REPORT TO PLANNING COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Action on a Variance from the Sign Ordinance for the size and number of signs at 3975 Freedom Circle.
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
Project: Variance to allow two wall signs on one side of a building at a height of over 35 feet where only one sign would typically be allowed and increased total sign area at 3975 Freedom Circle.
Applicant: Corporate Sign Systems
Owner: 3975 Freedom Circle, LLC
General Plan: High Intensity Office / R&D
Zoning: PD - Planned Development
Site Area: 10.12 acres
Existing Site Conditions: Developed with two twelve story towers and a parking garage
Surrounding Land Uses
North: Hotel
South: US 101 and Office
East: Office
West: Great America Parkway
Issues: Consistency with the City's General Plan and Zoning Ordinance
BACKGROUND
On September 24, 2019, the applicant, Corporate Sign Systems, on behalf of the property owner, 3975 Freedom Circle LLC, filed an application for a sign Variance. The purpose of the Variance is to allow two wall signs on one side of a building at a height of over 35 feet where only one sign would typically be allowed, and to increase the total sign area permitted. The property was developed with two twelve story towers and a parking garage through a Planned Development (PD) Zoning and Architectural Review in 1998. The most recent Master Sign Program was approved in 2015 for the site and allows 300 square-feet of signage on the top parapet of the west and south building elevations, for a total of 600 square feet of wall signage. The Master Sign Program also includes monument and directional signage for the entirety of the site.
DISCUSSION
The proposal is subject to the sign regulations of the Zoning Code unless a variance is granted by the Planning Commission. Pursuant to Chapter 18.108 of the City's Zoning Ordinance, where practical difficulties, unnecessary hardships and effects inconsistent with the general purposes of the Zoning Code may result from...
Click here for full text