City of South San Francisco, CA Chapter 20.360 SIGNS

§ 20.360.001 Purpose.

This chapter has been adopted to ensure that all signs installed in the City are compatible with the unique character and environment of the community, and in compliance with the General Plan. This chapter promotes the public health, safety, and welfare through a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content neutral, and nondiscriminatory sign standards and requirements. More specifically, this chapter is intended to:

A. Ensure that all signs are compatible with the unique character and environment of the City, and that they support the desired ambience and development patterns of the various districts and historic areas within the City;

B. Balance public and private objectives by allowing adequate avenues for both commercial and non-commercial messages;

C. Ensure pedestrian and traffic safety by promoting the flow of traffic and the protection of pedestrians and motorists from injury and property damage caused by, or which may be fully or partially attributable to, cluttered, distracting, and/or illegible signage;

D. Prevent property damage, personal injury, and litter caused by signs that are improperly constructed or maintained;

E. Protect and improve property values, the local economy, and quality of life by preserving and enhancing the appearance of the streetscape;

F. Provide clear and unambiguous sign design standards that enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations; and

G. Ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech is protected.

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022)

§ 20.360.002 Applicability.

A. This chapter applies to all signs in all zoning districts regardless of their nature or location, unless otherwise specifically exempted in Section 20.360.002(F) ("Exempt Signs") or specified, constructed or physically altered on or after the Effective Date.

1. Standards for permanent signs are found in Section 20.360.006 ("Standards for Permanent Signs").

2. Standards for temporary signs are found in Section 20.360.007 ("Standards for Temporary Signs").

B. The provisions of this chapter shall be applied in a content-neutral manner. Noncommunicative aspects of all signs, not related to the content of the sign, shall comply with the provisions of this chapter. “Non-communicative aspects” include the time, place, manner, location, size, height, illumination, spacing, and orientation of signs.

C. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a person from holding a sign while picketing or protesting on public property that has been determined to be a traditional or designated public forum, so long as the person holding the sign does not block ingress and egress from buildings, create a safety hazard by impeding travel on sidewalks, in bicycle or vehicle lanes, or on trails, or violate any other reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions adopted by the City.

D. Substitutions and Interpretations.

1. This chapter is not intended to, and does not, restrict speech on the basis of its content, viewpoint, or message. No part of this chapter shall be construed to favor commercial speech over non-commercial speech. A non-commercial message may be substituted for any commercial or non-commercial message displayed on a sign, or the content of any non-commercial message displayed on a sign may be changed to a different noncommercial message, without the need for any approval or permit, provided that the size of the sign is not altered and the sign otherwise complies with the provisions of this chapter. To the extent any provision of this chapter is ambiguous, the term will be interpreted not to regulate on the basis of the content of the message.

2. This chapter applies to all signs within the City.

3. When there is any question regarding the interpretation of a provision of this chapter, or its application to any specific case or situation, the Chief Planner shall interpret the intent of this chapter.

4. All regulations included in this chapter shall apply unless a Master Sign Program is approved by the Planning Commission; see Section 20.360.003(B) ("Master Sign Program"). Entry into agreement between the City and a developer for a Master Sign Program may supersede this chapter except for matters of public safety.

E. Conflicting Regulations. Exceptions to this chapter may be made for signs subject to Federal or State government regulations that may be in conflict with this chapter.

F. Exempt Signs. The following signs are not regulated under this chapter, do not count toward the maximum total sign area for all permanent signs, and do not require a Sign Permit:

1. Government Signs. Any sign, posting, notice or similar signs placed, installed, or required by law by a City, County, or a federal or State governmental agency in carrying out its responsibility to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, including the following:

a. Numerals and letters identifying an address from the street to facilitate emergency response and compliant with City requirements;

b. Emergency and warning signs necessary to warn of dangerous and hazardous conditions and that serve to aid public safety or civil defense;

c. Traffic signs erected and maintained by an authorized public agency;

d. Signs required to be displayed by any applicable federal, State, or local law, regulation, or ordinance;

e. Signs directing the public to points of interest; and

f. Signs showing the location of public facilities.

2. Incidental Signs. Incidental signs not to exceed a total of three square feet in sign area for all permanent signs in all single-family residential zoning districts and six square feet in all other zoning districts.

3. Bulletin Boards. One bulletin board not exceeding 20 square feet in area or five feet above existing grade, if located on the premises of a public, or quasi-public agency, community facility, or institution.

4. Signs Not Readable from the Public Right-of-Way. Signs not readable from the public right-of-way, including:

a. Signs or displays located entirely inside of a building, within a courtyard, open-air pedestrian space or similar open area and not visible from the building’s exterior;

b. Signs intended to be readable from within a parking area or City park but not readable beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel upon which they are located or from any public right-of-way.

5. Historic Plaques and Commemorative Signs. Historic plaques, memorial signs or tablets either attached to or cut into the surface of buildings, provided that no such sign exceeds three square feet in area.

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)

§ 20.360.003 Administration and Procedures.

A. Permits Required; Review Process.

1. Sign Permit Type. The physical classification of signs and the review criteria are as follows:

a. Type A. Temporary wall banner signs and permanent signs that have a maximum freestanding height of six feet or less and have a maximum surface area of 25 square feet or less.

b. Type B. Signs that have a freestanding height of more than six feet and less than 10 feet and have a maximum surface area of more than 25 square feet and less than 100 square feet.

c. Type C. Signs that have a freestanding height of 10 feet or more, and less than 20 feet and have a maximum surface area of 100 square feet or more and less than 300 square feet.

d. Master Sign Program. See Section 20.360.003(B) ("Master Sign Program").

e. Special Circumstances Sign Permit. See Section 20.360.003(C) ("Special Circumstances").

2. Authority. The Chief Planner shall review and approve all Type A, Type B and Type C sign applications. The Planning Commission shall review and approve all Master Sign Program and Special Circumstances Sign applications.

3. Design Review Required. All signs 100 square feet or more in size are subject to the design review provisions of Chapter 20.480 (“Design Review”).

4. Sign Permit Required. No sign shall be erected, re-erected, constructed, or altered (including change of copy or face change excluding digital billboards approved subject to Section 20.360.003(D) ("Relocation Agreements"), except as provided by this section), unless a Sign Permit has been issued by the Chief Planner and a Building Permit issued by the Building Division, except for those signs exempted in compliance with Section 20.360.002 ("Applicability") and the temporary signs established in Section 20.360.007 ("Standards for Temporary Signs"), except for temporary wall banner signs.

