Article 6 Sign Regulations

Protect and enhance the City's character and its economic base through the provision of appropriate sign standards and the avoidance of excessive or obtrusive signs on privately owned property;

Limit the size, type and location of signs in order to protect the public safety, health, and welfare; to maintain the quality of community life; to maintain the beauty of the City's natural and architectural features; to ensure that signs do not visually dominate the zone in which they are located; and to provide appropriate standards for achieving the primary intended purpose of identifying the business;

Ensure that signs are in harmony with the building, the neighborhood, and other signs in the area;

Improve pedestrian and traffic safety;

Implement community design standards, consistent with the General Plan and the certified Local Coastal Program;

Promote signs that identify uses and premises without confusion;

Promote the use of signage which creates a high quality visual environment;

Encourage the use of pedestrian-oriented projecting signs, monument signs and flush-mounted signs.

(i)

To protect and provide for public access to and along the shoreline, bike trails and public parklands.

(§ 1, Ord. 2905 c.s., eff. August 5, 2003)

§ 10-5.1802 Criteria.

The size, shape, color, materials, illumination, and placement of the sign shall be compatible to, in scale with, and harmonious with the building with which it will be associated and with the visual character of the area in which it will be located.

The sign shall not, by size, color, or location, interfere with traffic or visibility, or unduly obscure from view or detract from existing signs.

The sign shall not cause needless repetition, redundancy or proliferation of signage.

The location and design of the sign shall not adversely impact surrounding properties or harmfully impact the public health, safety and general welfare.

The sign shall implement community design standards consistent with the General Plan to the extent it is consistent with the certified Local Coastal Program.

The sign shall identify uses and premises without confusion.

The sign shall promote a high quality visual environment.

§ 10-5.1804 Signs exempt from regulations.

Pedestrian-oriented projecting signs, monument signs and flush-mounted signs shall be encouraged.

(§ 1, Ord. 2905 c.s., eff. August 5, 2003)

The following signs and other similar decorative devices shall be exempt from the provisions of this article:

Window signs.

Official and legal notices issued by a court or governmental agency.

The official flag of a government or institution, including the display of the United States flag, the flag of the State of California, or any other county, state or political subdivision.

Construction signs during the period of construction not exceeding a total of 32 square feet. A larger total sign area may be permitted subject to Administrative Design Review for projects on larger sites with a substantial length of street frontage.

One "Garage Sale" temporary sign not exceeding six square feet and located only on the premises upon which the sale is occurring.

One menu board no more than six square feet in conjunction with permitted outdoor dining.

Political signs not exceeding 16 square feet per sign, based upon the holding in Baldwin v. Redwood City, 540 F. 2d 1360.

Real estate signs, provided that:

In residential zones:

The sign must be displayed on a site where one or more dwelling units are being offered for sale, rent or lease, or at another site with the consent of the owner.

No sign shall exceed six square feet, except where more than one unit of a condominium is offered for sale, rent or lease, the signs may be combined in a single supporting structure, and the sign area shall not exceed three square feet per unit offered.

No flags, pennants, or similar devices shall be permitted, except during the hours of an "open house."

In nonresidential zones, there shall be no more than one sign and the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.

(i)

"No parking," "no solicitors," and other similar warning signs of no more than two square feet. "No trespassing" signs on developed properties that are consistent with the applicable underlying Coastal Development Permit.

(j)

Parking entrance and exit signs, other private traffic, or pedestrian directional signs or other informational signs not to exceed 12 square feet in area. Oriented along the street frontage, there shall be no more than one such sign per entrance to the parcel.

(k)

Tenant directory signs near building entrances for use by pedestrians for informational purposes only.

(l)

Service station signs required by law, as follows:

Copy applied to fuel pumps or dispensers such as fuel identification, station logo, and other signs required by law.

Petroleum price signs required to be visible from the street, limited to one sign per street frontage not exceeding 20 square feet per sign. Price signs shall be permanently affixed to a building or canopy, or installed in the ground.

(m)

Holiday decorations.

(n)

Business door nameplates, not exceeding two square feet in area, and containing the name and address of the business only, affixed only to the door of each individual business or immediately adjacent thereto.

