HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.1 - NB-1 - Communication from Public - 5/3/2011FOLCIK, JULIE
Subject: FW: Costa Mesa Sign ordinance comments
From: JAranAtty@aol.com [mailto:]AranAtty@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 2:04 PM
To: LEE, MEL
Cc: Edward.Wasserman@daktronics.com; mgastineau@arrowsigncompany.com; bradw@calsign.org; jeff@calsign.org;
jjwef@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Costa Mesa Sign ordinance comments
Mel Lee
Senior Planner
Costa Mesa
Hello, Mr. Lee --
Thank you for the time today to review the proposed sign ordinance changes. Please forward our comments to the
council in time for Tuesday night's meeting. Based on the May 3 Agenda Report, our preliminary concerns rest primarily
in two areas: pole signs and LED signs.
SECTION
The proposed amendment to pole signs will potentially result in large, monolithic structures dotting the streetscape. We
urge the city to retain flexibility. Certainly, poles covered with cladding or other architectural embellishment are a better
alternative to the unnecessarily costly monuments proposed. Typically, monument signs are low -profile; whereas the
proposed revision here could result in massive structures 25' tall. This would be visually invasive and contrary to sign
design best practices.
E. LED SIGNS
While the proposal defers to council discretion in terms of a new direction, we urge the city to continue to allow LED
signage, whether by PSP or as of right. LED signs hold a proper place in the city and are used by business
more frequently. The are numerous jurisdictions which have reasonable LED ordinances. To assist the city in this
assessment, we refer you to these excellent online resources for the latest EMC research and code drafting information
http://www.signs.org/GovernmentRelations/ISAOnlineEMCResourceCenter.aspx
httD://www.ussc.ora/ElectronicSian4 07.Ddf
Lastly, please be advised that under California law, any new ordinance that is more restrictive than existing law requires
completion of a sign inventory, per Business & Professions Code Section 5491.1, before the ordinance can become
effective.
Jeff Aran
Legal Counsel
Director of Gov't Affairs
California Sign Association
Law Offices of Jeffrey L. Aran
6700 Freeport Blvd., Suite 208
Sacramento, CA 95822
916.395.6000; fax 916.395.6028
05/02/2011