City of Stockton, CA Chapter 16.76 SIGN STANDARDS

§ 16.76.010 Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare, and to preserve the character of the City by regulating the size, height, design, quality of materials, construction, location, lighting, and maintenance of signs and sign structures not enclosed within a structure, to accomplish the following:

A. Provide a reasonable and comprehensive system of sign controls;

B. Encourage a desirable City character with a minimum of clutter, as well as protect and enhance the aesthetics and the character of neighborhoods, while recognizing the need for signs as a major form of communication;

C. Provide for fair and equal treatment of sign users;

D. Help to promote commerce, and the economic vitality of the business community;

E. Encourage signs that are well designed and pleasing in appearance by providing incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationship, spacing, and location;

F. Provide for maximum public convenience by properly directing people to various activities; and

G. Promote public safety by providing that official traffic regulation devices be easily visible and free from nearby visual obstructions, including blinking signs, excessive number of signs, or signs resembling official traffic signs.

(Prior code § 16-360.010)

§ 16.76.020 Applicability.

A. The sign standards provided in this chapter are intended to apply to signs in each zoning district in the City. Only signs authorized by this chapter shall be allowed in that zoning district, unless otherwise expressly provided in this chapter.

B. If a new zoning district is created after the enactment of the ordinance codified in this chapter, this chapter shall be amended concurrently to regulate signs in the new zoning district.

C. The sign standards shall apply to the private use of private property only, not public property or public rights-of-way.

D. Unless otherwise provided for in this chapter, all signs shall conform to the Uniform Sign Code.

E. This chapter shall not be construed or applied in a fashion as would give preference or a greater degree of protection to a sign conveying a commercial message than is given to a sign similarly situated and conveying a noncommercial message. Any ambiguity shall be resolved in favor of allowing noncommercial signs the same benefits, exemptions, and other protections as may be given to a commercial sign similarly situated.

(Prior code § 16-360.020; Ord. 023-07 C.S. § 66)

§ 16.76.030 Prohibited signs.

The following signs are inconsistent with the purposes and standards of this chapter and are, therefore, prohibited in all zoning districts:

A. Abandoned signs in compliance with Section 16.76.080 (Abandoned signs) and/or dilapidated signs and sign structures;

B. Banners, streamers, and pennants, except for those affixed to poles along the rights-of-way of commercial areas with an encroachment permit (Section 16.72.125) and revocable permit (Section 16.72.127) for purposes of civic identity or as specifically allowed by the provisions of Section 16.76.040(D) (Exemptions from sign permits);

C. Bench signs, except at approved bus passenger loading areas;

D. Inflated signs, balloons, and figures, except temporary signs specifically allowed by the provisions of Section 16.76.040(D) (Exemptions from sign permits);

E. Obscene or offensive signs containing statements, words, figures or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character which appeal to the prurient interest in sex, or which are patently offensive and do not have serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value in accordance with Chapter 5.60 of the Municipal Code;

F. Off-premises signs not specifically allowed by the provisions of Section 16.76.110 (Standards for off-premises signs);

G. Signs painted on roofs;

H. Portable signs (e.g., A-frame signs), except as provided by Section 12.80.010 of the Municipal Code;

I. Roof signs extending above the eave of the roof or a parapet, whichever is higher, except for roof signs located on the Miracle Mile and Yosemite Street Village Shopping Area;

J. A sign erected in a manner that a portion of its surface or supports would interfere with the free use of a fire escape, exit, or standpipe or obstruct a required ventilator, door, stairway, or window;

K. Signs emitting audible sounds, odors, or visible matter;

L. Signs that conflict with or imitate traffic control devices due to color, wording, design, location or illumination;

M. Signs that interfere with the safe and efficient flow of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic that adversely affect traffic safety;

N. Signs on public property or projecting within the public right-of-way except as provided in Municipal Code Chapter 12.80;

O. Signs placed on properties of public utility companies (light poles, telephone poles, utility poles, equipment containers, etc);

P. Signs attached to or painted on motor vehicles or trailers that are parked on or adjacent to public or private property, the principal purpose of which is to attract attention to a product sold or to a business located on or near the property where the vehicle or trailer is located, except for company vehicles parked on an interim basis;

Q. Graffiti as defined in Section 8.24.020(A) of the Municipal Code; and

R. Signs not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

(Prior code § 16-360.030; Ord. 023-07 C.S. § 67; Ord. 015-09 C.S., eff. 12-3-09; Ord. 2022-07-12-1601-02 C.S. § 20)

§ 16.76.040 Sign permits.

A. Sign Permits Required. To ensure compliance with the regulations of this chapter, a sign permit from the Building Division shall be required in order to erect, move, alter, or reconstruct any permanent or temporary sign, either on-or off-premises, except signs listed in subsection D of this section (Exemptions from sign permits), that are exempt from sign permits.

B. Approval of Sign Permits. A sign permit application shall be filed with the Department for review and sign-off by the Director based on consideration of size, height, and location, and other elements in compliance with the sign standards for specific types of on-premises signs (Section 16.76.100) and off-premises signs (Section 16.76.110) and the intent and provisions of this chapter. Specific types of signs may require a site plan review, land development permit, or use permit.

C. Revocation of Sign Permits. The Director may revoke or modify a sign permit, in compliance with Chapter 16.108 (Revocations and Modifications) if it is found that the sign(s) has been erected, altered, reconstructed, or is being maintained in a manner that is inconsistent with the approved sign permit.

D. Exemptions from Sign Permits. Sign permits shall not be required for the following allowed signs provided the sign does not require electrical work. Exempt signs shall not be included in the determination of the total allowable number of signs or total allowable sign area for a site/use.

1. Permanent Signs Without Specific Size Limitation. The following signs are exempt from sign permit review subject to the following limitations:

a. Official and legal notices required by a court or governmental agency.

b. A sign erected and maintained in compliance with, and in discharge of, a governmental function or required by a law, ordinance, or governmental regulation, including signs erected by a public utility.

c. Signs on licensed commercial vehicles, including trailers, provided that the vehicles or trailers shall not be used as parked or stationary outdoor display signs.

d. Bench and other signs located at designated public transit locations as authorized by Council franchise or revocable permit.

e. Changes to existing sign copy.

f. Memorial signs installed by, or with the approval of, a governmental agency, including signs and markers for historic landmarks or districts or points of interest.

g. Artist renderings or paintings on fences or structures or sculpture or other art work shall only be allowed on private property with the permission of the owner of the property and on public property with the permission of the appropriate governmental body.

h. Flags of the United States, California, San Joaquin County, the City of Stockton, or other governmental entities.

