City of Corona
Staff Report
400 S. Vicentia Ave.
Corona, CA 92882
File #: 24-0084
PLANNING AND HOUSING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE: 2/26/2024
TO: Honorable Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Planning & Development Department
APPLICATION REQUEST:
ZTA2024-0002: Zone text amendment to Title 17 of the Corona Municipal Code to amend the Sign Ordinance in Chapter 17.74 to prohibit temporary signs in the public rights-of-way. (Applicant: City of Corona)
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the Planning and Housing Commission recommend APPROVAL OF ZTA2024-0002 to the City Council, based on the findings contained in the staff report.
BACKGROUND
The City’s Sign Ordinance is regulated by Chapter 17.74 of the Corona Municipal Code. Section
17.74.070 (I) prohibits temporary signs in the public right-of-way except from 7:00 a.m. on Saturday to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Temporary signs placed in the public right-of-way during this time are required to adhere to certain criteria related to size and height, material, location, and quantity. The city does not regulate the content of the message on temporary signs, which is protected by the First Amendment.
Various entities have used temporary signs in the public right-of-way to advertise professional services, real estate open houses, special sales, and political campaigns. The following summarizes the criteria each entity must follow when placing temporary signs in the public right-of-way on Saturday and Sunday.
· Size: 2’ x 3’ and no higher than 3’.
· Material: Sturdy material, not single-layer cardboard, paper or bond stock, and shall be fastened to the ground on a single metal or wood support. · Quantity: 3 signs per business, entity, or person on a single block. · Location: No closer than 10’ from the corner and prohibited within the center street median.
Most of the time, real estate agents locate temporary signs in the public right-of-way to advertise City of Corona Page 1 of 4 Printed on 2/21/2024
powered by Legistar™
File #: 24-0084
Most of the time, real estate agents locate temporary signs in the public right-of-way to advertise open houses on the weekend. Over time, heavily traveled streets within certain neighborhoods have regularly become inundated with temporary signs on Saturday and Sunday. The temporary signs have diminished the aesthetic appearance of the landscaped parkways along city streets, resulting in visual clutter along major thoroughfares and local streets. In many instances, certain entities would leave their temporary signs in the public right-of-way in the days following Sunday resulting in Code Compliance personnel having to remove the remaining temporary signs.
City Council Fall Policy Workshop
The City Council at its Fall Policy Workshop on October 12, 2023, discussed possible changes to the regulations governing temporary signs in the public right-of-way. Most of the Council indicated other advertising platforms such as websites, social media and real estate websites are available instead of having temporary signs in the public right-of-way. Additionally, residents living in the city have voiced complaints regarding the large number of temporary signs in the public right-of-way on Saturday and Sunday and have expressed that the temporary signs diminish the aesthetic appearance and quality of their neighborhoods. Ultimately, most of the Council decided to prohibit temporary signs in the public right-of-way and directed staff to prepare the appropriate amendment to the sign ordinance.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT
ZTA2024-0002 would add a definition for public right-of-way in Section 17.74.030 and amend Section 17.74.070 (I) to prohibit at all times temporary signs in the public right-of-way, except for those authorized by a recognized government agency. The following shows the text being amended in Sections 17.74.030 and 17.74.070 (I). Text shown in an underlined is added text with deleted text shown with a strikeout. The amendment is also provided as Exhibit 1.
17.74.030 Definitions.
"Public right-of-way" means the area in, upon, above, beneath, or across any of the following that has been dedicated to the public and is under the authority of the city that is located within the city limits: streets, roadways, highways, avenues, boulevards, lanes, alleys, courts, sidewalks, pathways, medians, parkways, easements, rights-of-way, or similar public property that the city from time-totime authorizes to be included within the definition of a public right-of-way or street.
17.74.070 Prohibited signs.
(I) Signs in the public right-of-way except as authorized by a recognized government agency. temporary signs including human sign twirlers maybe permitted in public rights-of-way from 7:00 a.m. Saturday to 7:00 p.m. Sunday. Signs shall not be posted to create a safety or litter hazard by adhering to the following criteria:
(1) Sign shall be two feet by three feet in size and no more than three feet high from the ground; and
(2) Sign shall be securely fastened to ground on a single metal or wood support - not fixed to another sign, tree, structure, utility or mechanical equipment.
City of Corona Page 2 of 4 Printed on 2/21/2024
powered by Legistar™
File #: 24-0084
(3) Sign shall be placed no closer than ten feet from the corner to preserve driver site visibility.