5. Applications for Filing, Processing and Review.

a. Filing and Filing Fee. Application for a Sign Permit shall be made upon forms furnished by the Chief Planner and accompanied by the required fee and working drawings adequate to show the location, construction and design, including colors, materials, lighting, electrical elements, and advertising copy, of the sign in accordance with applicable sign design guidelines.

b. Compliance with Standards.

i. Upon acceptance of a sign application, the Chief Planner shall review the request for compliance with the standards and requirements of this chapter, and with any standards established in a Master Sign Program pursuant to Section 20.360.003(B) ("Master Sign Program").

ii. The Chief Planner’s decision shall clearly state any conditions of approval or reasons for disapproval and applicable appeal provisions.

iii. All signs must meet the requirements of the Building and Electrical Code. No permit for construction will be issued until design review, if required, has been granted and the application has been found in conformance with the approved design.

6. Appeals. Decisions by the Chief Planner may be appealed subject to the provisions of Chapter 20.570 (“Appeals and Calls for Review”).

B. Master Sign Program.

1. Purpose. The purpose of a Master Sign Program is to provide a method for an applicant to integrate the design and placement of signs within a project with the overall development design to achieve a more unified appearance.

2. Applicability. A Master Sign Program is required whenever any of the following circumstances exist:

a. New non-residential developments of two or more separate tenants that share either the same parcel or structure and use common access and parking facilities (e.g., shopping centers, malls, office complexes and industrial parks);

b. New multifamily residential developments of 100 or more units; or

c. Whenever five or more signs are proposed for a building or site with one or more tenants.

3. Application. Master Sign Program applications shall contain all written and graphic information needed to fully describe the proposed sign program, including the proposed location and dimension of each sign, as well as proposed color schemes, font types, materials, methods of attachment or support, and methods of illumination. A Master Sign Program application shall also include calculation of total allowed sign area, and total proposed sign area, for the site.

4. Allowable Modifications. A Master Sign Program may provide for additional sign area and other deviations from the standards of this chapter, provided that the Master Sign Program is consistent with Section 20.360.004(G) ("Sign Structure and Installation").

5. Review Authority. All Master Sign Programs are subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission at the minimum, or by the Review Authority for the project with which the signs are associated, if the Master Sign Program is submitted concurrently with the project application.

6. Required Findings. In order to approve a Master Sign Program, the Review Authority must find that all of the following are met, in addition to other applicable regulations in this section:

a. The proposed signs are compatible in style and character with any building to which the signs are to be attached, any surrounding structures and any adjoining signage on the site;

b. Future tenants will be provided with adequate opportunities to construct, erect or maintain a sign for identification; and

c. Traffic signage and building addressing is adequate for pedestrian and vehicular circulation and emergency vehicle access.

7. Lessees to Be Informed of Master Sign Program. Lessees within developments subject to the requirements of an approved Master Sign Program shall be made aware of the Master Sign Program in their lease.

8. Revisions to Master Sign Programs. Revisions to an approved Master Sign Program may be approved by the Chief Planner, or the Chief Planner may refer the matter to the Planning Commission.

C. Special Circumstances.

1. Purpose. Unusual site conditions, locations, particular unique signing requirements, or other design factors may warrant types, heights, and sizes of signs not otherwise permitted by the regulations of this chapter. Such signs, including, but not limited to, the following, shall require a Special Circumstances Sign Permit and shall be processed in accordance with Section 20.360.003(A) ("Permits Required; Review Process").

a. Roof signs which extend above the highest point on the roof or of the type not allowed by Section 20.360.006 (“Standards for Permanent Signs”).

b. Any individual sign, or combination of all signs on any one property, which exceeds the height, area, or location limitations prescribed in this chapter.

c. Signs in the Grand Avenue Core (GAC) Zoning District which are of a classic design style, consistent with those designed and erected in the 1940s and 1950s.

d. Signs in the Airport/South Airport Boulevard and Highway 101 corridor areas which have special sign needs due to the regional nature of the use, the traveler-oriented nature of the use, or other special requirements.

e. Employee-oriented signs for multi-building campus-like facilities in the east of 101 area, of which at least 400,000 total square feet of development is occupied by a single tenant. Signs approved pursuant to this subsection shall:

i. Be architecturally integrated with the buildings to which they are attached;

ii. Be oriented toward the interior of the campus and not a public area, including public rights-of-way and public open space;

iii. Hide from view or disguise any separate structure or apparatus required to attach the signs to buildings; and

iv. Only contain copy that is directly associated with the entity for which the Sign Permit is issued.

f. Electronic changeable copy signs for uses located in other zoning designations not specified by Section 20.360.004(F)(6) ("Electronic Changeable Copy Signs").

2. Review Authority. All Special Circumstances Signs are subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission at the minimum, or by the Review Authority for the project with which the signs are associated, if the Special Circumstances Sign application is submitted concurrently with the project application.

3. Required Findings. In order to approve a Special Circumstances Sign, the Review Authority must find that all of the following are met, in addition to other applicable regulations in this section:

a. The proposed signs are compatible in style and character with any building to which the signs are to be attached, any surrounding structures and any adjoining signage on the site; and

b. Special circumstances exist that warrant consideration for exceeding the prescribed standards.

D. Relocation Agreements.

1. The regulatory provisions of this chapter are designed to accomplish the purposes included in Section 20.360.001 (“Purpose”) with respect to all signs reviewed and allowed in accordance with this chapter.

2. However, State law substantially limits the City’s ability to eliminate signs legally established prior to the adoption of this chapter, thereby frustrating the accomplishment of the purposes included in Section 20.360.001 (“Purpose”). Therefore, it is advantageous to utilize relocation agreements as authorized by Business and Professions Code Section 5412 to accomplish the purposes of this chapter with respect to such signs.

3. In order to facilitate the use of relocation agreements to accomplish the purposes of this chapter, signs expressly allowed by relocation agreements shall be exempt from design limitations under this chapter but shall be subject to staff-level design review to ensure compliance with any provisions in the relocation agreement as well as to ensure the best possible design consistent therewith. Except as set forth in this section, signs authorized by relocation agreements shall not be subject to any other design-related limitations not set forth within the relocation agreement itself.

4. No relocation agreement may be approved unless the City Council determines that it will accomplish the purposes of this chapter better than the status quo that it replaces.

5. No relocation agreement may provide for the construction or expansion of a sign in a residential district or for automatic changeable copy in which copy can be changed or altered by electric, electromechanical, electronic, or any other artificial energy means, except as set forth in Section 20.360.003(D)(6) below.

6. A relocation agreement may provide for the installation of a digital billboard provided that the City Council finds that all of the following are met:

a. The digital billboard is located in a non-residential district, adjacent to U.S. Highway 101.

b. Installation of the digital billboard, containing up to two billboard faces, will result in a reduction of at least two billboard faces in the City for every digital billboard face installed. If a billboard applicant does not have sufficient existing billboard faces to remove within the City, the billboard applicant may request the City enter into a development agreement that will set forth the terms and conditions under which the billboard installation will be allowed to operate. The terms and conditions of such a development agreement may include, but are not limited to, the payment of fees, charges, and contributions as mutually agreed, and any such other terms which promote the public health, safety, and welfare in lieu of applicant removing existing billboard(s) in order to satisfy the 2:1 removal-to-placement ratio requirement, as set forth in this subsection.

c. Installation of the digital billboard will advance adopted policies contained in the General Plan, and any applicable specific plan or area plan.

d. The digital billboard is operated in accordance with the operating standards set forth in Section 20.360.004(F)(7) ("Digital Billboards").