2. Permanent Signs Limited by Maximum Size. The following signs are exempt from sign permit review subject to the following limitations:

a. Nameplates not exceeding three square feet in area per one family unit, duplex, triplex, fourplex, cottage court, and townhouse. Nameplates shall have Arabic numbers a minimum of four inches in height and of a contrasting color to the background to which they are attached; illumination shall not exceed 25 watts.

b. Nameplates, limited to unit number, not exceeding one square foot in area per multifamily unit. Nameplates shall have Arabic numbers a minimum of four inches in height if illuminated or six inches in height if nonilluminated. Numbers shall be of a contrasting color to the background to which they are attached.

c. One sign per entrance shall be allowed for nonresidential uses not exceeding six square feet and limited to the hours of operation, address, and emergency information for the business.

d. Interior window signs that do not exceed five square feet (includes flashing and/or moving displays/signs in compliance with Section 16.76.100(D)(1) (Electronic message boards and flashing/moving displays/signs)).

e. All painted signs shall comply with the standards of this chapter and the requirements for wall signs (Section 16.76.100(J)), subject to review by the Director.

3. Temporary Signs Limited by Size and Period of Display.

a. Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs offering property for sale, lease, or rent are allowed in any zoning district on the property being advertised or on real property owned by others with their consent, subject to the following limitations:

i. For one-family dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses, one sign per street frontage, not to exceed six square feet in area and six feet in height.

ii. For multifamily dwellings, one sign per street frontage not to exceed 40 square feet in area and six feet in height, or as otherwise approved by the Director.

iii. For individual commercial, office, and industrial properties not located in a commercial center or industrial/business park, one sign per street frontage not to exceed 40 square feet in area and six feet in height.

iv. One sign per street frontage, not to exceed 40 square feet in area and six feet in height, shall be allowed to advertise the sale, rent, or lease, of tenant space(s) within a multitenant commercial center, office structure, or industrial subdivision. In addition, one sign for each tenant space available not to exceed six square feet to be located at the individual tenant space for rent or lease.

(A) Real estate signs may be placed on the site at the time of the listing or the availability of the rental space and shall be removed no later than the date of the completion of the sale or the signing of the lease.

(B) Signs advertising model homes and homes for sale within the subdivision where the sign is located.

b. Garage Sale Signs. Signs that announce the occurrence of a garage or yard sale may be allowed, provided that the signs shall:

i. Not exceed six square feet in area;

ii. Only be displayed one day before the sale and during the time of the sale and shall be promptly removed at the end of the sale; and

iii. Not be placed on any public property, in compliance with Section 16.76.030(N) (Prohibited signs).

c. Future Tenant Signs. Future tenant identification signs that announce the future use of a project while under construction subject to compliance with the following limitations:

i. One sign per street frontage except for projects having an excess of 500 lineal feet of street frontage, one additional sign may be allowed;

ii. Signs shall be limited to a maximum of 40 square feet in area and six feet in height. Maximum of 50 square feet if combined with a construction sign; and

iii. Signs shall be removed before occupancy of the site.

d. Construction Signs. Signs that provide the names of the architects, engineers, and contractors working on the site of a development project subject to compliance with the following limitations:

i. One sign per street frontage not to exceed 40 square feet in area with a maximum height of six feet. Maximum size of 50 square feet in area if combined with a future tenant sign; and

ii. Signs shall be removed before first occupancy of the site.

e. Temporary Commercial Advertising/Promotional Signs and Devices. Temporary advertising/ promotional signs painted on a window or constructed of paper, cloth, or similar disposable materials, windblown devices (e.g., pennants, streamers, and banners), and inflatable devices may be allowed for commercial uses subject to the following limitations:

i. Signs and other devices may be displayed for a maximum of 15 days on six separate occasions within a 12-month period to promote a particular event, sale, or product;

ii. The total area of all temporary signs and banners shall not exceed 100 square feet per business; and

iii. Tethered balloons and inflatable devices may exceed the zoning district maximum height requirement.

f. Temporary Business Identification Signs. Until permanent signs can be erected, a maximum of two temporary signs for the identification of a new business or a change in the name of the business, are allowed for a period not to exceed 90 days. A one time extension of 30 days may be granted by the Director. Maximum sign area is limited to 32 square feet.

4. Temporary Signs Without Specific Size Limitations.

a. Temporary Political Signs. Temporary political signs shall comply with the following standards:

i. Signs shall be allowed on private property in any zoning district subject to the owner's permission;

ii. Signs shall not be located in a public right-of-way, easement, or on other governmental property dedicated to a public purpose;

iii. Signs shall not be located upon utility or telephone poles;

iv. Signs attached to a wall, fence, or structure shall not project more than six inches from a wall, fence, or structure;

v. Every political sign that exceeds five square feet shall have a corresponding statement of responsibility filed with the office of the City Clerk certifying a person who will be responsible for removing the sign and who will reimburse the City for any cost incurred to remove it, such certification being made upon forms prepared by the City; and

vi. Political signs shall be placed no earlier than 90 days prior to the scheduled election and shall be removed within seven days of an election in compliance with the Municipal Code.

b. Holiday Decoration Signs. Holiday decorations and holiday decoration signs shall not require a sign permit and are not subject to the requirements of this chapter. Holiday decoration signs shall be removed within three days of the end of the holiday.

c. Temporary Special Event Signs. A special event sign, balloon, or banner intended to inform the public of a unique happening, action, purpose, or occasion, (e.g., a community event) shall comply with the following standards:

i. An organization may be allowed to display special event signs, balloons, or banners in any zoning district for a period of up to two weeks. Periods up to 60 days may be approved by the Director if the applicant provides written justification;

ii. Special event signs shall not include promotional commercial advertising; and

iii. Special event signs shall be removed no later than three days after the end of the special event.

d. Temporary Window Signs. Each business establishment shall be allowed to have temporary window signs provided the signs are located on the inside of the window.

(Prior code § 16-360.040; Ord. 001-08 C.S. §§ 17, 18; Ord. 015-09 C.S., eff. 12-3-09; Ord. 2020-06-09-1501 C.S. § 18; Ord. 2022-07-12-1601-02 C.S. § 21)

§ 16.76.050 Comprehensive sign program.

A. Purpose. The purpose of a comprehensive sign program is to provide a method for an applicant to integrate the on-premises signs within a project with the overall development to achieve a unified appearance.

B. Applicability. A comprehensive sign program shall be required whenever any of the following circumstances exist, except in the MX zoning district, which shall comply with the applicable master development plan:

1. New nonresidential multitenant developments of three 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) on less than two acres;

2. Integrated centers;

3. New multifamily developments of 100 or more units;

4. Whenever five or more signs are proposed for a new or existing single-tenant development; and

5. Nonresidential planned developments in compliance with Chapter 16.144 (Planned Development Permits).

C. Application. A comprehensive sign program shall be filed with the Department concurrently with any applicable discretionary permit, land development permit, or site plan review for any project identified in subsection B of this section (Applicability). The comprehensive sign program shall include:

1. The total number, size and type of signs;

2. The location of monument and pole signs;

3. The location of signs on structures or awning or projecting signs;

4. The location of directional signs;

5. The location of directory signs;

6. The location of electronic message boards and flashing and/or moving displays/signs.

7. The elevations and illustrations of the proposed design of the signs.

All signs in a comprehensive sign program shall be subject to the standards in Section 16.76.100 (Standards for specific types of on-premises signs) and the requirements of this chapter.

