This chapter may be known as the Sign Code of the city of Sunnyvale,
California.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2)
The purpose of this chapter is to establish a comprehensive
and balanced system of sign regulation that will facilitate communication
by sign and simultaneously serve public interests, including, but
not limited to, the following:
(a)
Free Speech. To accommodate and encourage the right of free speech
by sign display, while balancing this right against other public interests.
(b)
Public Health and Welfare. To serve the public health, safety, and
welfare through appropriate prohibitions, regulations, and controls
on the design, location, and maintenance of signs.
(c)
General Plan. To implement the sign-related goals, purposes and strategies
of the city's General Plan.
(d)
Regulation System. To establish a comprehensive and reasonable system
for regulating signs integrated within the zoning code.
(e)
Notice. To provide public notice of rights and responsibilities related
to sign display.
(f)
Equal Rights. To ensure that similarly situated persons have equal
rights and responsibilities regarding sign display.
(g)
Community Aesthetics. To serve the aesthetic interests of the city
by minimizing visual clutter that can be caused by excessive signs.
(h)
Visibility. To relate sign area and height to viewing distance and
optical characteristics of the eye.
(i)
Safety. To reduce safety hazards to drivers and pedestrians by minimizing
the view obstruction, distraction, and confusion that can result from
inappropriate or improperly placed signs.
(j)
Structural Integrity. To minimize safety risks by ensuring structural
integrity and proper maintenance of signs.
(k)
Residential Tranquility. To protect the peaceful, quiet, residential
nature of neighborhoods from intrusion or degradation by excessive
commercial signage.
(l)
Compatibility. To ensure that sign structures are physically compatible
with the surrounding area.
(m)
Property Values. To protect and enhance property values by minimizing
signs that contribute to the visual clutter of the streetscape, such
as oversized signs and excessive temporary signage.
(n)
Economic Value. To enhance the economic value of the city and each
area therein by setting reasonable rules regarding sign size, location,
design and illumination.
(o)
Information. To serve the public convenience by providing for directional
and functional information on signs.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2)
(a)
Scope. This chapter regulates signs, as defined herein, which are within the legal corporate limits of the city, but not on city property or in the public right-of-way, or on property owned and/or controlled by other city controlled entities. Signs on city property and the public right-of-way are regulated by Chapter 9.58. This chapter does not regulate signs used in conjunction with parades, demonstrations or public assemblies, which are covered by Chapter 9.45 (Special Event Permits).
(b)
Message Neutrality Policy. It is the policy of the city to regulate
signs in a manner that does not favor commercial speech over noncommercial
speech, and does not regulate protected noncommercial speech by message
content.
(c)
Message Substitution Policy. Subject to the private property owner's
consent, a constitutionally protected non-commercial message of any
category or content may be substituted, in whole or in part, for any
allowed commercial message or any other protected noncommercial message,
provided that the sign structure or mounting device is legal without
consideration of message content. Such substitution of message may
be made without any additional approval or permitting. The purpose
of this provision is to prevent any favoring of commercial speech
over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular protected
noncommercial message over any other protected noncommercial message.
Message substitution is a continuing right which may be exercised
any number of times. The substitution right applies to the sign owner
and to any other message sponsor displaying any image on the sign
with the owner's consent. The message substitution right does not:
(1) create a right to increase the total amount of sign display area
on a site or parcel; (2) create a right to substitute an off-site
commercial message in place of an on-site commercial message or in
place of a non-commercial message; (3) affect the requirement that
a sign structure or mounting device must be properly permitted; (4)
authorize changing the physical method of image presentation (such
as digital or neon) display without a permit; or (5) authorize a physical
change to the sign structure without compliance with applicable building
codes, safety codes, and neutrally-applicable rules for sign size,
height, orientation, setback, separation or illumination.
(d)
Enforcement Authority. The director is authorized and directed to
administer and enforce this chapter.
(e)
Administrative Interpretation. Interpretations of this chapter are
to be made initially by the director in consultation with the city
attorney. The director may refer an interpretation question to the
planning commission. All interpretations of this chapter are to be
exercised in light of the message neutrality and message substitution
policies. Where a particular type of sign is proposed, and the type
is neither expressly allowed nor prohibited by this chapter, or whenever
a sign does not qualify as a "structure" as defined in the building
code, as adopted by the city, then the planning commission or director,
as applicable, shall approve, conditionally approve or disapprove
the application based on the most similar sign type, using physical
and structural similarity, that is expressly regulated by this chapter,
in light of the policies stated in this chapter.
(f)
Responsibility for Compliance. The responsibility for compliance
with this chapter rests jointly and severally upon the sign owner,
the permit holder, all parties holding the present right of possession
and control of the property whereon a sign is located, mounted or
installed, and the legal owner of the lot or parcel, even if the sign
was mounted, installed, erected or displayed without the consent or
knowledge of the owner and/or other parties holding the legal right
to immediate possession and control.
(g)
On-Site—Off-Site Distinction. Within this chapter, the distinction
between on-site signs and off-site signs applies only to commercial
messages. It does not apply to noncommercial messages.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3048-14 § 3)
An establishment whose primary use of a building or property
is for outdoor and indoor display and sale of new or used automobiles,
trucks, vans, motorcycles, trailers or recreational vehicles. The
term does not include establishments for which the sale of vehicles
is an incidental use, such as rental car agencies.
Signs which emit sounds.
A permanent sign structure in a fixed location which meets
any one or more of the following criteria: (A) it is used for the
display of off-site commercial messages; (B) the message display area,
or any part thereof, is made available to message sponsors other than
the owner(s) or operator(s) of the sign, typically for a fee or other
consideration, i.e., general advertising for hire; (C) the sign is
a principal or secondary use of the land, rather than appurtenant
or accessory to some other principal use of the land.
A large-format vinyl or mesh sign that is affixed or adhered
to a building façade and extends across one or more floors
of a multi-story building.
Commercial and office zoning districts are P-F, C-1, C-2,
C-3, C-4, O, ECR-O, and DSP Blocks 1, 2, 3, 20 and 21.
A person or animal attired or decorated with commercial insignia,
images, costumes, masks or symbols, and/or holding signs displaying
commercial messages, when a principal purpose is to draw attention
to or advertise a commercial enterprise. This definition includes
"sign twirlers," "sign clowns," "sign spinners," and "human sandwich
board" signs. Also known as "living signs" and "human signs." "Scarecrow"
like devices, which simulate liv-ing persons or animals, are also
within this definition.
An image or message on a sign which primarily concerns the
commercial or economic interests of the sign sponsor or intended audience,
or which proposes a commercial transaction.
