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RESOLUTION NO. 1562
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, CONDITIONALLY
APPROVING MODIFICA nON NO. MC 98-007 TO ADD
ANIMATION TO THE TWO ELECTRONIC MESSAGE
BOARDS AT THE SANTA ANITA RACE TRACK
WHEREAS, Arcadia Municipal Code Section 9292.1.2 provides for modifications
with regard to any City sign regulations; and
WHEREAS, withouta.modification, animated type signs are not permitted; and
WHEREAS, on January 7, 1998 a Modification application was filed by the Los
Angeles Turf Club (MC 98-007); and
WHEREAS, Applicant has requested the addition of "animation" to two (2) electronic
. sign boards at the entry to Gate #8 on Baldwin Avenue, and in the landscaped area at the
intersection of Huntington Drive and Colorado Place leading to Gate #5; and
WHEREAS, the Modification Committee did not approve "animation"; and
WHEREAS, on February 10, 1998 the Planning Commission conducted a public
hearing concerning the requested application at which time all interested parties were given
full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to that hearing the Commission considered as part of the record
the staff report, both written and verbal, testimony and other. submitted written materials; and
WHEREAS, at the conclusion of the public hearing the Commission deliberated and
made its decision. The Commission directed staff to prepare a Resolution reflecting their
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decision including Conditions and Findings.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That Modification No. MC 98-007 is approved pursuant to the following
findings and subject to the conditions set forth below.
SECTION 2. FINDINGS:
a. The modification will secure an appropriate improvement for the lot because
the referred to Santa Anita Race Track property is a unique property and land use separate
and distinct from any other land use in the City with particular needs and functions that
warrant sign usage as sought by the modification. This uniqueness warrants the method of
. commurtication and advertising sought by Applicant, subject to the conditions set forth
below.
b. The size, use, needs and function of Santa Anita Race Track in the community
of Arcadia and in relation to Southern California creates a situation that is unique to this
particular commercial use and is not intended to set a precedent or bind the Commission, or
any other entity of the City with regard to animated signs in any zone of the City.
SECTION 3. CONDITIONS.
a. The signs that are subject to this Modification shall not flash or blink.
b. The intensity of the lighting (brightness) with regard to subject signs shall not
be increased. It shall remain or be less than the "intensity" as of the date of the public
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hearing.
c. The allowance of this modification is subject to review by the Planning
Commission within ninety (90) days ofthe date of this Re~olution. This Modification shall
be scheduled for a public hearing within that time period at which time it is subject to
suspension, revocation, the revision of conditions, or additional action as deemed necessary
by the Planning Commission.
d. Approval of MC 98-007 shall not take effect until the property owner and
Applicant have executed and filed the Acceptance Form available from the Development
Services Department to indicate acceptance of the conditions of approval.
e. Noncompliance with the provisions and conditions of MC 98-007 shall be
. grounds for immediate suspension or revocation of any approvals which will result in the
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prohibition of animation being displayed on the message boards.
SECTION 4. The decision, findings and conditions of approval contained in this
Resolution reflect the Plarming Commission's action of February 10 1998 by the following
vote:
A YES: Commissioners Bell, Huang, Kalemkiarian, Sleeter and Murphy
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Bruckner
SECTION 5. The Secretary shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution and shall
cause a copy to be forwarded to the City Council of the City of Arcadia.
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I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution No. 1562 was adopted at a
regular meeting of the Plarming Commission held on March 10, 1998 by the following
vote:
AYES:
Commissioners Bell, Bruckner, Kalemkiarian, Sleeter, Murphy
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
Commissioner Huang
ABSTAIN:
None
Chairman, PI
City of Arcadia
ission
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AITEST:
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~ecretary, Planning Ission
City of Arcadia
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
?r}~ U m~
Michael H. Miller
City Attorney
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STAFF REPORT
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
February 10, 1998
Chairman and Members of the Arcadia City Planning Commission
Donna Butler, Community Development Admimstrator
By: James M. Kasama, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Modification No. MC 98-007
Animation of electronic reader. boards at Santa Anita Race Track
TO:
FROM:
SUMMARY
This application was submitted by the Los Angeles Turf Club for a Modification to add
animation to the two electronic reader boards that were recently installed at the Santa Anita
Race Track. The Development Services Department is recommending denial of the request.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
APPLICANT: Mr. Tom Austin for the Los Angeles Turf Club
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REQUEST:
To add. animation to two electronic reader boards (9262.4.3.C)
LOCATIONS: Entry to Gate #8 on Baldwin Avenue, and th,e landscaped area at the
intersection of Huntington Drive and Colorado Place leading to Gate #5.
GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION: Horse Racing
ZONING DESIGNATIONS: The landscaped area at the intersection of Huntington Drive
and Colorado Place is zoned Sol. The area at the entry to
Gate #8 on Baldwin A venue is zoned R-l.
SURROUNDING LAND USES & ZONING:
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At the intersection of Huntington Drive and Colorado Place:
North: Hotel and office building -- zoning is C-2
South: Hotel -- zoning is C-2
East: Huntington Drive
West: Parking area for the Race Track -- zoning is Sol
At the entry to Gate #8 on Baldwin Avenue:
North: Paddocks area of the Race Track-- zoning is R-I
South: Parking area for the Santa Anita Fashion Park -- zoning is C-2
East: Paddocks area of the Race Track -- zoning is R-1
West: Parking lot for the Arboretum - zoning is S-2
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BACKGROUND
The property occupied by the Santa Anita Race Track has two zoning designations. Most of
the race track property is zoned Sol (Special Use). The northerly and westerly perimeter areas
are zoned R-I (Single Family Residential). The sign at the intersection of Huntington Drive
and Colorado Place is in the S-I zone. The sign at the entry to Gate #8 is in an R-l zone.
The Sol zone does not include any sign standards. The R-l zone only allows identification
signs such as address numbers, and temporary signs such as "For Sale" signs and election
signs. However, Section 9292.1.2 of the Arcadia Municipal Code gives the Modification
Committee authority to approve, conditionally approve, or deny Modifications for sign
regulations in any zone.
For comparison purposes, the City's commercial sign regulations permit the following for
free-standing signs:
. No more than two (2) free-standing signs on a lot provided the two (2) signs are at
least two-hundred (200) feet apart.
. A maximum total area of 350 sq. ft. (including both faces) for all free-standing signs
on any lot with 350 feet or more of street frontage.
. In addition, the sign regulations also state:
I. No sign shall have blinking or flashing lights or lighting which changes periodically or
gives the appearance of movement;
2. No sign. shall create undue glare; and
3. Moving signs or signs with any moving parts are prohibited. Exception: Time and
temperature signs and other public service signs may produce a changing message
with lights.
The two recently installed electronic sign boards were approved by the Modification
Committee (MC 97-053) on December 9,1997. The Findings of that hearing are attached.
Original Modification Request -- MC 97-053
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In November, Federal Sign, on behalf of the Los Angeles Turf Club, inquired about the
approval process for new electronic signs at Santa Anita Race Track. Since there are no
directly applicable regulations, Federal Sign was informed that the City's commercial sign
regulations would apply, and that a Modification would be necessary because of the size, and
for the electronic reader boards.
MC 98-007
February 10, 1998
Page 2
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The Modification request was for, "two free-standing signs totaling 570.26 sq. ft. with reader
boards." It was explained in the application that, "We are replacing existing signs with new
up-to-date reader board signs." A letter from Mr. Austin explaining the applicant's reasons
for the request is attached.
At the December 9, 1997, Modification Committee hearing, the proposal was presented by
staff as two electronic reader boards in place of the two existing manual reader boards. The
applicant stated at the hearing, that the Los Angeles Turf Club had decided to install one of
the signs at an alternate location: At the apex of the intersection of Huntington Drive and
Colorado Place (rather than at the location of the existing manual reader board) because that
location would provide more visibility.
The Committee discussed if there might be any potential traffic impacts related to the location
of the sign on Huntington Drive. It was determined that because of the directions of travel on
Huntington Drive and Colorado Place, and the design of the reader board, there would not be
any significant adverse impacts upon vehicular visibility.
In response to questions by the Committee, the applicant stated that the messages would
change electronically, and when specifically asked if the signs would be animated, the
applicant answered, "No."
The new signs are designed to be compatible with the Grandstand colors and consistent with
the colors of the old reader boards. The exception is that the background of the new signs is
black for the electronic messages, rather than off-white for the black letters.
When initially installed, the signs were operated with animation and flashing lights, and at a
relatively high level of illumination. Mr. Austin was immediately contacted about the
unacceptability of the situation, and the animation and flashing lights were eliminated, and the
illumination level was reduced by 40%. In addition, landscaping has been added around the
base of the sign on Huntington Drive.
