The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations for signs, pursuant to Government Code §§ 65000 et seq., 65850(b), 38774, 38775; Business and Professions Code §§ 5200 and 5490 et seq.; Civil Code § 713; and other applicable state laws.
These regulations are intended to protect the public health, safety, and welfare and provide for the integrity of the community's aesthetics. The city recognizes that signs and other graphics are an essential element of a community's visual appearance and provide a means to identify and promote businesses, provide useful information to the public, and should not become visual distractions along public roadways. Consequently, the purpose of this chapter is to provide sign regulations for signs on private property that are consistent with the goals and objectives of the city's general plan and the community's visual and aesthetic goals. In addition, these regulations are intended to:
A. 
Promote an economically stable and visually attractive community.
B. 
Promote signs and graphics that are attractive, pleasing, and harmonized with the physical character of the environment and surrounding properties, while serving the identifying needs of the business community.
C. 
Prevent an inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message.
D. 
Promote traffic safety and the smooth and efficient flow of pedestrians and vehicles to their destinations.
E. 
Direct persons to various activities and enterprises, in order to provide for maximum public convenience.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
The following policies regarding signage in the city are established:
A. 
Regulatory interpretations. The requirements of this chapter shall not be interpreted to nullify any easements, covenants, or other private agreements that provide for more restrictive sign regulations than are required by this chapter.
B. 
Message neutrality. It is the city's policy and intent to regulate both commercial and noncommercial signs in a viewpoint-neutral and/or content-neutral manner. The message of the sign shall not be reviewed except to the minimum extent necessary to identify the type of sign.
C. 
Message substitution. Subject to the property owner's consent, a noncommercial message of any type may be substituted in whole or in part for the message displayed on any sign for which the sign structure or mounting device is authorized pursuant to this chapter, without consideration of message content. A sign permit will be required. The purpose of this requirement is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message. In addition, any on-site commercial message may be substituted, in whole or in part, for any other on-site commercial message, provided that the sign structure or mounting device is authorized pursuant to this chapter, without consideration of message content. This requirement does not create a right to increase the total amount of signage on a parcel, lot, or land; does not affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be properly permitted; does not allow a change in the physical structure of a sign or its mounting device; and does not allow for the substitution of an off-site commercial message in the place of an on-site commercial or noncommercial message.
D. 
On-site/off-site distinction. Within this chapter, the distinction between on-site and off-site signs applies only to commercial messages.
E. 
General prohibition. Permanent signs not expressly permitted by this chapter are prohibited.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
This section describes the administrative provisions for signage regulation, including permit requirements and review procedures. These permit requirements and procedures are also listed in article II (Land Use and Development Procedures).
A. 
Permit required. The following permits or entitlements shall be required for signs:
1. 
Sign permit.
a. 
Applicability. A sign permit shall be required for all permanent signs (building attached or freestanding) prior to erection, relocation, alteration, or replacement of a sign, unless otherwise exempted by this chapter. The process for application, review, and decision regarding a sign permit shall be as established in section 17.74.030(B) (Review Procedures) below. A sign permit shall not be required for general maintenance of existing signs or the replacement of the sign face (including message) when the area of the sign is not being changed and a building permit is not required (e.g., the replacement of a sign face on a can sign).
b. 
Approval authority. The designated approving authority for sign permits shall be the planning director, or designee.
c. 
Approval findings. A sign permit shall only be granted when the planning director finds the proposal to be in conformance with all applicable provisions of this title.
d. 
Additional permits. In addition to a sign permit, a building permit may also be required.
2. 
Temporary sign permit.
a. 
Applicability. A temporary sign permit shall be required for all temporary signs (building attached or freestanding) prior to erection or placement, unless otherwise exempted by this chapter.
b. 
Approval authority. The designated approving authority for temporary sign permits shall be the planning director, or designee.
c. 
Approval findings. A temporary sign permit shall only be granted when the planning director finds the proposal to be in conformance with all applicable provisions of this title.
3. 
Uniform sign program.
a. 
Purpose and intent. A uniform sign program provides a process for the city's review of, and decisions related to, requests for signs for multi-tenant projects. The intent of a uniform sign program is to allow for the integration of a project's signs with the design of the structures to achieve a unified architectural statement and to approve common sign regulations for multitenant projects.
b. 
Applicability. A uniform sign program shall be required for all new multi-tenant shopping centers, office parks, and other multi-tenant, mixed-use, or otherwise integrated developments of three or more separate tenants/uses that share buildings, public spaces, landscape, and/or parking facilities.
c. 
Approval authority. The designated approving authority for uniform sign programs shall be the planning director.
d. 
Approval findings. A uniform sign program, or revisions thereto, may be approved only when the designated approving authority makes all of the following findings:
i. 
That the proposed uniform sign program is consistent with the development standards for signs as provided in chapter 17.74 (Sign Regulations for Private Property); and
ii. 