D. Review and Approvals. The review and adoption of a comprehensive sign program shall occur in conjunction with the review of the applicable discretionary permit, land development permit, or site plan review, before issuance of a sign permit.

E. Lessees to be Informed of Comprehensive Sign Program. Lessees within developments subject to the requirements of an approved comprehensive sign program shall be made aware of the program in their lease and their responsibility to follow the approved comprehensive sign program.

F. Revisions to Comprehensive Sign Programs. Revisions to an approved comprehensive sign program may be approved by the Director.

(Prior code § 16-360.050)

§ 16.76.060 General provisions for all signs.

The following requirements apply to both on-premises and off-premises signs, unless otherwise identified:

A. Sign Copy. The sign copy (text) of permanent on-premises signs shall relate only to the name and/or nature of the business and/or of the integrated center, as applicable, and may contain any related trademark or logo, and/or other graphics used to identify the business or center.

B. Sign Location.

1. Signs shall be located so as not to block visibility within "traffic sight areas" (Section 16.36.140) or interfere with circulation.

2. Signs shall not be located within a non-buildable public utilities easement (PUE) or in a public right-of-way, except when authorized by the applicable utility company.

3. Signs shall be located in compliance with the requirements of Section 16.76.100 (Standards for specific types of on-premises signs) and Section 16.76.110 (Standards for off-premises signs).

4. Existing street trees shall be taken into consideration when locating signs. Unless a benefit to the public, as determined by the Director, is demonstrated, no living, healthy tree that has been planted by the City shall be removed or trimmed for purposes of sign visibility.

C. Measurement of Signs.

1. Sign Area.

a. Surface Area of Sign.

i. If the lettered or illustrative material of a sign is located on a sign board or sign structure or has a defined sign background, the surface area of the sign shall be the area of the surface or face of the board or sign structure that is used for advertising. (See Figure 3-14a.)

ii. If the lettered or illustrative material of a sign is not located on a sign board or does not have a defined background (e.g., letters placed on a wall), the surface area of a sign shall be the area that would be encompassed within a frame or frames that are parallel to the top and sides of the structure on which the sign is located and which extend two inches beyond the outermost boundaries of the lettered or illustrative material. (See Figure 3-14b.)

FIGURE 3-14a MEASUREMENT OF SIGN AREA SIGNS LOCATED ON SIGN BOARDS/STRUCTURES

b. Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself shall not be computed as sign area.

c. The area of a double-faced sign (two sign faces approximately parallel) shall be calculated as having only a single face provided that the distance between each sign face does not exceed 24 inches at any point. If the sign faces are not the same size, the larger sign face shall be used to establish the sign area.

d. Where a sign consists of one or more three dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture or statue-like trademarks), the sign area shall be measured at their maximum projection upon a vertical plane.

FIGURE 3-14b MEASUREMENT OF SIGNS WITH IRREGULAR SHAPE

e. For signs that incorporate time and temperature devices only, the area of these devices shall not be included in the total area of the sign.

f. If the allowed area of a sign is based on the linear footage of a structure's wall (e.g., two square feet of sign area per linear foot of structure wall), the measurement of the structure's wall shall be based on the width of each individual tenant space as measured in a straight line at the base of the wall, not including any recesses, alcoves, or projections.

2. Sign Height. Unless otherwise identified, sign height shall be measured from the upper most part of the structure of the sign to the elevation of the lowest elevation point of the finished grade immediately adjacent to the sign support structure. (See Figure 3-15.)

FIGURE 3-15 MEASUREMENT OF SIGN HEIGHT

D. Illumination of Signs. The artificial illumination of signs, either from an internal or external source, shall be designed to eliminate impacts on surrounding properties and streets.

1. External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of any object other than the sign.

2. The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness, which would interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of residential properties in direct visual proximity to the sign.

3. Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner so as to be confused or construed as traffic control devices.

4. Neither the direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a hazard to operators of motor vehicles.

E. Maintenance of Signs.

1. Signs and supporting hardware, including nonconforming and temporary signs, shall be maintained in good repair and functioning properly at all times. Repairs to signs shall be of equal or better quality materials and design as the original sign. Signs which are not properly maintained and are dilapidated shall be deemed to be a public nuisance.

2. When existing signs are removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other supports that are no longer required shall be removed. Unpainted areas shall be painted to match the adjacent portion of the structure or sign support structure.

F. Other Regulations. In addition to the requirements of this Development Code, construction of signs shall comply with all pertinent provisions of the applicable Uniform Building and Fire Codes, Underwriters Laboratories standards, and the Municipal Code.

(Prior code § 16-360.060; Ord. 023-07 C.S. §§ 68—72; Ord. 015-09 C.S., eff. 12-3-09)

§ 16.76.070 Nonconforming signs.

A. Continued Use. A legally established sign which fails to conform to this chapter shall be allowed to continue in use as follows:

1. Nonconforming signs shall not be expanded, moved, relocated, or replaced;

2. Nonconforming signs and sign structures may be maintained and repaired, but the maintenance and repair shall not exceed 50 percent of the sign's fair market value;

3. The sign copy and sign faces for nonconforming signs may be changed;

4. Other modifications/replacements of sign elements which constitute an improvement to an existing nonconforming sign may be allowed at the discretion of the Director; and

5. The addition, reconstruction, relocation, or structural alteration of an existing nonconforming sign may be allowed in compliance with the requirements of Section 16.228.040(C)(2).

B. Annexation. Signs in areas annexed to the City after the date of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, which were legally erected in the County but do not conform to the provisions of this chapter, shall be regarded as nonconforming signs.

(Prior code § 16-360.070)

§ 16.76.080 Abandoned signs.

This section provides for the removal of abandoned on-premises and off-premises signs.

A. Removal Required. Abandoned signs, including all brackets, poles, and other supports, shall be removed. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the Director shall give the owner 30 days written notice to remove it. Upon failure to comply with the notice, the Director may have the sign removed at the owner's expense in compliance with California Business and Professions Code Section 5497.

1. On-Premises Signs. If a sign identifies a business that is no longer conducted on the premises, it shall be removed as follows:

a. On-premises sign structures that have not been maintained shall be removed within 90 days of the close of the business.

b. Sign copy for signs that are maintained shall be replaced with blank sign copy within 90 days of the close of the business, and shall only be allowed to remain for a total of 18 months. These signs may contain a "for rent" sign to indicate that the space is available for rent.

c. All sign structures shall be removed within 18 months of the close of business.

2. Off-Premises Signs. An off-premises sign shall be removed within 30 days of the owner of the property and/or owner of the advertising display being noticed that the sign is not being maintained.

B. Authority to Abate. The Director is authorized to abate illegal and abandoned signs on private property.

C. Recovery of Costs. When the City is required to remove an abandoned sign in compliance with this section, the reasonable cost of the removal may be assessed against the owner of the sign(s) and/or the property owner.

(Prior code § 16-360.080)

§ 16.76.090 Illegal signs.