PROPOSAL AND ANALYSIS
The proposal is to add animation to the two electronic sign boards that were recently installed
at the Santa Anita Race Track. The signs are located at the entry to Gate #8 on Baldwin
Avenue, and in the landscaped area at the intersection of Huntington Drive and Colorado
Place leading to Gate #5.
The applicant has stated that it is not possible to anticipate all the types of animated displays
that could be used, but for example they would have galloping horses, rotating borders around
certain messages, and messages that would move across the display area in an animated
manner, such as a banner being carried by horses.
MC 98-007
February 10, 1998
Page 3
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This Modification request was referred to several City departments for their input. The Police
Department and Engineering Division responded with concerns about the animation and
illumination, especially with the animation and illumination that was initially displayed when
the signs were first installed.
A major concern is that the signs may be a distraction to drivers, and could be in violation of
California Vehicle Code (Section 21466) which prohibits displays that would prevent a driver
from readily recognizing an official traffic control device. The sign at the landscaped area at
the intersection of Huntington Drive and Colorado Place leading to Gate #5 raises more traffic
concerns than the sign at the entry to Gate #8.
It was noted that there have been no traffic accidents at the locations of the signs attributable
to the new reader boards, and that the signs in their current mode of operation are acceptable.
The Code allows for auxiliary signs to provide time and temperature, and public service
information, and there are a few electronic time and temperature signs in the City. Manual
reader boards have been utilized by many businesses and other uses for many years.
The first electronic reader board in the City was installed at the High School entrance near
Duarte Road and El Monte Avenue. However,. the addition of animation to the two reader
boards at the Race Track, would be a "First" in the City, and while Santa Anita Race Track is
a unique land use in the City, it is not the only land use that might want an animated sign.
CONCLUSION
Because Santa Anita Race Track-is a unique land use in the City, there is not the concern that
these reader boards, with or without animation, set a precedent. However, given the concerns
expressed by the Police Department and the Engineering Division, animation should not be
added to the two electronic reader boards.
RECOMMENDATION
The Development Services Department recommends denial of MC 98-007: A Modification
request to add animation to two electronic reader boards.
FINDINGS & ACTIONS
Section 9292.1.A. of the Arcadia Municipal Code permits the approval of certain modification
requests for the following purposes:
MC 98-007
February 10, 1998
Page 4
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. The requested modification will secure an appropriate improvement ofa lot;
. The requested modification will prevent unreasonable (non-economic) hardship; or
. The requested modification will promote uniformity of development.
Approval
If the Planning Commission intends to approve this Modification application, the Commission
should move to approve, specifying which of the above finding(s) support the decision, and
state any conditions of approval.
Denial
If the Planning Commission intends to deny this Modification application, the Commission
should move for denial, and specify whichfinding(s) lire not satisfied by the requested
Modification.
If any Planning Commissioner, or other interested party has any questions or comments
regarding this matter prior to the February lOth public hearing, please contact Associate
Planner, Jim Kasama at (626) 574-5445.
Approved by:
onna 1. Butler
Community Development Administrator
Attachments: Plans
Zoning & Vicinity Map
MC 97-053 Findings
Letter from Mr. Austin
MC 98-007
February 10, 1998
Page 5
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MC 98-007
Los Angeles Turf Club
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FINDINGS
ARCADIA CITY MODIFICATION COMMITTEE
7:45 a.m., Tuesday, December 9, 1997
CONFERENCE ROOM
PUBLIC HEARING MC 97-053
Address:
285 W. Huntington Dr. (Santa Anita Park racetrack)
Applicant:
LATC (applicant)
Request:
A free-standing sign with reader boards (Sec. 9262.4.6.).
FINDINGS
The applicant/representatives from LATC were in attendance to answer questions at the Public
Hearing.
The two proposed rectangular-shaped free-standing signs at the Santa Anita Park racetrack for
Gate 5 (south-easterly end at Huntington Dr. & Holly Ave.) and Gate 6 (north-westerly end at
Baldwin Ave.) would be approximately 23'-1Y:." wide by 2l'-4W' high, above a 13'-5" wide by
6' - n" high base (12" shorter at Gate 5).