The design, location, and scale of proposed signs for the integrated development are in keeping with the architectural character of the development.
e. 
Conditions of approval. The designated approving authority may impose conditions and/or require guarantees in order to ensure compliance with this title and to prevent adverse or detrimental impact to the surrounding neighborhood.
B. 
Review procedures.
1. 
Method of application. An application for a sign permit, temporary sign permit, uniform sign programs, or variance shall be made on the form(s) prescribed by the planning department. The application shall be accompanied by any fees as specified by city council resolution as outlined in article II (Land Use and Development Procedures).
2. 
Levels of review. Except for signs subject to initial review by the planning director, all signs are subject to review under plan check/zoning clearance, which is a ministerial decision. Appeals go first to the planning commission and then to the city council, after which judicial review will be available. Uniform sign program proposals begin their formal review at the planning director level, although planning staff may perform an initial advisory review and make recommendations to the planning commission.
3. 
Timely decision. At each level of review or appeal, the decision shall be rendered in writing within 30 days. The time period begins running when the application is complete, or the notice of appeal has been filed, whichever applies. The timely decision requirement may be waived by the applicant or appellant. If a decision is not rendered within the required time, then the application or appeal shall be deemed denied.
4. 
Appeal. The appeal right arises whenever a written decision is delivered to the applicant, or the time for decision has run without a written decision (whichever is earlier). In this context, the term "delivered" means personally delivered or placed in the U.S. mail, or actually received, whichever occurs first.
5. 
Time for appeal. Any affected person may appeal any sign permit decision or appeal to the next level or review, so long as the notice of appeal is delivered to the city as outlined herein and in article II (Land Use and Development Procedures). The time for decision begins running when the notice of appeal is actually delivered in person or is received by the city.
6. 
Status quo. During the time of review or appeal, the status quo of the subject sign(s) shall be maintained. This does not apply whenever a sign, by virtue of its physical condition, constitutes a significant and immediate threat to public safety.
7. 
Judicial review. Following final decision by the city council, any concerned person may seek judicial review of the final decision on a sign application pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure § 1094.8. Such review must be filed within 30 days of notice of final decision, unless state law requires otherwise.
8. 
Right to permit. When any sign application complies fully with all applicable provisions of this chapter, and with all other applicable laws, rules, and regulations, the permit shall be approved and issued within the required time.
9. 
Permit denial. When a permit application is denied, the denial shall be in writing and sent or delivered to the address shown on the applicant's form, and shall state the grounds for denial.
10. 
Processing of applications.
a. 
Completeness. The planning director shall determine whether the application contains all the information and items required by this chapter. If it is determined that the application is not complete, the applicant shall be notified in person or in writing within 15 days for sign permits and 30 days for uniform sign programs of the date of receipt of the application that the application is not complete and the reasons therefor, including any additional information necessary to render the application complete.
b. 
Disqualification. No sign application will be approved if:
i. 
The applicant has installed a sign in violation of the provisions of this chapter and, at the time of submission of the application, each illegal sign has not been legalized, removed, or included in the application;
ii. 
There is any other existing code violation located on the site of the proposed sign(s) (other than an illegal or nonconforming sign that is not owned or controlled by the applicant and is located at a different business location on the site from that for which the approval is sought) which has not been cured at the time of the application, unless the noncompliance is proposed to be cured as part of the proposed new sign;
iii. 
The sign approval application is substantially the same as an application previously denied, unless:
(A) 
12 months have elapsed since the date of the last application; or
(B) 
New evidence or proof of changed conditions is furnished in the new application;
iv. 
The applicant has not obtained any applicable required use permit.
11. 
Multiple sign applications. When an application proposes two or more signs, the application may be granted either in whole or in part, with separate decisions as to each proposed sign. When an application is denied in whole or in part, the planning director's written notice of determination shall specify the grounds for such denial.
12. 
Permits issued in error. Any approval or permit issued in error may be summarily revoked by the city upon written notice to the holder of the reason for the revocation.
13. 
Inspections. Inspection and approval of foundations is required when a sign includes a footing design. The purpose of such inspection is to allow the inspector to verify the size and depth of excavated footing, reinforcement method, etc. All signs subject to permit require final inspection and approval by both the planning department and building and safety department.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
The following sign types are expressly exempted from the permit requirements of this chapter but still must satisfy any and all other applicable permit requirements when necessary (e.g., building, electrical, plumbing, grading, encroachment). Any exception to the limitations for exempt signs listed herein shall require a variance pursuant to section 17.20.030 (Variance). However, consideration of the variance request shall not evaluate the message or graphic design of the sign.
A. 
Exempt signs without limitations. The following signs are exempt from sign permit and city review requirements:
1. 
All devices which are excluded from the definition of a "sign" as set forth in this title.
2. 
