The purpose of this chapter is to promote the public health,
safety, and welfare through a comprehensive system of reasonable,
effective, consistent, content-neutral, and nondiscriminatory sign
standards and requirements. More specifically, this chapter is intended
to:
A.
Balance
public and private objectives by allowing adequate avenues for both
commercial and noncommercial messages;
B.
Encourage
signs as an effective channel of communication while preventing visual
clutter that will detract from the aesthetic character of the City;
C.
Protect
and improve the local economy and quality of life by preserving and
enhancing the appearance of the streetscape;
D.
Maintain
and enhance the City's appearance by regulating the location, number,
type, quality of materials, size, illumination, and maintenance of
signs;
E.
Restrict
signs that may create a nuisance to nearby properties, violate privacy,
or create hazards or unreasonable distractions for pedestrians or
drivers;
F.
Provide
clear and unambiguous sign standards that enable fair and consistent
enforcement; and
G.
Ensure
that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech is protected.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
A.
Animated Sign. A sign with messages that visually change,
or images that move or appear to move, flash on or off, wink or blink
with varying light intensity, show motion or create the illusion of
motion, or revolve to create an illusion of being on or off.
B.
Awning Sign. A sign placed on an awning.
 FIGURE 17.29.020.B: AWNING SIGN
|
C.
Balloon. Any air-or gas-filled device used for the purposes
of signage or advertising.
D.
Billboard. A sign used for general advertising for hire, that
is, some or all of the display area is customarily used to display
the messages of advertisers or sponsors other than the owner of the
sign.
E.
Canopy Sign. A sign attached to a fixed overhead shelter used
as a roof, which may or may not be attached to a building.
 FIGURE 17.29.020.E: CANOPY SIGN
|
F.
Commercial Message. A message on a sign, or portion of a sign,
that promotes, informs, or proposes an economic transaction, primarily
concerns the economic interests of the sign sponsor and/or audience,
or is intended to further discussion in the marketplace of goods and
services.
G.
Copy. Also called "sign copy." The visually communicative
elements mounted on a sign.
H.
Damaged Sign. Any sign with cracked or broken panels, peeling
paint, missing letters, or any sign that has been partially destroyed
by any cause.
I.
Directional Sign. A sign that directs or guides pedestrian
or vehicular traffic and which is nonadvertising in nature (e.g.,
handicapped parking, one-way, exit, and entrance).
J.
Electronic Copy. A sign having the capability of presenting
variable message displays by projecting an electronically controlled
pattern, and which can be programmed to periodically change the message
display.
K.
Flag. Any fabric or banner containing distinctive colors,
patterns, or design that displays the symbol(s) of a nation, state,
local government, company, organization, belief system, idea, or other
meaning.
L.
Freestanding Sign. A sign supported by structures or supports
that are placed on or anchored in the ground, and which are structurally
independent from any building.
 FIGURE 17.29.020.L: FREESTANDING SIGNS
|
M.
Freeway Information Sign. A multi-tenant sign advertising
freeway-oriented businesses near a freeway interchange.
N.
General Advertising for Hire. The advertising or promoting
of other businesses, establishments or causes using methods of advertising,
typically for a fee or other consideration, in contrast to self-promotion
or on-site advertising.
O.
Government Sign. A governmental sign for control of traffic
and other regulatory purposes, including street signs, danger signs,
railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating
danger and aids to service or safety.
P.
Graffiti. Marks, such as inscriptions, drawings, or designs,
which are placed, scratched, etched, painted, or sprayed on public
or private property without the owner's consent.
Q.
High-Rise Building Identification Sign. A sign on a building
of at least four stories indicating the name of the building or residential
development.
R.
Illuminated Sign. A sign with an artificial source of light
incorporated internally or externally for illuminating the sign.
S.
Inflatable Sign. A form of inflatable device (e.g., shaped
as an animal, blimp, or other object) that is displayed, printed,
or painted on the surface of an inflatable background, and is primarily
installed outside a building to attract attention to or to advertise
a business, a business location, a service, a product, or an event.
T.
Internally Illuminated Sign. A sign that is illuminated by
a light source that is contained inside the sign where the message
area is luminous, including cabinet signs and channel-letter signs.
U.
Master Sign Program. A coordinated sign plan which includes
details of all signs (not including exempt or temporary signs) which
are or will be placed on a site.