Signs shall not be placed within center median unless parking is provided adjacent to the median; and
(4) No more than three signs per business, entity, or person shall be located on a single block; and
(5) Sign shall be constructed of substantial sturdy material, not single layer cardboard, paper or bond stock; and
(6) Signs placed in the public right-of-way posted outside the criteria or times permitted, will be subject to removal by the city with the costs to remove borne by the responsible party in accordance with § 17.74.200 <https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/corona/latest/corona_ca/0-0-0-54632>.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
Per Section 15061(b)(3) of the State Guidelines for Implementing the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), ZTA2024-0002 is exempt from CEQA based on the common sense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. This amendment solely involves text revisions to the City’s Zoning Ordinance in the Corona Municipal Code, and there is no possibility that the amendment will have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, a Notice of Exemption has been prepared for the project.
FISCAL IMPACT
ZTA2024-0002 is a city-initiated application. No application fee was paid to process this request.
PUBLIC NOTICE
A 10-day public notice was advertised in the Sentinel Weekly News and posted on the City’s website.
Staff also notified The Inland Gateway Association of Realtors (TIGAR) of the proposed change to the Sign Ordinance. A representative from TIGAR also attended the City Council Fall Policy Workshop on October 12, 2023, and was aware of the City Council’s direction to prohibit temporary signs in the public right-of-way.
STAFF ANALYSIS
ZTA2024-0002 implements a policy decision by the City Council to prohibit temporary signs in the public right-of-way. Over the years, city staff has had to police and enforce the rules on temporary signs, and spend time traveling around the city to pick up temporary signs that were not removed on Sunday. Temporary signs in the public right-of-way have created visual clutter along city streets, diminished the aesthetic appearance of the city’s streetscape and adjacent neighborhoods, and placed a burden on city staff to regularly remove temporary signs that do not adhere to the time frame allowed in the municipal code.
The amendment will keep the city’s streetscape clean of visual clutter and preserve the quality of residential neighborhoods and commercial properties.
City of Corona Page 3 of 4 Printed on 2/21/2024
powered by Legistar™
File #: 24-0084
FINDINGS FOR APPROVAL OF ZTA2024-0002
1. A preliminary exemption assessment has been conducted by the City of Corona and it has shown that this project does not require further environmental assessment because the amendment solely involves text revisions to the City’s Zoning Code in the Corona Municipal Code, and there is no possibility that the amendment will have a significant effect on the environment.
2. The proposed amendment is consistent with the General Plan for the following reasons:
a. The proposed amendment is consistent with General Plan Goal LU-5 for distinct and wellmaintained neighborhoods and districts that contribute to the identity, character, and image of Corona as a livable, diverse, innovative, and environmentally sustainable community because it will prevent the visual clutter of temporary signs in the parkway and maintain the aesthetic appearance of the landscaped parkways along city streets. b. The proposed amendment is consistent with Land Use Policy 5.9 which requires adherence to the design and development guidelines as subsequently stipulated by this plan’s policies for each land use district, as well as implementing ordinances and specific plans because CMC Chapter 17.74 establishes objective development standards for signage and would specifically prohibit the placement of temporary signs in the public right-of-way.
3. The proposed amendment is consistent with the intent of Title 17 of the Corona Municipal Code for the following reason:
a. The amendment continues to enhance the city’s objective development standards in Title 17 (Zoning Code) of the CMC to promote orderly development and provide well planned neighborhoods in the city.
4. The proposed amendment will provide for the public health, safety, and welfare for the following reasons:
a. The amendment will prohibit temporary signs in the public right-of-way, which will prevent visual clutter and minimize distractions for travelers along major thoroughfares and local streets.
b. The amendment will maintain the aesthetic appearance of the city’s landscape parkways along city streets and enhance the quality of life for city residents and businesses.
SUBMITTED BY: JOANNE COLETTA, PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
EXHIBITS
1. Exhibit 1 - Proposed amendment.
2. Exhibit 2 - Environmental documentation.
City of Corona Page 4 of 4 Printed on 2/21/2024
powered by Legistar™
17.74.030 Definitions.
"Public right-of-way" means the area in, upon, above, beneath, or across any of the following that has been dedicated to the public and is under the authority of the city that is located within the city limits: streets, roadways, highways, avenues, boulevards, lanes, alleys, courts, sidewalks, pathways, medians, parkways, easements, rights-ofway, or similar public property that the city from time-to-time authorizes to be included within the definition of a public right-of-way or street.
17.74.070 Prohibited signs.
The following signs are inconsistent with the purposes and standards of this chapter and are prohibited in the City of Corona.
(A) Animated or moving signs except for clocks, time and temperature displays and public service signs, and those signs that may be approved through the conditional use permit process.
(B) Portable, folding, A-frame, or similar signs.
