The SOZ Zone is established to provide for the orderly, efficient, and harmonious approval of signs, sign structures, and other exterior advertising devices that allow for more flexibility to large scale and major development, active entertainment uses and enhance urban in-fill projects in the C-R and HPSP Zones. The SOZ Zone shall promote appropriate signage which:
(1) 
Uses clear graphics;
(2) 
Coordinates with the architectural elements of the building(s) on or near which the signage is located;
(3) 
Reflects a modern, vibrant image of Inglewood; and
(4) 
Enhances overall site aesthetics by regulating the number, size and location of signs.
The SOZ Zone ordinance shall specify the general types of signage and shall include a Master Sign Program that specifies the standards, general types and location of all signage.
(Ord. 12-07 5-15-12; Ord. 15-10 2-24-15)
These regulations are in addition to those set forth in Article 23 of the IMC and shall supersede the regulations set forth in Sections 12-76 (General Sign Regulations), 12-77.6 (C-R Zone) and 12-80 (Billboards and Off-Site Signs) of the IMC. The SOZ Zone allows specialized signage, including electronic, digital, and animated signs; roof signs; banners; non-premises-related advertising; and pageantry signage, to be implemented in areas zoned SOZ, subject to the approval of a Master Sign Plan. An SOZ ordinance shall specify the general parameters and types of signage permitted within that SOZ Zone.
(Ord. 12-07 5-15-12)
No building permit for a new sign, exterior alteration or enlargement of an existing sign, or other exterior advertising device, shall be issued within an SOZ Zone until either: (1) a Master Sign Plan specifying the general type, size and location of the planned signage has been duly approved as provided for in this Section (which approval shall be part of any SOZ rezoning process); or (2) a Sign Permit is issued in accordance with Chapter 12, Article 13 for signage otherwise permitted by the IMC.
(Ord. 12-07 5-15-12)
The purpose of the Master Sign Plan review is to provide more precise control over the height, location, lighting standards, and types of signage to be included in a given development, and to assure compatibility of such signage with an existing or proposed development in the base zone.
(Ord. 12-07 5-15-12)
As part of the submittal for a zone change to the SOZ Zone for the affected property, a Master Sign Plan shall be submitted by the filing of a verified application. The owner or his, her, or its authorized agent shall include the following elements in any Master Sign Plan submitted to the Planning and Building Department:
(1) 
A site plan, drawn to scale, showing the general location and types of all signs, sign structures, and other signage devices within the proposed development and in the surrounding public rights-of-way. Such signage may include, but is not limited to, wayfinding, identification, non-premises-related advertising, place-making, and sponsorship advertising.
(2) 
Drawings showing size, types of allowable material, colors, and illumination, if any of the types of signage proposed.
(3) 
The Planning and Building Department Director, or designee may require additional information to determine whether the purposes of this Section are being carried out, or may authorize omission of certain items required by this Section if they are not necessary to comply with said purposes. All drawings and plans shall be submitted in duplicate.
(Ord. 12-07 5-15-12)
The Planning Commission shall review a Master Sign Plan as part of its review and recommendation regarding any rezoning to the SOZ Zone and shall make the following findings:
(1) 
The site is an appropriate location for enhanced and more intensive signage.
(2) 
The Master Sign Plan is consistent with the provisions of the applicable SOZ and uses clear graphics; coordinates with the architectural elements of the building(s) on or near which the signage is located; reflects a modern, vibrant image of Inglewood; and enhances site aesthetics by regulating the number, size and location of signs.
(3) 
The proposed signage will not adversely affect neighboring properties, the occupants thereof or the permitted uses thereon, consistent with the promotion of public health, safety, and welfare.
(4) 
The proposed signage is compatible with the existing or proposed development of the site.
Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the IMC, if the applicable SOZ Zone so authorizes, the Planning Commission may approve, as part of a Master Sign Plan: (1) electronic, digital, and animated signs; roof signs; banners; and non-premises-related advertising; and (2) pageantry signage in the public right-of-way, including sponsorship or advertising messages on bus benches, bus shelters, sidewalk kiosks, street lamp posts, and the like. The provisions in a Master Sign Plan shall prevail and supersede the other applicable provisions in the IMC to the extent of any conflict or inconsistency, whether explicit or by implication. Wherever a Master Sign Plan contains provisions that establish regulations for sign types, sign height, sign area, number of signs, sign dimensions, sign content or other time, place or manner regulations that are different from, more restrictive than or more permissive than the IMC would otherwise allow, the Master Sign Plan shall prevail.
(Ord. 12-07 5-15-12)
The City Council shall review the Master Sign Plan, and any proposed modification thereto, and approve or disapprove it based upon the standards designated in this Article.
