Gift Store’s Sign Cited for Non-Compliance with Cerritos Municipal Code

For more than 60 years, Spencer’s, a gift store specializing in novelty items, has garnered attention for some of its more risqué merchandise.

However, recently, the gift store located in the  has drawn the attention of Director of Community Development Torrey Contreras for another reason.

At issue is the store’s painted sign which Contreras said was “installed illegally without any kind of approvals.” He added, “It was brought to our attention after it was installed.”

During the Cerritos Planning Commission’s Nov. 2 meeting held in the City Council Chambers, Contreras said the business’ sign did not comply with the Cerritos Municipal Code.

Contreras cited Spencer’s painted business identification sign for being in non-compliance. Initially, Spencer’s appealed, but has since revoked the challenge.

Robert A. Lopez, current planning manager, elaborated.

“Staff determined (the painted sign) did not conform to the city’s municipal code requirements for business identification signs,” he said. “Since the time that this item was publicly noticed for the public hearing, the applicant has decided to withdraw their appeal request.”

He continued, “They’ve submitted an application for a new sign that would meet the city’s municipal code requirements. Therefore, staff recommends we (Planning Commission) postpone indefinitely.”

Commission Chair Larry Sagert asked if businesses’ identification signs have to be approved by the owner of the Los Cerritos Center.

“Yes,” Lopez replied, adding that all business signs are scrutinized by the mall’s owner prior to coming before the commission for review.

Contreras said the sign was “pending removal.”

The commission voted unanimously to indefinitely postpone the item.

Commission Rejects Company’s Request for Two-Year Extension

Property owner George E. Atkinson’s request for a two-year extension for a previously approved conditional use permit was turned down by the Planning Commission.

Instead, the commission voted unanimously to grant Atkinson a year to bring his multi-tenant industrial building located at 1303 Artesia Blvd. into compliance.

Beginning in 2006, the Cerritos City Council granted the property a conditional use permit stipulating that improvements be made to the building’s façade and landscaping, said Associate Planner Teresita Dillon.

Dillon said since then, all of the improvements have not been made, and the city granted the property owner another extension in 2009.

Dillon said the applicant cited “financial hardship” as a reason for the stipulated improvements not being completed, adding that the landscaping improvements are up to standard, but a screen was needed to help obscure equipment located on the building’s roof.

Lopez said the project has a “hefty price.” An estimate attached to the meeting’s agenda report submitted by the applicant described the screen’s potential costs between $40,000 and $60,000.

Commissioner Chuong Vo said, “They need to comply with the code. If we give one business a break, this might send the wrong message.”

The next Cerritos Planning Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.