A. 
No sign shall be erected for any use specified in this chapter which does not comply with this chapter. The sign sizes, heights, and numbers in this chapter are maximums. The City may require smaller sizes, heights, and/or numbers of signs if it determines that such restrictions are required to ensure that an individual sign will harmonize with other nearby signs, with surrounding buildings and setbacks, with the sign's overall physical setting, and with the intent of this title.
B. 
Proposed signs which do not conform to the provisions of this chapter, or to the illumination, location, or other general standards of Chapter 18.005, are prohibited unless an adjustment or variance is approved by the Architectural Commission pursuant to Section 18.001.050 and Chapter 16.309 of Title 16. However, the establishment of a planned sign program in accordance with Section 18.025.120 shall be an alternative to the standard sign regulations. Signs within such a planned sign program may be permitted although not conforming to all of the sign requirements for the applicable zoning district in order to achieve aesthetic compatibility of signs within a project and simple review process for individual signs, and to allow design creativity. The use of planned sign programs may allow some flexibility in number and size and in the placement of signs. However, the total aggregate area of the signs permitted by the sign program shall not be greater than the total aggregate area of all signs otherwise permitted.
C. 
All signs permitted within this chapter shall conform to the following:
1. 
All building-mounted signs shall be placed below the eave line of a pitched or mansard roof or below top of wall of a flat or parapet roof.
2. 
All building-mounted signs and sign faces shall be painted on or shall be parallel to and flush against the surface on which they are placed.
3. 
The placement of all freestanding signs requiring sign permits shall be as approved by the City.
4. 
Illuminated signs shall only be permitted in accordance with Chapter 18.005 (General Standards).
(08-05)
Real estate and construction signs 6 square feet or smaller are exempt from sign permit requirements in accordance with Section 18.015.030. Real estate or construction signs, including names of architect, contractor, etc., larger than 6 square feet are permitted only upon approval of a sign permit, subject to the following restrictions.
Real estate signs with "sale pending" riders shall be permitted while the property is in escrow.
A. 
Maximum Number
1. 
Residential Developments
One temporary real estate sign and no more than three construction announcement signs shall be permitted per street frontage. Signs may be either building-mounted or freestanding. Temporary real estate signs and construction announcement signs shall not consist of flexible material such as cloth, paper, cardboard, or plastic.
B. 
Maximum Size
Real estate and construction signs shall be of a size that is compatible with the project site and surrounding development, as determined by the Community Development Director.
C. 
Maximum Height
Freestanding real estate signs shall be a maximum of five feet in height. Construction signs which are smaller than 20 square feet in size shall be a maximum of five feet in height. Freestanding construction signs which are 20 square feet in size or greater shall be a maximum of eight feet in height.
D. 
Placement
All freestanding signs shall be placed on the premises to which they refer and in any case shall not be placed within the public right-of-way. Precise placement of signs larger than six square feet in size shall be approved by the Director.
E. 
Illumination
Illumination of real estate and construction signs shall not be permitted.
F. 
Review
All real estate and construction signs shall be review of City staff.
G. 
Removal of Temporary Signs
Sign permits shall be valid for up to one year and may be renewed for up to one year at a time if approved by the Director. In any case, all signs shall be removed upon the earlier of the following events: (1) expiration of the sign permit; or (2) completion of sale or lease of the last lot or unit within the subject property in the case of real estate signs; or (3) issuance of the first occupancy certificate or completion of construction which is identified by the sign in the case of construction announcement signs. The Director may require a cash deposit or other financial surety to ensure sign removal.
(12-01)
The following signs for churches, day care centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and similar special uses are allowed if a sign permit is approved. (Signs for institutional uses in the Institutional Districts shall be permitted pursuant to Section 18.030.020.)
A. 
Identification Signs and Attraction Boards
Unless determined infeasible by staff or the Architectural Commission, all identification signs and attraction boards shall be combined into one sign structure per street frontage.
1. 
One major identification sign is permitted per street frontage. (Churches housing more than one congregation may be permitted one major identification sign per each congregation upon approval by the Architectural Commission.)
2. 
One secondary identification sign is permitted per street frontage identifying accessory activities on the site, such as church day care centers.
3. 
Attraction boards are permitted for churches only, one per church facility regardless of the number of congregations sharing the facility.
4. 
All signs shall be building-mounted, excepting, the Architectural Commission may approve a free-standing sign structure for identification signs and attraction boards for a church or special use if the Commission makes at least one of the following findings:
a. 
A freestanding structure is necessary to provide adequate identification of the institution to motorists.
b. 
The building is set back from the street or obscured from street view by structures or vegetation such that building-mounted sign structures cannot provide adequate identification.
c. 
The architectural style, materials, or other design elements are such that a building-mounted sign is not feasible, would detract from the building's appearance, or would conflict with the General Plan or with the intent of this title.
5. 
