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Design Review Commission approves larger illuminated wall sign for North Italia at Plaza Esquela
Summary
On Jan. 15 the Walnut Creek Design Review Commission approved exceptions to the Plaza Esquela master sign program to allow a single, illuminated 48-square-foot wall sign and a sign-height increase for North Italia at 1179 Locust Street; staff recommended approval and the motion carried by voice roll call.
Walnut Creek — The Design Review Commission on Jan. 15 approved exceptions to the Plaza Esquela master sign program to allow a single illuminated wall sign—about 48 square feet and roughly 26 feet above grade—for the new North Italia restaurant at 1179 Locust Street.
Senior planner Jessica Gonzalez presented the application and told commissioners the tenant space, formerly occupied by Tilly’s, was combined from three smaller tenant spaces in 2010. Because the space now has a larger frontage, the applicant asked for deviations from the master sign program’s size, letter-height and location limits and a height increase from the 25-foot limit in the Walnut Creek sign ordinance. “Staff does support these exceptions as the space has been combined, and the larger project frontage does support the larger sign,” Gonzalez said, recommending the commission find the project categorically exempt and approve a draft resolution granting the exceptions, subject to conditions of approval.
The proposal calls for 2½-foot-tall lettering for the word “north” and 14½-inch lettering for “Italia,” with internal illumination for nighttime display. Gonzalez said the design and illumination are consistent with other tenant signage in the shopping center; she also noted previous master sign program amendments allowed larger signs for tenants such as The Cheesecake Factory at the same center.
A commissioner moved to approve the draft resolution granting final master sign program exceptions and a sign-height increase; another commissioner seconded the motion. A roll call recorded three affirmative votes and the motion carried. The transcript records affirmative votes by Commissioner Basting, Commissioner Riley and Vice Chair Newsom; Commissioner Kaes was absent.
Because the exterior repainting, awnings and railing included in the broader remodel qualify as minor design review, Gonzalez said those elements will be reviewed and issued at a staff level once the design-review submittal is complete. The commission did not add conditions beyond those in the staff report and closed the public hearing following the vote.
The approved exceptions allow the applicant to install the larger, illuminated wall sign subject to the conditions in the draft resolution; staff will complete the ministerial, staff-level design review for the remaining exterior work.