(Ord. 12-07 5-15-12)
Any proposed changes to the Master Sign Plan that would substantially alter its requirements shall require an amendment subject to the procedures established in Section 12-96 (Special Use Permit Procedure) and the findings found in Section 12-38.75 (SOZ Findings Required), unless such change would be inconsistent with the provisions of the applicable Sign Overlay Zone, in which case the Sign Overlay Zone must be amended to implement such proposed changes.
(Ord. 12-07 5-15-12)
If any provision of this Article or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, clauses or applications of the ordinance codified in this Article which can be implemented without the invalid provision, clause or application, and to this end the provisions and clauses of the ordinance codified in this Article are declared to be severable.
(Ord. 12-07 5-15-12)
The owner or authorized agent shall maintain all signage included within an applicable SOZ in accordance with the provisions of this Section. Each owner shall maintain its signage in good and safe condition and in a manner that complies with all applicable Federal, State and local requirements. Physical damage to signage shall be repaired at the expense of the owner. Graffiti on signage shall be removed at the expense of the owner. The owner is responsible for noticing damage and vandalism of its signage and shall insure that signage complies with all applicable Federal, State, and local requirements. If damage or vandalism is noticed by the City before the owner, written notification will be provided to the owner informing them of such damage or vandalism. The owner will then have ten days from the date of the notice to return the signage to a state of compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local requirements (provided that, if the owner is using diligent, good faith efforts to comply with the requirements of this subsection, such ten-day period shall be extended to provide such additional time as may be reasonably required to complete any necessary repairs to bring such signage into compliance). If signage is not brought into compliance by owner within the time period provided in the foregoing sentence, the City shall have the right (but not the obligation) to make any necessary repairs to bring such signage into compliance and to bill the owner for all expenses incurred by the City in making such repairs, including supervision, contracting, and overhead costs.
(Ord. 12-07 5-15-12)
(1) 
Establishment of Forum Signage Provisions. The Forum "SOZ" Overlay Zone establishes the forum signage provisions for the forum property which is located in that portion of the City as depicted on the map referenced as Exhibit 1 within the heavy black lines. The Forum "SOZ" Overlay Zone allows specialized signage, including electronic, digital, and animated signs; roof signs; banners; non-premises related advertising (as defined below); and pageantry signage in the public right-of-way.
(2) 
Definitions. For purposes of implementing the Forum "SOZ" Overlay Zone, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) 
"Integrated sign" means a sponsorship sign, the content of which includes text or images that relate directly to the forum or an event, or a series or type of event(s), that takes place at the forum.
(b) 
"Non-premises related advertising" means a sign or other advertising device (other than a sponsorship sign) whose message does not relate directly to an active use of the premises upon which it is displayed.
(c) 
"Premises related advertising" means a sign or other advertising device whose message relates directly to an active use of the premises upon which it is displayed, which includes, but is not limited to, a sponsorship sign.
(d) 
"Sponsor" means any of the following: (i) the owner or operator of the forum, together with any affiliate of the owner or operator of the forum, or (ii) a person or entity that is a party to a contract or agreement with the owner of the forum, which contract or agreement grants such person the right to have its company logo and/or name displayed on promotional materials or signage at the premises.
(e) 
"Sponsorship sign" means a sign or other advertising device whose message contains a company logo or name of a sponsor and relates directly to the use of the premises upon which it is displayed or to the business or promotion of the sponsor.
(f) 
"Wayfinding sign" means an on-premises sign designed to be read by a person already on or accessing the premises and used only to identify the location of a business entrance, exit, telephone, parking lot, drive aisle, seating type, location, service area, or route. Wayfinding signs may contain the name or logo of the business or sponsor.
(3) 
Permitted Non-Premises Related Advertising. Table 1 shows the permitted non-premises related advertising for the Forum "SOZ" Overlay Zone.
Table 1 – Permitted Forum Non-Premises Related Advertising
Sign Type
Number of Permitted Signs
Maximum Sign Area
Minimum Setback (Freestanding)
Maximum Height (Freestanding)
Primary Project ID
1
No limit on number of sign faces; not to exceed a total aggregate maximum of 3,500 sq. ft.
N/A
100′
(4) 
Exempt Signage. The following permitted signs and/or sign structures are exempt from the permit requirement of Section 12-72 of the Inglewood Municipal Code; provided, however, that such signs shall comply with all other applicable requirements of any approved Master Sign Plan.
(a) 
Public and Community Notices and Signs. Public notices posted pursuant to law, signs erected by governmental agencies and public utilities, warning or information signs required by law for public health and safety, and public service announcements.
(b) 
Parking and No Trespassing Signs. Signs such as "no trespassing" or parking signs that do not exceed six square feet in area and which do not advertise merchandise or services.
(c) 
Portable Signs. Bi-faced, free-standing signs, not to exceed four feet in height, if such signs may be readily removed from public view at the end of each business day and if such signs are not placed upon any public right-of-way, in any on-site parking space or in any landscaped planter area.
