The regulations established by this Chapter are intended to
appropriately limit the placement, type, size, and number of signs
allowed within the City, and to require the proper maintenance of
signs. The purposes of these limitations and requirements are to:
A. Promote
and maintain economically viable commercial enterprises for the benefit
of Santa Rosa's citizens;
B. Encourage
signing which identifies businesses in a fair and equitable manner;
C. Ensure
that signs safely attract and direct persons to various destinations;
D. Protect
public and private property values and investment;
E. Reduce
hazards to motorists and pedestrians which result from excessive,
confusing, and distracting signs; and
F. Preserve
and enhance the aesthetic quality of the entire community.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 4028 § 2, 2014)
A. Signs
regulated. The requirements of this Chapter shall apply to all signs
in all zoning districts, except on a site for which a specific plan
has established separate sign regulations.
B. Applicability
to sign content. The provisions of this Chapter do not regulate the
message content of signs (sign copy), regardless of whether the message
content is commercial or noncommercial.
C. Definitions. Definitions of the specialized terms and phrases used in this Chapter may be found in Division
7, Definitions under "Sign."
D. Permission
of property owner. No sign shall be placed on public or private property
without first obtaining permission from the property owner.
E. Maintenance—Continuing.
Each sign in the City shall be maintained in good structural condition
at all times. All painted signs shall be kept neatly painted, including
all metal parts and supports. The Code Enforcement Officer shall inspect
and have the authority to order the painting, repair, alteration,
or removal of signs that become dilapidated or are abandoned, or which
constitute a hazard to the public safety.
F. Building
Permits required. A building permit is required for any sign that
exceeds six feet in height or requires an electrical connection.
G. Design
Guidelines. See Section 4.8 (Signs) of the City's Design Guidelines.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 4028 § 2, 2014)
No sign shall be installed, constructed, or altered unless a Sign Permit and, where applicable, a Sign Program approval is first obtained in compliance with this Section, or the sign is allowed without Sign Permit approval (see Section
20-38.040 below). A Building Permit may also be required. After approval of a Sign Permit and/or Sign Program, each sign installed and maintained on the subject site shall comply with the Permit and Program.
A. Sign
Permit application. An application for a Sign Permit shall be prepared,
filed and processed, in compliance with Chapter 20.50, Permit Application
Filing and Processing. The application shall include required application
fees, architectural elevations and plans of all proposed signs drawn
to scale, with all dimensions noted, and include illustrations of
copy, colors, materials, and samples of the proposed colors and materials.
The plans submitted shall also show the location of each sign on buildings
and the site.
B. Sign Permit review authority. The Director shall review all Sign Permit applications, except within the Historic (- H) overlay zone, where Sign Permit review may be by the CHB in compliance with Chapter
20-58 (Historic and Cultural Preservation) at the determination of the Director. The review authority may require conditions of approval as are reasonably necessary to achieve the purposes of this Chapter.
C. Sign
Programs. A Sign Program shall be required for any multiple occupancy
commercial office building or business park complex or medical complex
where the individual tenant spaces are not the location or adjacent
to the location of the proposed individual tenant signs. Sign programs
for other development types such as shopping centers, industrial complexes,
and/or business parks where the sign locations are on the tenant spaces
themselves, are optional at the owners' discretion. A sign program
may also be proposed to provide identity and directional signage for
a City recognized neighborhood or district. A Sign Program shall be
approved by the Director, or elevated to the appropriate review authority,
at the discretion of the Director.
1. The
purpose of the Sign Program shall be to establish signing for all
tenants and users of a complex, neighborhood or district as described
above. An approved Sign Program shall prescribe the standards for
all signs within the complex, building, neighborhood or district.
2. A
Sign Program shall comply with all provisions of this Chapter and
is not intended to provide special or additional signing. The Sign
Program shall prescribe the standards of size, number, location and
types of signing permitted.
D. Findings
for approval. The approval of a Sign Permit or Sign Program shall
require that the review authority first make all the following findings:
1. The proposed signs do not exceed the standards of Sections
20-38.070, Zoning District Sign Standards, and 20-38.080, Standards for Special Category Signs, and are of the minimum size and height necessary to enable motorists and pedestrians to readily identify the facility or site from a sufficient distance to safely and conveniently access the facility or site;
2. The
size, location, and design of the signs are visually complementary
and compatible with the scale and architectural style of the primary
structures on the site, any prominent natural features on the site,
and structures and prominent natural features on adjacent properties
on the same street; and
3. The
proposed signs are in substantial conformance with the design criteria
in the City Design Guidelines.
E. Approval
period, expiration, and time extension of Sign Permits. A Sign Permit
approval shall expire one year from its date of issuance, unless the
sign has been installed within the period or a later expiration date
is stated in writing at the time of approval.
1. Prior
to the expiration of a Sign Permit, the applicant may apply to the
Director for an extension of up to one additional year.
2. A
Sign Permit shall become null and void if circumstances occurring
prior to the installation of the sign change significantly so that
the sign would not be permitted under the new circumstances.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1, 2005; Ord. 4028 § 2, 2014)
The following types of signs and sign changes are permitted
without a Sign Permit, provided that they comply with City Design
Guidelines and any required Building Permit is obtained.
