HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 12/12/2007
I.
II.
~ORTANGELES
WAS H I N G TON, U. S. A.
AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION
321 East Fifth Street
December 12, 2007
6 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Pledge of Allegiance led by Chair
ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular meeting of November 14,2007
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IV.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - CUP 07-09 - iCONGROUPE -2450 West
Highway 101: Request for a conditional use permit to erect a 300 square foot free
standing outdoor advertising sign in the Industrial Heavy zone.
2. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - CUP 07-10 - iCONGROUPE - 439 West
Second Street: Request for a conditional use permit to erect a 300 square foot free
standing outdoor advertising sign in the Commercial Arterial zone.
V. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
VI. STAFF REPORTS
VII. REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
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PLANNING COMMISSIONERS. Werner BeIer (Chair), John Matthews (VIce ChaIr), Chene Kldd, Stanley Hams, Dave Johnson, Doc ReISS, MIke CaudIll
PLANNING STAFF Mark Madsen, DIrector, Sue Roberds, Planmng Manager, Nathan West, Pnnclpal Planner, Scott Johns, ASSOCiate Planner
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MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
Port Angeles, Washington 98362
December 12, 2007
6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present:
Cherie Kidd, Dave Johnson, John Matthews, Stanley
Harris, Wemer Beier, Doc Reiss, Mike Caudill
Members Excused:
None
Staff Present:
Sue Roberds, Scott Johns, Nathan West, Bill Bloor, Heidi
Greenwood
Public Present:
Frank Podany, Dan Tefft
CALL TO ORDER
Salute to the Flag was led by Chair Beier.
APPROV AL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Matthews moved to approve the November 14, 2007, regular meeting
minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Caudill and passed 6 - 0
with Commissioner Kidd abstaining due to her absence from the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - CUP 07-09 - iCONGROUPE -2450 West
Hh!hwav 101: Request for a conditional use permit to erect a 300 square foot free
standing outdoor advertising sign in the Industrial Heavy zone.
Associate Planner Scott Johns reviewed the Department's report recommending approval of the
conditional use permit with conditions and responded to questions regarding development
standards and the definition of sign area. Commissioner Harris suggested that a review be made
of the City's sign regulations to determine if the sign area permitted for outdoor advertising signs
should be reduced.
Chair Beier indicated that those who testify must sign the "Sign In" log and affirm that their
testimony will be truthful to the best of their knowledge. He then qualified Commission
members on their ability to act on the matter, and opened the public hearing.
Frank Podany, 2103 46th Avenue Sw, Seattle, WA 98116 represented the application. Mr.
Podany addressed questions regarding the installation specifics of outdoor advertising signs. He
stated that in other areas, where all of the signage is placed on one side, a mural or artwork is
used rather than a blank side non commercial backing. Mr. Podany explained safety issues that
are inherent to such signs. He described methods used to ensure that little light pollution is
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Plannmg CommiSSIOn Mmutes
December 12, 2007
Page 2
caused off-site, and noted that without the use of catwalks, vandals are discouraged from
defacing signs. The new, improved signs are attractive and are of superior quality construction.
There being no further testimony, Chair Beier closed the public hearing.
Commissioners discussed artwork that could be placed on the non commercial side of an outdoor
advertising sign that would benefit the traveler. In response to a direct question, Mr. Podany
answered that his company would be willing to apply artwork acceptable to the City to the
noncommercial side of the sign up to a cost of$1200 per year, which is a typical face
development cost. Signs are inspected on a weekly basis to ensure that they are in good
condition and have not been vandalized.
Commissioner Matthews moved to approve the conditional use permit subject to the
following findings and conclusions:
Conditions:
1. The maximum sign area shall be no more that 300 square feet total, including both sides of
the sign.
2. All lighting of the billboard shall be shielded and directed in a manner such that no direct
light will impact nearby properties or vehicles on nearby streets and roads.
3. The noncommercial side ofthe structure shall be covered with a design approved by the City
at the applicant's expense up to $1200. The noncommercial side ofthe sign shall be
mamtained in a manner similar to the commercial side, at the applicant's expense.
Findings:
Based on the information provided in the Community Development Staff Report for CUP 07-09
dated December 12,2007, including all information in the public record file, comments and
testimony presented during the public hearing, the Planning Commission discussion and
deliberation, and the above listed conditions of approval, the City of Port Angeles Planning
Commission hereby finds that:
1. iconGroupe LLC submitted Conditional Use Permit application CUP 07-09 to construct a
billboard 35 feet tall with a total 300 square foot of sign area on November 13,2007.
2. The proposed site is located at 2450 West Highway 101, the comer of Cameron Road and
Highway 101.
