Planning commission approves Valencia building master sign program; allows two wall signs plus optional projecting sign

The Planning Commission on Oct. 8 unanimously approved a master sign program and Design Sign Permit for the Valencia building at 1502 South El Camino Real that allows a restaurant tenant up to two wall-mounted signs and gives the option of a single projecting (blade) sign in lieu of a secondary wall sign.

Zach Rehm, principal planner, summarized that the property is in the Neighborhood Commercial zone and the Architectural Overlay. The proposal includes two El Camino Real-facing wall signs (one existing for a Pilates tenant) and one additional sign for the restaurant; the master program allows either two wall signs or one wall sign plus an optional blade sign at the corner. Lighting will be reverse-channel (halo) illumination, and the total signage area complies with building-length and area provisions when considered under the master sign allowance.

Applicant representative said the intent is to install two wall signs (not the blade sign), but the master sign program creates flexibility for future tenants to use the blade sign in lieu of one wall sign. Design Review Subcommittee vetted sign placement and size prior to the hearing.

Why it matters: The action grants a permanent, site-level sign program that will guide tenant signage and allow modest flexibility for future tenant changes without additional sign-program review.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the resolution and process the sign permits under the master program. The vote was unanimous.

Speakers quoted in this article are the planning staff and applicant representative who appeared during the public hearing and commissioners who voted to approve the program.