A sign that is displayed on the site of a construction project
during the actual construction.
Any letters, numerals, or symbols displayed on a sign face
to convey a message to the public; the elements of a visual image
which are intended to be communicative.
The height of the tallest number or letter on a sign. For
wall signs mounted on multiple-tenant buildings and not consisting
of individual letters, the copy height is the height of the sign face.
Logos are not included in calculations of copy height.
A non-permanent sign, made of durable fabric, fastened from
the top and bottom to a pole or similar structure on private property
located within thirty feet of the property line adjacent to a public
street.
"Digital display" means display methods utilizing LED (light
emitting diode), LCD (liquid crystal display), plasma display, projected
images, or any functionally equivalent technology, and which is capable
of automated, remote or computer control to change the image, either
in a "slide show" manner (series of still images), or full motion
animation, or any combination of them.
A sign that serves to control traffic, parking or pedestrian
movements on private property, and that is located entirely on the
property to which it pertains.
Director of community development or designee.
That portion of the sign structure which is available or
usable for display of the copy. Also known as "copy area."
See Pre-election period.
A sign using digital display and capable of remote changes
of image. An electronic sign designed for periodically changing messages.
EMCs (also known as programmable electronic, electronic readerboards,
LED, commercial electronic variable message signs, or digital signs)
are those with message elements or sign copy that may be readily changed.
Any legal use of land, other than residential, which may
involve the use of structures subject to the building code. Examples
include a business, private school, place of assembly, or office.
Any change to the letter style, size, color, background,
or message that requires the manufacturing of a new or modified sign
face.
A type of wall sign that is perpendicular to a building wall
or part of a building and has lettering on both sides. Also known
as a projecting or blade sign.
A piece of fabric or other flexible material, usually rectangular,
of distinctive design, used as a symbol.
A sign whose message concerns short-term rummage, estate,
boutique or garage sales of used or handmade common household items
from a residential property.
The area of a gas station in which the fuel pump islands
are located.
The enterprise of advertising or promoting other businesses
or causes using methods of advertising, in contrast to self-promotion
or on-site advertising.
Signs installed by government or public utilities, including
school districts.
Any sign which is self-supporting in a fixed location and
not attached to a building.
A temporary sign made of durable fabric or material that
is stretched taut around the ground sign used while the permanent
ground sign is being renovated or refaced.
Industrial districts are M-S, M-3 and the Moffett Park Districts.
A sign that displays functional information, such as open
and close times, credit cards honored, locations of restrooms, etc.,
but which is not displayed for purposes of commercial advertising
or debate on topics of public concern.
An object that is used for attention-getting or advertising
purposes, inflated with air that exceeds fourteen inches in any dimension.
A distinctive graphic symbol identifying a use, product or
company. Logos may include lettering.
A tool to integrate the design and placement of signs within
a project with the overall development design to achieve a more unified
appearance.
Any sign that rotates, changes, or has other visible mechanical
movement, not including electronic message centers.
Mixed use districts are DSP Blocks 1a and 20, any property
with a MU (mixed use) combin-ing district and all mixed use specific
plans.
A constitutionally protected message that addresses topics
of public concern, debate or controversy such as, by way of example
and not limitation, politics, religion, philosophy, science, art or
social commentary.
See Commercial and office districts.
A sign that is located on the same premises as the establishment
advertised on the sign.
A sign which by its physical nature is designed for and suitable
for display longer than ninety days; the term includes all signs which
qualify as a "structure" in the building code.
Any sign not attached to the ground or to a building, such
as "A-frame" or "sandwich board" signs as well as any sign that is
easily moved.
That period of time which begins ninety days before, and
ends ten days after any primary, general or special election in which
voters in Sunnyvale may vote.
A sign that allows for the message to be changed by manual
means, such as channel lettering or adhesive lettering.
A sign whose message concerns a proposed transaction, such
as sale, lease, or exchange, of real property. Signs on establishments
offering transient occupancy, such as hotels, motels, inns and bed
and breakfast places, indicating name, vacancies, rates and policies,
are not within this definition. All signs described in California
Civil Code 713 are within this definition.
Any property zoned ECR-C, commercial tenant spaces in ECR-MU,
or in DSP Block 1a, 18 or 22.
Residential districts are R-0, R-1, R-1.5, R-1.7/PD, R-2,
R-3, ECR-R3, R-4, ECR-R4, R-5, R-MH, residential uses in ECR-MU, and
DSP blocks 4, 5, 6, 7, 8a, 8b, 9, 9a, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,
17 and 23.
A sign used to identify a residential person, family, or
a home-based business (home occupation).
Any structure, object, visual device or advertising artwork
used for the purpose of communicating a message or identifying or
attracting attention to a premises, product, service, person, organization,
business or event. The above definition does not include the following:
Holiday and cultural observance decorations displayed in season,
including inflatable objects which do not include commercial messages;
Inflatable gymnasiums associated with legal residential uses:
inflatable, temporary, moveable, gymnasium devices commonly used for
children's birthday parties, and similar devices (also called "party
jumps" or "bounce houses");
Interior graphics: visual communicative devices that are located
entirely within a building or other enclosed structure and are not
visible from the exterior thereof;
Manufacturers' marks: marks on tangible products, which identify
the maker, seller, provider or product, and which customarily remain
attached to the product even after sale;
Symbols embedded in architecture: symbols of noncommercial organizations
or concepts, including, but not limited to, religious or political
symbols, when such are permanently integrated into the structure of
a permanent build-ing which is otherwise legal; by way of example
and not limitation, such symbols include stained glass windows on
churches, carved or bas relief doors or walls, bells and religious
statuary.
That portion of a sign containing sign copy, which constitutes
a single plane, which is intended to be visible from a single vantage
point.
A non-permanent sign such as a banner, portable sign, balloon,
inflatable object or ground sign that is constructed of lightweight
or flimsy materials, which is easily installed and removed using ordinary
handtools and which is not intended for permanent or long-term use.
Any sign that qualifies as a "structure" under the building code is
not a temporary sign.
The width of a tenant space, measured in lineal feet on a
building elevation, occupied by the use to be identified. Tenant frontage
includes the wall with the primary entrance as well as the wall directly
facing a public street. See Figure 19.44.040 (Tenant Frontage) for
further demonstration.
Signs whose principal function is to advise drivers and pedestrians
of traffic rules (such as Stop signs or Speed Limit signs) or provide
directional information.
A permanent sign that is attached to the exterior of a wall,
including fin signs, awnings or canopies. Under-canopy signs are not
within this definition.