A. Illegal Signs in the Public Right-of-Way. Illegal signs posted in the public right-of-way or upon public property may be removed by Public Works and/or the Police Department without notice or hearing in compliance with Section 12.80.030 of the Municipal Code.

B. Authority to Abate. The Director is authorized to abate illegal signs on private property after five days' notice.

C. Authority to Remove. The Director may cause the immediate removal, without notice, of any sign that becomes insecure, in danger of falling or is otherwise deemed unsafe by the code enforcement official.

D. Recovery of Costs. When the City is required to remove illegal signs in compliance with this section, the reasonable cost of the removal may be assessed against the owner of the sign(s) and/or the property owner.

(Prior code § 16-360.090; Ord. 2022-07-12-1601-02 C.S. § 22)

§ 16.76.100 Standards for specific types of on-premises signs.

In addition to the requirements of this chapter, on-premises signs are subject to the following standards:

A. Awning Signs. Awning signs shall be allowed in the RH, CN, CO, CG, CD, CL, CA, IL, IG, PT, PF, MX, and UC zoning districts subject to the following requirements:

1. Awnings with signs shall only be located on structure frontages, including those fronting a parking lot or pedestrian way;

2. Signs on awnings are limited to ground level and second story occupancies only;

3. A clear distance of eight feet shall be maintained from the lowest part of an awning sign to the ground below; and

4. Maximum area for the sign copy of awning signs shall be calculated in conjunction with, and shall be subject to, the requirements for wall signs in subsection J of this section (Wall signs).

FIGURE 3-16 CANOPY/AWNING SIGN LOCATION

B. Directional Signs. Directional signs for the purpose of guiding traffic, parking, and loading on property shall be allowed in any zone where needed to guide traffic, parking, and loading to any portion of the site, subject to the following:

1. Maximum sign area shall be:

a. Four square feet in residential zoning districts, and

b. Six square feet in nonresidential zoning districts;

2. Maximum height for freestanding signs shall be five feet. Taller signs may be approved by the Director, if visibility would not be impaired; and

3. Directional signs shall not contain advertising material, except for logos which are limited to 20 percent of the sign.

FIGURE 3-17 DIRECTIONAL SIGN

C. Directory Signs. Directory signs shall be allowed in any zone where needed, except single-family, duplexes, or triplexes, provided that the signs:

1. Are pedestrian-oriented;

2. Do not exceed a maximum height of seven feet;

3. Are designed and erected or mounted as a wall sign, monument sign, or on or within a kiosk:

4. Are located at or near the main pedestrian entrance to a building or integrated center;

5. Contain only a list of tenants and their location for each individual building or integrated center; no additional advertising shall be allowed;

6. Are subject to approval of a comprehensive sign program in compliance with Section 16.76.050; and

7. Painted directory signs shall be subject to the above requirements and review by the Director, but shall not require a sign permit.

D. Electronic Message Boards and Flashing/Moving Displays/Signs. Electronic message boards and other types of flashing and/or moving displays/signs may be approved in compliance with the following standards only in the CG, CD, CA, CL, IL, IG, PF, PT, MX, and UC zoning districts. In addition to the following requirements, electronic message boards and other types of flashing and/or moving displays/signs shall comply with the requirements for the specific sign type as specified by this section.

1. Permit Requirement. All electronic message boards and flashing and/or moving displays/signs shall require land development permit approval in compliance with Chapter 16.136 (Land Development Permits), except for one interior window sign per business that does not exceed five square feet.

2. Location Requirements. Electronic message boards and flashing and/or moving displays/signs:

a. Shall not be located within 300 feet of any residential use as measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the proposed sign to the nearest applicable residentially used structure, except:

i. If the sign is not visible from a residential use; or

ii. Signs for a stadium and/or theater use associated with a school which is subject to a commission use permit (Chapter 16.168) and, at least, the following:

(A) Placement of the sign in relation to residential structures,

(B) No advertising on the flashing/moving portion of the sign,

(C) Size and height of the proposed sign,

(D) Traffic safety,

(E) Type and design of the electronic display,

(F) Intensity of lighting, and

(G) Other factors that would ensure the integrity of residential neighborhoods;

b. At or near any intersection with a roadway designated on the General Plan as a major and/or minor arterial or which is signalized, shall be subject to a 25-foot setback from the right-of-way line within 100 feet of the corner point of the intersection unless the bottom of the electronic message board or flashing and/or moving display/sign is a minimum height of 25 feet from top of curb. The corner point shall be defined as the intersecting point of two right-of-way lines (see Figure 3-18);

FIGURE 3-18 SIGN EXCLUSION AREA

c. Shall not be permitted in the following areas:

i. The Miracle Mile area along Pacific Avenue between Harding Way and Alpine Avenue, or

ii. Any historic preservation district established by the City Council;

3. Illumination. The illumination of all signs shall not reflect/project on residentially zoned property.

E. Freestanding Signs.

1. Monument Signs. All monument signs shall meet the following requirements:

a. General Requirements.

i. Signs are allowed only along frontages adjoining a public street;

ii. Signs shall not be located closer than five feet from a property line, unless the sign is subject to more restrictive requirements in this chapter;

iii. There shall be a minimum of 75 feet between two freestanding signs on adjoining sites to ensure adequate visibility for all signs. The Director may waive this requirement in situations where its enactment would be impractical due to the locations of existing signs on adjacent properties or the size of the parcels;

iv. Signs shall not project over or into public property, vehicular easements, or rights-of-way. Signs shall not obstruct traffic sight areas and shall be in compliance with Section 16.36.140 (Traffic sight area); and

v. Signs shall be located within a landscaped area, including a lawn, or landscaping shall be provided at the base of the sign equal to twice the area of one face of the sign, with permanent irrigation system and shall be maintained to preclude obstruction of the sign copy. (For example, 30 square feet of sign area equals 60 square feet of landscaped area.)

b. Zoning Requirements. Monument signs shall be allowed in the RE, RL, RM, RH, CN, CO, CG, CD, CL, CA, IL, IG, PT, MX, PF, OS, and UC zoning districts, subject to the requirements of subsection (E)(1)(a) of this section, and the following:

i. RE, RL, RM, RH, CO, PF, and OS Zoning Districts. Monument signs shall be allowed for uses in the RE, RL, RM, RH, CO, PF, and OS zoning districts, except for single-family dwellings, duplexes, and triplexes, subject to the following:

(A) General Requirements. The following monument sign standards shall apply to all development, except integrated centers:

(1) One monument sign per parcel;

(2) Maximum height of seven feet;

(3) Maximum of 50 square feet per face; and

(4) Sign copy shall contain only the name, address, type of business, and any related trademark or logo, and/or other graphics used to identify the business.

