Morgan Hill Planning Commission approves master sign program for Poppy Ranch shopping center

The Morgan Hill Planning Commission on Aug. 25 voted 6–0 to approve a master sign program for the Poppy Ranch shopping center, authorizing deviations from the city’s standard sign code, including allowances for multiple storefront signs and a proposed freeway-oriented sign near the Cochrane Road off-ramp.

Tiffany Brown, the city planner presenting the item, told commissioners that the 7.82-acre site contains almost 60,000 square feet of commercial space and that the program “allows for deviation to standard sign code standards” so the shopping center can adopt a coordinated signage approach. Brown said the proposed freeway sign would include about 100 square feet for the Poppy Ranch logo and roughly 320 square feet for remaining sign area, larger than the code’s 200-square-foot typical maximum. She also said the master sign program is exempt from further environmental review and that staff had mailed notices to property owners within 300 feet.

Michelle Rooney, the applicant representative with Regency Centers, urged approval. “We look forward to, hopeful approval of the signage program as we think it, does a great job of establishing the center, not only as a great community center, but also a recognizable destination in the city of Morgan Hill,” she said.

Commissioners asked staff detailed questions about sign types, materials and how the master sign program interacts with other permitting processes. Adam (city staff) clarified that the commission is the decision-making body for a master sign program and may consider deviations case by case; the item does not go to the City Council. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Mueller moved to approve the program; the motion was seconded and passed in a roll-call vote reported as 6–0 (one vacancy/absence).

The approved program lays out standards for wall, canopy, monument and freeway signs and specifies materials such as powder-coated aluminum with a wood appearance and backlit acrylic panels. Staff noted the project includes an anchor tenant (Sprouts Farmers Market) and multiple tenant pads; one pad remains to be built and will come forward later for design review. With the commission’s vote, the master sign program is adopted as the city’s guidance for future tenant signage at the Poppy Ranch site.