HomeMy WebLinkAboutPS 91-12; Real Property Management; Sign Permits/Programs (PS) (11)STAEF REPORT
DATE: MAY 29,1991
TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: PLANNING DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: PS 91-12 - REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT - Request for an appeal of the
Planning Director's decision to deny a sign permit application for freeway
oriented signage at 2575 Pi0 Pic0 Drive, between Las Flores Drive and Buena
Vista Way.
I. RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission ADOPT Planning Commission Resolution No. 3248
UPHOLDING the Planning Director's decision to deny PS 91-12, based upon the finding
contained therein.
II. PROJECT DEXRPTION AND BACKGROUND
The applicant is requesting that the existing property management business located at
2575 Pi0 Pic0 Drive be allowed freeway-oriented signage. The building is located on the
west side of Pi0 Pic0 Drive, adjacent to the Interstate 5 freeway. The signage is proposed
to be located on the west facing side of the building, approximately four feet from the top
of the 23 foot high, two-story structure. The development was allowed through Site
Development Plan No. 85-8(A) which did not specifically allow freeway-oriented signage.
Currently there is no freeway-oriented signage on any office building along Interstate 5
between Las Flores Drive and Carlsbad Village Drive.
Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code allows only freeway service facilities to
display freeway-oriented signage. A freeway service facility is defined by Section
21.41.030(6) (A) as "a lot or parcel located at the apex of a freeway interchange quadrant
which contains one or more of the following uses: a restaurant, a motel, or an automobile
service station." Therefore, any use, site, or building that is not a freeway service facility
cannot be allowed freeway-oriented signage, unless it was addressed and approved as part
of another discretionary approval, such as a Specific Plan, Site Development Plan, or Non-
Residential Planned Unit Development.
c-.
PS 91-12-REAL PROPER1 MANAGEMENT
MAY 29,1991
PAGE 2
The applicant was informed of the above regulations governing freeway-oriented signage
for non-freeway service facilities in a series of correspondence, dated June 29, 1990,
March 4, 1991, and March 11, 1991. In correspondence dated June 11, 1990, and
July 24,1990, responding to the information on freeway signage, the applicant pointed out
that several non-freeway service facilities currently display freeway-oriented signage. Most
of the examples cited have received approval of the freeway-oriented signage through a
discretionary action such as those mentioned above. While it is true that some freeway-
oriented signs have been erroneously allowed in the past, no precedent has been set and
the restrictions of the Zoning Ordinance must be upheld on all present and future
proposals. Approval of this sign permit application would set a precedent, however, since
there are several professional office buildings in similar situations near the site of the
proposed signage.
Based upon the regulations governing freeway-oriented signage in Chapter 21.41 of the
Carlsbad Municipal Code, and the lack of a condition allowing freeway signage in the
existing discretionary approval, staff recommends that the Planning Director's
determination be upheld.
AlTACHMENTS
1. Planning Commission Resolution No. 3248
2. Correspondence with applicant, various dates
MAY 1,1991 MG:vd:lh