City Approves Sign Plan, Waives Car Lot Fee

Written by Sean Janssen,
The Union Democrat
December 07, 2011 01:25 pm

The Angels Camp City Council approved two items Tuesday night it hopes will have a positive impact on a struggling business economy.

Council members voted 4-0 to approve a “wayfinding” plan featuring a sign system and traffic calming devices in the historic downtown district designed utilizing a $35,000 community development block grant.

The signs and kiosks envisioned in the plan, by Danville consultant Gates and Associates, incorporate a modern take on Gold Rush-era styling with rock walls and faux-rusted metals and are dotted throughout the city at entry points and in destination spots for visitors.

“It’s meant to be kind of fun and unique. We don’t mean this to be Beverly Hills or L.A. This is your community, so we want it to be special,” consultant Dave Gates said. “We want it to be simple, elegant, something that looks like it could have been built by the original (settlers) of this community but also looking forward.” In another unanimous vote, with Councilman Stuart Raggio absent, the council determined the 49er Motors business is an established use of a Main Street property, negating a $910 conditional use permit fee that would have been charged to owner Greg Scott.

Home to a car lot for more than 70 years, the property became subject to a possible permit requirement when it sat vacant for more than a year.

Councilmen Jack Lynch and Roger Neuman expressed some initial hesitation about setting a precedent of bypassing the city Planning Commission by making such a ruling. They were assured by City Administrator Michael McHatten and the advice of City Attorney Richard Matranga that the unique circumstances involving the 49er lot render the decision a judgment call at the council’s discretion.

Though the official staff recommendation was to have the Planning Commission hear the matter, Planning Director David Hanham concluded the car lot is one of a kind.

“I can’t think of any other business in town that would fall under this precedent,” Hanham said.

Scott said he sought to avoid a $450 fee for applying to the Planning Commission when he decided to go straight to the council. He said the property underwent no significant change in the time it was vacant and has never been anything other than a car lot.

“I could even understand (being subject to a permit) if it had been something in between, a restaurant or a beauty salon, and I was trying to convert it back,” he said.

City Councilman Scott Behiel took the strongest stance against implementing the permit fee.

“I think at this time the city needs to support the success of its businesses. We need to send a message loud and clear that the city is open for business,” Behiel said. “I think if you’ve ever had an established use, 70 years, this is it.”

“I think we want new business to come to the city so I will be supportive of waving the fee,” Mayor Elaine Morris added.