This chapter provides general standards intended to establish
sign provisions that are intended to:
A.
Implement
the city's community design and safety standards consistent with the
general plan;
B.
Maintain
and enhance the city's appearance by regulating the design, character,
location, number, type, quality of materials, size, color, illumination,
and maintenance of signs;
C.
Protect
and improve pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety by balancing the
need for signs which facilitate the safe and smooth flow of traffic
without an excess of signs which may distract motorists, overload
their capacity to quickly receive information, visually obstruct traffic
signs, or otherwise create congestion and safety hazards;
D.
Equitably
distribute the privilege of using the public environs to communicate
information for commercial and noncommercial purposes without regulating
the content of the message conveyed;
E.
Minimize
the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private
property; and
F.
Enable
the fair, consistent, and efficient enforcement of these sign regulations.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002)
A.
Signs
shall not be altered, erected, maintained, moved, or repaired within
the city except in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
B.
In
those areas of the city subject to the requirements of a specific
plan, the signs standards and procedures contained in an adopted specific
plan shall apply.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002)
For the purpose of this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from
the context, the following definitions shall apply.
means any sign which was lawfully erected, but whose use
has ceased or whose supporting structure has been abandoned by the
owner thereof for a period of ninety consecutive days or more.
means the numeric reference of a use or structure to a street
name, reading from left to right.
means a freestanding sign usually hinged at the top, or attached
in a similar manner, and widening at the bottom to form a shape similar
to the letter A. These signs are usually designed to be portable,
hence they are not considered permanent signs.
means any change of copy, color, illumination, location,
position, sign face, size, shape, construction, or supporting structure
of any sign.
means any sign which uses movement, lighting, or special
materials to depict action or create a special effect to imitate movement.
See Sign area.
means a nonelectric sign that is painted on, or attached
to an awning or canopy.
means any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar material
used for advertising purposes attached to or pinned onto any structure,
staff, pole, line, framing, or vehicle, including captive balloons
and inflatable signs but not including official flags of the United
States, the state of California, and other states of the nation, counties,
municipalities, official flags of foreign nations and nationally,
or internationally recognized organizations.
means a stationary or revolving light with one or more beams
projected into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points away
from the light source.
means a sign painted on or affixed to any portion of a bench
or seating area at bus stops or other pedestrian areas.
means that building elevation which fronts on a public street,
alley, parking lot, or pedestrian arcade.
means a sign cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze
or similar material permanently affixed to a public building or structure
of designated historic significance.
means the portion of a structure occupied by an individual
or tenant which fronts on a public street, alley, parking lot, or
pedestrian arcade.
means a sign which contains all the lettering and/or logo
symbols within a single enclosed cabinet and may or may not be illuminated.
means a sign designed to allow the changing of copy through
manual, mechanical, or electrical means including time and temperature
displays.
means three dimensional individually cut letters or figures,
illuminated or unilluminated, affixed to a building or sign structure.
means a business or office development with access driveways
or parking spaces shared by one or more multitenant structures; or
two or more structures of the same business; or one or more single
tenant structures without direct vehicular access to an adjacent street;
or any combination of the above.
means signs limited to directional messages, principally
to direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic (e.g., one-way, entrance,
or exit).
means the principle frontage of a structure where the main
entrance is located or which faces the street on which its address
is located.
means the bottom of the roof eave.
See Changeable copy sign.
means a sign fastened to or engraved in the band of board
at the edge of a roof overhang.
means a sign that contains an intermittent or sequential
interruption of the light source.
means a sign which is supported by one or more uprights,
braces, poles, or other similar structural components that is not
attached to a structure.
means a promotional activity used by newly established businesses,
within ninety days after initial occupancy, to inform the public of
their location and services available to the community. Grand opening
does not mean an annual or occasional promotion of retail sales by
a business.
means for freestanding signs, the greatest vertical distance
measured from the average finished grade at the sign base to the highest
element of the sign. For wall signs, the distance from the finished
ground surface directly below the sign to the highest element of the
sign.
means a sign which includes any of the following: a sign
erected without first complying with all ordinances and regulations
in effect at the time of its construction, installation, or use; a
sign that was legally erected, but whose use has ceased, is not maintained,
not used to identify or advertise an ongoing business for a period
of not less than ninety consecutive days, or the structure upon which
the display is placed has been abandoned by its owner; a sign which
is a danger to the public or is unsafe; a sign which is a traffic
hazard not created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts
of the city.
means a sign with an artificial light source incorporated
internally or externally for the purpose of lighting the sign at night.