A. Agricultural
signs. Signs in agricultural zones advertising sale of products or
other items raised or produced on-site are allowed without a Sign
Permit, providing there is no more than one sign per parcel and the
sign does not exceed 20 square feet in area.
B. Commemorative
plaques. Signs commemorating an historical building name register
and/or erection date, when cut into or affixed to a permanent surface
and not exceeding four square feet per building are allowed without
a Sign Permit.
C. Construction
signs. One sign per construction site announcing a construction project,
architect, builder/developer, engineer, etc., and not exceeding 32
square feet is allowed without a Sign Permit.
D. Credit
cards, trading stamps, association membership. Up to six signs per
business identifying credit cards, trading stamps, or association
membership not exceeding one square foot per sign are allowed without
a Sign Permit.
E. Directional
signs and notices. Signs showing the location of public facilities
such as public telephones, restrooms, and underground utilities are
allowed without a Sign Permit.
F. Garage
sale signs. Up to one sign located at the residence where the garage
sale sign is being conducted and not exceeding four square feet is
allowed without a Sign Permit.
G. Governmental
signs. Signs installed or authorized by the City, or a Federal or
State governmental agency within a public right-of-way; and any sign,
posting, notice, or similar sign placed by, allowed by or required
by a governmental agency in carrying out its responsibility to protect
public health, safety, and general welfare, installed on City owned
property, are allowed without a Sign Permit.
H. Interior
signs. Signs located in excess of five feet inside exterior windows,
walls or doors of any building, mall, court, stadium or enclosed lobby,
when such signing is intended for interior viewing only are allowed
without a Sign Permit.
I. Non-profit
organization signs. Signs and notices containing the identification
of nonprofit service clubs, religious organizations, charitable organizations
or associations and containing information relating to their meetings,
fund raising, other nonprofit activities and not exceeding 12 square
feet and occurring no more than four times within a 12-month period
are allowed without a Sign Permit.
J. Nonstructural
modifications, and maintenance. The following maintenance or modifications
to signs are allowed without a Sign Permit:
1. Modifications
to sign copy on conforming signs, or changes to the face or copy of
conforming changeable copy signs;
2. Nonstructural modifications of the face or copy of an existing conforming sign installed in compliance with a Sign Program, provided that the modifications are consistent with the Sign Program approved in compliance with Subsection
C;
3. The
normal maintenance of conforming signs.
K. Official
flags. Up to three flags per site identifying national, State, or
local governments, or nationally recognized religious, fraternal,
or public service agencies are allowed without a Sign Permit, provided
that the length of the flag shall not exceed one-fourth the height
of the flag pole. The maximum allowed height of a flag pole in a residential
zoning district shall be 12 feet; the maximum height of a flag pole
in a non-residential zoning district shall be 30 feet. Additional
height may be authorized by the Zoning Administrator through the Minor
Design Review process. No flag shall be located within the public
right-of-way unless placed by, allowed by or required by a governmental
agency.
L. On-site
signs required for city public hearing notification. On-site signs
for public hearing notification before a City agency are allowed without
a Sign Permit but shall comply with the following specifications and
operational procedures:
1. Sign
area. Each sign shall be of the following minimum and maximum area,
based on the size of the subject parcel.
Lot Area
|
Required Sign Area
|
---|
Less than 6,000 sf, or storefront
|
6 sf
|
6,000 sf to 20,000 sf
|
12 sf
|
Greater than 20,000 sf
|
24 sf
|
More than 1 acre
|
32 sf
|
2. Height
limit. Sign height shall not exceed six feet.
3. Location.
The sign shall be located not less than five feet inside the property
line in residential zones, not less than one foot inside the property
line for commercial and industrial zones, not within the vision triangle,
and in areas most visible to the public.
4. Other
restrictions:
a. No sign shall be illuminated;
b. One sign shall be displayed per public street frontage of the subject
property; and
c. Removal is required within 15 days after the noticed public hearing.
5. Verification.
On or before the required date of posting, the applicant or applicant's
representative shall submit to the Department a signed affidavit of
the installation of an on-site sign.
M. Private
directional signs. Directional or informational signs not exceeding
five square feet in area, bearing no advertising message, and located
wholly on the site to which the sign pertains are allowed without
a Sign Permit. These signs shall not impede vehicular and/or pedestrian
visibility in any way.
N. Real
estate for sale or lease signs. One real estate for sale or lease
sign is allowed on any lot or parcel for each side with street exposure
without a Sign Permit with the following provisions:
1. Each
sign is entirely within the property to which it applies;
3. No
sign on a lot zoned for single-family residential shall exceed six
square feet in area and six feet in height;
4. A
non-single-family residential lot that is 20,000 square feet or less
shall be permitted a maximum of 12 square feet for each permitted
freestanding or wall sign;
5. Non-single-family
residential lots in excess of 20,000 square feet shall be allowed
up to 24 square feet for each permitted freestanding or wall sign;
6. No
freestanding sign shall exceed nine feet in height; and
7. No
wall sign shall exceed 20 feet in height.