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)

§ 20.360.004 General Standards for All Signs.

A. Sign Message. Any allowed sign may contain, in lieu of any other message or copy, any lawful non-commercial message, so long as the sign complies with the size, height, area, location, and other requirements of this chapter.

B. Prohibited Location Standards. All signs may not be placed in the following locations or manner, except where specifically authorized in this chapter:

1. Architectural Features. Areas where a sign would cover the architectural features of a building, such as dormers, insignias, pilasters, soffits, transoms, trims, or another architectural feature;

2. Accessory Structures. Tacked, painted, pasted or otherwise affixed, to the walls of any building, barn or shed, accessory structure, or on trees, poles, posts, fences, ladders or other structures that are visible from a public way. Permanent signs may be attached to a fence or freestanding wall only when a monument is not present in the development and must be maximum three square feet in sign area;

3. Clearance Standards. Within the horizontal or vertical clearance standards from communications lines and energized electrical power lines prescribed by the laws of the State of California;

4. Conflict with Traffic Signs. Any location that obstructs the view of any authorized traffic sign, signal, or other traffic control device or which by reason of shape, color, or position interferes with or could be confused with any authorized traffic signal or device;

5. Exits and Entrances. Any sign which is placed in a manner that would prevent or inhibit free ingress to or egress from any door, window, vent, or any exit way required by the Building Code, or by Fire Department regulations (currently in effect);

6. Fuel Tanks, Storage Containers, and Solid Waste Receptacles. Painted, attached or mounted on fuel tanks, storage containers and/or solid waste receptacles or their enclosures, except for a manufacturer’s or installer’s identification, appropriate warning signs and placards, and information required by law;

7. Intersections and Site Visibility Triangle. Any sign erected or maintained at or near any street intersection or within the site visibility triangle as defined in Section 20.300.016 (“Visibility at Intersections and Driveways”) that will obstruct the free and clear vision of drivers, bicycles, and pedestrians;

8. Obstruction of Pedestrian and Bicycle Ways. Any sign mounted or displayed in such a manner that impede, obstruct or create hazards with respect to pedestrian or bicycle traffic. A minimum width of four feet must be maintained on sidewalks at all times;

9. Off-Premises. Off-the-premises to which the sign refers, except as provided in Section 20.360.007 (“Standards for Temporary Signs”). Legally established off-premises signs are subject to the nonconforming sign provisions of Section 20.360.008 (“Nonconforming Signs”).

10. Public Utilities and Infrastructure. Any sign attached to any public utility pole, structure or streetlight, tree, fence, fire hydrant, bridge, curb, sidewalk, park bench, statue, memorial, or other location on public property, except those signs approved as part of a special event permit on City property or banner signs allowed by the City on light poles within the City;

11. Right-of-Way. Signs located within the public right-of-way including any sign or handbill attached to a utility pole or street sign pole except those required or allowed by federal, State or local law;

12. Vehicles. Mounted, attached, or painted on a trailer, boat, or motor vehicle when parked, stored, or displayed conspicuously on private premises in a manner intended to attract attention of the public for the purpose of advertising or identifying the business premises. This provision excludes signs indicating the name of the owner or business that are permanently painted or wrapped on the surface of the vehicle, adhesive vinyl film affixed to the interior or exterior surface of a vehicle window, or signs magnetically attached to motor vehicles or rolling stock that are actively used in the daily conduct of the business. Vehicles must be operable and parked in a lawful or authorized manner.

C. Display Standards. This subsection regulates the manner in which signs convey their messages by specifying prohibited display features that create distractions to the traveling public and create visual clutter that mar the natural and architectural aesthetics of the City. Signs with the following display features are prohibited:

1. Devices Affected by Movement. Any sign animated by any means, including fixed aerial displays, airborne balloons, balloon bobbers, feather banners, pennants, propellers, spinners, streamers, lights, string of flags, tubes or other devices affected by movement of the air or other atmospheric or mechanical means;

2. Exposed Light Source. Any sign with an exposed light source, except for neon or LED strip lights incorporated into the design of the sign;

3. Flashing Lights. Any sign or lighting device, whether on the exterior of a building or on the inside of a window which is visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel, or from any public right-of-way, with intermittent, flashing, rotating, blinking, or strobe light illumination, including search lights;

4. Fluorescent Colors. Any sign which uses fluorescent colors;

5. Rotating Signs and Barber Poles. Any sign in which the sign body or any portion of the sign body or any portion of the sign rotates, moves up and down, or any other type of action involving a change in position of the sign body or any portion of the sign, whether by mechanical or any other means. Barber poles no larger than three feet high and 10 inches in diameter, and clocks, are excepted from this restriction;

6. Visible Matter and Motion Picture Projection. Any sign which emits sound, odor, smoke, laser light display, hologram lights, or other visible matter, including any sign that uses motion picture projection.

D. Prohibited Sign Types. The following signs are prohibited within the City:

1. Any sign which advertises a business that is a prohibited use or no longer in existence or a product or service no longer being sold, except as provided in Section 20.360.008 (“Nonconforming Signs”) and historic signs;

2. Any signs that produce noise in excess of 40 decibels and signs that emit odor or visible smoke, vapor, or particles;

3. A-frame signs;

4. Billboards;

5. Cabinet signs;

6. Pole signs;

7. Sign walkers; and

8. Stuffed or inflated animals or characters used as signs.

E. Rules of Measurement.

1. Measuring Sign Area. Sign area includes the entire face of a framed sign, but does not include the supporting structure. Individual letters attached to a building shall be measured by the area enclosed by a continuous line outlining the perimeter of the words, emblems, and logos.

Figure 20.360.004.A: Measuring Sign Area

a. Double-Faced Signs. For double-faced signs with less than 18 inches between faces, and less than a 30-degree interior angle between faces, only one side shall be counted as the total area. Where the faces are not equal in size, the larger sign face shall be used as the basis for calculating sign area.

Figure 20.360.004.B: Double-Faced Signs

b. Multi-Faced Signs. The sign area of signs with three or more sign faces, or signs with two sign faces with a distance greater than 18 inches apart or that have an interior angle greater than 30 degrees, shall be calculated as the sum of all the sign faces.

c. Three-Dimensional Signs. Signs that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e. balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks), shall have a sign area of the sum of two adjacent sides or sign faces.

Figure 20.360.004.C: Three-Dimensional Signs

2. Measuring Sign Height. The height of a sign is the vertical distance from the uppermost point used to measure sign area to the existing grade immediately below the sign or to the top of the nearest curb of the street on which the sign fronts, whichever measurement is the greatest.