means a permanent roof-like structure, covered walkway, or
pedestrian area projecting along and beyond the wall of a structure
designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.
means an advertising display being attached to a wheeled,
mobile, motorized or nonmotorized vehicle that carries, pulls or transports
a sign or billboard, and is for the primary purpose of advertising.
means an independent structure supported on the ground having
a solid base as opposed to being supported by poles or open braces.
means a sign which was legally constructed and installed
under regulations in effect before the effective date of the ordinance
codified in this chapter or subsequent revisions, but which is now
in conflict with the provisions of this chapter.
means a sign constructed of durable materials and intended
to exist for the duration of time that the use or occupant is located
on the premises.
means a freestanding sign supported by one or more metal
or wood posts, pipes, or other vertical supports.
means a sign that is not permanently affixed to a structure
or the ground.
means a sign, other than a wall sign, that is suspended from
or supported by a structure and projecting outward.
means the front or frontage is that side of a parcel or development
site adjoining a public street.
means on a sloping roof, the highest ridge line. On a flat
roof, the top of the parapet.
means a sign constructed upon or over a roof, or placed so
as to extend above the visible roof-line or parapet.
means any structure, device, display, figure, housing, message
placard, painting, statuary, or other contrivance, or any part thereof,
situated outdoors or indoors, which is designed, constructed, created,
intended, or used to advertise, or to provide data or information
in the nature of advertising, to direct, identify, or attract attention
to a business, event, institution, location, object, organization,
person, product, or service, by any means, including colors, designs,
figures, fixtures, letters, illumination, projected images, symbols,
or words.
means the entire area within a perimeter defined by a continuous
line composed of right angles which enclose the smallest square, rectangle,
triangle, circle, or combination that would encompass the extreme
limits of lettering, logo, trademark, or other graphic representation,
together with any background forming an integral part of the display,
but not including any supporting framework or bracing.
means a coordinated plan for all signs for an individual
structure or a group of structures.
means any structure which supports any sign.
means a temporary flyer, poster, or sign affixed to a fence,
mailbox, rock, tree, utility pole, wall, or other object not intended
to support a sign.
means the distance along which a parcel line adjoins a public
street, from one parcel line intersecting the street to the west distant
parcel line intersecting the same street. For furthest purposes of
this chapter, a development project containing more than one parcel
along a street shall be considered to have only one street frontage
on that street. Corner parcels have at least two street fronts. Subordinate
building frontage means any frontage other than the dominant frontage.
means a sign hung from the underside of marquees, pedestrian
arcades, or covered walkways at ninety degrees to the building wall
or storefront. A sign suspended under a pedestrian walkway or fascia
which is parallel to the building wall shall be considered as a wall
or fascia sign.
means any sign intended to be displayed for a limited period
of time, constructed of nonpermanent materials (canvas, cloth, paper,
plastic fabric, wood, and similar materials) and capable of being
viewed from any public right-of-way, parking area, or neighboring
property.
means a sign which is attached to or painted on a vehicle
which is parked or used in a manner visible to the public.
means a sign which is attached to the exterior wall of a
structure with the display surface of the sign approximately parallel
to the structure wall.
means any sign posted, painted, placed, or affixed in or
on any window exposed to public view. Also includes any interior sign
which faces a window exposed to public view and is located within
three feet of the window.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1025 § 2, 2011)
A.
Sign Permits Required. To ensure compliance with the regulations contained in this chapter, a sign permit shall be required in order to erect, move, alter, change copy on, or reconstruct any sign, outdoor advertising, or advertising structure except for signs exempt from permits listed in subsection B of this section.
C.
Application
Requirements. The following information is required for a sign permit
application:
1.
A
completed application form and fee;
2.
Plans,
to scale, to include the following:
a.
Sign details indicating sign area, colors, dimensions, letter size,
letter style, materials, proposed copy, and method of illumination,
b.
A site plan indicating the location of all existing and proposed
signs with sign area and dimensions for the entire project site,
c.
Structure elevation(s) with proposed signs clearly depicted and dimensioned,
d.
The method of attachment for wall signs, and a foundation plan, sign
support, and method of attachment for freestanding and monument signs,
e.
The type and method of illumination (interior/ exterior), intensity
in lumens and watts, and electrical installation and insulation devices,
where applicable,
f.
Freestanding and monument sign applications shall include landscape
plans and architectural materials descriptions, as well as indicate
any traffic safety sight areas to ensure safe view of motorists and
pedestrians, and
g.