(d) 
Temporary Decorations. Temporary graphics and decorations for holiday seasons, provided that such graphics and decorations are installed not more than thirty days before the holiday or holiday season and removed not later than two weeks after the holiday or a holiday season.
(e) 
Temporary Promotional Advertising. For such purposes as promoting an opening or a closure of an event may be displayed for a period not to exceed thirty days or periods totaling no more than ninety days in a calendar year.
(f) 
Temporary Construction Signs. Construction signs, provided that such signs are removed not later than one week after issuance of certificate of occupancy.
(g) 
Changeable Copy Signs. The changing of advertising copy or message on theater boards, marquees, bulletin boards, mural graphics and pageantry, when the basic board, marquee, mural graphic or pageantry are otherwise permitted.
(h) 
Flags. National, state or other governmental flags, or flags depicting logos of, and displayed by, public institutions or nonprofit service organizations. Additionally, flags may be displayed in the same circumstances that string pennants may be displayed. All flags shall be maintained in a non-deteriorated condition.
(5) 
Permitted Premises Related Signs. Table 2 shows the permitted premises related signs for the Forum "SOZ" Overlay Zone.
Table 2 – Permitted Forum Premises Related Signs
Sign Type
Number of Permitted Signs
Maximum Sign Area per Sign Face
Minimum Setback (Freestanding)
Maximum Height (Freestanding)
Other Limitations
PAGEANTRY
Perimeter Site Banners
No Limit
No limit on number of sign faces; maximum 130 s.f. per sign face
Allowed on site and in public right-of-way setback
30′ (or height of existing lighting structure)
Public Right-of-Way: Integrated sign only.
Building Banner Graphics
Suspended between columns around the exterior of the forum; no limit
No limit on number of sign faces; 850 s.f. per sign face
N/A
N/A
Non-Premises Related Advertising Not Permitted.
Parking Surface Graphics
No Limit
No limit on number of sign faces; maximum 1,000 s.f. per sign
N/A
45′
Non-Premises Related Advertising Not Permitted.
ROOF SIGNS
Rooftop Graphic
1
37,000 s.f.
N/A
N/A
A projection limitation of 3 feet above the roof surface (not including light fixtures). Non-Premises Related Advertising Not Permitted.
Building Top Signs
4
6,000 s.f.
N/A
N/A
Non-Premises Related Advertising Not Permitted.
OTHER
Parking Entrance Signs
No Limit
600 s.f.
N/A
30′
Non-Premises Related Advertising Not Permitted.
Wayfinding Signs
No Limit
N/A
0′
N/A
Non-Premises Related Advertising Not Permitted.
Terrace Sign
1
500 s.f.
N/A
N/A
Non-Premises Related Advertising Not Permitted.
Pedestrian Entrance Signs
4
300 s.f.
N/A
40′
Non-Premises Related Advertising Not Permitted.
(6) 
Sign Illumination. If signage is illuminated, spotlight devices shall not shine directly upon any public right-of-way or upon neighboring property or be inconsistent with the requirements of Los Angeles World Airports. The maximum brightness level for signage and lighting on the project shall not result in more measured in four hundred candelas/m2. The light sources from any lighting on the project shall not result in more than two foot-candles of lighting intensity at the property line of any residential use. Compliance with the two foot-candle standard shall be tested following the installation of the proposed signage and prior to the issuance of finalized building permits or operation of the sign. Such testing shall include the following:
(a) 
A representative testing site shall be selected on or next to those residential uses which have the greatest exposure to signage lighting at the four boundaries of the project.
(b) 
A light meter mounted to a tripod at eye level, facing the project, should be calibrated and measurements should be taken to determine ambient light levels with the sign on.
(c) 
An opaque object (a board) should be used to block out the view of the sign from the light meter, at a distance of at least four feet away from the tripod and blocking the light meter's view of the sign. A reading shall be taken to determine the ambient light levels with the sign off.
(d) 
The difference between the two would be the amount of light the sign casts at the property line of the adjacent residential use.
(e) 
An alternate method to measure light levels is to use the same tripod and same light meter and to turn on and off the signage.
(7) 
Sign Refresh Rate. There shall be no minimum refresh rate for any digital signage.
(8) 
Sign Permits Required. A separate permit shall be required for each sign or set of signs to be installed or altered. No permit shall be issued unless signage complies with the requirements of this Section, including, without limitation, the two foot-candle standard set forth in subsection 6 of this Section. Signs that are part of an approved Master Sign Plan shall require an Administrative Sign Permit as set forth in subsection 9 below. Non-premises related advertising not otherwise included as part of an approved Master Sign Plan shall be allowed subject to the approval of a "Special Use Permit" as set forth in Chapter 12, Article 23, Section 12-80 of the Inglewood Municipal Code, as the same may be amended from time to time. All other signage otherwise permitted under the Inglewood Municipal Code shall require a "Sign Permit" as set forth in Chapter 12, Article 29, Section 12-104.1 of the Inglewood Municipal Code, as the same may be amended from time to time. The provisions of Chapter 12 of the Inglewood Municipal Code governing the procedure in making application for permits and the payment of fees therefor (as the same may be amended from time to time) shall also be applicable.