3. Measuring Sign Clearance. Sign clearance shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other embellishments.

4. Building Frontage. A building’s frontage is considered continuous if projections or recesses in a building wall do not exceed 10 feet in any direction. For buildings with two or more frontages, the length of the wall and allowable sign area shall be calculated separately for each building frontage.

Figure 20.360.004.D: Building Frontage

F. Sign Illumination.

1. Internal Illumination. Internal illumination is allowed on single-or two-color LED signs, signs constructed with pan channel letters, or signs constructed with indirect halo illuminated channel letters (i.e. reverse pan channel letters) on an unlit or otherwise indistinguishable background on a freestanding sign or building wall.

2. External Illumination.

a. Externally illuminated signs must be illuminated only with steady, stationary, fully shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign from above without causing glare. Bottom or side-mounted light fixtures may be approved with a Minor Use Permit.

b. The light source for externally illuminated signs must be arranged and shielded to substantially confine all direct light rays onto the sign face and away from streets and adjacent properties as illustrated in Figure 20.360.004.E.

Figure 20.360.004.E: External Illumination

3. Neon.

a. Exposed neon sign lighting on permanent signs and single-color or two-color LED signs are allowed in all non-residential zones.

b. Neon signs placed in a window are counted toward the total aggregate area for all window signs. Refer to Section 20.360.006(D) ("Standards for Permanent Building-Mounted and Freestanding Sign Types").

4. Single-Color or Two-Color LED Signs.

a. Single-color or two-color LED signs are exempt from the sign area limitations for wall signs and window signs established in Section 20.360.006(D)(5) ("Wall Signs") and Section 20.360.006(D)(6) ("Window Signs").

b. Any individual single-color or two-color LED sign must not exceed four square feet in area.

5. Direct Illumination.

a. Direct illumination is limited to marquee signs and is limited to letters, numbers, symbols and accents.

b. All direct illumination must be turned off daily at the close of business or 10:00 p.m., whichever occurs last.

c. Exposed lamps may only be animated to create an effect of patterned illusionary movement provided the alternate or sequential activation of illuminated elements occurs on a cycle that exceeds two seconds.

6. Electronic Changeable Copy Signs.

a. Changeable copy shall cover no more than 25 percent of the total sign area, and be no larger than 75 square feet, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

b. Electronic changeable copy signs are allowed if granted a Type C Sign Permit pursuant to Section 20.360.003(C) ("Special Circumstances"), subject to compliance with appropriate environmental review under CEQA. All electronic changeable copy signs are subject to the following standards:

i. Electronic changeable copy signs are only allowed as on-site premises signs.

ii. Maximum Number of Signs per Property. Where permitted, one electronic changeable copy sign is allowed per property.

iii. Operational Limitations. Electronic changeable copy signs shall contain static messages only, and shall not contain any display with movement, or the appearance or optical illusion of movement during the static display period, or any part of the sign structure, including the movement or appearance of movement. Every static message contained on an electronic changeable copy sign shall not include flashing or the varying of light intensity. The content of an electronic changeable copy sign must transition by changing instantly, with no transition graphics.

iv. Minimum Display Time. Each message on the electronic changeable copy sign must be displayed for a minimum of 15 seconds.

v. Light Level. Lighting levels will not increase by more than 0.3 foot candles (over ambient levels) as measured using a foot candle meter at a distance of 150 feet.

vi. Light Sensor. Each display must have a light sensing device that will adjust the brightness as ambient light conditions change.

vii. Hours of Operation. Electronic changeable copy signs may be illuminated from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., or one-half hour past the close of business that the electronic changeable copy sign is allowed for, whichever is later.

viii. Alternative Lighting Technology. The technology currently being deployed for digital billboards is LED (light emitting diode), but there may be alternate, preferred and superior technology available in the future. Any other technology that operates under the maximum brightness stated in this subsection shall not require a text amendment for approval, unless the Planning Commission finds it in the best interest of the public to do so. The City shall expedite any required approvals for technology that is superior in energy efficiency over previous generations or types.

ix. Malfunction. Electronic changeable copy signs shall be operated with systems and monitoring in place to either turn the display off or show a “full black” image on the display in the event of a malfunction.

x. Emergency Information. Owners of electronic changeable copy signs are encouraged to coordinate with law enforcement and emergency management authorities to display, when appropriate, regional emergency information important to the traveling public including, but not limited to, Amber Alerts or emergency management information.

xi. Prohibited. The following are prohibited: addition of an electronic changeable copy sign to a nonconforming sign, an orientation of the electronic changeable copy sign towards Highway 101, and an electronic changeable copy sign located off-premises.

xii. Fuel Pricing Displays. Automobile Service Station fuel pricing displays are allowed as an Electronic Changeable Copy Sign.

7. Digital Billboards. Digital billboards are allowed in accordance with a relocation agreement under subsection A of this section. Digital billboards shall have the following operational limitations:

a. Maximum Number of Signs and Faces. Not more than four digital billboards, with two faces each, may be allowed within the City, and must be pursuant to the approval of a relocation agreement under Section 20.360.003(D) (“Relocation Agreement”).

b. Operational Limitations. Digital billboards shall contain static messages only, and shall not contain any display with movement, or the appearance or optical illusion of movement during the static display period, or any part of the sign structure, including the movement or appearance of movement. Every static message contained on a digital billboard shall not include flashing or the varying of light intensity.

c. Minimum Display Time. Each message on the digital billboard must be displayed for a minimum of eight seconds.

d. Face Size/Area. The maximum allowable face size for a digital billboard shall be 1,200 square feet, excluding any cabinetry, framing or trim.

e. Light Level. Lighting levels will not increase by more than 0.3 foot candles (over ambient levels) as measured using a foot candle meter at a pre-set distance.

i. Pre-set distances to measure the foot candles impact vary with the expected viewing distances of each size sign and shall be as outlined in Table 20.360.004-1: Measurement Distance Criteria:

Table 20.360.004-1: Measurement Distance Criteria
Nominal Face Size	Distance to be Measured From
Up to 14 feet x 48 feet	250 feet
Up to 20 feet x 60 feet	350 feet

f. Light Sensor. Each display must have a light sensing device that will adjust the brightness as ambient light conditions change.

g. Alternative Lighting Technology. The technology currently being deployed for digital billboards is LED (light emitting diode), but there may be alternate, preferred and superior technology available in the future. Any other technology that operates under the maximum brightness stated in Section 20.360.004(F)(6)(b)(v) ("Light Level") shall not require a text amendment for approval, unless the Planning Commission finds it in the best interest of the public to do so. The City shall expedite any required approvals for technology that is superior in energy efficiency over previous generations or types.

h. Malfunction. Digital billboards shall be operated with systems and monitoring in place to either turn the display off or show a “full black” image on the display in the event of a malfunction.

i. Emergency Information. Owners of digital billboards are encouraged to coordinate with law enforcement and emergency management authorities to display, when appropriate, regional emergency information important to the traveling public, including, but not limited to, Amber Alerts or emergency management information.

j. Location. Digital billboards shall only be allowed in a nonresidential district south of Sister Cities Boulevard and north of the City’s southern boundary, and shall be located on parcels immediately adjacent to U.S. Highway 101. Notwithstanding the foregoing, digital billboards shall not be allowed on parcels adjacent to San Bruno Mountain or in a location that significantly blocks views of San Bruno Mountain.

