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CUP No. 2024-15 – MainPlace Mall Digital Billboards (2800 N. Main Street) <br />March 10, 2025 <br />Page 4 <br />4 <br />8 <br />2 <br />4 <br />Project Analysis <br />Conditional Use Permit (CUP) requests for conversions of On-Premise Digital Signs to <br />Off-Premise Commercial Advertising Signs (digital billboards) are governed by Section <br />41-1110 of the SAMC and are subject to discretionary review and approval of a CUP by <br />the Planning Commission. Such CUPs may be granted when the required findings can <br />be made; however, if the findings cannot be made, the request must be denied. <br />Staff recommends approval of the proposed Project, as it would allow the Applicant to <br />convert the existing digital signs into digital billboards without introducing new impacts to <br />the surrounding community. The Project would also provide additional benefits to the City <br />and contribute to the economic viability of MainPlace Mall. The physical structures of the <br />signs would remain largely unchanged, with only minor modifications to remove tenant <br />identification signage. The primary change would be to the type of content displayed. <br />Currently, the signs are limited to on-premise advertising, meaning they can only promote <br />businesses or activities located on the same property. The proposed conversion would <br />allow off-premise advertising, enabling the display of regional or national advertisements <br />unrelated to the site. <br />Furthermore, the existing signs were originally constructed as part of the approval for <br />RSPG No. 2014-01 and were designed to fully comply with the City’s development <br />standards at the time, adhering to regulations outlined in the SAMC regarding height, sign <br />area, design, location, and brightness. The signs are located at least 1,000 feet from each <br />other, appropriately scaled to the surrounding development, and positioned a minimum <br />of 250 feet from existing historic landmarks. As a result, the existing structures remain in <br />conformance with City standards. Since no improvements to the equipment are proposed, <br />the requested conversion would not introduce any new impacts or hazardous conditions <br />for adjacent freeway drivers. In addition to compliance with development standards, the <br />project is anticipated to enhance the economic viability of MainPlace Mall. By establishing <br />a new revenue stream through advertising sales, the project will support the ongoing <br />redevelopment and modernization of the 49-acre site. This economic boost will <br />strengthen the property owner’s ability to maintain and improve the mall while also <br />contributing to the area’s overall economic health. Moreover, the proposed operating <br />agreement ensures the City will receive a portion of the revenue generated from <br />advertising sales thus contributing to the economic viability of the City as well. <br />General Plan Consistency <br />The proposed Project aligns with several goals and policies of the City’s General Plan. <br />Goal LU-1 of the Land Use Element seeks to provide a land use plan that enhances the <br />quality of life for residents while respecting and preserving the character of the existing <br />community. By converting the signage at MainPlace Mall, the Project aims to support the <br />ongoing development and vibrancy of the site, while maintaining harmony with the <br />