(C) Signs emitting audible sounds, odors, or visible matter. (D) Signs erected so that any portion of its surface or supports interfere with the free use of a fire escape, or exit, or obstruct a required ventilator, door, stairway, or window. (E) Notices, placards, bills, posters, cards, stickers, banners, signs, advertisings, or other devices designed to attract the attention of the public that are posted or otherwise affixed upon any street furniture, right-of-way, public sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, lamppost, fencing, hydrant, tree, alley, telephone pole, public telephone, lighting system, or other public alarm or communication system; or that overhang any public lands or right-of-way.
(F) Signs that are mounted on the roof of a building, including mansard roofs, and similar architectural roof-like elements.
(G) Balloons, blimps, lighter-than-air devices, inflatable signs and objects, except as may be allowed through a temporary use permit.
(H) Except as provided in § 17.74.220 (regarding flags, banners, and pennants on city-owned light poles) and in § 17.74.120 (regarding kiosk signs), flags, banners, pennants, festoons, off-premises and outdoor advertising signs (billboards). However, notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, and consistent with the California Business & Professions Code Outdoor Advertising provisions, new outdoor advertising signs (billboards), including electronic message centers, electronic message boards, and changeable message boards, may be considered and constructed as part of a relocation agreement requested by the city and entered into between the city and a billboard and/or property owner. The replacement of a static billboard face with an electronic message center, electronic message board, or changeable message board pursuant to a billboard relocation agreement shall be considered a relocation for purposes of this section. The execution of a relocation agreement shall not operate to change the status of any billboard as a nonconforming use for purposes of this code.
Such billboard relocation agreements may be approved by the City Council within its sole and absolute discretion and upon terms that are acceptable in its sole and absolute discretion; provided, however, that at a minimum the following conditions shall apply:
(1) A billboard may be relocated from a parcel with surface street frontage to a parcel with freeway frontage only if the following occur as part of such relocation:
(a) At least three billboards are removed in exchange for the one relocated billboard; and
(b) The total combined square footage of the relocated billboard is less than the total combined square footage of the three removed billboards, with each panel or billboard face being counted toward the total square footage. (2) A billboard may be relocated from a parcel with surface street frontage to another parcel with surface street frontage only if the following occur as part of such relocation:
(a) The surface street on which the relocated billboard is located must be the same surface street on which the removed billboard had been located; and (b) The total combined square footage of the relocated billboard is less than the total combined square footage of the removed billboard, with each panel or billboard face being counted toward the total square footage.
(3) A billboard may be relocated from a parcel with freeway frontage to another parcel with freeway frontage only if the total combined square footage of the relocated billboard is less than the total combined square footage of the removed billboard, with each panel or billboard face being counted toward the total square footage. (4) A billboard located on a parcel with freeway frontage may not be relocated to a parcel with surface street frontage.
(5) For all billboard relocations, the total square footage of the relocated billboard must be less than the total combined square footage of the removed billboard, with each panel or billboard face being counted toward the total square footage. (I) Signs in the public right-of-way except as authorized by a recognized government agency. temporary signs including human sign twirlers maybe permitted in public rightsof-way from 7:00 a.m. Saturday to 7:00 p.m. Sunday. Signs shall not be posted to create a safety or litter hazard by adhering to the following criteria:
(1) Sign shall be two feet by three feet in size and no more than three feet high from the ground; and
(2) Sign shall be securely fastened to ground on a single metal or wood support – not fixed to another sign, tree, structure, utility or mechanical equipment. (3) Sign shall be placed no closer than ten feet from the corner to preserve driver site visibility. Signs shall not be placed within center median unless parking is provided adjacent to the median; and
(4) No more than three signs per business, entity, or person shall be located on a single block; and
(5) Sign shall be constructed of substantial sturdy material, not single layer cardboard, paper or bond stock; and
(6) Signs placed in the public right-of-way posted outside the criteria or times permitted, will be subject to removal by the city with the costs to remove borne by the responsible party in accordance with § 17.74.200.
(J) Signs placed on stationary vehicles/trailers in the public right-of-way for the purpose of advertising businesses, services, or products.
Notice of Exemption FORM “A”
NOTICE OF EXEMPTION
TO:
☒ Office of Planning and Research
P. O. Box 3044, Room 113
Sacramento, CA 95812-3044
FROM:
(Public
Agency)
Name: City of Corona, Planning &
Development Department
Address: 400 S. Vicentia Ave., Suite
120, Corona, CA 92882
Telephone: 951-736-2434
☒ Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
or
County Clerk (Riverside)
Address: 4080 Lemon Street, Riverside, CA
92501
1. Project Title: ZTA2024-0002
2. Project Applicant: City of Corona
3. Project Location – Identify street address and cross streets or attach a map showing project site
(preferably a USGS 15’ or 7 1/2’ topographical map
identified by quadrangle name):
City wide
4. (a) Project Location – City: Corona (b) Project Location – County: Riverside
5. Description of nature, purpose, and beneficiaries of Project:
City of Corona
6. Name of Public Agency approving project: City of Corona
7. Name of Person or Agency undertaking the project,
including any person undertaking an activity that
receives financial assistance from the Public Agency
as part of the activity or the person receiving a lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement of use from the Public Agency as part of the activity:
City of Corona
8. Exempt status: (check one)
(a) ☐ Ministerial project. (Pub. Resources Code § 21080(b)(1); State CEQA Guidelines § 15268)
(b) ☐ Not a project.