Other information as the director considers appropriate to determine
compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
D.
Approval
of Sign Permits.
1.
A sign permit for signs less than twenty square feet in area are subject to approval by the director; provided, the proposed sign is consistent with the purpose/intent and provisions of this chapter and the provisions of any approved sign program as required by Section 17.28.100 (Sign Program), below. In addition, review of the sign permit shall include consideration of size, shape, color, material, illumination, location, lettering and illustrations, and other elements of design as identified by the director. Staff may approve a sign between twenty and thirty square feet if it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the director that the sign substantially exceeds the minimum design requirements. In cases where superior design can not be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the director, the sign may be referred to the planning commission for final action.
2.
If
the proposed sign complies with all applicable regulations of this
title and any applicable design guidelines, a sign permit shall be
issued. If the proposed sign(s) can be brought into compliance by
modifications, the permit shall be issued subject to conditions requiring
the modifications. Otherwise, the application shall be disapproved.
3.
The
director shall refer sign permit applications for signs exceeding
thirty square feet to the commission, unless the signs conform to
an approved sign program.
E.
Commissions
Action. The commission shall hear and act upon sign permit and sign
program applications as follows:
F.
Appeals. In the case of sign permit or sign program application disapproval, the director or commission shall specify the provisions of this chapter with which the sign(s) is inconsistent. The applicant shall have the right to appeal the director's decision to the commission or to appeal the commission's decision to the council in compliance with Chapter 17.76. (Appeals).
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002; Ord. 897, § 1, 2002; Ord. 1025 § 2, 2011)
Following a hearing, the commission shall record the decision to approve or disapprove a sign permit or sign program (see Section 17.28.100) subject to its review authority in writing and shall recite the findings upon which the decision is based. The commission may approve and/or modify a sign permit or sign program application in whole or in part, with or without conditions, only if all of the following findings are made:
A.
The
sign is one allowed within the subject zoning district and complies
with all of the applicable provisions of this title;
B.
The
sign is restrained in size and design and, as an identification device,
does not excessively compete for the publics attention and is the
minimum amount of signage necessary to achieve the purposes of this
chapter;
C.
The
sign color, height, materials, placement, shape, size, and texture
are harmonious with the design of the structure, property, and neighborhood
of which it is a part;
D.
The
signs illumination is at the lowest possible intensity, which ensures
adequate identification and readability, and is directed solely at
the sign or is internal to it; and
E.
The
sign is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or
welfare.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002)
The director shall have the authority to revoke a sign permit
which has been granted in compliance with this chapter if it is found
that any sign has been altered, erected, reconstructed, or is being
maintained in a manner which is inconsistent with the circumstances
of the sign approval.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002)
The following types of signs and objects shall be exempt from
regulations identified in this chapter:
A.
Direction,
safety, or warning information signs required or authorized by law
or by city, county, state, or federal authority including public utility
signs;
B.
City,
county, state, or federal traffic control signs;
C.
Holiday
lights and decorations between Thanksgiving and January 5th; and
D.
Official
flags of the United States, the state of California counties, or municipalities,
not exceeding eight feet long in its largest dimension. Flag pole
location shall be subject to the approval of the director.
E.
In
the event of disruption of business activities caused by a natural
disaster, full or partial street closure, or adjacent or nearby building
or lot development, the director may grant an exemption of sign standards
in this chapter. Upon application by an affected business owner, the
director may grant an exemption of sign standards if the director
finds that these exceptional circumstances may negatively impact the
applicants business. Any approved exception shall be limited to a
maximum of thirty days, however additional applications may be filed
during the time of the particular impacting situation. The decision
of the director may be appealed by the applicant directly to the city
council subject to applicable provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002; Ord. 805 § 1, 2002)
The following signs are inconsistent with the purpose of this
chapter and are therefore prohibited:
A.
Any
sign not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter;
B.
Abandoned
signs and sign structures;
C.
Animated,
blinking, flashing, moving, reflecting, revolving, and similar signs;
D.
Balloons
or other inflatable signs;
E.
Banner
or pennant signs, except for temporary banners for new businesses,
limited to forty-five days;
F.
Beacons;
G.
Bench
and bus shelter signs;
H.
Chalkboards,
blackboards, sandwich boards, or A-frame signs;
I.
Changeable
copy signs either electronically or manually controlled;
J.
Light bulb strings, except for use in residential areas, on trees, during winter holidays and except for some temporary uses (e.g., Christmas tree lots, carnivals and similar uses) subject to the approval of a temporary use permit, in compliance with Chapter 17.46;
K.