Maximum Size of Identification Signs and Attraction Boards
For sites less than one acre, the maximum permitted size is 20 square feet aggregate for major and secondary identification signs and 12 square feet for attraction boards.
For sites of one acre or more, the maximum permitted size is 32 square feet aggregate for major and secondary identification signs and 18 square feet for attraction boards.
6. 
Maximum Height and Placement of Freestanding Signs
The maximum height of freestanding signs (if allowed) is five feet. The placement of all freestanding signs shall be as approved by the City.
7. 
Illuminated and non-illuminated building-mounted signs and attraction boards shall be reviewed by staff. Freestanding identification signs and attraction boards shall be reviewed by the Architectural Commission.
B. 
Directional Signs
Freestanding on-premises parking lot or other direction signs, denoting "entry," "exit," etc., maximum of four square feet in size and four feet in height, are permitted as determined necessary by the Director of Community Development. Signs shall be reviewed pursuant to Chapter 18.001. Such signs shall not contain commercial copy.
C. 
Temporary Signs
1. 
Upon issuance of a sign permit, temporary building-mounted identification signs may be utilized by the new occupant of a premises for no more than 30 days. Also, the Director may approve time extensions for such temporary signs up to an additional 30 days. No more than one temporary sign, not exceeding 12 square feet in size, shall be installed per street frontage. Such signs shall otherwise conform to the height and other requirements specified for major identification signs in this section. Temporary signs shall be reviewed by City staff.
2. 
Temporary signs directing the public to civic or charitable events sponsored by a non-profit organization and open to the public shall be permitted.
a. 
Temporary signs displayed a maximum of four days shall be exempt from sign permit requirements.
b. 
Temporary signs displayed for more than four days shall be permitted if a sign permit is approved by staff.
c. 
Such signs shall have a maximum size of not more 12 square feet and a maximum height of five feet if freestanding.
Signs may be erected on a parkway or median within the public right-of-way pursuant to Section 18.035.070.
3. 
Temporary signs and banners for temporary uses permitted with a special use and development permit pursuant to Section 18.035.060.
(08-05; 12-01)
The following signs shall be permitted for automobile service stations if a sign permit is approved:
A. 
Building-Mounted Identification Signs
One building-mounted identification sign, maximum of 18 square feet in size, shall be permitted per service station. Illuminated and non-illuminated building-mounted signs shall be reviewed by staff.
B. 
Freestanding Identification and Fuel Price Signs
One freestanding identification sign shall be permitted per street frontage.
Fuel price signs, with information in accordance with state law, shall be combined with the preceding freestanding identification signing unless the Architectural Commission determines that such an identification-price signing combination is infeasible or would be contrary to the intent of this title. In such cases, one separate fuel price sign shall be permitted with a sign permit per street frontage.
1. 
Maximum Size
The maximum size of identification and fuel price signs shall be 50 square feet aggregate per service station.
2. 
Maximum Height
The maximum height of identification and fuel price signs shall be six feet.
3. 
Review
Freestanding identification and fuel price signs shall be reviewed by the Architectural Commission.
C. 
Accessory Signs
1. 
The following informational and accessory signs for service stations shall be permitted:
a. 
Small Signs Exempt from Permit Requirements: Warning signs, such as "No Smoking," and signs on gas pumps identifying the brand, grade, and price of fuel for that pump and giving pumping or other directions are permitted and are exempt from the requirements for a sign permit if under two square feet in size. Such signs may be illuminated.
b. 
Larger Accessory Signs: Upon approval of a sign permit, not more than two non-illuminated accessory signs identifying products or services available on the premises are permitted in addition to those exempt accessory signs allowed under Section 18.035.040.C.1.a. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet each and shall be building-mounted or shall be incorporated into displays placed against the building. Accessory signs shall be reviewed by City staff.
2. 
Prohibited Signs for Service Stations
Notwithstanding any provision within this section, the following are not permitted on service station premises:
a. 
Accessory signs or banners attached to poles, fuel pumps, pump islands, or canopies except those permitted under Section 18.035.040.C.
b. 
Reader boards, A-frame signs, portable signs, or other freestanding signs except permitted identification and/or fuel price signs.
c. 
Signs attached to or part of tire displays.
D. 
Directional Signs
Freestanding on-premises parking lot or other direction signs, denoting "entry," "exit," etc., maximum of four square feet in size and four feet in height, are permitted as determined necessary by the Director of Community Development. Signs shall be reviewed pursuant to Chapter 18.001. Such signs shall not contain commercial copy.
E. 
Window Signs
Window signs shall be permitted in accordance with Section 18.025.050.
F. 
Temporary Signs
Upon approval of a sign permit, a temporary building-mounted identification sign may be utilized by the new occupant of a premises for no more than 30 days. Also, the Director may approve time extensions for such temporary signs up to an additional 30 days. No more than one temporary sign, not exceeding 32 square feet in size, shall be installed per service station. Such signs shall otherwise conform to the height and other requirements specified for major identification signs in this chapter. Temporary signs shall be reviewed by City staff.
