This chapter shall be known and cited as the Sign Ordinance
of the City of Atascadero. This chapter is based on the City's responsibility
to protect the general public's health, safety and welfare. The spirit
of this chapter is based on the City's desire to protect the economy
and aesthetics of the community. The City finds that it is in the
interest of both aesthetics and traffic safety that sign information
be kept to a minimum.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
The purpose of this chapter is to establish sign regulations
that are intended to:
(a)
Maintain
and improve the aesthetic environment and overall community appearance
to foster the City's ability to attract sources of economic development
and growth;
(b)
Encourage
the effective use of signs as a means of communication in the City
and reduce possible traffic and safety hazards from confusing or distracting
signs;
(c)
Implement
quality sign design standards that are consistent with the City's
General Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Appearance Review Guidelines;
(d)
Enable
fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations;
(e)
Minimize
possible adverse impacts of signs on private and public property in
order to maintain property values and to maintain a positive City
image;
(f)
Enhance
traffic safety by ensuring that signage does not distract, obstruct
or otherwise impede traffic circulation and to safeguard and preserve
the health, property, and public welfare of Atascadero residents,
businesses, and visitors through prohibiting, regulating, and controlling
the density, location, and maintenance of signs.
(g)
Generally
limit commercial signage to on-site locations in order to protect
the aesthetic environment from the visual clutter associated with
the unrestricted proliferation of signs, while providing channels
of communication to the public.
(h)
Limit
the size and number of signs to levels that reasonably allow for the
identification of a residential, public or commercial location and
the nature of any such commercial business.
(i)
Regulate
signs in a manner so as not to physically interfere with or obstruct
the vision of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(j)
Avoid
unnecessary and time consuming approval requirements for certain minor
or temporary signs that do not require review for compliance with
the city's building and electrical codes, while limiting the size
and number of such signs so as to minimize visual clutter.
(k)
Respect
and protect the right of free speech by sign display, while reasonably
regulating the structural, locational and other non-communicative
aspects of signs, generally for the public health, safety, welfare
and specifically to serve the public interests in community aesthetics
and traffic and pedestrian safety.
(l)
Enable
the fair, consistent and efficient enforcement of the sign regulations
of the City.
(m)
Regulate
signs in a constitutional manner, which is content neutral as to noncommercial
signs and viewpoint neutral as to commercial signs. All administrative
interpretations and discretion are to be exercised in light of this
policy and consistent with the purposes and intent stated in this
section.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
(a)
The
provisions of this chapter are applicable to all signs constructed
or altered after the effective date of the ordinance codifying this
chapter.
(b)
Nonconforming
signs shall be revised to conform to the provisions of this chapter
where an entitlement for construction other than minor additions or
interior alterations is occurring or where a change of use occurs.
(c)
All
signs that are not specifically exempted from this chapter are subject
to the appearance review guidelines and an approved sign permit.
(d)
The
sign design standards herein are intended to be the maximum standards
allowable without an administrative use permit or conditional use
permit.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
Types of Exempt Signage. The following sign types are exempt
from the requirement of a building permit provided that the sign is
consistent with the standards of this chapter. The size and placement
standards set forth below and in subsequent sections must be adhered
to in order for such sign to qualify as exempt.
(a)
Signs
on Properties Under Construction. With an aggregate area of 40 square
feet, attached to a fence or construction related structure, not exceeding
eight feet in height, and made of a lightweight material such as vinyl.
One sign per street frontage.
(b)
Directory
Signs. Wall mounted for pedestrian use, with an aggregate area of
20 square feet, placed lower than five feet on the wall surface.
(c)
Non-Illuminated Decorations. Special event decorations may be in place up to 60 days, except for signage listed in Section 9-15.006.
(d)
Hazard
Signs. As long as a hazard exists.
(e)
Residential
Signs and Home Occupations. With an aggregate area of two square feet.
(f)
Window
Signs and Lettering. Limited to lettering, graphics and perforated
window film. Maximum area per Table 15.1 and Table 15.2. Posting of
signs related to the operation of the business not to exceed four
square feet (hours, restaurant ratings, etc.) are excluded from aggregate
sign calculations.
(g)
Official
Government Flags. Signs, flags and notices.
(i)
Official
Safety and Directional Signs. Safety and directional signage that
is consistent with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices,
California edition (MUTCD).
(j)
Temporary
signage in accordance with Table 15.1 and Table 15.2.
(k)
Vehicle Signs. Painted signs, magnetic signs, decals, or logo wrap adhered to a vehicle, unless parked for the primary purpose of displaying the sign, refer to Section 9-15.006(g).
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
(a)
Except
as hereinafter provided, no permanent sign shall be constructed, displayed
or altered without an approved building permit. Signs are permitted
under the various use classifications or locations specified in this
chapter.
