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Valley Center planning board grants variance allowing additional signage at 328 S. Meridian Ave.
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Board approved a variance for increased signage area at a multi-tenant property that includes Larry’s Burgers, citing an unusually narrow lot and multiple storefronts.
The Valley Center Planning and Zoning Board on a voice vote approved a request to allow signage on a single parcel at 328 South Meridian Avenue to exceed the municipal square‑foot limit.
City staff told the board the lot has about 127 feet of street frontage and that the city sign ordinance allows 2 square feet of signage for each foot of frontage — a 254‑square‑foot allowance. Staff said field measurements and Google Earth estimates put the property’s existing signage at roughly 544 square feet after two recently installed signs, which exceeds the code allowance.
Staff described the lot as “unique” because a single building contains five separate businesses and said that strict application of the sign code made it difficult for each tenant to have visible signage. Staff recommended a neutral posture and said the variance process exists to address such unique situations.
During the public hearing the applicant did not present further testimony. A board member said the signs did not create an obstruction or distraction and moved approval. The board approved the variance on a voice vote with no recorded dissents.
Under the board’s decision, the applicants must still obtain standard sign permits from the city’s building/zoning department for each sign. If the variance had been denied staff said the signs would have to be removed.
The board did not specify a new maximum square footage in its motion; staff told the board the choice before them was how large an overage to permit. The department will process individual sign permits consistent with the variance.