Painted
signs on fences or roofs;
L.
Portable
signs;
M.
Roof
signs;
N.
Signs
on public property or public rights-of-way, except for traffic regulatory,
informational signs, or signs required by a governmental agency;
O.
Signs
in the traffic safety sight area which exceed three feet in height
above the nearest street curb elevation;
P.
Signs
emitting audible sounds, odors, or visible matter;
Q.
Signs
erected in a manner that any portion of its surface or supports interfere
in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit, or standpipe
or obstructs any door, stairway, or window;
R.
Signs
painted on any surface except windows and glass doors, except as part
of an approved sign program;
S.
Signs
which simulate in color or design a traffic sign or signal, or which
uses characters, symbols, or words in a manner that may interfere
with, mislead, or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
T.
Signs
which exceed the maximum number or dimensional requirements identified
in this chapter;
U.
Snipe
signs;
V.
Temporary signs, except as identified in Table 3-13 of Section 17.28.150 (Signs Allowed by Type of Development and Zoning District);
W.
Vehicle
signs over four square feet in area and/or in excess of one sign per
vehicle side, not to exceed three signs per vehicle. Vehicle signs
shall be allowed in front of the structure(s) after operating hours
only if there is no opportunity to park the vehicle in the rear of
the parcel and if the vehicle is parked a minimum distance of one
hundred thirty feet from the nearest curb of the public right-of-way;
and
X.
Mobile
billboards.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1025 § 2, 2011)
A.
Signs
shall not be allowed in the public right-of-way except for the following:
1.
Public
signs erected by or on behalf of a governmental body to post legal
notices, identify public property, and direct or regulate pedestrian
or vehicular traffic;
2.
Bus
stop signs erected by a public transit company with prior approval
of the city;
3.
Informational
signs of a public utility regarding its facilities, lines, pipes,
or poles; and
4.
Emergency
warning signs erected by a governmental agency, a public utility company,
or a contractor doing authorized or allowed work within the public
right-of-way.
B.
Any
sign installed or placed on public property or right-of-way, except
in compliance with this section, shall be subject to immediate removal
and confiscation by the city.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002)
A.
Sign Program Required. In order to ensure that all signs for individual structures or groups of structures are in harmony with other on-site signs, structures, and surrounding developments, a sign program shall be submitted to the department for approval by the applicable review authority identified in subsection F. For signs requiring a sign program, no permit shall be issued for an individual sign before approval by the review authority, in compliance with this chapter. The sign program is not intended to substitute dimensional requirements for those contained in Table 3-13 of Section 17.28.150 (Signs Allowed by Type of Development and Zoning District), except in the case of sign programs approved for commercial projects that qualify as large-scale planned commercial projects pursuant to subsection K.
B.
Application
Requirements. A sign program application shall consist of the following:
1.
A
copy of an approved development plan permit or conditional use permit
or if an approved development plan permit or conditional use permit
does not exist, a site plan showing the location of structures, parking
areas, driveways, landscaped areas, and adjacent streets;
2.
An
accurate indication on the development plan or site plan of the location
of each existing and proposed sign of any type whether requiring a
permit or not;
3.
Computation
of the total number of signs, sign area for individual signs, total
sign area, and height of signs for each existing and proposed sign
type;
4.
For
each sign existing or proposed in the sign program, the following
shall be specified:
5.
A
materials board or sign sample that is an accurate representation
of proposed colors, style, and sign material; and
6.
Any
supplemental information deemed necessary by the director.
C.
Common
Sign Program. If the owner(s) of two or more contiguous parcels (disregarding
intervening streets and alleys) file with the director a common sign
program conforming with all other provisions of this section, the
director shall allow a ten percent increase in the maximum total sign
area for the combined parcel area.
D.
Other
Provisions. The sign program may contain additional restrictions as
the owner(s) of property within the sign program area may reasonably
request to be approved by the review authority.
E.
Consent.
The sign program shall be signed by all property owners or their authorized
representatives.
F.
Procedures.
A sign program shall be submitted to the director in compliance with
a development plan permit approval and before approval of any sign
permit.
1.
All
complete sign program applications for total signs greater than twenty
square feet shall be referred to the commission for appropriate action
based on the sign program's compliance with the requirements of this
chapter.
2.
Sign
programs for one or more signs totaling twenty square feet or less
may be approved by the director.
G.
Existing
Signs Not Conforming to Sign Program. If any new or amended sign program
is submitted for a property on which existing signs are located, all
existing signs not conforming to the proposed sign program shall be
removed or made to conform with the sign program before the issuance
of any sign permit within the program area.
