PC RES 2016-002 P.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2016-02
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CONDITIONALLY APPROVING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 182 REVISION "E" AND SIGN
PERMIT NO. 720 REVISION "D" (CASE NO. ZON2015-00239), TO
ALLOW FOR THE INSTALLATION OF NEW SHELL SIGNAGE ON THE
EXISTING BUILDING AND CANOPY, INCLUDING THE
INSTALLATION OF TWO 7.79 SQUARE FOOT INTERNALLY
ILLUMINATED SIGNS ALONG THE EAST AND WEST FASCIA OF
THE MANSARD SERVICE CANOPY, A NEW 46.66 SQUARE FOOT, 6-
FOOT TALL, DOUBLE FACED LED MONUMENT PRICE SIGN TO
REPLACE THE EXISTING MONUMENT PRICE SIGN, A 7.16 SQUARE
FOOT "SERVICE CENTER" SIGN MEASURING 101/2" X 8-21/4" ABOVE
THE SERVICE GARAGE ENTRY, AND TO INSTALL 2 FLAG SIGNS
PER COLUMN (8 TOTAL) TO DISPLAY THE NUMBER OF THE FUEL
DISPENSERS UNDER THE CANOPY.
WHEREAS, On February 14, 1995, the Planning Commission adopted P.C. Resolution
No. 95-05, approving Conditional Use Permit No. 182 and Sign Permit No. 720 for the
installation of new signs, and remodeling and expansion of the then-Mobil service station on
Hawthorne Boulevard at Granvia Altamira. The approval was subsequently appealed to the City
Council by a nearby neighbor on Villa Rosa Drive for a variety of issues related to neighborhood
compatibility and consistency with the City's land use and zoning regulations. On May 2, 1995,
the City Council adopted Resolution No. 95- 41, denying the appeal and upholding the Planning
Commission's approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 182 and Sign Permit No. 720. The City
Council moved on to list the changes they felt would reduce the impact of the project on the
neighborhood: prohibit the sale of alcohol, require that the public telephone be relocated inside
the building, paint the roof to match the existing tile, install motion activated lights around the
perimeter, and that the hours of operation would be reviewed after six months of operation; and,
WHEREAS, on February 8 2000, the planning commission adopted P.C. Resolution
2000-04 thereby approving Conditional Use Permit No.182 Revision "B" and Sign Permit
No.720-Revision "A" to allow a hand car wash and detailing operation at the then existing Mobil
station. The Planning Commission's decision was appealed to the City Council, who on April 4,
2000, denied Conditional Use Permit No. 182 Revision "B" and Sign Permit No. 720 Revision
"A"; and,
WHEREAS, on July 25, 2000, the Planning Commission approved Conditional Use
Permit No. 182 Revision "C" and Sign Permit No. 720 Revision "B", allowing the installation of
three banners within the service bay areas, additional logo signs, island directional units,
advertisement signs on the fuel dispensers, and temporary and permanent window signage;
and,
WHEREAS, on September 13, 2005, the Planning Commission approved Conditional
Use Permit No. 182 Revision "D" and Sign Permit No. 720 Revision "C", allowing the installation
of the new Valero signage and denying changing the color scheme on the existing building and
canopy. However, on September 14, 2005 the applicant withdrew the application therefore the
approval was no longer valid. Thus, the conditions of approval adopted in 2000 as a part of the
approved Sign Permit No.720, Revision "B" continue to remain in full force and effect; and,
P.C. Resolution No. 2016-02
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WHEREAS, on May 11, 2015, the applicant submitted a Conditional Use Permit
Revision and a Sign Permit Revision seeking approval of the change-out of the existing Valero
signage to the new Shell signage, as well as allowing the installation of a new LED monument
price sign at the south-east corner of the subject lot; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed project is Categorically Exempt from the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), under Article 19, Section 15301(b) (existing
facility) of the California Guidelines for Implementation of the CEQA. Specifically, the project
does not involve an expansion of a use beyond that previously existing. Staff has made this
determination because the project includes a change in the signage and appearance of the
existing buildings, with the use remaining the same and no site disturbance occurring; and,
WHEREAS, on October 15, 2015, Staff administratively approved a Sign Permit to allow
the change out of certain existing Valero signs to Shell signs. These sign change outs did not
require a revision to the P.C. approved Sign Permit as they were consistent with the previous
conditions; and,
WHEREAS, on December 7, 2015, the application was deemed generally complete for
processing; and,
WHEREAS, on December 10, 2015, Staff mailed the public hearing notices to 350
property owners within a 500-foot radius of the subject property, as well as mailed notices to 11
property owners outside of the 500-foot radius who previously requested notification of any
future projects at the subject property. Additionally, the public notice was published in the
Peninsula News on December 10, 2015.
