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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/17/2009City of ]~PrWheatlidge PLANNING COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting September 17, 2009 1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair REINHART at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 7500 West 29`x' Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Commission Members Present: Jim Chilvers John Dwyer Henry Hollender Davis Reinhart Steve Timms Commission Members Absent: Staff Members Present: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Anne Brinkman Marc Dietrick Dick Matthews Ken Johnstone, Community Development Director Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary APPROVE THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA It was moved by Commissioner DWYER and seconded by Commissioner CHILVERS to approve the order of the agenda. The motion carried 5-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - September 3, 2009 It was moved by Commissioner TIMMS and seconded by Commissioner DWYER to approve the minutes of September 3, 2009 as presented. The motion passed 5-0 with Commissioners BRINKMAN, DIETRICK and MATTHEWS absent. PUBLIC FORUM (This is the time for any person to speak on any subject not appearing on the agenda.) Planning Commission Minutes 1 September 17, 2009 There was no one present to address the Commission. PUBLIC HEARING A. Case No. WZ-09-05: An application filed by Exempla Lutheran for approval of a master sign plan with a variance to allow Planning Commission to exceed the 50 percent increase for sign size, number and location pursuant to Section 26-708.E.2 of the Zoning and Development Code for property zoned Planned Hospital Development (PHD) and located at 8300 West 38`h Avenue. The case was presented by Ken Johnstone. He entered all pertinent documents into the record and advised the Commission there was jurisdiction to hear the case. He reviewed the staff report and digital presentation. Staff recommended approval because there are unique circumstances related to internal signage for the Exempla Lutheran campus that the city sign code does not adequately address. Evaluation criteria also support approval of the variance request. With regard to the master sign plan, staff concluded that requirements for and the intent of the code have been met. Alan Davis Vice President, Facilities Development Exempla Lutheran Mr. Davis introduced members of his team: Bruce Fong, Director of Planning and Construction; Cheryl Schultz, Sr. Planner, Facilities Management; and Roger Hill, Aesthetics, Inc., sign consultant. Roger Hill Aesthetics, Inc. Mr. Hill presented an overview of present signage on the Exempla campus as well as the proposed master sign plan that will provide unified signage and will replace some of the existing signage. He stressed the importance of adequate signage as a safety factor in directing patients and family members to appropriate places on the campus. Building numbering will be used. The variance is requested to allow some signs to be larger than 4 square feet which is about the size of a stop sign. They are also asking permission to place banners on lighting poles in the interior of the campus. Commissioner DWYER requested more information on illuminated signs. Mr. Hill explained that exact locations of illuminated signs and what kind of illumination have not yet been determined. However, instead of having full glowing faces, the signs will be opaque with illuminated lettering. There will be no flashing lights. Planning Commission Minutes 2 September 17, 2009 Commissioner CHILVERS expressed some concern about light spillage onto residential properties. Mr. Hill stated that none of the campus streets border residential properties. Commissioner TIMMS asked about the timeframe for completion of the sign plan. Cheryl Schultz Facilities Management Exempla Lutheran Ms. Schultz stated that signs associated with the new development should be in place this fall or early spring. The remainder would be implemented incrementally based upon the budget. Chair REINHART asked to hear from members of the public. Rose Fedorowicz Ms. Fedorowicz stated that she lives on Balsam Street across from Exempla Lutheran and the entrance sign does spill light into her house. Mr. Hill clarified that none of the new signs will be adjacent to public streets. He stated that the existing monument sign that Ms. Fedorowicz referred to is much larger than those that will be installed under the plan. Mr. Davis stated that signage on the Exempla campus has not been changed in a long time. New signage is necessary due to complaints from visitors who complain that directions are not adequate. This presents risk to people coming on site, especially those with emergencies. Ms. Fedorowicz stated that there are more accidents going into and leaving the hospital with the new entrance. She stated the new entrance has caused her house to decrease in value. Judi Vessa Ms. Vessa lives on Allison Court east of the campus. She expressed concern about light spillage from signs. She stated that her patio is unusable because of light spillage from the hospital. This problem was increased when trees that protected her patio were trimmed. She believed internal signage would be a problem for her unless trees or some sort of buffering is provided. Ken Johnstone explained that the type of illumination proposed would be opaque backgrounds with illuminated letters and would not shed light on adjacent properties. Planning Commission Minutes 3 September 17, 2009 Michelle Jenuine Ms. Jenuine suggested that hospital direction signs (H signs) be placed on Wadsworth and Kipling so people know where the hospital is. Raymond Hokanson 8620 West 32"d Place Mr. Hokanson agreed that H signs would help on 32"d Avenue. He alsc commented that public hearing signs are difficult to read from the street. Mr. Davis explained that H signs are regulated by the Colorado Department of Transportation. In response to questions from Mr. Hokanson, Mr. Johnstone explained that the city's sign code addresses those that are visible to the general public. Even though the subject signs are on private property, they are considered signs under the code. There were no other individuals who wished to address the Commission at this time. Chair REINHART closed the public hearing. (Chair REINHART declared a recess at 8:00 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 8:05 p.m.) Commissioner HOLLENDER agreed that the lighting plan is a good plan that is definitely needed and should provide minimal to no impact on adjacent properties. However, he did express some concern about the great difference between the sign code regulations and the subject application. Commissioner CHILVERS thanked the citizens who spoke regarding problems of which the Commission was unaware. He stated that he would support the plan due to its internal nature, but would not support the same size variance on streets or highly visible corner lots. Commissioner DWYER commented that he is in favor of the sign plan which will assist people in getting around the campus. Most of the proposed signage is no larger than what already exists even though there will be more signs. Commissioner REINHART commented that the sign ordinance was written to apply to the substantial portion of applications within the city. However, there are a small number of situations, such as the issue at hand, where the code would not apply. He stated that he would support the application because he believed the proposal is reasonable, appropriate and has an aesthetic component. Planning Commission Minutes 4 September 17, 2009 It was moved by Commissioner DWYER and seconded by Commissioner HOLLENDER to approve a variance being considered in conjunction with Case No. WZ-09-05, a request for a Master Sign Plan with a variance to allow Planning Commission to exceed the 50% increase in size, number and location for the following reasons: 1. The request would not alter the essential character of the locality. 2. The applicant is proposing an investment in the property. 3. There is a unique hardship due to the large size of the property and numerous buildings and parking areas. 4. The request would not be detrimental to public welfare and would not be injurious to neighboring property or improvements. 5. The criteria used to evaluate a variance support the request. The motion passed 5-0 with Commissioners BRINKMAN, DIETRICK and MATTHEWS absent. It was moved by Commissioner DWYER and seconded by Commissioner CHILVERS to approve Case No. WZ-09-05, a request for approval of a Master Sign Plan for property located at 8300 West 38`" Avenue for the following reasons: 1. The existing sign code does not adequately address a campus environment. 2. The proposed sign plan is well planned and demonstrates unification and integration of architectural style, size, color, placement and lighting elements. With the following condition: 1. All illuminated signs must apply for and receive an electrical permit. The motion passed 5-0 with Commissioners BRINKMAN, DIETRICK and MATTHEWS absent. 8. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to come before the Commission. 9. OTHER ITEMS • Mr. Johnstone reminded the Commission of a joint study session with city Council to discuss the draft Comprehensive Plan. Planning Commission Minutes 5 September 17, 2009 10. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner HOLLENDER and seconded by Commissioner DWYER to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 p.m. The motion carried 5-0. WoV Davis Reinhart, Chair Ann Lazzeri, Secretary Planning Commission Minutes 6 September 17, 2009