Official traffic signs or other municipal governmental signs, legal notices, advertisements prescribed by law and placed by governmental entities, and signs indicating the location of buried utility lines or any notice posted by a governmental officer in the scope of his or her duties.
3. 
Direction, warning, or information signs or structures required or authorized by law, or by federal, state, county, or city authority, including, but not limited to, traffic control signs (e.g., stop, yield), highway route number signs, and construction zone signs.
4. 
Noncommercial utility company signs identifying cables, conduits, and dangerous situations.
5. 
Street address signs on buildings and building identification signs consistent with the city-adopted building code or relevant provisions of this code. Notwithstanding anything in this section, street address signs may be illuminated and may contain reflective paint or material.
6. 
Signs and advertising for the state lottery as authorized by Government Code § 8880 et seq.
7. 
Signs on vehicles and vessels, including license plates, license plate frames, registration insignia, noncommercial messages, messages relating to the business for which the vehicle or vessel is an instrument or tool (not including general advertising, such as mobile billboards), and messages relating to the proposed sale, lease, or exchange of the vehicle or vessel.
8. 
Noncommercial flags.
B. 
Exempt signs with limitations. The following signs are exempt from sign permit and city review, provided that they meet the size, height, duration, and/or maximum number limitations listed:
1. 
Signs on property undergoing construction or remodeling not exceeding 32 square feet each in area, eight feet in height, and set back a minimum of ten feet from the property line. One such sign is permitted per site. Such signs shall not be illuminated and shall be removed within 30 days of the earliest of the following events: final building inspection approval, issuance of a valid certificate of occupancy, opening for business to the public, or expiration of the building permit.
2. 
Signs on property for sale, lease, or rental as follows:
a. 
On residential property, one sign not exceeding four square feet and not exceeding a height of five feet. On weekends and holidays, up to four signs to direct traffic to the subject property are allowed, provided each sign does not to exceed eight square feet in area and three and one-half feet in height. All signs shall be located outside the public right-of-way. The sign shall not be illuminated.
b. 
On multi-family property with more than 12 dwelling units, one additional sign per street frontage, not exceeding 24 square feet in area attached to the building or freestanding. All signs shall be located outside the public right-of-way and shall not be illuminated.
c. 
On nonresidential and mixed-use property, one sign per street frontage, not exceeding 32 square feet in area or eight feet in height. The sign shall not be illuminated. One such sign is permitted per 600 feet of frontage.
3. 
Signs on property where there is a one-day garage, yard, estate, or other one-day home-based sale taking place. Such signs may be posted for no more than 48 hours and must be removed at the end of the one-day sale. A maximum of six square feet is allowed per sign.
4. 
On-site directional signs, such as exit, entrance, or other on-site traffic directional signs. The maximum height of any directional sign shall be 42 inches and the maximum size shall be six square feet. No advertising or message other than for traffic direction shall be displayed.
5. 
Noncommercial signs consistent with the following requirements:
a. 
Noncommercial signs on all private property except residential property, not exceeding 32 square feet in area and not exceeding eight feet in height.
b. 
Noncommercial signs on residential property, not exceeding six square feet in area, not exceeding a height of eight feet, and set back at least five feet from the public right-of-way and not projecting above the roofline of any structure.
c. 
Noncommercial signs on residential property, limited to one for each dwelling unit or rentable room on the property, that are no more than one square foot in area and which are attached to and parallel with the building. The maximum sign area for such signage shall be 12 square feet.
d. 
Noncommercial signs associated with an election shall be installed no earlier than 45 days prior to an election and shall be removed within seven days after the election.
6. 
Signs held by hand or personally attended to and displaying a noncommercial message when on private property and consistent with the following requirements. Also see section 17.74.050(F) for limitations on signs displaying a commercial message and section 17.72.050 (Street Banner Program) for signs held by hand or personally attended to when on public property.
a. 
The maximum aggregate size of all signs held or personally attended by a single person is 12 square feet. For purposes of this rule, apparel and other aspects of personal appearance do not count toward the maximum aggregate sign area.
b. 
The maximum size of any one sign which is held or personally attended by two or more persons is 50 square feet, measured on one side only.
c. 
The sign must have no more than two display faces and may not be inflatable or airactivated.
d. 
Persons displaying signs under this section may not stand in any vehicular traffic lane.
7. 
Window signs consistent with the development standards of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
The signs listed in this section are inconsistent with the purposes and requirements of this chapter and as such are prohibited in all zones, unless specifically authorized by another requirement of this chapter.
A. 
Any sign not specifically in accordance with the requirements of this chapter.
B. 
Roof signs or signs placed above the roofline.
C. 
Flashing signs.
D. 
Pennants, banners, and flags displaying a commercial message unless allowed through a temporary sign permit.
E. 
Signs which are mobile, rotate, or move.
F. 
Signs held by hand or personally attended to displaying a commercial message. See section 17.74.040(B)(6) for types of signs that are allowed and section 17.72.050 (Street Banner Program) for signs on public property.