(c) ☐ Emergency Project. (Pub. Resources Code § 21080(b)(4); State CEQA Guidelines § 15269(b),(c))
(d) ☐ Categorical Exemption.
State type and section number:
Notice of Exemption FORM “A”
(e) ☐ Declared Emergency. (Pub. Resources Code § 21080(b)(3); State CEQA Guidelines § 15269(a))
(f) ☐ Statutory Exemption.
State Code section number:
(g) ☒ Other. Explanation: State CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3).
9. Reason why project was exempt: A project is exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the common sense exemption that CEQA applies only
to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with
certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. This action involves minor text changes to the Zoning Code that establishes
regulations for temporary signs in the public right of
way. This action involves no physical impact. As such,
there is no possibility that the amendment to the city’s Zoning Code will have a significant effect on the
environment. Therefore, no environmental analysis is
required
10. Lead Agency Contact Person:
Telephone:
Joanne Coletta, Director
951-736-2267
11. If filed by applicant: Attach Preliminary Exemption Assessment (Form “A”) before filing.
12. Has a Notice of Exemption been filed by the public agency approving the project? Yes ☒ No ☐
13. Was a public hearing held by the Lead Agency to consider the exemption? Yes ☒ No ☐ If yes, the date of the public hearing was: Click to enter date ________________________________
Signature Date: Click to enter date
Sylvia Edwards Title: City Clerk
☒ Signed by Lead Agency ☐ Signed by Applicant
Date Received for Filing: Click to enter date
(Clerk Stamp Here)
Authority cited: Sections 21083 and 21110, Public Resources Code.
Reference: Sections 21108, 21152, and 21152.1, Public Resources Code. 1 Belinda Capilla
From: Geoff Chatham <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 5:19 PM
To: Belinda Capilla
Subject: Letter Regarding: Corona Directional Signs
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
[CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
I am a Realtor who lives in Corona and I am in favor of removing all signs from Corona. They offer nothing of value and turn our beautiful city into tacky advertising. People who need a realtor (or any other business) can find us online just like every other service out there. As for Open House signs, a very small amount of people actually rely on the Open House signs to look at homes, and if they do look at a home because of seeing a random Open House sign they are never a good fit anyway. If they want to look at open houses they can, again, find them online.
Leave the ads online, keep our streets clean.
Geoff Chatham
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important 1 Belinda Capilla
From: Dave Clark <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 5:53 PM
To: Belinda Capilla
Subject: Opposition Letter Regarding: Corona Directional Signs Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
[CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear City of Corona,
I have been an agent here in Corona for close to 30 years. I have always adhered to and abided by the rules and regulations outlines in the Sign Ordinance Codes. I have put literally hundreds of buyers and helped sellers in Corona and work hard to promote our city. Please consider that we, as Real Estate agents are your #1 ambassadors to promote the City and encourage people to move here. There's an argument that has been made that signs are not needed because we now have smart phones and GPS and people can find our open houses without signs. Although it may be true to a point, I still ask people at my open houses how they found the houses and there's still a large number of people who are just driving the area and follow the signs, unaware it was advertised on social media. For those who may disagree, I'd encourage you to accompany me at an open house on a Saturday or Sunday and see for yourself.
I want to state that I am not in favor of "advertising signs" that are placed for pure advertising pusposes. I only put out signs when I do an open house. However, as Broker of the largest Real Estate office in Corona, I have agents in my office who do advertising signs. This became popular during COVID when we couldn't do open houses and it hasn't stopped since. If there was a way to only "ban" those signs without getting in trouble for it, I'd support it. But I understand that's not possible due to cases that have gone to the Supreme Court.
I would ask the Planning Commission and City Council to please consider the plan that we as a Government Affairs Committee at TIGAR have placed before you.
You have my word and support as Broker of Keller Williams Corona that I will talk to each and every agent who places signs on the weekends and do my best to control this plan. Please support it.
I cannot attend the meeting on 2/26 as I will be attending the Keller Williams annual Family Reunion with 18,000 other KW agents in Las Vegas, but wish to ask that you do not vote for a Total Ban at this time.