O. Seasonal
decorations—Private property. Seasonal and/or holiday decorations
and displays such as those related to Thanksgiving or the Fourth of
July, not including advertising signs disguised as seasonal decorations,
are allowed without a Sign Permit.
P. Signs
required by law. Signs displayed by private individuals, when required
by law or regulations of any governmental agency, including, but not
limited to, service station pricing signs when such signs are clearly
secondary to identification signing, are allowed without a Sign Permit.
Q. Street
number, address, and/or name. Two signs for each building not exceeding
one square foot each in single-family and duplex zoning districts
and three square feet each in all other zoning districts are allowed
without a Sign Permit.
R. Temporary signs within commercial zoning districts. Temporary on-site, wall-mounted signs are allowed within commercial zoning districts without a Sign Permit for a maximum of 45 days after the opening of a new business, provided that the area of the temporary signs shall not exceed 50 percent of the total sign area allowed on the site by Section
20-38.070, Zoning District Sign Standards.
S. Temporary
signs for City activities. Signs and notices containing the identification
of city charitable activities, seasonal programs, special events,
and/or City affiliated not-for-profit service clubs containing information
relating to their meetings, fund raising, other nonprofit activities
or seasonal programs offered, and not exceeding 48 square feet and
occurring no more than four times within a 12-month period at each
location, are allowed without a Sign Permit.
T. Drive-through
menu boards excluding digital menu boards. Locations with approved
drive through facilities are permitted a maximum of 30 square feet
of menu reader board, with no portion of a menu board permitted to
be over seven feet in height.
U. Wayfinding
and gateway signage. Special wayfinding, gateway, and directional
signage located within the -DSA combining district does not require
a Sign Permit when proposed as part of a project that is subject to
Design Review. The signs may be off site and located in the public
right-of-way and may not include advertising or commercial identification.
The size, location, and number of signs shall be determined by the
review authority. Signs must be provided in English and Spanish. A
Sign Permit and Design Review by the Director shall be required for
signage proposed as part of a project that is not subject to discretionary
Design Review.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1, 2005; Ord. 4028 § 2, 2014; Ord. 2020-014 § 23; Ord. 2021-012 § 29)
A. Sign
area measurement. The measurement of sign area to determine compliance
with the sign area limitations of this chapter shall occur as follows.
1. The
surface area of a sign shall be calculated by enclosing the extreme
limits of all framing, writing, logo, representation, emblem, or other
display within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or
rectangles with no more than eight lines. See Figure 3-13.
Figure 3-13—Sign Area Measurement
|
2. Supporting
framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself
shall not be computed as sign area.
3. The
area of a double-faced (back-to-back) sign shall be calculated as
a single sign face if the distance between each sign face does not
exceed 18 inches and the two faces are parallel with each other.
4. Where
a sign consists of one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls,
cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture or statue-like trademarks),
the sign area shall be measured as their maximum projection upon a
vertical plane. See Figure 3-14.
Figure 3-14—Dimensional Sign Measurement
|
5. The
area of any time and/or temperature device incorporated into a sign
shall not be included in the calculation of total sign area.
B. Freestanding
sign height measurement. The height of a freestanding sign shall be
measured as the vertical distance from the lowest point of the base
of the sign structure, to the highest point of the structure, where
the lowest point of the base of the structure does not include fill,
planters, or other material artificially placed to allow increased
sign height. See Figure 3-15.
Figure 3-15—Sign Height Measurement
|
C. Sign
location requirements.
1. All
signs shall be located on the same site as the subject of the sign,
except as otherwise allowed by this Chapter. A sign may project over
an adjacent public right-of-way only when authorized by an encroachment
permit as well as a Sign Permit.
2. No
sign shall be located within the public right-of-way, except as otherwise
allowed by this Chapter.
3. The
location of all signs shall be evaluated to ensure:
a. That the setback is appropriate for the height and area of a freestanding
or projecting sign;
b. That flush or projecting signs relate to the architectural design
of the building. Signs that cover windows, or that spill over natural
boundaries and/or cover architectural features shall be discouraged;
c. That signs do not unreasonably block the sight lines of existing
signs on adjacent properties; and
d. Pedestrian and vehicular safety.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 4028 § 2, 2014)
Each sign shall comply with the sign type, area, height, and other restrictions provided by this Section, except as otherwise expressly provided in Section
20-38.040, Signs and Sign Changes Allowed Without a Sign Permit or Section
20-38.080, Standards for Special Category Signs.
A. Residential zoning districts. Each sign in a residential zoning district established by Section
20-20.020 (Zoning Map and Zoning Districts), shall comply with the following requirements.
TABLE 3-9—SIGN STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
|
---|
Allowed Sign Types
|
Maximum Sign Height
|
Maximum Number of Signs Allowed per Parcel
|
Maximum Sign Area Allowed per Parcel
|
---|
Wall or freestanding
|
Wall signs: below edge of roof; freestanding: 6 ft.
|
1 of either allowed sign type per entrance or street frontage;
one rental/vacancy sign
|
32 sf. maximum each wall or freestanding sign; up to 6 ft. for
rental/vacancy sign 70 sf. total for all signs
|
B. Commercial and industrial zoning district sign standards. Each sign in the commercial and industrial zoning districts established by Chapter 2, Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses, shall comply with the requirements in Table 3-10, in addition to the provisions of Section
20-38.080, Standards for Special Category Signs, as applicable.
