Design Review Commission approves relocation of wall sign on Valley Boulevard mixed-use building

The Design Review Commission on April 28 approved a request to modify the master sign program for a mixed‑use development on Valley Boulevard, allowing a tenant wall sign to be relocated from a stone veneer panel to the building’s stucco wall.

The action adopted planning case MSP25‑002 after a staff presentation that described the request as a single, limited change to the previously approved sign criteria. Luis (planning manager) told commissioners the modification does not change the approved sign size, font or height and that the project remains consistent with the Valley Boulevard Specific Plan and the city’s design goals. Staff also reported the project was reviewed under the California Environmental Quality Act and found to be exempt under CEQA Guidelines §15303 (Class 3 signage/new construction and conversions of small structures).

The modification moves an allowed wall sign up from the stone veneer area above storefront glazing to the adjacent white stucco portion of the same building. The applicant, identified in the hearing as Dee (representative for Province Holding LLP), told the commission the tenant requested the change because the stucco area offers additional vertical space — 23 inches versus 19 inches — for the tenant’s sign. Dee said, “The only request we have is to relocate the signage from the black tile to the white wall.”

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the awnings, possible awning signage and whether the sign materials or colors would change; Luis reiterated that the existing sign criteria permit silver, black and brass finishes and that the material and font criteria under the master sign program remain unchanged. Commissioners also confirmed that the change is a relocation, not an addition of new signage locations. No members of the public spoke on the item.

After deliberation Commissioners described the request as “relatively simple and reasonable.” Commissioner Chen moved to approve Planning Case MSP25‑002 as presented; the motion was seconded and passed on a 4‑0 roll call (Commissioner Chang — yes; Commissioner Tu — yes; Chair Romo — yes; Commissioner Lopez — yes; Vice Chair Salo absent).

The commission’s approval is subject to the conditions attached to the staff resolution; staff noted the standard conditions remain in force and that the relocated sign must comply with the criteria in the adopted resolution.

The commission’s packet and staff report listed the plan materials and the legal environmental determination; the action record and staff file will document the revised sign location and the resolution of approval.