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Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing, deny the appeal of Cabe Toyota, and uphold the Planning Commission decision denying a Conditional Use Permit for a 1,089 square-foot, double-faced illuminated freeway sign with electronic message center, with a height of 60 feet from freeway grade located at 3377-3399 Long Beach Boulevard. (District 7)
DISCUSSION
On September 17, 2009, the Planning Commission voted to deny a Conditional Use Permit request for a 1,089-square-foot double-faced illuminated freeway sign with electronic message center, with a height of 60 feet from freeway grade. The item had been before the Planning Commission twice as a study session and twice for consideration, before the decision was rendered. The applicant appealed the decision on September 28,2009.
The project site is located on a 34, 182-square-foot lot at 3377-3399 Long Beach Boulevard (Exhibit A - Location map). The site is in the CCA zone and contains two commercial buildings.
Cabe Toyota is proposing to operate a leasing office at the subject site and is requesting approval of a 1,089-square-foot double-faced illuminated freeway sign with electronic message center, with an overall height of 80 feet (60 feet from freeway grade). The proposed sign contains three separate display areas that include two cabinet signs and one electronic full color message center (Exhibit B - Plans and photos). It would be located along the southern property line just east of the existing building and adjacent to the 405 freeway. No alternative designs were presented to staff for review.
The proposed sign is consistent in both height and size with the two other existing auto-related electronic message boards in the city (Cal Worthington and Circle Auto Group/Coast Cadillac). However, the Planning Commission determined that the proposed sign is not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood in which it is proposed, and will negatively impact the community due to its size and height, and its proximity to residential properties. The other auto-related freeway signs in Long Beach are located in more intensely commercial areaswith no adjacent residential neighborhoods that could be impacted. Therefore, staff recommends that the City Council uphold the decision of the Planning Commission to deny the request for a Conditional Use Permit, based on the
findings made as indicated in the attached documents (Exhibit C- Planning Commission findings).
This letter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael Mais on May 17, 2010 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bellon May 14, 2010.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
An appeal of a Planning Commission decision must be heard by the City Council within 60 days of submittal of the appeal application. However, the applicant waived this requirement to hold additional meetings with community groups and consider alternative locations and sign designs.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact and no known jobs impact associated with the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
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REGINALD I. HARRISON |
APPROVED: |
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INTERIM DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |