CITY COUNCIL: Report & Policy Direction on City Directory Signs

Meeting Date: November 2, 2010
Prepared by: Heidi Burch, City Clerk

City Council
Agenda Item Summary

Name: Receive report and provide policy direction on City directory signs

Description: When tourists arrive in Carmel-by-the-Sea, they often seek out clear, easy-tounderstand
directions to frequently-visited spots in town, including the beach, the Sunset
Center, Carmel Mission and the Visitors Center.
To aid in helping out-of-town guests find their way around, the Economic Development
Advisory Committee proposes placing two directory signs at two downtown locations:
near the bus parking at Junipero and Ocean near Carmel Plaza, and on Ocean Avenue
near Devendorf Park. The Committee would also like to replace the existing information
sign at the corner of Monte Verde and Ocean near the Lobos Lodge seating area with a
new directory sign. The template for the new directories would be the Official Visitors
Guide and Walking Map. This map clearly illustrates places where tourists tend to go,
plus other useful information such as parking facilities, public restrooms, parks, libraries,
and bank ATMs.
Overall Cost:
City Funds: Unknown at this time.
Grant Funds: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Staff requests that Council task the Planning Commission with
researching alternatives for directory signage and submitting recommendations to
Council.
Important Considerations: Carmel-by-the-Sea is known worldwide as a popular destination
for visitors, and is a frequent stop for tourists coming to California. Providing welllocated
signage that provides clear directions to local attractions and amenities casts
the City in a positive and welcoming light.
Decision Record: None.
Reviewed by:
_____________________________ __________________
Rich Guillen, City Administrator Date
185
CITY OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
STAFF REPORT
TO: MAYOR McCLOUD AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
THROUGH: RICH GUILLEN, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
FROM: HEIDI BURCH, CITY CLERK
DATE: OCTOBER 25, 2010
SUBJECT: RECEIVE REPORT AND PROVIDE POLICY DIRECTION
ON CITY DIRECTORY SIGNS
RECOMMENDATION
On behalf of the City Economic Advisory Committee, staff is requesting Council task the
Planning Commission with researching alternatives for directory signage and submitting
recommendations to Council.
BACKGROUND
Seemingly common to the visitor experience in Carmel-by-the-Sea is the need to ask for
directions to the beach, the Sunset Center, the visitor’s center, the nearest restrooms, etc…
The City Economic Advisory Committee is proposing the positioning of directory signs near the
bus parking at Junipero and Ocean and on Ocean at Devendorf Park. There is also an information
sign positioned on the corner of Monte Verde and Ocean near the Lobos Lodge seating area that
staff would like to replace with a new directory sign.
It has also been proposed that the Official Visitors Guide and Walking Map be the template for
the directory. It denotes the locations of parking facilities, restrooms, parks, libraries, ATMs and
the visitor’s center as well as providing perspective of the entire downtown and the beach. (See
attached).
The Committee would also like to request that the Planning Commission research the use of
green products and materials for the signage.
STAFF REVIEW
Staff researched various options for signage by evaluating directory signs in other cities. The
options are many and varied. Considerations to pose to the Planning Commission include
whether or not the signs should be vertical or horizontal, if they should be in the form of
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Staff Report
3 August 2010
Page 2
“message cases” that have hinged doors and can be opened to change information, weather and
water resistance need to be taken into consideration, placement for visibility and a design
consistent with the city’s image should all be examined. Additionally, the use of recycled
materials, which are highly durable, should be considered.
FISCAL IMPACT
Costs are unknown at this time and are contingent upon the design and materials recommended
by the Planning Commission.
SUMMARY
Carmel-by-the-Sea is known worldwide as a popular destination for visitors, and is a frequent
stop for tourists coming to California. The positioning of directory signs would provide a very
much-needed service to visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea by highlighting locations of parking
facilities, restrooms, parks, libraries, ATMs and the visitor’s center.