(B) Integrated Centers. Integrated office complexes in the CO and PF zoning districts shall be subject to a comprehensive sign program, and the following:

(1) One primary identification monument sign to identify the center:

(i) Located near the primary street entrance to the center;

(ii) Maximum of 100 square feet per sign face;

(iii) Maximum height of 10 feet;

(iv) Minimum streetside setback of 10 feet; and

(v) Sign copy shall prominently display the name and address of the center or project and may identify specific tenants in clearly subordinate copy. In addition, the sign may contain any related trademark or logo, and/or other graphics used to identify the integrated center.

(2) One additional secondary monument sign along each street frontage, except for the street on which the primary identification sign is located:

(i) A maximum of 50 square feet per sign face;

(ii) A maximum height of seven feet;

(iii) Minimum streetside setback of 10 feet; and

(iv) Sign copy shall prominently display the name and address of the center or project and may identify specific tenants in clearly subordinate copy. In addition, the sign may contain any related trademark or logo, and/or other graphics used to identify the integrated center.

(3) One additional secondary monument signs shall be allowed for each separate building pad (a separate legal parcel that may be occupied by non-contiguous buildings with frontage on a public or private street), in compliance with the general requirements of subsection (E)(1)(a) of this section (General requirements) and subsection (E)(1)(b)(i)(A) of this section (Zoning requirements).

ii. CN, CG, CD, CL, CA, IL, and IG Zoning Districts. Monument signs shall be allowed in the CN, CG, CD, CL, CA, IL, and IG zoning districts subject to the following:

(A) General Requirements. The following monument sign standards shall apply to all development, except integrated centers:

(1) One primary identification monument sign (in compliance with the standards of this section as well as those in subsection (E)(1)(a) of this section), or a pole sign (in compliance with the requirements of subsection (E)(2) of this section), shall be allowed for each parcel. A primary identification monument sign shall be subject to:

(i) A maximum height of 10 feet;

(ii) A maximum of 100 square feet per face; and

(iii) Sign copy shall contain only the name, address, type of business, and any related trademark or logo, and/or other graphics used to identify the business.

(2) One secondary identification monument sign shall be allowed for each parcel with more than one frontage, except along the same street frontage on which the primary identification monument sign or pole sign is located, subject to the following standards:

(i) A maximum of 50 square feet per sign face;

(ii) A maximum height of seven feet; and

(iii) Sign copy shall contain only the name, address, type of business, and any related trademark or logo, and/or other graphics used to identify the business.

(B) Integrated Center. Integrated office complexes, integrated commercial centers, automobile centers, industrial parks, and other integrated centers shall be subject to a comprehensive sign program and the following:

(1) One primary identification monument sign (in compliance with the standards of this section as well as those in subsection (E)(1)(a) of this section), or a pole sign (in compliance with the requirements of subsection (E)(2) of this section), may be located at or near the main street entrance to the integrated center, subject to the following standards:

(i) Maximum of 100 square feet per sign face;

(ii) Maximum height of 10 feet;

(iii) Sign copy shall prominently display the name and address of the center or project and may identify specific tenants in clearly subordinate copy. In addition, the sign may contain any related trademark or logo, and/or other graphics used to identify the integrated center; and

(iv) Shall be located at least 10 feet from the property lines or ultimate right-of-way line and shall not block traffic sight areas.

(2) One secondary identification monument sign shall be allowed along each additional street frontage, excluding the street frontage on which the primary identification monument sign or pole is located, subject to the following standards:

(i) A maximum of 50 square feet per sign face;

(ii) A maximum height of seven feet;

(iii) Minimum streetside setback of 10 feet; and

(iv) Sign copy shall prominently display the name and address of the center or project and may identify specific tenants in clearly subordinate copy. In addition, the sign may contain any related trademark or logo, and/or other graphics used to identify the integrated center.

(3) One additional monument sign shall be allowed for each separate building pad (a separate legal parcel that may be occupied by noncontiguous buildings with frontage on a public or private street), in compliance with the general requirements of subsections (E)(1)(a) and (b)(ii)(B)(2) of this section.

iii. MX, UC, and PT Zoning Districts. Signs are allowed in compliance with the master development plan for the MX and UC zoning districts and the Rough and Ready Island Development Plan for the Port of Stockton, California for the PT zoning district.

FIGURE 3-19 MONUMENT SIGN

2. Pole Signs. All pole signs shall comply with the following requirements:

a. General Requirements.

i. Pole signs shall have a minimum of two poles; pole signs containing one pole are prohibited, except as authorized by the Director. The poles shall be separated the width of the sign cabinet, except as authorized by the Director;

ii. All pole signs shall require the approval of a land development permit in compliance with Chapter 16.136 (Land Development Permits), except as otherwise approved by another discretionary application for a project on the same site;

iii. Pole signs shall only be allowed along the frontages adjoining a public street;

iv. Pole signs shall not be located closer than five feet from a property line, unless the sign is subject to more restrictive requirements of this chapter;

v. There shall be a minimum of 75 feet between two pole signs, or a pole sign and monument sign, on adjoining sites to ensure adequate visibility for all signs. The Director may waive this requirement in situations where its enactment would be impractical due to the locations of existing signs on adjacent properties or the size of the property;

vi. Pole signs shall not project over public property, easements, pedestrian paths, or rights-of-way. Signs shall not obstruct traffic sight areas and shall comply with Section 16.36.140 (Traffic sight area); and

vii. A clear distance of 10 feet shall be maintained from the lowest part of the pole sign to the ground below.

b. Freeway-Oriented Signs. On-premises freeway-oriented signs shall be allowed in the CG, CD, CL, CA, IL, IG, PT, MX, and UC zoning districts within an area that is 500 feet on either side of the edge of a freeway and 1,000 feet along the freeway from an interchange of the freeway (see Figure 3-20) in compliance with subsection (E)(2)(a) of this section, and the following:

i. CG, CD, CL, CA, IL, and IG Zoning Districts. Freeway-oriented signs shall be allowed in the CG, CD, CL, IL, and IG zoning districts subject to the following:

(A) A maximum of one freeway-oriented or other pole sign shall be allowed per parcel; in integrated centers, only one of the pole signs may be a freeway-oriented sign;

(B) The height of a freeway-oriented sign shall not exceed 35 feet above the height of the freeway road surface (excluding access ramps) as measured at the point nearest to the proposed sign, and shall not exceed a maximum overall height of 75 feet;

(C) A freeway-oriented sign shall allow a maximum of 300 square feet per face; and

(D) Sign copy shall contain only the name, address, type of business, and any related trademark or logo, and/or other graphics used to identify the business.

ii. MX, UC, and PT Zoning Districts. Freeway-oriented signs in the MX, UC, and PT zoning districts shall not exceed the maximum height, area, and number of freeway-oriented signs allowed in subsection (E)(2)(b), and shall be in compliance with the master development plan for the MX or UC zoning district or the Rough and Ready Island Development Plan for the Port of Stockton, California for the PT zoning district.

FIGURE 3-20 FREEWAY-ORIENTED SIGN LOCATION

c. Zoning Requirements. Pole signs shall be allowed in the CG, CD, CL, CA, IL, IG, PT, MX, and UC zoning districts, subject to the requirements of subsection (E)(2)(a) of this section, and the following requirements:

i. CG, CD, CL, CA, IL, and IG Zoning Districts.