G. 
Signs which block a pedestrian path of travel.
H. 
Off-site commercial signs, except as provided in section 17.74.100 (Allowed Off-Site Signage).
I. 
Signs placed on the public right-of-way or affixed to an element or structure on the public right-of-way, or located on a publicly owned tree, fence, or utility pole or otherwise posted on public property, except where required by a governmental agency; or signs on private property affixed to a fence; or signs affixed to a tree, shrub, rock, or other natural object on private property.
J. 
Inflatable balloon signs, including, but not limited to, individual balloons, balloon strings, and other inflatable objects made of a flexible material and inflated so as to be lighter than air. This category also includes air-activated or air-blown signs and "air dancer" signs.
K. 
Neon signs with exposed tubing and neon signs except as otherwise permitted for property zoned for commercial use or mixed use, and as part of exempt window signage.
L. 
Painted signs, such as signs painted upon a fence, excluding murals as exempted pursuant to section 17.74.110.
M. 
Signs affixed to vehicles or trailers that advertise or promote a business that are the primary purpose of the vehicle (e.g., rolling billboard). This prohibition does not apply to signs permanently affixed to the side of a business or commercial vehicle (e.g., vehicle wraps on a delivery or service vehicle) or to signs required by state or federal law (e.g., contractor's license number) as exempted in the definition of a sign.
N. 
Signs attached to light standards unless part of a sign program or street banner program.
O. 
Signs affixed to a structure or property not owned by the person installing the signs without the written consent of an owner.
P. 
Signs that are dilapidated, abandoned, or in disrepair or dangerous condition.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
This section describes the procedures for measurement of signs (including area and height) and construction and maintenance requirements.
A. 
Sign area measurement procedures. Sign area shall be computed by including the entire area within a single, continuous, rectilinear perimeter of not more than eight straight lines, or a circle or an ellipse, enclosing the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop of structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself. Backing plates shall count as part of the sign area unless they are transparent. In the case of two-sided, multi-sided, or three-dimensional signs, the area shall be computed as including the maximum single display surface which is visible from any ground position at one time. See Figure 17.74.060-1 (Sign Area Measure).
FIGURE 17.74.060-1 SIGN AREA MEASURE
B. 
Sign height measurement. Sign height shall be measured as the greatest vertical distance measured from the grade at the point the sign supports intersect the ground and any accompanying architectural features of the sign. However, if the sign is constructed upon an artificial berm, the height of the signs, as measured from the toe of slope or berm, shall not exceed 150 percent of the maximum height allowed by this title.
C. 
Construction requirements. Every sign and all parts, portions, and materials thereof shall be manufactured, assembled, and erected in compliance with all applicable state, federal, and city laws and regulations, including the locally adopted building code. All signs shall comply with the following criteria:
1. 
All transformers, equipment, programmers, and other related items shall be screened and/or painted to match the building or shall be concealed within the sign.
2. 
All permanent signs shall be constructed of quality, low-maintenance materials such as metal, concrete, natural stone, glass, and acrylics. Techniques shall be incorporated during construction to reduce fading and damage caused by exposure to sunlight or degradation due to other elements.
3. 
All freestanding signs that incorporate lighting shall have underground utility service.
4. 
All temporary signs and banners shall be made of a material designed to maintain an attractive appearance for as long as the sign is displayed.
D. 
Clearance from public utility facilities. The person erecting a sign and the owner of the premises shall maintain any legally required clearance from communications and electric facilities. A sign may not be constructed, erected, installed, maintained, or repaired in any manner that conflicts with a rule, regulation, or order of the state public utilities commission pertaining to the construction, operation, and maintenance of public utilities facilities.
E. 
Interference with motorist field of vision.
1. 
No sign shall be located in a manner which may obstruct or interfere with the view of a traffic signal or other traffic regulatory signs. No sign shall, as determined by the Director of Engineering/City Engineer, be so located as to create a hazard to the life or property of any person using the public right-of-way.
2. 
Any required landscaping may be trimmed as needed to provide maximum visibility of the sign or signs.
3. 
Signs shall not be located within the clear visibility triangle.
F. 
Sign siting.
1. 
Location of building-attached signs. Building signs may be located along any frontage of a building that faces directly onto a public right-of-way or an internal circulation path of the site. Orientation of signs such that they face directly onto residential property is to be avoided and is allowed only when there is no practical alternative and the visibility of the sign from the residence is minimized.
2. 
Setback and spacing of freestanding signs.
a. 
Where a setback exists, the minimum setback daistance for freestanding signs shall be measured from the back of the public right-of-way or side of a driveway. Unless an encroachment permit is granted, all freestanding signs shall be located outside of the public right-of-way and any required clear visibility triangle.
b. 
