PC - Item 4A - Modification 11-01 at 888 Montebello BoulevardI ' ■ , ■
TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE ROSEMEAD
PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: PLANNING DIVISION
DATE: AUGUST 1, 2011
SUBJECT: MODIFICATION 11 -01
888 MONTEBELLO BOULEVARD
Summary
Coast Sign Inc. has submitted an application to upgrade and modify the existing
signage for the Double Tree Hotel located at 888 Montebello Boulevard in the C -3D
(Medium Commercial with a Design Overlay) zone.
Environmental Determination:
Section 15311(a) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exempts projects
that consist of the construction or placement of minor structures accessory to
(appurtenant to) existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities, including but
not limited to on- premise signs. Accordingly, Modification 11 -01 is classified as a Class
11 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15311(a) of CEQA guidelines.
Staff Recommendation
Based on the analysis and findings contained in this report, staff recommends that the
Planning Commission APPROVE Modification 11 -01 and ADOPT Resolution No. 11 -14
with findings and subject to the eighteen (18) conditions outlined in Exhibit "A" attached
hereto.
Property History and Description
The Double Tree Hotel is located at 888 Montebello Boulevard, which is south of the
Pomona Freeway (60), west of San Gabriel Boulevard, and south of Town Center Drive.
The subject site consists of approximately 6.83 acres. The existing four -story, 150 -
guest room, hotel was initially approved by the Planning Commission under Design
Review 85 -12 on January 6, 1986. The exterior wall signage for the Double Tree Hotel
was approved by the Planning Commission, under Design Review 00 -86, on September
5, 2000. The installation of a 17 -foot tall freestanding sign was approved under Design
Review 00 -86 MOD on July 6, 2009.
Planning Commission Meeting
August 1, 2011
Page 2 of 13
Existing Hotel Signage
Site & Surrounding Land Uses
The project site is designated in the General Plan as Commercial and is zoned C -31)
(Medium Commercial with a Design Review). The site is surrounded by the following
land uses:
North:
General Plan: Interstate Freeway 60
Zoning: Interstate Freeway 60
Land Use: Interstate Freeway 60
South:
General Plan:
Commercial
Zoning:
C -3 (Medium Commercial)
Land Use:
Television Broadcasting Station
East:
General Plan: Commercial and Los Angeles County
Zoning: C -3 (Medium Commercial) and Los Angeles County
Land Use: Holiday Inn Express and Residential
Planning Commission Meeting
August 1, 2011
Page 3 of 13
West:
General Plan:
Zoning:
Land Use:
Commercial
C -3 (Medium Commercial)
Montebello Town Center Shopping Mall
Administrative Analysis
The applicant is requesting to upgrade all exterior signage to the hotel's new corporate
sign colors and design. The new Double Tree Hotel corporate colors include two
primary colors (dark brown and light green). The existing freestanding sign will be
remodeled and four building wall signs will be replaced with this project.
The applicant is proposing to reface the existing 17' -0" illuminated double -sided
freestanding sign (Sign A on the attached plans in Exhibit "C "). The upper portion of the
existing sign will be installed with a new aluminum face that will be painted brown in
color (PMS 4695C). A green colored (PMS 583U) accent strip will be painted down the
left side of the sign. The aluminum face will be routed -out to create the "Double Tree by
Hilton" letters and logo. The lower portion of the sign face will be repainted to match the
upper portion and the existing routed -out letters "Pollo's A Grille" will remain. Only the
letter portions of the sign would be illuminated at night.
Two (2) new wall signs (Signs B and C on the attached plans in Exhibit "C ") will replace
the existing wall signage along the north and east elevations. Each sign will be
internally illuminated and include individual channel letters identifying "Double Tree by
Hilton" in text. Each sign will total two hundred thirty (230) square feet of sign area. A
new eighty (80) square foot logo sign will replace the existing logo sign on the west
elevation of the building (Sign D in Exhibit "C "). A new wall sign will replace the existing
sign above the entrance to the hotel on the existing porte - cochere (Sign E in ,Exhibit
"C "). This sign will contain the text "Double Tree by Hilton" and the new logo will total
fifty -eight (57) square feet of sign area.
The sign text will appear brown in color during the day and will illuminate white at night.
The logo sign will appear brown during the day and will be illuminated with a white
boarder at night.
The City's Commercial Revitalization Guidelines suggest that wall sign area should be
limited to a maximum of two (2) square feet of total wall area for each one linear foot of
building frontage. The subject building has approximately three hundred thirty (330)
lineal feet of building frontage along Montebello Boulevard. Therefore, a total of six
hundred sixty (660) square feet of sign area could be permitted. The proposed wall
signs will total approximately five hundred ninety -seven (597) square feet of sign area.
