.12.040 Paint in Aerosol Cans Prohibited When.
11.12.050 Sale of Aerosol Paint Containers - Storage Requirements.
11.12.060 Removal of Unauthorized Signs.
11.12.070 Violation - Penalty.
11.12.010 Removing or Defacing Official Notices Prohibited—Exception.
No person shall intentionally deface, tear down, obliterate or destroy any copy, transcript or
extract of or from any ordinance of the City which shall be posted in, on or along any highway or
other public place, or any proclamation, advertisement or notice set up at any place by authority
of any ordinance of the City, before the expiration of the time in which such proclamation,
advertisement or notice was to remain set up.
11.12.020 Posting Signs and Defacing Property Prohibited When.
No person shall paint, post, attach or affix any handbill, dodger, notice, sign or advertisement
upon or to any bridge, fence, building, traffic signals, stop signs or other property belonging to
the City, or any tree situated in any public highway of the City, or in any public right of way; and
no person shall deface, mar or disfigure any bridge, fence, building or other structure belonging
to the City, or any tree situated in any public highway of the City, by painting, cutting, scratching
or breaking the same or attaching or affixing anything thereto.
11.12.030 Signs or Billboards on Public Highways Prohibited.
No person shall erect, construct, place or maintain any signboard, billboard, sign or
advertisement in, over or on any public highway or other public right of way of the City.
11.12.040 Paint in Aerosol Cans Prohibited When.
A. A person, other than a City agent, official or employee, shall not carry any aerosol can of
paint into or upon any City -owned building, grounds, park or other facility without the
permission of the City officer in charge. For the purposes of this section, a public highway is not
a City -owned facility.
B. No person 'shall sell, exchange, give or loan, or permit to be sold, exchanged, given or
loaned, any pressurized can containing any substance commonly known as paint or dye to anyone
under the age of eighteen (18) years, unless such person be the parent, legal guardian, employer
or state -credentialed teacher of the minor.
No person under the age of eighteen (18) years of age shall purchase any pressurized can
containing paint or dye except from his or her parent, legal guardian, employer or
state -credentialed teacher.
11.12.050 Sale of Aerosol Paint Containers - Storage Requirements.
Any business or establishment offering for sale to the public aerosol paint containers shall
keep, store and maintain such aerosol paint containers in a place that is locked and secure, or
otherwise made unavailable to the public.
11.12.060 Removal of Unauthorized Signs.
A. The sheriff or an agent of the Department of Community Development shall remove or
cause to be removed every handbill, dodger, notice, sign or advertisement painted, posted,
attached or affixed contrary to the provisions of Section 11.12.020 or 11.12.030. No notice is
required for such removal.
B. Any signboard, billboard or sign placed or maintained in violation of Section 11.12.020(or
11.12.030 and removed pursuant to this section, except any sign of de minimis value, shall be
held by the City in storage and the owner or other person in control of the illegally placed or
maintained signboard, billboard or sign must be given ten (10) days written notice to reclaim
such signboard, billboard or sign. In the event the City, after making reasonable efforts, is unable
to identify the owner or person in control of the illegally placed or maintained signboard,
billboard or sign, no notice is required.
C. In order to reclaim a signboard, billboard or sign removed by the City pursuant to this
section, the owner or person in control of such signboard, billboard or sign must first pay to the
City any fine imposed pursuant to Section 11.12.070(B).
D. The City may destroy any signboard, billboard or sign that is not reclaimed after ten (10)
days if the City has provided the written notice required by subsection B of this section.
E. If the City has not provided the written notice required by subsection B of this section
because the City, after making reasonable efforts, is unable to identify the owner or person in
control of the illegally placed or maintained signboard, billboard or sign, the illegally placed or
maintained signboard, billboard or sign will be presumed to be abandoned and may be destroyed
by the City within ten (10) days after removal by the City.
F. Any sign of de minimis value placed or maintained in violation of Section 11. 12.020 or
11.12.030 will be deemed to be abandoned and may be destroyed by the City after removal
without notice. For purposes of this section, a sign of de minimis value is any handbill, dodger,
or leaflet.
11.12.070 Violation—Penalty.
A. Any violation of the provisions of this chapter constitutes a misdemeanor and in addition
to any other available penalties or remedies will be subject to the penalties set forth in Chapter
23.10 of this code.
B. If an administrative citation is issued for a violation of Section 11. 12.020 or 11. 12.030 in
lieu of any criminal citation that could have been issued for the same violation, such violation
shall be punishable as follows:
6
1. A fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00) total for the day in which the first
violation occurs;
2. Subsequent to the date of the first violation, a fine not exceeding one hundred
dollars ($100.00) for a second violation of the same provision within one year of the first
violation;
3. A fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for each additional
violation of the same provision within one year of the first violation.
17.19.050 Signs Not Requiring a Sign Permit.
The following signs do not require a sign permit under Section 17.19.060, Administration, nor
will the area of ,such signs be included in the maximum area of signs permitted; provided,
however, that each such sign shall comply with all applicable requirements of this chapter. The
intent of this section is to avoid unnecessary or time-consuming review procedures where certain
permitted signs are minor or temporary or the erection of such sign does not require review for
compliance with the City's building or electrical codes.
A. Construction signs.
B. Hand-held signs.
C. Incidental business signs.
D. Real estate signs.
E. Temporary freestanding signs permitted by Section 17.19.230.
F. Window signs.
17.19.230 Temporary Freestanding Signs.
Temporary freestanding signs are permitted in all zones subject to the following regulations:
A. Number and Time Limits.
1. ' In the C, I and OS Zones. No temporary freestanding commercial signs permitted
at any time.
2. In the R Zone. No temporary freestanding commercial signs permitted at any time.
B. Area.
1. In the C, I and OS Zones. A maximum area for each temporary freestanding
noncommercial sign of thirty two (32) square feet and a maximum aggregate area for all
temporary freestanding noncommercial signs on an individual parcel or within a commercial
center of two hundred (200) square feet is permitted.
2. In the R Zone. A maximum area for each temporary freestanding noncommercial
sign of thirty two (32) square feet and a maximum aggregate area for all temporary freestanding
noncommercial signs on an individual parcel of land of one hundred (100) square feet is
permitted.
C. Location. Signs may be placed in the front yard or side yard of any property; provided,
that the signs do not encroach into any public right-of-way. Unless otherwise authorized in this
chapter, temporary signs shall not extend over or into any public right-of-way, street, alley,
sidewalk or other public thoroughfare.
D. Lighting. Signs shall not be lighted.
E. Removal. All temporary freestanding signs must be removed within ten (10) days after
the event for which they are intended.
