Applicant: Amador Vintners Association

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STAFF REPORT TO: AMADOR COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
FOR REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2011
ITEM 4-
REQUEST FOR AN AMENDMENT TO USE PERMIT FOR OFF-SITE QUASI-PUBLIC
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS (AMADOR COUNTY CODE § 19.32.01O.J) REDUCING THE TOTAL
NUMBER OF LOCATIONS WHERE SIGNS WOULD BE PLACED AND INCREASING THE
NUMBER OF SIGNS NEEDING A VARIANCE FROM §19.32.010.J TO EXCEED THE 10
SQUARE FOOT MAXIMUM SIGN SIZE (SIGN lA TO BE A MAXIMUM OF 24.9 SQUARE
FEET, SIGN 8 TO BE A MAXIMUM OF 21.7 SQUARE FEET, AND SIGN 16 TO BE A
MAXIMUM OF 23.5 SQUARE FEET).
Applicant: Amador Vintners Association (Jamie Lubenko, Representative) Supervisorial District: V Location: Signs are proposed in various locations in the county. A. Background and Description: This Use Permit was originally approved in December 2008
granting the Amador Vintners Association the ability to place multiple directional signs of a
quasi-public nature for participating Amador County wineries, along County roads within County
Rights-of-Way. The signs were approved to contain individual winery names on plaques 6" X
36" in size for a total sign size not to exceed 10 square feet. A variance was also approved, by
the Board of Supervisors, for one sign (Sign #14) allowing it to be 13.5 square feet.
In early 2010 the Amador Vintners Association installed signs which did not meet the criteria
(see attached conditions for UP-08;11-1) approved by the Planning Commission. County staff
reviewed, with representatives from the Amador Vintners Association, the installed signs.
Ultimately, the installed signs were determined to be ineffective due to the reduced lettering
size and a potential hazard due to the use of steel posts that did not meet breakaway standards.
In August 2011 the Amador Vintners Association submitted a request for a use permit
amendment and it was scheduled to be heard by the Planning Commission on September 13,
2011; however, as a result of a meeting with their members, the Vintners Association submitted
a request for the matter to be continued in order to provide their membership with additional
time to review and possibly revise their application.
On October 31, 2011 the Planning Department received a revised application from the Amador
Vintners Association. The revised application includes a new design using 6X6 wood posts
(meeting breakaway standards), 8 inch tall pickets to accommodate 4 inch letters, and it was
determined wineries located along main roads did not need directional signage therefore the
number of signs were reduced (see attached application for more specific details). A variance
from the allowed maximum 10 square feet (§19.32.010.J) is also being requested for Sign 1A to
allow a maximum of 24 .99 square feet, Sign 8 to allow a maximum of 21.7 square feet, and Sign
16 to allow a maximum of 23 .5 square feet. The variance approved by the Board of Supervisors
for Sign 14 is no longer necessary due to the revisions in the proposal and the reduced number
of wineries on the sign.
B. Staff Review and Recommendation: Staff has reviewed the proposed amendment and has no
technical objections to the Planning Commission approving the use permit amendment, subject
to the proposed conditions (attached) and findings listed below.
F:\WPDOCS\Project Files\2011\Amador Vintners Revised UP\SR 121311 PC.doc
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Planning staff is recommending a condition (Condition #15) which would make the use permit
valid only for a period of 10 years . This is in anticipation of updating our sign code and the
possibility these signs may not meet the new code. The condition would allow for the review
and possible renewal of the use permit if it was found to meet the updated sign code. If it was
determined the signs did not meet the updated sign regulations, the use permit could either be
revised to meet the updated requirements or not renewed.
The Department of Transportation and Public Works has indicated a new state law was adopted
in March 2008, requiring all signage, located within any road right-of-way, to contain 6" lettering
by January 2015 . Although the Department does not have any technical objections to the
requested 4 inch lettering, it should be noted, the signs may be required to comply with any
revised requirements, in the future. This could result in the need for an increase in the sign size
for some if not all of the signs resulting in the need for additional variances.
Staff is taking a neutral position with regard to the variance due to the findings necessary to
grant a variance (2 and 3 listed below). Therefore, staff is not making a recommendation of
approval or denial of the variance.
NOTE: In the event the Planning Commission approves this use permit, it should be made
clear that the County is only approving the location, size, color, and design of the signs (see
attached proposal). Sign 4, listed in the application packet is outside of the jurisdiction of
Amador County and will require approval from the appropriate jurisdictions prior to sign
placement.