A sign that warns of danger, such as "no trespassing" or
"beware of dog" or "danger high voltage."
A visually communicative image that is applied or attached
to the interior of a window, or painted on or attached to the exterior
or interior of a window.
A sign with physical motion that is activated by wind or
forced air.
A sign suspended below a fascia, canopy or awning in a manner
that is perpendicular to the building and oriented to pedestrians.
 Figure 19.44.040 Tenant Frontage
|
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3048-14 § 4; Ord. 3194-22 § 10)
The following signs are allowed without a sign permit and do
not count toward the otherwise applicable limit on sign display area
or size, so long as they meet the stated requirements:
(a)
Address numbers on a building.
(b)
Government signs.
(c)
Warning signs.
(d)
Window Signs. Window signs limited to twenty-five percent of the
total window area per façade, per tenant space.
(e)
Residential Open House Signs. A residential open house directional sign may be placed on private property without a permit, provided that sign is not placed on a traffic median, sidewalk, bicycle lane or other travel way or path. The sign is limited to three and one-half feet in height as measured from the ground immediately adjacent to the sign, and four square feet in area. The sign may only be displayed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the same day of the open house. Open house directional signs may be placed in the public right-of-way only as authorized by Section 9.58.080.
(f)
Real Estate Signs on Private Property. A lease, sale or construction
sign that consists of a banner or a temporary ground sign, and meets
all of the following criteria:
(1)
One sign per street frontage;
(2)
A ground sign shall not exceed forty square feet per sign face, with
eighty square feet total;
(3)
The maximum ground sign height is ten feet;
(4)
The sign is not located in the public right-of-way;
(5)
Any banner shall be limited to sixty square feet and must be stretched
taut and secured against the building, fence or wall and not attached
to landscaping; and
(6)
Sign must be removed within ten days after the property is no longer
for lease or sale or within sixty days after the issuance of certificate
of occupancy of the last building within a development.
(g)
Directory Signs for Multifamily Uses. Directory signs within a multifamily
residential use are not counted toward allowable sign area and may
be installed without a permit provided the sign meets all of the following
requirements:
(h)
Information Signs. Information signs shall not exceed sixteen square
feet sign area.
(i)
Flags Displaying Noncommercial Images or Messages. Limited to three
per property. Examples of noncommercial flags include the American
flag or state of California flag. The top of the flag must not exceed
twenty feet in residential zoning districts, as measured from the
ground. Flag height is limited to thirty feet in all other zoning
districts. Flag poles are included in the total height restriction.
The maximum lateral dimension of the flag is limited to twenty-five
percent of the height of the pole or other structure to which it is
affixed.
(j)
Directional signs may be installed without a sign permit provided
the sign meets all of the following requirements:
(k)
Residential Name Plate. Each separate residential dwelling unit,
whether in attached multifamily, detached single-family, town home,
condominium, or apartment, is allowed a residential name plate placed
at the home entrance or along the front wall of a residential use,
limited to two square feet in area.
(l)
Traffic Signs. Shall be located on the property to which it pertains,
shall not exceed four feet in area, and shall not exceed five feet
in height as measured from the ground immediately adjacent to the
sign.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3048-14 § 5)
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
(a)
Moving signs.
(b)
Commercial mascots.
(c)
Wind activated signs.
(d)
Audible signs, not including signs at establishments offering drive-up
or walk-up service.
(e)
Billboards.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2)
Unless exempted from the permit requirement, all signs regulated
by this chapter may be installed, maintained, erected, or displayed
only pursuant to a sign permit issued pursuant to chapter, using the
design criteria identified in this chapter and other applicable regulations.
The sign owner, message sponsor, and property owner must satisfy all
other applicable permit and planning approval requirements, even if
the sign is exempt from the sign permit requirement.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3048-14 § 6)
A building permit as required by Title 16 may be required for
freestanding signs and flag poles qualifying as structures under the
building code, any signs permanently mounted or fastened to a building,
or any sign that requires an electrical connection for illumination.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3048-14 § 7)
A sign initially approved and for which a sign permit is issued
shall not thereafter be modified, altered or replaced, nor shall any
design elements of any building or lot upon which such sign is maintained
be modified, altered or replaced if the physical design elements constituted
a basis for the sign approval, without an amended or new permit first
being obtained pursuant to this chapter. If the original permit did
not contain physical design elements, and only the copy or graphic
design on the display face is changed, a new or amended permit is
not required. If the physical structure of a permitted sign is changed,
whether by repair, alteration, expansion, change in electrical supply,
change in physical method of image presentation, change in dimension
or weight, or similar factors, then a new permit or amendment to the
existing permit is required.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3048-14 § 8)
An application for a sign permit shall be made in writing on
a form prescribed by the director and shall be accompanied by the
required fee, in an amount established by city council resolution
from time to time. The applicant shall submit plans, drawings and
other supporting data as determined necessary by the director. The
director shall prepare a sign permit application form and provide
it to any person on request, along with such other materials and information
as applicants need to submit for a permit. The same form may be used
for both the application and the decision thereon. A single form may
be used for multiple signs on the same site; however, the director
may make separate decisions as to each sign.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2)
(a)
All sign permit applications shall be initially reviewed by the director
as a ministerial matter. Whenever any sign permit, variance, conditional
use permit, specific plan, site development plan, planned development
approval, master sign program or other sign-related decision is made
by any exercise of official discretion, such discretion shall be exercised
only as to location, structural, and safety factors, and not as to
message content. The director may refer signs or Master Sign Programs
to the planning commission for review and approval.
(b)
Conditional Approval. A sign permit application may be approved subject
to conditions, so long as the purpose of the conditions is to satisfy
requirements of this chapter or some other applicable law, rule, regulation
or policy.
(c)
Inspections. All signs subject to a building permit require final
inspection and approval by the building division.
(d)
Permit Denials. All sign permit denials shall be in writing, state
the grounds for denial, and be sent or delivered to the address shown
on the application.
(e)
Time Limits. Signs subject to approval at the staff level shall be
reviewed and acted upon within thirty calendar days. For projects
requiring planning commission or city council review, the application
will be scheduled for the next available agenda that provides adequate
time for report preparation and noticing, but in any event within
sixty calendar days. The time period for decision begins running when
the application is deemed complete. The timely decision requirement
may be waived by the applicant. If a written decision is not rendered
within the required time, then the application shall be deemed denied.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3048-14 § 9)
(a)
Completeness. The director shall determine if the application contains
all the required information. If the application is not complete,
the applicant shall be so notified in person or in writing initially
within thirty calendar days of the date of receipt of the application;
the notice shall state the points of incompleteness and identify any
additional information necessary. The applicant shall then have one
opportunity, within thirty calendar days, to submit additional information
to render the application complete; failure to do so within the thirty-calendar
day period shall render the application void.