SECTION 2. Amendment to Section 17.19.020 of the Municipal Code.
The definition of "Sign, Campaign" is deleted from section 17.19.020 of the Santa Clarita
Municipal Code.
SECTION 3. California Environmental Quality Act Findings. Based upon the
foregoing facts and findings, the City Council hereby find as follows:
a. An Initial Study and a Negative Declaration for this project have been prepared in
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
b. The Initial Study has been circulated for review and comment by affected
governmental agencies and the public, and all comments received, if any, have
been considered. The Negative Declaration was posted and advertised on October
12, 2010, in accordance with CEQA. The public review period was open from
October 12, 2010, through November 2, 2010;
C. There is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on
the environment. The Negative Declaration reflects the independent judgment of
the City of Santa Clarita;
d. The documents and other material which constitute the record of proceedings
upon which the decision of the Planning Commission is made is the Master Case
10-046 project file located within the Community Development Department and
is in the custody of the Director of Community Development; and
e. The Planning Commission, based upon the findings set forth above, hereby finds
that the Negative Declaration for this project has been prepared in compliance
with CEQA.
SECTION 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this
ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of
competent jurisdiction, such decision will not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this
ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have passed this ordinance and each and every
section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase not declared invalid or unconstitutional without
regard to whether any portion of the ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or
unconstitutional.
SECTION 5. Publication. The City Clerk is directed to cause this ordinance to be
published in the manner required by law.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this day of 2011.
lu: • '
ATTEST:
ACTING CITY CLERK
DATE:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
I, Kevin Tonoian, Acting City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Ordinance 11- was regularly introduced and placed upon its first reading at a
regular meeting of the City Council on the 8th day of February 2011. That thereafter, said
Ordinance was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 22nd day
of February 2011, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
AND I FURTHER CERTIFY that the foregoing is the original of Ordinance and
was published in The Signal newspaper in accordance with State Law (G.C. 40806).
ACTING CITY CLERK
n
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
CERTIFICATION OF
CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE
I, , City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby
certify that this is a true and correct copy of the original Ordinance 11- , adopted by the City
Council of the City of Santa Clarita, CA on , 2011, which is now on file in my office.
Witness my hand and seal of the City of Santa Clarita, California, this day of
2011.
City Clerk
By
Deputy City Clerk
7
Exhibit "A".
Master Case 10-046
Unified Development Code Amendment 10-003
17.19.020 Definitions.
17.19.050 Signs Not Requiring a Sign Permit.
The following signs do not require a sign permit under Section 17.19.060,
Administration, nor will the area of such signs be included in the maximum area of signs
permitted; provided, however, that each such sign shall comply with all applicable
requirements of this chapter. The intent of this section is to avoid unnecessary or time-
consuming review procedures where certain permitted signs are minor or temporary or
the erection of such sign does not require review for compliance with the City's building
or electrical codes.
A. CaffiPai
B- A. Construction signs.
E B. Hand-held signs.
13: C. Incidental business signs.
D. Real estate signs.
F- E. Temporary freestanding signs permitted by Section 17.19.230.
6-: F. Window signs.
17.19.230 Temporary. Freestanding Signs.
Temporary freestanding signs are. permitted in all zones subject to the following
regulations:
A. Number and Time Limits.
1. In the C, I and OS Zones. No temporary freestanding commercial signs
. permitted at any time.
2. In the R Zone. No temporary freestanding commercial signs permitted at any
time.
B. Area.
1. In the C, I and OS Zones. A maximum area of twelve "2) squar-e feet shall be
wed- for each temnorary freestandine non-commercial sign of thirtv-two
(32) square feet and a maximum aggregate area for all temporary freestanding;
non-commercial signs on an individual parcel or within a commercial center of
two hundred (200) square feet is permitted.
2. In the R Zone. A maximum area for
each temporary freestanding non-commercial sign of thirty-two (32) square feet
and a maximum aggregate area for all temporary freestanding non-commercial
(2,
Mr
17.19.050 Signs Not Requiring a Sign Permit.
The following signs do not require a sign permit under Section 17.19.060,
Administration, nor will the area of such signs be included in the maximum area of signs
permitted; provided, however, that each such sign shall comply with all applicable
requirements of this chapter. The intent of this section is to avoid unnecessary or time-
consuming review procedures where certain permitted signs are minor or temporary or
the erection of such sign does not require review for compliance with the City's building
or electrical codes.
A. CaffiPai
B- A. Construction signs.
E B. Hand-held signs.
13: C. Incidental business signs.
D. Real estate signs.
F- E. Temporary freestanding signs permitted by Section 17.19.230.
6-: F. Window signs.
17.19.230 Temporary. Freestanding Signs.
Temporary freestanding signs are. permitted in all zones subject to the following
regulations:
A. Number and Time Limits.
1. In the C, I and OS Zones. No temporary freestanding commercial signs
. permitted at any time.
2. In the R Zone. No temporary freestanding commercial signs permitted at any
time.
B. Area.
1. In the C, I and OS Zones. A maximum area of twelve "2) squar-e feet shall be
wed- for each temnorary freestandine non-commercial sign of thirtv-two
(32) square feet and a maximum aggregate area for all temporary freestanding;
non-commercial signs on an individual parcel or within a commercial center of
two hundred (200) square feet is permitted.
2. In the R Zone. A maximum area for
each temporary freestanding non-commercial sign of thirty-two (32) square feet
and a maximum aggregate area for all temporary freestanding non-commercial
(2,
signs on an individual parcel of land of one hundred (100) square feet is
permitted.
G. Height. The maximum height shall be four- (4) feet-.
D- C. Location. Signs may be placed in the front yard or side yard of any property;
provided, that the signs do not encroach into any public right-of-way. Unless
otherwise authorized in this chapter, temporary signs shall not extend over or into
any public right-of-way, street, alley, sidewalk or other public thoroughfare.
D. Lighting. Signs shall not be lighted.
E. Removal. All temporary freestanding signs must be removed within ten (10) days
after the event for which they are intended.
13
Chapter 11.12
INTERFERENCE WITH CITY PROPERTY OR NOTICES
Sections:
11.12.010 Removing or Defacing Official Notices Prohibited—Exception.
11.12.020 NL elutien Penalty.
11.12.0-30020 Posting Signs and Defacing Property Prohibited When.
11.12.040 030 Signs or Billboards on Public Highways Prohibited Exceptions.
11.12.0-50040 Paint in Aerosol Cans Prohibited When.
11.12.0-5-5050 Sale of Aerosol Paint Containers—Storage Requirements.
