Chapter 17.56 SIGNS

Need for a Sign Ordinance.

In order to maintain the attractiveness of the city's appearance, to protect the public safety, and maintain the visibility of business and commerce, signs are regulated as to design, location, size and illumination.

The city recognizes the need for signs as a means to identify and advertise businesses within the community. The city also recognizes that signing is an important design element of the physical environment. Regulations consistent with the goals and objectives of the community are necessary to ensure that the special character and image the community is striving for can be attained while serving business needs in the community. The city is striving to provide an economically stable and visually attractive community through high-quality site planning, building design, landscaping and signing. As a planned architectural feature, a sign can be pleasing and can harmonize with the physical character of its environment. Proper controls can achieve these goals and will make the city a more attractive place to live, work, and shop.

It is the purpose of this chapter to make the city attractive to residents, visitors, and commercial, industrial and professional businesses while maintaining economic stability through an effective and high-quality signing program.

Objectives. The objectives for the various sign regulations contained within this chapter are:

To protect the general public health, safety and welfare of the community;

To reduce traffic and safety hazards through efficient signing;

To direct persons to various activities and uses in order to provide for the maximum public convenience;

To provide a reasonable system of sign regulations and to ensure the development of a high-quality visual environment;

To enhance the economic value of the community;

To promote signage that consolidates advertising for businesses and presents a cohesive thematic pattern throughout the community; and

To implement the goals and policies of the general plan and municipal code by enforcement of the regulations contained within this chapter.

Interpretation of Provisions.

The provisions of this chapter are not intended to abrogate any easements, covenants, or other existing agreements that are more restrictive than the provisions of this chapter.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this chapter is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of proper jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof.

If ambiguity arises concerning the interpretation of any provision of this chapter, it shall be the duty of the planning commission to ascertain all pertinent facts and by resolution set forth the findings and the interpretations.

(Prior code Appendix B § 519(A); Ord. 589 § 2, 2002; Ord. 647 § 2, 2010; Ord. 002-2024, 3/5/2024)

§ 17.56.020 Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

A-Board Sign or Portable Sign.

A portable sign designed to stand independently upon a surface on which it is placed. Such signs may be single- or double-sided.

Abandoned Sign.

Any sign which pertains to a time, event, or purpose which has passed or no longer exists. Any sign in connection with a business that: (a) ceases operation for more than 180 days; or (b) is unlawfully operating shall become an abandoned sign.

Area or Sign Area.

The area of a sign is the entire area within a single continuous perimeter or regular geometric form enclosing the extreme limits of a writing, representation, emblem, demonstration, display, illustration, trademark, logo, insignia, surface or space of a similar nature, together with any frame or other material, color, or condition which forms an integral part of the display or is used to differentiate such sign from the wall or background against which it is placed, excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which such sign is placed or other structural elements that support a sign but do not function as a sign. Further, where a sign consists only of individual letters, numerals, symbols, or other similar components and is painted on or attached flat against the wall of a building, and where such individual components are without integrated background definition and are not within a circumscribed frame area, the total area of the sign shall be the sum of the areas of the squares or rectangles surrounding each individual sign component. If a sign has more than one exposed exterior face, the sign area shall consist of the aggregate area of all exposed exterior surfaces except, in the case of two-sided signs (back-to-back), each face shall be multiplied by 0.75 to obtain the sign area.

Attached Sign.

Any sign, which is fastened, attached, connected or supported in whole or in part by a building or structure other than a sign structure located on the ground.

Billboard.

An outdoor advertising sign for a product and/or service located on a separate parcel of land from that upon which the billboard is located.

Community Development Director or Director.

The community development director for the city of Rio Vista, or authorized designee.

Complex.

A development of two or more buildings, tenants, or uses, intended to function in a joint manner, regardless of sequence of buildout. Characteristics of a complex may include, but are not limited to, shared parking facilities and reciprocal access and common building design. A complex may include multiple tenants or owners or freestanding pad buildings, and may be situated on one or more lots or parcels.

Construction Sign.

A sign located on a site where construction is underway, giving information concerning what is being constructed and/or by whom the construction work is being performed.

Directional Sign.

A sign designed to safely facilitate vehicular or pedestrian traffic that does not promote or advertise a business, product, or service.

Freestanding or Monument Sign.

Any sign that is self-supporting and not attached to a building. The sign may be supported from the ground by a solid base not exceeding a height of six feet and a width equal to one and one-half times the height, but not to exceed a total monument sign area of 50 square feet.

