Planning commission approves 20-foot Commercial Neon freeway sign near Highway 99

The Tulare Planning Commission on May 26 approved a conditional use permit allowing Commercial Neon Inc. to install a 20-foot, 102-square-foot freeway sign at 4600 South K Street, subject to the findings and conditions laid out in Resolution No. 5556.

Planning staff (identified in the meeting as "Jonathan") presented the project, noting the site is zoned heavy industrial and the proposed sign would sit within 300 feet of Highway 99. Staff said the project qualifies for a categorical exemption under CEQA Section 15311 (accessory structures) and recommended approval subject to the conditions in the staff report.

A member of the public, Chris Wainwright of Streamline Irrigation, spoke in support and offered to answer technical questions. Commissioners questioned why staff recommended screening the existing fence rather than requiring a landscape planter at the base of the sign; staff explained that while municipal code typically requires a planter at sign bases, in this location the sign would be at the rear lay-down yard of an irrigation business, and a planted island would be impractical. Staff recommended providing screening on the fence to obscure stored materials from Highway 99 traffic while allowing the taller sign to remain visible to passing vehicles.

Following discussion, a commissioner moved to approve conditional use permit number 202608 based on staff findings and subject to the recommended conditions in Resolution No. 5556; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call.

The approval includes the conditions of approval in the staff report; funding or further permits beyond the CUP were not part of this action.