(A) General Requirements. The following shall apply to all development in the CG, CD, CL, CA, IL, and IG zoning districts, except as provided for on-premises freeway-oriented pole signs (subsection (E)(2)(b) of this section), and for integrated centers and the CA zoning district (subsection (E)(2)(c)(i)(B) of this section):

(1) One pole sign per parcel in compliance with the standards of this section and subsection (E)(2)(a) of this section, or a primary identification monument sign, in compliance with the standards in subsection (E)(1)(b)(ii)(A) of this section;

(2) Maximum height of 30 feet;

(3) Maximum of 150 square feet per sign face; and

(4) Sign copy shall contain only the name, address, type of business, and any related trademark or logo, and/or other graphics used to identify the business.

(B) Integrated Centers and the CA Zoning District. Integrated commercial centers, automobile centers, business parks, industrial parks, other allowed integrated centers, and individual uses in the CA zoning district shall be subject to a comprehensive sign program and the following:

(1) One primary identification pole sign in compliance with the standards of this section and subsection (E)(2)(c)(i)(A) of this section, or a primary identification monument sign in compliance with the standards in subsection (E)(1)(b)(ii)(A)(1) of this section, may be located at or near the main street entrance to the integrated center. A primary identification pole sign shall be subject to the following standards:

(i) Pole sign shall be set back 10 feet from the property lines or ultimate right-of-way line and shall not block traffic sight areas; and

(ii) Sign copy shall prominently display the name and address of the center or project and may identify specific tenants in clearly subordinate copy. In addition, the sign may contain any related trademark or logo, and/or other graphics used to identify the integrated center.

(2) One additional pole sign shall be allowed for a second street frontage, in compliance with the standards in subsection (E)(2)(a), (b) and (c) of this section, except that only one of the total number of pole signs may be freeway-oriented.

(i)

ii. MX, UC, and PT Zoning Districts. Pole signs in the MX, UC, and PT zoning districts shall not exceed the maximum height, area, and number of pole signs allowed in subsection (E)(2)(c)(i)(B) (Zoning Requirements—CG, CD, CL, CA, IL, and IG Zoning Districts—Integrated Centers and the CA Zoning District) and shall be in compliance with the master development plan for the MX or UC zoning district or the Rough and Ready Island Development Plan for the Port of Stockton, California for the PT zoning district.

F. Marquee Signs. Marquee signs shall be allowed in the CN, CG, CD, CL, and MX zoning districts, subject to the following requirements:

1. Signs shall be mounted only on the front or sides of a marquee, or suspended below;

2. Signs shall not project more than six inches from the face of a marquee;

3. Signs shall not extend above the top of a marquee;

4. A clear distance of 10 feet shall be maintained from the lowest part of a suspended sign to the ground below; and

5. The maximum area for marquee signs shall be calculated in conjunction with, and shall be subject to, the requirements for wall signs (subsection J of this section (Wall signs)).

FIGURE 3-21 MARQUEE SIGN

G. Projecting Signs. Projecting signs shall be allowed in the CN, CG, CD, CL, and MX zoning districts. Projecting signs in the CG and CL zoning districts shall not project over the right-of-way, except for the Miracle Mile. The use of projecting signs shall be subject to the following requirements.

1. Signs shall be located only on the wall frontage with the primary entrance to the structure;

2. A clear distance of 10 feet shall be maintained from the lowest point of the projecting sign to the ground below; for projecting signs over public driveways, alleys, and thoroughfares a clear distance of 15 feet shall be maintained from the lowest point of the projecting sign to the ground;

3. A sign shall be attached to the wall no more than two feet from the nearest point of the sign to the wall;

4. All mounting hardware shall be concealed;

5. No part of a sign shall be located within two feet of a curb;

6. Signs may comprise or be configured as logos, symbols, or figures in addition to, or instead of, written words; and

7. The maximum area of each sign face shall be 24 square feet.

FIGURE 3-22 PROJECTING SIGN

H. Suspended Signs. Suspended signs shall be allowed in the CN, CG, CD, CL, and MX zoning districts. Suspended signs in the CG and CL zoning districts shall not project over the right-of-way, except for the Miracle Mile. The use of suspended signs shall be subject to the following requirements:

1. Signs shall be located near the main entrance to the structure;

2. A clear distance of 10 feet shall be maintained from the lowest point of the suspended sign to the ground below; for suspended signs over public driveways, alleys, and thoroughfares, a clear distance of 15 feet shall be maintained from the lowest point of the projecting sign to the ground;

3. All mounting hardware shall be concealed, unless suspended by a chain no greater than 12 inches in length;

4. Signs may comprise, or be configured as, logos, symbols, or figures in addition to, or instead of, written words;

5. No part of the sign shall be located within two feet of a curb; and

6. The maximum area of each sign face shall be 10 square feet.

FIGURE 3-23 SUSPENDED SIGN

I. Temporary Signs. Unless otherwise stipulated, temporary signs may be erected no earlier than 30 days before the commencement of the event and shall be removed within seven days of completion of the event.

1. Subdivision Signs. Temporary signs offering property within a subdivision for sale shall be subject to the following:

a. One sign per street frontage;

b. Signs shall not exceed 40 square feet in area and six feet in height;

c. Signs shall not be placed on any public property or rights-of-way, including properties of public utility companies;

d. The sign shall be removed no later than 30 days after the sale of the last home or lot within the subdivision being advertised; and

e. Temporary subdivision signs shall require a land development permit in compliance with Chapter 16.136 (Land Development Permits).

2. Temporary Signs Exempt From Sign Permits. Temporary signs exempt from the requirements for a sign permit shall be subject to the requirements of Section 16.76.040(D) (Exemptions from sign permits).

J. Wall Signs.

1. General Requirements.

a. Wall signs shall:

i. Be located only on structure wall frontages along streets, alleys, parking lots, or other rights-of-way, unless specifically approved by the Director or through a comprehensive sign program;

ii. Not project from the surface upon which they are attached more than required for construction purposes and in no case more than 12 inches;

iii. Not project above the eave of a roof or parapet; and

iv. Not be placed to obstruct any portion of a window, except for signs designed for windows in compliance with subsection K of this section (Window signs).

b. The following types of signs shall be included in the calculation of wall signs: permanent awning, marquee, and window signs.