(b)
Where
noted in this code, additional approvals may be required for signage
that does not conform to the specified sign regulations or when noted
as required based on signage type or location.
(1)
When signs are proposed for a project subject to entitlement approval,
a separate entitlement is not required. The application for entitlement
shall include complete information per this section, and any other
information determined to be necessary for community development department
review.
(c)
Application.
Applications for a building permit for the establishment, alteration
or relocation of a sign shall be made to the City, and shall include
the following items for processing:
(1)
Application Form.
(2)
Site Plan. Showing location of all existing structures on site, and
location of proposed sign(s) with all distances to structures and
property lines noted. Show any grading required for monument signs.
(3)
Elevations. Provide drawings of all building elevations, specifying
all dimensions of signs, including lettering, length, height, width
and depth of projecting letters if applicable. Provide building elevations
showing location of existing and proposed signs on walls, including
dimensions to building structural features such as roof, windows,
doors and finished grade. For a monument sign, show plan and side
views of proposed sign.
(4)
Colors and Materials. Provide samples of proposed colors and materials,
and/or a color rendering for all signs including rendering of full
building elevations for sign program applications.
(5)
Structural Calculations. When applicable, provide all structural
specifications and calculations as required by the Chief Building
Official or designee.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
The following sign types are prohibited within the City of Atascadero.
(a)
Off-site
signs, except as approved through agreement with the Redevelopment
Agency, or its successor agency and except as noted below for off-site
subdivision signage.
(b)
Abandoned
signs.
(c)
Signs
that simulate in color or design any traffic sign or signal, or which
makes use of words, symbols, or characters in such a manner to interfere
with, mislead, or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
(d)
Digital
display/LED messaging signs including animated, moving, flashing,
blinking, reflecting, glaring, or revolving, or any other similar
sign, except electronic message boards displaying time, temperature,
or required prices of gasoline or similar fuels, or the display of
noncommercial notices or messages.
(e)
Roof
signs.
(f)
Snipe
signs or any other sign attached to a tree, utility pole, fence post,
etc.
(g)
Mobile
signs.
(h)
Inflatable
signs.
(i)
Wall-mounted
cabinet signage where the frame or external structure is a box, either
in rectangular, square, or similar box like appearance, and the sign
face is flat and/or the background is light colored and non-decorative
in nature, with little or no articulation and comprised of plastic,
or other similar type of material.
(j)
Feather
flag signs.
(k)
Signs,
including non-commercial signs that are placed or encroach into the
right-of-way without a valid encroachment permit or prior approval
of the City Engineer or the Engineer's designee.
(l)
Signs
emitting audible sounds, odors or particulate matter.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
(a)
Permitted
Signs by Zones. The following are the signs types that are permitted
by zone as shown in Table 15.1.
|
Table 15.1 – Allowed Sign Types Based On Zone
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sign Type
|
P
|
Permitted Sign**
| |||
|
AUP
|
Administrative Use Permit Required**
| ||||
|
(blank)
|
Not Permitted
| ||||
|
**building permit requirements per Sections 9-15.005 and 9-15.007**
| |||||
|
Total Aggregate Sign Area (square feet)
(may be divided by using one or more sign types)
| |||||
|
Based on Sign Type
|
150 sf
|
50 sf
|
100 sf
| ||
|
Ag Zone
|
Residential Zones
|
Nonresidential Zones (CS, CN, CR, CPK, CT, IP, I)
|
Downtown Zones (DC, DO)
|
Public Zones (P, OS, L, LS)
| |
|
1. A-Frame
|
P
|
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
2. Art & Murals
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
|
3. Awning
|
P
|
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
4. Banner
|
|
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
5. Building Name
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
6. Changeable Copy
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
|
7. Freeway Facing1
|
|
|
AUP
|
|
|
|
8. Home Occupation
|
P
|
P
|
|
|
|
|
9. Information Kiosks
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
|
10. Private Light Pole
|
P
|
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
11. Ground Monument Sign
|
P
|
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
12. Multi-Tenant Freestanding
|
|
|
P
|
|
|
|
13. Projecting
|
|
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
14. Projected Image
|
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
15. Off-Site Subdivision
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
AUP
|
|
|
|
16. Neighborhood Identification
|
|
P
|
|
|
|
|
17. Single Tenant Freestanding Sign
|
P
|
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
18. Suspended
|
|
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
19. Temporary For-Sale
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
20. Temporary Noncommercial
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
21. Tenant Directional
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
22. Wall
|
P
|
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
23. Window Lettering
|
|
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Note:
| |
|---|---|
|
1
|
Freeway signs are regulated by Section 9-15.009
|
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017; Ord. 614 § 4, 2017)
(a)
Allowed
Signs and Standards. The following signs are permitted within the
City of Atascadero as shown in Table 15.2. Additional standards may
be applicable as contained in this chapter.
|
Table 15.2 – Allowed Signage Types
| ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sign Type
|
Permit Required
|
Zones Allowed
|
Max. Sign Area1
|
Number of Sign(s) Permitted
|
Max. Height2
|
Special Requirements
|
|
1. A-Frame
|
None
|
All Zoning Districts except Residential
|
10 sf
|
1 per street frontage
|
5 ft.
|
(a) Must be located outside of right-of-way on business property,
except as allowed by encroachment permit in the East Mall and West
Mall parkway area.
