ARC 2018-09-17_08a Vision Mortgage Signage
MEMORANDUM
TO: ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
FROM: MATTHEW DOWNING, PLANNING MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SIGN PERMIT 18-007; ONE
(1) NEW PROJECTING SIGN AND NEW WINDOW SIGNAGE FOR A
NEW BUSINESS; LOCATION – 119 EAST BRANCH STREET;
APPLICANT- VISION MORTGAGE; REPRESENTATIVE – JIM
CRAVENS, ASIGNCO
DATE: SEPTEMBER 17, 2018
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
Recommendation for future action by the Community Development Director will result in
new signage for a new business in the Historic Character Overlay District (D-2.4).
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
None.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) review the proposed
sign plans and make a recommendation to the Community Development Director.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is zoned Village Mixed Use (VMU) (Attachment 1), is located in the
D-2.4 Historic Character Overlay District, and requires review by the ARC for
compliance with the Design Guidelines and Standards for Historic Districts (the “Design
Guidelines”) (Attachment 2).
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Project Description
The applicant proposes to install one (1) new projecting sign and new window signage
for a new professional office at the existing mixed use building. The design and
materials for the projecting sign are as follows:
Projecting Sign
Materials: Sign: Double sided MDO (plywood)
Support bracket: Iron
Colors: Background: Black
Triangle: Burgandy
Main lettering: Gold
Message: Vision Mortgage
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
CONSIDERATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SIGN PERMIT 18-007
SEPTEMBER 17, 2018
PAGE 2
Size: 22” x 42’’ (6.42 square feet)
Number: 1 projecting sign
Illumination: Existing building lighting (no new proposed)
Location: To the left of the main entrance from Bridge Street (8’ 8” clearance
underneath)
Window Signage (Two Windows)
Materials: Vinyl decals
Colors: Background: Black
Triangle: Burgandy
Main lettering: Gold
Message: Vision Mortgage – Vision Home Loans – FHA · VA · USDA ·
JUMBO
Size: Banner: 5.5” x 65’’ (2.5 square feet)
Triangle: 14” x 28” (2.72 square feet)
Total: 18.3 square feet
Number: 1 projecting sign
Illumination: Existing building lighting (no new proposed)
Location: To the left of the main entrance from Bridge Street
In accordance with the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code (AGMC), the property is allowed
a projecting sign, located below the roofline. With a building frontage of thirty feet (30’),
the property would be permitted up to forty-five (45) square feet of signage. At
approximately 24.75 square feet, including window signage, the proposed signage
meets all development standards of the AGMC.
In accordance with AGMC Subsection 16.60.050.B., the permanent window signage is
allowed so long as signs do not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the window area, the
signage is no greater than twenty-four (24) square feet, and is limited to street facing
windows. The street facing windows proposed to include signage are each
approximately forty-five (45) square feet and the proposed window signage totals twenty
percent (20%) of each window, in compliance with the AGMC and the Design
Guidelines.
The projecting sign’s materials include the paintable MDO plywood, which is typically
not used in the Village due to the flat nature of the material. Other instances of MDO
signs in the Village typically include frames to provide dimensionality, which is required
in the Design Guidelines (item #6 under Materials). This would be recommended as a
condition of approval if the MDO material is viewed as acceptable by the ARC.
However, if MDO is not acceptable, the applicant would need to redesign the sign and
return for further consideration.
The proposed sign’s colors are required to complement the building color scheme. The
building’s primary color is beige with dark green trim and very limited dark brown
accent. While the signage colors do not necessarily complement the building’s color
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
CONSIDERATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SIGN PERMIT 18-007
SEPTEMBER 17, 2018
PAGE 3
scheme, they also do not detract from the building’s color scheme. Additionally, the
burgundy and gold colors are part of the business’ image.
Lastly, as required by AGMC Subsection 16.60.100.B.8., the sign will be required to
have a chain or other anchor on the bottom of the sign, connected to the building, to
prevent it from swinging.
ADVANTAGES:
The proposed signage generally meets the requirements of the Village Design
Guidelines and the Arroyo Grande Municipal Code.
DISADVANTAGES:
The MDO material is flat and not as embellished as other signs within the Village.
However, requiring a frame around the projecting sign can address the issue of
dimensionality.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The project was reviewed in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and determined to be categorically exempt per Section 15311(a) of the
Guidelines regarding new construction of an on premise sign.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2.
ATTACHMENTS :
1. Project vicinity map
2. Design Guidelines pages 36-38
3. Project Plans
ATTACHMENT 1
C ITY OF A RROYO G RANDE GUIDELINES & S TANDARDS FOR H ISTORIC D ISTRICTS
Signs, Awnings and Rear
Entries
SIGNS
General
1.Signs shall meet all requirements of the
Development Code, and the provisions
of these Guidelines and Standards for
the district in which it is located. If a
conflict arises between the Development
Code and these Guidelines and
Standards, the most restrictive
requirements shall apply.
