[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
In keeping with the goals of the General Plan and the sense
of place that characterizes Avalon, it is the intent of this chapter
to control the design, quality of materials, construction, illumination,
size, location and maintenance of signs and sign structures. Due to
its unique and special aesthetic and safety problems occasioned by
its geographical size and location, the width and design of its streets,
the number of pedestrians, and the limited availability of space for
signs, the City has determined that the health, welfare, and safety
of its inhabitants requires special rules and regulations to govern
the size, number and classes of signs used upon property under its
jurisdiction. These regulations are intended to encourage signs that
are compatible with the architectural style, characteristics and scale
that are historically appropriate as well as being compatible with
the building to which they are attached, adjacent buildings, and the
surrounding neighborhood. In furtherance thereof, and in order to
provide and maintain accurate and complete records and information
upon which further appropriate rules and regulations may be determined,
the provisions of this chapter are enacted.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, place, erect,
attach, paint on, or otherwise maintain any sign in the City of Avalon
without a permit issued by the Planning Department except as otherwise
stated in this chapter.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; § 5, Ord. 948-97, eff. January 1, 1998; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October 5, 2017]
The Planning Department shall not approve the following signs:
(a)
A sign that is not generally compatible in design with the building
and the space allotted;
(b)
Roof signs (i.e., signs placed upon a roof), including inflatable
signs;
(c)
Revolving signs;
(d)
Flashing, scintillating or moving signs;
(e)
Signs that project or extend above the topmost point of the roof
line of the building to which they are attached;
(f)
Projecting signs which project more than four feet out over a public
right-of-way;
(g)
Directly lighted signs except as otherwise provided for in this chapter;
and internally lighted signs except in commercial, special commercial
or resort recreation zones that do not face or front within 300 feet
any residential property.
(h)
Signs, appendages or structures that endanger the safety of any person
or vehicle; and
(i)
Signs that are worded, phrased or depicted in such a way which are
found to arouse the prurient interest or to offend the general morals
of the inhabitants of the City of Avalon.
(j)
Signs with an, iridescent, phosphorescent, day-glo, displays or other
installations that include balloons, streamers or other notice attracting
appendages.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 692, eff. November
13, 1980; § 1, Ord. 776, eff. March 18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October 5, 2017]
The lawful use of any sign or structure which is regulated by
the provisions of this chapter and was in use on October 24, 1974,
may be continued, provided, the sign or structure may not be enlarged
or reconstructed. If a sign is destroyed or deteriorated as a result
of vandalism, fire, wind, flood, age or other cause to the extent
where repairs exceed 50% of the replacement value, or the sign is
not replaced within 90 days in its original size and appearance, said
sign shall be brought into conformance with this chapter or removed.
When a sign is removed, all brackets, poles, and other structural
elements that supported the sign shall also be removed.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; § 3, Res. 88-45; § 6, Ord. 948- 97, eff. January 1, 1998; § 1,
Res. 97-41; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
No sign permit shall be issued by the Planning Department until
an application therefor has been filed with the Planning Department
and a fee in an amount as set by resolution of the City Council has
been paid to the City of Avalon. The application shall state the size
of the proposed sign, material to be used, depict the planned design,
the lettering to be used, the manner in which the sign shall be placed,
a description of the premises where the sign is to be located, and
enumerate the number, size and type of existing signs on the premises.
The Planning Department shall be furnished with a color card
indicating the exact colors to be used, as well as a photo of the
proposed sign location. The approximate outside shape of the proposed
sign shall be superimposed over the photo to indicate the approximate
location of the sign in relation to the building or property to which
the sign is proposed to be affixed. The color card and photo shall
be permanently filed with the Planning Department for use by the Code
Enforcement Officer of the City of Avalon. A rendering may be substituted
for a photo.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; § 2, Ord. 1091-10, eff. April 15, 2010; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October 5, 2017]
(a)
House name signs and occupant's name plates identifying either the
house or its occupants, or both, and which essentially take the place
of a house number, are exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
Such signs may include pictorial and decorative signs as well as words,
but shall not exceed two square feet in area. This exemption shall
not apply to an identification sign on a house in which a business
is located.
(b)
Signs warning the public or identifying the location of underground communication, electric, fuel transmission lines and facilities, and signs warning public telephone service locations, are exempt from permit fee and approval as required by § 9-7.705 of this chapter.
(c)
Signs not exceeding two square feet in area identifying the presence
of a security system or signs identifying that the property is protected
by a security business.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
Abandoned signs shall be removed within seven days after the
purpose for or use for such signs have ceased to exist. When a sign
is removed, all brackets, poles, and other structural elements that
supported the sign shall also be removed.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
Permits and approvals for any sign or signs shall only continue
in effect for so long as the permittee is the holder of a valid Avalon
business license. The owner of the building shall remove any sign
of a building within seven days after such business license expires.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; § 1, Ord. 1091-10, eff. April 15, 2010; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October 5, 2017]
In approving signs the Planning Department shall be guided by
the following standards:
(a)
Signs should be for the sole purpose of the identification of the
business or the occupants of the premises unless otherwise necessary
for the business.