TABLE 3-10—SIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
ZONES
|
---|
Allowed Sign Types
|
Maximum Sign Height and Location
|
Maximum Number of Signs Allowed per Business/Tenant
|
Maximum Sign Area Allowed per Business/Tenant
|
---|
Awning (1)
|
Below edge of roof or top of parapet (2)
|
3 of any combination of allowed sign types per business except
that only 1 freestanding sign per street entrance is allowed.
|
1 sf. for each linear ft. of primary building or store frontage
(for buildings with multiple frontages, 1 sf. for each linear foot
of primary frontage plus 0.5 sf for each foot of secondary frontage).
The total area of all signs on a single building frontage shall
not exceed the total linear feet in that frontage.
At least 10 sf., and no more than 100 sf., are allowed for each
business.
|
Freestanding
|
7.5 ft. in height; min. of 5 ft. behind sidewalk or property
line, whichever is greater. Additional height up to 9 ft. may be added
through the Minor Design Review process.
|
Only 1 freestanding sign per street entrance is allowed. Sites
with multiple tenants must accommodate all tenants on one freestanding
sign.
|
1 sf. for each linear ft. of primary building or store frontage
(for buildings with multiple frontages, 1 sf. for each linear foot
of primary frontage plus 0.5 sf. for each foot of secondary frontage).
The total area of all signs on a single building frontage shall
not exceed the total linear feet in that frontage.
At least 10 sf., and no more than 100 sf., are allowed for each
business.
|
Projecting, Wall
|
Below edge of roof or top of parapet (2)
|
3 of any combination of allowed sign types except that only
1 freestanding sign per street entrance is allowed.
|
1 sf. for each linear ft. of primary building or store frontage
(for buildings with multiple frontages, 1 sf. for each linear foot
of primary frontage plus 0.5 sf. for each foot of secondary frontage).
The total area of all signs on a single building frontage shall
not exceed the total linear feet in that frontage.
At least 10 sf., and no more than 100 sf., are allowed for each
business.
|
Suspended
|
Below eave/canopy; at least 8 ft. above a walking surface.
|
3 of any combination of allowed sign types, except that only
1 freestanding sign per street entrance is allowed.
|
1 sf. for each linear ft. of primary building or store frontage
(for buildings with multiple frontages, 1 sf. for each linear foot
of primary frontage plus 0.5 sf. for each foot of secondary frontage).
The total area of all signs on a single building frontage shall
not exceed the total linear feet in that frontage.
At least 10 sf., and no more than 100 sf., are allowed for each
business.
|
Temporary/ Portable
|
See Section 20-38.080(O) and (P).
|
Window
|
See Section 20-38.080(Q).
|
Indoor Signs and Outdoor Signs Not Visible from a Street
|
|
Notes:
|
---|
(1)
|
Limited to ground level and second story; awnings shall not
be internally illuminated, except that lettering on the awning valance
may be backlit; direct exterior lighting may be allowed; translucent
materials are prohibited.
|
(2)
|
At least one foot below the top of a parapet, and/or the lowest
point of any cornice or roof overhang, except that a sign that is
designed into a building architecture, such as a dormer into a roof,
may be permitted.
|
(3)
|
For calculation purposes, the area of a two-sided sign shall
be based on only one face of the sign.
|
(4)
|
A wall sign may be located on any primary or secondary building
frontage; no sign shall project from the surface to which it is attached
more than required for construction purposes, and in no case more
than 12 inches (except projecting signs); and no sign shall be placed
so as to interfere with the operation of a door or window.
|
Figure 3-16—Examples of Sign Type
|
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1, 2005; Ord. 3968 § 10, 2011; Ord. 3995 § 9, 2012; Ord.
4028 § 2, 2014)
Proposed signs shall comply with the following standards where
applicable, in addition to the sign area, height, and other requirements
set forth in the City Design Guidelines and all other applicable provisions
of this Chapter.
A. New-car
auto dealerships identification signs. The following requirements
apply to new-car auto dealership identification signs:
1. Identification
signing. Two attached wall signs, and/or one freestanding sign are
permitted for new-car automobile dealers are permitted. The maximum
total sign area for identification signs shall not exceed 200 square
feet. Used automobile dealers are subject to the same sign criteria
as traditional retailers.
2. Incidental
window signing. Incidental window signing at auto sales agencies may
be permitted up to 25 percent of window area. Window signing on vehicles
for sale is permitted, provided that the signing does not exceed two
square feet and is stationary. A Sign Permit is not required for incidental
window signing.
3. Temporary banners. Temporary banners, special events displays, etc., shall comply with Sections
20-38.050 and/or 20-38.080(P), as applicable.
4. Dealership
in the CV district. A dealership located in a CV zoning district shall
comply with the design guidelines of that zone. (See also the CV zoning
district requirements for signing.)
