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)
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.
G. Roof Signs.
1. Attached
signs that extend above the roofline or parapet (whichever is higher)
of a building with a flat roof.
2. Attached
signs that extend above the deck line of a mansard or false-mansard
roof.
3. Signs
on rooftop structures, such as penthouse walls or mechanical enclosures.
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)
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.
1. Freestanding
signs (Section 17.29.090.B, Freestanding Signs)
2. Wall
signs (Section 17.29.090.E, Wall Signs)
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.
a. Freestanding signs (Section 17.29.090.B, Freestanding Signs)
b. Wall signs (Section 17.29.090.E, Wall Signs)
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)
E. Public and Semi-Public Zones. The following types of signs are allowed in Public and Semi-Public Zones subject to Section
17.29.090, Signage Standards for Specific Sign Types.
1. Freestanding
signs (Section 17.29.090.B, Freestanding Signs)
2. Wall
signs (Section 17.29.090.E, Wall 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.
1. Maximum Allowable Sign Area.
a. Agricultural and Residential Zones. Six square feet.
b. All Other Zones. Freestanding signs shall have a
maximum allowable sign area of one-half square foot per linear foot
of street property line, up to 200 square feet.
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
|
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.
1. Maximum Allowable Sign Area.
a. Agricultural and Residential Zones. Six square feet.
b. All Other Zones. Nine square feet.
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
|
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.
a. Agricultural and Residential Zones. 20 square feet.
b. All Other Zones. One square foot per linear foot
of street property line building frontage, up to 200 square feet.
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
|
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.
1. Maximum Allowable Sign Area. 25% of the window
area.
2. Maximum Sign Height. Window signs shall not
be placed on windows higher than the second story.
FIGURE 17.29.090.F: WINDOW SIGNS
|
(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)