CITY COUNCIL: Report & Policy Direction on City Directory Signs

Meeting Date: December 7, 2010
Prepared by: Heidi Burch, Asst City Administrator

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, on Ocean Avenue near Devendorf Park and in the lower Sunset Center parking lot. 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 well located 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

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: DECEMBER 7, 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, on Ocean at Devendorf Park and in the lower Sunset Center parking lot. 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 “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.