A citywide way finding sign program has been identified as a high priority for the City through the General Plan, Downtown Vision and Strategic Plan and the vital few priority process. Accordingly in July 2007, the City applied for and received a $30,000 Preserve America matching Grant for a “San Clemente Way-Finding Sign Program” focusing on the Downtown, North Beach and Pier Bowl areas. Based on this direction, both Community Development and Beaches Park and Recreation staff joined forces and created a scope of services for this project.
The Vision and Strategic Plan identified a tourist and visitor oriented vision for North Beach, Downtown and the Pier Bowl while promoting the preservation and rehabilitation of the many historic resources in these areas. It also identified the need to “Provide Downtown information, locator signs and gateway features (including signage, architectural monuments and landscaping) in key locations.”
The signage would include both pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle orientation to identify and lead visitors and residents to their destinations and various points of interests within the City. The intent is to develop a master sign program for the City that standardizes
materials, colors, fonts, and other specifications that creates a look and “feel” that is
unique only to San Clemente. Types of signage will include, but may not be limited to,
identification (e.g. City Landmark), way-finding (e.g. To North Beach, Casa Romantica,
Pier; location of public parking, beach accesses), regulatory (e.g. beach trail rules), and
gateway monument signs at strategic locations (City entrances and freeway off-ramps).
On March 18, 2008, the City Council approved a contract with the sign consultant, Graphic Solutions, and the formation of a Stakeholder Sign Committee to assist staff and the consultant in preparing a City Sign Program.