Planning Commission
MEETING DATE: 3/15/2017
Title
CASE NO. Conditional Use Permit No. 17-006
APPLICANT: Lamar Central Outdoor, LLC, Betsy Hayes
LOCATION: 67300 Ramon Road (APN: 677-447-011)
REQUEST: Consider a Conditional Use Permit Application to replace an existing static billboard with a new single face LED digital billboard in the PCC (Planned Community Commercial) Zoning District located at 67300 Ramon Road.
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STAFF PLANNER:
Robert Rodriguez, Planning Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
APPROVE an exemption to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15302, Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction).
APPROVE Conditional Use Permit No. 17-006 subject to the attached Conditions of Approval and based on the findings contained in the staff report.
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FINDINGS:
APPROVAL OF AN EXEMPTION TO CEQA based on the finding that the project qualifies as Categorically Exempt under Section 15302, Class 2 (Replacement or Reconstruction) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
APPROVAL OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 17-006, subject to the attached conditions of approval and based on the following findings:
1. The replacement of an existing billboard (static billboard) with a billboard with a digital display (digital billboard) is authorized as a conditional use per the City of Cathedral City Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 9.62 (Signs);
2. The digital billboard is necessary or desirable for the development of the community as it will allow the advertising of local, regional and national events, services and products to local residents and visitors, and is not detrimental to existing uses or to uses specifically permitted in the Planned Community Commercial (PCC) zoning district.
3. The site where the digital billboard will be located, the north side of Ramon Road, west of San Luis Rey Drive (APN: 677-447-011), is adequate in size and shape to accommodate such use, and an existing recorded easement grants the applicant the right to locate the billboard upon the property.
4. The site for the digital billboard relates properly to streets and highways which are designed and improved to carry the type and quantity of traffic generated or to be generated by the proposed use.
5. The applicant agrees to comply with any and all of the conditions imposed by the Planning Commission or be subject to a revocation hearing.
BACKGROUND:
On October 21, 2015, the Planning Commission approved Zoning Ordinance Amendment 15-001 recommending that the City Council approve an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to amend Chapter 9.62 (Signs) to add regulations and development standards for the construction of billboards with digital display or changeable copy in the City. On November 16, 2015, the City Council approved the Zoning Ordinance Amendment.
ANALYSIS:
Lamar Central Outdoor, LLC submitted a Conditional Use Permit application on January 23, 2017 to replace an existing static billboard (approximately 10’ 6” by 22’ 9” supported by an I-beam structure with two static faces) with a new single face LED digital billboard (approximately 10’ by 21’ supported by a single monopole base) located at 67300 Ramon Road (Assessor’s Parcel Number 677-447-011) in the PCC (Planned Community Commercial) Zoning District.
The proposal complies with the City’s billboard regulations and development standards set forth in Section 9.62.070.A (Special Sign Provisions - Billboard Signs) of the Cathedral City Municipal Code (CCMC); this includes provisions related to the height, location and support poles for the replacement of billboards with digital display or changeable copy. Additionally, the existing electrical line will be undergrounded and the new digital billboard will be relocated slightly to the north, outside of the ultimate future right-of-way for Ramon Road (approximately 63 feet from centerline of the street).
The lighting and illumination of digital billboards are regulated by the CCMC. The regulations address minimum duration of a message, transition time, brightness of the display, and lighting levels. In addition, animated images that give the appearance of movement, or changes in illumination intensity during the static display period are prohibited.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
Staff has determined that the project meets all the conditions for a Categorical Exemption under Section 15302 (Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction) of the State CEQA Guidelines.
NOTE: The City of Cathedral City Planning Department is custodian of the documents or other material, which constitute the record of proceedings upon which this decision is based.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION:
This project and the environmental determination were noticed in accordance with the City Municipal Code and CEQA. (See Attachment No. 4)
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Conditions of Approval
Attachment 2: Site Plan
Attachment 3: Elevation
Attachment 4: Public Hearing Notice