2. Zoning Requirements. Wall signs shall be allowed in all zoning districts, subject to the requirements of subsection (J)(1) of this section (Wall signs—General requirements), and the following:

a. RE, RL, RM, and RH Zoning Districts. Wall signs shall be allowed in the RE, RL, RM, and RH zoning districts, except for single-family, duplexes, and triplexes, subject to the following:

i. Maximum of one square foot of sign per two linear feet of structure for all wall signs; and

ii. The sign copy shall contain only the name, logo, and address of the facility.

b. CO and PF Zoning Districts. The area of all wall signs shall not exceed a maximum of one square foot of sign area per linear foot of wall.

c. CN, CG, CL, IL and IG Zoning Districts. The area of all wall signs shall not exceed a maximum of two square feet per linear foot of wall.

d. CD Zoning Districts. (See Figure 3-25.)

i. Maximum of two square feet of sign per linear foot for ground floor storefronts with direct access to a street, alley, or parking lot; plus

ii. One identification sign for the structure per street frontage of 500 square feet or 10 percent of the wall area, whichever is less.

e. CA Zoning District. Wall signs shall be a maximum of two square feet per lineal foot of a wall with frontage along a street, alley, or parking lot.

f. MX, UC, and PT Zoning Districts. Wall signs in the MX and UC zoning districts shall conform to the master development plan for the specific district or the Rough and Ready Island Development Plan for the Port of Stockton, California for the PT zoning district.

FIGURE 3-24 WALL SIGN

FIGURE 3-25 CD ZONING DISTRICT STRUCTURE IDENTIFICATION SIGN

K. Window Signs. Window signs shall be allowed in the CO, CN, CG, CD, CL, CA, IG, IL, PF, MX, and UC zoning districts, subject to the following requirements:

1. Permanent Window Signs. Permanent window signs shall comply with the following requirements:

a. Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground level and second story of a structure frontage;

b. Signs shall not occupy more than 35 percent of the window area of a wall including permanent and temporary signs; and

c. The maximum area for window signs shall be calculated in conjunction with, and in compliance with, the requirements for wall signs (subsection J of this section (Wall signs)).

2. Temporary Window Signs. Temporary window signs shall be subject to the requirements of subsection I of this section (Temporary signs).

FIGURE 3-26 WINDOW SIGN

L. Special Signs. The following signs shall be allowed in the identified zones subject to the following requirements:

1. Neon Signs. The use of exposed neon tubes for signs shall be allowed in the following zoning districts only:

a. CG, CD, and CL zoning districts, subject to requirements for the applicable type of sign above, and the following requirements:

i. Neon signs and linear tubing shall be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed with a maximum 20 amps per circuit and be designed to accommodate an automatic dimmer in order to reduce the brightness of the neon;

ii. Neon tubing shall not exceed one-half inch in diameter;

iii. Neon lighting may not be located within 300 feet of any residential zone unless the neon lighting is not visible from the residential zone. The distance shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the proposed sign to the nearest applicable boundary line of the residential zone;

iv. Neon tubing shall not be combined with any reflective materials (e.g., mirrors, polished metal, highly-glazed tiles, or other similar materials); and

v. Neon used as an architectural element shall be subject to the requirements of a building permit.

b. MX zoning district, subject to the requirements of the master development plan.

2. Signs Within Structures. Signs located entirely within structures or within shopping centers or similar areas shall be allowed in all zoning districts subject to a sign permit. Signs within structures are:

a. Exempt from the other requirements of this chapter, except that only one sign seen from outside the structure, a maximum of five square feet in size, shall be allowed; and

b. Subject to the applicable requirements of the Municipal Code and the California Building Standards Code.

3. Residential Project/Subdivision Signs. Permanent identification and other signs for residential projects and subdivisions shall be allowed, subject to the following requirements (temporary subdivision signs are subject to the requirements of subsection (I)(1) of this section (Temporary signs—Subdivision signs)):

a. General Requirements.

i. Located within low and/or medium-density residential projects (including subdivisions of five or more lots, planned developments, and/or condominium projects) and in a RE, RL, or RM zoning district;

ii. The project shall contain a minimum of two acres;

iii. All signs for uses directly related to a tentative map, planned development permit, or condominium project, shall require a comprehensive sign program subject to approval by the Director or Commission in compliance with Section 16.76.050 (Comprehensive sign program); and

iv. All residential project/subdivision signs and associated landscaping shall be maintained by the property owner, home owner's association, or maintenance district, as applicable.

b. Specific Sign Requirements.

i. Primary Identification Signs.

(A) Maximum of one primary identification sign at the designated main entrance along each perimeter street frontage of the residential project/subdivision;

(B) Either monument signs or wall/fence signs incorporated into an entrance feature, (e.g., entrance gate, masonry wall, kiosk, or similar structure), and shall be placed within a landscaped lot at or adjacent to the main entrance(s) to the project/subdivision;

(C) Maximum of 40 square feet per face for each monument or wall sign. Maximum of seven feet in height for monument signs; and

(D) Signs shall not be located on any public property, right-of-way, or easement, including public utilities easements (PUE).

ii. Other Residential Project/Subdivision Signs. Wall signs shall be allowed in compliance with subsection J of this section (Wall signs). Other monument signs shall be allowed to identify specific facilities (e.g., activity centers, private recreational facilities), subareas, and/or public or private streets within the project/subdivision, in compliance with a comprehensive sign program and subject to the following requirements:

(A) Number.

(1) One per parcel or site;

(2) One identifying a geographic subarea within a residential project/subdivision, or the public or private street that provides access to a subarea within a landscaped median at each entrance to that subarea.

(B) Size. Maximum of 24 square feet per face for each sign.

(C) Height. Maximum of three feet for monument signs.

4. Service Station Pricing Signs. Service station pricing signs shall be allowed in the following zoning districts.

a. CN, CG, CD, CL, CA and IL zoning districts provided:

i. Pricing signs are designed and located so as to comply with Section 9.64.210 of the Municipal Code;

ii. The pricing sign(s) are incorporated into the following signs:

(A) Not more than (1) pole sign on the site,

(B) Monument sign(s) located on each additional street frontage not occupied by a pole sign in compliance with the requirements for monument signs (subsection (E)(1) of this section) and requirements of the State, and

(C) Monument signs located on the corner shall be counted as one of the monument signs; and

iii. All logos are limited to no more than 20 percent of the area of the sign.

b. MX zoning district subject to the requirements of the master development plan and PT zoning district subject to the requirements of the Rough and Ready Island Development Plan for the Port of Stockton, California.

(Prior code § 16-360.100; Ord. 023-07 C.S. §§ 73—78; Ord. 015-09 C.S., eff. 12-3-09; Ord. 011-11 C.S. § 1, eff. 10-27-11; Ord. 2020-12-01-1502 C.S. § 28)

§ 16.76.110 Standards for off-premises signs.

A. Purpose.

1. The provisions of this section are intended to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare in the City, and in keeping with the character of the City, by regulating and controlling the construction, location, and the maintenance of off-premises signs, and to:

a. Protect and enhance the character of neighborhoods and property values by prohibiting obtrusive and incompatible off-premises signs;

b. Provide a reasonable and comprehensive system of control of off-premises signs to promote traffic safety;

c. Encourage a desirable urban character which has a minimum of visual clutter and/or blight; and

d. Enhance the value of the overall community and each of its areas through regulation of off-premises signs.

2. This section shall not be interpreted or applied in a way that would give a preference or a greater degree of protection to a sign conveying a commercial message than would be given a similar sign that conveys a noncommercial message. In the event of any ambiguity, it shall be resolved in favor of allowing noncommercial signs the same benefits, exemptions, and other protects as may be given to a similar commercial sign.

