PC Packet 11-20-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

• The size and location of Subway within the Community Center is such that existing shared Community Center seating will be utilized and no additional seating will be provided solely for use of Subway customers. • The number of employees for Subway would be negligible when compared to the over 1,000 existing visitors to the Community Center daily(386,000 yearly). • Subway's hours of operation are hours the Community Center is already open. For these bulleted reasons, staff recommends approval of the special circumstance related to off- street parking for Subway. SPECIAL USE PERMIT ANALYSIS The applicants would also like to amend the Civic Campus Comprehensive Sign Plan to accommodate Subway's desired sign. The main issue is that the current Sign Plan does not allow logos. Rather, the existing Sign Plan language is such that a uniform type, color, and font must be used. Subway's logo is essentially their name with arrows on both ends. They would like to use this logo rather than simply the word Subway with the uniform type, color, and font. Comprehensive Sign Plans are flexible in that the requirements can vary from the general sign standards of Chapter 9 of the Zoning Code. However, to amend the Sign Plan requires Planning Commission and City Council approval,through the Special Use Permit process. Parks & Recreation Department staff has prepared the amended Civic Campus Comprehensive Sign Plan language for the Community Center to allow logos, but to continue a consistent color scheme (green) that exists today. Parks & Recreation Department staff has also added language to outline what types of tenants would be allowed to have logos. Additionally, to ensure the spirit and intent of what was originally envisioned doesn't get lost; there is an added provision that signs must obtain final approval from the Director of Parks & Recreation. To accommodate Subway, the two existing ground signs would be replaced. Attached as an exhibit are the proposed replacement signs, which conform to the proposed amended Sign Plan language. Zoning Code Section 9-041 (4) outlines four findings that must be made by the Planning Commission with regard to establishment of the a sign plan. These findings should also be considered for amendments. The findings, and staff's response in italics, are as follows: A. That the sign plan provides sound identification, reduction of clutter, and aesthetic enhancement. The introduction of logos does not negatively impact this finding. The proposed sign layout still provides sound identification and does not appear cluttered In fact, one could argue the introduction of logos provides an aesthetic enhancement to the existing ground signs. B. That the sign plan is sensitive to and compatible with physical circumstances of the site and buildings. The proposed amendment to allow logos, the sign plan language identifying which tenants may have a logo, and the requirement of needing final approval of the Parks & Recreation Director collectively will ensure sensitivity and compatibility with the existing building and tenants. C. That the sign plan is not detrimental to public safety. The introduction of logos on the Community Center ground signs will not negatively