(b) Minimum height is 3 feet.
|
|
2. Art & Mural
|
Yes
|
All Zoning Districts
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
AUP required prior to installation for review limited to size,
placement, and duration.
|
|
3. Awning
|
Yes
|
All Zoning Districts except Residential
|
50% of awning face
|
1 per business
|
Based on building height
|
(a) Minimum vertical clearance from the ground of 8 feet.
(b) May project a maximum of 5 feet into the public right-of-way
with approved encroachment permit.
(c) Shall be securely attached to the buildings and well maintained.
(d) No supports or poles may be located in the public right-of-way.
(e) Shall complement the building they are attached to.
|
|
4. Banner
|
No
|
All Zoning Districts except Ag & Residential
|
40 sf
|
1 per public street frontage
|
N/A
|
(a) May be in place for a maximum of 30 days.
(b) All banners must be down a minimum of 60 days before any
new banner may go up.
(c) Banners must be secured flat against a building or secure
structure placed in the ground.
(d) Nonprofit events shall be exempt from size and number of
banners (e.g., farmers' market).
|
|
5. Building Name
|
Yes
|
All Zoning Districts
|
20 sf
|
1 per building
|
Based on building height
|
(a) Signage used to identify the building not the tenant(s).
|
|
6. Changeable Copy
|
Yes
|
All Zoning Districts
|
Based on AUP
|
1 per business
|
12 ft.
|
(a) AUP required.
(b)Size of changeable copy to be determined by the AUP.
(c)Design of changeable copy sign shall be determined by AUP.
(d) Sign is nondigital.
|
|
7. Freeway Oriented
|
Yes
|
|
*
|
*
|
*
|
*Refer to Section 9-15.010.
|
|
8. Home Occupation
|
No
|
All Ag & Residential Zoning Districts
|
2 sf
|
1 per residential unit
|
4 ft.
|
(a) Requires issuance of a valid business license prior to placement.
(b) Signage is permitted as a part of a residential occupancy
in a mixed-use development.
|
|
9. Information Kiosks
|
Yes
|
All Zoning Districts
|
Based on AUP
|
Based on AUP
|
Based on AUP
|
(a) For the permanent and/or temporary display of information.
(b) Limited to civic activities, advertising for local events.
(c) AUP required.
|
|
10. Private Light Pole3
|
Yes
|
All Zoning Districts except Residential
|
6 sf for each pole
|
25% of the total number of light poles
|
Based on light pole height
|
(a) A permanent light pole within a parking lot or property
may be utilized for temporary banner or signage that does not count
towards total aggregate sign area.
(b) 8 ft minimum vertical clearance or as required by the California
Building Code, whichever is greater.
(c) Light pole located on private property.
(d) A maximum of 2 signs per pole.
(e) Signage on poles shall be placed within decorative frames
or brackets.
|
|
11. Ground Monument Sign
|
Yes
|
All Zoning Districts except Residential
|
60 sf CN, CP, CR, CS, CT, CPK, IP, I
|
1 per 200 lineal foot
|
6 ft.
|
(a) Minimum base height shall be 1 ft.
(b) Maximum base height shall be 4 ft.
(c) Base does not count towards sign face area.
|
|
|
|
|
50 sf L, LS, P, OS
|
|
|
(d) Base shall have decorative hardscaping and shall be consistent
with the architecture of the building(s) it serves.
|
|
|
|
|
40 sf DC,
|
|
|
(e) Bases shall be located in a landscape planter.
|
|
|
|
|
DO, AG
|
|
|
(f) Cabinet type signs shall be prohibited.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g) Monument signs in DO/DC require a building to be set back
a min. of 10 ft. from back of walk.
(h) Bases shall be located in a landscape planter and set back
3 ft. from the back of sidewalk in the DO/DC zone.
|
|
12. Multi-Tenant Freestanding
|
Yes
|
Nonresidential Zoning Districts
|
50 sf + additional 10 sf per tenant
|
1 per property
|
12 ft.
|
(a) 2 or more tenants required.
(b) Minimum base height shall be 4 ft.
(c) Base does not count towards sign face.
|
|
|
|
|
Max. 100 sf
|
|
|
(d) Base Articulation. Base shall be consistent with architecture
of multi-tenant building.