WHEREAS, after notice issued pursuant to the requirements of the Rancho Palos
Verdes Development Code, the Planning Commission held a duly-noticed public hearing on
January 12, 2016, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and
present evidence. After considering testimony from staff and the applicant, the Planning
Commission identified issues with the plans and directed the applicant to revise the plans for
consideration at the its January 26, 2016 Planning Commission meeting.
WHEREAS, The Planning Commission approved a motion to continue the public hearing
to January 26, 2016 on a (7-0) vote.
WHEREAS, The Planning Commission held the continued public hearing on January 26,
2016, at which time all interested parties were given an opportunity to be heard and present
evidence.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE
AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The new signage is necessary for the enjoyment of the existing land use and to
advertise the new business name (Shell). As part of this review, the existing portable metal price
sign will be removed since the new 6-foot tall LED monument price sign will display both cash
and credit/debit prices, minimizing the repetition or proliferation off on-site signage. The
proposed signs are needed to identify the business, its services, prices, and the individual fuel
dispensers.
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Section 2: The new signage including the LED monument price sign identifies the general
nature of the establishment and does not result in excessive competition for visual attention.
The existing freestanding metal price sign is being removed with the installation of the more
effective LED monument price sign. The proposed LED monument price sign is an industry
standard to effectively display fuel prices.
Section 3: The signs are designed to seamlessly integrate into the existing improvements
with no adverse impacts to the surrounding area. As a safety precaution to prevent any glare or
bright lighting onto oncoming traffic, the LED monument price sign and other internally
illuminated signs will be conditioned not to exceed the code requirements for outdoor lighting
per RPVDC Section 17.56.040, not to exceed 1,600 lumens per bulb, and to have an automatic
dimming system to control the amount of lumens emitted during the different operating times of
the day and evening. Staff has also added a condition that requires the Director's review of the
LED lighting within 30 days after installation to ensure light and glare doesn't adversely impact
vehicular traffic. Additionally a condition has been imposed requiring the illumination of signs to
be turned off between 9:00pm and 5:00am daily. Furthermore, the Commission finds that since
the proposed location of the monument price sign is within the intersection visibility triangle and
over 30" in height, pursuant to the City's Public Works Department review the location of the
monument price sign allows for the safe view of oncoming traffic by a driver approaching the
intersection, and the commission finds no impact would occur to the intersection visibility.
Section 4: The general size and location of the proposed signage will be similar to the
existing signage with the exception of two internally illuminated Shell logo signs located along
two sides of the canopy's roof. These logo signs will not exceed the roof ridgeline and will be
incorporated into the existing roof design making it harmonious in relation to the structure of the
canopy.
Section 5: The proposal includes the removal and replacement of existing signage with new
signage in the same general location with the exception of two internally illuminated Shell logo
signs to be located along two sides of the existing service canopy. The two Shell logo signs will
be 7.79 square feet in size (2'-9 '/2" x 2'-9 Y2") each in order to be visible from the street. The
LED monument price sign will be in the same general location as the existing monument sign,
but smaller in size (proposed 46.66 square feet in area at 5'-10" feet in height) and will have
digital LED pricing with a dimming system making it legible under normal viewing conditions.
Section 6: The signs will not block nor obscure any signage on the subject property or
neighboring properties. The proposed signs will be located in the same general location of the
existing signage or affixed to the building/canopy structure in a manner that harmoniously
blends with existing signage and site improvements.