V.
Memorial Sign. An informational non-commercial sign, memorializing
a person, event, structure, or site.
W.
Mobile Billboard. Any vehicle, or wheeled conveyance which
carries, conveys, pulls, displays, or transports any sign or billboard
for the primary purpose of advertising a commercial or noncommercial
message, or other general advertising for hire.
 FIGURE 17.29.020.W: MOBILE BILLBOARD
|
X.
Moving Sign. A sign or any portion thereof that rotates, moves,
or appears to move in some manner by mechanical, electrical, natural,
or other means.
Y.
Non-Commercial Message. A message or image on a sign that
directs public attention to or advocates an idea or issue of public
interest or concern that does not serve to advertise or promote any
business, product, activity, service, interest, or entertainment.
Z.
Nonconforming Sign. A sign lawfully erected and legally existing
on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Code, but
which does not conform to the provisions of this Code.
AA.
Outdoor Advertising Structure. Any structure of any kind or
character erected or maintained for outdoor advertising purposes,
upon which any outdoor advertising sign may be placed, located on
a site other than the site on which the advertised use is located
or on which the advertised product is produced.
BB.
Pennant. A device made of flexible materials (e.g., cloth,
paper, or plastic) that may or may not contain copy, and which is
installed for attracting attention.
CC.
Permanent Sign. A sign that is intended to be and is so constructed
as to be of a lasting and enduring condition, remaining unchanged
in character, condition (beyond normal wear) and position, and in
a permanent manner affixed to the ground, wall, or building.
DD.
Portable Sign. A moveable sign that rests on the ground and
is not designed to be permanently attached to a building or permanently
anchored to the ground, including, but not limited to, A-frame and
H-frame signs are allowed subject to the following standards.
 FIGURE 17.29.020.DD: PORTABLE SIGN, A-FRAME SIGN
|
EE.
Projecting Sign. A single-or double-faced sign that is perpendicular
to the face of a building and projects more than 15 inches from the
face.
 FIGURE 17.29.020.EE: PROJECTING SIGN
|
FF.
Roof Sign. Any sign located on a roof of a building or having
its major structural supports attached to a roof that extend above
the roofline or parapet.
 FIGURE 17.29.020.FF: ROOF SIGN
|
GG.
Sign. Any identification, description, illustration, or device
illuminated or non-illuminated, which is visible to the public from
any exterior public right-of-way, and directs attention to a product,
service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation,
including any permanently installed or situated merchandise; or any
emblem, painting, banner, pennant, or placard designed to advertise,
identify, or convey information. A display, device, or thing need
not contain lettering to be a sign.
HH.
Sign Area. The area contained within a single continuous perimeter
enclosing all parts of such sign copy, excluding any structural elements
outside the limits of the sign required to support the sign.
II.
Sign Face. An exterior display surface of a sign, including
non-structural trim, exclusive of the supporting structure. The area
of a sign which is available for mounting and public display of the
visually communicative image.
JJ.
Traffic Sign. A sign for traffic direction, warning, and roadway
identification.
KK.
Wall Sign. A sign affixed to and wholly supported by a building
in such a manner that its exposed face is approximately parallel to
the plane of such building.
 FIGURE 17.29.020.KK: WALL SIGN
|
LL.
Window Sign. A temporary or permanent sign with a single face
of copy that is painted or installed on a glass window or door, or
located within 12 inches from inside the window, in a manner that
it can be viewed from the exterior of a structure.
 FIGURE 17.29.020.LL: WINDOW SIGN
|
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
A.
The
provisions of this chapter apply to all signs in all zones, constructed
or physically altered on or after the effective date of the ordinance
codified in this title, unless otherwise specified.
1.
The
provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to prohibit a person
from holding a sign while picketing or protesting on public property
that has been determined to be a traditional or designated public
forum, so long as the person holding the sign does not block ingress
and egress from buildings; create a safety hazard by impeding travel
on sidewalks, bike lanes, or vehicle lanes; or violate any other reasonable
time, place, and manner restrictions adopted by the City.
2.
The
provisions of this chapter shall not require alteration of the display
of any registered mark, trademark, service mark, trade name, or corporate
name that may be associated with or incorporated into a registered
mark, where such alteration would require the registered mark to be
displayed in a manner differing from the mark as exhibited in the
certificate of registration issued by the United States Patent and
Trademark Office. It is the responsibility of the applicant to establish
that a proposed sign includes a registered mark.