(e) Bases shall be located in a landscape planter and set back
5 ft from the back of sidewalk.
(f) Cabinet monument type shall be prohibited.
(g) A singular pole is prohibited.
|
|
13. Projecting
|
Yes
|
All Zoning Districts except Ag & Residential
|
15 sf
|
1 per business
|
N/A
|
(a) Minimum ground clearance must be 8 ft., or as regulated
by the California Building Code.
(b) May encroach up to 5 ft. within the public right-of-way
with issuance of an encroachment permit.
|
|
14. Projected Image
|
No* *Electrical permit may be required.
|
All Zoning Districts except Ag
|
N/A
|
1 per business/ residence
|
N/A
|
(a) Laser lights or projected image signs used to project an
image, logo, or other graphic in a building, structure, sidewalk or
other surface.
(b) Projected image signs may be in place a maximum of 30 calendar
days and not be utilized for a minimum of 60 days thereafter.
(c) Installation of new electrical components shall be consistent
with the California Building Code or successor code.
(d) Flashing, distracting lights shall not be utilized.
|
|
15. Off-Site Subdivision
|
Yes
|
Ag, Residential and Nonresidential Zoning Districts
|
40 sf
|
3 per subdivision
|
10 ft.
|
(a) Subdivision tracts of 5 or more lots may be permitted to
install off-site directional advertising signage.
(b) Subject to the approval of an AUP.
(c) Subdivision shall be located within the City of Atascadero.
(d) No flags, banners or other decorations shall be affixed
to the sign.
(e) The signs shall not be illuminated.
(f) All signs shall be located on private property with written
permission from the property owner provided to the City.
(g) The signs shall be removed prior to final occupancy of the
last unit in the tract or after a period of 3 years, whichever is
less.
(h) The applicant may apply annually for a 1-year time extension
for active construction projects.
|
|
16. Neighborhood Identification
|
Yes
|
Residential Zoning Districts
|
36 sf
|
1 per arterial/ collector street frontage
|
6 ft.
|
(a) Residential single-family/multifamily developments of 5
units or more.
(b) Minimum base height shall be 1 ft.
(c) Maximum base height shall be 3 ft.
(d) Base does not count towards sign face area.
(e) Base shall have decorative hardscaping and shall be consistent
with the architecture of the building(s) it serves.
(f) Bases shall be located in a landscape planter on private
property.
(g) Cabinet type signs shall be prohibited.
(h) Signs shall front on either a designated arterial or collector
road.
|
|
17. Single Tenant Freestanding
|
Yes
|
All Zoning Districts except Residential
|
60 sf
|
1 per property
|
6 ft.
|
(a) Sign face shall be elevated, a minimum of 1 ft off the ground.
(b) Bases shall be located in a landscape planter and set back
a minimum of 2 ft from the back of sidewalk.
(c) Cabinet monument type shall be prohibited.
(d) A singular pole is prohibited.
(e) Freestanding signs in DO/DC require a building to be set
back a minimum of 10 ft from back of walk.
|
|
18. Suspended
|
Yes
|
All Zoning Districts except Ag and Residential
|
15 sf
|
1 per public street frontage
|
N/A
|
(a) Minimum ground clearance of 8 ft. or as regulated by the
California Building Code or successor code.
|
|
19. Temporary For-Sale
|
No
|
All Zoning Districts
|
6 sf all other lots 32 sf for lots fronting a highway
|
1 sign per street frontage; 1 sign per highway frontage
|
6 ft.
|
(a) Signs must be removed 14 days after close of sale.
|
|
20. Temporary Non-Commercial
|
No
|
All Zoning Districts
|
6 sf for yard sign
|
1 per property
|
5 ft.
|
(a) A maximum of 9 months.
(b) Must be removed a minimum of 90 days before any new non-commercial
signage may be placed.
|
|
|
|
|
32 sf freestanding
|
|
|
(c) Prohibited in the public right-of-way.
|
|
21. Tenant Directional
|
No
|
All Zoning Districts
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
5 ft.
|
(a) Does not count against total aggregate sign area.
(b) Design shall be consistent with the architectural style
and features of the building façade.
|
|
22. Wall
|
Yes
|
All Zoning Districts except Residential
|
40 sf in P, L, LS zones
|
1 per building face with a public street frontage or parking
lot
|
Based on building height
|
(a) May not exceed 1 sf per lineal foot of building frontage.
(b) For tenants greater than 10,000 sf in size, an additional
150% more sign area may be permitted.
|
|
|
|
|
Based on building frontage for all other non-residential zones
|
|
|
(c) Wall signs shall be located below the top of the parapet
or roofline on single story buildings and below the second floor sill
on multi-story buildings.