G. Sign Structure and Installation.

1. The installation of signs shall be enforced and administered by the Chief Building Official. All signs and sign structures must be designed to comply with the provisions of this chapter, the applicable provisions of Title 15 ("Buildings and Construction"), and constructed to withstand wind loads, dead loads, and lateral forces.

a. Where electrical service is provided to freestanding signs or landscape wall signs, the electrical service shall be placed underground and concealed. Electrical service to building mounted signs, including conduit, housings, and wire, shall be concealed or, when necessary, painted to match the surface of the structure upon which they are mounted. A Building Permit shall be issued prior to installation of any new signs requiring electrical service.

b. All permanent signs allowed by this chapter shall be constructed of durable materials capable of withstanding continuous exposure to the elements and the conditions of a built-up environment, and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building or another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or structure.

2. Signs shall be designed so that the support frameworks for the sign are an integral part of the design of the sign or within the structure of the building to which it is attached in such a manner as to not be visible. Any angle iron, bracing, guy wires, or similar features used to support a sign shall not be visible to the extent technically feasible.

3. Raceway cabinets, as illustrated in Figure 20.360.004.F, must only be used in building mounted signs when access to the wall behind the sign is not feasible, or when the Chief Planner determines that a benefit exists to preserve a historic or architectural feature of a building. In such cases, the raceway cabinet must not extend in width and height beyond the area of the sign and must match the color of the building to which it is attached. Where a raceway cabinet provides a contrast background to sign copy, the colored area is counted in the total allowable sign area allowed for the site or business.

Figure 20.360.004.G: Raceway Cabinet

H. Sign Maintenance. Each sign displayed within the City, including exempt signs, shall be maintained to comply with the following standards:

1. All signs shall be maintained by any property owner, lessor, lessee, manager, agent, or other person having lawful possession or control over a sign, building, structure, or parcel of land, in a condition or state of equivalent quality to which it was approved or required by the City.

2. All signs together with their supports and appurtenances must be maintained in good structural condition, in compliance with applicable Building Codes, and in conformance with this chapter. Maintenance of a sign includes annual cleaning; replacement of flickering, burned out or broken light bulbs or fixtures; repair or replacement of any faded, peeled, cracked, or otherwise damaged or broken parts of a sign; replacement of broken or removed components of the sign; and any other activity necessary to restore the sign so that it complies with the requirements and contents of the Sign Permit issued for its installation and the provisions of this chapter.

3. The Chief Building Official is authorized to order the repair, maintenance, or removal of any sign or sign structure that has not been maintained and is dangerous or in disrepair, or which is erected or maintained contrary to the requirements of this section.

4. Failure to maintain a sign constitutes a violation of this chapter and will be subject to enforcement action, in which case the Chief Building Official may order the removal of any sign that is determined to be in disrepair or dangerous.

5. Any owner of a sign victimized by graffiti shall remove, repair, or repaint sign(s) within two days of notice of the graffiti’s placement on the sign.

6. Abandoned signs shall be removed in compliance with the following requirements. Any sign not removed within the required period shall constitute a nuisance and shall be removed pursuant to the procedures set forth in Division 3, Chapter 2.6 of the Business and Professions Code (Section 5499.1 et seq.).

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1654, 3/27/2024; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)

§ 20.360.005 Sign Design Standards.

A. Applicability. The standards established in this section apply to all permanent signs. These standards complement the mandatory sign regulations established in Section 20.360.006 (“Standards for Permanent Signs”).

B. General Sign Design Standards. These general sign design standards will be utilized during the review of all permanent signs for which a Type A, Type B, or Type C Sign Permit (see Section 20.360.003(A) ("Permits Required; Review Process")) is required to ensure the highest level of design quality, while at the same time providing the flexibility necessary to encourage creativity on the part of the sign designer. However, unless there is a compelling reason, these design standards must be observed.

C. Use a Brief Message. Signs must be designed with a brief message because the fewer words used, the more effective the sign. A sign with a brief message is quicker and easier to read, looks cleaner, is more effective in conveying its message, and is more attractive.

D. Avoid Overly Intricate or Unusual Fonts. Simple, easy-to-read fonts must be utilized in signs to enhance their readability. Signs that include very intricate font styles are generally difficult to read and reduce a sign’s ability to communicate effectively. Signs with unusual fonts may look good today, but soon go out of style, and the image conveyed may quickly become that of a dated and unfashionable business.

Figure 20.360.005.A: Examples of Signs with a Brief Message and Simple Font Style

E. Emphasize One Line of Text. Signs with more than one line of text must emphasize one line over the others to enhance the message conveyed.

F. Limit the Number of Fonts. The number of fonts used in a sign must be limited because the use of more than two font styles makes the sign harder to read. The primary purpose of a sign is to quickly convey information to motorists and pedestrians.

G. Sign Colors and Materials. Sign colors and materials must contribute to sign legibility and design integrity. Signs with poor color selection are generally unattractive and unsuccessful at communicating the message. Too many different colors compete with the sign’s content for a viewer’s attention and makes the sign less effective. Sign materials must be durable and weather-resistant.

H. Provide Contrast Between Background and Letters/Symbols. Signs must be designed with high contrast between the sign’s letter/symbol color and its background color to be most effective. Signs with little contrast in the hue (shade or tint) and/or intensity (brightness) between the background and letter/symbol colors are difficult to read.

Figure 20.360.005.B: Examples of Signs with a Simple Color Palette, Limited Fonts, and Good Contrast

I. Graphic Relief. Signs must utilize individual lettered business and logo design, or where appropriate, sign copy, logo, and/or decorative embellishments in relief on the face of the sign to enhance readability and project a positive image of the business or use. Signs must be designed to provide three-dimensional relief, i.e. be raised above, or set below the sign background.

Figure 20.360.005.C: Examples of Raised Letters

J. Sign Placement. Signs must be placed at or near the entrance of a site or building to show the most direct access to the business.

Figure 20.360.005.D: Examples of a Well-Placed Sign Emphasizing a Building Entrance

K. Proportion, Scale and Rhythm of Sign Placement. Signs must be placed consistent with the proportions and scale of building elements within a building’s façade:

1. A large sign may fit well on a large, plain wall area, but could overpower the finer scale and proportion if placed above a small storefront.