3. The Comprehensive Plan designates the site as Industrial. Adjacent designations are also
Industrial. The site is located in the CIty'S Southwest Planning Area. Development in the
area includes industrial, commercial, agriculture, and residential uses. No Comprehensive
Plan goals, policies, or objectives could be found that address signage.
4. The site is zoned Heavy Industrial (IH). Adjacent sites to the north and west are located
outside of the city limits in Clallam County.
5. Billboards are allowed by conditional use in the IH zone per P AMC 14.36.070(H) to a height
of 35 feet with a total sign area of 300 square feet.
6. Total sign area is defined in P AMC l4.36.020(L) as the sum of each display surface,
including both sides of a double faced sign.
7. Per 17.96.050 P AMC, the Planning Commission shall consider applications for conditional
use permit uses as specified in the applicable Chapter of the Zoning Regulations. The
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Planmng CommISSIOn Mmutes
December 12, 2007
Page 3
Planning Commission may grant said permits which are consistent and compatible with the
purpose of the zone in which the use is located, consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and
not contrary to the public use and interest. In each application the Planning Commission may
impose whatever restrictions or conditions are considered essential to protect the public
health, safety, welfare, and to prevent depreciation of neighboring property. The Planning
Commission may refuse to issue a conditional use permit if the characteristics of the intended
use would defeat the purpose of the City's zoning regulations.
8. A development that is approved through the conditional use permit process must remam in
continual compliance with specific conditions of approval or may be revoked.
9. Reviewing City Departmental comments were considered in the review of this application.
10. No environmentally sensitive areas are located on the site.
11. Notification of the proposed action and conditional use permit application was placed in the
Peninsula Daily News on November 26,2007, public notice was mailed to property owners
within 300 feet of the subject property on November 28,2007, and posted on the site on
November 28,2007. No written comments were received during the public comment period.
12. A Determination of Non-Significance was issued for this proposed action on December 10,
2007.
13. The Planning Commission opened a public hearing on the proposal at the December 12, 2007,
regular meeting.
14. The applicant provided testimony during the December 12,2007, public hearing indicating
that it is not uncommon to have a non commercial side on an outdoor advertising sign. A
mural or other artwork is sometimes used rather than a blank, unused side. During the public
hearing, the applicant offered suggestions for non commercial use of the blank side of the SIgn
which he offered could be at the applicant's expense up to an agreed maximum.
Conclusions:
Based on the information provided in the Department of Community and Economic
Development Staff Report for CUP 07-09 dated December 12,2007, including all of the
information in the public record file, comments, and testimony presented during the public
hearing, the Planning Commission's discussion and deliberation, and the above listed conditions
of approval and listed findings, the City of Port Angeles Planning Commission hereby concludes
that:
1. The proposal is consistent with requirements for approval of a conditional use permit as
specified in P AMC 17.96.050.
2. As conditioned, the proposal is consistent with PAMC Chapter 14.36 (Sign Ordinance),
specifically 14.36.020(L).
Commissioner Reiss seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
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Planmng CommISSIOn Mmutes
December 12, 2007
Page 4
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - CUP 07-10 - iCONGROUPE - 439 West Second
Street: Request for a conditional use permit to erect a 300 square foot free standing
outdoor advertising sign in the Commercial Arterial zone.
Associate Planner Scott Johns reviewed the Department's report recommending denial ofthe
conditional use permit.
Chair Beier indicated that those who testify must sign the "Sign In" log and affirm that their
testimony will be truthful to the best of their knowledge. He then qualified Commission members
on their ability to act on the matter, and opened the public hearing.
Frank Podany, 2103 46th Avenue SW, Seattle, W A 98116 represented the application but had
nothing to add to the Department's report.
Commissioner Harris asked what determines whether an outdoor advertising sign should be taller
or larger to be more effective. Mr. Podany responded that the intended location would drive such
a decision.
There being no further testimony, Chair Beier closed the public hearing.
Following extended discussion regarding the site placement prescribed in Section 17.95.140
P AMC, which requires that all outdoor advertIsing signs be situated at least 35 feet from any
property line, it was determined that the application could not be approved at the proposed site
given the site dImensions. Commissioner Caudill moved to deny the permit citing the
following findings and conclusions:
Findings:
Based on the information provided in the Community and Economic Development Staff Report
for CUP 07-10 dated December 12,2007, including all information in the public record file,
comments and testimony presented during the public hearing, the Planning Commission
discussion and deliberation, and the above listed conditions of denial, the City of Port Angeles
Planning Commission hereby finds that:
1. iconGroupe LLC submitted Conditional Use Permit application CUP 07-10 to construct a
double sided billboard containing 300 square feet of sign area per side and standing 35
feet tall, on November 13,2007.
2. The proposed site includes Lot 11, Block 35, west of downtown Port Angeles. The
address is 439 W. Second Street, Port Angeles W A. Site dimensions are approximately
50' x 86'.
3.