11.12.060 Removal of Unauthorized Signs.
11.12.070 Violation—Penalty.
11.12.010 Removing or Defacing Official Notices Prohibited—Exception.
No person shall intentionally deface, tear down, obliterate or destroy any copy,
transcript or extract of or from any ordinance of the City which shall be posted in, on or
along any highway or other public place, or any proclamation, advertisement or notice set
up at any place by authority of any ordinance of the City, before the expiration of the
time in which such proclamation, advertisement or notice was to remain set up.
11.12.020 Violation atty
Violation of Seefien 11. 12.010 is an infiaetion punishable by a fine net exee
11.12.838 020 Posting Signs and Defacing Property Prohibited When.
No person shall paint, post, attach or affix any handbill, dodger, notice, sign or
advertisement, upon or to any bridge, fence, building, traffic signals, stop signs or other
property belonging to the City, or any tree situated in any public highway of the City; or
in any public right of way; and no person shall deface, mar or disfigure any bridge, fence,
building or other structure belonging to the City, or any tree situated in any public
highway of the City, by painting, cutting, scratching or breaking the same or attaching or
affixing anything thereto.
11.12.048 030 Signs or Billboards on Public Highways Prohibited Exeeptions.
No person shall erect, construct, place or maintain any signboard, billboard, sign or
advertisement in, over or on any public highway or other public right of way of the City.
11.12.050 040 Paint in Aerosol Cans Prohibited When.
A. A person, other than a City agent, official or employee, shall not carry any aerosol
can of paint into or upon any City -owned building, grounds, park or other facility without
the permission of the City.officer in charge. For the purposes of this section, a public
highway is not a City -owned facility.
B. No person shall sell, exchange, give or loan, or permit to be sold, exchanged,
given or loaned, any pressurized can containing any substance commonly known as paint
or dye to anyone under the age of eighteen (18) years, unless such person be the parent,
legal guardian, employer or state -credentialed teacher of the minor.
No person under the age of eighteen (18) years of age shall purchase any pressurized
can containing paint or dye except from his or her parent, legal guardian, employer or
state -credentialed teacher.
11.12.0 050 Sale of Aerosol Paint Containers—Storage Requirements.
Any business or establishment offering for sale to the public aerosol paint containers
shall keep, store and maintain such aerosol paint containers in a place that is locked and
secure, or otherwise made unavailable to the public.
11.12.060 Removal of Unauthorized Signs.
A. The sheriff or an agent of the Department of Community Development shall remove
or cause to be removed every handbill, dodger, notice, sign or advertisement painted,
posted, attached or affixed contrary to the provisions of Section 11. 12.838 020 or
11.12.040 030.
B. Any Signboard billboard or sign placed or maintained in violation of Section
11. 12.020 or 11. 12.030 and removed pursuant to this section, except any si ng of de
minimus value shall be held by the City in storage and the owner or other person in
control of the illegally placed or maintained signboard, billboard or sign must be given
ten (10) days written notice to reclaim such signboard, billboard or sign. In the event the
City, after making reasonable efforts is unable to identify the owner or person in control
of the illegally placed or maintained signboard, billboard or sign, no notice is required.
C. In order to reclaim a signboard billboard or sign removed by the City pursuant to
this section the owner or person in control of such signboard, billboard or sign must first
pay to the City any fine imposed pursuant to Section 11.12.070(B).
D. The City may destroy any signboard, billboard or sign that is not reclaimed after ten
(10) days if the Cityhas provided the written notice required by subsection B of this
section.
E. If the City does not provide the written notice required by subsection B of this
section because the City, after making reasonable efforts is unable to identify the owner
or person in control of the illegally placed or maintained signboard, billboard or sign will
be presumed to be abandoned and may be destroyed by the City within ten (10) days after
removal by the City.
F. Any sign of de minimus value placed or maintained in violation of Section
11. 12.020 or 11. 12.030 will be deemed to be abandoned and may be destroyed by the
City after removal without notice. For purposes of this section, a sign of de minimus
value is any handbill, dodger, or leaflet.
11.12.070 Violation—Penalty.
A. Any violation of the provisions of this chapter constitutes a misdemeanor and in
addition to any other available penalties or remedies will be subject to the penalties set
forth in Chapter 23.10 of this code.
B. If an administrative citation is issued for a violation of Section 11. 12.020 or
11. 12.030 in lieu of any criminal citation that could have been issued for the same
violation such violation shall be punishable as follows:
1. A fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00) total for the day in which the first
violation occurs;
2. Subsequent to the date of the first violation, a fine not exceeding one hundred
dollars ($ 100.00) for a second violation of the same provision within one year of
the first violation.
3. A fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars $250.00) for each additional
violation of the same provision within one year of the first violation.
is
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
[X] Proposed [ ] Final
MASTER CASE NO: Master Case 10-.046
PERMIT/PROJECT
NAME: Unified Development Code Amendment 10-003
APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 302
Valencia, CA 91355
LOCATION OF THE
PROJECT: Citywide
DESCRIPTION OF
THE PROJECT: The City of Santa Clarita is preparing an amendment to Chapters 11 and 17 of
the City's Municipal Code addressing the regulation of temporary, non-commercial signs in the City. This
subsection would provide provisions for the installation of temporary, non-commercial signs including the
maximum sign area permitted for each sign, the maximum aggregate sign area permitted on a private parcel,
and the timeline for removal of signs.
Based on the information contained in the Initial Study prepared for this project, and pursuant to the
requirements of Section 15070 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of Santa Clarita
[X] City Council [ ] Planning Commission [ ]Director of Planning and Building Services
finds that the project as proposed or revised will have no significant effect upon the environment, and that a
Negative Declaration shall be adopted pursuant to Section 15070 of CEQA.
Mitigation measures for this project
[ ] Are Not Required [ ] Are Attached [X] Are Not Attached
Lisa M. Webber, AICP
PLANNING MANAd
Prepared by: jfbix / &) !/"�J Patrick Leclair, Associate Planner
(Signatilr�) (Name/Title)
Approved by \ V \ "i V Jeff Hogan, AICP, Senior Planner
(S1g at&e) (Name/Title)
Public Revie P od From_ \ Ockober 12, To November 2, 2010
Public Notice Given On O tober 12, 2010
[X] Legal Advertisement [ ] Posting of Properties [ ] Written Notice
CERTIFICATION DATE:
SACD\CURRENTV2010\NC Sign Amendment\NC Sign Draft ND.doc
1-6
INITIAL STUDY
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
Project Title/Master Case Number: Master Case 10-046
Unified Development Code Amendment (UDC 10-003)
Lead Agency name and address: City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 302
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Contact person and phone number: Patrick Leclair .