(d) Painted signs do not require building permits but required
planning review.
|
|
23. Window Lettering
|
No
|
All Zoning Districts except Ag & Residential
|
Not to exceed 1/2 of window area in all other zones
Not to exceed 1/3 of window area in
DC/DO Zone
|
*
|
*
|
*Refer to Section 9-15.004(f).
|
|
Notes:
| |
|---|---|
|
1.
|
Maximum sign area measured in square feet (sf).
|
|
2.
|
Maximum height measured in feet (ft.) and from finished grade
for all sign types.
|
|
3.
|
Additional light pole signage regulations contained in Section
9-15.007(b)(2).
|
(b)
Special
Sign Types and Criteria. The following are additional signage types
defined by the City and criteria required for their uses.
(1)
Gas Station Canopies. In addition to the signs allowed above, a maximum
of 20 square feet of signs, logos and or color banding shall be permitted
on no more than two sides of a pump island canopy structure. The remainder
of the pump canopy fascia shall be of an architectural treatment consistent
with site architecture.
(2)
Light Pole Signage. The following shall be prohibited to be placed
on light poles:
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017; Ord. 614 § 4, 2017)
Freeway facing signs shall adhere to the below standards. Approval
of an AUP shall be required for all freeway oriented signage.
(a)
Businesses located on freeway frontage of Highway 101, and that are a restaurant, service station, provide lodging, or are a dealer of new automobiles, may have a pole-mounted freeway oriented sign with an area not to exceed one square foot of sign area per lineal foot of freeway oriented building frontage up to 150 square feet, whichever is less. Pole-mounted signs shall not exceed 50 feet in height or the minimum height necessary for effective visibility (see Section 9-15.011(c)).
(b)
Where
the principal use is planned shopping, office or industrial complex
with five or more tenants, a building-mounted freeway oriented sign
may be allowed with a maximum area not to exceed one square foot for
each lineal foot of building frontage up to 60 square feet per principal
tenant, whichever is less.
(c)
Where
the building area of a single tenant building exceeds 10,000 square
feet, a buildingmounted freeway oriented sign may be allowed with
a maximum area not to exceed one square foot for each lineal foot
of building frontage up to 60 square feet, whichever is less.
(d)
Where
the building area of a single tenant building is less than 10,000
square feet, a buildingmounted freeway oriented sign may be allowed
with a maximum area of 40 square feet with a maximum letter height
of 14 inches.
(e)
Freeway
wall signs shall be constructed of individual three-dimensional letters
or logos. Rectangular box or cabinet signs shall not be allowed along
the Highway 101 frontage. Signs may be internally illuminated pan
channel letters or externally lit individual letters.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
(a)
Sign
Faces Counted. Where a sign has two faces containing sign copy, which
are oriented back to back and separated by not more than 24 inches
at any point, the area of the sign shall be measured using one sign
face only.
(b)
Wall
Mounted Letters/Logos. Where a sign is composed of letters individually
mounted or painted on a building wall, without a border or decorative
enclosure, the sign area is that of the smallest area within which
all letters and words can be enclosed.
(c)
Three-Dimensional
Signs. Where a sign consists of one or more three-dimensional objects
such as balls, cubes, clusters of objects, or sculptural or statute-type
trademarks, the sign area shall be measured as the area of the smallest
rectangle within which the object(s) can be enclosed, when viewed
from a point where the largest area of the object(s) can be seen.
(d)
Sign
Materials and Design. Signs shall utilize materials, colors, and design
motifs that are compatible with the architecture and color of the
buildings on-site and adjacent properties. (Refer to Appearance Review
Guidelines.)
(e)
Sign
Messages. Sign messages shall be limited to the identification of
the business or the type of activity conducted on the premises.
(f)
Sign
Programs. A master sign program must be provided for locations with
five or more tenants or businesses. Such programs shall be approved
by an AUP or concurrently with a CUP for the development. Sign programs
may also include wayfinding programs or civic sign programs.
(g)
Franchise
and Logo Signs. Businesses that are part of a franchise or corporation
may not exceed the maximum sign area allowed in their zone including
franchise or logo signs.
(h)
Illumination.
If signs are proposed to be illuminated, signs shall be indirectly
lighted by continuous, stationary, shielded light sources, directed
solely at the sign, or internal to it. All light sources for signs
are to be shielded so as not to be directly visible from off-site.
(i)
Freestanding
Signs. All freestanding or monument signs displaying either a commercial
or non-commercial message shall adhere to the following criteria:
(1)
When located in the Corner Clear Zone, the sign shall not exceed
30 inches in height.
(2)
Signs shall not obstruct a motorist's view of pedestrian or vehicular
traffic, traffic-control signs, or signals, or otherwise represent
a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(3)
Signs shall not impede a pedestrian's free use of the sidewalk.
