TO: Chair and Members of the Design Review Committee
THRU: Hayden Beckman, Planning Manager
FROM: Alyssa Jurkevics, Planning Technician
1. Subject
title
A request to replace and install two new non-illuminated monument signs at the southeast corner of the La Veta Grand apartments located at 401 W. La Veta Avenue (Design Review No. 26-0152).
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2. Summary
body
A request to replace and install two new non-illuminated monument signs at the southeast corner of the La Veta Grand apartments located at 401 W. La Veta Avenue. This property is located in the Old Towne Historic District and is designated as a non-contributing property.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
recommendation
Approve Design Review No. 26-0152 with recommended conditions.
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4. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Applicant: Michele Kazerooni
Owner: Geroge Mobayed, La Veta Grand Investment Co., Ltd.
Property Location: 401 W. La Veta Avenue
General Plan Designation: Medium Density Residential (MDR)
Zoning Classification: Residential Multiple Family (R-3)
Existing Development: Multi-family Residential Apartments
Associated Application: None.
Previous DRC Project Review: None.
5. project description
The project proposal is for the installation of two new monument signs for an existing apartment complex. This project inlcudes:
• Installation of two new non-illuminated monument signs identifying the apartment complex as “La Veta Grand”, displaying the apartment complex address, “401”, and contact information.
• Each sign measures approximately 6 feet-1 inch wide by 2 feet and 11 5/8th inches tall, with a total sign area of approximatelty 22.31 sqaure feet per sign.
• The proposed monument signs consist of an aluminum main cabinent with a dark gray painted finish, stone veneer accents, and raised acrylic lettering.
• The acrylic lettering font is Century Gothic Regular.
• The signs incorporate a vertical stone veneer element with “Luxury Apartments” lettering and gold accent/logo.
6. EXISTING SITE
The site consists of an existing multi-family residential apartment complex known as La Veta Grand Apartments. There are two existing freestanding wooden identification signs located at the separate entrances to the apartment complex. One freestanding sign is located along W. La Veta Avenue, while the second sign is located at the southeast corner of W. La Veta Avenue and Lemon Street.
7. EXISTING AREA CONTEXT
The site is located on the north side of W. La Veta Avenue, at the intersection with Lemon Street and is located within the Old Towne Historic District. The surrounding properties to the north, east, and south are zoned for multi-family residential uses, while the property to the west is zoned Old Towne Mixed Use-15.
8. analysis of the PROJECT
Proposed Signage
The two proposed monument signs will replace the existing signs and remain in the same locations. The proposed new signage does differ from the existing two freestanding wooden identification signs through material composition. The proposed signs consist of an aluminum main cabinet with a dark gray painted finish, stone veneer accents, and raised acrylic lettering, which creates a more substantial and refined appearance than the existing wood identification signs. The proposed materials and design are consistent with the Historic Preservation Design Standards, which allow new signage to be differentiated from the previous signage features while remaining compatible in scale, materials, color, and overall character.
Staff supports the design and recommends the DRC approve the sign proposal with recommended conditions.
9. ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION
None.
10. PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice was provided to owners and tenants within 300 feet of the project on or before September 3, 2026, and the site was posted with a notice on or before that date.
11. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed project is categorically exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per State CEQA Guidelines 15301 (Class 1 - Existing Facilities) because the project consists of adding two new non-illuminated monument signs to an existing multi-family property. There is no environmental public review required for a Categorical Exemption.
12. STAFF RECOMMENDATION AND REQUIRED FINDINGS
Based on the following Findings and statements in support of such Findings, staff recommends the DRC make a final determination on the proposed project with recommended conditions (Orange Municipal Code 17.10.070.G).
1. In the Old Towne Historic District, the proposed work conforms to the prescriptive standards and design criteria referenced and/or recommended by the DRC or other reviewing body for the project (OMC 17.10.070.G.1).