H.
Binding
Effect. After approval of a sign program, no sign shall be altered,
constructed, displayed, erected, installed, placed, or maintained
except in compliance with the approved sign program. The sign program
may be enforced in the same way as any provision of this chapter.
In case of any conflict between the provisions of a sign program and
any other provision of this title, this title shall prevail.
I.
Approval of Sign Programs. A sign program shall be approved in compliance Section 17.28.040 (Sign permit review).
J.
Revisions
to Sign Programs.
1.
Revision(s)
to a sign program may be approved by the director if it is determined
that the revision(s) is minor in nature and that the intent of the
original approval, including any condition of the approved sign program,
are not affected.
2.
For
any revision(s) which is determined to be significant by the director
a new sign permit application shall be submitted to the department
and approved by the applicable review authority.
K.
Sign
Programs for Large-Scale Planned Commercial Projects.
1.
The
exceptions provided in this subsection are applicable to comprehensively
planned commercial projects greater than fifteen acres in size that
feature superior architecture and landscaping, as determined by the
city. Qualifying projects under this subsection are referred to herein
as "large-scale planned commercial projects."
2.
On-site signage for large-scale planned commercial projects may exceed the limits described in Table 3-13 of Section 17.28.150 (Signs Allowed by Type of Development and Zoning District). The quality of the signage shall be superior in design and construction quality, and appropriate in context and scale for the proposed application, as determined by the city.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1088 § 2, 2014)
A.
Construction
and Maintenance of Signs. All signs shall be constructed and maintained
in compliance with the following standards:
1.
Applicable
provisions of the Uniform Building Code and all other applicable construction
codes of the city;
2.
Except
for allowed banners, flags, and window signs in compliance with the
requirements of this chapter, all signs shall be constructed of rigid
and permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground,
or structure by direct attachment to a rigid frame, structure, or
wall; and
3.
All
signs shall be maintained in good structural condition and appearance
in compliance with any applicable conditions of approval, all applicable
building and electrical codes, and this chapter.
B.
Measurement
of Sign Area.
1.
Maximum
Sign Area.
a.
Monument, Pole, and Suspended Signs. The maximum sign area for monument,
pole, and suspended signs shall be computed as the area of the surface(s)
upon which the sign message is placed, but not including any supporting
foundation or framework.
 |
b.
Wall, Fascia, Awning, and Window Signs. The maximum sign area for
an individual wall, fascia, awning, or window sign shall be computed
by means of the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle, or combination
thereof, that would encompass 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 message or display or otherwise
used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against
which it is placed, but not including any supporting bracing or framework.
 |
c.
Two sided or Multi-Faced Signs. The maximum sign area for a two sided
or multi-faced sign shall be computed by adding together the area
of all sign faces, as described above, visible from any one point
while standing on the ground. When two sign faces are placed back
to back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the
sane time, and when the sign faces are part of the same sign structure,
the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of only one of
the faces.
2.
Maximum
Height.
a.
Monument and Pole Signs. The maximum height for freestanding monument
or pole signs shall be measured as the distance from the base of the
sign support at average finished grade to the top of the highest component
of the sign.
b.
Wall, Fascia, Awning, Suspended and Window Signs. The maximum height
of wall, fascia, awning, suspended, and window signs is specified
in terms of distance above finished grade to the top of any letter,
logo, or other display; or the greatest vertical dimension of letters,
logo, or other display; or a combination of both of the above.
c.
Multiple Lines of Lettering. Where multiple lines of lettering are
used, the maximum height of sign lettering is measured by the combined
vertical dimension of letters from the top of the highest letter in
the top line to the bottom of the lowest letter in the bottom line.
3.
Maximum
Length. The maximum length of awning or suspended signs shall be measured
along the line of writing, logo, or other display.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002)
A.
Address
signs shall be required as condition of approval for a sign permit,
sign program, or development plan permit or conditional use permit
for the same addressed property.
B.
The
required address sign shall be illuminated and consist of numbers
at least six inches, but not more than eight inches, in height.
C.
The
area of the required address sign shall not be included in the calculation
of allowable sign area for other signs on the property.
D.
The
location, color, style, lighting, and materials of address signs shall
be reviewed by the director for their effect on the provision of emergency
services, traffic safety, and for their consistency with any applicable
sign program.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002)
A.
