[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.
(c) 
Sign competition should be avoided if the following effects are produced:
(1) 
Sign clutter; and
(2) 
Obliteration of the architectural pattern of the area.
(d) 
Illumination of signs shall not be so bright as to be blinding or to interfere with a complete view of other signs.
(e) 
Overhanging signs should not be approved whereby the street becomes narrower and more cluttered.
(1) 
Blade signs (perpendicular to the face) shall be limited to eight square feet.
(2) 
Blade signs that encroach over the public right-of-way will require an encroachment permit.
(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:
(a) 
Entrance;
(b) 
Danger;
(c) 
Parking;
(d) 
Restrictions on use of public property.
[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.