The Historic Preservation Advisory Committee reviewed a request for two illuminated signs at 517 West Murray Avenue. Staff recommended approving the signs but modifying them to be non-illuminated to avoid light intrusion into nearby residential properties. The proposed signs met size and design standards but illumination could impact homes directly east and southeast of the site. Approval was recommended subject to the signs being non-illuminated and consistent with the exhibits provided.

1. HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
July 13, 2016
HPAC Item No. 2016-05
Applicant: Jim Ramos, Phone Number: (559) 707-3938
Location: 517 West Murray Avenue (APN: ?)
Project: Request for two illuminated building signs
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee approve HPAC Item
No. 2016-05, as modified by staff to be non-illuminated, and as described in the findings
and recommendations in this report.
Site Plan
Zoning: DRD (Downtown Retail District)
General Plan Designation: DMU (Downtown
Mixed Use)
Discussion
The requested sign shown in Exhibit “A” is a
single-sided illuminated sign facing West Murray
Avenue. The sign would be approximately 9 feet
wide and 1.17 feet high with internally illuminated
channel letters. The requested sign shown in
Exhibit “B” is a single-sided illuminated sign
facing West School Avenue. The sign would be
3.5 feet wide and 1.5 feet high with illuminated
channel letters. The combined area would be
approximately 15.78 square feet which is within
the 50 square foot maximum for the DRD zone.
The proposed signs were originally proposed in
plastic, then change to metal or decals due to Downtown Design standards, but are
eligible for plastic in the future. The subject building is a commercial/office building that
is attached to the east Frank’s Liquor store, with its own parking lot with Murray Avenue
access.

2. Signage Standards
The DRD zone allows 2 square feet of sign area for each 1 foot of linear occupancy
frontage to a maximum of 50 square feet. The massage use is eligible for 40 square feet
of signage based upon an occupancy frontage of 20 feet. A maximum of 10 square feet
(25%) of signage on side facing West Murray Avenue is permitted due to the business
not occupying this portion of the building. The proposed sign is within these standards.
Sign Illumination
The signs in the Exhibits are halo (back-lit) illuminated due to the current Downtown
Design restriction on the use of plastic, which expires on July 20, 2016, wherein plastic
would be allowed.
Staff is recommending that the Committee allow either a plastic sign (to be permitted and
installed after July 20th) or a metal letter sign – either one - as long as they match the size,
location and appearance of the signs in the Exhibits.
Staff is recommending that the signs be non-illuminated due to the proximity to residential
uses directly to the east and southeast of the site, wherein the signs would be shinning
directly onto the residential units. Both signs would be visible form the side and rear of
the adjacent residential units. The rear and side elevations on residential units typically
have the bedroom windows.
Staff recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the project as shown in the attached Exhibit “A” and “B,”
but the signs may not to be illuminated due to the close proximity of the adjacent
residential units. The proposed sign is consistent with the character of the site and
surrounding neighborhood if non-illuminated.
Findings and Conditions
Staff recommends that the Committee approve HPAC Item No. 2016-05 based upon the
following findings:
1. The site is within the Historic District, but is not on the Local Register, and is a
standard one story contemporary commercial/office building constructed in the
1960’s.
2. That approving the signs with no illumination would reduce the potential light
intrusion into the directly adjacent residential units.
3. That the design of the non-illuminated wall signs is consistent with other
commercial/office signs in the area, and would be in keeping with the intent of the
Historic Preservation Element and Ordinance.
4. That the character of the proposed signs is constant with the primary structure and
the surrounding streetscape which is contemporary commercial to the west and
historic to the east.
5. That the proposed signs, non-illuminated, would not be injurious to the surrounding
properties or character of the Historic District.

3. And subject to the following conditions:
1. That the signs be non-illuminated due to the close proximity of residential homes.
2. That the signs be developed consistent with the attached Exhibits, except that they
be non-illuminated.
3. That the signs may be done in a plastic/acrylic type material as long as the building
permit is issued after July 20, 2016, and the signs are non-illuminated in any
fashion.
4. That all other City codes and ordinances be met.

5. Exhibit - A

6. Exhibit - B

7. Exhibit - C

8. Location and
Historic District