La Cañada moves to regulate major exterior color changes for storefronts

The La Cañada Flintridge Planning Commission Tuesday endorsed a possible zoning ordinance change that could require businesses to submit to Design Commission review when making changes to their existing building colors or installing outdoor furniture.

City planner Chris Gjolme explained the potential change as the “second stage of a three-stage process” initiated by the Design Commission to expand its scope of purview. Gjolme said the intent was to allow the Design Commission to review various design changes that currently go unregulated because they do not require a building permit.

Commissioners mentioned the Alta Dena Express drive-through dairy on Foothill Boulevard, the roof of which recently was repainted bright yellow, as an example of the sort of jarring color change that should be subjected to review.

Gjolme said that suggested ordinance change is an attempt to find, “A way to control extreme color changes to buildings along the [Foothill] Boulevard, but at the same time not to overcomplicate or burden things.” VALLEY SUN