Section 7: The Commission finds that since the proposed signs will not exceed the highest
roof ridgeline, including the service canopy, the signs will not impair any potential views from the
viewing areas of surrounding residences. To reduce the potential impact of the brightness from
the LED monument price sign and other internally illuminated signs, conditions are imposed
requiring an automatic dimming system to control the amount of lumens (not to exceed outdoor
lighting code requirements RPVDC Section 17.56.040) emitted during the different operating
times of the day and evening. Thus, the project will not detract from or cause depreciation to the
value of adjacent developed properties.
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Section 8: The Commission believes that the general development of the site, the area and
the intersection provide for a residential appearance, as evidenced by the service/convenience
store building containing tile roofing with smooth stucco. The proposed signage will maintain the
existing mansard tile roofing material and stucco finish to keep the residential appearance.
Moreover, the Commission does not support painting the existing building and canopy in a
"Shell" color scheme because it would result in a commercial appearing structure which doesn't
comply with condition No. 21 of P.C. Resolution 95-41. However, the commission supports a
"Shell Red" and "Shell Yellow" panel over the service bay garage doors and to change the color
of the canopy to "Shell White" with a "Shell Grey" band on the bottom of the existing canopy
because it supports the business identification. Additionally, a condition has been imposed
requiring the illumination of signs to be turned off between 9:00pm and 5:00am daily. Thus, as
conditioned, the Commission finds no adverse effect on the value and character of the adjacent
residential district.
Section 9: Any interested person aggrieved by this decision or by any portion of this
decision may appeal the project to the City Council. Pursuant to Section 17.80.070 of the
Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, any such appeal must be filed with the City, in writing,
setting forth the grounds of the appeal and any specific actions requested by the appellant, and
accompanied by the appropriate appeal fee, no later than fifteen (15) days following January 26,
2016, the date of the Planning Commission's final action.
Section 10: For the foregoing reasons and based on the information and findings included in
the Staff Report, Minutes and other records of proceedings, the Planning Commission of the
City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby conditionally approves Conditional Use Permit No. 182
Revision "E" and Sign Permit No. 720 Revision "D" (Case No. ZON2015-00239), subject to the
conditions contained in the attached Exhibit "A" to allow the installation of two 7.79 square foot
internally illuminated signs along the east and west fascia of the mansard service canopy, a new
46.66 square foot, 6-foot tall, double faced LED monument price sign to replace the existing
monument price sign, a 7.16 square foot "Service Center" sign measuring 10 1/2" x 8-2 W above
the service garage entry, and to install 2 flag signs per column (8 total) to display the number of
the fuel dispensers under the canopy.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 26Th day of January 2016, by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Cruikshamk, Emenhiser, Gerstner, James, Leon,
Vice Chairman Tomblin and Chairman Nelson
NOES: None
ABSTENTIONS: None
RECUSALS: None
ABSENT: None
P.C. Resolution No. 2016-02
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Robert A. Nelson
Chairman
.411
. 11
Joel Roj. icP
Commu ►i evelopm: •irector; and,
Secretar . the Planning Commission
P.C. Resolution No. 2016-j
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EXHIBIT 'A'
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
CASE NO. ZON2015-0000239
SIGN PERMIT NO. 720 REV. "D"
28103 HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD (SHELL GAS STATION)
1. Except as otherwise noted below, all signs and sign copy shall conform
substantially to the plans submitted to the City on September 24, 1994, and
subsequently presented to the Planning Commission on July 25, 2000,
September 13, 2005, and January 26, 2016, and shall be installed so as not
to impair traffic, visibility, or pedestrian access. The following conditions shall
apply to the site as amended by the Planning Commission on January 26,
2016 (deleted language in , added language in italics):
a) One (1) 46.66 square foot, six foot tall maximum height internally
illuminated LED monument price sign is allowed at the southeastern
corner of the property, at the intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard and
Granvia Altamira. Said LED monument price sign shall not exceed 1,600
lumens per bulb.
b) - "e-e- ► 1 -.• -_ - •e -
1) One (1) on the eastern side of the building, facing Granvia
2) One (1) on the southern side of the building, facing
The two (2) following internally illuminated 7.79 square feet (2'-9W x
Shell "pecten"bgo signs are allowed to be attached to the canopy fascia
and shall not exceed the canopy roof ridgeline:
1) One (1) on the eastern side of the canopy fascia
2) One (1) on the western side of the canopy fascia.