The minimum spacing distance between permanent freestanding signs, excluding on-site directory signs, shall be 50 feet. The designated approving authority will review a proposed sign location on a case-by-case basis to ensure the sign is located outside the required clear visibility triangle and does not otherwise inhibit motorist safety.
G. 
Maintenance requirements. Every sign and all parts, portions, and materials thereof shall be maintained and kept in proper repair. The display surface of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from rust and corrosion. Any cracked, broken surfaces, malfunctioning lights, missing sign copy, or other non-maintained or damaged portions of a sign shall be repaired or replaced within 30 days following notification by the city. Noncompliance with such a request will constitute a nuisance condition and zoning violation and will be enforced as such.
H. 
Sign removal or replacement. When a sign is removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other structural elements that support the sign shall also be removed. Affected building surfaces shall be restored to match the adjacent portion of the structure. This requirement does not apply to routine maintenance.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
A. 
General sign development and design requirements. The following general design requirements shall apply to permanent on-site signs.
1. 
Design compatibility with building. Signs shall be compatible with the architectural style of the main building or buildings upon the site where the sign is located. Signs located on commercial or mixed use sites but in a predominantly residential area shall consider compatibility with such residential area.
2. 
Sign illumination. The artificial illumination of signs, either from an internal or external source, shall be designed so as not to cast stray light on surrounding rights-of-way and properties. The following requirements shall apply to all illuminated signs:
a. 
External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of an object other than the sign.
b. 
The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness that will create glare or other negative impacts on residential properties in direct line of sight to the sign.
c. 
Unless otherwise permitted by another requirement of this chapter, signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or other illumination devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness, or color.
d. 
Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner so as to be confused or constructed as traffic control devices.
e. 
Light sources shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures to the greatest extent possible and shall comply with title 24 of the Code of Regulations.
B. 
Development and design standards for specific sign types. In addition to the general sign design requirements in subsection A above, the following requirements shall apply to the specific sign types:
1. 
Awning and canopy signs. Awning and canopy signs may be permitted only as an integral part of the awning or canopy to which they are attached or applied and shall be considered wall signs for signage area calculation purposes. The following requirements shall apply:
a. 
Only permanent signs that are an integral part of the awning or architectural projection shall be allowed. Temporary signs shall not be placed on awnings.
b. 
Awning signs shall only be allowed for first-and second-story occupancies.
2. 
Monument signs. Monument signs shall only be permitted as follows:
a. 
In an effort to promote full architectural integration of signs, voids between the sign face and the sign structure are prohibited. Either the sign face shall utilize the full width of the sign structure or coverings that are architecturally consistent with the rest of the sign shall be used to fill any voids.
b. 
Materials and design for freestanding signs shall be complementary to the materials and design of the buildings for the related development. For example, if the facade of the building is made of brick or brick veneer, a complementary freestanding sign would also include brick.
c. 
For monument signs in multi-tenant centers, the name of the center shall not be calculated in the maximum sign area. Rather, the name of the center shall have a separate maximum sign area of eight square feet. All tenant signs shall have a minimum letter height of eight inches. The maximum number of tenants is four tenants on each sign face. The two sign faces of a monument sign are not required to be identical in terms of tenant identification.
d. 
Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the sign. At a minimum, landscape area shall be equal to the area of the sign. Landscaping shall be complementary to the landscaping for the overall site. The design of the landscaping shall be such that natural growth will not obscure the sign from the public right-of-way.
3. 
Projecting signs. Projecting signs, including, but not limited to, blade signs, bracket signs, and marquee signs, shall be considered wall signs for the purposes of sign area calculations. Projecting signs shall only be permitted as follows:
a. 
Location. Projecting signs shall be placed only on ground-floor facades, except for businesses located above the ground level with direct exterior pedestrian access.
b. 
Angle of projection. Projecting signs shall either be located at right angles to the building front along the building facade, or, when located on the corner of a building, at a 45-degree angle to the corner of the building.
c. 
Height. The lowest point of a blade or bracket sign shall be a minimum of eight feet above grade.
d. 
Projection. The sign may project a maximum of five and one-half feet from the building.
e. 
Suspension. The sign shall be suspended with a clear space of at least six inches between the sign and the building.
f. 
Sign structure. Sign supports and brackets shall be compatible with the design and scale of the sign.
g. 
Encroachment. Blade, bracket, or marquee signs may not encroach into the public right-of-way or be located above it, into a designated emergency vehicle/fire access lane, or into city-owned property except with an encroachment permit.
h. 
Spacing. Projecting signs shall be spaced to maximize the visibility of signage.
4. 
Wall signs.
a. 
Wall signs shall be compatible with the predominant visual architectural elements of the building facade.
b. 
Wall signs shall not project more than 12 inches from the building facade.
c. 
Wall sign raceways shall be concealed from public view (e.g., within the building wall or otherwise integrated with the design of the sign and building) so as to not detract from the architectural character of the building.
d. 