Sincerely,
Dave Clark
Broker Of Record, Keller Williams Corona
Dave Clark
Broker Of Record
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important 2 Keller Williams Corona
4160 Temescal Canyon Rd #500
Corona, CA 92883
[email protected]
Office: Phone: 951‐338‐0200 / DRE: 01406566
Personal: Phone: 951‐283‐8787 / DRE: 01068074
1 Belinda Capilla
From: Jennifer Cucchetti <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2024 6:13 AM
To: Belinda Capilla
Subject: Opposition Letter Regarding: Corona Directional Signs Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
[CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important 1 Belinda Capilla
From: Nikki Pelley <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2024 12:33 PM
To: Belinda Capilla
Subject: signs
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
[CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Belinda,
THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE OPEN HOUSE SIGNS.
The problem is the advertising signs that you allow Realtors ( and others) to put up on the weekends that actually interfere with our Open House signs on the weekends and cause confusion to the residents and would be residents to find the actual open houses.
Please do not prohibit the Open House signs, but prohibit the advertising signs.
I have called the office about this problem before and I believe I sent an email in the past about this problem, including photos of others who use the advertising signs.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Nikki Pelley
Realtor
951‐202‐6677
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important 1 Belinda Capilla
From: Eileen Wilcott <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2024 1:07 PM
To: Belinda Capilla
Subject: Opposition Letter Regarding: Corona Directional Signs Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
[CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Why Directional Signs Should Not be Eliminated:
Standard, temporary directional signs pointing members of the public to a current open house are, by all indications, not the problem that the city is attempting to solve. Resident complaints are focused entirely on general advertising signs placed by local businesses. Every effort should be made to address the problem that the city has identified before adopting an overreaching that no other city in the region has considered.
The first step to properly regulating a problem with signage should not be an all-out ban. Beginning with the final step is an overreaction to any problem. Governments should begin with protecting the responsible actions of local businesses and residents and moving to more extreme measures if those prove inadequate. This proposal begins with extreme measures and rejects the type of approaches that dozens of cities in our region have successfully adopted in recent years. While home buyers increasingly turn to technology and mapping, standard open houses continue to generate foot traffic and sales. Often, a home offered for sale may not fit within the search criteria of a buyer. However, while exploring a desired neighborhood, home shoppers often will follow open house signs to an available property. This process remains in place, even in a world of smartphones and GPS. The median age of a homeowner is now 59 in California. Home buyers, particularly in move-up markets such as Corona, are generally existing homeowners who blend an approach of new technology with old habits, such as physically exploring a neighborhood where they wish to make a potential lifetime investment. REALTORS® have been able to responsibly display and remove open house signs for decades. TIGAR has every confidence that through the ingrained spirit of You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important 2 cooperation that members rely upon to manage every transaction, we will be able to continue to do this sensibly.
--
1 Belinda Capilla
From: Gene Pucelli <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2024 11:28 AM
To: Belinda Capilla
Subject: Corona Open House Sign Ordinance
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
[CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi Belinda,
Gene Pucelli with Keller Williams Realty Corona here.
I understand the city of Corona is considering a ban on ALL open house signs Throughout the city. I completely understand the citizens complaints as I See the sign pollution on the weekends. As a real estate agent I believe the following guidelines would work for all parties.
1. Open House signs ONLY. No “area expert” signs allowed.
The signs MUST lead to an actual open house.
2. Friday night to Sunday night allowed for placement of the signs.
3. A limit of 4 signs per corner ( as there are 4 corners in an intersection) So this would mean 1 sign per actual corner.
Please submit these recommendations and let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks !
Gene Pucelli
Pucelli Realty Group
Associate Broker-Realtor
Keller Williams
Corona Market Center
CA dre #01337824/#01406566
Arizona Living Realty
AZ dre #SA692233000 /#LC625316000
909-499-7262
www.genepucellisells.com
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important 1 Belinda Capilla
From: Sean Carroll <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2024 2:08 PM
To: Belinda Capilla
Subject: Opposition Letter Regarding: Corona Directional Signs Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
[CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Belinda,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my concerns regarding the City of Corona's proposal to implement a full ban on open house directional signs, as part of a broader restriction on temporary signs within the public right-of-way.
While I understand the city's intention to address aggressive marketing practices by certain businesses, particularly in the real estate sector, I believe a complete ban on open house directional signs may be an overreach. These signs serve as a valuable and practical tool for prospective homebuyers navigating the city, providing essential information about property locations during open house events.
Rather than a blanket ban, I suggest exploring alternative solutions that target specific issues related to aggressive marketing while preserving the ability for businesses, including real estate agencies, to use directional signs responsibly. Collaborative efforts between the city and local businesses could help strike a balance that addresses concerns without adversely affecting those who rely on these signs for their operations.