B. Child
day care facilities identification. Each facility is permitted two
nameplate or identification signs, not to exceed 12 square feet each.
C. Church and private school bulletin boards. Identification and directory signs shall comply with Section
20-38.070, Zoning District Sign Standards. A public, service or religious facility may be permitted a notice board not over 16 square feet, when located on the same site, in addition to identification signing. See Table 3-9 for signs proposed in Residential Zoning Districts.
D. Election
campaign signs. Election campaign signs are permitted in compliance
with all of the following requirements:
1. Each
candidate for a public office and each sponsor or group of sponsors
for or against a ballot measure shall obtain a Sign Permit from the
Department prior to installing any election campaign sign.
a. The permit application shall be signed by the applicant and shall
list the name of the person designated by the applicant for the installation
and removal of election campaign signs for that applicant.
b. The permit application shall contain a statement from the applicant
promising to remove all of applicant's election campaign signs within
15 days after the election.
c. The permit shall be issued without charge within 48 hours, weekends
and holidays excepted, of the filing of a complete application.
d. In the event the applicant does not remove the applicant's election
campaign signs within the allowed time period, the Department may
remove or cause to be removed any signs that remain. The applicant
shall pay the cost of removal. The City shall give written notice
to the applicant at least seven days prior to removing the signs.
2. After
written notice to the affected property owner allowing the property
owner to protest, the City may remove signs put up without permits.
To the extent required by law, the City shall obtain a warrant before
entering private property. Any candidate identified in a sign and
the person or entity who installs the sign shall pay all costs of
removal.
3. No
sign shall be erected earlier than 60 days prior to the election at
which the candidate or measure will be voted upon and each sign shall
be removed within 15 days after the date of the election.
4. No
sign shall be a roof sign.
5. No
sign supporting or opposing any one candidate or ballot measure shall
be more than 16 square feet in area and, if detached, more than nine
feet in height.
6. No
property owner shall approve or permit or install more than an aggregate
of 80 square feet of election campaign signs per lot of record per
election.
7. No
sign shall be erected on, under, above, or across any public property
or any public right-of-way.
8. No
sign shall be placed without the permission of the owner of the property
upon which the sign is placed.
9. Each
applicant for a Sign Permit in compliance with this Subsection shall
obtain written permission from the property owner of any non-residential
parcel or any vacant parcel prior to placing a sign on a non-residential
or a vacant parcel. The applicant shall maintain the written permission
until the sign is removed and shall furnish the written permission
to the City upon request.
E. Historic
District signs. Signs located within a Historic District designated
by the Council shall comply with the historic guidelines pertaining
to that district, and all other development criteria associated with
modifications to historic structures. The appropriate application
for processing signs in Historic Districts is the Sign Application.
A Landmark Alteration Permit is not required; however, individual
sign permits may be referred to the Cultural Heritage Board for their
review and decision at the discretion of the Director.
F. Motion picture theater identification signs. Changeable copy signs up to 65 square feet may be permitted by the Design Review Board in addition to the allowable number of signs in Section
20-38.070, Zoning District Sign Standards.
G. Professional office building directory signs. Directory signing in addition to the allowable signs permitted in Section
20-38.070, Zoning District Sign Standards, may be approved by the Director, provided that the signing does not exceed 20 square feet.
H. Public
directional signs. Public directional signs may be permitted for wineries,
ice arenas, hospitals, clinics, museums and/or similar uses which
are unique tourist or community serving destinations for which the
Council Director determines there is an extraordinary need because
the public has difficulty locating or there is a public benefit provided
by the use. The signs shall be off-site, located in the public right-of-way,
identify only the type of use, and not include advertising or commercial
identification. The signs shall not exceed a maximum of one three
square feet in area, two in number, and eight feet in height. The
signs require Sign Permits and shall be installed and maintained by
the city after approvals are obtained. The appropriate size, location
and number of these signs shall be determined by the Director in consultation
with the Public Works Department.
I. Public service signs. Signs that provide a public service, such as civic center, performing arts center, special civic event holiday, and time and temperature, public transit schedules etc. when not promoting any product advertising message or business identification, may be allowed in addition to the signs permitted under Section
20-38.070, Zoning District Sign Standards.
J. School
signs (public or private). Identification and directory signs may
be permitted provided that all signing is located on site and does
not exceed a maximum combined area of 100 square feet.
K. Service stations (permanent signing). Notwithstanding the signs permitted under Section
20-38.070, Zoning District Sign Standards, the following signs are permitted for service stations:
1. Three
identification signs, one of which may be freestanding and the others
attached to the building or canopy below the eave line, not exceeding
100 square feet in combined area;
2. The
Director may approve additional signs, in excess of the three identification
signs, describing hours of operations, self-serve, and related accessories
(such as car wash, propane, etc.) provided that all signs do not collectively
exceed the 100 square foot allowance;
3. Two
price signs in compliance with State of California requirements for
wording and size, as well as individual brand labels on each pump
limited to a maximum dimension of five inches, may be permitted in
addition to the 100 square foot allowance.