B.
Regulatory Interpretations. The provisions of this chapter
shall be applied in a content-neutral manner. Non-communicative aspects
of all signs, not related to the content of the sign, shall comply
with the provisions of this chapter. "Non-communicative aspects" include
the time, place, manner, location, size, height, illumination, spacing,
and orientation of signs.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
The following signs are exempt from the permit requirements
of this chapter, and do not count toward the maximum sign area limitation
for a site, provided that they conform to the specified standards.
A.
Address Signs. Required address identification signs that
are in conformance with the Building Code.
B.
Commercial Displays on Vehicles. Displays on vehicles related
to the goods or services provided by the vehicle owner or operator
and public transit/public carrier graphics on properly licensed buses,
taxicabs, and similar vehicles for hire that legally pass through
the City.
C.
Directional Signs. Directional and/or informational signs
not more than eight square feet in area or four feet in height for
the direction or convenience of the public such as outlining/assisting
vehicle and pedestrian circulation within a site, egress, ingress,
and any public facilities such as restrooms, telephones, walkways,
and other similar features.
D.
Flags. Flags that do not display a commercial message and
are erected and located in accordance with the following standards:
1.
Maximum Allowable Sign Area. The maximum
allowable sign area for an individual flag is 32 square feet.
2.
Maximum Sign Height. The maximum flagpole
height is 30 feet.
3.
Location of Sign. Flagpoles shall not be
located within any required setback.
4.
Maximum Number of Signs. No more than two
flags per lot in Residential Zones, no more than three flags per lot
in all other zones.
E.
Government Signs. Official notices issued by a court, public
body, or office and posted in the performance of a public duty; notices
posted by a utility or other quasi-public agency; signs erected by
a governmental body to direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular
traffic; non-commercial bus stop signs erected by a public transit
agency, or other signs required or authorized by law.
F.
Historic Plaques and Commemorative Signs. Historic plaques,
memorial signs or tablets, or commemorative signs indicating names
of buildings and dates of building erection, either attached to or
cut into the surfaces of buildings, with a maximum allowable sign
area of four square feet per sign.
G.
Interior Signs. Signs that are in the interior areas of a
building or site not visible from the public right-of-way, and at
least three feet from a window, door, or other exterior wall opening.
H.
Manufacturer's Mark. Manufacturer's marks, including signs
on items such as vending machines, gas pumps, and ice containers with
a maximum allowable sign area of four square feet per sign.
I.
Mobile Vendor Signs. Signs fixed to mobile vending vehicles
that identify or advertise the name, product, or service provided
by the vendor. Each mobile vending vehicle is limited to a maximum
sign area of eight square feet.
J.
Nameplate. One nameplate for each tenant or occupancy not
to exceed two square feet in area indicating the name of the occupant
or tenant.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
Unless otherwise permitted by a specific provision of this chapter,
the following sign types are prohibited:
A.
Animated or Moving Signs. Animated, flashing, blinking, reflecting,
revolving, or other similar sign with visibly moving or rotating parts
or visible mechanical movement of any kind, unless expressly permitted
by another section of this chapter.
B.
Balloons, Inflatable Signs, Streamers, Pennants and Other Attention-Getting
Devices. Balloons, inflatable signs, streamers, pennants, and
other attention-getting devices, made of light-weight fabric or similar
material, designed to rotate or move with the wind, that direct, promote,
or that are otherwise designed to attract attention.
C.
Cabinet or Can Signs. Internally illuminated cabinet and can
signs.
D.
Fence Signs. Signs attached or painted on fences or freestanding
walls that are not part of a building.
E.
General Advertising. Temporary signs that publicize or promote
other businesses or causes using methods of advertising (in contrast
to self-promotion, on-site sales, or on-site advertising). General
advertising is also known as advertising for hire.
F.
Mobile Billboards. Any sign carried or conveyed by a vehicle
for the primary purpose of general advertising for hire. This prohibition
eliminates mobile billboard advertising within the City to reduce
traffic congestion, promote the safe movement of vehicular traffic,
to reduce air pollution, and improve the aesthetic appearance of the
City. This prohibition does not apply to displays on vehicles related
to the goods or services provided by the vehicle owner or operator
and public transit/public carrier graphics on properly licensed buses,
taxicabs, and similar vehicles for hire that legally pass through
the City.