Associate Planner
(661) 255-4330
Project location: Citywide
Applicant's name and address: City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 302
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
General Plan designation: N/A
Zoning: N/A
Description of project and setting: The City of Santa Clarita is preparing an amendment to
Chapters 11 and 17 of the City's Municipal Code (MC)
to address the placement of temporary, non-commercial
signs in the City. Amendments are proposed to Chapter
11 to address the penalties associated with the illegal
placement of these signs, while amendments are
proposed to Chapter 17 to establish a maximum sign
area for signs on a private parcel of land, as well as an
aggregate sign area for the total sign area permitted for
temporary, non-commercial signs. The changes
proposed to Chapters 11 and 17 are shown below with
all language proposed for removal rim and all
proposed language underlined:
Chapter 11.12
INTERFERENCE WITH CITY PROPERTY OR
NOTICES
Sections:
11.12.010 Removing or Defacing Official Notices
Prohibited—Exception.
in
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11.12.03-0 020 Posting Signs and Defacing Property
Prohibited When.
11.12.040 030 Signs or Billboards on Public
Highways Prohibited Exceptions.
11.12.0-50040 Paint in Aerosol Cans Prohibited
When.
11.12.G-5-5050 Sale of Aerosol Paint Containers—
Storage Requirements.
11.12.060 Removal of Unauthorized Signs.
11.12.070 Violation—Penalty.
11.12:010 Removing or Defacing Official Notices
Prohibited—Exception.
No person shall intentionally deface, tear down,
obliterate or destroy any copy, transcript or extract of or.
from any ordinance of the City which shall be posted in,
on or along any highway or other public place, or any
proclamation, advertisement or notice set up at any place
by authority of any ordinance of the City, before the
expiration of the time in which such proclamation,
advertisement or notice was to remain set up.
M.12,020 Ngelutien Penalty.
4tV11
puiiishable by a fine net eyieeediag $250.00.
11.12.880 020 Posting Signs and Defacing Property
Prohibited When.
No person shall paint, post, attach or affix any
handbill, dodger, notice, sign or advertisement upon or
to any bridge, fence, building, traffic signals, stop signs
or other property belonging to the City, or any tree
situated in any public highway of the City, or in any
public right of way; and no person shall deface, mat or
disfigure any bridge, fence, building or other structure
belonging to the City, or any tree situated in any public
highway of the City, by painting, cutting, scratching or
breaking the same or attaching or affixing anything
thereto.
11.12.040 030 Signs or Billboards on Public
Highways Prohibited £xees.
No person shall erect, construct, place or maintain any
signboard, billboard, sign or advertisement in, over or on
any public highway or other public right of way of the
City.
11.12.8§8 040 Paint in Aerosol Cans Prohibited
When.
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A. A person, other than a City agent, official or
employee, shall not carry any aerosol can of paint into or
upon any City -owned building, grounds, park or other
facility without the permission of the City officer in
charge. For the purposes of this section, a public
highway is not a City -owned facility.
B. No person shall sell, exchange, give or loan, or
permit to be sold, exchanged, given or loaned, any
pressurized can containing any substance commonly
known as paint or dye to anyone under the age of
eighteen (18) years, unless such person be the parent,
legal guardian, employer or state -credentialed teacher of
the minor.
No person under the age of eighteen (18) years of age
shall purchase any pressurized can containing paint or
dye except from his or her parent, legal guardian,
employer or state -credentialed teacher.
11.12.8§5 050 Sale of Aerosol Paint Containers—
Storage Requirements.
Any business or establishment offering for sale to the
public aerosol paint containers shall keep, store and
maintain such aerosol paint containers in a place that is
locked and secure, or otherwise made unavailable to the
public.
11.12.060 Removal of Unauthorized Signs.
A. The sheriff or an agent of the Department of
Community Development shall remove or cause to be
removed every handbill, dodger, notice, sign or
advertisement painted, posted, attached or affixed
contrary to the provisions of Section 11.12.03-0 020 or
11.12.040 030.
B. Any Signboard, billboard or sign placed or
maintained in violation of Section 11.12.020 or
11.12.030 and removed pursuant to this section, except
any sign of de minimus value, shall be held by the City
in storaye and the owner or other person in control of the
illegally placed or maintained signboard, billboard or
Sim must be given ten (10) days written notice to
reclaim such signboard, billboard or sign. In the event
the City, after making reasonable efforts, is unable to
identify the owner or person in control of the illegally
placed or maintained signboard, billboard or sign, no
notice is required.
C. In order to reclaim a signboard, billboard or sign
removed by the City pursuant to this section, the owner
z�
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or person in control of such signboard, billboard or sign
must first pay to the City any fine imposed pursuant to
Section 11.12.070(B).
D. The Cid may destroy any signboard, billboard or
sign that is not reclaimed after ten (10) days if the City
has provided the written notice required by subsection B
of this section.
E. If the City does not provide the written notice
required by_subsection B of this section because the
City, after making reasonable efforts, is unable to
identify the owner or person in control of the illegally
placed or maintained signboard, billboard or sign will be
presumed to be abandoned and may be destroyed by the
City within ten (10) days after removal b the e City.
F. Any sign of de minimus value placed or maintained
in violation of Section 11. 12.020 or 11. 12.030 will be
deemed to be abandoned and may be destroyed by the
City after removal without notice. For purposes of this
section a sign of de minimus value is any handbill,
dodger, or leaflet.
11.12.070 Violation—Penalty.
A. Any violation of the provisions of this chapter
constitutes a misdemeanor and in addition to any other
available penalties or remedies will be subject to the
penalties set forth in Chapter 23.10 of this code.
B. If an 'administrative citation is issued for a violation
of Section 11.12.020 or 11.12.030 in lieu of any criminal
citation that could have been issued for the same
violation such violation shall be gum as follows:
1. A fine not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00) total
for the day in which the first violation occurs;
2. Subsequent to the date of the first violation, a
fine not exceeding one hundred dollars
($100.00) for a second violation of the same
provision within one year of the first violation.
3. A fine not exceeding two hundred fifty dollars
($250.00) for each additional violation of the
saimeprovision within one year of the first
violation.
17.19.230 Temporary Freestanding Signs.
Temporary freestanding signs are pennitted in all zones
subject to the following regulations:
A. Number and Time Limits.
1. In the C, I and OS Zones. No temporary
freestanding commercial signs permitted at any
31
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time.
2. In the R Zone.. No temporary freestanding
commercial signs permitted at any time.
B. Area.
1. In the C, I and OS Zones. A maximum area e4
for
each temporary freestanding non-commercial
sign of thirty-two (32) square feet and a
maximum agwegate area for all temporary
freestanding non-commercial signs on an
individual parcel or within a commercial center
of two hundred (200) square feet is permitted.