L. Decorations
and events—Public property. Seasonal decorations and banners,
decorations, and identification signs, containing not more than the
name, logo, name or logo of sponsor (less than 20 percent of sign
area), and date of an event may be displayed on public property at
a height of greater than eight feet, if the event has been approved
or recognized by resolution of the Council or their delegate. The
proposed signing and decorations shall be reviewed and approved by
the Director as to their design and placement on public property.
"Event" as used in this Section means a major civic activity, which
may be City-sponsored, and which involves expressly invited community-wide
participation, such as the Santa Rosa Downtown Market, the Rose Parade,
and First Night. Banners, decorations and signs may be placed up to
30 days before an event and shall be removed within five working days
after the conclusion of an event. Temporary signs shall be allowed,
during and within the boundaries of the event, which identify activities,
features, services, facilities, goods, and food or beverages available
at locations included within the event, whether or not on public property.
M. A shopping
center, business or industrial park may be identified by a common
sign, provided that only one sign shall be located on each specific
street frontage which provides access to the center, or at an intersection
of two streets with access to the center. A shopping center sign should
identify the entire center and shall not be named for individual tenants
or major users.
N. Subdivision
signs—Permanent identification signs. Permanent identification
signing attached to a permanent structure designed for the purpose
of subdivision identification and located at the subdivision entry
on private property, not exceeding a height of nine feet, nor two
signs per entrance may be permitted.
O. Subdivision
signs—Temporary identification and sales signs.
1. Temporary
on-site signs, each not exceeding 32 square feet in area and one in
number per entrance to a subdivision, during the time of sales of
subdivision lots. No sign shall exceed a maximum height of nine feet.
2. Additional
on-site model home signs may be permitted, provided that the signs
do not exceed two square feet and a total of six signs. Other signs
located on the subdivision site not exceeding two square feet each,
or banners not exceeding 32 square feet, or similar displays are permitted
provided that they are located entirely within the subdivision and
are not visible from any street except those within or bordering the
subdivision.
3. Temporary
off-site directional signs for a residential subdivision may be permitted
providing they meet the following criteria. For the purposes of this
section, "temporary" shall mean signing that shall only be permitted
during the time period of subdivision sales; however, in no case shall
the signing remain more than nine months but may be renewed at the
end of nine months.
a. A maximum of two signs, each not exceeding 16 square feet in area
(no dimension of which shall be longer than eight feet) and six feet
in height, located entirely on private property with the property
owner's permission and outside of the vision triangle or the vision
clearance needed for safe access to and from any driveways or other
roadways in the vicinity. No more than two signs shall be located
on any parcel.
b. It is the desire of the City that directional signs for subdivisions be located jointly in aggregate sign structures. To that end, in addition to the signs that may be permitted under Subsection
(3)(a),
a total of three aggregate subdivision sign structures, each not exceeding 24 square feet in total area nor six feet in height may be permitted. An aggregate sign structure shall contain space for at least four subdivision sign panels. Each sign panel shall be no larger than one foot by four feet. Only one sign panel for a particular subdivision shall be allowed in an aggregate sign structure. An aggregate sign structure shall be located entirely on private property, with the property owner's permission, and outside of the vision triangle or the vision clearance needed for safe access to and from any driveways or other roadways in the vicinity. An aggregate sign structure shall not be located on the same parcel that contains a Sign Permitted under Subsection
(3)(a) or within 500 feet of a Subsection
(3)(a) sign, and only one aggregate sign structure may be located on a single parcel.
4. Flags
displayed in conjunction with subdivision sales may be permitted in
addition to temporary signing providing such flags do not exceed five
in number, six square feet in area each, and are not displayed above
24 feet in height.
P. Temporary
signs. Temporary signs are any sign which is temporary, incidental,
and is used for the purpose of conveying information concerning goods,
services, or facilities available on the premises in addition to permanent
signs allowed under this chapter. Temporary signing shall be permitted
to be displayed on site for a total of 14 consecutive days unless
otherwise specified. The following temporary signs are permitted:
1. Informational
signs pertaining to events or activities occurring on the premises
such as holidays, special sales and promotions. The signing shall
only be permitted on four occasions throughout a calendar year, 32
square feet each in total sign area and not more than two in number;
2. Temporary
window signing, limited to a maximum of 25 percent of each window
surface;
3. Temporary
service station signs, such as merchandise display, promotions, and
signs located on gasoline pumps;
Q. Window signs. The following standards apply to window signs in all zoning districts where allowed by Section
20-38.070, Zoning District Sign Standards.
1. Maximum
sign area. Permanent window signs shall not occupy more than 20 percent
of the total window area.
2. Permanent
window signs.
a. Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground level
and second story of a building frontage.
b. Signage shall consist of individual letters, logos, or symbols applied
to the glass surface; however, neon signs with transparent backgrounds
may be hung inside the window glass line.
3. Temporary
window signs. Temporary window signs may be allowed provided that
the signs:
a. Are displayed inside a window for a maximum of 10 days;
b. Shall only be located within the ground-floor windows of the structure.
