Previous Actions on the Site: The project site is located in the Murphy Station Heritage Landmark District. The subject building houses "Jerdon," a graphics and printing business, "It’s Delicious," a fine foods and gifts business, "Kiss It Good-Buy," a retail shop, and "Soprano’s," a fine foods restaurant.

On July 10, 2002, the Heritage Preservation Committee approved an application for a similar awning on the same building, above the adjacent business "It’s Delicious." The building appears to have three frontages with four separate building entrances, but physically the building is one structure, under one ownership. The previously approved awning is in the same size, material, and location as the currently proposed awning.

This application is for a new awning at 133 S. Murphy Avenue. The review evaluated the compatibility of the awning style with the building architectural style and within the larger context of the street’s historic character. Awning materials and colors and the font, color and size of the awning signs were included in the review.

A Class 11 Categorical Exemption relieves this project from California Environmental Quality Act provisions. Class 11 Categorical Exemptions cover accessory structures including signs.

Site Layout: The existing structure is a two-story Moderne building with no setbacks. Four properties, 123, 125, 127, and 133 S. Murphy Avenue share the building. "Jerdon"," "It’s Delicious," "Kiss It Good-Buy," and "Sopranos" occupy the ground floor tenant spaces. The building covers 84% of the site. In the DSP-2 District, no setbacks are required. Adjacent uses are commercial/restaurant uses and the City parking lot to the rear. No on-site parking or landscaping is required for the DSP-2 District.

Staff believes that the proposed addition of an awning will not adversely affect the visual integrity of the historic district.

The following goals and policies were considered to determine conformance with the General Plan:

Staff recommends that the Commission refer to the sections on awnings and signage in the Murphy Avenue Design Guidelines when reviewing this proposal.

The Murphy Avenue Design Guidelines Development Plan describe this building as Moderne style with an excellent original façade that provides a good opportunity for coordinated building awnings above the four entrances.

Staff considers the window signage at 133 Murphy Ave. ("Sopranos") and the proposed awning to be in conformance with the Murphy Avenue Design Guidelines. The "Jerdon" awning is royal blue, canvas, slanted-style with white, block-style signage along its front edge. The "It’s Delicious " awning is canvas and slanted-style, but in burgundy color. The proposed awning will also be canvas with slanted-style and will be burgundy color with white signage on the front edge. This will match the business logo as shown in the plan (Attachment 3). The business signs are small and within the size criteria recommended by the Murphy Avenue Design Guidelines.

Staff was able to make the required Findings based on the justifications for the Landmark Alteration Permit.

• Findings and General Plan Goals are located in Attachment 1.
• Conditions of Approval are located in Attachment 2.

No fiscal impacts other than normal fees and taxes are expected.

1. Approve the Landmark Alteration Permit with attached conditions.
2. Approve the Landmark Alteration Permit with modified conditions.
3. Deny the Landmark Alteration Permit.

Alternative 1

Prepared by:

Steve Lynch
Project Planner

Reviewed by:

The proposal will be consistent with the purposes of the Heritage Preservation Ordinance. The project is compatible with the Murphy Avenue streetscape and with the Murphy Avenue Design Guidelines. More specifically, the Murphy Avenue Design Guidelines state that the subject building provides a good opportunity for coordinated building awnings. The proposal supports the Murphy Avenue Design Guidelines in that the existing and proposed awnings have the same slanted style and are both made of canvas, the royal blue and burgundy colors are complementary, and the signs along the front edge of both awnings are in conformance with sign requirements

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Conditions of Approval – Landmark Alteration Permit

In addition to complying with all applicable City, County, State and Federal Statutes, Codes, Ordinances, Resolutions and Regulations, Permittee expressly accepts and agrees to comply with the following conditions of approval of this Permit:

1. The Landmark Alteration Permit shall expire two years from the date of approval by the final review authority if not executed or if the use is discontinued.
   
2. Obtain necessary building permits.
   
3. Both awnings must match in style and have compatible colors and signage. The appropriate permits must be obtained for any future modifications.
   
4. The Conditions of Approval shall be reproduced on the front page of the building plans.
   

5. Fabric awnings shall be replaced at least every five years. Any change of color, materials or design are subject to review and approval by the Director of Community Development.

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