Information Sign.

An on-site sign that provides service, direction, or courtesy information intended to assist the public and that is not displayed for the general purpose of advertising a business, product, or service. Also sign identifying the name, general nature or description of a parcel of land or any business, product, or service thereon.

Legal, Nonconforming Sign.

A sign which was constructed with required permits and was deemed consistent with this code at the time it was built, but with the creation of an updated code, becomes nonconforming.

Political Sign.

Any sign identifying a political party, platform, ideology, or candidate for public office.

Portable sign.

A sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported. Portable sign includes a sign with wheels, A-board signs, menu and sandwich board signs, or balloons used as signs for advertising.

Projecting Sign.

Any sign that extends or projects outward from a building or structure and may include any sign erected or suspended under a marquee, porch, portal, walkway-covering, or similar structure and placed generally perpendicular to the wall of the adjoining building.

Sign.

Any medium, including its structure and component parts, which is used or intended to be used to attract attention to a business, product, service, place, activity, person, institution, or solicitation, or any emblem, painting, flag, banner, pennant, or placard designed to advertise, identify, or convey information.

Special Community Event Sign.

A sign that advertises a community-wide event of general interest and sponsored by a noncommercial or nonprofit community group.

Special Event Sign.

A temporary sign for announcing or advertising special events, including, but not limited to, commercial or industrial business grand openings or closings, carnivals, parades, charitable events, sales including promotional sales, change of a commercial or industrial business address, change in ownership of a commercial or industrial business, commercial or industrial business anniversaries, seasonal events, holiday tree lots, or public and quasi-public events that take place in the city.

Temporary Sign.

Any sign to be posted for a limited amount of time due to the nature of its contents and for which a temporary sign permit is approved and issued in accordance with the provisions of this title, with a time limit.

Wall Sign.

A sign or mural posted on, painted on, suspended from, or otherwise affixed to the wall of any building or structure in an essentially flat position, or with the exposed face of the sign placed approximately parallel to the plane of the wall, including any sign erected or suspended from a canopy, porch, portal, or similar covering structure, and placed approximately parallel to the adjoining building wall.

(Prior code Appendix B § 519(B); Ord. 628 § 1, 2007; Ord. 647 § 2, 2010; Ord. 004-2019 § 3; Ord. 002-2024, 3/5/2024)

§ 17.56.030 Administrative regulations.

General Regulations.

No person shall paste, paint, print, nail, tack, glue, carve, erect, or fasten any sign, banner, pennant, or notice of any kind in any manner on private property visible from the public right-of-way except in accordance with this chapter.

The maximum permitted area of all faces of all signs, visible from the public right-of-way beyond the boundaries of a site, except directional signs and signs behind a display window, shall be as prescribed in this title and the accompanying schedule. The total area of a multi-faced sign shall be the total area of all faces.

Sign Permit Required. A sign permit shall be required prior to the placing, erecting, moving, or reconstructing of any sign on private property visible from the public right-of-way in the city, unless expressly exempted by this chapter. A sign permit is also required for a comprehensive sign program. Signs requiring a permit shall comply with the provisions of this chapter and all other applicable laws and ordinances.

Permit Application. An application for a sign permit shall be submitted to the community development director and filed with the planning department and shall contain the following information:

The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the following: the applicant, the owner of the property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed, the owner of the sign, and the person to be erecting or affixing the sign;

ii.

Three copies of a site plan, drawn to scale showing the location of the sign(s) and the building frontage(s). If a freestanding sign is proposed, the plan shall also note the location of the sign in relation to the property line, any public pedestrian or bicycle pathways and parking areas, and the type of landscaping and irrigation to be provided;

iii.

Three copies of the plans showing the number and specifications of each sign to be erected or affixed and the method of construction and attachment to the building or in the ground. The plans shall include details of the construction and attachment, dimensions, height, materials, font and letter style, illumination, and color. Sample colors, sketches of the design (e.g., mural artwork), and materials shall be provided to the community development director;

iv.

The written consent, demonstrated either by letter or by signing the application form, of the owner or owner's representative of the building, structure, or property on which the sign is to be erected or affixed;

If a building permit is required, the applicant must also submit three copies of the plans described in subsections (C)(3)(a)(ii) and (iii) to the building department;

vi.

A list of all existing on-site signs (size and type) and applications currently under review with the community development director regarding future signs to be erected on the underlying property; and

vii.

Any nonrefundable fees established by resolution of the city council.