2. Signs must establish rhythm, scale, and proportion on a façade where these elements are weak in the building design. On buildings with plain façade, signs must establish or continue appropriate design rhythm, proportion, and scale.

3. The proportion of letter area to sign background area must be carefully considered. Letters must not appear to occupy more than 70 percent of the sign’s background area. Signs where the letters take up too much of the background area are harder to read. Generally, large letters are not necessarily more legible than smaller ones.

Figure 20.360.005.E: Examples of Signs with Good Proportion, Scale, and Rhythm

L. Complementary Sign Design. Where there is more than one sign for a business (e.g., single tenant buildings) or group of businesses (e.g., multiple tenant buildings, commercial centers, or business or industrial parks), all signs must be designed to ensure consistency of sign design and be complementary to one another in the following ways:

1. Type of construction materials used in the sign body, sign copy, sign base, supports, etc.;

2. Letter size and style of copy;

3. Method and design of sign support (wall mounting or monument base);

4. Configuration of sign area; and

5. Proportion of sign copy area to background.

M. Artistry and Innovation. The use of artistry and innovation in sign design will make the sign stand out and draw attention to the use or activity it is advertising. It can also improve the overall appearance of a building or neighborhood.

N. Sign Scale. Signs must be designed and placed relative to who the intended viewer will be. Signs intended to be read by pedestrians (i.e. usually read from a distance of 15 to 20 feet) must be smaller in scale than a vehicle-oriented sign which is designed to be viewed from a much greater distance. In general, the closer the sign’s viewing distance, the smaller the sign needs to be.

O. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs must incorporate the materials and architectural features used in the building(s) they serve. Freestanding signs are most effective when placed perpendicular to approaching vehicular traffic.

Figure 20.360.005.F: Example of a Freestanding Sign Incorporating the Architectural Details of the Main Building

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)

§ 20.360.006 Standards for Permanent Signs.

A. Applicability.

1. This section establishes the standards for permanent building-mounted and freestanding signs that are applicable in all zoning districts. Standards for each allowed sign type are provided in Section 20.360.006(D) ("Standards for Permanent Building-Mounted and Freestanding Sign Types"). All permanent signs must comply with the standards for sign area, height, number, type, and the other requirements provided in these tables.

2. A sign type not specifically included in this section may be allowed by the Chief Planner provided the sign meets the intent of the zone in which it is proposed.

B. Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts. The following regulations shall apply to all residential districts, as well as residential dwellings located in non-residential district:

1. Non-Residential Uses in Residential Districts. One building-mounted sign per each allowable non-residential use, not exceeding eight square feet in area. Community assembly facilities in residential districts are allowed one building-mounted sign or monument sign not exceeding 20 square feet in area.

2. Residential Uses. One building-mounted sign or monument sign per street frontage with a maximum area of 72 square inches.

3. Illumination. Wall signs and bulletin boards may be illuminated provided that the light source thereof is not visible and the illumination is nonintermittent. No other signs shall be illuminated.

C. Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts. Signage in non-residential districts shall comply with the standards in Table 20.360.006-1. All properties in non-residential districts shall be allowed a minimum sign area of 25 square feet. The area of all building-mounted signs is included in the maximum total sign area, except when specifically exempted. Digital Billboards are exempt from this section and are governed by Section 20.360.004(F)(7) ("Digital Billboards"). Further, off-premises signs allowed in accordance with a relocation agreement under Section 20.360.003(D) ("Relocation Agreements") and a Master Sign Program under Section 20.360.003(B) ("Master Sign Program") are exempt from this section.

Table 20.360.006-1: Sign Standards for Non-Residential Zoning Districts
Zoning Districts (Frontage)	Sign Area Allowed (sq. ft. per linear ft. building frontage)	Total Maximum Sign Area (sq. ft.)	Allowed Sign Types	Maximum Number of Signs	Maximum Sign Area per Sign Type (sq. ft.)
DRL DRM DRH	1.5	300	Awning and Canopy	n/a	60
			Marquee	1 per site	1 per linear ft or building frontage
			Projecting	1 per building or tenant space	16; 8 under a canopy or awning
			Shingle	1 per building or tenant space	6
			Wall	1 per building or tenant space	25
			Window	n/a	15% of window space, up to 30% of window space with MUP approval
			Monument	1 per site	25
DRC LNC GAC DTC ETC CC BPO OPSPD T3N T3C T4L T5L T5C T6C	1.5	300	Awning and Canopy	n/a	100
			Marquee	1 per site	1.5 per linear ft of building frontage
			Projecting	1 per building or tenant space	16; 8 under a canopy or awning
			Shingle	1 per building or tenant space	6
			Wall	1 per building or tenant space	100
			Window	n/a	15% of window space, up to 30% of window space with MUP approval
			Monument	1 per site	60
			Skyline	2 per building with at least 4 stories	1 per linear ft of building frontage
GMP BTP-M BTP-H MIM MIH S-C	1.5	300	Awning and Canopy	n/a	100
			Marquee	1 per site	1.5 per linear ft of building frontage
			Projecting	1 per building or tenant space	16; 8 under a canopy or awning
			Shingle	1 per building or tenant space	6
			Wall	1 per building or tenant space	100
			Monument	1 per site	60
			Skyline	2 per building with at least 4 stories	1 per linear ft of building frontage
PQP	1.0	70	Wall	1 per building or tenant space	25
			Monument	1 per site	60

D. Standards for Permanent Building-Mounted and Freestanding Sign Types.

1. Awning and Canopy Signs. Awning and canopy signs may be attached to or painted on the vertical edges of awnings, canopies, arcades, or similar features or structures. Awning and canopy signs are also subject to the specific zoning district standards in Section 20.360.006(B) ("Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts") and Section 20.360.006(C) ("Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts") and the following standards:

a. Sign Height. Maximum of 25 feet.

b. Sign Clearance. Minimum of eight feet.

c. Illumination. Non-illuminated or internal illumination.

Figure 20.360.006.A: Awning and Canopy Signs

2. Projecting Signs. A sign may project horizontally from the exterior wall of a building provided that such projection conforms to the specific zoning district standards in Section 20.360.006(B) (“Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts”) and Section 20.360.006(B) (“Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts”) and the following standards:

a. Sign Height. Maximum of 20 feet above the surface of the sidewalk or street or no higher than the eave line or parapet wall, whichever is lower.

b. Sign Clearance. Minimum of eight feet.

c. Width. A projecting sign shall be no more than one foot thick.

d. Projection. The outer edge of a projecting sign shall not extend more than four feet from the building to which it is attached. Projecting signs shall be designed and located so as to cause no harm to street trees. Signs projecting into the public right-of-way are subject to an Encroachment Permit.

e. Illumination. Non-illuminated, internal illumination or external illumination.