2. In the R Zone. A maximum area of si E (6)
s"ar-e feet shall be peffnitted. for each
temlora±y freestanding non-commercial sign of
thirtytwo (32) square feet and a maximum
aggregate area for all temporary freestanding
non-commercial signs on an individual parcel
of land of one hundred (100) square feet is
permitted.
G. Height. The ffifflEifa:affi hei& shallbe feet.
D-. C. Location. Sims may be placed in the front yard
or side yard of any property; provided, that the signs
do not encroach into any public right-of-way.
Unless otherwise authorized in this chapter,
temporary signs shall not extend over or into any
public right-of-way, street, alley, sidewalk or other
public thoroughfare.
E— D. Lighting. Signs shall not be lighted.
E. .Removal. All campaign sites must be removed
within ten (10) days after the election for which they are
intended.
Surrounding land uses: N/A
Other public agencies whose N/A
approval is required:
A. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at
least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" or a "Less than Significant with
Mitigation" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
[ ] Aesthetics
[ ] Agriculture Resources
[ ] Biological Resources [ ] Cultural Resources
[ ] Hazards & Hazardous [ ] Hydrology / Water
Materials Quality
[ ] Mineral Resources [ ] Noise
[ ] Air Quality
[ ] Geology / Soils
[ ] Land Use / Planning
[ ] Population / Housing
[ ] Public Services [ ] Recreation [ ] Transportation / Traffic
[ ] Utilities / Service Systems [ ] Mandatory Findings of Significance
B. DETERMINATION:
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
[X] I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the
environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
[ ] I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the
project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED
NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
[ ] I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
[ ] I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant . impact" or
"potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one
effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal
standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis
as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required,
but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
IN,
Master Case 10-046
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[ ] I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the
environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately
in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and
(b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE
DECLA including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the
propo ,project, 4*ng further is required.
10/3I v
Patrick Ldclair, Associate Planner Date
eff I4 Senior Planner Date
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C. EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
I. AESTHETICS - Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? [ ]
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but [ ]
not limited to, primary/secondary ridgelines, trees,
rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a
state scenic highway?
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or [ ]
quality of the site and its surroundings?
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare that [ ]
would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the
area?
e) Other
[] [X]
[] [X]
II. AGRICULTURE AND FOREST RESOURCES — In determining whether impacts to
agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to
the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared
by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts
on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources,
including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to
information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
regarding the state's inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment
Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment project; and forest carbon measurement
methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources
Board. Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as
shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the
California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural
use?
Master Case 10-046
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b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or
a Williamson Act contract?
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
[] [] I [X]
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning.
of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code
section 12220 (g)), timberland (as defined by Public [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by Government
Code section 51104(g))?
d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
forest land to non -forest use?
e) Involve other changes in the existing environment [ ] [ ] [ ] IN
which, due to their location or nature, could result in
conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use?
III. AIR QUALITY - Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable
air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the
following determinations. Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the [ ] [ ] [] [X]
applicable air quality plan?
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
substantially to an existing or projected air quality
violation?
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
any criteria pollutant for which the project region is
non -attainment under an applicable federal or state
ambient air quality standard (including releasing
emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for
ozone precursors)?
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant [ ] [ ] [ ] IN
concentrations?
Z6
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial [ ] [ ] [] [X]
number of people?
f) Other [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES — Would the
project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status
species in local or regional plans, policies, or
regulations, or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
habitat or other sensitive natural community
identified in local or regional plans, policies,
regulations or by the California Department, of Fish
and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service?
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to,
marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct
removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other
means?
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any [ ] [ ] 11' [X]
native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species
or with established native resident or migratory
wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native
wildlife nursery sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance? Oak trees?
Z7
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
Conservation Plan, Natural Community
Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional,
or state habitat conservation plan?
g) Affect a Significant Ecological Area (SEA) or
Significant Natural Area (SNA) as identified on the [ ]
City of Santa Clarita ESA Delineation. Map?
h) Other [ ]
V. CUL'T'URAL RESOURCES - Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the [ ]
significance of a historical resource as defined in
'15064.5? ,
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the [ ]
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant
to '15064.5?
c) Directly or indirectly destroy or impact a unique [ ]
paleontological resource or site or unique geologic
feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred [ ]
outside of formal cemeteries?
e) Other [ ]
V1. GEOLOGY AND SOILS - Would the project:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial [ ]
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:.
[] [] [X]
[] [] []
[] [] [X]
[] [] [X]
[] [] [X]
[] [] [X]
[] [] []
[] [] [X]
Z8
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Potentially Less Than Less Than
No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
" Impact with Impact
Mitigation
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as [ ] [ ] [ ]
IN
delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo
Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or based on other
substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to
Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? [ ] [ ] [ ]
IN
iii) Seismic -related ground failure, including [ ] [ ] [ ]
IN
liquefaction?
iv) Landslides? [ ] [.] [ ]
IN
b) Result in substantial wind or water soil erosion or the [ ] [ ] [ ]
IN
loss of topsoil, either on or off site?
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, [ ] [ ] [ ]
IN
or that would become unstable as a result of the
project, and potentially result in on- or off-site
landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction
or collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18- [ ] [ ] []
[X]
1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1997), creating
substantial risks to life or property?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the [ ] [ ] [ ]
IN
use of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal
systems where sewers are not available for the
disposal of wastewater?
f) Change in topography or ground surface relief [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
features?
g) Earth movement (cut and/or fill) of 10,000 cubic [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
yards or more?
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h) Development and/or grading on a slope greater than
10% natural grade?
i) The destruction, covering or modification of any
unique geologic or physical feature?
j) Other
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
[] [] [] [X]
VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS- Would the project:
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly
or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on [ ] [ ]
the environment?
b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or
regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the [ ] [ ]
emissions of greenhouse gasses?
VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - Would the project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the [ ] [ ]
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the [ ] [ ]
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset
and accident conditions involving explosion or the
release of hazardous materials into the environment
(including, but not limited to oil, pesticides,
chemicals, fuels, or radiation)?
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or [ ] [ ]
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of. an existing or proposed
school?
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of [ ] [ ]
hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result,
would it create a significant hazard to the public or
the environment?
'30
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan. [ 1
or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or public use airport,
would the project result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the project area?
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, [ ]
would the project result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the project area?
g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with [ ]
an adopted emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of [ ]
loss, injury or death involving wildland fires,
including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized
areas or where residences are intermixed with
wildlands?
i) Exposure of people to existing sources of potential [ ]
health hazards (e.g. electrical transmission lines, gas
lines, oil pipelines)?
j) Other
IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY - Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste
discharge requirements?