Issuance of Permits. Upon the filing of an application for a sign permit, the community development director shall examine the plans, specifications, and other submitted information for the sign that is proposed to be erected or affixed within 10 days for conformance with this chapter, including the specifications set forth for each zoning district and any comprehensive sign program governing the applicable site. Upon review, if the proposed sign is in compliance with all requirements of this chapter and any applicable comprehensive sign program, the community development director shall issue a sign permit, which may be subject to reasonable conditions to further the purpose and intent of this chapter and, if applicable, forward the sign permit to the building division for issuance of a building permit. If the director determines that the application does not comply with the provisions of this chapter, an applicable community sign program, or other regulation, the director shall deny the application and, within five working days of the decision, provide a written notice to the applicant regarding the reason for such failure.

Responsibility for Enforcement. It is the responsibility of the community development director, or authorized designee, to enforce all provisions of this chapter. In addition, the public works and police departments of the city may be called upon to assist in the enforcement of this code as it pertains to the public right-of-way and for general enforcement as permitted by the city's public nuisance ordinance. A sign permit may be revoked by the community development director if: (i) the installation of the sign is not in accordance with the approved plans submitted under this section; (ii) the applicant fails to maintain the sign in accordance with this chapter; or (iii) the applicant fails to satisfy any other requirement under this chapter or in the applicable sign permit, or under state or federal law.

Appeals. The applicant or appellant may appeal the decision of the community development director to the planning commission at any time prior to the issuance of a building permit for a sign, in accordance with the administrative appeal procedure provided in Section 17.66.080.

Nonconforming Signs. Signs lawfully constructed with required permits and deemed consistent with this code at the time built, but with the creation of an updated code, became nonconforming, may remain in place so long as the sign is not enlarged, replaced, or entirely removed.

Comprehensive Sign Program.

A comprehensive sign program shall be required prior to issuance of a sign permit for all new commercial and industrial developments consisting of 10 or more tenant spaces. The purpose of the comprehensive sign program is to integrate signs with building and landscaping design into a unified architectural unit. Achieving such integration may be achieved by using the same background color on all signs or by using various complementary shades as determined compatible by the community development director; using the same type of cabinet supports, or method of mounting for signs of the same type, or by using the same type of construction material for components, such as sign copy, cabinets and supports, or by using dissimilar signing determined compatible by the community development director; or using the same form of illumination for all signs, or by using varied forms of illumination determined compatible by the community development director.

Application. An application for a comprehensive sign program shall be made on forms as prescribed by the community development director. The application shall be filed with the planning department and shall be accompanied by the following information and fees:

Name, address, and telephone number of the owner(s) of the property upon which the sign is to be placed and the owner's consent on the application;

Names, addresses, and telephone number(s) of other owners of the property within the building complex and their signed consent to the application;

Three copies of a site plan for the property upon which the sign(s) is to be located depicting the location of existing buildings and existing and proposed signs;

Three copies of a sign plan depicting the sign(s), including dimensions, design, colors, materials, and illumination to be used. Sample colors and materials shall be provided;

A detailed statement of criteria for the proposed signs, including, but not limited to, number, type, location, size, height, materials, font and letter style, colors, and illumination;

Description of the property to be governed by the comprehensive sign program;

Any additional information or materials necessary for the processing and review of the permit application as deemed necessary by the director; and

A nonrefundable fee as established by resolution of the city council.

Review of Application. The community development director shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny a comprehensive sign program upon satisfaction of the items specified in subsection (B)(2) within 10 days. The director shall approve a comprehensive sign program if the program is consistent with the provisions, purpose, and intent of this chapter and the program has the same design colors, font and letter style, and materials as the buildings within the program and the surrounding development.

Appeal. The applicant or an appellant may appeal the decision of the community development director to the planning commission at any time prior to the issuance of a building permit for a sign, in accordance with the administrative appeal procedure provided in Section 17.66.080.

Effect. Upon approval of a comprehensive sign program, all future signs erected in the area governed by the program shall conform to the program, and no sign permits shall be issued for applicable signs not in conformance with the criteria of the program.

Building Permits. Issuance of a sign permit in no way precludes the necessity for obtaining building permits for signs in all instances where building permits are required by the city.

Specific Regulations by Sign Type.