(4)
Signs shall be securely affixed to the property on which they are
placed.
(5)
Signs may not be posted without the permission of the property owner.
(j)
Code
Standards. All signs established in this City must comply with all
current editions of the California Building Code, or successor adopted
building code for anchoring, foundations, windloads, illumination,
and design standards. Awning signs and projecting signs require structural
plans to be done by a licensed architect or civil engineer.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
The sign area or other limitations of this chapter may be modified,
increased or decreased through approval of an administrative use permit.
In reviewing an administrative use permit, the following findings
shall be made:
(b)
The
opportunity to combine signs for more than one use on a single sign
structure has been considered;
(c)
For
freeway-oriented signs, the sign area and height are the minimum needed
to achieve adequate visibility along the freeway due to highway ramp
locations and grade differences; and
(d)
Conformance
with all other applicable codes and ordinances of the City, including,
but not limited to, the Zoning Ordinance, General Plan and its several
elements, and the appearance review guidelines.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
All signs established in this City are subject to this code regarding safety, maintenance, and repair. All signs are to be properly maintained in a safe and legible condition at all times. Any sign that is 50% or more of the replacement cost of the sign or deteriorated, must be repaired and brought into conformance with this chapter will be presumed to be abandoned as defined in Section 9-15.018.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
The use of a legal nonconforming sign may continue as follows:
(a)
Freestanding
and Attached Signs. A legal nonconforming sign shall not be:
(1)
Increased in area;
(2)
Moved from its location on the effective date of the ordinance codified
in this title unless required by law or pursuant to this title;
(3)
Be provided with increased or intensified lighting;
(4)
Changed to an advertisement for a business not occupying the premises
or a product not sold on the premises.
(c)
Discontinued
Use. If the use of a building or land associated with a legal nonconforming
sign is discontinued for a period of six months or more, any signage
shall be removed and conform to the provisions of the chapter.
(d)
Public
Nuisances. Any legal nonconforming sign which is found to present
danger to the public or becomes abandoned due to disrepair or lack
of proper maintenance may be declared a public nuisance and abated
as set forth in Chapter 9-8 (Enforcement).
(e)
Destroyed
Signs. If a legal nonconforming sign is destroyed to the extent of
50% or more of its replacement cost prior to its destruction by fire,
explosion or act of God, it may be restored only if it is brought
into full conformance with the provisions of this chapter. If the
sign is damaged to the extent of less than 50% of its replacement
cost, it may be restored to its former legal nonconforming status.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced pursuant to Section 9-8.101 et seq., of Title 9 and Title 12, Code Enforcement, or its successor code.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
Any sign placed on property owned by the City of Atascadero,
or within the right-of-way of a dedicated public street without the
permission of the City may be removed by the City without prior notice.
This section shall be interpreted consistent with the requirements
of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and
the free speech clause of Article I of the California Constitution.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary,
the extent that this section allows a sign containing a commercial
message, a non-commercial message shall be allowed to the same extent.
The non-commercial message may occupy the entire sign area or any
portion thereof, and may substitute or be combined with the commercial
message. The sign message may be changed from commercial to non-commercial
message to another, as frequently as desired by the sign's owner,
provided that the sign is not prohibited and the sign continues to
comply with all requirements of this section.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phase of this
sign ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision
shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Sign
Ordinance. The City Council of the City of Atascadero hereby declares
that it would have adopted the Sign Ordinance in each section, subsection,
sentence, or phase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one
or more section, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phases be declared
invalid.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
(a)
General
Procedure. Any person seeking to appeal a decision granting or denying
an application for issuance of a building permit for a sign, revoking
a permit or ordering the remediation or removal of a sign, may appeal
such action, first to the Planning Commission, if pertaining to a
decision of the Planning Director or designee, and if dissatisfied
with the decision of the Planning Commission, then to the City Council
in the manner provided by this section.
(b)
Effective
Date of Decision. Decisions of the Director or Planning Commission
under this chapter will be final and conclusive on the fourteenth
(14th) consecutive calendar day following the date of the Director's
or Planning Commission's decision, unless an effective timely and
complete appeal is filed as provided in this section.
(c)
Form
of Appeal. An appeal must:
(1)
Be in writing on a form provided by the Department of Community Development;
(2)
Identify the Director's or Planning Commission's action to which
the appeal relates;
(3)
Be filed with the Department prior to the decision to which the appeal
relates becomes final; and
(4)
Be accompanied by a processing fee in an amount set by the City Council.
(d)
Stay
of Proceedings. The timely filing of an effective appeal will stay
the decision of the Director or Planning Commission to which the appeal
relates pending final action by the Planning Commission or City Council
on the matter.
(e)
Hearing.
