Planning commission approves billboard and sign text amendment portion; ADU section continued to Oct. 23
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Summary
The planning commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the ZTA 25‑01 amendments that clarify site sign and billboard rules (static and digital) along the Loop 303 corridor; the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) portion of the amendment was continued to Oct. 23 at the applicant's request.
The Glendale Planning Commission on Aug. 28 voted unanimously to recommend approval of part of zoning text amendment ZTA 25‑01 that clarifies sign and billboard rules, including placement and frontage requirements for digital billboards along the Loop 303 corridor. Commissioners excluded the amendment’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) provisions, which were continued to a date‑specific hearing on Oct. 23.
The vote and scope: Commissioners approved only the billboards-and-signs portion (section 35.40.31) of ZTA 25‑01; the ADU changes were explicitly continued. Commissioner John Gears moved to recommend approval of the billboard and sign provisions; Vice Chair Edwin Nyberg seconded. The roll call was unanimous in favor; the planning commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to city council for final action.
Why it matters: Staff said the amendment provides clarity to the Unified Development Code and aligns local sign rules with state statute where required. The proposal delineates the number, placement and frontage requirements for digital billboards along the Loop 303 corridor and provides an administrative review pathway for PADs approved before 2024 that do not meet frontage requirements.
Staff and applicant remarks: Planning staff presented the item to the commission and said no public comments were received on the sign portion. “The purpose of the amendment is to provide clarity of the UDC requirements and ensure compliance with state statute,” planning staff member Hoskins said during the staff presentation. He told the commission that the proposed amendment would not change other digital or static billboard requirements in the UDC and would not affect the city’s designated scenic corridor along State Route 101.
Private sector support: Sarah Sawyer, who identified herself as a zoning attorney at Barry Bridal, spoke in support on behalf of developer Lepore, saying the developer expects one digital billboard along its Loop 303 frontage consistent with an approved PAD. “They are in support of this text amendment so that they can put one digital billboard along their 303 frontage, which was, again, envisioned by the PAD that you approved and was approved by city council,” Sawyer said.
Public involvement and next steps: Staff reported that public involvement requirements were met and that staff received no public comment on the sign portion. The commission’s approval applies only to the billboards-and-signs portion of ZTA 25‑01; the ADU portion was continued to Oct. 23 at the applicant’s request. The planning commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the city council for further consideration.
Discussion vs. decision: The commission’s action is a recommendation to city council. Any changes to the Unified Development Code take effect only after council adoption, and applicants will still be required to meet any permit and design standards in the UDC and in relevant PADs.