I appreciate your consideration of these points and hope for a thoughtful and measured approach in addressing the challenges posed by aggressive marketing practices.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Sean Carroll
REALTOR® • DRE #02140884
951.858.9227
[email protected]
1973 Foothill Parkway #111
Corona, CA 92881
www.HomesByVeronicaAndSean.com
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important 1 Belinda Capilla
From: HAYAT MOORE <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2024 7:26 AM
To: Belinda Capilla
Subject: signs
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
[You don't oŌen get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at hƩps://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdenƟficaƟon ]
[CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or aƩachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Good morning,
I live and work in Corona. I think the signs out over the weekend are geƫng insanely out of hand. That being said, I put out 4 (literally just 4) in my neighborhood every weekend and I don’t believe to be a part of the problem. I believe something should be done to minimize the amount of signs a realtor puts out…..I know a handful of agents who abuse the system and use over 50 signs. I think anything over 15 signs is excessive.
Thank you for your Ɵme‐ Hayat.
1 Belinda Capilla
From: Paul Herrera - TIGAR <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2024 12:11 PM
To: Belinda Capilla
Subject: TIGAR Letter re: Item 4 for Planning Commission Attachments: TIGAR Letter Signage Planning Commission 2.26.24.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
[CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Attached is a letter from our association and the undersigned members and residents for the planning commission.
Thank you. Please let me know if there are any questions or concerns. ‐Paul.
‐‐
Paul Herrera
Government Affairs Director
The Inland Gateway Association of REALTORS(R)
951.500.1222 (mobile)
[email protected]
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important 321 E. Sixth Street, Corona, CA 92879 | Ph: 951.735.5121 | Fax: 951.735.0335 | www.tigar.org Planning Commission
City of Corona
400 S. Vicentia Ave
Corona, CA 92882
Dear Chairman Woody and Members of the Planning Commission:
On behalf of The Inland Gateway Association of REALTORS® and our more than 2,300 members, I write to respectfully ask the planning commission to reject the proposal to eliminate all temporary signs, including those used to direct the public to open houses.
More than 100 of our members have asked to join this letter over the past few days. Most of those members are also residents of Corona and all of them conduct business in our city.
Others have volunteered to send letters of their own or speak at tonight’s planning commission meeting in person or online.
Even in an age of GPS-based apps, standard open house directional signs continue to help homeowners effectively market their homes and drive more interest from buyers. These signs, which are not the focus of the concerns that have led to the proposed ban, help Corona homeowners and homebuyers every week to connect to one another.
Connecting home sellers and home buyers is what we do as REALTORS®. We help home sellers find a market and, in so doing, maximize the value for the biggest investment most households will ever have. Eliminating basic open house signs takes a marketing tool away from home sellers and reduces their visibility.
If that results in even a 1 percent reduction in the offers for a home, the cost to the average Corona homeowner will be about $7,500. That would be the conservative price of enacting an ordinance that isn’t about open house signs in the first place.
It’s important to note that no other city in our region is considering a blanket ban such as this one. We have worked with great success to develop thoughtful, nuanced ordinances in cities throughout the Inland Empire. In each case, through a mix of cooperation and balanced enforcement, we have avoided the problems that have been raised in Corona. We believe that the same is likely here if proper regulation is allowed.
Even in Corona, REALTORS® have responsibly organized open houses and the handful of directional signs associated with them since at least the founding of our association more than 60 years ago.
We don’t believe that Corona is uniquely incapable of solving these issues through the same type of tailored ordinances used in dozens of other cities. That’s why we have offered to negotiate any and all options to help the city achieve its goals without harming Corona homeowners when it comes time to sell their homes.
We regret that these options were rejected and that we, instead, have arrived at something near an all-or-nothing approach that we see today. We remain open to working on a resolution and hope that today’s meeting results in more discussion in the near future and an effort to negotiate policy that addresses concerns that we share with the city while allowing open houses to continue to benefit homeowners across the city.
Sincerely,
Sarah Oswald
President
The Inland Gateway Association of REALTORS®
The following pages include residents and business owners who have consented to have their names added to this letter.
