STUDIO CITY : Mini-Mall Granted Sign Law Variance

Despite protests by nearby residents, the Los Angeles Planning Commission approved Thursday a request by the developer of a Studio City mini-mall to install more signs than are allowed under local zoning ordinances.

The commission ruling allows two 6-by-10-foot signs to be installed at the recently opened Laurel Promenade at Laurel Canyon and Ventura boulevards.

The Ventura Boulevard Specific Plan, which controls development along the 17-mile strip, allows for only one such sign. While a spokesman for the developer has said the signs are a minor exception to the plan, members of a local property owners group criticized the decision, saying it allows for more signs at a location that is already adequately visible.

“With the signs they already have, you can see Laurel Promenade from Mars,” said Tony Lucente, president of the Studio City Residents Assn.

Lucente said his group is considering appealing the decision to the City Council.

“It may seem like a minor issue,” he said. “But we’re talking about the heart of Studio City here.” Arline De Sanctis, chief planning deputy for City Councilman Joel Wachs, cited safety concerns for the councilman’s decision to support the additional sign.

De Sanctis said because the mall is located at the intersection of two busy boulevards, highly visible signs would make it easier for passing motorists to see what stores and restaurants are in the mall without slowing down and possibly causing a collision.