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CAOFORa`P. CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: December 20, 2006 NEW BUSINESS
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A
PROGRAM FOR TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION SIGNS UNDER
SECTION 93.20.08.A.2 OF THE PALM SPRINGS ZONING CODE
FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager
BY: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY
The City Council will consider a program to allow creative graphics on temporary
construction fencing based on an interpretation of the Zoning Code regarding
"Construction Signs for Future Buildings" (Section 92.30.07.A2).
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction to staff on the interpretation of Section 93.20.08.A.2 of the Palm
Springs Zoning Code regarding "Construction Signs for Future Buildings".
PRIOR ACTIONS:
On November 1, 2006, the City Council approved an initiation of a Zone Text
Amendment to Section 92.30 (Signs) and directed staff to prepare a program to allow
the use of creative graphics on temporary construction fencing.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
Staff has studied how the City might improve the look of temporary construction fencing,
given the number of construction sites in highly visible areas such as downtown. On
November 20, 2006 staff met with Jeffrey Jurasky, ASID, an interior designer, member
of the City's Architectural Advisory Committee and former Palm Springs Planning
Commissioner. Mr. Jurasky recently prepared a graphics and signage program for the
construction fencing at the "Tangerine" — a new residential project under construction in
Palm Springs. The meeting allowed staff and Mr. Jurasky to explore some of the issues
surrounding temporary construction signage.
Item 5 . A .
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 2
Program for Temporary Construction Fence Signage December 20,2006
Proposed Sign Program for Temporary Construction Fences
Based on staffs conversation with Mr. Jurasky, we believe that a program to allow
temporary construction signage may be implemented that does not require an
amendment to the Zoning Code. Such a program would consist of the following
provisions:
1. The size limits of the sign would apply only to words, and not to graphics.
2. The size limits would remain in accordance with the Zoning Code, as
follows:
a. Prior to issuance of building permits
i. Lots less than 40,000 sf. Six (6) square feet
ii. Lots greater than 40,000 sf: Twelve (12) square feet
iii. Lots along 1-10: Thirty-two (32) square feet
b. After issuance of a building permit
i. Single family lots: Sixteen (16) square feet
ii. All others: Thirty-two (32) square feet rr this would apply to most projects
(c. A building permit may include demolition or grading permits.)
3. Graphics would be allowed to a maximum height of 6 feet and the length
of the fencing, subject to City approval, as indicated below.
4. Graphics would be reviewed based on the following criteria:
a. Project renderings, elevations and floor plans shall not exceed 30% of
the total area of the proposed sign (not total fence area)
b. Project renderings, elevations and floor plans shall have an artistic,
rather an engineered appearance
c. Symbols that represent the project's vision, architecture or style may
be used, but may not include any text.
d. "Mood" graphics that suggest the overall vision of the project should
predominate.
e. Colors may range across the entire spectrum; however, electric colors
and metallic surfaces are prohibited to minimize glare and potential
safety hazards.
5. Graphics and signage must be of a durable, weather- and wind-proof
material
6. Graphics and signage must be maintained in a first-class condition at all
times.
7. A temporary construction sign and graphics proposal may be approved by
the Director of Planning Services, with the option of referral to the
Architectural Advisory Committee for comment and recommendation, in
accordance with Sections 93.20.10.A.1 (Signs) and 94.04.00.E-2,a
(Architectural Review).
8. Any sign or graphics which may cause a potential hazard, as determined
by the Director of Planning Services, Director of Public Works, Fire Chief
or Chief of Police, shall be prohibited.
Interpretation of Existing Sign Standards
Section 93.20.08.A.2 of the Palm Springs Zoning Code states the following about
temporary construction fence signage:
City Council Staff Report Page 3 of 2
Program for Temporary Construction Fence Signage December 20,2006
2. Construction Signs for Future Buildings.
a. Projects that have been approved by planning commission but
have not been issued building permits, may erect one (1) sign per
street frontage advertising their project subject to the following
provisions. Signs permitted by this section shall consist of no more
than four (4) primary or secondary colors; such colors shall not be
fluorescent or reflectorized or of other similar quality. Such signs
may be double-sided and perpendicular to the street.
i. City Project/Redevelopment Agency Signs.
