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Rancho Vistoso Center asks to keep taller monument signs; commission forwards recommendation with landscaping condition
Summary
Oro Valley staff and the property representative told the Planning & Zoning Commission that two monument signs installed at Rancho Vistoso Center measure about 12.5 feet and require a master sign program; the commission voted to recommend approval to council and asked the applicant to evaluate low‑height plantings to soften the base.
The Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 2 recommended that Town Council approve a master sign program allowing two taller monument signs at the Rancho Vistoso Center, 13005 N. Oracle Road, while asking the applicant to evaluate low‑lying plantings to reduce visual prominence.
Patty Hayes, a planner with the town, said the zoning code generally allows monument signs up to 10 feet tall but the signs at Rancho Vistoso were built on older, taller stone bases and measure about 12.5 feet, which requires a master sign program for the installations to remain in place. "The zoning code allows monument signs to be up to 10 feet tall under the usual code standards," she said; staff recommended approval because other sign criteria in the program meet code and the taller height is justifiable by site conditions.
The applicant's representative, Mister Solomon (joining remotely), described the installation history and asked the commission to allow the existing signs to remain. He said the signs were constructed roughly five years after being stored and that installers mounted the new signs on the old stone bases, producing the additional apparent height: "The signs, as they were built, are at a height of 12 and a half feet tall, which can only be approved through a master sign program," he said.
Commissioners reviewed photos and a site visit was described during the discussion. Several commissioners asked about inspection oversight and whether the taller signs set a precedent. Staff said an inspector noticed the height discrepancy during inspection. Commissioner Wilson suggested exploring plantings to help the base blend with landscaping; Commissioner Nichols moved to recommend approval and accepted a friendly amendment that the applicant and staff "evaluate putting low slung vegetation off the approved landscape plan to help minimize visibility of the base." The motion carried on a voice vote.
The commission's recommendation, including the landscaping evaluation condition, will be forwarded to Town Council for final action. If council approves the master sign program the existing installed monument signs at Rancho Vistoso Center would be allowed to remain as built.
