Attachment No. 3
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: Zone Change (ZC) No. 2024-01 and Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 2024- 03 to establish Special Sign District No. 01 (SD 1), an overlay for 11 non- residential properties within the Specific Plan Area 1, Specific Plan Area 16, Institutional and Public Facility Overlay zone along the Interstate- 5 Freeway and amending the Norwalk Municipal Code to incorporate the development requirements for SD 1. Environmental: Consider and find that the proposed project is exempt pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) “Common Sense Exemption” and 15311 “Accessory Structures” of the CEQA Guidelines.
RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 24-04 to recommend approval to City Council for Zone Change No. 2024-01;
2. Adopt Resolution No. 24-05 to recommend approval to City Council for Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024-03; and
3. 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 Norwalk Planning Commission Page 2
ZC No. 2024-01 and ZTA 2024-03 June 26, 2024
Structures) of the California Code of Regulations, for the construction or replacement of minor accessory structures including on-premise signs.
AUTHORITY
Proposed Section 17.02.255 to the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) allowing for the creation of Special Sign Districts.
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.
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
In 2023, City Council adopted the Norwalk Entertainment District - Civic Center Specific Plan Area 16 (SPA 16). SPA 16 is located at the southeast corner of Imperial Highway and Norwalk Boulevard in Norwalk . The development of this area is anticipated to be implemented through one or more leases to a private developer of all or a portion of the portion of the City owned land and other contractual arrangements between the City and a private developer.
The aim of SPA 16 is to advance the City’s goals for the plan area including the Civic Center as an economic node to enhance the area as a thriving and experience- oriented center for residents and visitors. SPA 16 capitalizes on the area and its close proximity to major transportation nodes to establish a vibrant regional destination and draw for the area. SPA 16 requires the developer to submit a Master Sign Plan for the area which will allow for flexibility by recognizing the unique aspects of the mixed-use center and need for various sign types and placement opportunities while ensuring consistency and quality of design.
Specific Plan Area 1 (SPA 1) is located to the south of SPA 16. The SPA 1 parcels included in this proposal comprise the AMC Theater, retail pad tenants and the Outback Steakhouse. Currently there is one existing freestanding sign located in Assessor Parcel No. 8047-007-191, (the Outback Steakhouse) that would be located within the boundary of proposed SD 1. The Outback Steakhouse and the City of Norwalk currently have sign panels on the existing freestanding structure, which was constructed in 1999. The freestanding sign is 70 feet in height.
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ZC No. 2024-01 and ZTA 2024-03 June 26, 2024
The existing height and location of the existing freestanding sign is not optimal given the existing conditions. Expansions and improvements to Interstate- 5 Freeway have diminished the visibility of the existing freestanding sign. Additionally, the existing sign is located within the Caltrans right-of- way and is therefore subject to Caltrans requirements for off-premise signs. Establishing the proposed SD 1 would modify Caltrans authority and allow for the relocation of the existing on-premise sign with a taller freestanding sign with a Sign Use Permit. Sign Use Permits require approval by the Planning Commission.
Presented concurrently with this request is ZTA 2024-02, a City staff-initiated request to amend the Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) to allow for the creation of Special Sign Districts and establish minimum requirements for those newly created districts. ZTA 2024- 02 amends Chapter 17.02, Article V (Discretionary Approvals and Permits) of the NMC to enable the creation of Special Sign Districts with specified criteria. These districts require approval by the City Council, must contain multiple parcels reasonably grouped together, and meet the following requirements:
• Newly created sign districts shall be limited to properties within SPA 1, SPA 16, mixed-use, commercial, institutional areas or public facility overlay zones; • 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 use d), hotels and motels (with 100 or more rooms) or a retail tenant (with a minimum of area of 10,000 square feet).
• All development standards shall be determined at the time the Special Sign District is established and incorporated within the Special Sign District’s Ordinance.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Zone Change No. 2024-01 is a request to establish the Special Sign District No. 01 ( SD 1) overlay. SD 1 is comprised of 11 non- residential properties, located within in the SPA 1, SPA 16, Institutional and Public Facility overlay zone districts. SD 1 includes the following parcels listed in no particular order by assessor parcel numbers: 8047-006-910, 8047-006-922, 8047-006-924, 8047-006-925, 8047-006-926, 8047-006-927, 8047-007- 136, 8047-007-188, 8047-007-189, 8047-007-190 and 8047-007-191.
Zoning Text Amendment No. 2024- 03 proposes to amend Title 17 (Zoning), Chapter
17.01 (Administration), Article II (Establishment of Zones, and limiting the Uses of Land Therein) and Title 17 (Zoning), Chapter 17.03 (Development Requirements), Article III (Signs) to establish SD 1 development standards and allow one freeway -oriented on- premise freestanding sign greater than 35 feet.
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ZC No. 2024-01 and ZTA 2024-03 June 26, 2024
ANALYSIS
Per § 17.03.140 of the NMC, freestanding signs are permitted in the C -1, C-3, C-M, M-1 and M -2 zones, subject to the approval of a sign use permit. Freestanding signs are limited to a maximum height limit of 35 feet above finished grade, or as otherwise determined by an approved Sign Use Permit.
The proposed development standards for the on-premise freestanding signs would allow for a greater height maximum to account for elevation differences between the proposed sign location and Interstate- 5 Freeway. The Interstate-5 Freeway lanes are elevated at the existing Norwalk Boulevard underpass. Allowing for a 100- foot freestanding sign would counter the change in elevation and provide adequate exposure for vehicles driving in the northbound and southbound lanes to view signage along the frontage area. The proposed SD 1 development standards will allow replacement of the existing on-premise sign with a taller freestanding sign to advertise uses within the SD 1 boundary.
The formation of a SD 1 will allow businesses entities within the Norwalk Entertainment District (SPA 16) more flexibility for their signage when submitted as part of their future Master Sign Program.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
The proposed Resolution is exempt by the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to Section s 15061(b)(3) of the California Code of Regulations, also known as the “Common Sense Exemption” and 15311 (Class 11 – Accessory Structures), for the construction or replacement of minor accessory structures including on- premise signs. A public notice was prepared and published in the local newspaper. Four (4) notices were posted on or in proximity to the subject parcels. Any future project subject to the SD 1 provisions shall undergo its own independent environmental review for compliance.
SUMMARY
Staff finds the purpose of ZC No. 2024-01 and ZTA No. 2024-03 objectives and standards in line with the goals and policies of the General Plan and in compliance with the regulations within the City of Norwalk Municipal Code. Establishing the SD 1 boundary area, as shown in Attachment A, and the development standards, as shown in Attachment B, will serve as an effective tool to allow one on- premise freestanding sign oriented towards the freeway. Such signs are desirable to the City as they provide o pportunities to enhance urban aesthetics and promote effective communication through controlled and cohesive signage.
ATTACHMENTS
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ZC No. 2024-01 and ZTA 2024-03 June 26, 2024
A. Resolution No. 24-04 including Exhibit “A” Draft Ordinance B. Resolution No. 24-05 including Exhibit “A” Draft Ordinance .