PLACENTIA : Plan to Allow Signs Along Freeway OKd

The Planning Commission approved a plan that will enable some businesses to place signs along the Orange Freeway in an effort to boost their visibility.

The commission voted 5 to 1 this week to allow “off-premise” signs at certain points along the Orange Freeway, subject to approval of the Planning Commission and the City Council, said Joyce Rosenthal, director of development services for Placentia.

“Business owners had talked to us about their need for more freeway exposure,” she said.

In addition, the ordinance could help hotels and motels compete for customers traveling along the Orange Freeway, said Michael Beaver, executive director of the Placentia Chamber of Commerce.

The plan will come before the City Council on April 2.

Off-premise signs are visible from the freeway and identify a business at some other location. They do not include billboards.

Among the conditions are that the signs be no more than 60 feet tall and not include any mechanical movement or flashing lights. Signs may identify only businesses on 2-acre parcels on Chapman and Orangethorpe avenues, which make up Placentia’s main commercial districts. In addition, businesses identified by the signs must be within 1,500 feet of the freeway.

Only one business per shopping center will be permitted a sign along the freeway, Rosenthal said. Businesses also must work out an agreement with property owners along the freeway for spots to place their signs.