The Department will expeditiously schedule a hearing before the Planning
Commission or City Council, as applicable, not later than 30 days
after the notice of appeal is received by the City and give written
notice of the time and place of the hearing to the appellant; provided,
however, the hearing may be held after such 30 day period upon the
request or concurrence of the appellant. Action on the appeal will
be taken at the time of the hearing by the Planning Commission or
City Council, as applicable, unless the appellant requests a continuance.
(f)
Judicial
Review. Any person dissatisfied with the final action taken by the
City Council may seek prompt judicial review of such decision pursuant
to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.8 or successor
code.
(Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions
shall apply:
A sign is abandoned when for a period of 90 days or more,
there is no sign copy appearing on the sign, or where the establishment
with which the sign is associated has ceased operation for a period
of 90 days or more, or where it is relatively clear that the sign
has been forsaken or deserted. Any sign which is a conforming sign
not in use, but which could be re-used in conjunction with the ownership
or operation of a new business on a property, shall not fall under
the definition of abandoned.
Any change of size, shape, illumination, position, location,
construction or supporting structure of an existing sign.
A sign with action or motion, rotating, flashing or color
changes, excepting therefrom wind-actuated elements such as flags,
banners, streamers, whirligigs or other similar devices, and public
service signs such as time and temperature units.
Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is
attached to a building or other structure. Flags, as defined in this
section, shall not be considered banners.
A building or group of buildings on one or more lots or building
sites containing three or more separate businesses.
The outermost surface of any exterior wall of a building,
but not including cornices, bay windows, balconies, or other architectural
features which extend beyond the general outermost surface of such
exterior wall.
Building face that fronts a public street or shared common
parking area within a commercial center, measured in linear feet from
the edge of wall to the edge of wall.
Also referred to as "can sign." A sign that contains all
the text and/or logo symbols on the display face of an enclosed cabinet
Any sign that is part of a projecting awning, canopy, or
other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door,
entrance or window or outdoor service area, or otherwise attached
to a building face.
A sign with changeable copy, regardless of the method of
attachment or the materials of construction, that is non-digital.
Any wording, logo or other representation that, directly
or indirectly, names, advertises or calls attention to a commercial
or industrial business, product, good, service or other commercial
or industrial activity.
Any sign with wording, logo, or other representation that,
directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a
business, product, service, or other commercial activity.
A property that has been issued a building permit by the
City of Atascadero for activities related to demolition, remodel,
or new construction of a property.
The area at a street corner inscribed by a line drawn between
points established by measuring back 15 feet from the beginning of
the curb radius along the curb line, or edge of pavement when there
is no curb, and the face of the curb or edge of pavement.
The portion of a sign message made up of internally illuminated
components capable of changing a message periodically. Digital displays
may include, but are not limited to, LCD, LED, plasma, or high intensity
displays (hid).
A structure located above the height of a wall projecting
from a sloping roof that is enclosed on both sides and top, and does
not project above top of the roof structure.
Any building or portion thereof which contains living facilities,
including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
Any City official or agent designated by the City Manager
as having authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
Also known as a blade sign, teardrop sign, or similar type
of temporary signage that is constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic
fabric, or similar lightweight, non-rigid material and that is supported
by a single vertical pole mounted into the ground or portable structure
for means of advertising.
A device, generally made of flexible materials, usually cloth,
paper or plastic, usually used as a symbol of a government, school,
or religion, and not containing a commercial message.
Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed
on, or anchored in, the ground which are independent from any building
or other structure. This definition may include pole signs, ground
signs and monument signs.
A sign oriented to be viewed primarily from Highway 101.
Any freestanding sign greater than six feet in height and
supported wholly by uprights, braces, or poles in or upon the ground
and where any supports or angle irons are enclosed in a wood, plastic,
metal or other decorative form, such that the angle irons or supports
are not visible. The entire bottom of a ground sign is generally in
contact or in close proximity to the ground.
The height of any sign shall be the measurement from the
top of the sign cabinet, including all ornamentation and supports,
to the existing grade beneath the sign.
Any sign placed without all required governmental approval
and/or permits at the time such sign was placed or is an existing
sign which was not constructed in accordance with the ordinances and
other applicable laws in effect on the date of construction, did not
receive government approval or permits, or a legal nonconforming sign
that has exceeded its authorized amortization period.
Any sign employing the use of lighting sources for the purpose
of decorating, outlining, accentuating or brightening the sign area.
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary
to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as no parking,
entrance, loading only, telephone and other similar directives. A
sign that also includes a commercial message is not considered incidental.
Any air or gas filled device located, attached, or tethered
to the ground, site, merchandise, building, or roof and used for the
purpose of signage, advertising or attention-getting.
A sign which was legal when first erected, with all necessary
permits, but due to a change in the law it became nonconforming.