Municipal Code Requirements
Section 17.72.030 of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC) states that design review
procedures shall be followed for all improvements requiring a building permit or visible
changes in form, texture, color, exterior facade, or landscaping.
Planning Commission Meeting
August 1, 2011
Page 4 of 13
Section 17.72.050 provides the criteria by which the Planning Commission may
approve, approve with conditions, or deny an application:
• The plans indicate proper consideration for the relationship between the
proposed structure and site developments that exist or have been approved for
the general neighborhood;
The proposed new signs have been developed to reflect uniform design
elements of the site and to ensure a harmonized and attractive environment.
The signs have been designed with current industry standard materials. The
design and color schemes match new signage and trademarks of the "Double
Tree by Hilton" hotel. The overall design will improve the general appearance of
the existing building.
• The plan for the proposed structure and site development indicates the manner
in which the proposed development and surrounding properties are protected
against noise, vibrations, and other factors which may have an adverse effect on
the environment, and the manner of screening mechanical equipment, trash,
storage, and loading areas.
The signs have been determined to be appropriate to the subject site. The
proposed new signage will replace all existing signage. The signs consist of one
single color and are simple in design. The new signage will not adversely affect
surrounding properties with undue to glare.
• The proposed structure or site development is not, in its exterior design and
appearance, so at variance with the appearance of other existing building or site
developments in the neighborhood as to cause the nature of the local
environment to materially depreciate in appearance and value.
The proposed signs are in line with contemporary signage currently found at
other commercial sites in this area. The new signage is simple in design and will
improve the physical appearance of the site.
• The proposed building or structure is in harmony with the proposed
developments on land in the general area, especially those instances where
buildings are within or adjacent to land shown on the General Plan as being part
of the Civic Center or in public or educational use, or are within or immediately
adjacent to land included within any precise plan which indicates building shape,
size, or style.
The proposed signage
will upgrade
the existing signage
on -site with higher
quality materials. The proposed signs
will provide an
attractive cohesive
architectural style and
color scheme
that will substantially
improve the visual
Planning Commission Meeting
August 1, 2011
Page 5 of 13
appearance of the site. Lastly, the property is not part of the Civic Center Plan,
precise plan, or land reserved for public or educational use.
• The proposed development is in conformity with the standards of this code and
other applicable ordinances in so far as the location and appearance of the
buildings and structures are involved; and
This proposed development meets all of the minimum code requirements for the
C -3D (Medium Commercial with Design Overlay) zone and all standards for
signage in Section 17.104 of the Rosemead Municipal Code.
• The site plan and the design of the buildings, parking areas, signs, landscaping,
luminaries, and other site features indicates that proper consideration has been
given to both the functional aspects of the site development, such as automobile
and pedestrian circulation, and the visual effect of the development from the view
of public streets.
The proposed signs will not affect automobile and pedestrian circulation. The
freestanding sign is an existing sign which will be improved and all new wall
signs are similar in size from the existing signage. The new signage will improve
the visual effect of the site from the view of the public streets, primarily
Montebello Boulevard and San Gabriel Boulevard.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
On July 21, 2011, forty -two (42) written notices of this public hearing were mailed to
property owners within 300 feet of the subject site, a public hearing notice was posted
on -site, and six (6) notices were posted in designated public places.
Prepared by:
. J0__(U'j"
Gina Casillas
Planning Technician
EXHIBITS:
A. Resolution 11 -14
B. Conditions of Approval
C. Site Plan /Sign Plans
D. Assessor Parcel Map (APN
Submitted by: o0��
4�& "
Stan Wong fL'(—
Community Development Director
5271 - 002 -061 and 5271 - 002 -063)
Planning Commission Meeting
August1,2011
Page 6 of 13
EXHIBIT "A"
PC RESOLUTION 11 -14
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
APPROVING MODIFICATION 11 -01, TO UPGRADE AND MODIFY THE
EXISTING SIGNAGE FOR THE DOUBLE TREE HOTEL AT 888
MONTEBELLO BOULEVARD IN THE C -313 (MEDIUM COMMERCIAL
WITH A DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE (APN: 5271- 002 -061 and 5271 -002-
063).