Signs advertising city projects or redevelopment agency
maximum square footage of sixteen (16) square feet for lots
up to one (1) acre in size and a maximum of thirty-two (32)
square feet for lots in excess of one (1) acre.
ii. Private Project Signs.
Signs advertising future buildings for private projects shall be
governed by the size or location of the property as follows:
(A) For lots less than forty thousand (40,000) square feet
in size, the size of the sign shall not exceed six (6) square
feet"
(B) For lots greater than forty thousand (40,000) square
feet in size, the size of the sign shall not exceed twelve (12)
square feet,
(C) For lots located adjacent to Interstate 10, the size of
the sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
Such signs shall be in-lieu of real estate signs otherwise permitted.
b. In-lieu of, but not in addition to any other sale, lease or exchange
sign permitted under the sign ordinance, sign(s) advertising future
buildings may be erected only after a building permit has been
issued and shall be subject to the following provisions:
i. The size of the sign shall not exceed a maximum of thirty-
two (32) square feet per street frontage, except for signs on
single-family lots which shall not exceed a maximum of
sixteen (16) square feet.
ii. Signs(s) shall be located within subject property lines and
may be perpendicular to the street.
iii. All construction or lease potential signs shall be removed at
the end of one (1) year from the date of the certificate of
occupancy, or when ninety (90) percent of the development
is leased, whichever occurs first.
One of the keys to this program is that graphics without text be exempted from the
Code's size limits for temporary construction fence signage. (Such an interpretation
would not be extended to permanent or other signs.) Staff believes that the temporary
nature of construction fence signage, the artistic presentation of renderings and the
abstract use of graphics would allow non-text elements to be outside the Code's
definition of "sign" as something which "...directs attention to a product, place, activity,
person, institution, business or solicitation..." or is "...designed to advertise, identify or
City Council Staff Report Page 4 of 2
Program for Temporary Construction Fence Signage December 20,2006
convey information"'. In other words, the purpose of the graphics, including renderings,
elevations and floor plans, would be to instill a feeling for the future changes coming to
the area and a sense of the new neighborhood that will result, and not exactly describe
the future construction.
As proposed above, the program would also allow an applicant to put up a graphics
program at any time after planning approval of the project. However, prior to issuance
of building permits, the amount of allowed text would be very limited. Once any building
permit is issued (including a grading or demolition permit), the amount of text could total
32 square feet. Staff believes that this program is the maximum latitude that could be
allowed under the current zoning provisions for signs. If acceptable to the Council, this
program could be implemented immediately with no amendment required.
SummaN
Staff seeks Council direction regarding this proposed interpretation, and believes that it
will achieve the Council's desire for improving the look of temporary fencing without
compromising the sign standards of the Zoning Code. Alternatively, if the Council
wishes to grant greater sign area for text or other provisions, staff will prepare an
ordinance amendment for Commission hearing and Council review.
FISCAL IMPACT: Finance Director Review:
There is no cost to the City associated with this proposed policy. Individual request for
temporary construction signage under this policy would be subject to the fee schedule
for Signs Approved by Staff ($125 for the current fiscal year).
Q
al A wiOnICP ThomasWilso Assistant City Manager
Png Services
David H. Ready, City ana
Attachment: "Tangerine" Temporary Construction Fence Sign Program (Sample)
25. "Sign" means any identification, description, illustration or device illuminated or nonilluminated,
which is visible from any public place or is located on private property and exposed to the public and which directs
attention to a product, place, activity, person, Institution, business or solicitation with the exception of window display.
Any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard, lighting or other item, designed to advertise, identify or convey
information shall be considered a sign. National flags or flags of political subdivisions shall not be construed as signs.
Unless otherwise stated, an interior unlit sign or graphic, other than sale sign, with letters or numbers less than two
(2) inches high per foot of distance from the street front glass shall be exempt from provisions of the sign ordinance.
Unless otherwise stated, the ordinance codified in this section does not apply to signs located further than three (3)
feet from the street front glass. (Section 93.20,03, Palm Springs Zoning Code)
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