Miguel Aguirre
Corona Resident
Guillermo Altamirano
Corona Resident
Alexis M. Baier
Corona Resident
Glenn Baier
Corona Resident
Frank Baldwin
Corona Resident
Sherry Baldwin
Corona Resident
Vince Baldwin
Corona Resident
Gary Ballou
Corona Resident
Jill Barnett
Corona Resident
Christine Bati
Corona Resident
Ernst Borno
Corona Resident
Karen Bowley
Corona Resident
Rosanna Brattain
Corona Resident
Angela Brown
Corona Resident
Maggie Brown
Corona Resident
Steve Bussman
Corona Resident
Arlene Byerly
Corona Resident
Michael Cahill
Corona Resident
Julia Calderon
Corona Resident
Kimberley Carde
Corona Resident
Sean Carroll
Corona Resident
Ran Cho
Corona Resident
Dave Clark
Corona Resident
Greg Clark
Corona Resident
Carla DietzLedford
Corona Resident
Shahrzad Elmi
Corona Resident
David Englin
Corona Resident
Debra Erickson-Hribik
Corona Resident
Armanda Fallon
Corona Resident
Lisa Favorite
Corona Resident
Taraneh Finn
Corona Resident
Tania Flores
Corona Resident
Raquel Flower
Corona Resident
Heidi Franklin
Corona Resident
Kashmira Garje
Corona Resident
Bob Garland
Corona Resident
Ed Garland
Corona Resident
Danyell Gill
Corona Resident
Kim Hancock
Corona Resident
Sabrina Hernandez
Corona Resident
Linda Hilbert
Corona Resident
Tammy Horsley
Corona Resident
Melisa Jalilian
Corona Resident
Stephanie Janeshak
Corona Resident
Elizabeth Jimenez
Corona Resident
Scott Kafoury
Corona Resident
Shelly Larez
Corona Resident
Dave Larsen
Corona Resident
Donna Lorenz
Corona Resident
Flor Martinez
Corona Resident
Manuel Martinez
Corona Resident
Tina McKay
Corona Resident
Doreen Mendoza
Corona Resident
Julie Morgan-Hernandez
Corona Resident
Lisa Musgraves
Corona Resident
Adriana Nagel
Corona Resident
Alma Necoechea
Corona Resident
Alejandro Necoechea ii
Corona Resident
TiƯany Nyiri
Corona Resident
Venislava Parvanova
Corona Resident
Julie Pearson
Corona Resident
Jacqueline Pederson
Corona Resident
Diana Perez
Corona Resident
Frances Perez
Corona Resident
Anna Pisani
Corona Resident
M.J. Porchas
Corona Resident
Rizwana Qadir
Corona Resident
Linda Rocha
Corona Resident
Cynthia Romero
Corona Resident
Sankalan Sarkar
Corona Resident
George Saucedo
Corona Resident
Cassandra Scubla
Corona Resident
Avel Soto
Corona Resident
Gabriel Stewart
Corona Resident
Nauman Syed
Corona Resident
John Valdez
Corona Resident
Yungchu Yi
Corona Resident
Leslie West
Corona Resident
Robert Arrietta
Corona Business
Jackie Barndollar
Corona Business
Donna Bell
Corona Business
Jennifer Cucchetti
Corona Business
Leslie Garcia
Corona Business
Stephen George
Corona Business
Tara Glatzel
Corona Business
Yolanda Gomez
Corona Business
Wendy Gonzalez
Corona Business
Jeannie Hallgrimson
Corona Business
Shantel Hendrix
Corona Business
Paul Herrera
Corona Business
Steven Johnson
Corona Business
Larry Kleasner
Corona Business
Alejandra Labastida
Corona Business
Anthony Lara
Corona Business
Felicia Marks
Corona Business
Veronica Martinez
Corona Business
Esther Mata
Corona Business
Bruce McNaughton
Corona Business
Adella MONTOYA
Corona Business
Sarah Oswald
Corona Business
Nikki Pelley
Corona Business
Orlando Pino
Corona Business
Marisel Polizzo
Corona Business
Traci Poor
Corona Business
Gene Pucelli
Corona Business
Bunker Rayner
Corona Business
Robert Russo
Corona Business
Maricela Smith
Corona Business
John Vasconcellos
Corona Business
Ann Vickers
Corona Business
Eileen Wilcott
Corona Business
Jennifer Zuniga
Corona Business
1 Belinda Capilla
From: Karen Alexander
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2024 3:06 PM
To: Belinda Capilla
Subject: Fwd: File #: 24-0084- Public Hearing - Sign Ordinance Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Not sure if all commissioners got this
K
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Jami Merchant <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2024 1:09:04 PM
To: Matt Woody <[email protected]>
Subject: File #: 24‐0084‐ Public Hearing ‐ Sign Ordinance
[CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Good afternoon,
I am writing to express my support for the proposed updated sign ordinance, particularly advocating for the prohibition of signs in public right‐of‐way areas.
As a professional Realtor and with experience in political campaigns, I firmly believe that the presence of signs in public spaces does not serve any significant purpose. In today's digital age, home buyers predominantly rely on the internet and various apps to search for properties and open houses. Similarly, there are numerous alternative methods such as mail and online platforms to engage voters during elections.