Exempt Signs. The following signs may be erected without a permit provided they are not illuminated and contain no reflective painted material. These signs shall not be included in the measurement of total allowable sign area on a site either:

Directional signs not exceeding six square feet in area. No more than four such signs are permitted on a site;

Bulletin boards not exceeding eight square feet in area when on the premises of public, religious, or charitable institutions or locations generally available to the public, such as shopping centers, and set back at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way;

Official traffic signs or other municipal governmental signs, legal notices, signs prescribed by law, signs indicating the location of buried utility lines or a notice posted by a governmental official in the scope of his or her duties provided such signs are installed to the minimum sizes required by the respective authority;

One construction sign for each construction site, not to exceed 16 square feet of sign area in commercial zones or six square feet of sign area in noncommercial zones. A construction sign shall only be erected upon the commencement of construction on the site and shall be removed before final inspection is approved by the building official;

Subdivision Sign. One information sign is permitted for each subdivision and shall be removed when all units are sold. The sign shall be located on the subdivision premises, and shall not exceed 24 square feet of sign area. This subsection shall not prohibit a permanent subdivision information sign from being erected with a permit;

Special Community Event signs, provided the sign neither exceeds 15 square feet nor is displayed for longer than 30 days prior to the event and is removed within three business days after the event;

One grand opening sign on a site, provided the sign is not displayed for more than 10 consecutive days, twice per year;

Vehicular signs in compliance with applicable federal and state law, like the Vehicle Code;

Real estate signs conforming to subsection (C)(2)(h);

Political signs displayed on private property and in accordance with Section 5405.3 of the Business and Professions Code;

Historic signs located in Downtown Rio Vista, meaning signs in the main commercial downtown area of the city in existence prior to 2000 that are of a unique design, color, or other feature that makes it distinct and valuable to the community, are exempt and may be maintained, restored, recreated, or reinstalled so long as substantially the same size and design. Historic signs may be illuminated;

Signs for small, infrequent home goods sales at an owner's residential property (e.g., yard sale, garage sale). Such signs may be posted up to 10 days in advance and must be immediately removed at the conclusion of the event;

Signs on public property.

Special Provisions. The following signs are deemed to warrant special regulations based on the particular type of sign or use of the property. Each sign shall adhere to the rules and regulations of this chapter, as amended below:

A-Board Signs and Portable Signs. A-Board and Portable signs shall comport with the regulations in Section 17.56.070.

Billboards shall be allowed in the C-H zone only, and are subject to limitation, as described in the schedule of sign regulation set out in Section 17.56.050.

Awnings for Signage Restriction. No sign, advertisement, or graphic display shall be allowed on the cladding of the awning, including, but not limited to, metal or canvas, on any commercial building in any zoning district within the City of Rio Vista. Existing signage in place at the time of enactment may stay in place; however, upon any of the following events, whichever is first occurring, signage cannot be reinstalled or placed on the awning:

Business owner voluntarily moves signage from awning to a permissible location on the building;

ii.

Change in ownership of the business;

iii.

Business-occupant vacates the store front;

iv.

New business-occupant moves into store front;

The sign is in disrepair ("disrepair" shall mean: the condition of the sign has deteriorated to the point where at least one-fourth of the surface area of the name, identification, description, display, illustration, or other symbol is substantially impacted or illegible. Unless such disrepair is caused by an act of god and due to no fault of the sign's age, at which point within a period of five years from enactment, the sign may be replaced in like-kind);

vi.

The business abandons the subject commercial space (abandon shall mean the business ceases to exist or remains closed for a period of 90 days without explanation); and/or

vii.

Any renovations, remodeling, alterations, improvements, and/or structural changes to the façade of the building, including but not limited to replacement of awnings, in which the business is located.

Upon the occurrence of the events listed it subsection (C)(2)(c)(i) through (vii), whichever occurs first, the signs must be moved and placed in a permitted location. However, the community development director, or authorized designee may permit non- permanent signage, including blade signs, to be attached to awnings, including, but not limited to, metal or canvas, provided the signage can be removed without causing damage to the awning in compliance with Section 17.56.030(A).

Freestanding/Monument Signs. A freestanding or monument sign shall not extend to a height more than 10 feet above the sidewalk, paved area, or ground level in non-highway-fronting property and no more than 20 feet in areas with highway-fronting property. No freestanding or monument sign shall be located closer than four feet from any property line(s). No more than one freestanding or monument sign shall be allowed per property frontage unless the additional sign(s) is part of a comprehensive sign program. Freestanding or monument signs shall be located a minimum of 50 feet from any residential zone.