(o)

For each residential dwelling unit, one identification sign or commemorative plaque of no more than two square feet and one house number or address of no more than two square feet.

(§ 1, Ord. 2905 c.s., eff. August 5, 2003)

§ 10-5.1806 Sign review required.

Signs subject to Administrative Design Review. No sign shall be constructed, established, placed, or painted on a building, structure, or site, and no existing sign shall be modified except for change of copy or repair, unless such sign has been approved pursuant to the criteria and procedures of Administrative Design Review pursuant to Section 10-5.2500, unless exempt from these regulations pursuant to Section 10-5.1804, or otherwise subject to review pursuant to subsection (b) of this section or Section 10-5.1820 (Temporary signs).

Signs subject to Planning Commission Design Review. The following signs shall be subject to the criteria and procedures for Planning Commission Design Review pursuant to Section 10-5.2502:

A sign or sign program in conjunction with any project requiring discretionary approval by the Planning Commission, except that signs established subsequent to the approval of a sign program by the Planning Commission shall be subject to Administrative Design Review.

A new pole or pylon sign, or change to an existing pole or pylon sign except for change in copy or repair.

A new monument sign, or change to an existing monument sign except for change in copy or repair, where the sign exceeds a height of six feet. Berming incorporated with the placement of the sign shall be included in any height measurement.

A new sign, except for prohibited signs in Section 10-5.1818, which will not meet the sign regulations established in this article.

§ 10-5.1808 Residential zone requirements.

Signs shall be included as part of the underlying Coastal Development Permit addressing new development on the property. If there is no related Coastal Development Permit, any new pole, pylon, or monument signs described in subsection (b) above shall be subject to the Coastal Development Permit procedures described in Article 10 of this chapter.

(§ 1, Ord. 2905 c.s., eff. August 5, 2003)

The following signs are permitted in any residential zone:

One wall sign per street frontage and/or one monument sign per street frontage, totaling no more than 32 square feet, shall be permitted for the following uses:

Multiple-family residential buildings containing four or more dwelling units;

Churches;

Child day care centers;

§ 10-5.1810 Commercial zone requirements.

Schools.

(§ 1, Ord. 2905 c.s., eff. August 5, 2003)

Wall signs.

Front wall signs flush against the face of the building and not projecting more than 16 inches therefrom may be permitted a total sign area not to exceed 15% of the area of the front wall of the building.

Rear wall signs flush against the rear wall of a building and not projecting more than 16 inches therefrom shall only be permitted if the rear wall of the building faces a street, parking area, or pedestrian area and shall not exceed 10% of said rear wall in total sign area.

Side wall signs flush against the side wall of the building and not projecting more than 16 inches therefrom may be permitted a total sign area not to exceed seven and one half (7-1/2%) percent of such side wall, except a total sign area up to 15% of the area of the wall may be permitted where the side wall faces a street.

Mansards. Notwithstanding anything in this article to the contrary, signs may be permitted on mansard roofs, or on architectural features projecting from the wall of the building intended to resemble or imitate a mansard roof, only in cases where it is determined by the Community Development Director that insufficient area is available for other sign solutions. Signs on mansard roofs or on architectural elements resembling mansard roofs shall be subject to the following additional requirements:

For purposes of calculating the maximum sign area, mansard roof signs shall be considered the same as wall signs subject to subsections (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section. The wall area of the building shall be calculated by multiplying the horizontal dimension of the wall by the vertical distance to the top of the lower slope of the mansard roof, or to the top of the parapet of the roof in the case of an architectural element projecting from the wall of the building to resemble a mansard roof. However, any vertical height exceeding 15 feet per story shall not contribute to the calculation of maximum sign area.

Signs on mansard roofs shall be located no higher than a vertically centered position on the steeper lower slope of the roof. In the case of architectural elements resembling a mansard roof, signs shall be located no higher than a vertically centered position on the element, and in no case above the parapet line of the roof.

Use of channel letters is required, except where it is determined that channel letters will be incompatible with the design of the roof or unreadable due to the design of the roof. If channel letters are not feasible, cabinet signs may be permitted, provided the cabinet is fully incorporated into the design of the roof.

In cases where the Community Development Director determines that a mansard roof sign shall not be approved, the applicant may bring the request to the Planning Commission by submitting an application for Planning Commission Design Review pursuant to Section 10-5.2502.

