This Chapter establishes procedures for the review and approval or denial of a Sign Permit and Sign Program.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A.
Sign Permit. A permit is required to erect, move, alter, replace, suspend, display, or attach a sign, whether permanent or temporary, including any structural or electrical changes, unless otherwise specified in this Chapter. Each sign and change of copy requires a separate Sign Permit except that changes to or between non-commercial messages do not require a Sign Permit consistent with Section 17.316.020 (Applicability). A change of copy means changing of the face or letters of a sign. The following sign activities are allowed without a Sign Permit however; any required building permit shall be obtained prior to the modification of a sign:
1.
The normal maintenance of a sign, including cleaning, repainting, or repairing, except when prohibited from a nonconforming sign. See Section 17.316.050 (General Requirements for All Signs);
2.
Changes to the face or copy of a sign with changeable copy; and
3.
Signs that have completed a courtesy review by the Department and are installed in compliance with an approved Sign Program.
B.
Sign Program.
1.
A Sign Program is required for any parcel, or multi-parcel center, with four or more businesses or tenant spaces, regardless of whether the tenant spaces are occupied. Once a Sign Program is approved, Sign Permits for individual business signs must comply with the Sign Program. A Sign Program may be requested by an applicant for a parcel, or multi-parcel center, with fewer than four businesses or tenant spaces, or for a residential parcel(s), but is not required.
2.
As part of a Sign Program approval, exceptions may be granted to the standards of this Chapter if the findings established in Section 17.540.050 (Findings and Decision) are made.
3.
A Sign Program for a multi-parcel center may allow off-premises signage provided the signs advertise only the businesses within that center and the signs are located on parcels that are part of the multi-parcel center.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A.
Application Requirements. An application for a Sign Permit or Sign Program shall be filed in compliance with Chapter 17.504 (Application Processing Procedures).
B.
Other Permits Required. In addition to the requirements of this Chapter, all signs should be in conformance with applicable requirements of the California Building Code. Where required, the applicant shall also obtain a building permit and/or electrical permit from the City.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
No noticing or public hearing are required for the decision on a Sign Permit or Sign Program consistent with Chapter 17.608 (Public Hearings and Noticing).
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
After a Sign Permit or Sign Program application is deemed complete, the review authority shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application.
A.
The review authority will approve a Sign Permit or Sign Program application, with or without conditions, only after the following findings are made:
2.
The sign or Sign Program is in substantial compliance with any applicable design guidelines;
3.
The sign or signs to be constructed consistent with the Sign Program will not impair pedestrian and vehicular safety; and
4.
The design or proposed construction of the sign or signs constructed consistent with the Sign Program will not threaten the public health, safety, or welfare.
B.
The review authority will approve a Sign Program application, with or without conditions, only after the following additional findings are made:
1.
If the Sign Program does not comply with the standards of Chapter 17.316 (Sign Standards), the following findings shall be made:
b.
There are special circumstances applicable to the property including size, shape, topography, location, surroundings, building placement, or architectural style that warrant modified standards to afford the property privileges enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity and in the same zone;
c.
The modified standards do not constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and in the same zone;
d.
The Sign Program does not allow any sign that is prohibited (Section 17.316.040 (Prohibited Signs and General Restrictions for All Signs)); and
2.
The Sign Program standards will result in signs that are visually related or complementary to each other and to the buildings and/or developments they identify through the integration of predominant architectural materials, elements, or details of such buildings or developments.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
A.
Sign permit implementation, time limits, and extensions shall be in compliance with Chapter 17.552 (Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extensions).
B.
A Sign Permit expires when the activity, product, business, service, or other use which is being advertised or identified has ceased for a period of not less than 90 days or has moved from the location where the sign was allowed.
C.
A Sign Permit expires when a sign is removed from the approved location for more than 90 days or a new permit is approved for a replacement sign.
D.
A Sign Program has no expiration date.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)
Unless otherwise specified in this Chapter, the procedures and requirements in Chapter 17.552 (Permit Implementation, Time Limits, Extensions), Chapter 17.608 (Appeals), and Chapter 17.556 (Permit Modification and Revocation), shall apply following a decision on a Sign Permit or Sign Program.
(Ord. 1670(19) § 11)