YORBA LINDA : City May OK Signs to Point Out Stores

Businesses located in out-of-the-way spots may get some promotional help from the city under a proposal that would allow the use of smaller directional signs to point customers to the establishments.

In response to repeated requests from business owners in the East Lake Village and Albertson’s centers, the Planning Commission has recommended that the City Council allow signs up to 6 square feet in area and four feet in height to direct both pedestrians and motorists to businesses located away from major traffic areas.

The council will hold a public hearing on the proposal Tuesday night.

Presently, city laws only address signs used to regulate the flow of traffic. The proposed change would allow businesses to also be identified in directional signs. The signs would be allowed only in commercial and industrial zones and the Planning Commission would have to approve them.

The council is also slated to discuss a proposal by Southern California Edison to locate a private helipad at the Diemer Water Treatment Plant off Valley View Avenue, in an unincorporated area that Yorba Linda could eventually annex.

Edison plans to fly helicopters from the treatment plant to inspect and maintain an adjacent transmission line corridor. Flights would be prohibited on weekends, holidays and between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. during the week. Six takeoffs and landings per day and 21 per month would be allowed.

Edison officials have indicated they expect an average of five flights a month, according to city staff reports.

In response to concerns expressed by state and county parks officials, Edison changed its proposed flight paths to avoid Carbon Canyon Regional Park except in emergencies and to lessen impacts on Chino Hills State Park. Flights passing over Carbon Canyon park for emergencies must stay at least 1,000 feet above ground.

The county Planning Commission is slated to consider the helipad on July 15.