Hanging signs.

Hanging signs shall be a minimum of eight feet vertical distance from the sidewalk grade and at approximately a ninety (90°) degree angle to the face of the building.

The maximum area of such signs shall be determined by the following:

The length of such signs shall not exceed two-thirds of the projecting dimension of the awning, canopy, or parapet overhang.

Such signs shall not exceed two feet in height.

Projecting signs.

Projecting signs shall be a minimum of eight feet vertical distance from the sidewalk grade and shall not project more than three feet over the public right-of-way.

No projecting sign shall extend above the adjacent eave or parapet line of the roof.

The maximum sign area per face shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of building frontage.

Notwithstanding anything in this title to the contrary, projecting signs extending a maximum of three feet above the adjacent eave or parapet line of the roof may be approved subject to Planning Commission Design Review pursuant to Section 10-5.2502 in cases where insufficient area is available for other sign solutions and provided that the sign is architecturally integrated into the design of the building.

Canopy and awning signs.

Signs printed on, painted on, or attached onto a canopy or awning shall not exceed two-thirds of the length of the canopy or awning and shall consist of no more than one line of lettering not exceeding 12 inches in height, and shall be located on the valance of such canopy or awning.

In addition to lettering, an identification emblem, insignia, or other similar feature not exceeding an area of four square feet may be printed on, painted on, or attached onto any other portion of the canopy or awning.

Canopy and awning signs are limited to the ground floor.

Monument signs.

One monument sign per street frontage may be permitted for each of the following uses:

A planned shopping center or office building having three or more stores or offices sharing a common parking area and having a minimum street frontage of 60 feet;

New and used motor vehicle sales;

Hotels and motels;

Restaurants;

Banks;

Car washes;

Service stations;

Warehouse retail uses;

Commercial recreation uses;

Churches;

Single-tenant or multi-tenant industrial sites having a minimum street frontage of 60 feet.

The maximum sign area per face shall not exceed one-half square foot for each linear foot of street frontage. Lots having more than one street frontage shall count each street frontage separately.

The maximum sign area permitted shall not be more than 100 square feet per face for any monument sign. Not more than two sign faces shall be permitted, and such sign faces shall be parallel, with a maximum distance of 18 inches between the faces.

Monument signs shall not exceed 10 feet in height above existing grade, except where otherwise allowed by this article. Berming incorporated with the placement of the sign shall be included in any height measurement.

(5)

Monument signs shall be placed in a landscaped area of not less than the area of one face of such sign.

Pole and pylon signs.

No pole or pylon sign shall be permitted in the following pedestrian-oriented zones: C-2-PD, C-3B, C-3-PD, C-4-PD, MU-3, MU-3B, and MU-3C. Notwithstanding the above, pole and pylon signs may be considered in conjunction with service stations in the MU-3 zone.

No pole or pylon sign shall be permitted in any zone except on a lot or parcel having a minimum street frontage of 60 feet.

A pole or pylon sign may be permitted only in conjunction with the following uses:

A planned shopping center having three or more stores and sharing a common parking area;

New and used motor vehicle sales;

Hotels and motels;

Restaurants;

Warehouse retail uses;

Commercial recreation uses.

No pole or pylon sign face shall exceed a sign area of one square foot for each linear foot of street frontage or 120 square feet, whichever is less.

(5)

No pole or pylon sign shall have more than two sign faces.

(6)

No portion of a pole or pylon sign shall be located closer than 15 feet to an interior property line or extend over the roof of a building.

(7)

Pole or pylon signs shall be placed in a landscaped area of not less than 50 square feet.

Additional signs for service stations. The following additional signs may be permitted in conjunction with automobile service stations (also see Section 10-5.1804 for exempt price signs and fuel pump signs):

Pump island canopy signs. No more than one pump island canopy sign facing each street frontage, the area of which shall not exceed 15% of the canopy facia area facing each street frontage.

Pole and pylon signs. One pole or pylon sign may be permitted in lieu of the allowable monument signage, when such sign is determined to be necessary for visibility from passing vehicles, subject to Planning Commission Design Review (Section 10-5.2502).