R. Business
that sell hemp derived CBD products. Business that sell hemp derived
CBD products shall not advertise or market hemp or hemp derived CBD
products on an advertising sign within 1,000 feet of a day care center,
school providing instruction in kindergarten or any grades 1 through
12, playground or youth center.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1, 2005; Ord. 3968 § 11, 2011; Ord. 4028 § 2, 2014; Ord.
2021-012 § 30)
The following signs are not permitted within the City:
A. Abandoned
signs. No person shall maintain or permit to be maintained on any
property owned or controlled by him or her, any sign which has been
abandoned. Any such sign shall promptly be removed by the owner or
persons controlling the premises. Any sign which is located on property
which becomes vacant and unoccupied for a period of six months or
more, or any sign which was erected for any occupant or business unrelated
to the present occupant or his or her business, or any sign which
pertains to a time, event, or purpose which no longer applies, shall
be presumed to have been abandoned, except that permanent signs applicable
to a business temporarily suspended by reason of a change of ownership
or management of such business shall not be considered abandoned unless
the property remains vacant for a period of six months.
B. Signs on public property. The tacking, posting, painting, marking, writing, gluing, taping or otherwise affixing of signs, including, but not limited to, posters, flyers and handbills, to or on any tree, pole, post, or any other structure, whether publicly or privately owned, which is located on public property or within the public right-of-way, without the prior written authorization of the governmental entity owning or in control thereof, is a public nuisance and is prohibited. Signs posted in violation of this subsection ar
e subject to immediate removal. Violation of this subsection shal
l be prosecuted as an infraction. Any person who owns an interest in or is an officer, partner or member of any business or association or venture, including performing arts groups, whether for profit or not for profit, which is advertised in a sign covered by this subsection or any person who tacks, posts, erects or otherwise affixes or procures the doing of same of a sign covered by this subsection shal
l be strictly liable for such violations. The posting of each sign shall constitute a separate violation.
C. Moving,
flashing, electronic/digital and windblown signs. No moving, rotating,
flashing, or changing of color intensity or signs with electronic/digitally
created content (i.e., electronic reader board signs), and no windblown
signs, such as posters, pennants, streamers, or strings of light bulbs,
balloons, or other inflated objects are permitted. The only exceptions
to these requirements are time and temperature devices, digital service
station price signs, digital drive-thru restaurant menu boards, and
signs installed by a governmental agency in carrying out its responsibility
to protect public health, safety and general welfare.
D. Freeway
oriented signs. Signs primarily oriented toward freeways and highways
are prohibited. Signs shall be oriented toward local streets and businesses
entrances.
E. Off-site
signs (billboards).
1. Unless
specifically allowed by other provisions of this chapter, a sign of
any kind which identifies, advertises or promotes a commercial use,
enterprise, business, service, or product which is not located or
sold on the property on which the sign is located is prohibited.
2. The
provisions of Subsection E.1 shall not apply to any nonconforming
sign during its amortization period nor to an off-site sign that is
not permitted to be removed under local regulations or laws without
the payment of just compensation as required under provisions of the
California Outdoor Advertising Act that validly preempt this City's
police power and other authority which has been granted to it by the
State Constitution, the City's Charter, and/or general law; provided,
however, that any off-site sign not permitted to be removed without
the payment of compensation under such provisions of the Act, shall
be removed under Subsection E.1, in the manner required by law, upon
the adoption of a resolution by the Council authorizing the payment
of such just compensation, as may be required by law, for its removal.
F. Portable
signs. An "A" frame sign or other sign attached to a device used to
allow the sign to be rolled or moved around is prohibited. Included
in this category are signs larger than three square feet affixed to
a vehicle intended for the purpose of business identification, directional
to a business, or advertisement of a business.
G. Roof signs. No sign shall be installed upon, against or directly above a roof or on top of or above the parapet of a building. Exception: if found by the Design Review Board to qualify as an architectural element designed in conjunction with the building architecture the provisions of this subsection shal
l not apply.
H. Cabinet
signs. Internally illuminated cabinet signs which utilize two-dimensional
plastic faces with the entire background illuminated are prohibited.
Cabinet signs which incorporate three-dimensional textured faces,
routed faced push-through copy and/or opaque (plastic/metal/wood)
backgrounds are appropriate.
I. Pole
mounted signs. A freestanding sign mounted to a visible structural
support structure is prohibited.
J. Temporary
and portable signs. Temporary and portable signs, except as allowed
by Sections 20-38.070.O and P, are prohibited.
K. Vision
triangle. Placement of any sign within a vision triangle is prohibited.
L. Other
signs. Signs that are obscene, illegal, hazardous to traffic, imitative
of official government signs (i.e., Stop, Danger, Caution, etc.) or
obstructive to public visibility, so as to create a hazard to the
public are prohibited.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1, 2005; Ord. 3995 § 8, 2012; Ord. 4028 § 2, 2014; Ord.
2021-012 § 31)
A. General. Except as provided in Subsection
E, any existing sign that was lawfully erected and maintained prior to the original adoption of this chapter on September 18, 1984, and which is in conflict with the provisions of this chapter, shall be deemed nonconforming as of October 19, 1984, the effective date of this chapter, and may be maintained only in compliance with the provisions of this chapter; provided, however, that during the period it is allowed to be maintained, the sign shall not be changed, modified, altered or relocated. Any change, alteration, modification, or relocation shall render the sign unlawful and the sign shall thereupon either be brought into compliance with the requirements of this chapter or be removed.