The applicant stated that the intent is to bring the signage into "the 90's" by replacing the old
reader board advertising at the above described gate entrance/exits. The proposed signs would be
(approximately) the same scale as the existing.
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The Committee feels that the proposed height should not affect any vehicular visibility when
considering the "see through" ability underneath the signs. In addition, the design would be
compatible with the existing area (*the proposed design and color scheme - Sign
Architectural Design Review - shall be approved an/or revised separately from the
Modification Committee's review).
No surrounding businesses or property owners were in attendance to speak out in opposition to the
'request. Therefore, based upon the findings, the Committee feels that the proposed free-standing
signs would secure an appropriate improvement. .
ACTION
. Approved.
There is a five (5) working day appeal period for this application. You will be notified ifan appeal
is filed.
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Building permits cannot be obtained until Wednesday, December 17, 1997.
Please contact Building Services at (626) 574-5416 to determine the number of building plans
required for plan checkand proper permits to be obtained before beginning construction.
Upon submittal of the required plans for plan check, please provide the corresponding
Modification number (MC 97-053) on the site plan and/or detail plan sheets, indicating committee
approval of the request.
Submitted plans shall substantially comply with those approved by the Modification
Committee. Any alteration made to said plans shall be subject. to the review and approval of
the Community Development Division.
* Any modification granted by this application must be used within 12 months (December 9,
1998) or this application shall become null and void.
PLANNING COMMISSIONER:
COMMITIEE MEMBERS PRESENT:
PLANNING DIVISION REPRESENTATIVE:
Kalemkiarian
KelIeher and Kasama
Stokes
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RECEIVED
CI1Y Or ARCADIA
Santa Anita Enterprises, Inc.
FES 0 2 199B
T. D. Austin
Vice President
TO
FEB 0 4 1998
COUNCIL
CITY MAl-~AGER
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January 29, 1998
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Mr. Bill Kelly, City Manager
City of Arcadia
240 W. Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91066-6021
FEB 0 ~. 1998
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Dear Bill:
Given our conversations ofIate concerning the replacement signs, I thought it beneficial to share
with you the events which led to that decision.
As you are aware, overall on-site attendance during Jive racing meets has qeclined over the years
and has, only recently, leveled off. We accepted the challenge of increasing, or at least leveling
out, attendance so as to create more consistent racing days. To that end, we recently spent $15
million to refresh our facility and make it more appealing to the public. Extensive marketing
research during the last 18 months revealed much information, such as our rate of success
connecting with our customers through our current visual media. Signage is an important part of
that communication and therefore must be visible and able to deliver a concise message. The
signage along Colorado Place, installed approximately 35 years ago, was substantially set back
from the street and barely noticeable. The signage on Baldwin Avenue sets at an angle and is
visible to northbound traffic or southbound left turns onto the property at gate eight. Both
previous signs were obsolete, very laborintensive to change messages, and werenon-illurninated
(except for overhead billboard style lighting).
It became clear that replacement signage would be required at locations that would be readily
visible to the public, be cost efficient, and capable of delivering multiple concise messages,
Accordingly, units of the same size were selected to replace the existing signage. The same
encasement colors, lettering style, and height were maintained. Illumination within the sign and
lhe capability to produce unimated messages \\"as added.
28S'W. Huntington Drive' Arcadia. CA 91007-3439
Tdephone:(626) ;74-6660 . Fax: (626) 821-1;13
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Mr. Bill Kelly
January 29, 1998
Page 2 .
The replacement signage wiIl be utilized to announce:
. regular track events and dates
.. 0 recognized front-runner thoroughbreds
. handle carryover
. directionals for traffic/gate parking
. special events at the track
The previous and replacement signage is located within S-lspecial use zoning. Although Arcadia
Municipal Code makes no mention of any sign requirements in this zone, as a courtesy, Santa
Anita filed sign modification documents and received approval to replace the previous signs with
the units currently installed.
. You may recall that subsequent to the sign replacements I received calls from you and Corky
Nicholson requesting we not display animation, flashing or blinking messages, and reduce the
lighting levels. We complied with all City requests and added additional landscaping at the sign
base perimeter.
We have applied for and been granted a hearing on February 10, 1998, before the Planning
Commission to consider use of animation on the signs. Given the unique use and size of Santa
Anita Park and the absence. of specific sign requirements, favorable consideration should be given
to this matter.
Sincerely,
0/~;J~'
. Doc. No. 000161