The maximum sign area per face shall not exceed one-half square foot for each linear foot of street frontage. Lots having more than one street frontage shall count only the largest frontage for determination of sign area.

§ 10-5.1812 Mixed-use zone requirements.

Drive-through restaurant menu boards. No more than two additional signs shall be permitted for the purpose of displaying the type and price of products sold on site to drive-through customers. Each sign shall not exceed 30 square feet in area and six feet in height.

(§ 1, Ord. 2905 c.s., eff. August 5, 2003, as amended by § 1, Ord. 3107 c.s., eff. February 8, 2013)

Signs in mixed-use zones shall be subject to the following requirements:

Commercial uses. Any project solely developed with commercial uses shall adhere to the requirements applicable to commercial zones.

Residential uses. Any project developed exclusively with residential uses shall adhere to the requirements applicable to residential zones.

Mixed uses. Any project incorporating mixed use development shall be permitted signage in accordance with the requirements applicable to each separate and exclusive use, provided that signs and related lighting are designed and located to avoid conflict with residential uses existing above and behind the commercial frontage.

(§ 1, Ord. 2905 c.s., eff. August 5, 2003)

§ 10-5.1814 Public zone requirements.

In all "P" public and institutional zones, any new sign or change to existing sign, other than a change of copy, that exceeds 30 square feet in area shall be subject to Planning Commission Design Review (Section 10-5.2502). Any new sign or change to existing sign, other than a change of copy, that is 30 square feet or less in area shall be subject to Administrative Design Review (Section 10-5.2500). Any electronic message display sign, regardless of sign area, shall be subject to Planning Commission Design Review or Harbor Commission Design Review, depending on sign location, as outlined in Section 10-5.2512.

Electronic message displays. Electronic message displays may be permitted, subject to Planning Commission or Harbor Commission Design Review (Section 10-5.2502), and provided all of the following standards are met.

The electronic message display shall be on a site having a live performance theater with a seating capacity of not less than 1,000 seats;

The electronic message display shall not be located adjacent to or directed towards any street other than a major arterial as identified in the Master Plan of Streets in the Transportation and Circulation section of the General Plan;

The electronic message display shall be incorporated into a high-quality decorative structure compatible with the architectural design of the building(s) on the site;

The maximum height of the sign structure containing the electronic message display shall be 30 feet above the adjacent sidewalk grade along the street frontage;

(5)

The electronic message display component of the sign structure shall not exceed 120 square feet in area per sign face;

(6)

No more than one electronic message display shall be permitted on a site. The electronic message display may be single-faced or double-faced;

(7)

The electronic message display shall be an electronic LED (Light Emitting Diode) screen;

(8)

The pixel pitch of the LED electronic message display shall be 25.4 mm or less;

(9)

The color of the text in the electronic message display shall have the appearance of white on a black background, except that the use of additional colors may be permitted subject to specific conditions approved pursuant to Planning Commission Design Review or Harbor Commission Design Review;

(10)

The message shall not flash on and off. A message shall remain fixed for a minimum of eight seconds. Fading in or out, or scrolling of text shall be permitted as transitions;

(11)

The electronic message display shall not be operated between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.;

(12)

The electronic message display shall be maintained in good operating condition and external appearance at all times;

(13)

The electronic message display shall not result in unacceptable light intensity and glare impacting surrounding property;

(14)

The Planning Commission or Harbor Commission may impose additional, or more restrictive, requirements as necessary to limit impacts on surrounding property.

(§ 5, Ord. 2899 c.s., eff. March 20, 2003, as amended by § 1, Ord. 2905 c.s., eff. August 5, 2003, § 2, Ord. 2983 c.s., eff. June 11, 2008, and Ord. 3291-25 c.s., eff. April 10, 2025)

§ 10-5.1815 Special District signs.

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to permit the location of off-site directional and/or identification signs for areas recognized by the City as unique districts or neighborhoods. Directional and identification signs for a special district may include the names and logos of businesses and/or a general identification of services and activities, but may not include advertising for specific products. Nothing in this section prohibits the location of such signs by the City within the public right-of-way.

Establishment of special districts. The following areas are established by the City as Special Districts for the purpose of permitting the location of off-site directional and/or identification signs:

The Harbor/Pier area as depicted in Section 10-5.2512 of this title.