Moreover, the proliferation of signs in our communities often contributes to visual clutter and can detract from the aesthetic appeal of our neighborhoods. The subsequent need for city resources to regularly remove and maintain these signs further burdens municipal budgets.
Therefore, I fully endorse the implementation of the new ordinance to prohibit signs in our community's public right‐of‐way areas. This measure aligns with modern trends in communication and promotes a cleaner, more visually pleasing environment for residents and visitors alike.
Thank you for considering my perspective on this matter.
All the best,
Jami Merchant
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important 2 [email protected]
Realtor DRE # 02077819
Keller Williams Corona
951‐818‐3142
1 Belinda Capilla
From: Joe Giehm <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2024 4:41 PM
To: Belinda Capilla
Subject: Planning commission meeting 2/26/2024
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
[CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Ms. Capilla,
I am unable to attend tonight’s subject meeting. I want to be on the record in support of item #4 Corona Municipal Code to amend the Sign Ordinance. I am in favor of this ordinance as temporary signs have negatively affected the appearance of our public streets and neighborhoods. It’s not just the realtor signs, but restaurant signs, landscaping signs, solar signs etc. Several decades ago these signs were necessary, but with today’s technology, realtors and other businesses have more effective ways to promote their businesses.
Joe Giehm
1485 Mountain Vista Dr.
Corona CA 92881
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important 1 Belinda Capilla
From: Sylvia Edwards
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2024 5:35 PM
To: Olivia Sanchez; Belinda Capilla
Cc: City Clerk
Subject: FW: Sign Ordinance-February 26th Planning Commisison Topic Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Good afternoon Ladies – please see written comments below.
From: Bob Livingston <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2024 5:33 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Wes Speake <[email protected]> Subject: Sign Ordinance‐February 26th Planning Commisison Topic [CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Greetings,
I understand that there is a planning commission meeting this evening regarding this topic. I have already sent an e‐mail regarding this topic, but wanted to reiterate what I had sent in the past.
I received the information regarding Temporary Signs in the Public Rights of Way Changes to Regulations. This is my response to the dilemma.
I like the proposed changes, but is it enough?
I would recommend the following supplements:
As a result of all businesses abusing the sign ordinance, the city looks like a ghetto, this is not just limited to Green River area, but S. Corona along Foothill Parkway, Ontario Ave. and Eagle Glen, but also the McKinley area.
Realtors Can put up no more than 10 signs for an open house. Currently, there are some who run 100 Open House signs from one side of the city to the other. This is not to guide people to an open house, but more so to get free advertising. People who want to get to an open house will see it on their smart phone and will find it without a sign. Signs should be registered at a cost of $5 per sign and a tag assigned for each month (Issued by the city so that code enforcement may see the tab, if no tab, the signs will be picked up and the person is fined heavily). Color coding is the easiest way to manage this for enforcement.
2 The reality is, if something isn’t done to manage the lunacy, abolishing all signs in Public Rights of Way like in other sister cities may be the only option Respectfully Submitted.
‐‐
Bob Livingston
Realty World Main Street
Cal Bre 01445313
951‐235‐5113
Proud Father of Clark and Devon‐Devout Husband
Master Estate Home and Luxury Home Listing Specialist
Top 1% Multi‐Million Dollar Producing Sales Agent
San Fernando Homicide Detective/Sgt. (Retired)
http://the-livingston-clark-team-realty-world-main.business.site/Error! Filename not specified.https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-livingston-48536432 https://www.zillow.com/profile/LivingstonClarkTeam/
https://www.facebook.com/LivingstonClarkTeam/
https://www.instagram.com/boblivingston119/
1 Belinda Capilla
From: Sylvia Edwards
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2024 6:37 PM
To: Belinda Capilla; Olivia Sanchez
Subject: Fwd: Limiting signs
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
FYI
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jonathan Machado <[email protected]>
Date: February 26, 2024 at 6:16:40 PM PST
To: Sylvia Edwards <[email protected]>
Subject: Limiting signs
Reply-To: Jonathan Machado <[email protected]>
[CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
I am in favor of limiting signs in Corona especially since businesses and realtors are taking advantage with too many signs to advertise their business.
Cordially,
Jonathan Machado
2351 Mangular Ave
Corona CA 92882
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important 1 Belinda Capilla
From: Sylvia Edwards
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 3:38 PM
To: Olivia Sanchez; Belinda Capilla
Subject: FW: Support the ban on temporary signs
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
From: Claudia Zuniga <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 1:51 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Support the ban on temporary signs
[CAUTION] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
I support the ban on temporary signs on public areas.
Thank you,
Claudia Zuniga
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important