This Section is replaced by the Zoning Code Chapter 21B, City of Glendora’s Objective Design Standards and all other applicable provisions of the Glendora Zoning and Subdivision Codes. Sections 21.10.210 through 21.10.270 are intentionally left blank to preserve the order of the Specific Plan. If there is conflict between any provision in this Specific Plan and the Objective Design Standards, or any other provision of the Zoning Code, the more restrictive standard shall prevail.
(Ord. 2019 § 2, 2017; Ord. 2095, 11/12/2025)
A. 
Introduction. Signs are one of the most noticeable visual elements throughout the Route 66 specific plan area. Not only do signs communicate something about the goods or services being offered at a particular establishment they also communicate something about the quality of the businesses and the image of the community as a whole. Taken together with other visual elements in the environment, signs play a major role in how people perceive the city's image. Well-designed signs that communicate their message clearly, without attempting to compete for attention will help create a more pleasant visual environment with the Route 66 specific plan area.
A good quality sign enhances the aesthetic character of the development
The sign design guidelines are designed to help ensure quality signs that communicate their message in a clear fashion; however, the "guidelines" are not strict sign "standards" as are found in the city's Sign Code. The design guidelines may be interpreted with some flexibility in their application to specific signs/projects. This is in recognition that not all guidelines may be workable or appropriate for each sign or project. In some circumstances, a particular guideline may be relaxed to facilitate compliance with another guideline determined by the city to be more important. These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. The primary objective is to ensure that the overall intent of the design guidelines is followed is each case.
Design guidelines ensure good quality signs
B. 
General Design Guidelines.
1. 
Sign Legibility.
a. 
Use a brief message. The fewer the words, the more effective the sign. A sign with a brief, succinct message is simpler and faster to read, looks cleaner and is more attractive. Evaluate each word carefully, and, if it does not contribute directly to the sign's message, it should probably be eliminated. Businesses with long names are encouraged to use a generic identification (e.g., "CLEANERS") rather than force too much sign copy into the allowed sign area.
Keep signs as simple as possible
b. 
Ensure legibility. An effective sign should do more than attract attention; it should communicate its message clearly. Usually, this is a question of the readability of words and phrases. The most significant influence on legibility is lettering style and spacing. Use the following guidelines to help ensure sign legibility.
i. 
Avoid hard-to-read, intricate typefaces. Typefaces that are difficult to read reduce the sign's ability to communicate.
ii. 
Avoid spacing letters and words too close together. Crowding of letters, words or lines will make any sign more difficult to read. Conversely, over-spacing these elements causes the viewer to read each item individually, again obscuring the message. Lettering should not occupy more than seventy-five percent of the sign face.
Avoid typefaces that are hard to read
iii. 
Limit the number of lettering styles in order to increase legibility. A general rule to follow is to limit the number of different letter types to no more than two for small signs and three for larger signs.
iv. 
Avoid faddish and bizarre typefaces. Such typefaces may look good today, but soon go out of style. The image conveyed may quickly become that of a dated and unfashionable business.
c. 
Use significant contrast. If there is little contrast between the brightness or hue of the message of a sign and its background, it will be difficult to read.
d. 
Avoid signs with strange shapes. Signs that are unnecessarily narrow or oddly shaped can restrict the legibility of the message. If an unusual shape is not symbolic, it will probably be confusing.
e. 
Use symbols and logos. Pictographic images will usually register more quickly in the viewer's mind than a written message.
2. 
Location.
a. 
Signs should be designed to relate to the architectural features of the building on which they are located and create visual continuity with other storefronts in the same building and adjacent buildings.
b. 
Signs should be placed to indicate the location of access to a business. Signs should be placed at or near the public entrance to a building or main parking area to indicate the most direct access to the business.
c. 
Signs should be placed consistent with the proportions of the building's façade. For example, a particular sign may fit well on an upper, more plain wall, but would overpower and obstruct the finer detail of a lower storefront area. A sign appropriate near the building's entry may look tiny and out of place above the ground level.
Don't do this. Inconsistent sign patterns create confusion
Do this. Employ a consistent sign pattern
d. 
On buildings that have a monolithic or very plain façade, proper sign placement can establish appropriate rhythm, scale, and proportion.
e. 
Signs should not be located so that they cover or interrupt the architectural details or ornamentation of a building's façade.
f. 
Signs should not project above the edge of the rooflines and should not obstruct, windows and/or doorways.
3. 
Color.
a. 
