TO: ARCHITECTURAL AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION
FROM: BRAD JOHNSON, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
DATE: March 26, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
SIGN REVIEW #25-S01 FOR PROPOSED NEW SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE DESCANSO LIVE-WORK UNITS LOCATED AT, 1030 WEST FOOTHILL BOULEVARD - APPLICANT - OLSON URBAN HOUSING, LLC
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SUMMARY
The Olson Company is requesting approval of a sign program for twelve live-work units that are currently being constructed along the property’s Foothill Boulevard frontage. The proposed signs include one blade sign, located near the entrance to each of the units, which have addresses ranging from 1026 to 1090 W. Foothill Boulevard.
The proposed sign program provides pre-approved design concepts and guidelines to ensure that the blade signage blends well with the building colors, architectural style, and overall design of the Descanso Walk community. Each owner must submit to the Descanso Walk Homeowner’s Association (HOA) and the City of Claremont detailed drawings of the proposed blade sign, indicating conformance with the criteria contained in the sign program, before receiving approval of a sign permit from the City Planning Division. Once approved, a building permit from the City shall also be required to ensure the signs are constructed and attached properly.
Staff finds the proposal to be appropriate for the project’s needs, as the twelve live-work units incorporate a modern, commercial-friendly art style that complements the commercial character of the Foothill Boulevard corridor.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Architectural and Preservation Commission:
A. Adopt a RESOLUTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING SIGN REVIEW FILE #25-S01, FOR PROPOSED NEW SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE DESCANSO LIVE-WORK UNITS, LOCATED AT 1030 WEST FOOTHILL BOULEVARD. APPLICANT: OLSON URBAN HOUSING, LLC; and
B. Find this item is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the reasons stated in the approval resolution.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Continue the item for additional information.
B. Approve the project with revisions to one or more of the proposed signs and/or revised Conditions of Approval.
C. Express intent to deny the proposal, specifically identifying the review criteria of Section 16.300.060.A of the Municipal Code that cannot be met and continue the item to April 9, 2025, for adoption of a denial resolution as all the necessary findings cannot be met.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Costs associated with the review of this application have been borne by the applicant.
ANALYSIS
Background
The Olson Company has been approved to construct a 56-unit townhome development, which includes twelve live/work units. This new development spans 3.05 acres and consists of ten separate buildings. The property is zoned MU3 - Mixed Use 3, a designation intended to foster dynamic, pedestrian-oriented environments by permitting a mix of commercial, office, service, entertainment, and residential uses.
Two three-story buildings along Foothill Boulevard (Buildings 400 A and 400 B) will house the twelve live/work units. These units are designed with a contemporary architectural style and will feature retail, office, or work-from-home spaces on the ground floors, which face Foothill Boulevard. The Olson Company is seeking approval for a signage program specifically for these live/work units. The proposed Descanso Walk "Live Work" Signage Program is intended to guide the owners of these units in displaying appropriate signage, considering the residential and commercial functions of the spaces fronting the street.
Project Description
Before applying for City approvals or permits, each live-work owner shall submit to the Descanso Walk HOA for written approval, submitting two copies of the detailed shop drawings (indicating the location, size, layout, color, and dimensions of the proposed sign, including all lettering and graphics) of the live work owner’s proposed sign indicating conformance with the sign criteria outlined.
The proposed sign program includes the following basic guidelines:
Sign Location
The signs shall be mounted at the locations shown in Attachment B; generally adjacent to and the front door of each business space at a height of 8 feet. Each owner shall be permitted only one blade sign per unit.
Sign Material
The proposed signs shall be made of metal or other durable, weather-resistant materials that complement the architectural style of the live-work buildings. Blade sign holders may be attached using hooks, cables, or chains. The use of plastic or rope is prohibited.
Sign Size
The sign face shall have dimensions of 14" by 26" (just over 2.5 square feet), be double-sided, and weigh no more than 10 lbs. Minimum thickness of signage shall be 5/8” thick.
Logos
Logos shall be defined as a “letter” or “symbol” used to represent an entire word. Projections above or below the sign area shall be reviewed and approved by the HOA and City of Claremont prior to installation.
Signage Colors
All blade signs will feature a base color of SW7675 "Sealskin" (dark bronze) by Sherwin Williams. Below are additional accent paint colors from the live-work buildings, available for selection by the owner:
|
Paint Colors (Bldg. 400A) |
Paint Colors (Bldg. 400B) |
|
SW7008 -Alabaster  |
SW70545 - Intellectual Gray  |
|
 SW7506 - Loggia |
SW6126 - Navajo White  |
|
SW7514 - Foothills  |
SW6992 - Inkwell  |
|
SW6237 - Dark Night  |
SW6055 - Fiery Brown  |
|
SW6174 - Andiron  |
SW7630 - Raisin  |
|
SW9182 - Rojo Maron  |
|
These colors match those being used on the buildings.
Basis for Recommendation
Staff finds the proposed sign program to be appropriate, and recommends approval for the following reasons:
• The proposed sign program is in keeping with the development's overall character, with colors that complement the newly built live-work units. Additionally, the signs are designed to be professional in appearance and will blend cohesively with the design features of the buildings they represent.
• The orientation and placement of the signs promotes good visibility for the subject uses on the property without compromising vehicular or pedestrian safety. The proposed sign program will not negatively impact neighboring properties, as it features appropriately sized signs with minimal illumination limited to small external spotlights that could affect surrounding areas.
• The size and blade-style orientation of the signs will be small but effective without overstating the actual size of the businesses, which are limited to approximately 200 to 300 square feet per unit and limited to 1 employee that resides outside of the HOA.
CEQA REVIEW
The proposal is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15311 (a), which exempts construction of minor structures accessory to existing commercial or institutional facilities including on-premise signs. Therefore, no further environmental review is necessary.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process. Copies of the submitted plans are being held at the Public Counter at City Hall for review.
A copy of this report has been sent to the applicant and other interested parties.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Brad Johnson Alyssa Jurkevics
Director of Community Development Planning Intern
Reviewed by:
Christopher Veirs
Principal Planner
Attachments:
A - Draft Resolution
B - Draft Proposed Sign Program