(9) 
Administrative Sign Permit.
(a) 
Applicability. The following types of signs shall be subject to approval by an Administrative Sign Permit:
(i) 
Pageantry signs;
(ii) 
Monument signs;
(iii) 
Marquee signs;
(iv) 
Projecting signs;
(v) 
New pageantry installations;
(vi) 
New mural graphic installations;
(vii) 
Roof top signs;
(viii) 
Parking garage entry signs;
(ix) 
Wayfinding signage;
(x) 
Perimeter site banners;
(xi) 
Any other sign in the approved Master Sign Plan.
(b) 
Review Procedure. Upon submittal, requests for an Administrative Sign Permit shall be reviewed for compliance with the provisions of this Section (including, without limitation, illumination as regulated by subsection 6 of this Section), and the general parameters of height, square footage, location, and number of permitted sign faces set forth in the Master Sign Plan. The Economic and Community Development Department Director or his or her designee, shall be authorized to approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove requests for an Administrative Sign Permit; provided, however, that requests for an Administrative Sign Permit with respect to perimeter site banners shall also require the approval of the Public Works Director or his or her designee.
(c) 
Alternative Consideration Through Sign Adjustment. If it is determined that a request for an Administrative Sign Permit will not be approved, the applicant may request a sign adjustment pursuant to subsection 11 of this Section.
(10) 
Submittal Requirements.
(a) 
Plans. Requests for approval of an Administrative Sign Permit shall be submitted to the Economic and Community Development Department with three copies of the following:
(i) 
Sign plan depicting structural details and sign details (lettering style, colors, materials, method of illumination);
(ii) 
Site plan of the entire site showing the proposed location of the sign;
(iii) 
Building elevations showing the proposed location of the sign;
(iv) 
Samples of colors and materials;
(v) 
Plans and specifications for the proposed lighting displays prepared by a lighting design expert, together with a proposal to review and monitor the installation and testing of the displays in order to ensure compliance with the required two foot-candle standard;
(vi) 
Other relevant information requested by the Economic and Community Development Department Director or his or her designee.
(b) 
Authorization for Submittal. If plans are submitted by a person other than the property owner or manager, a letter or other writing signed by the property owner or manager shall be submitted authorizing the submittal of the plans for the proposed sign.
(c) 
Filing Fee. The fee for the Administrative Sign Permit shall be the same as a "Sign Permit" in Chapter 12, Article 29, Section 12-104.1 of the Inglewood Municipal Code, as the same may be amended from time to time.
(d) 
Appeals. Decisions or other actions regarding an Administrative Sign Permit shall be final and effective five business days after the date the decision is rendered or action is taken, unless the applicant files a written appeal of the decision or other action with the Economic and Community Development Department Director. The same fee as specified in Chapter 12, Article 29, Section 12-104.1(E)(2) of the Inglewood Municipal Code for "Appeals from Sign Adjustment," is required to cover the cost of processing the appeal. The Planning Commission shall consider the appeal at its next regular meeting held not less than forty-five days after the filing of the appeal. The determination of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council.
(11) 
Sign Adjustment. An adjustment may also be granted to modify the sign regulations of this Section if such regulations would result in practical difficulties in the use of the property or effectuation of the purposes of this zone. The Economic and Community Development Department Director or his or her designee may grant an adjustment to the sign regulations to permit:
(a) 
The modification of area, height, number, location (other than for roof signs), lighting, motion and other limitations on signs or conditions under which signs are permitted by no more than ten percent;
(b) 
Temporary and promotion signs including real estate signs and contractor's signs; and/or
(c) 
The extension of time required for the removal of signs. The administration, findings and conditions for a sign adjustment shall be the same as in Article 26.1 of the Inglewood Municipal Code.
(12) 
Interpretation. This Section shall be construed liberally to carry out the purpose of providing enhanced signage appropriate to the sports and entertainment uses of the forum. Whenever any ambiguity or uncertainty exists related to the signs permitted in the Forum "SOZ" Overlay Zone or the application of this Section so that it is difficult to determine the precise application of these provisions, the Planning and Building Department Director or his or her designee shall issue written determinations on the requirements of this Section consistent with the purpose and intent of this Section.
(13) 
Severability. If any provision of this Section or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, clauses or applications of this Section which can be implemented without the invalid provision, clause or application, and to this end the provisions and clauses of this Section are declared to be severable.
(Ord. 23-15 7-11-23)