Relationship
to Structures. All signs shall be compatible with the predominant
visual elements of the on-site structure(s), including construction
materials, color, or other design features. Signs in commercial centers,
offices, and other similar facilities shall be part of a sign program
in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, and shall provide
a compatible visual design common in theme to all applicable uses
and structures.
B.
Relationship
to Other Signs. Where there is more than one sign, all signs shall
be complementary to each other in the following manner:
C.
Landscaping.
Each monument sign shall be located within a planted landscaped area
which is of a shape and design that would provide a compatible setting
and ground definition to the sign, incorporating a ratio of landscape
area to total sign area of four square feet of landscaped area for
each square foot of sign area.
D.
Relationship
to Streets. All signs shall be designed to provide an unobstructed
clear view of the public right-of-way to any pedestrian, bicyclist,
or motor vehicle driver. As additional safety and design measures
along public streets, only one monument sign shall be allowed for
each driveway entrance.
E.
Illuminated
Signs. Internally illuminated signs are prohibited on residential
parcels and in the interior of residential subdivisions. The method
of sign illumination along the exterior of residential subdivisions
and in nonresidential developments shall be reviewed as part of the
sign permit or Sign Program process.
F.
Letter
Height for Fascia and Wall.
1.
The
allowable height of letters, numbers, or logos on fascia or wall signs
in commercial zoning districts shall be determined by the following
factors:
2.
The
maximum letter height and area for fascia and wall signs shall be
as follows:
a.
Signs which are less than two hundred feet from the street right-of-way
shall be allowed a maximum of eighteen-inch high letters and forty
square feet of area;
b.
Signs which are more than two hundred feet but less than two hundred
eighty feet from the street right-of-way shall be allowed a maximum
of twenty-inch high letters and forty-five square feet of area;
c.
Signs which are more than two hundred eighty feet but less than three
hundred sixty feet from the street right-of-way shall be allowed a
maximum of twenty-two-inch high letters and fifty square feet of area
and;
d.
Signs which are more than three hundred sixty feet from the street
right-of-way shall be allowed a maximum of twenty-four-inch high letters
and fifty-five square feet of area.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002)
The use of neon (exposed gaseous light tubing) shall be allowed in commercial zoning districts only. Any use of neon requires the approval of a sign permit in compliance with Section 17.28.040. In addition, the following requirements shall apply:
A.
Neon
signs and linear tubing shall be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed
with a maximum twenty amps for each circuit;
B.
The
neon manufacturer shall be registered with Underwriters Laboratories;
C.
Neon
tubing shall not exceed one-half inch in diameter;
D.
Neon
lighting shall not be allowed adjacent to residential uses;
E.
Neon
tubing shall not be combined with any reflective materials (e.g.,
mirrors, polished metal, highly glazed tiles, or other similar materials);
and
F.
When
used as an architectural element, neon tubing shall be used only to
reinforce specific architectural elements of the structure and shall
be concealed from view through the use of cornices, ledges, parapets,
or similar devices.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002)
Table 3-13 provides a listing of all signs allowed for each
type of development and corresponding zoning districts. In addition
to the type of sign allowed, Table 3-13 provides the location, maximum
number, maximum sign area or length, and the maximum height of allowable
signs. The last column of Table 3-13 indicates the type of sign permit
required, if any. The table reads from left to right, from the Type
of Development and Zoning District column.
|
TABLE 3-13
SIGNS ALLOWED BY TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT AND ZONING DISTRICT
| ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Type of Development and Zoning District
|
Type of Sign
|
Location
|
Maximum Number
|
Maximum Sign Area or Length
|
Maximum Height
|
Permit Required
|
|
Residential lots less than 2 acres; all residential zones.
|
Pole
|
Anywhere on the lot
|
2
|
3 sq. ft. for one sign; 4 sq. ft. total for two signs
|
3′ above grade
|
None
|
|
Wall
|
Wall, door
|
5′ above grade
| ||||
|
Residential lots 2 acres or more; all residential zones.
|
Pole, monument
|
Anywhere on the lot
|
2
|
4 sq. ft. for one sign; 6 sq. ft. total for two signs
|
4′ above grade
|
Permit required for monument signs only
|
|
Wall
|
Wall, door
|
5′ above grade
| ||||
|
Residential subdivisions, neighborhoods and mobile home parks;
all residential zones.
|
Monument
|
Entrance median island
|
1 per median or 1 per wall facing entry
|
30 sq. ft. monument sign
|
5′ above grade
|
Yes
|
|
Wall
|
Entry wall
|
15 sq. ft. for each wall or monument sign
|
5′ above grade
| |||
|
Wall or monument
|
Street corner of subdivision
|
1 per corner maximum 4
| ||||
|
Commercial and office centers; all commercial zones.