G. 
Planned Sign Programs
Submission of a planned sign program, pursuant to Section 18.025.120, for a service station may be required by the City in conjunction with review of a new service station or with review of any proposed new sign for an existing service station. In addition, planned sign programs may be voluntarily submitted to the City by the owner of an existing service station.
(08-05; 12-01)
The following signs shall be permitted for theaters (live stage or movie) that are located in commercial zoning districts and have been permitted with an approved conditional use permit (CUP).
A. 
Building-Mounted Identification Signs
1. 
One building-mounted identification sign shall be permitted per theater or cinema complex (single or multi-screen).
2. 
The maximum sign area for building-mounted identification signs shall be 75 square feet for the first screen or stage plus 25 square feet per screen or stage over one, up to a maximum of 175 square feet in size.
3. 
Signs must be architecturally compatible and appropriately sized for the building upon which they are mounted.
B. 
Freestanding Identification
One freestanding identification sign may be permitted per theater complex if at least one of the findings contained in Section 18.025.050.A.1 can be made.
1. 
The maximum size of freestanding identification signs shall be 80 square feet per theater complex.
2. 
The maximum height of freestanding identification signs may be permitted to exceed the maximum height for freestanding signs of the underlying district, if approved as part of a sign program granted by the Architectural Commission.
3. 
All freestanding identification signs shall be reviewed by the Architectural Commission.
C. 
Attraction Boards
1. 
One attraction board is permitted per frontage of theater, theater complex, or cabaret.
2. 
For movie theaters, attraction boards shall be allowed a maximum of 20 square feet plus 10 square feet per screen over one, up to a maximum of 50 square feet of total area.
3. 
For live theaters and cabarets, attraction boards shall be a maximum of 20 square feet plus 10 square feet per stage over one, up to a maximum of 40 square feet of total sign area.
4. 
Attraction boards shall be building-mounted; however, the Architectural Commission may approve a freestanding attraction board if:
a. 
It is combined with a freestanding major identification sign, and
b. 
The Commission can make at least one of the findings in Section 18.025.050.A.1, and
c. 
The resulting structure is in keeping with the intent of this chapter.
5. 
The height of freestanding attraction boards (if approved) shall conform to the requirements of the district in which they are located.
6. 
Attraction boards listing current performances or movies shall be combined with identification signs where possible.
D. 
Coming Attraction Display Cases
1. 
One coming attraction display case shall be permitted per screen for theaters or per stage for live theaters or cabarets.
2. 
Coming attraction display cases shall only be large enough to display one maximum 8 square feet poster.
3. 
Coming attraction display cases shall be building-mounted.
E. 
Review Responsibilities
1. 
Building-mounted identification signs, illuminated and non-illuminated, shall be reviewed by the Architectural Commission.
2. 
Building-mounted attraction boards and coming attraction display cases shall be reviewed by staff.
3. 
Freestanding attraction boards, including placement/location, shall be reviewed by the Architectural Commission.
(08-05)
Temporary signs and banners shall be permitted in conjunction with temporary uses and developments permitted with a special use and development permit or special event permit. Temporary signs shall be reviewed by staff at the time an application for a special use and development permit is submitted. Such signs shall be removed within the period prescribed in the permit.
(08-05)
The following signs located in the public right-of-way shall be permitted in all districts.
A. 
General
Only signs for the uses listed in this section are permitted within the public right-of-way.
B. 
Signs Exempt from Sign Permit Requirements
The following signs may be placed within the public right-of-way and are exempt from sign permit requirements pursuant to Chapter 18.015:
1. 
Any directional, safety, traffic, informational or similar signs erected by the City of Claremont or other governmental agency.
2. 
Signs and banners erected by the City of Claremont associated with holidays or special community events such as: Fourth of July, Halloween, Carnival, Claremont Anniversary Celebration, Winter holidays, Spring Festival, and similar holidays and events.
3. 
Temporary signs, maximum 12 square feet in size and maximum five feet in height if freestanding, for a civic or charitable event, sponsored by a non-profit organization and open to the public, erected on a parkway or median within the public right-of-way, provided signs are displayed a maximum of four days.
C. 
Signs Requiring Sign Permits
1. 
Temporary signs exceeding 12 square feet in size or signs displayed for more than four days for a civic or charitable event, sponsored by a non-profit organization and open to the public, erected on a parkway or median within the public right-of-way, if approved in conjunction with a special use and development permit or a special event permit by staff.
2. 
Under-canopy or awning signs over a public sidewalk or other right-of-way, if permitted in the applicable district pursuant to this title. Such signs shall require both a sign permit and an encroachment permit. Under-canopy or awning signs shall be reviewed by staff.
(08-05)