2.All signs, except Community
Development Director approved
window signs, shall be subject to review
by the Architectural Review Committee
(ARC).
3.Signs shall be oriented to pedestrians
and slow moving vehicle traffic. This
means that signs shall be smaller and on
more of a human scale than signs in
other commercial districts.
4.Painted wall signs are not appropriate on
facades of unpainted brick or stone.
Signs painted directly on unpainted or
unfinished walls are not appropriate for
the Village Core Downtown and Mixed
Use districts. Wall signs painted on
finished wood and/or painted brick,
stone or stucco surfaces are allowed
subject to ARC recommendation.
Removing or altering painted signs can
cause damage to the surface material.
Size
1.Signs shall not completely cover kick
plates or window transoms.
2.All signage is included in the sign area
allowed in the Development Code. This
includes window and awning signs,
logos and graphic representations that
identify the business, product sold, or
service offered.
3.Window signs shall not exceed twenty
percent (20%) of the window area in
which they appear.
4.Sign materials and lettering styles shall
be consistent with the historic period.
Location
1.Signs shall be located in relation to the
bays on the façade. Signs shall not
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ATTACHMENT 2
C ITY OF A RROYO G RANDE GUIDELINES & S TANDARDS FOR H ISTORIC D ISTRICTS
obscure architectural features of the
building.
2. Wall signs shall be located near the
entry to the building to better relate to
pedestrian traffic.
3. Window and door signs shall be applied
where they will not obstruct visibility.
4. Signs on awnings or canopies shall be
placed where pedestrians can see them.
Under-canopy signs are encouraged in
the Village Core Downtown District to
enhance pedestrian orientation, and shall
be counted as part of the total allowable
sign area.
Materials
1. Signs shall be built of wood, metal or
other materials that simulate the
appearance of wood or metal.
2. The use of wood-simulating recycled
plastic material is subject to
Architectural Review Committee (ARC)
approval.
3. High gloss, shiny or reflective surfaces
may be used as accents, but shall not be
used as the predominant sign material.
4. Signs may use raised images or painted
images in their design.
5. Sign materials shall complement the
building material, and shall be in
keeping with the historic character of
the Village.
6. Signs painted on a signboard or other
thin material shall be framed on all sides
to provide depth and a finished look to
the sign. Sign frames shall include
carved or routed details or otherwise be
designed to complement the
architectural design of the building or
district.
7. Interior lit and metal canister, plastic
and vacuum-formed letters or sign faces
are not permitted unless specifically
recommended by the Architectural
Review Committee (ARC).
Colors
1. Sign colors shall complement the
building color scheme.
2. Bright, intense colors are inappropriate
including the use of fluorescent, “neon”
or “day-glo” colors on signs.
3. All applications for sign permits shall
include a sample of the intended color
palette.
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C ITY OF A RROYO G RANDE GUIDELINES & S TANDARDS FOR H ISTORIC D ISTRICTS
Sign Illumination
1. Signs may be externally illuminated
with incandescent lights, or other
lighting that does not produce glare and
is designed to conserve energy.
2. Wall, canopy, or projecting signs may
be illuminated from concealed sources
or exposed ornamental fixtures that
complement the building’s architecture.
3. Window signs and window displays
may be illuminated from concealed
sources.
4. Neon tubing signs that approximate the
appearance of historic neon are subject
to approval of the Architectural Review
Committee. All neon tubing shall be
covered with transparent or translucent
material to prevent rupture or shall be
certified by the manufacturer for safety.
AWNINGS AND CANOPIES
1. Under-awning or under-canopy signs
oriented to pedestrian traffic are
encouraged as part of the overall
signage in the Village Core Downtown
and Mixed Use districts.
2. All graphics, logos, and signs contained
on awnings or canopies shall be
considered part of the total allowed sign
area as defined in the Development
Code.
3. Awning or canopy color and design
should be compatible with that of the
building on which it is attached and
complement those of adjacent buildings,
both in style and color.
4. Canopies and awnings shall be
consistent with the historic period in
regard to size, shape, and materials.
Aluminum, fiberglass and plastic
awnings or canopies are not appropriate.
The use of loose valances and traditional
vintage-stripped awning material is
encouraged. Canopies and awnings
consisting of materials stretched taut
over a rigid framework are not
appropriate.
REAR ENTRIES
1. Rear entries are traditionally plain and
unadorned. Common materials include
brick, stone, boards and battens and
wood siding, and these are acceptable
for new construction or renovation.
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ATTACHMENT 3