3. Shingle Signs. Signs suspended beneath an overhead structure, covered walkway, or canopy in conjunction with pedestrian walkways, are allowed, subject to the specific zoning district standards in Section 20.360.006(B) ("Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts") and Section 20.360.006(C) ("Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts"), the requirements for projecting signs in Section 20.360.005(D)(2) above, and the following standard:

a. Sign Clearance. Minimum of eight feet.

b. Illumination. Non-illuminated, internal illumination, or external illumination.

Figure 20.360.006.B: Shingle Signs

4. Marquee Signs. Marquee signs are subject to the specific zoning district standards in Section 20.360.006(B) ("Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts") and Section 20.360.006(C) ('"Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts") and the following standards:

a. Sign Height. No portion of a marquee sign shall be higher than the eave line or parapet wall of a building.

b. Sign Clearance. Minimum of 12 feet.

c. Projections. A marquee sign may extend from the building to which it is attached subject to approval of an Encroachment Permit from the City Engineer provided the marquee is designed and located so as to cause no harm to street trees.

d. Changeable Copy. Changeable copy may occupy up to 75 percent of the area of a marquee sign.

e. Illumination. Direct or internal illumination.

5. Wall Signs. Wall signs include any sign attached to, erected against or painted upon the wall of a building or structure, the face of which is in a single plane parallel to the plane of the wall. Wall signs also include signs on a false or mansard roof. No wall sign may cover wholly or partially any required wall opening. Wall signs are also subject to the specific zoning district standards in Section 20.360.006(B) ("Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts") and Section 20.360.006(C) ("Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts") and the following standards:

a. Height. Wall signs shall not be mounted or placed higher than the second story and shall not extend higher than the building wall upon which they are attached except on a peaked, mansard, or shed roof where the sign may be placed in such a manner that the highest point on the sign shall be no higher than the lowest two-thirds of the roof height and providing that the vertical dimension of the sign shall be no greater than one-third the vertical dimension of the roof.

b. Coverage. Wall sign copy shall not occupy more than 75 percent of the length of the wall to which the sign is attached.

c. Projection. Wall signs cannot extend more than 12 inches beyond the face of the wall to which they are attached.

Figure 20.360.006.C: Wall Signs on Sloped Roofs

6. Window Signs. Permanent window signs painted or otherwise adhered directly onto a window are subject to the specific zoning district standards in Section 20.360.006(B) ("Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts") and Section 20.360.006(C) ("Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts") and the following standards:

a. Height. Window signs shall not be mounted or placed on windows higher than the second story.

b. Visibility. Window signs shall allow visibility into the inside of building. See also Table 20.360.006-1 for standards for permanent window signs and Table 20.360.007-2 for standards for temporary window signs.

7. Monument Signs. Freestanding signs erected on the ground or on a monument base designed as an architectural unit are allowed, subject to the specific zoning district standards in Section 20.360.006(B) ("Sign Standards for Residential Uses and Districts") and Section 20.360.006(C) ("Sign Standards for Non-Residential Districts") and the following standards:

a. Height. A maximum of 10 feet.

b. Sign Base. The monument sign’s base must be at least 60 percent of the width of the sign. The sign base must be maximum four feet in height.

c. Landscape. All monument signs shall require automatic irrigated landscape at the base equivalent to two times the area of the sign copy.

d. Illumination. Non-illuminated, internal illumination, or external illumination.

Figure 20.360.006.D: Monument Signs

8. Monument Signs – Developments with a Minimum Floor Area of 20,000 Square Feet. The following standards apply to a developments containing a minimum of 20,000 square feet with an integrated site and design plan creating a single unified development with one or more uses:

a. Non-Residential Districts. The maximum sign area in non-residential districts may be no more than one foot for each linear foot of street frontage, but in no case shall the total sign area exceed 200 square feet. If more than one entrance to the lot exists, the maximum sign area allowed will be divided among the number of entryways and signs requested.

b. Residential Districts and Subdivisions. For subdivisions and other residential area entry signs, the maximum sign area allowed is 20 square feet. Signs shall be mounted on a fence, wall, or other similar entry feature. If more than one entrance exists, the sign area allowed will be divided between the number of entryways and signs requested.

c. Sign Base. The sign base must be located within a planter box or planting area, the design and location of which is to be approved by the Chief Planner.

d. Area Not Counted. The area of the sign shall not count towards the permissible sign area of the individual lot.

Figure 20.360.006.E: Monument Signs

9. Skyline Signs. The following standards apply to buildings of at least four stories located in non-residential districts:

a. Location. The skyline sign shall be located within the upper 25 percent of the building face and the top of the sign must be placed within 10 feet of the top of the wall surface to which the sign is attached.

b. Number. Only one skyline sign is allowed per building elevation.

c. Sign Type. Signs shall be composed of individual, internally illuminated pan channel letters.

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)

§ 20.360.007 Standards for Temporary Signs.

A. Purpose. The Council finds that the proliferation of temporary signs is a distraction to the traveling public and creates aesthetic blight and litter that threatens the public’s health, safety, and welfare. In addition to the purpose provisions of Section 20.360.001 (“Purpose”), these regulations ensure that temporary signs do not create a distraction to the traveling public by eliminating the aesthetic blight and litter caused by temporary signs and that certain types of temporary signs are allowed to ensure that residences are not left vacant for extended periods of time.

B. General to All Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are allowed only in compliance with the provisions of this section.

1. Permits.

a. A Type A Permit is required to display a Temporary Wall Banner Sign that is less than 32 square feet in area.

b. Wall Banners larger than 32 square feet in area and less than 100 square feet in area require a Type B permit (see Section 20.360.003 (“Administration and Procedures”)).

c. All other temporary sign types do not require a permit (see Section 20.360.003 (“Administration and Procedures”)).

d. Each tenant in a multi-tenant building is entitled to a temporary wall banner sign in accordance with this section.

2. Not Included in Permanent Sign Allowances. Temporary signs are not counted toward the maximum total sign area established in Section 20.360.006 (“Standards for Permanent Signs”).

3. General Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions.

a. Location Standards. Temporary signs must be placed in compliance with Section 20.360.004(B) ("Prohibited Location Standards"), unless specifically exempted by this section.

b. Time Limit. Temporary signs shall be removed within 45 days after they are placed, erected or installed. In no case shall a temporary sign be allowed more than twice per year.

c. Display Standards. Temporary signs must comply with Section 20.360.004(C) ("Display Standards").

d. Design and Construction. Temporary signs must be of sufficient weight and durability to withstand wind gusts, storms, etc. and must be professionally crafted.