(b)
Disqualification. No sign permit application will be approved under
any of the following circumstances:
(1)
Uncured Violation of Sign Rules. No sign permit will be approved
if the applicant has installed a sign in violation of the provisions
of this chapter and, at the time of submission of the application,
each illegal sign has not been legalized, removed or a cure included
in the application.
(2)
Other Code Violations. No sign permit will be approved if there is
any other existing zoning code violation(s) located on the site of
the proposed sign(s) (other than an illegal or nonconforming sign
that is not owned or controlled by the applicant and is located at
a different business location on the site from that for which the
approval is sought) which has not been cured at the time of the application,
unless the noncompliance is proposed to be cured as part of the proposed
new sign.
(3)
Previous Denial. No sign permit will be approved if the sign approval
application is substantially the same as an application previously
denied, unless either twelve months have elapsed since the date of
the last application, or the applicant provides new evidence or proof
of materially changed conditions, or the reasons for the earlier denial
have been cured or will be cured as part of the new application.
(4)
Failure to Obtain Zoning Permits. No sign permit will be approved
if the applicant has not obtained any other applicable required zoning
permits.
(5)
Outstanding Unpaid Balance. No sign permit will be approved if the
applicant has an outstanding unpaid balance for prior community development
department services.
(c)
Applications for Multiple Signs. When an application proposes two
or more signs, the application may be granted either in whole or in
part, with separate decisions as to each proposed sign. When a multiple
sign application is denied in whole or in part, the director's written
notice of determination shall specify the grounds for such denial.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2)
(a)
The director may revoke any approval or permit upon refusal or failure
of the permittee to comply with the provisions of the permit and the
requirements of this chapter after written notice of noncompliance
and at least fifteen calendar days opportunity to cure. The notice
and opportunity to cure does not apply when a sign, by virtue of its
physical condition, constitutes an immediate and significant threat
to public safety.
(b)
Permits Issued in Error. Any approval or permit issued in error may
be summarily revoked by the city upon written notice, to the permittee,
stating the reason for the revocation. "Issued in error" means that
the permit should not have been issued in the first place, and includes,
but is not limited to, material misrepresentations or omissions in
the application materials, and oversights or errors in the processing
thereof.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2)
(a)
Any action of the director regarding signs may be appealed to the planning commission, whose decision shall be final, pursuant to the procedures contained in Chapter 19.98 (General Procedures).
(b)
Stay of Proceedings. The request for appeal shall automatically stay
the proceedings until a final decision is rendered on the action,
permit or determination being appealed, except whenever a sign, by
virtue of its physical condition, constitutes an immediate and significant
threat to public safety.
(c)
Judicial Review. Following final decision by the planning commission,
any affected person may seek judicial review of the final decision
on a sign permit application pursuant to the applicable provisions
of the California Code of Civil Procedure. Judicial review must be
filed with the time limits specified by the applicable provisions
of California law.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3050-14 § 1)
The following requirements apply to all signs. Adjustments to specific requirements may be granted in accordance with Section 19.44.230 (Exceptions to sign standards).
(a)
Number of Signs. The number and size of permanent and temporary signs allowed are described in Section 19.44.160 (Permanent signs in nonresidential zoning districts), Section 19.44.170 (Permanent signs in residential zoning districts), and Section 19.44.050 (Signs exempt from sign permit requirements).
(b)
Application of Requirements Governed by Use of Property. Legal residential
uses in nonresidential zoning districts shall be governed by the provisions
of this chapter that apply to residential zoning districts. Legal
nonresidential uses in residential zoning districts (other than home
occupations) shall be governed by the provisions of this chapter that
apply to nonresidential zoning districts. In the case of mixed-use
parcels where both residential and nonresidential uses are allowed,
the residential uses shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter
that apply to residential zoning districts, and the nonresidential
uses shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter that apply
to nonresidential zoning districts.
(c)
Location. All signs are subject to the following location requirements.
In addition to the general requirements listed below, details about
allowable locations for individual permanent or temporary signs are
described in their respective sections.
(1)
On-Site. All signs used to display commercial messages must identify or advertise an on-site establishment. Billboards and all other signs advertising off-site commercial messages are prohibited. Commercial establishments with no street frontage may request approval of a sign on immediately adjacent property (with the property owner's permission) near the driveway leading to the establishment, which shall be reviewed in accordance with Section 19.44.230. Such a sign shall be considered on-site for purposes of this section. Within this chapter, the distinction between on-site signs and off-site signs applies only to commercial messages.
(2)
If both residential and nonresidential uses are allowed or in place,
then the residential portion of the development is subject to the
requirements for residential uses, and the nonresidential portion
is subject to the requirements for the most restrictive abutting nonresidential
zoning district.
(3)
No Encroachment. Signs must be placed on private property and must not overhang the public right-of-way or sidewalk, except as authorized by Section 9.58.100.
(4)
Clearance from Sidewalk and Property Line. The minimum horizontal
clearance between any part of the sign structure and the property
line shall be one foot. For ground and fin signs over sidewalks and
driveways, the minimum clearance between the lowest point of the sign
and grade immediately below must be eight feet for pedestrian areas
and fifteen feet for vehicular clearance.
(5)
Safety. All signs must meet the following requirements:
(C)
Any sign that presents a substantial risk to public safety by virtue
of its physical condition is subject to an order to repair, remediate,
or remove. In the case of a sign that presents imminent danger to
public safety may be summarily removed by the city. The actual cost
of removal may be recovered by the city, provided that the sign owner
is given opportunity to challenge whether the removal was necessary
and the amount of the cost recovery.
(d)
Sign Area. Sign area is the nearest of any two of rectangle, circle
or triangle shapes that enclose all the visually communicative sign
elements, including the logo, but not counting non-communicative aspects
of the support structure, see Figure 19.44.150 (Sign Area).
 Figure 19.44.150 Sign Area
|
(e)
Logos. Logos may be detached from other sign copy and are counted
towards sign area but shall not be included in calculations of copy
height.
(f)
Sign Type Requirements.
(1)
Wall Signs.
(A)
Area. Wall sign allowances may be split into separate signs on the
building, provided the minimum and maximum copy height are met and
the total amount of signage on the building does not exceed the total
allowed. Wall sign area is limited to a minimum of twenty-five square
feet regardless of building frontage.