Fuel and Service Stations. Signs erected on fuel and service stations shall be subject to the following conditions:

Each fuel and service station may erect the following on-site signs:

(A)

One freestanding information sign that may be double-sided and illuminated,

(B)

Three information signs attached to canopies or similar structures that may not be illuminated,

(C)

One permanent (nonportable) informational sign that may be double-sided and illuminated, but may not exceed 12 square feet in sign area, displaying the price of services or products offered at the fuel and service station,

(D)

One informational sign identifying the owner of the fuel and service station that does not exceed three square feet in sign area. The sign may not be illuminated or double-sided,

(E)

Exclusions. Miscellaneous small signs, such as small accessory signs and credit card signs shall not count toward the aggregate sign area. Neither shall company logos erected on a fuel and service station site count towards the sign limit.

Murals. Signs solely depicting artwork and not including any direct typographical reference to any commercial enterprise (murals) that are located on private property and visible from the public right-of-way shall be subject to the following conditions. Murals located on public property shall be regulated by Chapter 17.72, Public Arts:

Murals may not contain any visual aspect with the potential to distract or confuse a viewer, thereby creating a safety hazard. To this end, the design, construction, installation, repair and maintenance of such displays shall not interfere with traffic safety or otherwise endanger public safety. By way of example only, a mural may not depict traffic signals, incorrect wayfinding, QR Codes, flashing lights, or contain electronic or motorized features.

ii.

Murals may not contain any interactive aspect with the potential to encourage graffiti, tagging, or vandalism, thereby creating a heightened potential for nuisance or blight. Prohibited interactive aspects include, but are not limited to, space or instruction for community members to write, paint, mark, or otherwise change the image or design of the work once erected; 3D or flat additions that can move, be rearranged, be climbed on, or be otherwise manipulated; or have any corresponding component that is not on the wall on which the mural appears.

iii.

Murals shall have weather protectant and graffiti-resistant coating to protect against degradation of the mural, graffiti, and tagging.

iv.

Murals may contain text so long as the text is not directly related to any specific commercial enterprise.

Murals in the city's commercial downtown area are encouraged to have a connection to the city's unique character, history, its residents, community, culture, and setting.

Projecting Signs. Projecting signs shall be subject to the following conditions:

Size. Projecting signs shall not exceed eight square feet in sign area on each face of the sign.

ii.

Placement. Projecting signs shall not project over four feet from any surface upon which the sign is attached or come within four feet to any curb line of a public street. Projecting signs shall not extend above the top level of the surface upon which it is attached, or in the case of buildings or other structures having sloping roofs, above the eaves of the roof.

iii.

Clearance. Any sign that is suspended or projects over any public or private walkway or walk area shall have an overhead clearance of at least seven feet.

Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs shall be subject to the following conditions:

Number, Display. One real estate sign is permitted to be displayed on the subject property by the owner or his or her agent, and may include the owner's or agent's name, address, and telephone number.

ii.

Size. Real estate signs shall be no larger than four square feet in sign area.

iii.

Freestanding Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs shall be freestanding signs, attached to a post(s) driven into the ground so that the top of the sign shall not be over four feet above the ground surface.

iv.

Setbacks, Vacant Parcels. Real estate signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from the property line(s). On vacant parcels in excess of one acre, a real estate sign not more than 16 square feet in sign area shall be permitted provided that it may not extend six feet above the surface of the ground.

Temporary/Portable Open House Signs. A maximum of two temporary "Open House" signs shall be allowed for any property, with their display limited to the hours that the property is available for viewing.

Special Event Signs. Special event signs shall be subject to the following conditions:

Duration Limitation. Upon securing a temporary sign permit, a special event sign may be displayed for up to 120 days per calendar year. The permitted time period shall be indicated on the temporary sign permit application and shall be calculated from the date the signage is displayed or date(s) indicated on the application, whichever is the earlier date. Failure of the applicant to display the sign on the dates indicated in the application shall not extend the allowable period for display beyond that set forth in the application.

ii.

One temporary sign permit may authorize up to three special event signs or moving signs per event.

iii.

Moving signs, meaning signs with lights, flashers, reflectors, or moving parts to gain attention, may be displayed in conjunction with a special event sign subject to the limitations of this section. Helium-filled latex or Mylar balloons are expressly prohibited.

iv.

Special event signs and moving signs shall not create a traffic hazard to motorists because of the distractive character of the sign, or the cumulative effect of all signs on the premises. In addition, special event signs and moving signs shall not unreasonably obscure existing signs and shall not fall into a condition of disrepair. As used in this section, disrepair includes torn, faded or sagging banners.