Too many colors overwhelm the basic function of communication. If they compete with content for the viewer's attention. Limited use of the accent colors can increase legibility, while large areas of competing colors tend to confuse and disturb. Limit colors to three on a single sign.
b. 
Contrast is an important influence on the legibility of signs. The most aesthetic and effective graphics are produced when light colored letters and images are placed on a dark, contrasting colored background.
Light colored letters on contrasting background
c. 
Colors or color combinations that interfere with legibility of the sign copy or that interfere with viewer identification of other signs should be avoided. Bright day-glo (fluorescent) colors should be avoided as they are distracting and do not blend well with other background colors.
Avoid combinations of materials that camouflage the sign's message
d. 
Colors should relate to and complement the materials or paint scheme of the buildings, including accent and trim colors.
4. 
Illumination.
a. 
If the sign can be illuminated by an indirect source of light, this is usually the best arrangement because the sign will appear to be better integrated with the building's architecture. Light fixtures supported in front of the sign cast light on the sign and generally a portion of the face of the building as well. Indirect lighting emphasizes the continuity of the building's surface and signs become an integral part of the façade. Conversely, internally illuminated cabinet signs where only the sign face is illuminated tend to stand out and not appear integrated with the building's façade.
Internally illuminated signs are discouraged
b. 
Individually illuminated letters, either internally illuminated or back-lighted solid letters (reverse channel), are a preferred alternative to internally illuminated plastic-faced cabinet signs. Signs comprised of individual letters will be better integrated with the building because they use the building's façade as their background.
Signs illuminated by an indirect source of light are encouraged
c. 
The use of backlit, individually cut letter signs is strongly encouraged for all types of business and signs, including monument-type signs.
Good example of a backlit sign that is easy to read
d. 
The use of internally illuminated cabinet-type signs with translucent panels or panels with reflective surfaces, including, but not limited to, acrylic, fiberglass, plastic, or metal is strongly discouraged and the Sign Code prohibits their use for monument-type signs. If internally illuminated cabinet signs are used for wall signs, their sign panels should be opaque so that when illuminated only the lettering, not the background, is illuminated. The background or field should have a nongloss, nonreflective finish.
e. 
Whenever indirect lighting fixtures are used, care should be taken to properly shield the light source to prevent glare from spilling over into residential areas and public rights-of-way.
Backlit letter signs are encouraged
5. 
Materials.
a. 
Sign materials should be selected with consideration for the architectural design of the building's façade. Sign materials should compliment materials used on the building and should also contribute to the legibility of the sign. For example, the glossy finishes used on most cabinet signs are often difficult to read because of glare and reflections.
b. 
Sign materials should be extremely durable. Paper and cloth signs are not suitable for exterior use because they deteriorate quickly. If wood is used, it should be properly sealed to keep moisture from soaking into the wood and causing the sign's lettering to deteriorate.
Avoid materials that cause glare and make the sign hard to read
Select materials that are durable
Avoid cloth and other nondurable materials
6. 
Electrical Raceways and Conduits.
a. 
Electrical transformer boxes and raceways should be concealed from public view. If a raceway cannot be mounted internally behind the finished exterior wall, the exposed metal surfaces of the raceway should be finished to match the background wall, or integrated into the overall design of the sign.
b. 
If raceways are necessary, they should be as thin and narrow as possible and should never extend in width or height beyond the area of the sign's lettering or graphics.
c. 
All exposed conduit and junction boxes should be concealed from public view.
C. 
Design Guidelines for Specific Sign Types.
1. 
Wall and Building Signs.
a. 
A wall sign should be located where architectural features or details suggest a location, size, or shape for the sign. The best location for a wall sign is generally a band or blank area between the first and second floors of a building.
b. 
New wall signs in a shopping center should be placed consistent with sign locations on adjacent businesses. This will establish visual continuity among storefronts and create a unified appearance for the center.
Place signs where architectural features suggest a location
Wall signs of consistent size and placement are encouraged
c. 
Lettering should not occupy more than about seventy-five percent of the area of the sign to avoid a cluttered look and to help maintain the readability of the sign.
d. 
Wall signs should not project from the surface upon which they are attached more than the required for construction purposes.
e. 
Internally-illuminated cabinet-type signs are strongly discouraged. Internally-illuminated, individually-cut channel letters are preferred.
2. 
Projecting Signs.
a. 
The use of pedestrian-oriented projecting signs is strongly encouraged.
b. 
Projecting signs should be used for ground floor uses only.
c. 
Projecting signs should ensure clearance for pedestrians.
d. 
Sign supports and brackets should be compatible with the design and scale of the sign and the architectural design of the building.
