PC R 97-1623RESOLUTION NO. 97-1623
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE GRANTtNG VARIANCE CASE
N0. 97-202 FOR SIGN DEVIATIONS, APPLIED FOR BY
COOKIE CROCK WAREHOUSE, LOCATED AT 1221
GRAND AVENUE
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Arroyo Grande has considered
Variance Case No. 97-202, filed by Cookie Crock Warehouse, to allow a sign to
exceed the maximum sign area from 70 square feet to 110 square feet as allowed by
the Development Code in the General Commercial district; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has held a public hearing on this application in
accordance with the City Code; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has found that this project is consistent with the
General Plan and the Environmental Documents associated therewith; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has reviewed this project in compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project is
categorically exempt per CEQA Guidelines Section 15311(a); and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission finds, after due study, deliberation and public
hearing, the following circumstances exist:
1. The strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of the specified regulation
would result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship not otherwise shared
by others in the surrounding area. A survey of similar uses shows that major
tenants within comparable 'shopping center have signs similar to the sign
proposed by the applicant.
2. There are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable
to the property involved or to the intended use of the property that do not
apply generally to other properties classified in the same zone. Specifically, the
Cookie Crock Warehouse storefront is located approximately 350 feet from the
curbface on Grand Avenue. In addition, there is an existing freestanding
building located between Cookie Crock and Grand Avenue. Both of these
factors result in a physical hardship not commonly found in commercial
shopping centers in the vicinity.
3. The strict or literal interpretation and enforcement of the specified regulation
would deprive the applicant of privileges enjoyed by owners of other properties
classified in the same zone because other similar uses generally enjoy signage
that is consistent with what is being proposed by the applicant.
4. The granting of the variance will not constitute a grant of special privilege
inconsistent with the limitations on other properties classified in the same zone.
5. The granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public health, safety
or welfare, or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity.
Resolution No. 97-1623
Variance Case No. 97-202
Cookie Crock Warehouse, 1221 Grand Avenue
May 20, 1997
Page 2
6. The granting of a variance is consistent with the objectives and policies of the
General Plan and the intent of the Development Code which are to encourage
economic vitality and business activity, protect investments while preserving
the environment and character of the City because said signs are important to
the success of this and similar businesses but are not out of scale or character
with other signs in this zone and vicinity.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City of
Arroyo Grande hereby approves Variance Case No. 97-202, with the above findings
and subject to the conditions as set forth in Attachments "A", attached hereto and
incorporated herein by this reference.
On motion by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Rondeau, and by
the following roll call vote, to wit:
�
I
AYES: Commissioners O'Donnell, Rondeau and Lubin �
NOES: Commissioners Haney and Greene
ABSENT: None
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 20th day of May, 1997.
ATTEST:
L ille Breese, Commission lerk
�AS TO CONTENT:
Doreen Libert� Blanck, Community Development Director
Resolution No. 97-1623 ATTACHMENT "A"
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
VARIANCE CASE NO. 97-202
Cookie Crock Warehouse
1221 Grand Avenue
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
GENERAL CONDITIONS
This approval authorizes the installation of a 110 square foot building mounted sign
for the major tenant space located at 1221 Grand Avenue.
1. The applicant shall ascertain and comply with all Federal, State, County and
City requirements as are applicable to this project.
2. The applicant shall comply with all conditions of approval for Variance Case No.
97-202 and Ptanned Sign Program Case No. 97-123.
3. This application shall automatically expire on May 20, 1999 unless a building
permit is issued. Thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the approval, the
applicant may apply for an extension of one (1) year from the original date of
expiration.
4. Development shall occur in substantial conformance with the plans presented
to the Planning Commission at the meeting of May 20, 1997 and marked
Exhibit "A".
5. The applicant shall agree to defend at his/her sole expense any action brought
against the City, its present or former agents, officers, or employees because
of the issuance of said approval, or in anyway relating to the implementation
thereof, or in the alternative, to relinquish such approval. The applicant shall
reimburse the City, its agents, officers, or employees, for any court costs and
attorney's fee's which the City, its agents, officers or employees may be
required by a court to pay as a result of such action. The City may, at its sole
discretion, participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action but
such participation shall not relieve applicant of his/her obligations under this
condition.