B. Signs
made nonconforming by reason of annexation. Any lawfully erected and
lawfully maintained sign which becomes nonconforming by reason of
the annexation to the City of the property upon which the sign is
located, or by the amendment of this chapter shall be subject to the
provisions of this chapter.
C. Previously existing nonconforming signs. Any existing sign that was in a nonconforming status with respect to the provisions and requirements of Division
4, Chapter 17 of the City of Santa Rosa Zoning Code, as the same existed immediately prior to the original adoption of this chapter, on September 18, 1984, and to which the provisions of Sections 580 and 581 of the subject Zoning Code were applicable, shall continue to be governed by the amortization provisions of said Article 17, and upon the expiration of the applicable amortization period there set forth, the sign shall become illegal and shall be removed or modified to conform to all provisions of this chapter. Any nonconforming sign that was subject to abatement and removal under the provisions of Article 17 because the applicable amortization period required by Article 17 had expired, but which was not removed or brought into conformity with the provisions of Division
4, is hereby declared unlawful and a public nuisance, and the sign shall be subject to abatement in compliance with this chapter, unless the sign is in conformity with all applicable provisions of this chapter.
D. Removal
of a nonconforming sign. A nonconforming sign shall either be made
to comply with the provisions of this chapter and the City Code, or
shall be removed within the applicable time period set forth in this
chapter. In the event that they are not, the Director shall order
the sign removed by the property owner and/or by any person known
to have control over or ownership of the sign. It shall thereafter
be unlawful for the person to maintain the sign or permit the sign
to be maintained on the property.
E. Manner
of removal of nonconforming signs. Unless some other mode of removal
is approved in writing by the Director, the removal of an unlawful,
nonconforming sign shall be accomplished as follows.
1. Painted
signs. A sign painted on a building, wall, or fence shall be removed
by the removal of the paint constituting the sign or by permanently
painting over it in such a way that the sign shall not thereafter
be visible.
2. Other
signs. A sign other than a painted sign shall be removed by physically
removing the sign, including its dependent structures and supports;
or in compliance with an issued Sign Permit, by modification, alteration
or replacement thereof in compliance with the provisions of this chapter
and the City Code.
F. Modification
of nonconforming signs. The structure, advertising display matter,
lettering or accessories of a non-conforming sign shall not be altered,
modified, changed, reconstructed or moved without bringing the sign
in all respects into compliance with this chapter, provided, however,
that nothing herein shall prohibit the normal maintenance or repair
of any nonconforming sign.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1, 2005; Ord. 4028 § 2, 2014)
A. Unlawful
signs. Any sign placed in public view for which no Sign Permit has
been issued, and that is not otherwise exempted from Sign Permit requirements
by this Zoning Code, is unlawful. No person shall install, place,
or maintain an unlawful sign and no person shall allow, or permit
the installation, placement, or maintenance of an unlawful sign on
property owned by the person. The Director shall enforce the provisions
of this Chapter.
B. Removal
of unlawful, temporary or portable signs.
1. The
Director may remove, or cause the removal of a temporary or portable
sign that is constructed, placed, or maintained on publicly owned
property in violation of this chapter or other provisions of the City
Code.
2. The
Director may remove, or cause the removal of a temporary or portable
sign which is constructed, placed, or maintained on privately owned
property in violation of this chapter or other provisions of the City
Code after obtaining a warrant for removal.
3. A
sign removed by the Director in compliance with Subsection B.1 or
B.2, shall be stored for a period of 20 days from the date written
notice of such storage is given. If not claimed within that time period,
the sign may be destroyed. Prior to the release of any stored sign,
the owner shall pay a fee of $50.00, or other amount as the Council,
by resolution, may authorize, to the City to defray a portion of the
expenses of removing, storing, and handling the unlawful sign.
4. Notice
of the storage of a sign to be given in compliance with Subsection
B.3 may be given by first class mail or personal delivery to the apparent
owner of the sign as ascertained from the sign itself or from other
information that has been obtained by the Director.
a. The notice shall briefly describe the sign and what is on its face,
and shall state the sign has been stored by the City and that it will
be released to the owner, upon satisfactory proof of ownership and
the payment of the fee, during a stated 20-day period.
b. The notice shall state where the owner may obtain the release of
the sign and contain such other information as the Director deems
necessary or helpful.
c. Notice is deemed given on the date the notice, addressed to the apparent
owner, with first class postage affixed thereto, is placed in a mail
depository of the U.S. Postal Service in Santa Rosa or personally
delivered to the owner or to the owner's office or home. If no apparent
owner and/or no address of the apparent owner can be ascertained from
the sign or other information obtained by the Director, no notice
need be given in compliance with this subsection, but the sign shall
be stored for at least 20 days from the date it is placed in storage
before it may be destroyed.
(Ord. 3677 § 1, 2004; Ord. 3711 § 1, 2005; Ord. 4028 § 2, 2014)