Sign supports and brackets should be of quality materials
e. 
Internal illumination of a projecting sign is prohibited.
f. 
The text, copy, or logo face should not exceed seventy-five percent of the sign face of a projecting sign.
g. 
The sign should be hung at a ninety-degree angle from the face of the building.
3. 
Window Signs.
a. 
Window signs on ground level, coverage should not unsafely obstruct or overwhelm the total window area. Window signs should not be used above the second level.
b. 
Permanent window signs should be limited to individual letters and/or logos placed on the interior surface of the window. White or gold leaf is the recommended colors. Glass-mounted graphics may be applied by painting, silk screening, or vinyl die-cut forms. The use of nonpermanent materials such as paper is strongly discouraged.
Window signs should be limited to the business name
c. 
The text or sign copy of a window sign should be limited to the business name, proprietor's name, hours of operation, and brief messages identifying the type of product or service (e.g., "maternity wear" or "attorney") or pertinent information (e.g., "se habla Espanol" or "reservations required").
4. 
Awning Signs.
a. 
Signs on awnings should be limited to ground floor and second floor uses.
b. 
Awning signs should be limited to awnings covering a main or side/rear entrance on a street or parking lot.
Good example of awning shape coordinated with window size/shape
Lettering on valance only is encouraged
5. 
Freestanding Monument Signs.
a. 
Freestanding monument-type signs (on ground) are encouraged.
A well-designed monument sign with architectural base, side frames, and cornice top
b. 
Sign background should not be a prominent feature of the monument sign. The sign copy should dominant the sign face.
c. 
Between five to ten percent of the sign area should be dedicated to identification of the street address.
d. 
Freestanding monument signs should be placed perpendicular to the street.
e. 
Freestanding monument signs should be placed so that sight lines at entry driveways circulation aisles are not blocked.
Good example of monument signs with solid base and strong cornice
f. 
Freestanding monument signs may be internally illuminated if the sign copy is the only portion of the sign face that is illuminated. The sign background or field should be opaque with a nongloss, nonreflective finish. Signs with individual backlit letters, or stenciled panels with three-dimensional push-through graphics are encouraged.
g. 
Monument signs should be designed to create visual interest and compliment their surroundings. Signs should incorporate architectural elements, details, and articulation as follows:
i. 
Provide a solid architectural base that supports the sign.
ii. 
Provide architectural elements on the sides and top to frame the sign pane(s). Use columns, pilaster, cornices, and similar details to provide design interest.
iii. 
Incorporate materials and colors into the sign support structures to match or be compatible with materials and colors of the development the sign serves.
iv. 
Utilize "quality" materials. Avoid the use of lexan, sheet metal, or other materials prone to weathering.
v. 
Keep the overall size of the sign in proportion with the development it serves.
h. 
Each monument sign should be surrounded by a landscape planter.
i. 
Multi-tenant monument signs. Signs with multiple tenant identification panels present a special challenge in delivering their message in a clear manner. To help overcome the problems associated with these types of signs, the following guidelines should be followed:
Freestanding monument signs, including multi-tenant signs, should minimize sign copy, be well designed, and be landscaped along their base
i. 
Individual tenant sign panels should be uniform in size recognizing that the major tenant or the name of the center may have a slightly larger sign panel.
ii. 
The size, letter style, and number of tenant names should be developed to minimize the look of a "reader board" sign.
G. 
Neon Signs and Architectural Lighting. The use of neon tubes for signs or architectural elements is encouraged throughout the Route 66 specific plan area, subject to the following guidelines.
1. 
Neon signs are allowed for use as wall signs, window signs, and freestanding monument signs. They are not allowed for use as projecting signs.
2. 
Neon tubing should not exceed one-half inch in diameter.
3. 
Neon signs and architectural lighting adjacent to residential uses should not exceed one-half footcandle in brightness measured at the property line.
Good example of neon sign
4. 
Neon tubing should not be combined with any reflective materials (e.g., mirrors, polished metal, highly-glazed tiles, or other similar materials) that would cause glare and increase the spread of light.
5. 
When used as an architectural element, neon tubing should be used only to reinforce specific architectural elements of the structure and should be compatible with the architectural style of the building and the character of the overall development. Neon building trim is limited to thirty percent of the total building trim area.
6. 
Neon lighting that completely surrounds a window, door, or similar element is strongly discouraged.
This use of neon is strongly discouraged
7. 
Neon window signs should not overwhelm or over-obstruct the aggregate area of the window.
8. 
Neon should not be the predominate material used on signs. The use of neon on signs should be limited to the business name, logo, design, or image.
(Ord. 2019 § 2, 2017; Ord. 2095, 11/12/2025)
Note: Former § 21.10.290, Design tools design review checklist, adopted by Ord. 2019, was repealed by Ord. 2095, 11/12/2025.
 