H.
Search Lights and Klieg Lights. Search and Klieg lights when
used as attention-attracting devices for commercial uses.
I.
Signs Located in the Public Right-of-Way or on Public Property. Other than official government signs or warning signs required by
law, no inanimate sign can be placed in or project into the public
right-of-way or on public property unless authorized by an encroachment
permit.
J.
Signs Affixed to Trees. Signs affixed to or cut into trees
or other living vegetation shall be prohibited.
K.
Signs on Terrain. Signs cut, burned, marked, or displayed
in any manner on a street, sidewalk, cliff, hillside, or other terrain
feature shall be prohibited.
L.
Signs Creating Traffic or Pedestrian Safety Hazards. Signs
placed, located, or displayed in such a manner as to constitute a
traffic or pedestrian safety hazard shall be prohibited.
1.
Signs
that obstruct use of any door, window, or fire escape.
2.
Signs
that impede normal pedestrian use of public sidewalks. A minimum unobstructed
width of four feet must always be maintained.
3.
Signs
that constitute a traffic hazard or obstruct the view of traffic,
any authorized traffic sign, or signal device.
4.
Signs
that create confusion or conflict with any authorized traffic sign
or signal device due to color, location, wording, or use of specific
phrases, symbols, or characters.
M.
Signs Producing Noise or Emissions. Signs producing visible
smoke, vapor, particles, odor, noise, or sounds that can be heard
at the property line shall be prohibited. This prohibition excludes
menu boards with voice units at drive-through facilities.
N.
Signs for Prohibited Uses. A sign displaying a commercial
message promoting a business that is a prohibited use and has not
been established as a legal nonconforming use.
O.
Unauthorized Signs. Signs shall not be placed on private or
public property without the permission of the property owner.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
A.
Measuring Sign Area. Building painting, striping, and supporting
structures are not included in sign area. The sign area is the total
area contained within the smallest rectangular perimeter encompassing
the sign, structures, and any background embellishments. The sign
area for individual channel letter signs is the area contained by
the smallest rectangular perimeter that will encompass each word.
The area of an individual sign shall be calculated as follows:
 FIGURE 17.29.060.A: MEASURING SIGN AREA
|
1.
Single-Faced Signs. The sign area is the
area of the sign face.
2.
Double-Faced Signs. Where two faces of a
double-faced sign are located two feet or less from one another at
all points or located at an interior angle of 45 degrees or less from
one another, the sign area of double-faced signs is computed as the
area of one face. Where the two faces are not equal in size, the larger
sign face will be used. Where two faces of a double-faced sign are
located more than two feet or greater than 45 degrees from one another,
both sign faces are counted toward sign area.
 FIGURE 17.29.060.A.2: MEASURING DOUBLE-FACED SIGNS
|
3.
Multi-Faced Signs. On a three-faced sign,
where at least one interior angle is 45 degrees or less, the area
of two faces (the largest and smallest face) must be summed to determine
sign area. In all other situations involving a sign with three or
more sides, sign area will be calculated as the sum of all faces.
 FIGURE 17.29.060.A.3: MEASURING MULTI-FACED SIGNS
|
4.
Three-Dimensional Signs. Three-dimensional
signs include those that consist of, or have attached to them, one
or more three dimensional objects such as balls, cubes, clusters,
sculpture, or statue-like trademarks. The sign area is the sum of
all areas using the four vertical sides of the smallest rectangular
prism that will encompass the sign.
 FIGURE 17.29.060.A.4: MEASURING THREE-DIMENSIONAL SIGNS
|
B.
Measuring Sign Height. The height of a sign is the vertical
distance from the uppermost point used to measure sign area to the
existing grade immediately below the sign.
1.
Freestanding Signs. The height of freestanding
signs, including freeway information signs, shall be measured as the
vertical distance from grade at the edge of the right-of-way along
which a sign is placed, to the highest point of the sign, including
any structural or architectural component of the sign. When the grade
at the edge of the right-of-way is higher than the site on which the
sign is placed, that portion of the sign below the grade at the edge
of the right-of-way shall not be included in determining the sign's
overall height.
 FIGURE 17.29.060.B: MEASURING SIGN HEIGHT
|
C.