The City's Comprehensive Plan was reviewed for consistency with the proposal. The
Comprehensive Plan designates the site as being in the imprecise margin between a
Commercial (C) designation and an Industrial (I) designation. The site is located in the
City's Harbor Planning Area. No Comprehensive Plan goals, policies, or objectives could
be found that address signage.
The site is zoned Commercial Arterial (CA). Billboards are allowed by conditional use in
the CA zone per P AMC 14.36.070(B) to a height of 35 feet with a total sign area of 300
square feet.
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Planmng CommiSSIOn Mmutes
December 12, 2007
Page 5
Total sign area is defined in P AMC 14.36.020(L) as the sum of each display surface,
including both sides of a double faced sign.
Development in the neighborhood includes industrial, commercial, and residential uses.
No other business sign exists on the site and no other billboard exists within 1,000 feet of
the proposed billboard.
Per 17.96.050 PAMC, the Planning Commission shall consider applications for
conditional use permit uses as specified in the applicable Chapter of the Zoning
Regulations. The Planning Commission may grant said permits which are consistent and
compatible with the purpose of the zone in which the use is located, consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, and not contrary to the public use and interest. In each application
the Planning Commission may impose whatever restrictions or conditions are considered
essential to protect the public health, safety, welfare, and to prevent depreciation of
neighboring property.
A development that is approved through the conditional use permit process must remain in
continual compliance with specific conditions of approval or may be revoked.
Reviewing City Departmental comments were considered in review of the application.
Notification of the proposed action and conditional use permit application was placed in
the Peninsula Daily News on November 26,2007. Public notice was mailed to property
owners within 300 feet of the subject property on November 28,2007, and posted on the
site of November 28,2007. No comments were received during the public comment
period.
A Determination of Non-Significance was issued for this proposed action on December
10,2007.
The Planning Commission opened a public hearing on the proposal at the December 12,
2007, regular meeting.
Section 17.95.140 Billboards of the Port Angeles Municipal Code requires that billboards
shall be limited to certain zones. Where permitted, a billboard shall be constructed no
closer than 35 feet to any property line.
Conclusions:
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8.
Based on the information provided in the Department of Community and Economic Development
Staff Report for CUP 07-10 dated December 12,2007, including all of the information in the
public record file, comments, and testimony presented during the public hearing, the Planning
Commission's discussion and deliberation, and the above listed conditions of approval and listed
findings, the City of Port Angeles Planning Commission hereby concludes that:
1. The proposal is consistent with requirements for approval of a conditional use permit as
specIfied in PAMC 17.96.050.
2.
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Given the dimensions of the subject site, the proposal cannot be consistent with the
development standards for outdoor advertising signs as prescribed in P AMC Section
17.95.140 Billboards.
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Planmng CommiSSIOn Minutes
December 12, 2007
Page 6
3. No Comprehensive Plan Goals, Policies, or Objectives can be found to support the
construction of billboards in the City of Port Angeles.
Commissioner Matthews seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
None
STAFF REPORTS
Staff wished Happy Holidays to the Commissioners and thanked them for their generous
service to the community.
REPORTS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS
Commissioner Johnson noted that the P A Forward committee would be meeting the following
morning (12/13/07) at 7:30 a.m., Jack Pittis Conference Room regarding crosstown route
alternatives and objectives.
Commissioner Kidd asked if Planning Commission agendas could be accessed online. Planning
Manager Sue Roberds noted that while agendas had been mailed to various groups in the City that
particIpated in CommIssion meetings in previous years, little interest had been shown and very
little feedback or comment had been received from those mailings. Since the advent of wide
spread computer access, mailings had ceased and Planning Commission agendas can now be
accessed online without the cost of mailing. Commissioner Kidd asked if the Port Angeles
Downtown Association could be mailed an agenda. Mrs. Roberds said that she would be glad to
add a contact e-mail individual to the notification list that also is sent to the newspaper, but only
one point of contact would be used for each group. Individual members woule. need to rely on
that point of contact, or go online themselves if they did not have otherwise have access to P ADA
information.
Ms. Kidd thanked staff and wished everyone Happy Holidays.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at p.m.
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Werner eier, Chair
PREPARED BY: S Roberds
~ORTANGELES
WAS H I N G TON, USA
PLANNING COMMISSION ATTENDANCE ROSTER
AND TESTIMONY SIGN-UP SHEET
PLEASE SIGN IN
Meeting Agenda of: .jJfCJ:fl'\'iS.EK 12..- ) 4
To help us provide an accurate record of those in attendance, please sign in. Your
signature acknowledges your presence. If you plan to testify, by your signature below, you
certify that the testimony given is true and correct under penalty of perjury by the laws of the
State of Washington. Signature below DOES NOT REQUIRE you to testify.
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NAME: ADDRESS: Agenda Item No.
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