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Staff proposes stricter storefront transparency and new limits on some signs and billboards
Summary
Planning staff recommended making ground-floor window transparency a standard (25% maximum coverage), restricting cabinet box signs for new buildings, exploring rooftop sign allowances and considering moratoria or phase-out plans for non-freeway billboards.
Staff proposed several commercial-design updates intended to improve walkability and reduce visual clutter. Gabriel Perez said the existing transparency guideline for ground-floor windows would be converted to a standard that allows no more than 25% coverage to maintain visibility into storefronts.
On signage, staff recommended prohibiting new cabinet or box signs while permitting channel-letter or halo-lit signs and recommended considering tasteful rooftop signs through planning commission approval. Perez also proposed prohibiting exposed raceway signs and establishing clearer standards for painted signs and murals.
On billboards, staff suggested options including a moratorium on new billboards and a phase-out approach tied to lease expirations for non-freeway billboards. The city attorney noted constitutional limits on restricting commercial speech; staff said further legal analysis and stakeholder outreach will be required before an ordinance is drafted.