C. Additional Standards for Temporary Signs.

1. Temporary signs are allowed in compliance with the provisions in Table 20.360.007-1.

Table 20.360.007-1: Standards for Temporary Signs
Standard	Requirement
“sf” = square feet; “lf” = linear feet
Residential Districts
Total Area of all Temporary Signs at Any One Time	Max. 6 sf
Number of Signs	Unlimited except that the total sign area of all temporary signs must not exceed 6 sf.
Distance between Signs	Min. 2 ft
Non-Residential Districts
Total Area of all Temporary Signs at Any One Time	Max. 24 sf
Number of Signs	Unlimited except that the total sign area of all temporary signs (excludes temporary wall banner signs) must not exceed 24 sf per business. Exception: Multi-tenant shopping centers or offices—Max. 2 temporary banner signs per 150 linear feet of property frontage not to exceed 64 sf combined.
Distance between Signs	Min. 2 ft

2. Standards for Specific Temporary Signs. Temporary signs must comply with the standards provided in Table 20.360.007-2.

Table 20.360.007-2: Standards for Specific Temporary Signs
Temporary Sign Type1	Standards			Other Requirement
	Height (Max.)	Width (Max.)	Area (Max.)
“sf” = square feet; “lf” = linear feet
Wall Banner	25 ft to top of banner	3 ft	Type A Permit – max. 32 sf Type B Permit – max. 100 sf	Prohibited in residential zoning districts. Must be mounted on a building wall or on T-posts or stakes installed ≤ 6″ from a wall on which the wall banner would be hung.
Window Sign			See End Note2	Must be placed no higher than first story windows. Inside mounting required. Not included in the total sign area for all temporary signs.
Yard Sign Type I	4 ft	2 ft	3 sf	All yard signs must be installed securely in the ground.
Yard Sign Type II	6 ft	2 ft	5 sf
Yard Sign Type III	7 ft	8 ft	32 sf

Notes:
1	Other temporary sign types may be allowed (e.g. fuel pump topper signs, wraps around waste receptacles, or balloon bobbers) provided the max. area limitation for all temporary signs is not exceeded. The max. height of tether and string support shall be 3 feet.
2	The area of temporary and permanent window signs combined (including signs constructed of perforated vinyl or painted on the window) must not exceed 40% of the area of the window on or within which they are displayed.

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)

§ 20.360.008 Nonconforming Signs.

A. A nonconforming sign is a sign lawfully constructed and maintained prior to the effective date, but which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, or because of a district change after the effective date affecting the property upon which the sign is located, ceases to comply with the applicable zoning district regulations. This chapter is intended to limit the number and extent of nonconforming signs by prohibiting the alteration or enlargement of nonconforming signs, thereby reducing the discrepancy between existing conditions and the standards and requirements of this chapter, and to provide for the elimination of nonconforming signs in residential districts, in compliance with State law.

B. No nonconforming sign shall be altered, enlarged, relocated, and/or reconstructed, except in such manner as to comply with the requirements of this chapter or as authorized under a Relocation Agreement in compliance with Section 20.360.003(D) ("Relocation Agreements"). A nonconforming sign may be maintained or its text changed without affecting its nonconforming status.

C. Repair or Reconstruction of Damaged or Destroyed Signs. A nonconforming sign destroyed or damaged to the extent of 75 percent or greater of its fair market value as of the date of such destruction or damage is not a nonconforming sign pursuant to this chapter and shall be removed or repaired to conform with all applicable provisions of this chapter.

D. Alteration. Except as provided below, no nonconforming sign shall be altered or moved unless such alteration or moving reduces the degree of nonconformity.

1. A nonconforming sign may be removed from the building or structure to which it is attached for purposes of repair providing it is returned to the same place from which it was removed within 14 days after removal, and further providing there is no increase in size or change of copy.

2. Signs which reflect the unique historical characteristics of the development and heritage of South San Francisco may remain, subject to continued maintenance, until the use of the site on which the sign is located changes, subject to Planning Commission approval based on the following findings:

a. The sign existed at the effective date and was originally erected at least 30 years prior to the date of the application.

b. Based on a report from the Chief Building Official, the sign is structurally sound and complies with the provisions of the current building and associated codes.

c. The design of the sign is common to the period in which it was built, is consistent with the structures on the site, and complements the unique characteristics of South San Francisco.

d. The sign is maintained in compliance with provisions of Section 20.360.004(H) ("Sign Maintenance"). Continued maintenance shall be a condition of approval of the permit.

e. Retaining the sign will not result in visual clutter or blight and will not adversely affect the adjoining properties.

E. Removal or Replacement of a Nonconforming Sign. Removal of a nonconforming sign, or replacement of a nonconforming sign with a conforming sign, is required when:

1. A building is renovated and the cost of the renovation is 50 percent of more of the value of the building as determined by the Chief Building Official or the building is demolished and rebuilt; or

2. The use of the sign and/or the property on which the sign is located has been abandoned, ceased operations, become vacant, or been unoccupied for a period of 90 consecutive days or more as long as the period of non-use is attributable at least in part to the property owner, tenant, or other person or entity in control of the use. For purposes of this section, rental payments or lease payments and taxes shall not be considered as a continued use. In the event this should occur, such conditions will be considered as evidence of abandonment, requiring removal of the sign by the owner of the property, his/her agent, or person having the beneficial use of the property, building or structure upon which such sign or sign structure is erected within 30 days after written notification from the Chief Planner. If, within the 30-day period, such sign(s) is (are) not removed, enforcement action shall be pursued.

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)

§ 20.360.009 Enforcement, Liability, and Penalty.

A. Liability for Damages. The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed as relieving or limiting in any way the responsibility or liability of any person erecting or owning any sign for personal injury or property damage resulting from the placing of such signs, or resulting from the negligence or willful acts of such persons, their agents, employees or workers in the construction, maintenance, repair or removal of any sign. Nor shall this chapter be construed as imposing upon the City, or its officers, or employees any responsibility or liability by reason of the approval of any signs, materials or devices under the provisions of this chapter.

B. Enforcement. It shall be the duty of the Code Enforcement Officer to enforce the provisions of this Ordinance; referrals may be made by the Planning Division, Building Division, or Police Department.

C. Violations. If the Code Enforcement Officer finds any sign not complying with the regulations of this Ordinance, written notice shall be given to the sign owner and to the property owner. The notice shall specify the time period within which compliance must be achieved. If the sign owner or the property owner fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards herein set forth after such notice, the Code Enforcement Officer may cause such sign to be removed, or altered to comply, at the expense of the sign owner or owner of the property upon which it is located.

D. Removal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Chief Building Official, Code Enforcement Officer, Director of Public Works or Police Department may have removed without prior notice any sign which is an immediate threat to persons or property or which is located on public property in violation of this chapter. Once such a sign is removed the Code Enforcement Officer shall immediately attempt to notify the owner of the sign, if ascertainable. If the sign is not retrieved within 15 days after removal, it shall be deemed abandoned and may be disposed of by the City.

E. Penalty for Violation. Any person violating a provision of this chapter or failing to comply with a mandatory requirement of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, such person shall be punished as set forth in Chapter 1.24 (“General Penalty”) of the South San Francisco Municipal Code.

(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022)