Channel letters, reverse channel letters, and pushpin letters are preferred in place of can signs.
e. 
Signage containing multiple elements (e.g., logo and text) on one facade shall be designed so that the multiple elements are located and scaled with relationship to each other.
5. 
Window sign. Window signs (permanent or temporary) shall not cover more than 30 percent of the window area for each window of the establishment. Window signage may include up to two neon signs per business.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
The standards of this section provide the regulations for on-site signs on private property, including height, size, placement, and illumination. Regulations are listed based upon zone and sign type.
A. 
Format and organization of standards. The signage standards listed below are summarized, where applicable, in table format for ease of use and organization. Concepts described in these tables are as follows:
1. 
Collective sign area. The total sign area allowed herein for each sign type may be distributed among the maximum number of signs permitted for that sign type. For example, the total allowed area for wall signs for a particular establishment may be distributed among the maximum number of wall signs allowed for that same establishment. For form-based zones, there are additional wall sign allowances for sub-establishments as defined in chapter 17.150 (Sign Definitions).
2. 
Sign area allowance. Allowable sign area is either a set square footage per establishment or is based on a ratio of allowable sign area to primary building frontage (e.g., one square foot of sign per one lineal foot of primary building frontage, or 1 sf:1 lf). Where a ratio is described, it applies to the maximum sign area listed in Table 17.74.080-1 (Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs).
3. 
Form-based zones. In form-based zones, signage for residential uses shall be consistent with the standards for residential zones (e.g., as if the development were in a residential zone). For nonresidential or residential mixed-use uses, signs shall be consistent with the standards for form-based zones.
B. 
General standards. Except as provided in subsections C, D, E, and F below, signs shall be consistent with the standards listed in Table 17.74.080-1 (Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs) as listed by base zone.
TABLE 17.74.080-1 SIGNAGE STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT ON-SITE SIGNS
Sign Type
Development Standards (3)
Maximum Number Permitted
Maximum Area
Maximum Height
Residential Zones
Institution
Wall sign
1 sign per establishment
20 sf
Roofline
Monument sign
1 sign per establishment
24 sf
6 ft
Multi-family complex, ≤ 12 units
Wall sign
1 sign per street frontage, maximum 2 signs
12 sf
Roofline or 20 ft, whichever is less
Monument sign
6 ft
Multi-family complex, > 12 units
Wall sign
1 sign per street frontage, maximum 2 signs
24 sf
Roofline or 20 ft, whichever is less
Monument sign
6 ft
Permanent subdivision identification sign
Wall sign
2 signs per development
24 sf
6 ft
Monument sign
4 ft
School
Wall sign
1 per use
20 sf
Roofline
Monument sign
1 per use
50 sf
20 ft
Form-Based Zones
Establishments not in a multi-tenant center
Wall sign
1 wall sign per building face, max 3
Max 3 signs total between both types
2 sf:1 lf, max 150 sf
Roofline or 20 ft, whichever is less
Monument sign
1 monument sign per street, max 2
24 sf
8 ft
Pedestrian traffic sign
1 per establishment
6 sf
12 ft
Retail establishments in a multi-tenant center
Wall sign, primary establishment
1 sign per establishment per building face, max 3
2 sf:1 lf, max 150 sf per establishment
Roofline or 20 ft, whichever is less
Wall sign, sub-establishment
1 sign per sub-establishment, max 2
75 sq. ft. total
Monument (1)
1 sign per street frontage (2)
24 sf (2)
8 ft
Pedestrian traffic sign
1 per establishment
6 sf
12 ft
Retail establishments over 100,000 square feet (free-standing and within multi-tenant centers)
Wall signs
6 signs total (maximum 4 signs per building face)
1:1 sf to lineal frontage ratio
Cannot project above wall plane
Monument signs
1 per street frontage
48 sf
8 ft
Wall sign: sub-establishment
1 sign per sub-establishment (maximum 3 sub-establishment signs)
75 sf (total of 3 signs)
Cannot project above wall plane
Office establishments in a multi-tenant center
Wall sign
1 sign per establishment per building face, max 2
2 sf:1 lf, max 50 sf per establishment
Roofline
Monument sign (1)
1 sign per street frontage
24 sf
8 ft
Pedestrian traffic sign
1 per establishment
6 sf
12 ft
Project identification sign, all development types
Wall sign
1 sign per street frontage, max 2
24 sf
6 ft
Industrial Zones
All establishments
Wall sign
1 sign per establishment per building face, max 2
2 sf:1 lf, max 150 sf per establishment
Roofline
Monument sign (1)
1 sign per street frontage (2)
24 sf (2)
8 ft
Table Notes:
(1)
On multi-tenant monument signs, the name of the center shall not be calculated in the maximum sign area. Rather, the name of the center shall have a separate maximum sign area of eight square feet. All tenant signs shall have a minimum letter height of eight inches. The maximum number of tenants is four on each sign face. The two sign faces of a monument sign are not required to be identical in terms of tenant identification.