(b)
Signs should not be located where they block the view of other existing
signs.
(d)
Illumination of signs shall not be so bright as to be blinding or
to interfere with a complete view of other signs.
(f)
Colors of an iridescent nature should not be approved where the sign
will interfere with the intention or purpose of other signs of a lower
color.
(g)
In those cases where a completed sign does not correspond to the
color or design furnished to the Planning Department, the applicant
must either alter the sign to comply therewith or remove the sign.
In either case, the application fee shall not be refunded.
(h)
Changes in location, text, or design shall constitute a new sign
and a new application and approval by the Planning Department will
be required.
(i)
All signs shall meet the legal clearance as established by existing
and future regulations for safe distance from communication and electrical
circuits.
(j)
Signs in the Commercial or Special Commercial zone shall not exceed
an area of eight square feet per face or for businesses adjacent to
two public rights-of-way, two faces not to exceed 16 square feet in
total area.
(k)
Signs for commercial enterprises in the Resort Recreation zones shall
not exceed an area of 16 square feet per face.
(l)
Business signs in residential zones shall be limited to:
(1)
Signs identifying or advertising a business located in a residence
(home occupation), which shall not exceed two square feet in total
size; or
(2)
Signs identifying or advertising a business providing a service
to the property on a regular, ongoing basis. Each residential property
shall only be permitted to have one such sign which shall not exceed
five inches by seven inches in size. Up to 10 five-inch by seven-inch
signs may be approved for each business advertising their services
under this category. The property owner must approve the installation
of the sign and the business being advertised must obtain a permit
for the sign.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
The Planning Department shall keep a copy and permanent record
of each sign permit approval. The copy shall show information sufficient
to identify the sign and location.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 3, Ord. 759, eff. May
15, 1984; § 1, Ord. 776, eff. March 18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October 5, 2017]
Signs on public property or rights-of-way shall be prohibited unless otherwise authorized in accordance with the provisions of § 5-1.01.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
Signs that do not advertise a use of the premises, the name
of the licensee, or that do not advertise a product, service, interest
or entertainment available on the premises, shall be prohibited unless
otherwise authorized herein.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; §§ 7, 8, Ord. 948-97, eff. January 1, 1998; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October 5, 2017]
The City Manager, Superintendent of Streets, Fire Chief, Police
Chief, Harbor Master, or their representatives, may authorize or approve
signs without permit or approval that will be used for the purpose
of promoting public safety and welfare on a permanent or temporary
basis. Such signs shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; § 9, Ord. 948-97, eff. January 1, 1998; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October 5, 2017]
No more than one menu board per establishment not to exceed
six square feet will be permitted for each business.
No more than one freestanding sign or separately mounted banner
or 'sail' sign shall be permitted for each business.
Freestanding signs, separately mounted banner or 'sail' signs
or menu boards shall only be allowed if their placement does not interfere
with and is not located upon a public right-of-way.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
Industrial signs shall be required to conform to all of the
provisions of this chapter and shall be aesthetically consistent with
the surrounding area.
[Ord. 672as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
A business in a building or property facing more than one right-of-way
shall be allowed the authorized sign area on each street which it
faces provided the total area shall not be accumulated on one right-of-way
and provided no sign shall exceed the allowed area on any one right-of-way.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
Where merchandise is displayed for sale and price is indicated
by a sign, such pricing may be done separately by numbers or letters
not to exceed one inch provided the sign is in close proximity to
the merchandise for sale. Where group merchandise is displayed and
priced for sale, the sign shall not exceed two square feet in total
size.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
Each separate business may have lettering on or behind windows
facing public view indicating titles, business associates, owners
or operators involved in the use and operation of the business, subject
to approval of the Planning Department. The lettering for such titles
and ownership shall not exceed 12 inches in width. Other descriptive
lettering shall not exceed six inches in width.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; § 10, Ord. 948-97, eff. January 1, 1998; § 1, Ord. 1125-13, eff. January 16, 2014; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October 5, 2017]
(a)
Temporary Signs in Non-Residential Zones.
Except as otherwise provided herein, permits for temporary signs
may be issued by the City Manager or Planning Director on conditions
deemed appropriate for signs pertaining to civic, patriotic or special
events taking place within the City or to announce the future opening
of a business at the location, provided that such signs are not detrimental
to the public welfare, interest or safety where the temporary sign
is located. A special event is one which is not an on-going part of
the nature of the business.
