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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998/09/09 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Adjourned Meeting September 9, 1998 Chairman McNiel called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning Commission to order at 8:30 p.m. The meeting was held in the Rains Room at the Rancho Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Ddve, Rancho Cucamonga, California. ROLL CALL COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: Rich Macias, Larry McNiel, Peter Tolstoy ABSENT: David Barker STAFF PRESENT: Brad Bullet, City Planner; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; Debra Meier, Contract Planner. OLD BUSINESS A. REVISION TO PLANNED SIGN PROGRAM FOR TERRA VISTA TOWN CENTER AND TOWN CENTER SQUARE - A proposed modification to existing sign programs for both Terra Vista Town Center and Town Center Square. The existing development is located along Foothill Boulevard between Haven Avenue and Elm Avenue, developed and managed by Lewis Homes Commercial Development Division. Nancy Fong, Senior Planner, indicated the discussion would be a continuation of the discussion regarding signage within the Terra Vista Town Center and Town Center Square which was carried forward from the workshops on July 8 and July 22, 1998. The discussion began with the monument signage, specifically the actual size mock-up that was erected at Foothill Boulevard and Spruce Avenue. Gary Bauer, Lewis Homes, presented photographs of the mock-up sign and requested the Commission's opinion of the sign concept. Commissioner Tolstoy stated that the overall sign concept and design was acceptable; however, he did not like the font or style of the "Mervyn's California" corporate logo. He felt that the Mervyn's font was difficult to read and presented a cluttered appearance on the sign face. Chairman McNiel concurred with Commissioner Tolstoy's comments on the sign. Discussion ensued between the Commissioners, staff, and the applicant regarding options to the Mervyn's font style, including eliminating the "California" portion of the text; using the corporate style in occasions where the sign face is large enough to enhance readability; or the fact that allowing the "California" text would encourage other tenants to add prefixes or suffixes, such as Ross, "dress for less." Mr. Bauer indicated that approximately seven monument signs of similar design and style would be located along the perimeter of Town Center and Town Center Square. He stated that some signs are approximately 2 feet taller and would provide a slightly larger sign area where some flexibility in signage may be an option. The Commission then inquired about the design of the Theater Marquees, both at Foothill Boulevard and Haven Avenue. Mr. Bauer commented that the marquee signage would be brought forward concurrently with a future request to expand the Edwards Cinemas. He presented a digitally enhanced slide p.resentation of Town Center and Town Center Square illustrating the various sign colors and font s~zes for the in-line tenants. He stated that Lewis Homes is generally requesting a maximum 24- inch letter height (existing maximum height is 18 inches) and the use of six colors (blue, red, green, yellow, black, and white). Mr. Bauer indicated that color is extremely important to prospective tenants. Chairman McNiel expressed concern with respect to the increase in the variety of colors used for storefront signage. He stated that typically, multi-color signage detracts from the architectural elements rather than enhancing the building. He further reminded the applicant that the reason Town Center Square was permitted to have a larger sign area was because of the differing building types, i.e., the larger "box" store. He also commented that at Town Center, the architecture is the intended focal point of the center and signage should remain in the context of "business identification," and should not replace architecture as the dominant focal element. Commissioner Tolstoy indicated that an increase in sign size may be acceptable, but that in all cases, sign area should be determined by the architectural elements/constraints at each store front. Commissioner Macias agreed that an increased letter height may be acceptable, given the proper sign area and architectural context. He also added that multi-color signage does not typically add value to the appearance of storefronts or shopping centers. Chairman McNiel agreed to consider an increase in font size, but only in context to architectural features. The adjourned meeting was continued pending submittal of additional information and further discussion with the applicant. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. AD~IQURNMENT The Planning Commission adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Secretary PC Adjourned Minutes -2- September 9, 1998