The proposed project is in conformance with the Historic Preservation Design Standards for Old Towne for commercial signage. The sign size, placement, and proposed design meet the requirements set forth in the Design Standards and Orange Municipal Code. As such, the new signs shall have no adverse impact on the appearance or character of the Old Towne Historic District.
2. In any National Register Historic District, the proposed work complies with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and guidelines (OMC 17.10.07.G.2).
Projects found to be in conformance with the Historic Preservation Design Standards are generally considered to be in conformance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The proposed sign is compatible with the building in its placement, size, design, colors, and materials and will not negatively impact the streetscape of the Old Towne Historic District.
3. The project design upholds community aesthetics through the use of an internally consistent, integrated design theme and is consistent with all adopted specific plans, applicable design standards, and their required findings (OMC 17.10.07.G.3).
The proposed sign conforms to the prescriptive standards and design criteria set forth in the Historic Preservation Design Standards for Old Towne and Orange Municipal Code Section 17.36, as described above. The signage is proposed to be placed in a location appropriate for signage within a historic district and will not detract from the appearance of the property.
13. CONDITIONS
The approval of this project is subject to the following conditions:
1. This project is approved as a precise plan. All work shall conform in substance and be maintained in general conformance with the plans, including modifications required by the conditions of approval, and as recommended for approval by the Design Review Committee. After the application has been approved, if changes are proposed regarding the location or alteration of any use or structure, a changed plan may be submitted to the Community Development Director for approval. If the Community Development Director determines that the proposed change complies with the provisions and the spirit and intent of the approval action, and that the action would have been the same for the changed plan as for the approved plan, the Community Development Director may approve the changed plan without requiring a new public meeting. If the Community Development Director determines that any proposed change is substantial, he may refer the plans to the Design Review Committee for subsequent review and determination.
2. The applicant agrees, as a condition of City’s approval of Design Review No. 26-0152, to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless, at applicant’s expense, the City, its officers, agents, and employees (“City”) from and against any claim, action or proceeding brought against the City, including, but not limited to, any claim, action or proceeding commenced within the time period provided in Government Code Section 66499.37 to attack, review, set aside, void or annul the City’s approval, to challenge the determination made by the City under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) or to challenge the reasonableness, legality or validity of any condition attached hereto. City shall promptly notify applicant of any such claim, action or proceeding to which the City receives notice and to cooperate fully with the applicant in the defense thereof. Applicant shall reimburse the City for any and all costs and expenses, including, but not limited to, court costs and attorney’s fees that the City may be required to pay, including any expenses ordered by a court or expenses incurred through the Office of the City Attorney in connection with said claim, action or proceeding. City may, in its sole discretion, participate in the defense of any claim, action or proceeding but such participation shall not relieve applicant of the obligations of this condition. In the event the applicant is required to defend City in connection with such claim, action or proceeding, City shall have the right to approve counsel to so defend the City, approve all significant decisions concerning the manner in which the defense is conducted and approve any all settlements, which approval(s) shall not be unreasonably withheld. The obligations set forth herein remain in full force and effect throughout all stages of litigation including any and all appeals of any lower court judgment rendered in the proceeding. Further, applicant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City for all costs and expenses incurred in enforcing this provision.
3. The applicant shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws, including all City regulations. Violation of any of those laws in connection with the use may be cause for revocation of this permit.
4. The final approved conditions of approval shall be reprinted on the first or second page of the construction documents when submitting to the Building Division for the plan check process.
5. Construction permits shall be obtained for all future construction work, as required by the City of Orange, Building Division. Failure to obtain the required building permits will be cause for revocation of this permit.
6. An encroachment permit from Public Works Department is required if any work during the construction of the sign will obstruct the public right-of-way.
7. If not utilized, project approval expires 24 months from the approval date. Extensions of time may be granted in accordance with OMC Section 17.08.060
14. ATTACHMENTS
• Attachment 1 Vicinity Map
• Attachment 2 Application
• Attachment 3 DPR Form
• Attachment 4 Project Plans
• Attachment 5 Site Photos