|
Monument
|
Primary driveway entrance
|
1 per street frontage
|
50 sq. ft.
|
5′ above grade
|
Part of a sign program
|
|
Freestanding
|
Parkway (not in the right-of-way) no closer than 200 ft. from
any other freestanding sign
|
1 per street frontage
|
12 sq. ft.
|
3′ above grade
|
Part of a sign program
| |
|
Monument or wall
|
Next to pedestrian entrances in multitenant buildings
|
1 per entrance
|
20 sq. ft.
|
5′ above grade; 6′ letters
| ||
|
Suspended
|
Underside of walkway overhangs; 90º to store or office
wall
|
1 per retail business
|
5′ length
|
8″ letters with a minimum 8′ clearance
| ||
|
Commercial and office centers; all developed and underdeveloped
commercial zones.
|
Temporary/ Freestanding
|
Parkway, but no closer than 10 feet behind curb and at least
30 feet from a side street or driveway
|
1 per street frontage
|
10 acres or less = 20 sq. ft.
|
7′ above grade
|
None
|
|
More than 10 acres = 32 sq. ft.
|
8′ above grade
|
None
| ||||
|
Commercial and office centers; freestanding commercial buildings;
all commercial zones.
|
Wall or fascia
|
Below roof line (wall sign); centered on fascia (fascia sign)
|
One wall or fascia sign per business; or two wall or fascia
signs per business for corner stores or freestanding buildings
|
40 sq. ft.; 45 sq. ft. when located more than 200′ from
the street right-of way; 50 sq. ft. when set back more than 250′
from the street.
|
18′ above grade; letter height criteria in Section 17.28.130
|
Part of a sign program
|
|
Commercial centers; freestanding commercial buildings.
|
Canopy/awning
|
Over doors or windows
|
1 awning or canopy per retail business
|
12′ length
|
12′ above grade; 10″ letters 8′ clear
|
Part of a sign program
|
|
Window
|
Applied or hung inside of window and flush with the window facing
a public street and/or common parking area
|
No maximum
|
25% of each set of windows along each side of building facing
a public street or common parking area
|
First floor only
|
None. Fluorescent color paint is not permanent
| |
|
Temporary/
Banner
|
Attached to the building or existing monument sign at the business
location
|
1 per retail business
|
30 sq. ft.
|
18′ above grade
|
None. Limited to 45 days maximum. A city business license must
first be secured
| |
|
Freestanding commercial buildings;
|
Monument
|
Primary driveway entrance
|
1 per street frontage
|
50 sq. ft.
|
5′ above grade
|
Part of a sign program
|
|
Resort hotels; resort hotel zone.
|
Monument
|
Entrance median island
|
1 per median
|
50 sq. ft.
|
5′ above grade
|
Part of a sign program
|
|
Wall
|
Entry wall
|
1 per wall facing entry
|
15 sq. ft. for each wall sign
|
4′ above grade
| ||
|
Awning
|
Location, number and dimensions of awnings to be determined
as part of a sign
| |||||
|
Resort hotels and commercial centers; resort hotel and commercial
planned zones.
|
Banner and direction sign
|
Location, number and dimensions of banners and directional signs
to be determined as pa
| ||||
|
Undeveloped residential property 4 acres or more.
|
Pole
|
Anywhere on the lot
|
1 per street frontage
|
12 sq. ft.
|
5′ above grade
|
None
|
|
All commercial zones directional signs.
|
Monument
|
To be determined by sign program
|
9 sq. ft.
|
3′ above grade
|
Part of a sign program
| |
|
Pole
|
4 sq. ft.
| |||||
|
Hospital.
|
Subject to Specific Plan standards
| |||||
|
Public buildings, schools and churches; residential and public
facilities zone.
|
Wall
|
Below roofline
|
1 per public entrance
|
15 sq. ft.
|
12′ above grade; 12″ letters
|
Part of a sign program
|
|
Monument
|
Primary driveway entrance
|
1 per street frontage
|
30 sq. ft.
|
5′ above grade
| ||
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1025 § 2, 2011)
A.
Abatement
of Nonconforming Signs. All nonconforming signs in existence at the
time of adoption of this chapter shall be brought into compliance
in one of the following ways:
1.
Any
additional development, which expands or intensifies the use of the
property, relocation or expansion of a sign, change of use, or change
of sign copy, on the same parcel or leasehold as the nonconforming
sign shall require that all signs on that parcel or leasehold shall
be brought into compliance with this chapter;
2.
