CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

Planning Commission
May 11, 2016
To:

Chair Goodhue and Commissioners

From:

Marc Wiener, Interim Community Planning and Building Director

Subject:

Consideration of a Sign Permit (SI 16-027) application for the installation

of an awning/sign on a historic building located in the Central
Commercial (CC) Zoning District

Recommendation:
Approve the Sign Permit (SI 16-027) application as submitted.
Applications:
Block:
Location:
Applicant:

SI 16-027
APN: 010-146-011
76
Lot: 12
Dolores St., 4 Parcels SE of Ocean Ave.
Dennis Joshi
Property Owner: Carmel Properties, LLC.

Background
The project site is a commercial building located on the east side of Dolores Street 4 southeast
of Ocean Avenue that includes three commercial spaces. The subject building is listed on the
Citys Historic Inventory. A business named All About the Chocolate was recently approved to
occupy the middle space. A business named Silver From the Himalayas was also recently
approved to occupy the southerly space. Both businesses are owned by Mr. Dennis Joshi.
There is an existing jewelry store named B & G jewelers that occupies the northerly space.
All About the Chocolate required a Conditional Use Permit, which was initially denied by the
Planning Commission, but approved by the City Council on appeal. In its final motion, the
Council required that the Planning Commission approve the future signage for All About the
Chocolate. The applicant has submitted an application to install an awning/sign on the
storefront. Staff notes that the applicant submitted a separate sign application (SI 16-028) to
install a new awning/sign for Silver of the Himalayas, which was approved by staff following
review by the Historic Resources Board. Staff notes that the current awning used by B & G

70

SI 16-027 (All About the Chocolate)

May 11, 2016
Staff Report
Page 2

Jewelers will also be replaced and all three awnings on the storefront will be a matching
burgundy color with white lettering as depicted in Attachment A.
On March 21, 2016, the Historic Resources Board (HRB) reviewed the proposed awnings and
required a redesign the awning for All About the Chocolate. The original design was a halfdome shaped awning that matched the awnings on the north and south bays. The project was
continued and the applicant revised awning be a traditional-style design. The HRB issued a
Determination of Consistency with the Secretarys Standards at its April 2016 meeting.
Staff Analysis
Awning Design: The applicant is proposing a traditional-style awning with a valence. The
awning would be burgundy colored with white lettering. The proposed awning would be 119
long with a depth of 39. All three awnings would project 14.5 from the front face of the wall.
The applicant has indicated that there is a need for awning because it would help shield the
space from sun exposure and protect food product, which could be damaged by heat. Staff
supports the proposal for an awning/sign.
Alternatives: The staff recommendation is to approve the proposed awning/sign. However, if
the Commission does not support the design, then the it could continue the application with
specific direction given to the applicant.
Environmental Review: The application qualifies for a Class 11 Categorical Exemption from the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15311 of the
State CEQA Guidelines. Class 11 exemptions include placement of minor structures accessory
to existing commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities, including on-premise signs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A Storefront/Awning Design
Attachment B Awning Dimensions

71

Attachment A Awning Design

72

Attachment B

77

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