C. Planning Commission Action and Findings: If the Planning Commission moves to approve the
use permit request and further recommends approval of the variance, the findings listed
below are recommended for adoption. The Planning Commission action regarding the
variance is a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. If the Commission moves to
recommend approval of the variance to the Board, findings 2 and 3 are required for
adoption pursuant to County Code Section 19.52.020 and 19.52 .040 :
1.
2. 3. The granting of the Use Permit is sanctioned by County Code Section
19.32.010.J (Directional signs of a public or quasi public nature) and is
consistent with County Code Section 19.56.040 (Use Permit Findings) in
that the project proposed with conditions will not be detrimental to the
health, safety, peace, morals, comfort, or general welfare of persons
residing or working in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the
County;
The variance does not constitute the granting of a special privilege
inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and
zone in which subject property is situated in that... (reasons);
Because of special circumstances (specify) applicable to the subject
property, the strict application of the requirement for the sign to be no
larger than 10 square feet is found to deprive subject property of
privileges enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity and under identical
zone classification; and
F:\WPDOCS\Project Files\2011 \Amador Vintn ers Revised UP\SR 121311 PC.doc
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4. A review of the Use Permit and variance was conducted by staff and
found the project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Section 15303,
Class 3 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) and
15305, Class 5 (Minor Alterations in land use limitations) of the CEQA
Guidelines and a Notice of Exemption will be filed with the County
Recorder.
NOTE:
If the Planning Commission should deny this request for a use permit
amendment, the approval of the original use permit (UP-OB; 11-1) stands.
F:\WPDOCS\Project Files\2011\Amador Vintners Revised UP\SR 121311 PC.doc
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USE PERMIT CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL FOR AMADOR VINTNERS ASSOCITAION QUASI PUBLIC DIRECTIONAL SIGNS APPLICANT: Amador Vintners Association
ADDRESS: PO Box 667
Plymouth, CA 95669
PHONE: (209) 245-6992
APN(S): Signs to be located at various locations in
the County (see attached map and key) .
USE PERMIT NO.:
UP-ll;8-2
Amendment to use permit off-site quasi-public
directional signs (Amador County Code § 19.32.010.J) for participating Amador County wineries reducing
the total number of locations where signs would be placed and increasing the number of signs needing a
variance from §19.32.010.J to exceed the 10 square foot maximum sign size (Sign 1A to be a maximum
of 24.5 square feet, Sign 8 to be a maximum of 21.7 square feet, and Sign 16 to be a maximum of 23.5
square feet). Signs are to be located at various locations in the County (see attached map).
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION:
Note: Sign locations approved under this use permit amendment do not include Signs 4
as indicated on the attached map. The location of Sign 4 is outside of the jurisdiction of
Amador County and will require approval from the appropriate jurisdictions prior to sign
installation.
PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL DATE:
1. This Use Permit supersedes UP -08;11-1 granted on December 09,2008 as such that Use Permit
shall no longer be in effect. This Use Permit shall not become valid, nor shall any uses commence
until such time as the Permittee is either found to be in compliance with or has agreed, in
writing, to a program of compliance acceptable to the County. At that time the permit shall be
signed by the Planning Department and the use may commence. THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT
SHALL MONITOR THIS REQUIREMENT.
2. The issuance of this Use Permit is expressly conditioned upon the permittee's compliance with all
the provisions contained herein and if any of the provisions contained herein are violated, this
Use Permit may be subject to revocation proceedings as set forth in Amador County Code. THE
PLANNING DEPARTMENT SHALL MONITOR THIS REQUIREMENT.
3. The project shall be substantially the same as approved (e.g., sign design, colors, size of lettering
and locations). Any substantial changes must be submitted for approval by the Amador County
Planning Commission. THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT SHALL MONITIOR THIS REQUIREMENT.
4. Prior to issuance of the Use Permit, the permittee shall obtain any applicable permits from the
Building Department and Department of Transportation and Public Works. THE PLANNING
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U.P.-11;8-2 PROPOSED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
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DEPARTMENT SHALL MONITOR THIS REQUIREMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BUILDING
DEPARTMENT AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS.
5. Prior to the issuance of the Use Permit, obtain a blanket encroachment permit from the
Department of Transportation and Public Works prior to the placement of any signs within
County right-of-way. THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS SHALL
MONITOR THIS REQUIREMENT.
6. Sign posts shall be of breakaway type in accordance with Caltrans Standard Plans RSl and RS2.
THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS SHALL MONITOR THIS
REQUIREMENT.