WHEREAS, on July 5, 2011, Coast Signs Incorporated filed an application to
upgrade and modify the existing exterior signage on an existing Double Tree Hotel,
located at 888 Montebello Boulevard; and
WHEREAS, 888 Montebello Boulevard is located in the C -31D (Medium
Commercial with a Design Overlay) zoning district; and
WHEREAS, Section 17.72.050 of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC)
provides the purpose and criteria for a design review; and
WHEREAS, Sections 65800 & 65900 of the California Government Code and
Section 17.72.050 of the Rosemead Municipal Code authorize the Planning
Commission to approve, conditionally approve, or deny design review applications; and
WHEREAS, on July 21, 2011, forty -two (42) written notices of this public hearing
were mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the subject site, a public hearing
notice was posted on -site, and six (6) notices were posted in designated public places
for Modification 11 -01; and
WHEREAS, on August 1, 2011, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
and advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to
Modification 11 -01; and
WHEREAS, the Rosemead Planning Commission has sufficiently considered all
testimony presented to them in order to make the following determination.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City
of Rosemead as follows:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission HEREBY DETERMINES that
Modification 11 -01 is classified as a Class 11 Categorical Exemption pursuant to
Section 15311(a) of CEQA guidelines. Section 15311(a) of the California
Environmental Quality Act exempts projects that consist of the construction, or
Planning Commission Meeting
August 1, 2011
Paoe 7 of 13
placement of minor structures accessory to (appurtenant to) existing commercial,
industrial, or institutional facilities, including but not limited to on- premise signs.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES
that facts do exist to justify approving Modification 11 -01 in accordance with Section
17.72.030 et seq., of the Rosemead Municipal Code as follows:
A. The plans indicate proper consideration for the relationship between the
proposed building and site developments that exist or have been approved for the
general neighborhood;
FINDING: The proposed new signs have been developed to reflect uniform
design elements of the site and to ensure a harmonized and attractive environment.
The signs have been designed with current industry standard materials. The design
and color schemes match new signage and trademarks of the "Double Tree by Hilton"
hotel. The overall design will improve the general appearance of the existing building.
B. The plan for the proposed building and site development indicates the
manner in which the proposed development and surrounding properties are protected
against noise, vibrations, and other factors which may have an adverse effect on the
environment, and the manner of screening mechanical equipment, trash, storage, and
loading areas.
FINDING: The signs have been determined to be appropriate to the subject site.
The proposed new signage will replace all existing signage. The signs consist of one
single color and are simple in design. The new signage will not adversely affect
surrounding properties with undue to glare.
C. The proposed building or site development is not, in its exterior design and
appearance, so at variance with the appearance of other existing buildings or site
developments in the neighborhood as to cause the nature of the local environment to
materially depreciate in appearance and value;
FINDING: The proposed signs are in line with contemporary signage currently
found at other commercial sites in this area. The new signage is simple in design and
will improve the physical appearance of the site.
D. The proposed building or structure is in harmony with the proposed
developments on land in the general area, especially in those instances where buildings
are within or adjacent to land shown on the General Plan as being part of the Civic
Center or in public or educational use, or are within or immediately adjacent to land
included within any precise plan which indicates building shape, size, or style.
FINDING: The proposed signage will upgrade the existing signage on -site with
higher quality materials. The proposed signs will provide an attractive cohesive
Planning Commission Meeting
August1,2011
Paae 8 of 13
architectural style and color scheme that will substantially improve the visual
appearance of the site. Lastly, the property is not part of the Civic Center Plan, precise
plan, or land reserved for public or educational use.
E. The proposed development is in conformity with the standards of this code
and other applicable ordinances in so far as the location and appearance of the
buildings and structures are involved.
FINDING: This proposed development meets all of the minimum code
requirements for the C -3D (Medium Commercial with Design Overlay) zone and all
standards for signage in Section 17.104 of the Rosemead Municipal Code.
F. The site plan and the design of the buildings, parking areas, signs,
landscaping, luminaries, and other site feature indicates that proper consideration has
been given to both the functional aspects of the site development, such as automobile
and pedestrian circulation, and the visual effect of the development from the view of
public streets.
FINDING: The proposed signs will not affect automobile and pedestrian
circulation. The freestanding sign is an existing sign which will be improved and all new
wall signs are similar in size from the existing signage. The new signage will improve
the visual effect of the site from the view of the public streets, primarily Montebello
Boulevard and San Gabriel Boulevard.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Modification 11-
01, to upgrade and modify the existing signage for the Double Tree Hotel located at 888
Montebello Boulevard, subject to conditions listed in Exhibit "B" attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 4. This action shall become final and effective ten (10) days after this
decision by the Planning Commission, unless within such time a written appeal is filed
with the City Clerk for consideration by the Rosemead City Council as provided in
Article IX - Planning and Zoning of the Rosemead Municipal Code.
SECTION 5. This resolution is the result of an action taken by the Planning
Commission on August 1, 2011 by the following vote:
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Planning Commission Meeting
August 1, 2011
Page 9 of 13
SECTION 6. The secretary shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and
shall transmit copies of same to the applicant and the Rosemead City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 1st day of August 2011
Nancy Eng, Chair
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Rosemead at its regular meeting, held on the 1st day of
August, 2011, by the following vote:
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Stan Wong, Secretary
Planning Commission Meeting
August 1, 2011
Page 10 of 13
EXHIBIT "B"
MODIFICATION 11 -01
888 MONTEBELLO BOULEVARD
(APN: 5271 - 002 -061 AND 5271 - 002 -063)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
August 1, 2011
1. Modification 11 -01 is approved for the upgrade and modification of exterior
signage at the Double Tree Hotel in accordance with the plans marked Exhibit
"C ", dated July 5, 2011. Any revisions to the approved plans must be
resubmitted for the review and approval of the Planning Division.
