Larry Dierdorff, 78, has painted more than 200 murals across the Inland Empire, transforming blank walls into detailed works of art. His latest project, commissioned by Bud Feldkamp, adds a touch of whimsy to downtown Redlands.
REDLANDS, Calif. – The Redlands Planning Commission is giving the thumbs up to changes in the Transit Villages Specific Plan, focusing on sign regulations for multi-tenant centers and murals.
Why it matters: The amendment aims to provide more flexibility while maintaining overall sign limits.
The amendment targets four key areas:
Requiring uniform sign programs for multi-tenant developments
Allowing freestanding multi-tenant signs under specific conditions
Removing location restrictions for building signs, and
Easing rules for murals.
Details: At a recent meeting, the commission voted to recommend that the City Council approve Specific Plan Amendment No. 2 for the Transit Villages Specific Plan.
The amendment would require multi-tenant developments, referred to as “unified centers,” to implement uniform sign programs if they meet certain criteria.
Freestanding multi-tenant monument signs would be allowed in pre-existing unified centers, subject to Planning Commission approval, if unique site conditions justify their need.
The proposal also clears up building sign location rules. Right now, business signs are only allowed on walls with entrances. The amendment would let signs go on any wall facing a public street or parking lot.
Additionally, the amendment relaxes regulations on murals, eliminating size restrictions and the requirement for Cultural Arts Commission review when murals are placed on private property. However, murals featuring commercial messaging or business identification would still be subject to standard sign regulations.
What they're saying: Brian Foote, from the city's development department, explained why these changes are needed. "Over the last year or two, we've encountered a few minor hiccups with some of the sign code regulations, in particular pertaining to unified centers as well as pre-existing developments," he said.
Moving forward: These changes don't need environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines.
The Planning Commission's recommendation now heads to the City Council for final review and approval.