No sign shall be installed or maintained in the R-MD Zone, except as allowed under Section 14.12.010 Exempted Signs, or as otherwise noted in Table 14.16.010.
Table 14.16.010
Standards for Signs in Moderate Density Residential Zones
Sign Type
Area
Height
Number
Illumination1
Signs at entrances to subdivisions or manufactured home parks
Max. 2 SF per dwelling unit to max. 32 SF per sign; max. 16 SF per display surface; total sign area for all display surfaces of no more than 64 SF.
Max. 6 ft. above grade.
1 per entrance.
External illumination only
Freestanding signs on multi-unit properties
Limited to 2 SF per dwelling unit to a max. area of 32 SF, 16 SF per display surface.
Max. 6 ft. above grade.
1 per street frontage.2
External illumination only
Wall signs on multi-unit properties
Limited to 2 SF per dwelling unit to a max. of 32 SF.
No wall sign shall extend above the roofline at the wall, or the top of a parapet wall, whichever is higher.
1 per street frontage permitted.2
External illumination only
Awning signs on multi-unit properties
Max. display surface is 25% of awning area, up to max. of 32 SF.
May not extend higher than the point where the roofline intersects the exterior wall.
1 per street frontage.3
 
Hanging sign suspended beneath awning
Max. area limited to 1 SF per 1 lineal ft. of awning length.
Min. clearance 8 ft. from ground to the lowest portion of awning or sign.
1 per street frontage.3
External illumination only
1
Par spot or reflective-type bulbs may be used for indirect illumination of the display surface if properly shielded from direct glare onto streets. Sign illumination shall be directed away from, and not be reflected upon, adjacent premises. See Section 14.24.020.
2
Either 1 freestanding or 1 wall sign per street frontage is permitted.
3
Either 1 sign on an awning or 1 sign hanging beneath an awning is allowed.
(Ord. 1733 § 1(1) (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 1965 §§ 2, 3, 2006; Ord. 2001 § 2, 2009; Ord. 2051 § 2, 2012; Ord. 2224 § 2, 2022)
No sign shall be installed or maintained in the R-HD Zone, except as allowed under Section 14.12.010 Exempted Signs, or as otherwise noted in Table 14.16.020.
Table 14.16.020
Standards for Signs in High Density Residential Zone R-HD
Sign Type
Area
Height
Number
Illumination1
Signs at entrances to subdivisions
Max. 2 SF per dwelling unit to max. 32 SF per sign; 16 SF per display surface; total sign area for all display surfaces may not exceed 64 SF.
Max. 6 ft. above grade.
1 per entrance.
External only
Freestanding signs on multiunit properties
Max. 2 SF per dwelling unit to max. 32 SF per sign; 16 SF per display surface.
Max. 6 ft. above grade.
1 per street frontage.
External only
Wall signs on multi-unit properties
Limited to 2 SF per dwelling unit to a max. 32 SF.
Cannot extend above roofline at wall or top of parapet wall, whichever is higher.
1 per street frontage.
External only
Awning signs on multiunit properties
Max. display surface is 25% of awning area, up to a max. of 32 SF.
 
1 per street frontage.
External only
Freestanding signs on commercial property
Max. 32 SF per display surface; total sign area for all display surfaces may not exceed 64 SF.
Max. 12 ft.
1 permitted.2
External only
Wall signs on commercial property3
Max. 10% of building face related to commercial use.
Cannot extend above roofline at wall or top of parapet wall, whichever is higher.
1 permitted.4
External only
Awning signs related to a commercial use
Max. display surface is 25% of surface of awning not to exceed 10% of the building face related to commercial use.
May not extend higher than the point where the roofline intersects the exterior wall.
1 per frontage.
External only
Hanging sign suspended beneath awning
Max. 1 SF per 1 lineal ft. of awning length.
Min. clearance 8 ft. from ground level to lowest portion of awning or suspended sign.
