HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998/07/08 - Workshop Minutes - PC-HPC CITY OF RANCHO CUCAMONGA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Adjourned Meeting
July 8, 1998
Chairman Barker called the Adjourned Meeting of the City of Rancho Cucamonga Planning
Commission to order at 7:20 p.m. The meeting was held in the Rains Room at Rancho
Cucamonga Civic Center, 10500 Civic Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, California.
ROLL CALL
COMMISSIONERS: PRESENT: David Barker, William Bethel, Rich Macias, Larry McNiel, Peter
Tolstoy
ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Brad Buller, City Planner; Nancy Fong, Senior Planner; Debra Meier,
Contract Planner
NEW 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.
Representatives from Lewis Homes Commercial Division, including Gary Bauer, Richard
Reinhardt, and Greg Hoxworth, presented the Sign Program changes and the objectives of the
company. They said there are four basic reasons for requesting the sign program revision at this
time:
- 1. Make the sign program more consistent across all Foothill Boulevard centers, including Town
Center, Town Center Square, and Promenade.
2. improve image of the centers and make them more competitive as well as visually interesting.
3. Improve signage for theater and food court
4. Improve directional signage within each center and between centers.
Debra Meier, Contract Planner, provided a description of the applicant's request, and provided
comparisons to the existing sign programs. Ms. Meier identified the issues that had been
expressed by the Design Review Committee, and identified the portions of the revised sign
program that warranted particular Commission discussion and attention.
Commission discussion began with the consideration of the "historical" view of signage within the
City as having been primarily for business identification, not for advertising. The Commission was
not comfortable proceeding with a discussion of details of the Terra Vista Sign Program, without
first discussin9 the global picture of signage issues throughout the community.
Commissioner Macias expressed concern that the entire sign program should be further evaluated
within the context of the architecture and design of the entire center. He expressed concern for
the use of neon; however, felt that within a specific context, some neon may be appropriate.
Commissioner Bethel stated that the use of neon is not acceptable. He expressed a desire to
maintain a hierarchy of tenant usage of signage (i.e. major, sub-major, in-line, etc.). He thought
the use of additional colors within the sign program is generally acceptable, and the use of
directional signage is desirable, especially from the major thoroughfares.
Commissioner Tolstoy agreed that the food court zone needs additional identification and
excitement. He suggested that the use of trademark signs may be acceptable; however, felt size
is often an issue. He thought additional identification along Foothill Boulevard is desirable. He
believed the use of neon may be acceptable in the context of the food court concept. He stressed
that all signage must be designed to complement the building architecture and the assigned sign
area. He suggested that the use of digital technology could improve the sign review and approval
process. He felt arcade signage at the pedestrian level is a good idea.
Commissioner McNiel expressed his opinion that the food court needs to be a "destination" in
order to create success in that part of the center. He expressed the opinion that the issues being
brought to light by the proposed revision to the Terra Vista Sign Program would impact decisions
City wide.
The Commission concurred that this issue warranted further discussion and the workshop was
continued to July 22, 1998, to continue the sign program discussion based on the issues identified
this evening.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments,
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brad Buller
Secretary
PC Adjourned Minutes -2- July 8, 1998