Measuring Sign Clearance. Sign clearance shall be measured
as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest
point of the sign, including any framework or background embellishments.
 FIGURE 17.29.060.C: MEASURING SIGN CLEARANCE
|
D.
Building Frontage. Building frontage shall be measured as
the widest lineal dimension, parallel to the ground, of a continuous
frontage. A building's frontage is considered continuous if projections
or recesses in a building wall do not exceed 10 feet in any direction.
For buildings with two or more frontages, the length of the frontage
and allowable sign area shall be calculated separately for each building
frontage.
 FIGURE 17.29.060.D: BUILDING FRONTAGE
|
E.
Street Frontage. The length of street frontage is measured
along the property line adjacent to the public right-of-way.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
A.
Applicable Codes. In addition to complying with the provisions
of this section, all signs must be constructed in accordance with
the Uniform Building code, the Uniform Sign Code, the Electrical Code,
and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies.
B.
Changes to Copy of Approved Signs. Changes to the copy of
approved signs that were legally established and have not been modified
to become illegal are exempt from permitting pursuant to this title.
Changes to copy do not include changes to the type or level of illumination
of an approved sign.
C.
Noncommercial Signs. Non-commercial signs are allowed wherever
commercial signage is permitted and are subject to the same standards
and total maximum allowances per site or building of each sign type
specified in this chapter. For purposes of this chapter, all non-commercial
speech messages will be deemed to be "on-site," regardless of location.
D.
Message Substitution. A non-commercial message of any type
may be substituted, in whole or in part, for any duly permitted commercial
message, any non-commercial message may be substituted for any non-commercial
message, and any on-site commercial message may be substituted for
any on-site commercial message.
1.
No Additional Approval Required. Such substitution
of message may be made without any additional approval, permitting,
registration, or notice to the City. This provision prevents any inadvertent
favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech or favoring
any non-commercial message over any other non-commercial message.
2.
Limitations. This provision does not allow
the following:
a.
Create the right to increase the total amount of signage for a parcel,
lot, or land use;
b.
Affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be
properly permitted;
c.
Allow a change in the physical structure of a sign or its mounting
device; or
d.
Authorize the substitution of an off-site commercial message in place
of an on-site commercial message or in place of a non-commercial message.
E.
Sign Materials. All signs shall be made of sturdy, durable
materials.
F.
Changeable Copy.
1.
Manual Changeable Copy. Manually changeable
copy shall represent no more than 50% of the sign area.
2.
Automatic Changeable Copy and Electronic Message Center Signs. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs and automatic changeable
copy in which copy can be changed or altered by electric, electromechanical,
electronic, or any other artificial energy means, are allowed subject
to the following standards.
a.
Permit Required. All automatic changeable copy and
electronic message center signs require Minor Use Permit approval,
except service and gas station price signs and time and temperature
signs.
b.
Display Duration. The display shall change no more
frequently than once every eight seconds and must have an unlighted
interval between copy displays of 0.3 second or more.
c.
Static Message. Displays shall contain static messages
only, and shall not have movement, or the appearance or optical illusion
of movement, of any part of the sign structure, design, or pictorial
segment of the sign, including the movement or appearance of movement
of any illumination, or the flashing, scintillating or varying of
light intensity.
d.
Light Intensity. 0.3 foot-candles over ambient lighting
conditions when measured at a distance equal to the square root of
100 times the area of the sign in square feet. All electronic copy
must be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically
determines the ambient illumination and programmed to automatically
dim according to ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted
to comply with the 0.3 foot-candle measurements.
e.
Automatic Controls. All electronic message displays
shall be equipped with automatic controls to allow for adjustment
of brightness based on ambient lighting conditions.
H.
Encroachment. Signs mounted on private property may project
into or above public property or the public right-of-way only with
approval of an encroachment permit.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
This section establishes the types of signs and, where applicable,
the total aggregate sign area, allowed per zone.
A.
Agricultural Zone. Non-residential uses that are the primary use on a site in the Agricultural Zone are allowed the following types of signs with a total aggregate sign area of one foot per eight feet of street frontage and subject to Section 17.29.090, Signage Standards for Specific Sign Types.
B.
Residential Zones.
1.
Residential Developments. Residential developments of two or more units or lots are allowed the following types of signs with a total aggregate sign area of one square foot per two dwelling units and subject to Section 17.29.090, Signage Standards for Specific Sign Types.
