FROM:
Planning Department
TITLE:
Title
Master Case No. 24-003; Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 24-001 and Design Review Sign (DRS) No. 24-002 - A request to construct and operate a new, double sided electronic billboard totaling approximately 32’-8” in height, on an approximately .22 adjusted gross acre city-owned site located at 6584 Citrus Avenue (APN:0228-301-50) pursuant to a Categorical Exemption in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section No. 15332.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Based on the information in this staff report and subject to the attached exhibits; staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. PC 2024 - ____; and,
1. Determine that the project is categorically exempt pursuant to Section No. 15332 (Class No. 32 Infill Development Project), and Section No. 3.22 (Categorical Exemption) of the Local 2019 Guidelines for Implementing the CEQA, and direct staff to file a Notice of Exemption; and,
2. Approve Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 24-001; and,
3. Approved Design Review Sign No. 24-002.
APPLICANT:
Lamar Advertising
449 East Parkcenter Circle
San Bernardino, CA 92408
LOCATION:
The project site is located 6584 Citrus Avenue (APN:0228-301-50), on approximately .22 acres.
REQUEST:
Conditional Use Permit No. 24-001 - A request to operate a new, double-sided electronic billboard.
Design Review Sign No. 24-002 - A request for site and architectural review of a new double-sided electronic billboard approximately 32’-8” in height.
PROJECT PLANNER:
Cecily Session-Goins, Associate Planner
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
A. Previous Approvals:
• On April 10, 2012, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1657 amending the Fontana Municipal Code section pertaining to billboards and billboard relocation agreements.
• On March 26, 2013, the City Council approved a Billboard Relocation Agreement with Lamar Advertising. The terms of the agreement were for the removal of 12 static (print) billboards and the installation of four (4) new electronic billboards.
• On September 24, 2013, the City Council approved an Amended and Restated Billboard Relocation Agreement with Lamar Central Outdoor, LLC to amend milestone deadlines and sign locations.
• On October 7, 2014, the Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit Nos. 14-010 and 14-011 for the development of one-sided billboards at 10312 Almond Avenue and 16368 Boyle Avenue. Both sigs are adjacent to the I-10 freeway.
• On August 11, 2020, the City Council approved an Amendment to the First Amendment and Restated Billboard Relocation Agreement with Lamar Central Outdoor, LLC to amend the effective date and term of the agreement as well as to allow for the removal and replacement of additional billboards.
• On August 11, 2020, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2020-122 for three (3) property leases for new billboards.
• On October 18, 2022, the Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit and Design Review Sign for each of three (3) sites for new double-sided electronic billboards.
B. Land Use Designations:
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
A. Site Area: Approximately .22 adjusted gross acres
B. Sign Specifications:
Height:
Sign Base Height: 19’-0”
Screen Height: 10’-6”
Logo/Decorative Element: 3’-2”
Total Height: 32’-8”
ANALYSIS:
The applicant, Lamar Advertising, is requesting approval to construct and operate a two-sided electronic billboard on a City-owned parcel at the southwest corner of Citrus Avenue and South Highland Avenue at 6584 Citrus Avenue.
The Billboard Relocation Agreement between the City of Fontana and Lamar Advertising requires the approval of a Conditional Use Permit and Design Review Sign for the development of each relocated billboard. The Conditional Use Permit is intended to regulate operation of the sign and the Design Review Sign is intended to regulate the site and architectural elements of the project.
Conditional Use Permit No. 24-001:
The applicant is requesting to operate a two-sided electronic billboard on the project site. The billboard will be used to advertise products and businesses as well as City of Fontana events and announcements.
The Relocation Agreement between the City of Fontana and Lamar Central Outdoor approved sign locations (including the subject site) and stipulated several conditions of billboard relocation that will be included in the conditions of approval for this project. The conditions include requirements for timing of message changes, prohibition of animation or motion, the provision of automatic dimmers for the sign, etc. Lamar Central Outdoor also voluntarily agreed to limits and restrictions of advertising content in order to preserve the character of the community and to prevent exposure of its residents to advertising that may be perceived as offensive. This includes advertising for adult entertainment, adult oriented businesses, false or misleading information, violence, illegal behavior, vulgarities, profanities, etc. Additionally, Lamar Central Outdoor has agreed to not display advertising that the City Engineer determines is likely to interfere with, mislead or distract traffic or conflict with any traffic control system or traffic circulation.
Design Review Sign No. 24-002 (Site and Architectural Review):
The proposed project includes the site and architectural review for the construction of the 32’-8” tall, two-sided electronic billboard sign (inclusive of City logo/enhancement at top). The electronic billboard will have a sign area of 222.6 square feet per side and will have a vertical clearance of approximately 19 feet from the bottom of the billboard sign to the finished grade (ground). This will allow for enough clearance for typical pedestrian circulation on the adjacent public right-of-way.
The billboard design will incorporate an earth tone color scheme with decorative treatments. Additionally, a decorative accent with the City of Fontana logo incorporated will be affixed atop the sign. The project, in its appearance, is aesthetically pleasing and the proposed sign is complimentary to the existing commercial center.
Environmental:
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and Section No. 3.22 (Categorical Exemption) of the City of Fontana’s 2019 Local Guidelines for Implementing CEQA, staff has determined that the proposed Project is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section No. 15332 as a Class 32, In-Fill Development Project. The project site is considered Infill Development and meets the CEQA requirements of Infill: (1) The Project is consistent with the general plan land use designation; (2) The Project Site is less than five (5) acres; (3) The Project Site is vacant and is not within any known sensitive or threatened habitat area; (4) The Project will not have any significant effects related to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and (5) There are adequate public services for the development of an electronic billboard. None of the exceptions in CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply to the Project.
MOTION:
Approve staff’s recommendation.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Vicinity Map
2. Project Plans
3. Planning Commission Resolution and Conditions of Approval
4. Notice of Exemption
5. Public Hearing Notice