(B)
Fin Signs. Fin signs must not project more than four feet from the
face of the building and must meet minimum clearance as specified
in subsection (c)(4) (Clearance from sidewalk and property line).
(C)
Location. Wall signs may be placed on any face of the building, except
wall signs on side or rear elevations within one hundred fifty feet
from any residential zoning district may be illuminated only from
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Wall signs may also be located on the side
of a building perpendicular to the street. Wall signs must be located
on the same story as the primary entrance, except multi-story wall
signs shall be placed only on the top floor. In no case may the sign
extend above the top of a roof structure or be mounted on a roof equipment
screen or penthouse.
(2)
Awning and Canopy Signs. Awning and canopy signs may be attached
to or painted on the vertical edges of awnings, canopies, arcades,
or similar features or structures in nonresidential and multifamily
residential zones in accordance with the following standards:
(3)
Under-Canopy Signs. Where allowed, under-canopy signs must meet the
requirements of subsection (c)(4) (Clearance from sidewalk and property
line).
(4)
Ground Signs.
(A)
Shape and Location. Ground signs must be set back at least one foot
from the public right-of-way and any property line. Ground signs are
limited to two display faces. Signs in the shape of a "V" or "X" are
prohibited.
(B)
Address Numbers. All new ground signs must have address numbers of
a minimum of six inches and maximum of two feet in height. Address
numbers on a ground sign must be located between two to fifteen feet
from the ground.
(5)
Flags. A flag with a commercial image is permitted only in commercial
and industrial zoning districts or in conjunction with a multifamily
residential use.
(A)
Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts. In commercial and industrial
zoning districts, up to three commercial flags are allowed per property
with a maximum cumulative area of all flags not to exceed sixty square
feet and a maximum height of thirty feet in height, as measured from
the ground level and including the pole. Maximum lateral dimension
of the flag is twenty-five percent of the total height of the pole
or structure.
(B)
Multifamily Uses. For multifamily uses, up to four flags with commercial
images are allowed. The maximum flag size is fifteen square feet and
the maximum height is twenty feet, as measured from the ground and
including the pole. Maximum lateral dimension is twenty-five percent
of the total height of the pole or structure.
(g)
Materials. All signs must be constructed of wood, rigid plastic,
metal, or other permanent material, with the exception of flags, banners,
pennants, balloons, and large inflatable objects.
(h)
Master Sign Programs. Master Sign Programs are required for properties with six or more establishments in accordance with Section 19.44.220 (Master Sign Programs).
(i)
Illumination. Permanent signs may be illuminated with continuous
lighting, and can include neon tube lighting, external and internal
lighting. No sign shall be illuminated so that the bulb or other primary
source of the light is visible beyond the property line or in any
way will cause excessive glare or brightness. Wall signs on side or
rear elevations within one hundred fifty feet from any residential
zoning district may be illuminated only from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 pm.
The city reserves the right to require and/or complete a post-installation
inspection of the sign illumination. If, as a result of this inspection,
it is determined that the illumination is so bright as to adversely
impact adjacent properties or uses, the city may require shielding
or a reduction and/or adjustment in the intensity of the sign illumination,
so that it is in keep-ing with the general level of illumination on
surrounding properties. Such intensity restriction may vary by time
of day and ambient light conditions. Illuminated signs located adjacent
to any residential area shall be shielded to direct light downward
and away from adjacent properties such that there is no spillover
light and shall be controlled by a rheostat or functional equivalent
to avoid excessive glare to residential properties.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3042-14 § 1; Ord. 3048-14 § 10)
(a)
Standards. All signs in nonresidential districts are subject to the
standards in this section, except that residential uses in nonresidential
zoning districts must comply with standards for signs in residential
zoning districts.
(b)
Permit Required. A sign permit is required for installation, replacement,
or a face change of the signs listed in Tables 19.44.160(a) and (b).
Signs conforming to a previously approved Master Sign Program do not
require a separate planning permit. Multi-tenant properties with six
or more establishments must obtain a Master Sign Program permit.
(c)
Specialized Sign Requirements.
(1)
Electronic Message Centers. Electronic message centers may be substituted for a wall sign or a ground sign in the ECR-C zoning district and in Block 18 of the Downtown Specific Plan. See Section 19.44.200 (Electronic message center (EMC) restrictions) for requirements. In all other locations, electronic message centers are prohibited.
(2)
Freeway Adjacent Establishments. Establishments that provide food,
lodging and/or fuel to freeway users are permitted to display signage
subject to the rules in this subsection. The establishment must be
located adjacent to qualifying freeway, freeway frontage road or freeway
overpass. Qualifying roads are U.S. Highway 101 and State Highways
85 and 237 only. The following requirements apply to height and area
of the display face; all other copy height and other restrictions
apply:
(A)
Location. Signs must be located along freeway, frontage road or freeway
off-ramp frontage parallel to the freeway.
(B)
Ground Signs. Freeway establishments are allowed ground signs of
up to thirty feet in height and up to one hundred square feet per
sign face, or two hundred square feet for both sides.
(C)
Wall Signs. Wall signs on the tenant frontage parallel to the freeway
are allowed an additional one hundred fifty square feet beyond the
standard wall sign area allowance.
(3)
Gas Station Signs. The following sign types are permitted for gas
stations, subject to the applicable requirements:
(A)
Wall or Canopy Mounted Gas Station Signs. All wall or canopy signs
shall be counted towards maximum wall signage.
(B)
Fuel Price Signs. Fuel price signs, as required by state law, Business
and Professions Code Section 13532 et seq., shall be limited in size
to the minimum necessary to satisfy state law and are not counted
toward allowable sign area.
(C)
Pump Island Signs. Messages on pumps and pump islands do not count
toward total allowable sign area, but may not be used for general
advertising for hire, and each sign area is limited to four square
feet.
(4)
Readerboard Signs. Readerboard signs are allowed only in conjunction
with places of assembly and theater uses and shall be included in
calculations of the area and height of signs, and shall conform to
those regulations.
|
Table 19.44.160(a)
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sign Requirements for Commercial, Office and Public-Facility
Zoning Districts
| |||||
|
Type
|
Number
|
Maximum Area
|
Copy Height
|
Sign Height
|
Special Requirements
|
|
Wall
|
No limit
|
0.66 sq. ft. of sign for every one lineal foot of building frontage.