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or
interfere substantially with groundwater recharge
such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer
volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table
level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby
wells would drop to a level which would not support
existing land uses or planned uses for which permits
have been granted)?
[1 [1 [X1
[1 [1 [X1
[1 [1 [X]
[1 [1 [X1
[1 [1 [X1
3I
Master Case 10-046
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c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the
site or area, including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river, in a manner which would
result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-
site?
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the
site or area, including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river, or substantially increase
the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner
which would result in flooding on- or off-site?
e) Create or contribute runoff water which would
exceed the capacity of existing or planned
stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial
additional sources of polluted runoff?
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?
g) Place housing within a 100 -year flood hazard area as
mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or
Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard
delineation map? .
h) Place within a 100 -year flood hazard area structures
which would impede or redirect flood flows?
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
[] [] [] [XJ
[] [J [] [X]
[] [J [] [X]
[J [] [J [XJ
[] [] [) [XJ
[] [] [] [X]
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of [ ]
loss, injury or death involving flooding, including
flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow?
k) Changes in the rate of flow, currents, or the course
and direction of surface water and/or groundwater?
i) Other modification of a wash, channel creek or river?
[] [] [J [X]
[] [] [] [X]
[] [J [] [X]
jZ
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1) Impact Stormwater Management in any of the
following ways:
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
•[] [] I [X]
i) Potential impact of project construction and [ ] [ ] [] [X]
project post -construction activity on storm water
runoff?
ii) Potential discharges from areas for materials [] [ ] [] [X].
storage, vehicle or equipment fueling, vehicle or
equipment maintenance (including waslung), waste
handling, hazardous materials handling or storage,
delivery areas or loading docks, or other outdoor
work areas?
iii) Significant environmentally harmful increase in [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
the flow velocity or volume of storm water runoff?
iv) Significant and environmentally harmful [ ] [ ]
[ ] [X]
increases in ' erosion of the project site or
surrounding areas?
V) Storm water discharges that would significantly [ ] [ ]
[ ] [X]
impair or contribute to the impairment of the
beneficial uses of receiving waters or areas that
provide water quality benefits (e.g. riparian
corridors, wetlands, etc.)
vi Cause harm to the biological integrity of drainage [ ] [ ]
[ ] IN
systems, watersheds, and/or water bodies?
vii) Does the proposed project include provisions [ ] [ ]
[ ] [X]
for the separation, recycling, and reuse of materials
both during construction and after project
occupancy?
X. LAND USE AND PLANNING - Would the
project:
33
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Potentially Less Than Less Than
No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
a) Disrupt or physically divide an established [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
community (including a low-income or minority
community)?
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the
project (including, but not limited to the general
plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning
ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
plan, natural community conservation plan, and/or
policies by agencies with jurisdiction over the
project?
XI. MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES - Would the
project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
resource that would be of value to the region and the
residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability. of a locally [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
important mineral resource recovery site delineated
on a local general plan, specific plan or other land
use plan?
c) Use nonrenewable resources in a wasteful . and [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
inefficient manner?
XII. NOISE - Would the project result in:
a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
in excess of standards established in the local general
plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of
other agencies?
b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive [ ] [ ] [ ]
[X]
groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels?
3 y
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
levels in the project vicinity above levels existing
without the project?
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above
levels existing without the project?
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within
two miles of a public airport or public use airport,
would the project expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise levels?
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
would the project expose people residing or working
in the project area to excessive noise levels?
XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING - Would the project:
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
either directly (for example, by proposing new
homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example,
through extension of roads or other infrastructure)?
b). Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
necessitating the construction of replacement
housing elsewhere (especially affordable housing)?
c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating [ ] [ ] [ ] IN
the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES - Would the project
result in:
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a) Substantial adverse physical impacts associated with
the provision of new or physically altered
governmental facilities, need for new or physically
altered governmental facilities, the construction of
which could cause significant environmental
impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service
ratios, response times or other performance
objectives for any of the public services:
i) Fire protection?
ii) Police protection?
iii) Schools?
iv) Parks?
XV. RECREATION - Would the project:
Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
[] [] [] [X]
[] [] [] [X]
[] [] [] [X]
[] [] [] IN
a) Increase the use of existing neighborhood and [ ]
regional parks or other recreational facilities such
that substantial physical deterioration of the facility
would occur or be accelerated?
b) Include recreational facilities or require the [ ]
construction or expansion of recreational facilities
which might have an adverse physical effect on the
environment?
XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC - Would the project:
a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy [ ]
establishing measures of effectiveness for the
performance of the circulation system, taking into
account all modes of transportation including mass
transit and non -motorized travel and relevant
components of the circulation system, including but
not limited to intersections, streets, highways and
freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass
transit?
[X]
[X]
36
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation.
b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
program, including, but not limited to level of
service standard and travel demand measures, or
other standards established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads or
highways?
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including [ ] [ .] [ ] [X]
either an increase in traffic levels or a change in
location that results in substantial safety risks?
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
(e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or
incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
e) Result in inadequate emergency access? [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs [ ] [ ] [ ] IN
regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian
facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or
safety of such facilities?
g) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? [ ]
XVI. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS - Would the project:
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the [ ]
applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?
b) Require or result in the construction of new water or [ ]
wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction of which could
cause significant environmental effects?
c) Require or result in the construction of new storm [ ]
water drainage facilities or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
[] [] [X]
[] [] [X]
[X]
[X]
37
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the [ ]
project from existing entitlements and resources, or
are new or expanded entitlements needed?
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater [ ]
treatment provider which serves or may serve the
project that it has adequate capacity to serve the
project's projected demand in addition to the
provider's existing commitments?
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted [ J
capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste
disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, and -local statutes and
regulations related to solid waste?
XVII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE:
a) 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-sustaining
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?
b) Does the project have impacts that are individually
limited, but cumulatively considerable?
("Cumulatively
considerable" means that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when viewed in connection
with the effects of past projects, the effects of other
current projects, and the effects of probable future
projects)?
[X]
IN
[X]
[XJ
W;
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Potentially Less Than Less Than No
Significant Significant Significant Impact
Impact with Impact
Mitigation
c) Does the project have environmental effects which [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly?
XVIL DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME `DE MINIMUS' FINDING
a) Will the project have an adverse effect either. [ ] [ ] [ ] [X]
individually or cumulatively, on fish and wildlife
resources? Wildlife shall be defined for the purpose
of this question as "all wild animals, birds, plants,
fish, amphibians, and related ecological
communities, including the habitat upon which the
wildlife depends for it's continued viability."