2. Approval of Modification 11 -01 shall not take effect for any purpose until the
applicant has filed with the City of Rosemead a notarized affidavit stating that
he /she is aware of and accepts all of the conditions of approval as set forth in the
letter of approval and this list of conditions, within ten (10) days from the Planning
Commission approval date.
3. Modification 11 -01 is approved for a period of one (1) year. The applicant shall
commence the proposed use or request an extension within 30- calendar days
prior to expiration. The one (1) year initial approval period shall be effective from
the Planning Commission approval date. For the purpose of this petition, project
commencement shall be defined as beginning the permitting process with the
Planning and Building Divisions, so long as the project is not abandoned. If
Modification 11 -01 has been unused, abandoned, or discontinued for a period of
one (1) year it shall become null and void.
4. The Planning Commission hereby authorizes the Planning Division to make or
approve minor modifications to the approved Plans where necessary.
5. Modification 11 -01 is granted or approved with the City and its Planning
Commission and City Council retaining and reserving the right and jurisdiction to
review and to modify the permit -- including the conditions of approval - -based on
changed circumstances. Changed circumstances include, but are not limited to,
the modification of the use, a change in scope, emphasis, size, or nature of the
use, or the expansion, alteration, reconfiguration, or change of use. This
reservation of right to review is in addition to, and not in lieu of, the right of the
city, its Planning Commission, and City Council to review and revoke or modify
any permit granted or approved under the Rosemead Municipal Code for any
violations of the conditions imposed on Modification 11 -01.
6. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Rosemead
or its agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding
Planning Commission Meeting
August 1, 2011
Page 11 of 13
against the City of Rosemead or its agents, officers, or employees to attack, set
side, void, or annul, an approval of the Planning Commission and /or City Council
concerning the project, which action is brought within the time period provided by
law.
7. All conditions of approval must be complied with to the satisfaction of the
Planning Division prior to final inspection.
8. Prior to the issuance of a Building Permit, the conditions listed on this exhibit
shall be copied directly onto any development plans subsequently submitted to
the Planning and Building divisions for review.
9. The applicant shall comply with all Federal, State and local laws relative to the
approved use including the requirements of the Planning, Building, Fire, Sheriff,
and Health Departments.
10. Construction activities shall be limited to take place between the hours of 7:00
a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No construction shall take place
on Sundays or any federal holidays.
11. The site shall be maintained in a clean, weed, and litter free state in accordance
with Sections 8.32.010- 8.32.040 of the Rosemead Municipal Code, which
pertains to the storage, accumulation, collection, and disposal of garbage,
rubbish, trash, and debris. All trash containers shall be stored in the appropriate
trash enclosure at all times. Any new litter and graffiti shall be removed within
twenty -four (24) hours. A 24 -hour, Graffiti Hotline can be called at (626) 569-
2345 for assistance.
12. The following conditions must be complied with to the satisfaction of the Planning
Division prior to final approval of the associated plans, building permits,
occupancy permits, or any other appropriate request.
13. Building permits will not be issued in connection with any project until such time
as all plan check fees, and all other applicable fees are paid in full.
14. All requirements of the Building and Safety Division and the Planning Division
shall be complied with prior to the final approval of the proposed construction.
15. The Planning staff shall have access to the subject property at any time during
construction to monitor progress.
16. Signs shall comply with Chapter 17.104 of the Rosemead Municipal Code.
Window signs shall not cover more than 15% of window and glass door areas.
All future banners and temporary signs shall be reviewed and approved by the
Rosemead Planning Division prior to installation.
Planning Commission Meeting
August 1, 2011
Page 12 of 13
17. The onsite public hearing notice posting shall be removed within 30 days from
the end of the 10 -day appeal period of Modification 11 -01
18. Violations of the conditions of approval may result in citation and /or initiation of
revocation proceedings.
Planning Commission Meeting
August 1, 2011
Page 13 of 13
szn z , 11
1994
PO � � D .ri�a ✓aa. -u
x A 5
6AV ` ( .rr'� - °SIP Y��.'♦ .+��4 IUD�S.t.e
FM 236 -W -98
Ixr` gyv5
t. P M IB1 - 31 35 °� y ®r° Y `51 •1: �
('y P M 189 35 36 ¢.y`
gnu. IY. zC
m , r SUBJECT SITE
aZ4
yo