200 sq. ft. maximum sign area.
|
6 in. minimum 48 in. maximum
|
Cannot extend above the top of the building.
|
Multiple wall signs cannot exceed maximum wall sign area. Fin
signs are calculated towards overall wall sign area. Buildings over
100 feet tall may have a maximum copy height of 60 in.
|
|
Ground
|
One per street frontage, two if lot is wider than 300 ft.
|
60 sq. ft. per side 120 sq. ft. on both sides.
|
6 in. minimum 48 in. maximum
|
10 ft. high maximum as measured from top of nearest curb.
|
None
|
|
Under-
canopy
|
One per entrance
|
5 sq. ft. per side, 10 sq. ft. on both sides.
|
No limit
|
Lower edge must be at least 8 ft. above walkway.
|
None
|
|
Table 19.44.160(b)
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sign Requirements for Regional Retail Business and Industrial
Zoning Districts
| |||||
|
Type
|
Number
|
Maximum Area
|
Copy Height
|
Sign Height
|
Special Requirements
|
|
Wall
|
No limit
|
1 sq. ft. of sign for every one lineal foot of building frontage.
300 sq. ft. maximum sign area.
|
6 in. minimum 48 in. maximum
|
Cannot extend above the top of the building.
|
Multiple wall signs cannot exceed maximum wall sign area. Fin
signs are calculated towards overall wall sign area.
In addition to the sign area on the ground floor, theaters located
on the second floor are also permitted 1 sq. ft. of sign area for
every 1 lineal foot of building frontage, with 500 sq. ft. maximum
combined sign area per building frontage.
|
|
Ground
|
One per street frontage, two if lot is wider than 300 ft.
|
70 sq. ft. per side, 140 sq. ft. on both sides.
|
6 in. minimum 48 in. maximum
|
25 ft. high maximum as measured from top of nearest curb.
|
None
|
|
Under-
canopy
|
One per entrance
|
5 sq. ft. per side, 10 sq. ft. on both sides.
|
No limit
|
Lower edge must be at least 8 ft. above walkway.
|
None
|
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3048-14 § 11; Ord. 3141-19 § 1; Ord. 3194-22 § 11)
The requirements of this section apply to all uses in residential
zoning districts and all legal residential uses in other districts.
(a)
Standards. Table 19.44.170 applies to permitted nonresidential uses
and multifamily residential uses in residential zoning districts.
(b)
Permit Required. A sign permit is required for installation, replacement,
or a face change of the signs listed below.
(c)
Residential Project Identification Signs. Signs identifying a residential
project shall follow ground sign regulations shown in Table 19.44.170,
and are limited to one per street frontage.
|
Table 19.44.170
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Signs for Nonresidential Uses and Multifamily Residential Uses
in Residential Zoning Districts
| |||||
|
Type
|
Number
|
Maximum Area
|
Copy Height
|
Sign Height
|
Special Requirements
|
|
Wall
|
No limit
|
0.33 sq. ft. of sign for every one lineal foot of building frontage.
75 sq. ft. maximum sign area.
|
6 in. minimum 24 in. maximum
|
Cannot extend above the top of the building.
|
Multiple wall signs cannot exceed maximum wall sign area.
|
|
Ground
|
One per street frontage, two if lot is wider than 300 ft.
|
32 sq. ft. per side, 64 sq. ft. on both sides.
|
6 in. minimum 24 in. maximum
|
5 ft. high maximum as measured from nearest top of curb.
|
None
|
|
Under-canopy
|
One per entrance
|
5 sq. ft. per side, 10 sq. ft. on both sides.
|
No limit
|
Lower edge must be at least 8 ft. above walkway.
|
None
|
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3048-14 § 12)
The following regulations apply to temporary signs in nonresidential zoning districts, except as qualified by Section 19.44.150(b). Display time for temporary signs is limited to a total of one hundred twenty days in a calendar year, unless otherwise specified in this code.
(a)
Signs that Require a Permit. A sign permit is required for installation
of temporary signs listed below:
(1)
Banners, Pennants and Ribbons. One banner or a collection of pennants
or ribbons are each considered one temporary sign. Two such signs
per tenant are allowed at one time, except for shopping centers with
two or more tenants may have up to four signs on a property at one
time.
(2)
Large Inflatable Objects. No more than one large inflatable object
is allowed on site at a time. If ground mounted, large inflatable
objects shall not exceed ten feet in height. If roof mounted, such
signs shall not exceed ten feet above building height. May not be
located within required parking areas, landscaping or walkway areas.
Display time: a maximum of ten days in a calendar year.
(3)
Ground Sign Sleeve. Ground sign sleeves must be made of durable fabric,
and not increase the size of the ground sign or obscure the address
numbers. Ground sign sleeves are allowed for up to ninety days or
until the permanent sign is installed, whichever is less.
(4)
Building Wrap. Building wrap signs are allowed only in commercial
buildings of five stories or greater in Block 18 of the Downtown Specific
Plan District. The building wrap sign is limited to three floors of
the building and cannot include any movement or animation. Display
time for building wrap signs is limited to a maximum of one hundred
twenty days in a calendar year.
(b)
Signs that Do Not Require a Permit. The following types of temporary
signs are allowed without a permit.
(2)
Balloons for Commercial Uses. Balloons that do not exceed fourteen
inches in any dimension are limited to ten feet above the ground and
shall not extend over the public sidewalk or roadway. If balloon exceeds
fourteen inches in any dimension, it is considered a large inflatable
object.
(3)
Portable Signs. Portable signs of up to eight square feet in area
are allowed with the following restrictions:
(A)
The sign is oriented to on-site vehicles and pedestrians;
(B)
Only one portable sign is permitted per tenant space;
(C)
Portable signs cannot exceed three and one-half feet in height measured
from the ground immediately adjacent to the sign;
(D)
Portable signs must be placed with a minimum three feet of clearance
for pedestrian travel;
(E)
Portable signs are prohibited in landscaping or parking areas;
(F)
Portable signs shall only be displayed when the establishment is
open;
(G)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, portable non-commercial
signs may be placed in landscaped areas of nonresidential property
during the pre-election period (ninety days prior to an election and
ten days after an election) with the permission of the person who
owns or controls the property. Such signs may be displayed whether
the establishment is open or closed. Signs shall not be placed in
the public right-of-way or on any parkway strip, traffic median, sidewalk,
bicycle lane or other travel way or path, or attached to any tree,
utility pole, light pole, fire hydrant, utility box, or traffic control
device.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3042-14 § 2; Ord. 3048-14 § 13)
The following requirements apply to temporary signs in residential zoning districts, except as qualified by Section 19.44.150(b). No permit is required for temporary signs that meet all of the following standards:
(a)
Noncommercial Message. The sign does not display a commercial message.
