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Grass Valley panel recommends master sign program for 406–412 E. Main St.
Summary
The Development Review Committee on Jan. 14 recommended that the Planning Commission approve a master sign program for a two-building office complex at 406–412 East Main Street, establishing criteria for wall, monument and window signs; there is no new sign application at this time.
Jan. 14, 2025 — The Grass Valley Development Review Committee recommended on Tuesday that the Planning Commission approve a new master sign program for the two-building office complex at 406–412 East Main Street.
The recommendation would allow staff to use a single set of sign criteria to review future sign proposals for the property instead of applying the city's sign ordinance on a case-by-case basis. City staff said the proposal was triggered after a prospective tenant requested a wall sign; wall signs were not previously permitted at the site.
The sign criteria cover general standards and specific rules for monument (pylon/freestanding) signs, wall signs and window signs, and include maintenance requirements. "The proposal is only to establish the standards. There is no proposal for a new sign at this time," said Lucy, a city staff member who presented the item. The committee discussed terminology in the draft, noting several instances where language referring to "shopping center" or "canopy facade" appeared to have been carried over from other templates; staff said they would edit those references to reflect an office complex.
Committee members also pressed for clarity on technical points. One member asked whether the sign area limits referred to a tenant's leased premises or the parcel; staff confirmed the standard applies to the leased tenant space. The draft initially listed a lighting-height finding tied to a 20-foot standard; staff said the applicant revised plans to meet the city's 14-foot mounted-light standard, removing the need for that finding.
After limited discussion the committee moved to recommend that the Planning Commission: determine the project is categorically exempt under section 15301, Class 1, of the California Environmental Quality Act; adopt findings of fact in the staff report; and approve the development review permit and master sign program as modified that day. The motion passed and the project will go forward to the Planning Commission for final action.
If the Planning Commission approves the master sign program, tenants seeking new signage at 406–412 East Main Street would apply to staff under the adopted criteria; a separate building permit would still be required for any new sign.
The Planning Commission will consider the item at a future hearing, per the regular notice process.
