Attachment No. 2
Planning Commission
Agenda Report
June 26, 2024
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: John P. Ramirez, AICP, Director of Community Development
BY: Sophia Tatlyan, Consulting Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 2024-02, to amend Title 17 (Zoning), Chapter
17.02, (Approval Procedures) Article I (Procedure, Hearing, Notices) and Article V (Discretionary Approvals and Permits) of the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) to establish a review process to create a Special Sign District . Environmental:
Consider and find this project to be exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) under the “Common Sense Exemption”.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 24- 03 to recommend approval to City Council for Zoning Text Amendment 2024-02; and
2. Consider and find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Code of Regulations, also known as the “Common Sense Exemption” and Section 15311 (Class 11 – Accessory Structures) of the California Code of Regulations , for the construction or replacement of minor accessory structures including on-premise signs.
AUTHORITY
Section 65855 of the California Government Code states that the Planning Commission shall make a written recommendation on the adoption or amendment of the Zoning Ordinance.
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Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-02 June 26, 2024
Section 17.02.260.D of the NMC stipulates that the Planning Commission render its recommendation on a Zoning Text Amendment, including the reasons for the recommendation, to the City Council.
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND
A Special Sign District is an effective Planning tool and serves as an overlay containing multiple parcels reasonably grouped together that would allow for the approval of a freestanding sign. Freestanding signs are desirable to the City of Norwalk (“City”) as they provide opportunities to enhance the urban aesthetics and promote effective communication through controlled and cohesive signage and to provide a reasonable and effective means of business promotion in areas where unique constraints in the built or natural environment exist.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
City staff- initiated proposal, ZTA No. 2024 -02, establishes a review process for the creation of a Special Sign District. A Special Sign District must include multiple parcels reasonably grouped together. Development standards for the sign(s) shall be incorporated within the Special Sign District ’s Ordinance. The proposal requires the following minimum requirements:
· Shall only include parcels within Specific Plan Area (SPA) 1, SPA 16, mixed -use, commercial, institutional and public facility overlay zone districts;
· Minimum combined land area shall be five (5) acres;
· Parcels shall be contiguous (but may be separated by a railroad or public street); and
· Existing Uses shall include one (1) or more of the following: vehicle sales and lease (general new and used), hotels and motels (with 100 or more rooms) or a retail tenant (with a minimum area of 10,000 square feet).
There are no specific sign guidelines established with this proposal. Sign design guidelines will be reviewed when a Special Sign District request is received. The review and approval process for a proposed Special Sign District requires approval by City Council.
ANALYSIS
The proposed zoning text amendment provides an opportunity for multiple parcels to form a district and share a sign structure. Special Sign District requires the parcels be substantial in combined size and anchored with a major retail tenant, vehicle sales use Norwalk Planning Commission Page 3
Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-02 June 26, 2024
or hotel/motel use. The minimum requirements to form a district are intended to ensure that a Special Sign District is significant in both size and economic impact within the city.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
This project is exempt by the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Code of Regulations , also known as the “Common Sense Exemption” and Section 15311 (Class 11 – Accessory Structures) of the California Code of Regulations, for the construction or replacement of minor accessory structures including on-premise signs.
Public Notification
Notice of this public hearing was published in The Norwalk Patriot and posted at the City’s three designated posting sites and the City website on June 14, 2024.
SUMMARY
Staff finds the purpose of a Special Sign District aligns with the goals and policies set forth in the General Plan and will provide additional economic tools for business to utilize to expand commerce in the City. The proposed text amendment establishes the City Council as the appropriate review authority for a Special Sign District and establishes the minimum criteria for the formation of such a district. Therefore, staff recommends that the Planning Commission recommend approval of Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-02.
ATTACHMENT
A. Resolution No. 24-03, including Exhibit “A” Draft Ordinance