(b)
Sign Area. The total of all temporary signs on a single premises
shall not exceed sixteen square feet in total sign area, except that
during the pre-election period (ninety days prior to an election and
ten days after an election), the total area of all signs shall not
exceed thirty-two feet in area. These limitations on total sign area
do not apply to window signs.
(c)
Sign Height. Signs shall not project above any wall, fence, or other
structure to which the sign is affixed. Temporary ground signs and
portable signs shall not exceed three and one-half feet in height
measured from the ground immediately adjacent to the sign.
(d)
Location. Signs shall not be placed on trees or in walkways, driveways, or other areas of the property used for vehicular or pedestrian travel. Temporary ground signs and portable signs may not be placed in the public right-of-way except as authorized by Section 9.58.090.
(e)
Permission of Owner. Signs shall not be placed in any location without the permission of the owner or occupant of the property. In the case of signs that are allowed in the public right-of-way pursuant to Chapter 9.58, signs shall not be placed without the permission of the owner or occupant of the contiguous and adjacent private parcel.
(f)
Flags displaying noncommercial messages do not count toward the total
sign area for temporary signs as long as the total area of each flag
does not exceed sixteen square feet.
(g)
Flags displaying commercial messages are prohibited in residential
zones except for multifamily uses. For multi-family uses, up to four
flags with commercial messages are allowed. The maximum flag size
is fifteen square feet and the maximum height is twenty feet, as measured
from the ground and including the pole. Maximum lateral dimension
is twenty-five percent of the total height of the pole or structure.
(h)
Places of Assembly. Churches, community centers, and other places
of assembly located on residentially-zoned property are not subject
to this section. Places of assembly are subject to the regulations
applicable to signs in commercial zoning districts.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3042-14 § 3; Ord. 3048-14 § 14)
Where allowed, EMC sign elements shall be designed as a part
of and fully integrated with the architectural design of any other
sign permitted on the same parcel of land. EMC signs shall conform
to the following:
(a)
Permitted Zoning District. EMC signs are permitted only in the regional
retail areas.
(b)
Permitted by Use. Places of assembly and theaters may establish a
separate EMC sign in addition to any primary signs allowed in the
applicable zone district.
(c)
Calculation Towards Sign Area. EMC signs are counted towards sign
area limitations of the subject zoning district. If the EMC is a ground
sign, no other ground sign is allowed in that location. If the EMC
is located on a building, it shall count towards the maximum building
sign allowance. If the EMC is located in a window, it shall count
towards the maximum window coverage.
(d)
Sign Area. An EMC wall sign shall not exceed one hundred square feet
sign area, and an EMC ground sign shall not exceed fifty square feet
sign area per side.
(e)
Sign Height. EMC sign height shall not exceed ten feet high as measured
from top of nearest curb.
(f)
Location.
(1)
Safety. EMCs shall be located in a manner that the director determines
based on reasonable evidence will not adversely interfere with the
visibility or functioning of traffic signals and traffic signage,
taking into consideration the physical elements of the sign and the
surrounding area, such as information analyzing physical obstruction
issues, line of sight issues, brightness issues and visual obstruction
or impairment issues, but not including the message content on the
sign.
(2)
Distance from Residential Zoning Districts. EMCs must be one hundred
fifty feet or more from the nearest residential zoning district on
the same street as the sign, and an EMC shall not face a residential
use on an abutting property.
(g)
Message Requirements.
(1)
On-Site. EMCs may display noncommercial messages or messages advertising
on-site establishments. Messages displaying off-site commercial messages
are prohibited.
(2)
Duration. Sign messages shall have a minimum hold time of two minutes.
EMCs are allowed to be illuminated between the hours of 7:00 a.m.
and 10:00 p.m. and only while businesses are open.
(3)
Illumination. Illumination shall not exceed 0.3 footcandles over
ambient lighting when measured at the following distances based on
sign area. For signs with an area other than those listed, the measurement
distance may be calculated using: Distance= Square root of sign area
(sq. ft. X 100).
|
Sign Area
(square feet)
|
Measurement Distance
(feet)
|
|---|---|
|
40
|
63
|
|
50
|
71
|
|
60
|
77
|
|
70
|
84
|
|
80
|
89
|
|
90
|
95
|
|
100
|
100
|
|
110
|
105
|
|
120
|
110
|
|
130
|
114
|
|
140
|
118
|
(4)
Motion. Animated messages, including flashing, blinking, fading,
rolling, shading, dissolving, or any other effect that gives the appearance
of movement are prohibited. Transition from one message to another
message shall appear instantaneous as perceived by the human eye.
(5)
Audio, Emissions. Audio messages, and emissions of smoke, fumes,
and vapors, are prohibited.
(6)
Defaults for Malfunction. All EMC signs shall contain a default mechanism
that will cause the sign to revert immediately to a black screen if
the sign malfunctions.
(h)
Prohibition on Temporary Signs. If an EMC is installed on a property,
no temporary signs are allowed for the property during any time that
the EMC is in operation.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2)
(a)
Purpose. The purpose of allowing decorative banners for automobile
retail establishments located in the ECR-C zoning district along El
Camino Real is to recognize the distinctive requirements of this form
of retail and to foster a unified image of a Sunnyvale "auto row."
Uniform decorative banners strengthen the collective impact of display
and advertising for auto retail along El Camino Real, in a manner
that is attractive, compatible, and safe, and enhances the streetscape
and the economic well-being of the city.
(b)
Decorative Banner Program. Any automobile retail establishment desiring
to display decorative banners may do so only as a participant in an
approved decorative banner program. All decorative banners must be
consistent with the approved program, and no more than one decorative
banner program may be approved for any twelve-month period.
(c)
Decorative Banner Program Permit and Requirements. The director may
approve a decorative banner program permit in accordance with the
regulations and criteria set forth in this section. The following
regulatory standards are required conditions for any decorative banner
program:
(1)
Location. The entire decorative banner shall be located on private
property, outside of vision triangles and shall not extend into or
be allowed to move into the public right-of-way.
(2)
Quantity. Each property participating in a decorative banner program
may display a maximum of one banner for every thirty lineal feet of
street frontage.
(3)
Size. Each decorative banner shall be a minimum of eight square feet
and a maximum of sixteen square feet. All decorative banners in a
decorative banner program shall be the same size.
(4)
Distance Between Decorative Banners. No decorative banner shall be
located closer than ten feet to another banner.
(5)
Height. The bottom of each banner shall be at least eight feet and
not more than twelve feet high measured from the top of the nearest
curb. All decorative banners located on a property shall be the same
height.