The limitations of this subsection shall not apply to seasonal decorations that do not promote a special event for a business.

Street Address Signs. Informational signs displaying the street address for a parcel of land may be illuminated or contain reflective paint or material, but shall not contain lettering or numbering that exceeds six inches unless otherwise required by the fire or police department.

Temporary Signs. Temporary signs shall comport with the regulations in Section 17.56.060.

Wall Signs. A wall sign may not project out more than 12 inches from the surface to which it is attached. This restriction includes any light box or other part thereof, that constitutes a part of the wall sign.

Prohibited Sign Types.

Abandoned Signs. The director shall provide written notice to the owner(s) of an abandoned sign, the occupant of the premises where the sign is located, or the owner of the premises where the sign is located, that such sign is an abandoned sign and shall order that the sign and its structural components be removed within 30 days of the notice or else subject to abatement pursuant to the city's nuisance ordinance.

Unsafe glare. No sign shall be permitted that produces glare or light spillage onto other properties.

Moving Signs. Moving signs are prohibited, including, but not limited to, any flashing, oscillating, glaring, electronic reader board or reflective sign, or pennant, banners, non-municipal commercial flags, reflectors, moving or flashing lights, or any similar sign, unless a sign permit is otherwise authorized pursuant to this chapter.

Obstructions. No sign, or any portion of its structure, shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of the sign or its support is attached to or will interfere with the free use of any fire escape, exit, or standpipe, or obstruct any required door, venting system, window, disabled access, or public right-of-way.

Vehicular signs not in compliance with federal or state law related to the same, such as the Vehicle Code.

Obscene, Threatening, Defamatory, Inciting, or Criminal Signs. Signs or murals that depict obscene material, true threats, defamatory statements, inciting material, or depict material integral to criminal conduct are prohibited.

Prohibited Sign Locations.

Residential Zones. Interior illuminated signs and home occupation signs are prohibited in any residential zone.

Public Fora. No person, firm, or corporation, except a public officer or employee in performance of a public duty, shall paste, paint, print, nail, tack or otherwise fasten any card, banner, handbill, sign, poster or advertisement or notice of any kind, except construction warning signs, or cause the same to be done, on any curbstone, lamp post, utility pole, hydrant, bridge, wall, fence or tree, upon any public sidewalk, street, alley, or other public property, except as may be required by ordinance or law.

Signs Within Rights-of-Way. No sign shall be placed within the public right-of-way except for the posting of official government notices by a representative of that agency, a franchised public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or permitted work within the public right-of-way.

Traffic Safety. No sign shall be erected in such a manner that it will, or may reasonably be expected to, interfere with, obstruct, confuse, or mislead traffic.

(Prior code Appendix B § 519(C); Ord. 589 § 2, 2002; Ord. 647 § 2, 2010; Ord. 002-2024, 3/5/2024)

§ 17.56.040 Design standards and specific provisions.

The following provisions shall apply to all signs unless otherwise stated in this chapter:

Any sign attached to a building or structure shall not project above the roof lines or cornice of a building or structure, unless the sign is an architectural part or integral feature of the building.

All signs facing the street frontage from which it acquires its allotment, and the total square footage of signing, shall not be reapportioned by moving the allotment from one street to another.

Construction and Maintenance of Signs.

Every sign within the city, and all parts, portions, and materials thereof, shall be manufactured, assembled and erected in compliance with all applicable state, federal and city regulations and the Uniform Building Code and shall be constructed of a durable quality to withstand typical regional year-round weather and maintained in good condition.

Every sign within the city, and all parts, portions and materials thereof, shall be maintained and kept in proper repair. The display surface of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from rust and corrosion. Any crack, broken surfaces, malfunctioning lights, missing sign copy, or other unmaintained or damaged portion of a sign shall be repaired or replaced within 30 calendar days following notification by the city. Noncompliance with such a request shall constitute a nuisance.

Existing signs conforming to this chapter and all other applicable provisions of the Rio Vista Municipal Code may have message changes in accordance with this chapter.

Signs shall not be placed within the sight distance triangle as defined in Section 17.02.040.

(Prior code Appendix B § 519(D); Ord. 589 § 2, 2002; Ord. 647 § 2, 2010; Ord. 002-2024, 3/5/2024)

§ 17.56.050 Specific zone/district regulations for attached, freestanding/monument, and billboard signs.

