As shown above in Exhibit 2 and below, in Exhibit 3, the Applicant is requesting to install two canopy signs along the gas station canopy fascia that consist of a vinyl face. The canopy fascia will feature two 7.07 square foot channel logos, on the north and south-facing sides, constructed out of internally illuminated vinyl. The canopy fascia and the logos will incorporate regionally and nationally recognized logo colors.

Exhibit 3 - Canopy Signs

As shown below, in Exhibit 4, the Applicant is proposing to update the existing 22-foot-tall freestanding sign located on the corner of North Harbor Blvd and East Whittier Blvd. The existing sign measures 22’ x 6’-1” (total sign area of 96 square feet). The updated sign will utilize the existing structure, while updating the design to match the approved convenience store building. The proposed sign design will consist of internally illuminated aluminum cabinets with formed polycarbonate faces. Gas prices will be displayed using 10-inch, illuminated Red, Green, and White LEDs. The top third of the sign will be updated to add the tenant logos and incorporate regionally and nationally recognized logo colors. The sign’s design will be updated to be more cohesive with the approved buildings, sporting Pacific Clay Cultured Stone framing to cover the existing support beams and a decorative cap at the top of the sign. The decorative framing will increase the size of the sign to 22’-6” x 7’-5” (total sign area of 97.28 Square Feet). The increase to the sign will not have an impact on traffic sight lines, and will not interfere with any overhead powerlines. 

Exhibit 4 - Freestanding Sign

 

As shown below, in Exhibit 5, the Applicant is proposing two tenant wall signs along the north and west faces of the approved convenience store. These signs consist of illuminated channel letters and incorporate regionally and nationally recognized logo colors. The north-facing sign will be a maximum of 3.25 feet high by 16.25 feet wide (total of 30.54 square feet in total display square footage) and the westerly-facing sign will be a maximum of 3.25 feet high by 10.7 feet wide (total of 20.56 square feet in total display square footage). These two signs deviate from the design standards of LHMC Chapter 18.23 (Sign Standards), which allow for a wall sign’s height to be a maximum of 15 percent of the total wall height that the sign is located on. As proposed, the northern-facing sign will be allowed to be a maximum of 16 percent of the respective wall height while the westerly-facing wall sign will be allowed to be a maximum of 17 percent of the respective wall height. 

Exhibit 5 - Wall Signs





ANALYSIS
Pursuant to LHMC Section 18.23.050.D.2 (Conditional Use Permit), a Sign Program that deviates from the design standards of Chapter 18.23 (Sign Standards) shall be processed as a conditional use permit, pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 18.66 (Conditional Use Permits). Since the Project proposes signage that deviates from the regulations established in Chapter 18.23, it is subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit by the Planning Commission.  Pursuant to LHMC Section 18.66.070.C (Planning Commission Action) of Chapter 18.66 (Conditional Use Permits), in order to grant approval of the Conditional Use Permit, the Planning Commission must make the findings listed below. Each required finding is followed by staff’s analysis of the proposed Project’s ability to meet the finding.

A. The granting of the Conditional Use Permit will not be detrimental to the public welfare and will not unreasonably interfere with the use, possession and enjoyment of surrounding and adjacent properties and will not impair the character of the zone in which it is to be located.

The proposed Sign Program provides design specifications that will provide uniformity and orderly placement of multiple signs on a site that was approved for the construction and operation of a gas station and convenience store. The proposed Sign Program request under CUP25-0013 takes into careful consideration the property’s location and sign sizes to provide visual upgrades to existing signs and to fit the approved structures. The proposed Sign Program will provide visitors with clear identification of gasoline prices and site services while, at the same time, being seen as an enhancement to the commercially zoned area where the previously existing gas station was located. Therefore, the granting of CUP25-0013 will not be detrimental to the public welfare or unreasonably interfere with the use, possession and enjoyment of surrounding and adjacent properties and will not impair the character of the C-2 (Commercial) Zone.

B. The subject site is physically suitable for the type of project being proposed.

Appropriate signage is expected to help identify businesses and provide clear signage identifying gasoline prices. CUP25-0013 includes a Sign Program that meets the needs of the approved automobile service station and convenience store. Visitors will be able to clearly identify gas prices and businesses and the new sign design will complement the surrounding buildings as it considered the identification needs of both Harbor Boulevard and Whittier Avenue. The subject site can physically accommodate the proposed signage. Therefore, the subject site is physically suitable for the proposed Sign Program.

C. The proposed project is conditionally permitted within the subject zone and complies with the intent of applicable provisions of this title.
 
D. The granting of the Conditional Use Permit is consistent with the comprehensive General Plan.

The proposed Sign Program supports the following General Plan Policies:

• Policy LU 5.6 Building Rehabilitation: Encourage the rehabilitation of existing commercial buildings and signage that are deteriorated or inconsistent with the intended character and quality of the City.
• Policy LU 11.6 Enhanced Design Character: Encourage the renovation, infill, and redevelopment of existing commercial centers and corridors to improve their architectural design and quality, reduce the visual prominence of parking lots, make centers more pedestrian friendly, reduce visual clutter associated with signage, and enhance the definition and character of the street frontage and associated streetscapes.

The proposed Sign Program involves an aesthetic update to the existing signage on the Project Site, and will create a cohesive and standardized design criteria for on-site signage. Having a sign program in place will reduce visual sign clutter and enhance the definition and character of the street frontage of the site. Therefore, the granting of Conditional Use Permit 25-0013 is consistent with the General Plan.