(6)
Materials. Decorative banners shall be of durable fabric intended
for outdoor use such as altrafab, pryatone, sunbrella or similar quality
fabric. Non-fade inks shall be used on the decorative banners.
(7)
Hardware. Brackets for mounting the decorative banners to poles shall
be of high quality such as stainless steel banding with fiberglass
arms which can flex with the wind.
(8)
Maintenance. Regardless of the time frame permitted for decorative
banners through a decorative banner program, decorative banners shall
be promptly replaced when ink fades or fabric tears, frays or fades.
Hardware shall be replaced or repaired when damaged or twisted. All
decorative banners shall be fastened to keep taut and shall not be
loose or floppy.
(d)
Permit Application. An application for a decorative banner program
permit shall be made on a form supplied by the director and initiated
by owners or agents of automobile retail establishments. The application
shall be accompanied by the required fee, as adopted by resolution
of the city council. In order to apply, the applicants must demonstrate,
by providing written documentation that at least fifty-one percent
of the automobile retail establishments located along El Camino Real
in Sunnyvale consent to the proposed program.
Along with demonstrating that all of the above required conditions
of approval have been met, the following information shall be submitted
to the director in conjunction with an application for a permit:
(1)
Site plans for each automobile retail establishment that will be
participating in the program, indicating quantity, location and height
of decorative banners for each property;
(2)
Color drawings showing decorative banner design, including colors,
materials, hardware and size; and
(3)
Explanation of duration of display of each set of banners that are
requested as part of the decorative program.
(e)
Permit Duration and Renewal. A decorative banner program permit may
be issued for a total of twelve months with a maximum of four sets
of decorative banners. A set of decorative banners may be displayed
for a maximum of six months, after which the banners shall be removed
or replaced by another set of decorative banners which have been pre-approved;
however, upon request, the director may approve an extension of display
time for any set of decorative banners for up to six additional months.
Maximum total duration is one year. The permit shall expire automatically
after twelve months from the date of issuance. Upon expiration of
the permit, automobile retail establishments may apply for another
permit following the same procedures as for an original application.
(f)
Appeal of Denial of Permit. The applicant may appeal the decision of the director to deny a decorative banner program within fifteen days of the decision to the planning commission, in accordance with the general procedures set forth in Chapter 19.98. The planning commission may approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application for a decorative banner program. The decision of the planning commission shall be final.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3194-22 § 12)
The purpose of Master Sign Programs is to harmonize the appearance
of signs, in a manner allowing creativity in design and commercial
identification, while avoiding extremes of size, color and shape.
A Master Sign Program is also used to distribute allowable sign area
for multi-tenant buildings and complexes. Master Sign Programs existing
at the time of the adoption of this chapter may continue in effect,
until modified.
(a)
Applicability. A Master Sign Program is required whenever any of
the following circumstances exists:
(1)
New nonresidential developments of six or more separate tenant spaces
will share either the same parcel or structure and use common access
and parking facilities (e.g., shopping centers, malls, office complexes
and industrial parks);
(2)
Proposal for an off-site sign for an immediately adjacent site where
opportunities for on-site signage are limited.
(b)
Allowable Modifications. A Master Sign Program may provide for exceptions from the standards of this chapter, subject to the findings in Section 19.44.230, Exceptions to sign standards.
(c)
Review Authority. All Master Sign Programs are reviewed with a sign
permit.
(d)
Required Findings. In order to approve a Master Sign Program, the
following findings must be met, in addition to other applicable regulations
in this section:
(1)
The proposed signs are compatible in architectural style and character
with any building to which the signs are to be attached, any surrounding
structures and any adjoining signage on the site;
(2)
Future tenants will be provided with adequate opportunities to construct,
erect or maintain a sign for identification; and
(3)
Directional signage and building addressing is adequate for pedestrian
and vehicular circulation and emergency vehicle access.
(e)
Revisions to Master Sign Programs. The director may approve revisions
to an approved Master Sign Program with a sign permit.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2)
(a)
Requests for Exceptions. Unusual site conditions may warrant signs
not otherwise permitted by this chapter. A sign permit application
that includes a request for exceptions to standards established by
these regulations is subject to review by the director and shall include
reasons for the request. The maximum allowable deviation is twenty-five
percent of the requirement.
(c)
Findings for Approval of an Exception. An exception to the sign regulations
may be granted only if all of the following findings are met:
(1)
There are exceptional or unusual circumstances applying to the property
involved which do not apply generally to properties in the vicinity
with the same zoning, such as, but not limited to:
(2)
The exception is consistent with the purpose and intent of the sign regulations, as set forth in Section 19.44.020, and will not constitute a grant of special privilege or entitlement inconsistent with limitations applied to other properties in the vicinity with the same zoning.
(3)
The sign exception will not result in visual clutter and is consistent
with the intent and purpose of these sign regulations.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2; Ord. 3048-14 § 15)
The following provisions apply to legal nonconforming signs.
Any sign installed or maintained without required permits is considered
an illegal nonconforming sign and must conform to the current code.
All temporary signs must meet current requirements.
(a)
Repairs and Minor Alterations. A nonconforming sign may be maintained
and repaired. A nonconforming sign may also be altered as a change
of copy, sign face or color. Any such minor alteration cannot increase
the sign's nonconformity. Any repair that qualifies as a major alteration
or expansion must meet the requirements of the relevant subsection(s)
of this chapter.
(b)
Major Alterations. Alterations that change the sign location, frame,
or sign support structure require the sign to meet current requirements.
(c)
Expansion of the Sign. Any expansion of a sign structure that affects
a nonconforming sign shall meet current requirements. Affected signs
are signs that must temporarily or permanently change the location
or appearance of the sign, excluding sign face changes.
(d)
Approval of a Discretionary Review. The director or applicable approving
body may require a nonconforming sign to meet current requirements
as a condition of a sign permit, use permit or special development
permit.
(e)
Discontinuance of Use. A sign associated with a use that has been
discontinued for a period of ninety days must conform to current requirements.
Notice shall be sent to the property owner who will have ten days
to respond to the notice.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2)
Signs must be maintained in a safe, unbroken and structurally
sound manner. Damaged or missing sign faces must be repaired or replaced.
All signs must be maintained in the same condition as when the sign
was installed. Normal wear and tear of aged signs shall be repaired
when they detract from the visible quality of the sign. When signs
are repaired, they must be done so in a manner (paint colors shall
match, etc.) that is consistent with the approved sign permit. When
signs are removed, the wall behind the sign shall be repaired and
painted to match the rest of the building.
(Ord. 3000-13 § 2)