The following additional regulations apply to attached, freestanding/monument, and billboard signs in the following specifically-noted zones:

Sign Schedule
Location Permitted	Type of Sign	Maximum Total Signage	Illumination Permitted	Additional Requirements
A. Commercial C-1, C-2 and C-2-A	Attached or freestanding/monument sign, including neon signs.	1 sq. ft. per linear ft. of building façade adjoining a street or alley. 50 sq. ft. maximum per street or alley frontage.	Nonglare and nonflashing are permitted. Flood lights and signs with flashing, moving, blinking, rotating, or scintillating lights or parts or lights of varying intensities are prohibited. Decorative illumination of trees with floodlights or string lights is not considered a sign.	Corner lots zoned C-1, C2 and C-2-A and having frontage on 2 or more streets or alley shall be allowed a sign area on each street or alley equal to 1 sq. ft. per linear foot of façade, but not to exceed 50 Sq. ft. of signage for each sign.
B. Commercial-Industrial Zone C-3, C-3-I, I-P-I, M-G, C-H, B-P, A-B	Attached or freestanding/monument sign, including neon signs.	1 sq. ft. per ft. of property frontage adjoining street, or 120 sq. ft. per acre of site area in use, whichever is greater, not exceeding a total of 300 sq. ft.	See subsection A above	The maximum size of a freestanding/monument sign shall be 100 sq. ft. per face not to exceed 200 sq. ft. for all combined faces. The amount of signing involved in freestanding/monument signs shall be deducted from the property's frontage or acreage square footage accrual.
C. Highway Commercial Zone	Billboards (off-site billboard signs only permitted in C-H district).	Square footage limited to 25 sq. ft. per side.	See subsection A above	Height of sign not to exceed 12 sq. ft.; sign prohibited on properties which have 2 or more freestanding signs. Billboard square footage shall not be deducted from the property's total sign allotment.
D. Residential R-1, R-2	No attached or freestanding/monument signs permitted.	No signs permitted.	None	None
E. R-3	Attached freestanding/monument monument sign.	50 sq. ft. entire complex.	See subsection A above	None
F. R-4	Attached or freestanding/monument sign.	50 sq. ft. each complex.	See subsection A above	An additional 4 sq. ft. per office within the complex will be allowed in R-4.

(Prior code Appendix B § 519(E); Ord. 636 § 1, 2008; Ord. 647 § 2, 2010; Ord. 664 § 2, 2012; Ord. 004-2019 § 3; Ord. 002-2024, 3/5/2024)

§ 17.56.060 Temporary signs.

Temporary sign is any other advertising display not normally requiring a building permit and intended to be displayed for a limited period of time. Temporary signs include, but are not limited to, banners, balloons, construction signs, light standard signs, string pennants, streamers, real estate signs, and community event signs.

Permit Required. A temporary sign permit is required for any temporary signs on public or private property. The temporary sign permit places limitations on the size of the sign, duration of permit, and location on site. Approval of a temporary sign is based on the following criteria:

Only one temporary sign per business use per lot is allowed;

No temporary sign, including balloons, shall exceed 32 square feet in area;

Temporary signs are allowed for a period not to exceed 30 consecutive days, with a 30-day waiting period between permits. A special event sign with a temporary sign permit may be displayed for up to 120 days;

Temporary signs must be removed within three business days following event, sale, or promotion it pertains to; and

A maximum of four temporary signage permits will be granted per year per use on lot.

Restrictions.

No temporary sign shall be placed, posted or otherwise affixed in the public right-of-way, unless otherwise provided in this chapter.

No temporary sign shall be placed in the sight distance triangle of intersecting roadways and/or driveways.

Temporary signs shall in no way restrict the safe vision of any vehicular or pedestrian traffic or obstruct any public directional or safety sign or other sign permitted by the city.

No temporary sign shall be placed to extend beyond the height of the structures roof or parapet.

No temporary sign shall be placed to obstruct windows, fire escapes, or be attached to standpipes.

Temporary construction signs for new development are limited to a maximum size of 16 square feet and must be removed within three days following completion of project construction. No off-site construction signage is allowed.

If more than one temporary sign is located on a lot, the signs may not be closer than 20 feet from any other sign.

No temporary signs shall advertise any commercial use located outside the city limits of Rio Vista.

(Prior code Appendix B § 502; Ord. 589 § 2, 2002; Ord. 002-2024, 3/5/2024)

§ 17.56.070 A-board (sidewalk signs).

Intent. A-board signs are regulated within the city to ensure that they do not impede pedestrian passage on sidewalks, produce visual clutter, or constitute a potential hazard.