7. All signs placed along County Roads shall be placed a minimum of 10 feet off the edge of the
roadway pavement, and shall not be located in any drainage ditch, and shall not block line of
sight or obstruct maintenance activities. THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
WORKS SHALL MONITOR THIS REQUIREMENT.
8. All existing winery directional signs within the County right-of-way, under control of the Amador
Vintners members, shall be removed . THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
WORKS SHALL MONITOR THIS REQUIREMENT.
9. Lettering size shall be as proposed (4 inches tall) in the revised application received October 31,
2011 from Jamie Lubenko, Executive Director for the Amador Vintners. The Department of
Transportation and Public Works recommends six inch letters to conform to California
Standards due to become effective in January 2015. In the future if signs are required to comply
with any revised lettering requirements, the overall sign size and dimensions shall remain the
same regardless of the size of the lettering unless a new or amended use permit is granted. THE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS SHALL MONITOR THIS REQUIREMENT.
10. The signs shall not be illuminated . The signs may be double sided.
DEPARTMENT SHALL MONITOR THIS REQUIREMENT.
11. Prior to the issuance of the use permit, the permittee shall obtain approval, from the Board of
Supervisors, for a variance from County Code Section 19 .32 .010 .J to allow the following three
signs to exceed the 10 square foot maximum:
•
Sign lA to be a maximum of 24.5 square feet;
•
Sign 8 to be a maximum of 21.7 square feet; and
•
Sign 16 to be a maximum of 23.5 square feet.
THE PLANNING
12. All signs shall be maintained in a structurally sound manner and shall not be allowed to
deteriorate to a point where it becomes unsightly or hazardous to the traveling public. THE
PLANNING DEPARTMENT SHALL MONITOR THIS REQUIREMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS.
13. There shall be no balloons, banners, handbills, bumper stickers, or the like affixed to the signs.
THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT SHALL MONITOR THIS REQUIREMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS.
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U.P.-11;8-2 PROPOSED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
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14. In the event the location of any sign is found to be outside of the County right-of-way, on private
property, the permittee shall provide a letter of consent from the property owner for placement
of the sign on the subject property. THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT SHALL MONITOR THIS
REQUIREMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
WORKS.
15. This Use Permit shall be valid for a period of 10 (ten) years. Subsequent renewals may be
considered. THIS REQUIREMENT SHALL BE MONITORED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT.
16. In no case shall directional signage to Wilderotter, e.G. Di Arie, Terra d' Oro, Cooper, or Bella
Piazza Wineries be located simultaneously on signage permitted under this use permit and the
use permits for quasi public directional signage for Shenandoah School Road Wineries (U.P. ­
11;10-1 for e.G . Di Arie) or the Amador County Winery Association (UP-08;11-2). THE
PLANNING DEPARTMENT SHALL MONITOR THIS REQUIREMENT.
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U.P.-ll;8-2 PROPOSED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
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intners
209-245-6992
Post Office Box 667 Plymouth, California 95669
Toll Free 888-655-8614 Fax 209-245-6997 V\lWw.amadorwine .com
Planning Commissioners
Amador County Planning Department
810 Court Street
Jackson, CA 95642-2132
RECEIVED
Amador County
'OCT 3 12011
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Re: Winery Signage Project
Dear Commissioners,
Attached you will find an outline of updates and additions to our signage project (use permit#
UP-8:11-1) for consideration/approval. With a few exceptions, these changes are not outside the
scope of the already permitted project. They are simply changes that are necessary to bring the
project into compliance. Additionally, several signs have been removed from the project as they
are no longer considered necessary.
Amador Vintner's staff and members of our board have met with public works at each individual
location listed here. We have taken into account these site visits, along with the necessary
changes for break-a-way posts and letter size when compiling the attached. As you know, this
project has faced several challenges along the way. We are very confident that the attached will
meet the needs of both our member wineries, the county and traveling public. Thank you for
your continued support. If you find that more information is required, please contact our office
at (209)245-6992.
Respectfully submitted,
Jamie Lubenko
Executive Director
Amador Vintners
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RECEIVED
Amador County
OCT 3 1 2011
Amador County Winery Signage Directional Project
Proposed Changes/Additions
f;l,.ANNING fJEPARTMENT
1. All sign posts will be replaced with 6x6 wood posts with holes drilled at the base as per the break-a-way spec sheet provided by the county. 2. The lettering on each sign will be 4" tall.