Follows Design Guidelines
Changes Recommended
Not Applicable
Remarks
B. Site Design
 
 
 
 
1. Height and Setbacks— Building setback and height standards are satisfied.
 
 
 
 
2. Appropriateness of Concept—Development concept is consistent with site location and with surrounding properties.
 
 
 
 
3. Building Location— Buildings are located in a logical and pleasing manner on the site. Buildings are related reasonably to each other, to parking facilities, and to pedestrian areas. Siting protects pedestrian movement.
 
 
 
 
4. View Impacts—Project is designed to respect existing views by minimizing view obstruction and mitigating disruptive visual impacts of large building masses.
 
 
 
 
5. Buffering—Trash areas, loading docks, storage areas, service areas, transformer vaults, etc., are located and screened so as to minimize visibility from streets and from building entries.
 
 
 
 
6. Exterior Lighting— Exterior lighting design is unobtrusive, integrated with the project concept, and of low profile.
 
 
 
 
7. Parking—All parking space and space size requirements are satisfied. All interior and boundary parking area landscaping requirements are satisfied.
 
 
 
 
a. Parking areas are located and designed to minimize visibility from streets and to minimize visual detraction from new buildings.
 
 
 
 
b. Parking areas are designed to provide good internal circulation, street access, and proximity of spaces to building entrances.
 
 
 
 
c. Vehicular entry points to parking lots have received special paving accents where the drive crosses the public sidewalk.
 
 
 
 
d. Applicant has demonstrated an attempt to share entry and/or parking with an adjacent property.
 
 
 
 
C. Building Architecture
 
 
 
 
1. Building Form and Scale—Architectural concept is consistent with the predominant scale of adjacent buildings.
 
 
 
 
2. Façade Proportion—The visual composition of the façade respects the general proportion (height to width) of existing façades on the street.
 
 
 
 
3. 360° Architecture— Architectural details are provided on all elevations.
 
 
 
 
4. Consistency of Elevation—Design of walls, doors, and windows are consistent in styling materials, colors, and detailing on all elevations.
 
 
 
 
5. Articulation—The architectural concept avoids large unbroken wall surfaces.
 
 
 
 
6. Roof—The roof form is designed in conjunction with its mass and façade, so that the building and its roof form a compatible building composition within the district.
 
 
 
 
7. Rear Entry— Appropriate identification signage and architectural detail has been provided on the rear façade.
 
 
 
 
D. Storefront Design
 
 
 
 
1. Storefront Components—The storefront design maintains typical elements such as bulkheads, doors, display windows, awnings, or canopies that are appropriate to the proposed style/theme.
 
 
 
 
2. Wall to Opening Ratio— The storefront architectural concept maintains an appropriate wall to window ratio.
 
 
 
 
3. Storefront Accessories— All mechanical appurtenances are concealed.
 
 
 
 
4. Awnings—Awning design and color respects the scale, proportion, rhythm, and style of the building's architecture.
 
 
 
 
5. Sign Placement—The storefront design provides a logical space for placement of a sign and building address.
 
 
 
 
E. Signs
 
 
 
 
1. Sign Type—Selected sign type is consistent with other signs on adjacent buildings or storefronts, and meets all applicable codes or approved sign program.
 
 
 
 
2. Location—Sign location on building is consistent with architectural style and other design standards.
 
 
 
 
3. Legibility—A simple typeface is utilized while color, illumination, and letter size are appropriate to the building architecture and scale.
 
 
 
 
4. Illumination—The sign is properly lighted and does not allow glare to spill beyond the sign face.
 
 
 
 
5. Safety—Placement of sign does not pose a safety hazard for motorists or pedestrians.