Riviera Village as depicted in Section 10-5.1315 of this title.

Criteria for Special District signs. In addition to the criteria in Section 10-5.1802 of this article, the following criteria shall apply to off-site directional and/or identification signs for a Special District.

Signs shall be for the purpose of:

Identifying or providing direction to or within a Special District; and/or

Identifying or providing direction to businesses, services, or activities within a Special District.

Signs shall be located within or in close proximity to the boundary of the Special District.

Monument-type signs should be utilized except where an alternative sign is determined to provide a superior design solution.

A maximum of one electronic message display sign is permitted with Harbor Commission Design Review approval within the Harbor/Pier area along the western side of North Harbor Drive between Portofino Way and North Pacific Avenue subject to the applicable standards in Section 10-5.1814. An additional four static electronic directory signs are permitted within the Harbor/Pier area, and shall have a digital screen no larger than four feet by six feet in size, and are exempt from Harbor Commission Design Review but are still subject to Administrative Design Review.

Planning Commission Design Review required. Off-site directional and/or identification signs for Special Districts shall be subject to Planning Commission Design Review (or Harbor Commission Design Review if the sign is located within the boundaries of the Harbor/Pier area depicted in Section 10-5.2512 of this title).

(§ 1, Ord. 2905 c.s., eff. August 5, 2003, and Ord. 3291-25 c.s., eff. April 10, 2025)

§ 10-5.1816 Nonconforming signs.

Replacement and maintenance. All legal nonconforming signs shall be permitted the change of copy and normal maintenance other than total replacement, and shall be permitted the replacement of the sign when destroyed or partially destroyed due to an involuntary event.

Signs for nonconforming uses in a residential zone. For a legal nonconforming use in a residential zone, any new sign or change to an existing sign, other than a change of copy, that exceeds 30 square feet in area shall be subject to Planning Commission Design Review (Section 10-5.2502). Any new sign or change to an existing sign, other than a change of copy, that is 30 square feet or less in area shall be subject to Administrative Design Review (Section 10-5.2500).

(§ 1, Ord. 2905 c.s., eff. August 5, 2003)

§ 10-5.1818 Prohibited signs.

Signs advertising off-site non-coastal related uses or services shall be prohibited in public beaches and parks;

Signs which restrict public access to State tidelands, public vertical or lateral access easement areas, or which purport to identify the boundary between State tidelands and private property shall not be permitted;

Signs which obstruct or degrade public views to scenic areas from public viewing areas and scenic roads are prohibited;

"A frame" signs;

Any other portable signs, except for permitted menu boards in connection with outdoor dining;

Animated signs, except barber poles and time-temperature signs, and electric message display signs permitted pursuant to Section 10-5.1814 or 10-5.1815.

Any sign which, by color, shape, location or other means endangers public safety by resembling or conflicting with any traffic control sign or device or which due to its dangerous construction, manner of display, or location is determined by the Community Development Director or the City Engineer to be hazardous;

Any sign displaying obscene, indecent, or immoral matter;

(i)

Audible signs, except in connection with drive-up windows;

(j)

Billboards;

(k)

Graffiti. No sign shall contain graphic representations designed to imitate, resemble, duplicate or give the appearance of any symbols, letter styles, plakas or other identifying features of any street gang, or tagging origin;

(l)

Home business signs;

(m)

Roof signs;

(n)

Signs erected without the permission of the owner, or his agent, of the property on which or over which such sign is located;

(o)

Temporary signs, including, but not limited to, balloon signs, banners, flags, and pennants, except as provided in Section 10-5.1820;

(p)

Vehicle signs. No person shall park any vehicle or trailer on public property, or on private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, which vehicle has attached thereto or located thereon any sign or advertising device for the purpose of providing advertisements of products located on the same or nearby property or directing people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property. This subsection is not intended to apply to standard advertising or identification practices where such signs or advertising devices are painted on or permanently attached to a business or commercial vehicle.

(§ 5, Ord. 2899 c.s., eff. March 20, 2003, as amended by § 1, Ord. 2905 c.s., eff. August 5, 2003, § 1, Ord. 3107 c.s., eff. February 8, 2013, and Ord. 3291-25 c.s., eff. April 10, 2025)

§ 10-5.1820 Temporary signs.

