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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 . 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 . 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 . . . 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 . . . 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 . . . 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. . . . 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. 4. 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: . 9. 10. II. . 12. 13. 14. 5. 6. 7. 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. . 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. . . . 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. ~~ 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. . NAME: ADDRESS: Agenda Item No. F" ~'(\ \(; 'P~'<',-,\ u\ 63 L\6 yr-0J ~ W \(Y~ ~)~-\f~ 13 L( ~O Se affer M kl/1 CtJ T{)Y1 , 1A1/4 \& 7- - I C: \MyFiles\FORMS\Mtgrostpc. wpd .