(2)
May be increased to two per street frontage when signs are spaced a minimum of 300 feet apart. Alternatively, the maximum area may be increased to 48 square feet when the site frontage is longer than 500 feet. In no case may these two allowances be combined.
(3)
Signage required according to the fire district's standards for multi-family and commercial/mixed use/industrial facilities are exempt from the limits established by this table.
C. 
Menu/order board signs for drive-in and drive-through uses. Each drive-in or drive-through use is permitted two menu/order board signs per drive-through lane. The sign shall not count as a sign for purposes of Table 17.74.080-1 (Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs), either in terms of number or area. The maximum height for a menu/order board sign shall be six feet and the maximum area allowed is 50 square feet. No alterations or additions (e.g., rider signs) along the exterior of the menu/order board sign are permitted.
D. 
Regional centers and automobile centers. The maximum number of signs permitted, maximum area, and maximum height of signs for regional shopping and automobile centers shall be determined as part of the uniform sign program.
E. 
Movie theatres. Movie theatres are permitted a maximum of 300 square feet of building attached signage. One sign is permitted per street frontage. Movie theatres are also permitted monument signage consistent with the standards in Table 17.74.080-1 (Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs).
F. 
Service stations. Signs for service stations shall be consistent with the standards provided in Table 17.74.080-2 (Signage Standards for Permanent On-Site Signs for Service Stations).
TABLE 17.74.080-2 SIGNAGE STANDARDS FOR PERMANENT ON-SITE SIGNS FOR SERVICE STATIONS
Sign Type (1)
Development Standards
Maximum Number Permitted
Maximum Area (2)
Maximum Height
Monument
1 sign per street frontage, max 2
Max 4 signs total between all types
36 sf 1
8 ft
Wall sign, primary establishment
1 sign per street frontage, max 2
2 sf:1 lf, max 50 sf
Roofline
Wall sign, canopy
1 sign per street frontage
Roofline
Wall sign, sub-establishment
1 sign per sub-establishment, max 2
12 sf
Roofline or 20 ft, whichever is less
Table Notes:
(1)
Only one sign is permitted.
(2)
Includes pricing information as required by Business and Professions Code § 13530 et seq.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
This section describes standards for temporary on-site signs. All temporary signs require a temporary use permit prior to their establishment. Temporary signs may include, but are not limited to, commercial signs for grand openings or for special product, sale, or event advertising. All temporary signs must comply with the standards listed in Table 17.74.090-1 (Allowed Temporary On-Site Sign Standards) and are subject to the following:
A. 
Time duration.
1. 
Generally. Display periods for temporary on-site signs shall be limited to a maximum of 90 days per calendar year, either consecutive or intermittent. Longer time periods may be permitted with issuance of a conditional use permit.
2. 
Subdivision signs.
a. 
All signs for subdivisions shall be removed within ten days after all lots in the subdivision are sold.
b. 
The subdivider shall provide the city with surety for the sign to ensure compliance with these standards. Surety shall be in the form of a cash deposit as established by resolution of the city council.
B. 
Illumination. Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
C. 
Message. Temporary signs displaying a commercial message shall be limited to on-site signage only. Off-site signage displaying a commercial message shall not be permitted.
TABLE 17.74.090-1 ALLOWED TEMPORARY ON-SITE SIGN STANDARDS
Sign Type
Development Standards
Maximum Number Permitted
Maximum Area (2)
Maximum Height
Minimum Setback from row (1)
On-Site Subdivision Signs
General signs
1 sign per street frontage of the boundary of the project
32 sf per side, max 2 sides (64 sf total)
15 ft
5 ft
Flags
6 flags
15 sf per flag
15 ft
5 ft
All other uses (2)
Wall
1 sign per establishment
50 sf (3)
Roofline
5 ft
Ground sign
8 ft
5 ft
Flags
1 flag
30 sf per flag
15 ft
5 ft
Table notes:
(1)
Must be located outside of the clear visibility triangle.
(2)
Choice of one sign type at a time.
(3)
Temporary signs for special events in conjunction with an approved temporary use permit are limited to a maximum of 25 square feet and require property owner approval.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
A. 
General prohibition. Generally, all new off-site commercial signage is prohibited within the city. Existing off-site commercial signs (e.g., billboards) are considered nonconforming signs as regulated by section 17.74.130 (Nonconforming Signs and Abandoned Signs). However, consistent with state law, the city does permit off-site subdivision directional signs as provided in this section.
B. 
Subdivision directional signs. The purpose of subdivision directional signs is to direct the traffic related to new residential subdivisions in a manner that minimizes visual clutter, reduces unnecessary traffic through established neighborhoods, and provides an orderly, attractive, high-quality image of the city. When originally placed, signs will require a sign permit as required by this chapter.