In all nonresidential zones, the following temporary signs may be permitted subject to the requirements of this section:

Temporary banners.

A temporary banner permit shall be issued by the Community Development Director upon application of the owner, occupant or tenant of any lot in any nonresidential zone, subject to the following conditions:

Size. No banner shall exceed 60 square feet in area.

Location. Banners shall be securely affixed to the wall of the structure or building, where feasible.

Expiration date. The banner shall have affixed to it a label or mark identifying the expiration date of the permit.

Duration. The owner, and any tenant or occupant, of a lot in any nonresidential zone shall each be entitled to no more than two permits during any calendar year, for a total of not more than 30 days.

Temporary identification. In addition to the limitations of subdivision (d) of Section 10-5.1820(a)(1), any owner, tenant or occupant of a lot not otherwise having a permitted permanent sign shall be entitled to a banner for a period not to exceed 60 days to direct attention to the name of the owner or occupant of the premises upon which the banner is placed, or identifying the premises; or advertising goods manufactured or produced or services rendered on the premises upon which the banner is placed pending the installation of a permanent sign.

Grand openings. In addition to the limitations of subdivisions (d) and (e) of Section 10-5.1820(a)(1), the owner, and any tenant or occupant of a lot shall be permitted a banner, for a period not to exceed 60 days, whose sole purpose is to announce or advertise the initial opening of an establishment, project, business or other enterprise.

Maintenance of banners. All banners must be maintained in good condition and repair. Any banner which is torn, faded, sagging or in disrepair shall be replaced at the request of the Community Development Director.

Authorization for removal. The applicant for a temporary banner permit shall consent to the Community Development Director entering upon the lot or parcel solely for the removal of the temporary banner if it is not promptly removed at the expiration of the permitted period. Such entry and removal shall occur only after not less than 48 hours written notice posted upon the property and left with a manager or other responsible person at the location of the temporary banner.

Deposit. The applicant for any temporary banner permit shall deposit a cash deposit in an amount to be set by resolution of the City Council which shall be forfeit in the event it is necessary for the City to remove the temporary banner under the provisions of subsection (a)(1)(h) of this section.

Revocation. The Community Development Director may revoke a permit granted under this section under the following conditions:

The permit was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation; or

The banner(s) is not maintained pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(g) of this section.

The applicant may appeal the decision by requesting a hearing, either orally or in writing, before the Community Development Director within 48 hours of receiving written Notice of Revocation. The Community Development Director shall hold a hearing in not less than 10 days. Within 48 hours after such hearing the Community Development Director shall mail a written Statement of Decision indicating therein the factual basis for the decision.

The Community Development Director may remove any banner by written notice pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(h) of this section if the Notice of Revocation is not appealed or if, after hearing, the Statement of Decision affirms the Notice of Revocation.

Balloon signs. It shall be unlawful to display any balloon sign, except under the following conditions or circumstances:

Commercial establishments.

No balloon shall exceed 18 inches in diameter and shall not be displayed above a height of 16 feet or the height of the nearest adjacent wall, whichever is lower; and

No balloon sign, or portion thereof, shall extend to, or interfere with, any utility line or wire, or interfere with any pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or extend into or over any roadway or highway.

Outdoor balloon sales. The outdoor sale of balloons on leased portions of any pier or wharf in the City; and

Authorized community events. For authorized community events, which shall include, but not be limited to, athletic events, parades, street fairs, and other civic, cultural, or recreational events. Such signs shall be displayed for a period not to exceed the authorized duration of the event.

Custom decorative flags, banners and pennants. Custom decorative flags, banners, or pennants utilized as an integrated and permanent part of the architectural design of a building or site may be permitted pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 10-5.2500 (Administrative Design Review), and subject to the following criteria:

That the flags, banners or pennants do not contain written material or text, and are not solely for the purpose of calling attention to the premises.

That the flags, banners or pennants contribute to a theme or architectural harmony or architectural integrity of the project, building, structure, or site.

That the flags, banners or pennants do not adversely affect other properties in the neighborhood.

That the applicant has provided, or will provide, adequate written assurance that the flags, banners and pennants will be maintained in good repair and condition.