All
preexisting nonconforming pole signs less than thirty-two square feet
in area which are not the primary sign on developed property and,
animated signs, chalkboards, balloons, banners, beacons, blackboards,
pennants, portable signs, sandwich boards, snipe signs, temporary
signs, windblown devices, and window signs shall be removed or otherwise
brought into compliance with this chapter within thirty days after
the sign owner's receipt of a registered or certified written notice
from the city which declares the sign(s) to be in violation of this
chapter;
3.
All
preexisting nonconforming pole signs over thirty-two square feet in
area which are not the primary sign on developed property, and awnings,
canopies, fascia signs, monument signs, suspended signs, wall signs,
and all other nonconforming signs not specified in subparagraph 2,
above shall be removed or otherwise brought into compliance with this
chapter within one year after the sign owner's receipt of a registered
or certified written notice from the city which declares the sign(s)
to be in violation of this chapter;
4.
As
an alternative to the standard thirty-day and one year abatement periods
provided in subparagraphs 2 and 3, above, a longer abatement period
up to a maximum of three years may be provided as part of an Agreement
to Abate between the city and the owner of the nonconforming sign,
subject to all other conditions contained in the agreement; and
5.
All illegal signs in the public right-of-way or on public property in existence at the time of the adoption of this chapter, or placed or installed any time thereafter may be immediately removed by the city without prior notice. The city shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the owner of the confiscated sign after its removal. Recovery of the confiscated sign shall be in compliance with Section 17.28.160(F) (Remedies and Penalties).
B.
Abandoned
Signs. A sign which identifies a business, lessor, owner, product,
service, or activity which has been discontinued or removed from the
premises for a period of ninety days or more is deemed to be abandoned
and shall be removed immediately by the property owner or caused to
be removed by the city.
C.
Violations. Any of the following shall be a violation of this chapter and shall be subject to the enforcement remedies and penalties contained in Chapter 17.80.
1.
To
install, create, erect, or maintain any sign in a manner that is inconsistent
with any plan or permit governing the sign(s) or the parcel on which
the sign is located.
2.
To
install, create, erect, or maintain any sign without a required a
sign permit.
3.
For
failing to remove any sign that is installed, created, erected, or
maintained in violation of this chapter.
4.
To
continue a violation.
5.
Each
sign installed, created, erected, or maintained in violation of this
chapter shall be considered a separate violation when applying the
penalty portions of this chapter.
D.
Removal of Prohibited Signs. Except as provided in Section 17.28.160(A) (Abatement of nonconforming signs), above, the director may remove or cause the removal of any fixed, permanent sign constructed, placed, or maintained in violation of this chapter, after fifteen days following the date of receipt of a registered or certified written notice to remove by the owner of the sign, if known, at the last known address or to the owner of the property as shown on the latest assessment roll, or to the occupant of the property at the property address.
The director may remove or cause to have removed the following
portable or temporary signs, placed or maintained in violation of
this chapter, after one day following a written notice to remove the
signs and the sign owners failure to comply with the notice: balloons
or other inflatable signs; blackboards, chalkboards, sandwich boards
or A-frame signs; pennants; banners; signs in the traffic safety area
which exceed three feet in height; snipe signs, and windblown devices.
E.
Verification
of Valid Sign Permit. The director shall maintain a permanent record
of each sign permit issued. The owner of a sign shall be required
to possess the appropriate permit at all times on the property and
to produce for inspection the permit upon request by the director.
Failure to produce a valid sign permit upon request shall be considered
a violation of this chapter.
F.
Remedies
and Penalties.
1.
Signs
removed by the director in compliance with this chapter shall be stored
for a period of thirty days, during which time they may be recovered
by the owner upon payment to the city for costs of removal and storage.
If not recovered before expiration of the thirty-day period, the sign
and its supporting structure shall be deemed abandoned and become
property of the city. The cost of removal and disposal shall be billed
to the owner.
2.
The
city shall charge double the normal permit fee for signs initially
erected without a required permit. The double permit fee shall be
collected at the time of permit issuance for any subsequent sign on
the same property.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002)
All uses shall be subject to the applicable provisions of this
title, including the procedures identified in the following chapters:
17.48 Conditional Use Permits
17.42 Development Plan Permits
17.24 Landscaping Standards
17.50 Minor Variances
17.26 Parking and Loading Standards
17.28 Signs
17.46 Temporary Use Permits
17.52 Variances.
(Ord. 777 § 1, 2002)