The City Manager or Planning Director may determine appropriate
size of the temporary signs, which determination shall be uniformly
applied to all similar-type signs. Temporary signs shall not be self-illuminated,
luminescent, or fluorescent, nor contain any substance which causes
them to glow or shine. Temporary signs shall be removed within the
time determined by the City Manager or Planning Director, as applicable,
but in no event shall temporary signs be displayed for more than 120
days prior to the civic, patriotic or special event and shall be removed
no later than three days following the end of the event except for
signs announcing the future opening of a business while under construction,
which may be erected once a building permit for the location is issued
and which may be allowed to remain in place until construction is
complete or building permits expire. Temporary signs may be made of
less durable material than permanent signs. The fee for temporary
signs shall be as set by resolution of the City Council.
(b)
Temporary Posters or Placards.
Temporary placards or posters, not to exceed 11 inches by 17
inches, advertising or announcing future events at may be placed in
windows up to six weeks prior to the event.
Temporary placards or posters may not be used to identify the
business or the occupants of the premises.
(c)
Temporary Signs in Residential Zones Requirements.
Each residential structure is limited to eight square feet of
signage, except where the structure contains multiple dwelling units,
and then each dwelling unit shall be limited to eight square feet
of signage.
Sign may not obscure operable windows or other egress openings.
Signs shall not be placed in a location to create a hazard for
passing vehicles or pedestrians.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
Signs used for the public notice of churches and service organizations
shall be approved by the Planning Department, subject to the availability
of space. The City Manager shall determine the location of sign groupings
and the same amount of space shall be allocated to each entity.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
One sign indicating the various trades, unions, or contractors
shall be permitted and approved at a construction site. Such sign
shall not exceed six square feet and shall be removed before occupancy
at the completion of work.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
The owner or user of a sign permitted and approved and in use
shall maintain said sign in a neat, attractive condition, and in good
repair.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
"No Trespassing", or "No Dumping" signs shall be exempt for
each separate parcel of property and shall be located in a manner
consistent with this chapter.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
The following standards shall apply to all illuminated signs.
(a)
Sign illumination shall not interfere with the use and enjoyment
of adjacent properties, create a public nuisance, or create public
safety hazards. Exterior light sources shall be shielded from view,
filtered, and/or directed so as to illuminate only the sign face.
(b)
Signs may be internally or externally illuminated. Internal illumination
is permitted only if the sign background is opaque and the only portion
of the sign that appears as illuminated is the actual lettering and/or
a registered trademark or logo. Internally lit signs are only permitted
in the commercial zone, special commercial zone, and resort recreation
zone only in those areas which do not face or front residential zones
within 300 feet.
(c)
All sign lighting shall meet the requirement of the current requirements
of Title 24 California Energy Code.
(d)
All outdoor sign lighting that is ON both day and night shall be
controlled with a dimmer that automatically dims the sign lighting
power to 65% during closed hours.
(e)
The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity of
brightness, or generate disability or discomfort glare on adjacent
properties, hotels, or boats in the harbor that are in a direct line
of sight of the sign.
(f)
Each illuminated sign shall be subject to a thirty-day review period
during which time the Planning Director or designee may determine
that a reduction in illumination is necessary due to glare or shadowing
on surrounding property or the community in general. In addition,
and at any time, the Planning Director or designee may order the dimming
of any illumination found to creating disability or discomfort glare.
(Disability glare is the reduction in visibility caused by intense
light sources in the field of view)
(Discomfort glare is the sensation of annoyance or even pain
induced by overly bright sources)
(g)
Direct lighting of signs may be permitted and approved only if the
light is hidden from the street or prevents disability or discomfort
glare by muting and shielding devices.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
Signs shall not be constructed so as to obstruct any door, window,
or fire escape of any building.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
Nothing contained in this chapter shall prevent the erection,
construction, or maintenance of official traffic, fire, and police
signs, signals, devices and markings of the State Highway Patrol,
Avalon Fire Department, County of Los Angeles Fire Department, County
Sheriff's Department, Avalon Street Department or other competent
public authority.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
The Planning Commission may approve variances in the application
of the provisions of this chapter.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; § 3, Res. 88-45; § 11, Ord. 948- 97, eff. January 1, 1998; § 2,
Res. 97-41; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
A variance may be granted only after proof to the Planning Commission
that the same does not constitute a grant of special privilege, shall
not be inconsistent with the use of surrounding properties in the
immediate location and shall be granted only to overcome practical
difficulties and prevent unnecessary hardship in the application of
the provisions of this chapter.
(a)
The granting of a variance shall not result in material damage or
be detrimental to the public safety and welfare.
(b)
Applications for variances shall be numbered and filed, and shall
become a part of the official City Planning Department files.
(c)
A separate filing fee in an amount set by resolution of the City
Council shall be paid to the Planning Department for each application
for a variance.
(d)
Each variance application shall contain the legal description of
the property involved and its use, in addition to other information
required by this chapter.
[Ord. 672, as amended by
§ 1, Ord. 776, eff. March
18, 1985; Ord. 1161-17, eff. October
5, 2017]
Any decision of the Planning Department and/or the Planning Commission under the provisions of this chapter may be appealed to the City Council in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9-8, Article 6 of this Code.
