TO: Design Review Board

FROM: Brian Lynch, Associate Planner

SUBJECT: 120 Main Street; file #50206

MEETING DATE: September 5, 2002 REVIEWED BY: DMW

APPLICANT: Michael Heckmann

OWNER: Main Street Properties

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:

This proposal is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as specified in Section 15301.

PROPOSAL:

The applicant is proposing to install two new signs for the purpose of advertising a business located at 120 Main Street. One of the signs (Sign A) would be a projecting sign suspended from a wood post in front of the building. The second sign (Sign B) would be a wall sign located on the rear wall of the building. The signs would be comprised of wood, and the colors would be blue-green letters on an off-white background. The sign copy would read "Michael Heckmann, Architect-Planner, 120 Main Street".

Sign Number

A maximum of two signs for each place of business in a building may be displayed at any given time according to the Sign Ordinance (Chapter 16A of the Tiburon Municipal Code). The applicant is proposing two signs, which meets the sign number limitations set by the Ordinance.

Sign Area

The subject building has frontage on Main Street, but is also accessed from the Main Street Parking lot, therefore creating a double frontage. According to the Sign Ordinance, businesses that front more than one street may be permitted two signs per side of business frontage. In lieu of proposing up to four signs on the premises as the Sign Ordinance would allow, the applicant has opted to apply for the approval of two small signs. This "trade-off" appears to be consistent with the purpose of the Sign Ordinance.

Sign Design

The intent of the Sign Ordinance is to ensure signs are appropriate and compatible with the environment and character of the community, while having the flexibility to encourage variety and good design. The proposed sign is consistent in materials and design as some of the other signs found on Ark Row. Staff does not foresee any design issues with the proposed signs.

Public Comment

To date, no public comment has been received regarding this application.

RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the Board review this project with respect to Zoning Ordinance Section 4.02.07 (Guiding Principles of Design Review) and Chapter 16A-4 (Sign Regulations). If the Board finds that the design of the signs is consistent with the Guiding Principles for Site Plan and Architectural Review, and the Principles of Review for signs, then it is recommended that the project be approved with the attached Conditions of Approval.

Conditions of Approval

Application and supplemental materials dated August 16, 2002

Plans prepared for the project

This sign permit shall be valid for 90 days following approval, and shall expire and become null and void unless the sign, as approved, is erected prior to that date or unless an extension, filed in writing with the Planning & Building Department, is granted by the Director.

The development of this project shall conform to the application dated by the Town of Tiburon on August 16, 2002, or as amended by these conditions of approval. Any modifications to the plans submitted must be reviewed and approved by the Design Review Staff or the Board.

The issuance of this sign permit shall not be valid if the approval constitutes a violation of the Town's Sign Ordinance (Chapter 16A of the Municipal Code). No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of said chapter shall be valid.

The Town may at any time make such inspections as necessary to determine whether any sign is in compliance with this approval and other applicable regulations.

Permittee shall maintain the sign and all supporting components in good repair and finish. Substantially deteriorated, badly weathered, rusty, or otherwise poorly maintained signs shall be subject to public nuisance abatement or other available remedies.