2.
Non-Residential Uses. Non-residential uses that are the primary use on a site in a Residential Zone are allowed following types of signs with a total aggregate sign area of one foot per eight feet of street frontage and subject to Section 17.29.090, Signage Standards for Specific Sign Types.
a.
Awning and canopy signs (Section 17.29.090.A, Awning and Canopy Signs)
b.
Freestanding signs (Section 17.29.090.B, Freestanding Signs)
c.
Projecting and shingle signs (Section 17.29.090.D, Projecting and
Shingle Signs)
d.
Wall signs (Section 17.29.090.E, Wall Signs)
e.
Window signs (Section 17.29.090.F, Window Signs)
C.
Commercial and Mixed-Use Zones. The following types of signs are allowed in Commercial and Mixed-Use Zones subject to Section 17.29.090, Signage Standards for Specific Sign Types.
1.
Awning
and canopy signs (Section 17.29.090.A, Awning and Canopy Signs)
2.
Freestanding
signs (Section 17.29.090.B, Freestanding Signs)
3.
High-rise
building identification signs (Section 17.29.090.C, High-Rise Building
Identification Signs)
4.
Projecting
and shingle signs (Section 17.29.090.D, Projecting and Shingle Signs)
5.
Wall
signs (Section 17.29.090.E, Wall Signs)
6.
Window
signs (Section 17.29.090.F, Window Signs)
D.
Employment Zones. The following types of signs are allowed in Employment Zones subject to Section 17.29.090, Signage Standards for Specific Sign Types.
1.
Awning
and canopy signs (Section 17.29.090.A, Awning and Canopy Signs)
2.
Freestanding
signs (Section 17.29.090.B, Freestanding Signs)
3.
High-rise
building identification signs (Section 17.29.090.C, High-Rise Building
Identification Signs)
4.
Wall
signs (Section 17.29.090.E, Wall Signs)
5.
Window
signs (Section 17.29.090.F, Window Signs)
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
This section establishes standards for specific sign types that
apply to all zones where such signs are allowed.
A.
Awning and Canopy Signs. Signs painted or printed on awnings,
canopies, arcades, or similar attachments or structures are subject
to the following standards.
1.
Maximum Allowable Sign Area. Awning and canopy
signs shall have a maximum allowable sign area of 10 square feet,
or 25% of the total awning area, whichever is less.
2.
Maximum Sign Height. Awning and canopy signs
shall have a maximum height of 14 feet.
3.
Minimum Sign Clearance. Awning and canopy
signs shall have a minimum sign clearance of eight feet.
4.
Maximum Number of Signs. Awning and canopy
signs shall be limited to one per each establishment with an entrance
or offering services under the awning or canopy.
5.
Illumination. Awning and canopy signs shall
not be illuminated.
 FIGURE 17.29.090.A: AWNING AND CANOPY SIGNS
|
B.
Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs are subject to the
following standards.
2.
Maximum Sign Height.
a.
Agricultural and Residential Zones. Six feet.
b.
Commercial and Commercial Highway Zones. Freestanding
signs in the Commercial and Commercial Highway Zones, except for freeway
information signs, shall have a maximum height of 12 feet.
c.
Mixed-Use Zones. Freestanding signs in the CBD,
WF, MU-NC, and MU-C zones, shall have a maximum height of 8 feet.
d.
Employment and Public and Semi-Public Zones. Eight
feet.
3.
Support Structure. The width of the support
structure of freestanding signs shall be least one-third of the width
of the sign face. The support structure shall be made of materials
present on the façade of the building of the related business.
4.
Location of Sign. All freestanding signs shall meet visibility requirements pursuant to Section 17.22.160, Visibility at Intersections.
a.
Commercial and Mixed-Use Zones. Freestanding signs
in the Commercial and Mixed-Use Zones shall be set back at least five
feet from any street-facing property line, and at least 20 feet from
any Residential Zone boundary.
b.
Employment Zones. Freestanding signs in the Employment
Zones shall be set back at least five feet from any street-facing
property line, and at least 20 feet from any Residential boundary.
c.
All Other Zones. Freestanding signs in all other
zones shall be set back at least one foot for every foot of sign height.
C.
High-Rise Building Identification Signs. High-rise building
identification signs are allowed on buildings of at least four stories,
subject to the following standards.
1.