3. Pickets will be 8" tall to accommodate 4" letters but vary in length depending on the length of the
winery name. (Signs that will now require a variance for size are outlined below all others will
remain under the 10sqft permitted)
4. Pickets will be centered on the post (not bolted to the edge) to accommodate the 10 feet from edge of pavement requirements. 5. Wineries along the main road (E Hwy 16/Shenandoah Road and Hwy 49 that do not require
direction signage). This results in the removal of the following signs 6, 7, 10, 12, 15, 16, 16a, 17.
17a, 18, 21 , 28, 29.
6. Design colors and fonts have changed to make the signs easier to read and more in keeping with the regions beauty. (See attached) 7. Signs directing visitors to the "West-End" wineries and Sutter Creek area wineries have been added to location in the Plymouth/ Shenandoah Valley area to direct visitors throughout the county. Signs that would now fall outside the permitted size and would now requires a variance include:
Sign #8 (located at the southern intersection of Shenandoah School Road and Shenandoah Road)
Size: 21.68 sqft
.Content:
Wilderotter
Bella Piazza
C.G. Di Arie
Terra d'Oro
Cooper
More Wineries Ahead
Sign #16
Size: 23.43
Content:
Dillian
Renwood
Shenandoah
Deaver
Charles Spinetta
Amador Foothill
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R~CEIVED
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Amador County
Dobra
Driven
Additional Sign request (requires variance for size)
OCT 31 2011
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Sign number lA
Location: SE corner of Old Plymouth Sacramento Road at the Latrobe Road intersection. Site visit and
location determined with public works department.
Size: 24.99 sqft
Content:
NuaDair
Tanis
Convergence
Drytown
Sutter Creek
Shenandoah Valley
Fiddletown
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RECEIVED
Amador County
OCT 372011
PLANr~ING DEPARTMENT
AMADOR,WINERIES POST SIGN
SHENANDOAH SCHOOL
RD. SOUTH
3.21 sq. Ft.
8
4" Letters 6x6 Wood post
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'""
AmadorVintnersSignProjec
POBox667
Plymouth ,CA 95669
209-245-6992
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Chapter 19.32 SIGNS
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LOWlltL\ Code,
SeC~I'Olt\.
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tct · 32 .DlD
more in total area than fifteen percent of the area of the building frontage , up to a
maximum of one hundred fifty square feet in area on anyone face, or two hundred fifty
square feet in total area per business establishment. Any freestanding sign located on
the premises shall be limited to a maximum of one-third of the total allowable signage on
the premises.
G. Shopping Centers. One freestanding sign up to a maximum of three hundred
square feet in total area on which any business in the center may be identified of which
said sign 's square footage shall be deducted from the total square footage allowed
pursuant to subsection (F) of this section . Additional freestanding signs may be allowed
for every five hundred lineal feet the shopping center has of road frontage. Each
business may only have one sign on the freestanding sign .
H. Banners. Only one banner shall be permitted per business establishment; located
outside the building; not more than twenty-five square feet in area; in any C or M district.
Banners shall not be in place more than ninety days in any calendar year.
I. Outdoor advertising signs and structures, not appurtenant to any use on the
premises; nonilluminated ; single face only; not more than one hundred square feet in
area; not more than twelve feet in height; no closer than seventy-five feet from the
centerline of a state highway or county road; no closer than one mile to any other off­
premise outdoor advertising structure located on the same side or one-half mile on the
opposite side of any state highway or county road; not in addition to the total allowable
maximum square footage of any appurtenant sign on the premises; in any H district; not
within any officially-designated scenic highway corridor; on securing a separate use
permit.
1. In addition to the findings required by Section 19.56.040, the commission in
granting a use permit for any sign under this section must first find that the size,
height and location and general appearance of such sign is in harmony with the
general area, and does not constitute a hazard to vehicle or pedestrian traffic. To
be considered in harmony with an area, such sign shall not rise above any skyline
so as to stand out from the natural foreground view of motorists; shall not require
substantial removal of native vegetation to be seen by the motoring public; and,
shall not have colors which contrast unduly with its surroundings .
2. A use permit granted for such signs and structures under this section shall be
valid for a period of not more than five years, and may be renewed de novo, on
application to the planning commission as provided in Chapter 19.56 of this title .
....jI( J.
Directional signs of a public or quasi-public nature; in any district, on securing a use
permit therefor. The sign design and size shall be submitted for approval at the time of
the use permit application and the commission in granting a use permit for any sign under
this section must first find that the size, height and location and general appearance of
said sign are in harmony with the general area, and do not constitute a hazard to vehicle
or pedestrian traffic but in no case shall said sign exceed ten square feet or be
illuminated .
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http://www.codepublishing.comlCA/AmadorCounty/htmllAmadorCounty 19/ AmadorCoun.. . 12/6/2011