CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETTIMG AGENDA PACKET 7-7-26

P25-0300, 4191 First Street Planning Commission 3 of 6 If a sign is proposed within a project area with an approved master sign program (e.g., a shopping center, office/business park, corporate headquarters/campus, etc.), the Zoning Administrator reviews the proposed signage against the criteria specified in the master sign program. If the proposed signage meets the criteria, the proposed signage is approved ministerially and any required construction permits may be applied for by the applicant. If the proposed signage is found not to conform to the approved master sign program, it is rejected by the Zoning Administrator, and the applicant is directed to correct the deficiencies prior. Sign Design Review If the sign is not in a project area subject to an approved master sign program, then as part of the SDR process, the Zoning Administrator evaluates the proposed signage against the following standards prior to making a determination: 1. Any applicable General Plan policies, specifically: o Community Character Element Policy 15, Program 15.3:  Attractive sign design and higher quality sign materials  Attractive colors, minimizing bright franchise colors o Community Character Element Policy 16, which "discourages franchise and prototype architecture and signage". 2. Any applicable Design Guidelines (such as the Downtown Design Guidelines) and, for signs on Main Street, standards in the Downtown Revitalization District Ordinance (PMC Chapter 18.74). 3. Any applicable provisions specified in PMC Section 18.96 (Signs). The City's Sign Ordinance includes basic parameters as to the amount, size, placement and lighting of signs (with such standards varying by Zoning District), but lacks strict, objective design parameters in many respects, particularly with regard to aesthetics (e.g., colors, materials, permissible lighting levels, amount of branding vs. non-branding components, etc.). Staff provides feedback to applicants through the review process, with comments taking into account factors such as the location and visibility of the site, existing signage/sign conditions, and design/character of the buildings or structures on which the signage is being placed, nature of the use for which the signage is proposed, and character, type, and proximity of adjacent uses. The City must also consider the reasonable expectation or First Amendment right that a business may wish or be entitled to use its corporate colors, business identification, or branding as part of its signage program. ZONING ADMNISTRATOR ACTION On September 2, 2025, Guy Houston, on behalf of the owners of the gas station at 4191 First Street, submitted a Sign Design Review application for signage modifications as part of a rebranding process from the former 76 Gas Station to a new Sunoco Gas Station. The scope of work also included replacing much of the dead landscaping and removing outdated structures like the propane tank holders, bollards, etc. On September 16, 2025, the application was deemed incomplete. While staff indicated general support for the applicant’s intent to upgrade and improve the appearance of the project site, Page 176 of 214