1 per street frontage.5
External only
Daily display sign6
Max. 8 SF per display surface; total sign area may not exceed 16 SF.
Max. 6 ft. above ground level.
1 per property or occupancy.
External only
1
Par spot or reflective-type bulbs may be used for indirect illumination of the display surface if properly shielded from direct glare onto streets. Sign illumination shall be directed away from, and not be reflected upon, adjacent premises. See Section 14.24.020.
2
One freestanding sign is permitted in addition to one wall sign.
3
In addition to the sign size limitations of this chapter, if an original art mural permitted under Title 20 occupies a wall where a wall sign has been proposed, the size of the wall sign shall be limited such that the total area of the original art mural plus the area of the wall sign does not exceed the maximum allowed.
4
One wall sign is permitted in addition to one freestanding sign or 2 wall signs permitted.
5
For awnings related to residential use, either one sign on an awning or one sign hanging beneath an awning is allowed.
6
Location. A daily display sign shall not be located within required landscaped areas, and is only allowed within the public right-of-way subject to the standards of Section 14.20.040.
(Ord. 1733 § 1(1) (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 1880 § 6 (Exh. A), 2000; Ord. 1916 § 3 (Exh. B), 2003; Ord. 1917 § 3 (Exh. B), 2003; Ord. 1965 §§ 2, 3, 2006; Ord. 2001 § 2, 2009; Ord. 2051 § 2, 2012; Ord. 2078 § 2 (Exh. B), 2014; Ord. 2110 § 2 (Exh. G), 2015; Ord. 2224 § 2, 2022; Ord. 2229 § 2, 2023)
No sign shall be installed or maintained in a SMU Zone, except as allowed under Section 14.12.010 Exempted Signs, or as otherwise noted in Table 14.16.030.
Table 14.16.030 Standards for Signs in Small-Scale Mixed Use Zone SMU
Sign Type
Area
Height
Number
Illumination1
Wall signs2
Max. 20% of building face.3
Cannot extend above roofline or top of a parapet wall, whichever is higher.
Dictated by area requirements.4
External only
Awning signs
Max. 25% of surface of awning, not to exceed 20% of building face.
No higher than the point where the roofline intersects the exterior wall.
1 per frontage per occupancy.
External only
Hanging sign suspended beneath awning or other portion of the building
Max. 1 SF per 1 lineal ft. of awning length.
Min. clearance 8 ft. from ground level to the lowest portion of awning or suspended sign.
1 hanging sign per awning.
External only
Projecting sign
Max. 20% of face of building to which the sign is attached.5
Min. clearance 8 ft. from ground level to the lowest portion of projecting sign.
1 projecting sign per building face
External only
Daily display signs6
Max. 8 SF per display surface and 16 SF overall.
Max. 6 ft. above ground level.
1 per property or occupancy.
External only
1
Par spot or reflective-type bulbs may be used for indirect illumination of the display surface if properly shielded from direct glare onto streets. Sign illumination must be directed away from, and not be reflected upon, adjacent premises. See Section 14.24.020.
2
Location: limited to the building surface or surfaces facing the public right-of-way.
3
In addition to the sign size limitations of this chapter, if an original art mural permitted under Title 20 occupies a wall where a wall sign has been proposed, the size of the wall sign will be limited such that the total area of the original art mural plus the area of the wall sign does not exceed the maximum allowed.
4
Wall signs are permitted in addition to one freestanding sign.
5
If a projecting sign is located on the same building face as a wall sign, the total of all sign surfaces must not exceed 20% of the face of the building.
6
Must not be located within required landscaped area, and is only allowed within the public right-of-way subject to the standards of Section 14.20.040.
7
Existing freestanding or roof signs in the SMU zone established prior to September 5, 2024, the effective date of Ordinance 2245, are allowed to remain and may be re-faced and/or repaired, so long as the size or height of the sign does not increase.