Maximum Allowable Sign Area. High-rise building
identification signs shall have a maximum allowable sign area of one
square foot per linear foot of building frontage.
2.
Location of Sign. High-rise building identification
signs shall be located on the upper-most story of the building.
3.
Maximum Number of Signs. High-rise building
identification signs shall be limited to one per building frontage.
 FIGURE 17.29.090.C: HIGH-RISE BUILDING IDENTIFICATION
SIGNS
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D.
Projecting and Shingle Signs. Signs that project horizontally
from the exterior wall of a building or are suspended beneath a marquee,
covered walkway, canopy, or awning, are subject to the following standards.
2.
Maximum Sign Height. 15 feet.
3.
Minimum Sign Clearance. Eight feet.
4.
Maximum Number of Signs. One for each building
frontage or tenant space.
5.
Projection Allowed.
a.
Projecting Sign. A projecting sign cannot extend
more than four feet from the building to which it is attached and
must be designed and located so as to cause no harm to street trees.
Signs projecting into the public right-of-way are subject to an encroachment
permit.
b.
Shingle Sign. A shingle sign cannot extend further
than the outer edge of the marquee, covered walkway, canopy, or awning
from which it is suspended.
6.
Illumination. Projecting and shingle signs
shall not be illuminated.
 FIGURE 17.29.090.D: PROJECTING AND SHINGLE SIGNS
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E.
Wall Signs. Wall signs include any sign attached to, erected
against or painted upon the wall of a building or structure. Wall
signs are subject to the following standards.
1.
Maximum Allowable Sign Area. In all cases,
wall sign copy shall not occupy more than 20% of the total area of
the wall to which the sign is attached.
2.
Location of Sign.
a.
Wall signs shall not be placed higher than the second story of a
building.
b.
Wall signs shall not cover or interrupt major architectural features,
including such features as doors, windows, or tile embellishments.
c.
Wall signs shall not extend higher than the building wall upon which
they are attached.
3.
Maximum Number of Signs. One per building
frontage or tenant space.
4.
Attachment. Wall signs may be attached according
to the following standards:
a.
Attached flat against or pinned away from a building wall, but not
extending or protruding more than 15 inches from the wall; or
b.
Attached to the façade of a building or on a sloping roof
(mansard roof), but not extending above the upper edge of the façade
or the sloping roof.
 FIGURE 17.29.090.E: WALL SIGNS
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F.
Window Signs. Signs painted on or otherwise adhered directly
onto a window and signs that block a window in any way are subject
to the following standards.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
A.
Conditional Use Permit Required. Freeway information signs
are allowed subject to a Conditional Use Permit approval.
B.
Maximum Allowable Sign Area. Freeway information signs shall
have a maximum allowable sign area of 600 square feet. Any individual
business identified by the freeway information sign shall have a maximum
sign area of 100 square feet. Any individual parcel shall be limited
to 50% of the sign area.
C.
Maximum Sign Height. Freeway information signs shall have
a maximum height of 65 feet.
D.
Location of Sign. Freeway information signs shall be located
within 1,000 feet of the start of the off-ramp to which they apply.
E.
Maximum Number of Signs. Freeway information signs shall be
limited to one per side of a freeway interchange.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
A.
Sign Permit Required. Except as otherwise provided in this
chapter, it is unlawful for any person to affix, place, erect, suspend,
attach, construct, structurally or electrically alter (not including
a face change of sign copy), move, or display any temporary or permanent
sign within the City without first obtaining a sign permit from the
Director. No sign permit is required for exempt signs or normal maintenance
of a previously approved sign, unless a structural or electrical change
is made.
B.
Application. Application for a permit shall be made upon forms
provided by the Planning Division and accompanied by the required
fee and application materials showing the following:
C.
Review and Decision.
1.
Upon acceptance of a sign application, the Director shall review the request for compliance with the standards and requirements of this chapter, and with any standards established in a Master Sign Program pursuant to Section 17.29.120, Master Sign Program.
2.
The
Director's decision shall clearly state any conditions of approval
or reasons for disapproval and applicable appeal provisions.
D.
Agreement Required. No sign permit shall be issued, and no
sign erected, unless the City and the sign owner have entered into
a written agreement ensuring that the sign is erected and maintained
in compliance with this chapter. The sign owner shall be solely responsible
for all costs associated with construction, maintenance, and the ultimate
removal of the sign. The agreement and the sign permit shall be revocable
at any time for failure to comply with this chapter or the terms of
the agreement, or if the City determines that the sign interferes
with the public's safe use of the right-of-way.