31
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D. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND/OR EARLIER ANALYSIS:
Section and Subsections
Evaluation of Impacts
I. AESTHETICS
a. -d.) No Impact: The City of Santa Clarita is located within
Southern California's Santa Clarita Valley, which is bounded by the
San Gabriel Mountains to the south and east, the Santa Susana
Mountains to the southwest, and the mountains of the Los Padres and
Angeles National Forests to the north. The surrounding natural
mountains and ridgelines, some of which extend into the City,
provide a visual backdrop for much of the City. Other scenic
resources within or visible from the City include the Santa Clara
River corridor, forested/vegetated land, and a variety of canyons and
natural drainages in portions of the City.
The proposed amendments to the City's Municipal Code (MC)
modify the regulations for temporary, non-commercial signs and
further address the penalties for violating the proposed amendments.
These amendments will regulate the installation of temporary signs in
the City, maintaining the aesthetics of the community by eliminating
the proliferation of signs throughout the City.
Therefore, no impact to aesthetics is anticipated with these
amendments.
II. AGRICULTURE
a. -e.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the MC are
RESOURCES
regulatory in nature addressing the regulation of temporary, non-
commercial signs and will not affect any farmland identified by the
California Resources Agency, farmland designated under a
Williamson Act Contract, and will not convert any farmland to non-
agricultural use. Further, the amendments will not impact any forest
lands, or any timberland zoned Timberland Production by the
Government Code Section 51104(g).
Therefore, the amendments are anticipated to have no impact on
agricultural, farmland, or forest resources.
III. AIR QUALITY
a. -e.) No Impact: The City of Santa Clarita is within the South
Coast Air Basin (SCAB), which is bounded by the San Gabriel, San
Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountains to the north and east, and the
Pacific Ocean to the south and west. The air quality in the SCAB is
managed by the South Coast Air Quality Management District
(SCAQMD).
10
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The SCAB has a history of recorded air quality violations -and is an
area where both state and federal ambient air quality standards are
exceeded. Because of the violations of the California Ambient Air
Quality Standards' (CAAQS), the California Clean Air Act requires
triennial preparation of an Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP).
The AQMP analyzes air quality on a regional level and identifies
region -wide attenuation methods to achieve the air quality standards.
These region -wide attenuation methods include regulations for
stationary -source polluters; facilitation of new transportation
technologies, such as low -emission vehicles; and capital
improvements, such as park-and-ride facilities and public transit
improvements. .
The most recently adopted plan is the 2007 AQMP, adopted on June
1, 2007. This plan is the South Coast Air Basin's portion of the State
Implementation Plan (SIP). This plan is designed to implement the
California Clean Air Act an in turn implement the Federal Clean Air
Act administered by the EPA. The AQMP accommodates population
growth and transportation projections based on the predictions made
by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).
Thus, projects that are consistent with employment and population
forecasts are consistent with the AQMD:
The proposed amendments to the MC will not alter any of the
aforementioned measures directly in that the proposed amendments
will address temporary, non-commercial signs within the City and do
not address the construction of permanent structures that would have
the potential to impact air quality. Further, the proposed amendments
will not impact the City's current efforts to prepare and implement a
Climate Action Plan.
Therefore, no impact is anticipated to air quality as a result of the
proposed amendments to the MC.
IV. BIOLOGICAL a. -g.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the MC, in and of
RESOURCES themselves do not include the modification of any habitat and would
not otherwise affect any candidate, sensitive or special status species
identified by the Department of Fish and Game or the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. Further, the proposed MC amendments will not
have any adverse affect on any riparian habitat, wetlands as defined
by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, or other biological resources.
The proposed MC amendments address the establishment of
provisions for temporary, non-commercial signs in the City.
Therefore, the proposed MC amendments are anticipated to have no
impact to biological resources.
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�j Z
V. CULTURAL
a. -d.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the MC will not
RESOURCES
have any impact on cultural resources in the City of Santa Clarita.
The proposed amendments will not alter any unique geological
feature, paleontological resource, any human remains or affect any
historical or archeological resource. The proposed amendments will
establish provisions for the installation of temporary, non-
commercial signs within the City.
Therefore, no impact to archeological, historical or cultural resource
would be caused by the proposed MC amendment.
VI. GEOLOGY AND
a. -i.) No Impact — Southern California has numerous active and
SOILS
potentially active faults that could affect the City. As stated in the
City's General Plan, the City is susceptible to geologic hazards in the
event of a major earthquake (magnitude 8:3) along the San Andreas
Fault. This could result in ground failure and liquefaction. However,
the proposed amendments to the MC would not change the
requirements of future development to follow all state and City
building codes/regulations. The proposed amendments address
establishment of provisions for the installation of temporary, non-
commercial signs in the City.
Therefore, the proposed MC amendments would have no impact
related to geology and soils.
VII. GREENHOUSE
a. -b.) No Impact - "Greenhouse gases" (so called because of their
GAS EMISSIONS
role in trapping heat near the surface of the earth) emitted by human
activity are implicated in global climate change, commonly referred
to as "global warming." These greenhouse gases contribute to an
increase in the temperature of the earth's atmosphere. The principal
greenhouse gases (GHGs) include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane,
and nitrous oxide. Collectively GHGs are measured as carbon
dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
Fossil fuel consumption in the transportation sector (on -road motor
vehicles, o££ -highway mobile sources, and aircraft) is the single
largest source of GHG emissions, accounting for approximately half
of GHG emissions globally. Industrial and commercial sources are
the second largest contributors of GHG emissions with about one-
fourth of total emissions.
California has passed several bills and the Governor has signed at
least three executive orders regarding greenhouse gases. GHG
statues and executive orders (EO) include Assembly Bill (AB) 32,
�j Z
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Senate Bill (SB) 1368, Executive Order (EO) S-03-05, EO S-20-06
and EO S-01-07.
AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, is one
of the most significant pieces of environmental legislation that
California has adopted. Among other things, it is designed to
maintain California's reputation as a "national and international
leader on energy conservation and environmental stewardship."
Most notably AB 32 mandates that by 2020, California's GHG
emissions be reduced to 1990 levels.
The proposed amendments to the MC address the establishment of
provisions for the installation of temporary, non-commercial signs
within the City. The proposed amendments will not allow for the
construction of any structures or land uses that will have the potential
to impact the emission of GHG in the City. Further, the proposed
amendments will not impact the City's preparation or implementation
of a Climate Action Plan in the City.
Therefore, the proposed amendments are anticipated to have no
impact related'to greenhouse gas emissions.
