Title
Master Sign Program and Design Review applications for a sign program for an existing life science campus located at 230 East Grand Avenue at the corner of East Grand Avenue and Harbor Way in the Business Technology Park District in accordance with Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code and determination that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA. (Christy Usher, Senior Planner)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission determine that the Master Sign Program (SIGNS24-0003) for an existing life science campus located at the corner of East Grand Avenue and Harbor Way in the Business Technology Park is categorically exempt from CEQA per Section 15311, Class 11 and approve the project based on the proposed findings and subject to the proposed conditions of approval.
MOTION TO ADOPT STAFF RECOMMENDATION
(1) Move to determine the project is exempt from CEQA and approve the Master Sign Program subject to the attached findings and conditions of approval.
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BACKGROUND
The proposed Master Sign Program will codify existing and future signage at an existing life science complex located at the corner of East Grand Avenue and Harbor Way also known as Pointe Grand. While the campus has existing signage, the City has no Master Sign Program on file for the existing complex therefore the proposed Master Sign Program will provide a regulatory framework under which future sign applications will be considered and reviewed.
DISCUSSION/ZONING CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS
South San Francisco Municipal Code (SSFMC) Section 20.360.010 (Master Sign Program) states that the purpose of a Master Sign Program is to provide a method for an applicant to integrate the design and placement of signs within a project with the overall development design to achieve a more unified appearance.
The proposed Master Sign Program is consistent with the high-quality materials, design, and character of the building. The signs will be constructed of architectural grade glass and metals such as stainless steel, aluminum and painted steel. The proposed signage will be well-integrated into the project components and will provide clear wayfinding to and within the site for multiple modes of transportation. The proposed signage in the Master Sign Program will be of an appropriate scale and location, and will be consistent with the character and quality of the campus and wayfinding signage.
In summary, the applicant is proposing the following sign program for the Point Grand life science campus located at the corner of East Grand and Harbor Way. The Mater Sign Program Project Plans are included as Attachment 2 to this staff report. In summary, the proposed signage includes:
Monument Signage
The applicant is proposing to legalize existing monument signage located at the campus entrances along primary roads to direct visitors to building entrances. Dimensions of the monument signage are approximately 23 feet long by 5 feet tall.
High Rise Signage
High rise identification signage is also proposed at the building roofline to identify the major building occupants from a greater viewing distance. Fabricated stainless steel individual internally illuminated channel letters are proposed. The proposed high rise identification signage varies depending on location on the building.
Various directional, identification and regulatory signage is also proposed such as:
• Vehicular Directional Signage to direct visitors to major campus destinations and visitor parking.
• Entry Identification Signage located at the entry plaza outside of the building.
• Campus Directional Signage to direct visitors to major campus designations and visitor parking.
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
The Design Review Board (DRB) considered the master sign program on March 19, 2024. The DRB recommended the application for approval by the Planning Commission.
GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE
The Project site is part of the East of 101 Planning Sub-Area as defined by the City of South San Francisco’s General Plan. The site’s General Plan designation is Business Technology Park/Coastal Commercial.
The Project is consistent with the guiding and implementing policies in the General Plan as it has been designed to promote campus-style uses, such as biotechnology, high-technology and research and development uses. The signage material, color, style, and placement will be functional, informational and compatible with the urban character of the East of 101 Area. The Master Sign Program will not result in any substantive changes, and the overall project will remain consistent with the intent and purpose of the East of 101 Area Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The project proposes signage for an existing approved and CEQA cleared project. A categorical exemption for onsite signage per CEQA Section 15311, Class 11 applies to this Master Sign Program.
CONCLUSION
The applicant has worked with staff and the DRB to create a thoughtful, balanced and high-quality Master Sign Program for the Business and Technology Park at the corner of East Grand Avenue and Harbor Way that is in scale with the building, compatible with the urban setting and functional for those visiting and utilizing the campus. The Master Sign Program will provide a framework for efficient review of future signage. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the Master Sign Program application, per the draft Findings and Conditions of Approval.
Attachments
1. Design Review Board Comment Letter, dated March 19, 2024
2. Project Plans, dated February 8, 2024
3. Draft Findings and Conditions of Approval