E.
Permit Number Identification. A tag issued by the City indicating
the sign permit number shall be affixed to the sign to be readily
visible by City staff.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
A.
Purpose. The purpose of a Master Sign Program is to provide
a method for an applicant to integrate the design and placement of
signs within a project with the overall development design to achieve
a more unified appearance.
C.
Application. A Master Sign Program application shall contain
all written and graphic information needed to fully describe the proposed
sign program, including the proposed location and dimension of each
sign, as well as proposed color schemes, font types, materials, methods
of attachment or support, and methods of illumination. A Master Sign
Program application shall also include calculation of maximum allowable
sign area, and total proposed sign area, for the site.
D.
Modifications to Sign Standards. A Master Sign Program may
provide for modifications from the standards of this chapter.
E.
Review Authority. All Master Sign Programs are subject to
review and approval of the Review Authority for the project with which
the signs are associated. A Master Sign Program may be submitted separately
or as part of the permit application for the project.
F.
Required Findings. The Review Authority must make all of the
following findings in order to approve a Master Sign Program, in addition
to the other applicable regulations in this section. The inability
to make one or more of the findings is grounds for denial of an application.
1.
The
proposed signs are compatible in style and character with any building
to which the signs are to be attached, any surrounding structures
and any adjoining signage on the site;
2.
Future
tenants will be provided with adequate opportunities to construct,
erect, or maintain a sign for identification; and
3.
Directional
signage and building addressing are adequate for pedestrian and vehicular
circulation and emergency vehicle access.
G.
Lessees to Be Informed of Master Sign Program. Lessees within
developments subject to the requirements of an approved Master Sign
Program shall be made aware of the Master Sign Program in their lease.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
A.
Continuance and Maintenance. Reasonable and routine maintenance
and repairs may be performed on signs that are nonconforming provided
there is no expansion of any nonconformity.
B.
Abandonment of Nonconforming Sign. Whenever a nonconforming
sign has been abandoned, or the use of the property has been discontinued
for a continuous period of 90 days, the nonconforming sign must be
removed.
C.
Restoration of a Damaged Sign. A nonconforming sign may be
restored if it meets either of the following criteria:
1.
A
sign with damage that does not exceed 50% of the total sign area,
including hardware and attachments, provided that the repairs start
within 60 days of the date of damage and are diligently pursued to
completion.
2.
A
sign that is a danger to the public or is unsafe as determined by
the Building Official.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
Each sign displayed within the City, including exempt signs,
shall be maintained to comply with the following standards:
A.
Graffiti
on a sign shall be removed within two days of notice of its placement
on such sign.
B.
The
display upon any sign area of a sign shall be maintained in good condition,
without rips, tears, and similar damage.
C.
All
parts, portions, units and materials composing a sign, together with
the frame, background, surface, support or enclosure therefore shall
be maintained in a safe condition, painted, and adequately protected
from weathering with all braces, bolts and structural parts and supporting
frames and fastenings reasonably free from deterioration, rot, rust,
and loosening so that they do not create a hazard to persons or property
or constitute a nuisance.
D.
Any
sign or sign structure that is sagging, leaning, fallen, decayed,
broken, deteriorated, or other dilapidated condition shall be promptly
repaired, to the satisfaction of the City, or removed.
E.
Whenever
any sign, by virtue of its physical nature and condition, poses an
immediate and serious threat to the public safety, the sign may be
removed by City personnel, or its physical deficiency cured, to the
extent necessary to protect the public safety. The cost of such removal
or repair shall be assessed against the sign owner.
F.
An
on-premises sign identifying an activity, business, service or product
shall be removed within 30 days following the actual discontinuance
of the activity, business, service or product. If the sign is not
so removed, the Director may have the sign removed in accordance with
the public nuisance abatement provisions of this title.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
Signs that do not conform to the provisions of this chapter and are erected after its effective date without obtaining required permits thereby are declared to be unlawful and a public nuisance. All violations of this chapter shall be subject to enforcement remedies, penalties, and abatement as provided by Chapter 17.46, Enforcement, and Title 19, Nuisance Abatement Code, of the municipal code.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
