Sutter Creek Planning Commission: Just Say No To Signs

Friday, 15 December 2006 00:27

Sutter Creek Planning Commission: Just Say No To Signs

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Earlier this week, at their bimonthly meeting, the Sutter Creek Planning Commission was asked to amend the city's current sign ordinance to allow more signage for developments to advertise new homes for sale. Citizens at the meeting told the commissioners that they were strongly against the amendment because, among other things, it would allow for monument sized signs to be placed anywhere in the city; including the historic district. Citizens stated that they do not want to start looking like the Sacramento Valley, and this amendment would allow for developments to advertise using "people on street corners waving developer signs." The commission was in accordance with the citizens on this aspect, Commissioner Frank Cunha stated, "No, we do not want to see someone waving a development sign on the corner of Gopher Flat and Hwy 49."

The commission was then approached with a proposal from Sutter Creek resident Ed Swift. Swift, who owns the Laundromat building on the corner of Hwy 49 and Ridge Road in Sutter Hill, suggested using his building to post the developer signs. Currently the building is decorated with a mural that is visible as you enter Sutter Creek. Swift proposed using half of the building for development signage and the other half for city events, such as the open house or wine fest with a minimal profit returning to Mr. Swift. More citizens got up, this time in favor of the amendment, saying that the developers have made an investment in the city and the city must do what is fair and allow them to advertise their product. Members of the public opposing the amendment stated that, an investment is a risk; if you win, you win, if you lose, you lose. It's not up to the city to make sure developers come out on top in their investments. Commissioner Cunha stated, "If someone is going to buy a house in Sutter Creek, they will. I don't think signage will do much to change that, buying a house is not an impulse buy." The commission denied the sign ordinance amendment unanimously.

The commission was then asked to make a recommendation to city council regarding a newly proposed tree and landscaping ordinance. The ordinance would make regulations more stringent on the on oak tree conservation, designating a heritage oak at 4 inches in diameter. Frank Cunha stated, "This is just something I wanted to bring before everyone to see if it's something we would want to get in to. If we are going to pass a new tree ordinance it would have to be now, before any more new developments come." Terry Strange, leader of the upper Mokelumne Watershed Restoration project, approached the commission telling them, "California oaks are in imminent danger, they are decreasing more and more every year. Some people might call me an expert in this area, and I am strongly recommending that you move forward with this. This will prove important in preserving the unique species of insects and wild life in the region." Strange suggested that the commission add language to the ordinance designating a corridor to wild life, in order preserve the unique wild life. The commission decided to continue forward with the ordinance and recommended it for approval.