VIII. HAZARDS AND
a. -f.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the MC would not
HAZARDOUS
directly expose people to health hazards or hazardous materials and
MATERIALS
would not interfere with any emergency response plans. The
proposed amendments address the establishment of provisions that
regulate the installation of temporary, non-commercial signs in the
City.
Therefore, no impact is anticipated to hazards or hazardous materials
as a result of the proposed amendments.
IX. HYDROLOGY
a:-1.) No Impact — The proposed project would not impact water
AND WATER
quality standards, nor affect groundwater supplies. The proposed
QUALITY
project is an amendment to the MC to establish provisions for the
installation of temporary, non-commercial signs in the City. The
amendments will not result in direct impacts on hydrology and water
quality. Further, the proposed amendments are not anticipated to
impact any 100 -year flood hazard area, tsunami, drainage pattern, or
runoff of Stonnwater Management systems.
Therefore, the proposed amendments are anticipated to have no
impact to hydrology and water quality.
X. LAND USE AND
a. -c. No Impact: Thepurpose of these amendments is to providel
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PLANNING
provisions for the establishment of temporary, non-commercial signs
in the City. The proposed amendments will not establish provisions
to allow for, or discourage, development within the City and will
therefore not impact land use or planning.
Therefore, the amendments would have no impact on land use or
planning.
XI. MINERAL AND
a. -c.) No Ianpact — Gold mining and oil production historically have
ENERGY
been the principal mineral extraction activities in and around the
RESOURCES
Santa Clarita Valley. Other minerals found in the planning area
include construction aggregate, titanium, and tuff. Mineral resources
and extraction areas are shown in Exhibit OS -5 of the City's General
Plan. The proposed MC amendment is not expected to affect mineral
resources in the city. Therefore, no impact related to mineral and
energy resources are anticipated with the proposed amendment.
XII. NOISE
a. -f.) No Impact — The proposed amendment to the UDC will not
expose persons to the generation of a significant increase in noise
levels, groundbome vibration, or increase ambient noise, including
the location of persons in proximity to any airport, airfield, or
heliport. The proposed amendments will establish provisions for the
installation `of temporary, non-commercial signs in the City.
Therefore, no impact is anticipated to noise as a result of the
proposed amendment.
XIII. POPULATION
a. -c.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the MC are not
AND HOUSING
anticipated to induce substantial population growth in the Santa
Clarita Valley, either directly or indirectly, nor would any of the
proposed provisions cause displacement of existing homes or people.
The proposed amendment would establish provisions for the
installation of temporary, non-commercial signs in the City. The
proposed project is a regulatory adjustment and does not include any
development activity at this time. The proposed MC amendments
would not alter the City's population projections consistent with the
City's General Plan.
Therefore, the project would have no impact to population or
housing.
XIV. PUBLIC
a)i.-iv. No Impact — The proposed amendments will not directly
SERVICES
increase the need for public services. The proposed amendments
would establish provisions for the installation of temporary, non-
commercial in the City.
.� H
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Therefore, no impact to public services is anticipated as a result of
the proposed amendments.
XIV. RECREATION
a. -b.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the MC will not
have any impact on recreational amenities within the City of Santa
Clarifa. The proposed amendments include the establishment of
provisions for the installation of temporary, non-commercial signs in
the City. The proposal regulatory adjustment and does not include
any development activities at this time that would impact any
recreational facilities or programs.
Therefore; no impact to recreation is anticipated with the proposed
amendments to the MC.
XV.
a. -g.) No Impacfi — The proposed amendments to the MC are
TRANSPORTATION /
regulatory in nature and are not anticipated to impact traffic load or
TRAFFIC
capacity on the City's street systems. The proposed amendments are
regulatory in nature, establishing provisions for the. installation of
temporary, non-commercial signs in the City.
Therefore, no impact to traffic is anticipated as a result of the
proposed MC amendments.
XVI. UTILITIES AND
a. -g.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the City's MC do
SERVICE SYSTEMS
not include any new development at this time. Therefore, the project
would not result in the construction of new water facilities, expansion
of existing facilities, affect drainage patterns, water treatment
services, and furthermore, no impacts to landfill capacity would
occur. The proposed amendments establish provisions for the
installation of temporary, non-commercial signs within the City and
will not create any new demand for any utilities or utility systems.
Therefore, no impact to utilities or service systems is anticipated as a
result of the approval of the proposed amendments.
XVII. MANDATORY
a. -c.) No Impact — The proposed amendments to the MC will not
FINDINGS OF
impact the environment and would not lead to a substantial reduction
SIGNIFICANCE
in habitat of a fish or wildlife species, or reduce or restrict the
number of rare, threatened or endangered species. The proposed
amendments do not remove any established City regulations that
protect any plant and animal species. The proposal would„ not
contribute to. any cumulative impacts and would not cause
environmental effects that would adversely affect humans. Rather,
the proposed MC amendments are intended to establish provisions
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96
for the installation of temporary, non-commercial signs in the City.
XVIII. DEPARTMENT
a.) No Impact — The legislative intent of the Department of Fish and
OF FISH AND GAME
Game `De Minimus' Finding is "to extend the current user -based
`DE MINIMUS'
funding system by allocating the transactional costs of wildlife
FINDING
protection and management to those who would consume those
resources through urbanization and development..." (AB 3158,
Chapter 1706, Statutes of 1990, effective January 1, 1991, Section
1(c)). However, the proposed MC amendments would not entitle any
new development; and any future development proposal seeking
discretionary approval would remain subject to CEQA and the CDFG
Code. Since, the proposed amendments are not anticipated to have a
significant adverse effect either individually or cumulatively, on fish
and wildlife resources, the project's impacts on fish and wildlife are
de minimus.
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96
NOTICE OF CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, at its regular meeting
held January 25, 2011, continued a public hearing on
ITEM 14
PUBLIC HEARING
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 11 AND TITLE 17 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING THE
USE OF TEMPORARY, NON-COMMERCIAL SIGNS IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
to February 8, 2011. The continued public hearing will be held at or after 6:00 p.m. in the
Council Chamber at 23920 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita, California.
Dated this 26th day of January, 2011.
KEVIN /TONOIAT, ACTING CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS. AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
KEVIN TONOIAN, being first duly sworn, deposes and says that he is the duly
appointed and qualified City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita and that on January 26, 2011, he caused
the above notice to be posted at the door of the Council Chamber located at 23920 Valencia Blvd.,
Santa Clarita, California.
KEVIN PNUIAN, ACTING CITY CLERK
Santa Clhrita, talifornia
SACIMPublic Hearings\Continued PH MC 10.046.012511.doc