A-board or portable sidewalk signs are allowed in all commercial districts, subject to issuance of a permit and the following limitations:

Approval. All A-board signs are subject to the requirements of this section. A site plan depicting the specific location of the proposed sign(s) shall be submitted with the sign application for approval by the zoning administrator. A business that proposes to relocate an A-board sign to a new location must reapply for a sign at the new location. All A-board sign permits are limited for a period of five years. At the end of the expiration period, the permit must be renewed and may be denied if, in the opinion of the zoning administrator, the sign has created a safety issue, is the subject of considerable public controversy, visual blight, or has otherwise failed to adhere to the regulations set herein.

Size and Stability. A-board signs shall have a maximum height of four feet, a minimum height of two feet, and a maximum width of three feet. Signs shall be stable, braced as necessary to prevent collapse or toppling. In the event that an approved sign demonstrates instability during inclement weather, the sign may be removed with notice to the owner.

Location and Standard Criteria—On- and Off-Site Signs. An A-board sign shall be located only on the property of the business which it advertises or on the sidewalk fronting that property per the approved site plan. A-board signs shall not be placed on the street vehicle travel way or within public landscaping planters. If the proposed location is elsewhere than described above, then the proposed sign is considered to be an off-site sign. Off-site A-board signs shall only be allowed if a business is not visible from the street on which it lies and the sign is placed as near as possible to the business.. The process and criteria for approval of off-site signs are specified in subsection C of this section.

A-board signs shall be located so as not to obstruct pedestrian traffic or present a hazard, nor shall any obstruct any disabled person access. A minimum sidewalk clearance of 48 inches shall be required. No moving parts or projections shall be allowed.

Number. Only one A-board sign shall be allowed per business. A-board signs allowed under these provisions shall not be counted against the number and aggregate area of signs otherwise available to a property under the terms of this title. A-board signs shall not be used as the primary signage advertising a particular business. Multi-tenant buildings or properties: There shall be no more than two A-board signs displayed at any time for any multi-tenant building or property.

Hours. A-board signs shall be permitted to stand only during business hours. Failure to remove the sign at the close of the business day may result in removal of the sign without notice.

Spacing. There shall be at least 10 feet between A-board signs.

Proof of Insurance. All businesses with A-board signs shall furnish proof of insurance and indemnify and hold harmless the city from any action or expense that may occur as a result of an A-board or sidewalk sign being located on any sidewalk or public right-of-way, satisfactory to the city attorney. Required proof of insurance and a signed letter of indemnification must be submitted prior to display of approved signage. A-board signs for any business that fails to indemnify the city shall be deemed illegal, and may be removed with notice.

Public Right-of-Way Intrusion. In the event that the public works or police departments determine that a non-permitted sign has been placed in the public right-of-way, or that a permitted sign is located so as to violate line of sight or handicap access through a public right-of-way, the sign may be removed. The property or business owner is responsible for retrieving the sign. Signs unclaimed within 30 days may be destroyed.

10.

Graphics and Appearance—Conformance with Plans. A-board signs shall be of sturdy, weather-appropriate materials. Construction and design shall conform to approved permit plans. Creativity in sign design, outline, and graphics are encouraged.

11.

A-board signs shall be maintained in good physical and aesthetic condition or must be removed immediately upon notification. The applicant may repair or replace the sign, in kind, within six months of the removal of the previously approved sign subject to time limitations set forth in subsection (B)(1) of this section.

Application Review. If the director finds a proposed A-Board sign is not in conformance with any of the criteria specified in subsections (B)(1) through (11), the permit application shall be disapproved. The director may refer the application to the planning commission for consideration of an exception. The director may also refer an application to the planning commission for review due to the potential controversial nature of the proposal. In order to grant an exception, the commission must be able to make all of the following findings:

The proposed sign would complement the character of surrounding development, the size of the subject property, and the scale of development on site.

The proposed sign would not be injurious to the public health, safety or welfare.

For off-site signs: the applicant has successfully demonstrated that placement of the sign off-site is necessary due to a hardship unique to the location of the business off of the main commercial corridor.

Appeal by Applicant. In the event that the applicant disagrees with an administrative determination on an application, the applicant may appeal to the planning commission in accordance with Chapter 17.60. The findings for an exception stated in subsections (C)(1), (2) and (3) of this section must also be made for any such appeal(s) to be granted.

(Ord. 628 § 1, 2007; Ord. 636 § 1, 2008; Ord. 002-2024, 3/5/2024)