B. Cap and Replace.

1. The Cap. The total number of all off-premises signs shall never exceed 306 signs, further said cap shall be reduced by the number of signs removed pursuant to relocation agreement(s) for digital/electronic/moving displays/signs.

2. Static Signs. The only zoning districts where static off-premises signs are allowed to be erected and maintained are the IL and IG zoning districts, unless the City and the sign company have entered into a relocation agreement. Pursuant to the relocation agreement, and subject to the cap and subject to all the other standards of this section, a static off-premises sign may be relocated to the CD, CG, or CL zoning districts based on a sign face square footage replacement ratio of three to one. This means that for every new static sign allowed, existing signs equal to three times the sign face square footage of the new sign shall be removed.

3. Digital/Electronic/Moving Displays/Signs. The total number of digital/electronic/moving off-premises displays/signs shall be as established by City Council resolution but shall never exceed 12 signs (one double-faced sign installation at six locations). Digital/electronic/moving off-premises displays/signs are allowed to be erected and maintained only on City-owned or controlled property in the IL, IG, CD, CG, or PF zoning districts subject to the City and the sign company entering into a relocation agreement. Pursuant to the relocation agreement, and subject to the cap and subject to all the other standards of this section, a digital/electronic/moving off-premises display/sign may be relocated to City-owned or controlled property in the above noted zoning districts based on a minimum sign face square footage replacement ratio of nine to one. This means that for every new digital/electronic/moving display/sign allowed, existing signs equal to or greater than nine times the sign face square footage of the new sign shall be removed.

4. Sign Removal. Signs to be removed under the requirements of this section shall be removed prior to any construction or installation of the replacement or relocated sign(s).

C. Off-Premises Signs Prohibited.

1. Notwithstanding subsection B of this section (Cap and replace), off-premises signs shall be prohibited in the following areas:

a. The Miracle Mile area along Pacific Avenue between Harding Way and Alpine Avenue;

b. The Stockton Channel area as defined in Division 8 of this Development Code except for one sign site on City-owned or controlled property;

c. Any established redevelopment project area, except on City-owned or controlled property;

d. Any historic preservation district established by the Council; and

e. Any property adjacent to any "landscaped freeway" except on City-owned or controlled property if the sign is designed to be viewed primarily by persons traveling along the landscaped freeway, and the sign is located within 660 feet of the outer limits of the landscaped freeway.

2. No off-premises sign shall be erected at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device.

3. Off-premises signs shall be prohibited if any portion of the sign is located within 300 feet of any residential zoning district unless the display/sign is not visible from a residential zoning district. The distance shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the proposed sign to the nearest applicable boundary line of a residential zoning district.

4. No off-premises sign shall be physically attached to the roof of any structure except on City-owned or controlled property.

D. Standards for All Off-Premises Signs.

1. Size. The maximum size of any off-premises sign shall be 672 square feet.

2. Height. All off-premises signs shall be subject to a maximum height of 45 feet, except those signs oriented towards a freeway and located within 660 feet of a freeway right-of-way line shall be subject to a maximum height of 35 feet above the adjacent Freeway surface or the adjacent freeway sound attenuation structure whichever is greater and shall not exceed 90 feet in height.

3. Separation. No off-premises sign, which is greater than 300 square feet in size, shall be located nearer than 1,000 feet to any portion of another off-premises sign. All other off-premises signs, 300 square feet or less in size, shall be separated by at least 750 feet.

4. Type. All off-premises signs shall require an administrative use permit and as applicable, a City Council approved relocation agreement.

5. Other Regulations. All off-premises signs shall be consistent and comply with all provisions of the Outdoor Advertising Act as applicable.

E. Standards for Digital/Electronic/Moving Off-Premises Displays/Signs.

1. Size. The maximum size of any off-premises sign face shall be 672 square feet.

2. Height. All off-premises signs shall be subject to a maximum height of 45 feet, except those signs oriented towards a freeway and located within 660 feet of a freeway right-of-way line shall be subject to a maximum height of 35 feet above the adjacent Freeway surface or the adjacent freeway sound attenuation structure whichever is greater and shall not exceed 90 feet in height.

3. Separation. No off-premises digital/electronic/moving display/sign shall be located nearer than 500 feet to any portion of another off-premises sign and no nearer than 5,000 feet to any other off-premises digital/electronic/moving display/sign.

4. Location. Digital/electronic/moving off-premises displays/signs shall only be located along freeways or access controlled State highways. There shall be a maximum of two digital/electronic/moving off-premises display/sign locations along qualifying sections of Interstate 5, a maximum of two digital/electronic/moving off-premises display/sign locations along qualifying sections of State Route 99, and a maximum of two digital/electronic/moving off-premises display/sign locations along qualifying sections of State Route 4. A maximum of one double-faced display/sign is allowed per location.

5. Type. All digital/electronic/moving off-premises displays/signs shall require a commission use permit and a City Council approved relocation agreement.

6. Duration of Display/Message. A digital/electronic/moving off-premises display/sign shall only display a series of still images, each of which must be displayed for a minimum of eight seconds. Still images may not move or present the appearance of motion. Transition/blank screen time between one still image and the next shall not exceed one second.

7. Other Regulations. All off-premises signs shall be consistent and comply with all provisions of the Outdoor Advertising Act as applicable.

F. Nonconforming Signs.

1. It is the intent of this section to recognize that the eventual elimination of existing off-premises signs not in conformity with the provisions of this Development Code is as important as the prohibition of new signs that would violate these regulations. It is also the intent of this chapter that the elimination of nonconforming signs shall be effected so as to avoid any unreasonable invasion of established property rights. All off-premises signs which do not meet the requirements of this chapter are deemed nonconforming.

2. If any legal nonconforming off-premises sign shall be damaged, deteriorated, or dilapidated to a point that repair or rehabilitation would require expenditures in an amount exceeding 50 percent of the fair market value of the sign, the sign shall be removed within 90 days of a determination of the condition, as evidenced by written notification by the Director to the owner of the sign.

3. No additions, enlargements, or changes which increase the nonconformity or life of the sign shall be made to any nonconforming off-premises sign except the periodic replacement of copy thereon. Repairs and maintenance of an ordinary nature may be made in any period of 12 consecutive months to an extent not to exceed 10 percent of the fair market value of the sign.

G. Relocation. If, due to a City or redevelopment project, a nonconforming off-premises sign must be removed, it may be relocated on the same parcel of land, if feasible and if all parties (landowner, sign owner, City, and/or agency) agree. This also applies to a conforming sign as long as the relocation does not make the sign nonconforming. Any relocation on the same parcel of land in compliance with this section shall not be subject to the three to one cap and replacement ratio in subsection B of this section (Cap and replace).

(Prior code § 16-360.100; Ord. 015-09 C.S., eff. 12-3-09; Ord. 2012-08-14-1602-02 C.S. § 1, eff. 9-13-12)