SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Developer Wins OK for Lighted Store Signs

Faced with the prospect of losing three new businesses, the Planning Commission has decided to allow lighted signs for a downtown retail complex under construction.

A problem popped up when city staff interpreted commission action in June as favoring only painted letters on awnings proposed for the complex.

Commission members said Tuesday that lighted signs on the outside of the building were OK.

Representatives of the three business--Blockbuster Video, Boston Rotisserie Chicken and Starbucks Coffee--told the panel they wouldn’t open shop without such a guarantee.

Bob Dolley, developer of the 11,000-square-foot center at Del Obispo Street and Camino Capistrano, told commissioners his project would probably fail in mid-construction if lighted signs were not approved. The signs are allowed under the city zoning codes.

Dolley said Blockbuster Video and Boston Rotisserie Chicken signed leases that were contingent on receiving permission for lighted signs.

Dolley said that Starbucks Coffee has yet to sign a lease, and is considering whether to open up down the block in the El Peon Plaza, once the historic property is renovated next spring.