1. 
A maximum of six signs may be used to lead customers to the site.
2. 
Signs shall be no larger than 60 inches by ten inches and shall be grouped on a four-sided sign structure as shown in Figure 17.74.100-1 (Subdivision Directional Sign).
3. 
A sign structure shall be located not less than 600 feet from an existing or previously approved sign site. Further, each sign may only contain the name of the subdivision and a directional arrow as shown in Figure 17.74.100-1 (Subdivision Directional Sign).
4. 
The placement of each sign structure shall be reviewed and approved by the planning director.
5. 
Signs placed on private property shall be done with written consent of the property owner and filed with the planning department prior to issuance of the permit.
6. 
A sign location plan shall be prepared showing the site of each directional sign and shall be submitted to the planning department prior to the issuance of the sign permit.
7. 
Any such sign approved for a particular subdivision within the city shall not be changed to advertise another subdivision without prior approval of the planning director.
8. 
There shall be no additions, tag signs, streamers, devices, display boards, or appurtenances added to the sign as originally approved.
9. 
Further, no other directional signing may be used such as posters or trailer signs.
10. 
All nonconforming subdivision directional signs associated with the subdivision in question must be removed prior to the issuance of a new sign permit.
11. 
A $500.00 cash deposit shall be placed with the city to ensure compliance with this title. Any sign placed contrary to the provisions of this title may be removed by the city, and the cost of removal shall be deducted from the deposit. Additional costs incurred by the city resulting from the removal of illegal signs shall be charged to the developer.
12. 
The sign shall be allowed until the subdivision is sold out.
13. 
The off-site subdivision signs program may be implemented and installed through the Building Industry Association (BIA) if an agreement is approved for the regulation and control between the city and the BIA. If such a program is implemented, all off-site subdivision signs shall be regulated and installed per the agreement and approvals between the BIA and the city. The BIA shall not install any new structures without express written consent of the planning director.
FIGURE 17.74.100-1 SUBDIVISION DIRECTIONAL SIGN
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
A. 
Purpose. Murals, as defined in this title, are an important part of the community character. As such, the city declares that murals are not signs but rather public art and are, therefore, excluded from the regulations of this chapter.
B. 
Murals defined. The term "mural" means a hand-produced work of visual art that is tiled or painted by hand directly upon, or affixed directly to, an exterior wall of a building. Murals are of a noncommercial nature. A mural does not include the following:
1. 
Mechanically produced or computer-generated prints or images, including, but not limited to, digitally printed vinyl;
2. 
Murals containing electrical or mechanical components; or
3. 
Changing image murals.
C. 
Murals, as defined in this title, are hereby exempt from the regulations of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
A. 
The city finds and declares that electronic display signs pose a danger to the motoring public because of potential distraction from their change of message, scale, format, and other physical qualities that differentiate them from other sign types. The city recognizes that as of the effective date of this chapter there are several electronic display signs within the city. Such signs are declared legal nonconforming signs and may continue to operate in accordance with section 17.74.130(A) (Nonconforming Signs). However, no new electronic display signs shall be established, except as provided in this chapter.
B. 
The limitation established by this section shall not apply to manually changeable copy signs.
C. 
Signs providing information on fuel price and grade and fueling stations, as well as signs displaying time and temperature information shall be exempt from this limitation on electronic display signs.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)
A. 
Nonconforming signs.
1. 
Except as otherwise provided by this section, all existing signs which do not meet the requirements of this chapter shall be deemed nonconforming signs and shall either be removed or brought into compliance with this code when a substantial alteration to the sign is made. Change of copy shall not be deemed a substantial alteration. For purposes of this section, a "substantial alteration" shall be defined as repair or refurbishing of any sign that alters its physical dimensions or height, or replaces any integral component of the sign including, but not limited to, alterations to exterior cabinets, bases, or poles. In addition, substantial alteration shall also include any repair or refurbishing of a sign that exceeds 50 percent of the depreciated value of the sign and structure, but excepting customary maintenance. The term "customary maintenance" means any activity or work performed for the purpose of actively maintaining the sign in its existing approved physical configuration and size dimensions at the specific location approved by the city and includes the following:
a. 
Repainting the sign text, cabinet, or other component of the sign without changing the advertising message; or
b. 
Routine replacement of border and trim with substantially the same colors and materials.
2. 
A nonconforming sign may remain in use provided no additions or enlargements are made there-to and no structural alterations are made therein, except as permitted for customary maintenance in section 17.74.060(G) (Maintenance Requirements) of this chapter. If said nonconforming sign is destroyed or removed, or ceases to be used for the use in existence as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, every future sign at the same location must be in conformance with the requirements of this chapter.
B. 
Abandoned signs. Abandoned signs may be abated by the city. For regulatory purposes, any factors indicating abandonment shall not begin occurring until 120 days after this chapter first goes into effect.
(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)