A temporary banner or sign that is designed to be attached
to a permanent light pole and where the temporary sign element can
be changed without modifying the structure.
Those portions of a lot or building site which abut a public
street. For purposes of determining frontage on corner lots and through
lots, all sides of a lot abutting a public street (excluding an alley)
shall be considered frontage.
A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by
the building and projecting beyond the building face.
The use of a moving trailer, automobile, truck, or any other
vehicle to display commercial or noncommercial messages primarily
for advertising purposes unrelated to the principal use of such vehicle.
A freestanding sign which is supported by a base which extends
the entire length of the sign area and is an integral part of the
design.
A sign with two or more sign faces where any two sign faces
are oriented such that they have an interior angle of greater than
45 degrees from each other.
Any wording, logo or other representation that does not directly
or indirectly, name, advertise or call attention to a commercial or
industrial business, product, good, service or other commercial or
industrial activity.
Any signage which is not determined to be commercial signage,
as defined herein.
The molding, battens, caps, nailing strips, lattice, cutouts,
or letters and walkways which are attached to the sign structure.
Signage when taken as a whole, which to the average person
applying contemporary Statewide standards, appeals to the prurient
interest and as a whole depicts or describes in a patently offensive
way sexual conduct which lacks serious literary, artistic, political
or scientific value.
Signage that is not located on the site of the business,
accommodations, services, or commercial activity served by the sign.
A sign advertising the business, accommodations, services
or commercial activities provided on the site on which the sign is
located. For the purposes of this chapter, all signs with noncommercial
messages are deemed to be on-site, regardless of location
Any legal sign designed or used in excess of 45 days.
Signs permitted pursuant to this chapter.
A sign wholly supported by one pole and separated from the
ground by air.
Any freestanding, moveable sign.
A sign which involves an image projected on the face of a
wall, structure, sidewalk, or other surface from a distant electronic
device such that the image does not originate from the plan of the
wall, structure, sidewalk, or other surface.
An on-site sign used to identify the name of an apartment
housing complex, mobilehome park, condominium subdivision or other
residential subdivision.
A sign which projects more than 12 inches from the exterior
face of a building wall or facade and which uses the building wall
as its primary source of support.
A sign erected upon or above a roof (angled surface) or a
parapet of a building or structure, and not contained within a dormer
(flat surface).
The setback area shall be that area defined as the required
minimum yard as specified by the Zoning Ordinance for each Zoning
District, unless a specific setback is designated within this chapter.
Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any
color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise,
announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose of a person or entity,
or to communicate information of any kind to the public, with the
exception of the following:
Such devices not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing
only property numbers, post box number, names of occupants or other
similar identification on a site;
Flags and other insignia of any government not displaying a
commercial message;
Legal notices, identification, informational or directional/traffic
controlling devices erected or required by government agencies;
Decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters,
trademarks or moving parts;
Holiday decorations and lights;
Government traffic controlling devices are not considered signs
for purposes of this chapter due to their distinct purpose.
The entire area contained within the frame, cabinet or fixture,
including all ornamentation or decoration used to attract attention.
In the case of pole signs, that area above the supporting column,
provided such supporting column is not decorated or displayed with
advertising. The area of signs painted on walls, individual letter
signs, trough signs, and other directly illuminated signs, shall be
calculated on the basis of the smallest rectangle, circle or spherical
figure that will enclose the entire copy area of the sign. The area
of any two or more faced signs or type signs having any interior angle
of more than 45 degrees (multi-faces signs) shall be the total area
of all faces or panels. If all interior angles are 45 degrees or less,
the greatest sized panel or face shall only be counted as the sign
area.
Any words, letters, numbers, figures, designs or other symbolistic
representation incorporated into a sign with the purpose of attracting
attention to the subject matter.
The surface of the sign upon, against, or through which the
message is displayed or illustrated on the sign.
Any structure that supports or is capable of supporting any
sign as defined in this section. A sign structure may be a single
pole and may or may not be an integral part of the building.
A lot, or group of contiguous lots, with or without development,
in single ownership, or having multiple owners, all of whom join in
an application for signage.
Signage that is attached to trees, utility poles, in-ground
wires or to other objects that has a message appearing on it.
A public or private highway, road or thoroughfare which affords
the principal means of access to adjacent lots.
Temporary signage for properties that are for sale or rent.
An outdoor pole consisting of either wood, metal, or other
similar material, installed by an entity operating under the jurisdiction
of the California Public Utilities Commission or other similar state
or federal agency to support telephone, electric, and other cables.
A sign no larger than six square feet in size comprised of
light weight material such as vinyl, canvas, fabric, or other similar
materials that are staked, or framed in the ground.
(Ord. 604 § 2, 2016; Ord. 609 § 2, 2017)