Said logo signs shall not exceed 115 lumens per bulb. The canopy
band shall not be illuminated
c) Remove one (1) abandoned Mobil Mart identification sign located on the
southern side of the building, facing Hawthorne Boulevard shall be
d) Remove one freestanding (1) legal price sign along Hawthorne
Boulevard. - -- - - - - - - -- - -- - • -- --• --
- -- - - -- - - -- - - • - -
provides full service gasoline sales, then the sign must be used solely
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e) Remove one (1) "snap-loc" changeable copy sign affixed to the existing
light standard at the driveway located on the southwestern side of the
property.
f)
. Remove the existing overhead logo signs
attached to the top of the fuel dispensers, and replace with Shell
overhead logo signs. No increase in the height and/or width of the fuel
dispensers is proposed.
g) Remove three (3) banners and the BMW and Mercedes Benz log sign
along (each 2' x 9') within the service bay garage entry areas. No
banners shall be permitted to be affixed to the structure's facade.
h) One (1) diesel is sign is allowed above one of the existing diesel fuel
dispenser.
i) Four(4) Remove advertisement signs on the fuel dispensers.
j) Temporary window signs located on the convenience store are not to
exceed 10% of the total area of the window, excluding bttery signs
(maximum: 32.5 sq.ft.). Further, the same temporary signs shall not
be displayed for a period of more than thirty (30) days.
k) Permanent window signs located on the convenience store are not to
exceed 5% of the total area of the window, excluding bttery signs
(maximum:16.25 sqft.).
I) ► e -r - -- - •- - - - - e- ... -e • . .• .. .
I) Remove and dispose the existing ad frame and price signs adjacent to
the gas dispensers that are under the existing canopy.
m) Two (2) flag signs per column (8 total) are allowed to identify the fuel
dispenser number under the canopy.
n) One (1), non-illuminated, 7.16 square foot (10%" x 8'-2%") "Service
Center"sign is allowed above the service bay garage entry.
o) Three (3) non-illuminated vinyl "air & water" decals are allowed on the
sides of the air and water cabinet unit.
p) The LED monument price sign and other internally illuminated signs shall
not exceed the code requirements for outdoor lighting RPVDC Section
17.56.040 and shall have an automatic dimming system to control the
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amount of lumens emitted during the different operating times of the day
and evening.
q) The LED monument price sign shall only be used for displaying numeric
fuel prices.
r) All exterior lighting shall be so arranged and shielded as to prevent direct
illumination of abutting properties and of vehicles passing on the public
right-of-way. Luminaries shall be of a low-level indirect and diffused type.
All fluorescent bulbs or other lighting (ie: LED) under canopies or on the
building shall be covered with diffusing lenses and shielded.
s) The approval of any illuminated sign shall not be final until thirty days
after installation, during which period the Director may order the dimming
of any illumination found to be excessively brilliant and no sign permit
shall be valid until such order has been carried out to an extent
satisfactory to the director. Illumination shall be considered excessive
when it prevents normal perception of objects or buildings beyond or in
the vicinity of the sign. (Municipal Code Section 17.76.050.C)
t) All illuminated signs shall be turn off between 9:00pm and 5:00am, and
only used during business hours.
u) Video and audio recordings on the fuel dispensers shall not be permitted.
v) Remove all existing signage from the site not mentioned in these
conditions including banners, temporary signs, and permanent signs
attached to the main building.
w) No painting is allowed on the existing service station/convenience store
building with the Shell color scheme. The existing building shall remain an
earth tone color deemed acceptable by the Director of Community
Development.
x) No painting of the existing columns and canopy with "Shell Red"or "Shell
Yellow" color scheme shall be permitted. The canopy columns shall be
permitted to be painted "Shell White" with a "Shell Grey" band at the
bottom of each column, and the canopy fascia shall be permitted to be
painted "Shell White".
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