(Ord. 1733 § 1(1) (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 1965 §§ 2, 3, 2006; Ord. 2001 § 2, 2009; Ord. 2078 § 2 (Exh. B), 2014; Ord. 2245, 8/6/2024)
No sign shall be installed or maintained in the C-CS, NMU, and GMU Zones, except as allowed under Section 14.12.010 Exempted Signs, or as otherwise noted in Table 14.16.040.
Table 14.16.040
Standards for Signs in Commercial Zones C-CS, NMU, and GMU
Sign Type
Area
Height
Location
Number
Illumination1
Freestanding signs
1.5 sq ft per lineal ft. of street frontage and 1 additional sq ft per each lineal ft. of frontage over 100 ft2
Max. 25 ft from ground level, 14 ft min. clearance below lowest portion of a sign in any driveway or parking area.
Not permitted on any portion of a street, sidewalk, or public right-of-way.3
1 multifaced sign per street frontage.4
Permitted
Wall signs
Max. 20% of building face.5
Not above roofline or top of parapet wall, whichever is higher.
NA.
No limit.
Permitted
Projecting signs
Max. 20% of building face.5
Not above roofline or top of parapet wall.6
Not within 20 ft of another projecting sign.
1 per occupancy frontage; prohibited if the premises has a freestanding or roof sign.
Permitted
Roof signs
Max. 1 sq ft per lineal ft of street frontage.
Max. 8 ft above highest point of building; no sign support structure can be visible.
Pending approval by fire marshal7 May not project over parapet wall.
Permitted instead of, and not in addition to, projecting or freestanding signs.
Permitted
Awning signs
Max. display surface is 25% of surface of awning, not to exceed 20% of building face.
No higher than the point where the roofline intersects the exterior wall.8
NA.
1 per frontage per occupancy.
Permitted
Hanging sign
Max. area for hanging signs of 1 sq ft per 1 lineal ft of awning length.
Min. 8 ft clearance for hanging signs from the ground to the lowest part of the sign or awning.
 
1 hanging sign per awning.
Permitted
Marquee
Max. display surface is 25% of surface of marquee, not to exceed 20% of building face.
No higher than the point where the roofline intersects the exterior wall.8
Not extending more than 1 ft from the marquee surface or 1 ft over the top edge of the marquee.
1 per frontage per occupancy.
Permitted
Undermarquee signs
Max. 6 sq ft per display surface or 12 sq ft in overall sign area.
Min. 8 ft clearance between the lowest portion of the sign and the ground.
Shall not project within 2 ft of curb.
No limit.
Permitted
Daily display
Max. 12 sq ft per display surface and 24 sq ft overall.
Max. 6 ft above ground level.
Not within required landscaped areas or public right-of-way.9
1 per property or occupancy.
Permitted
Notes:
1
When fluorescent tubes are used for interior illumination of a sign within 500 ft. of any residentially zoned property, such illumination shall not exceed illumination equivalent to 425 milliamperes rating tubes behind a Plexiglas face with tubes spaced at least 7 inches apart, center to center. No exposed incandescent lamp which exceeds 15 watts shall be used on the exterior surface of any sign so as to expose the face of such bulb or lamp to any public street or public right-of-way. Par spot or reflective-type bulbs may be used for indirect illumination of the display surface if properly shielded from direct glare onto streets. See Section 14.24.020.
2
Not to exceed 250 square feet of sign area per display surface for each sign, or a total of 1,000 square feet for all display surfaces.
3
Currently existing freestanding signs may project over such right-of-way for a distance not to exceed 2 feet.
4
Where a frontage exceeds 300 feet in length, 1 additional freestanding sign is permitted for such frontage. No freestanding sign shall be permitted on the same premises where there is a projected or roof sign.
5
If a projecting sign is located on the same building face as a wall sign, the total of all sign surfaces shall not exceed 20% of the face of the building. In addition to the sign size limitations of this chapter, if an original art mural permitted under Title 20 occupies a wall where a wall sign has been proposed, the size of the wall sign shall be limited such that the total area of the original art mural plus the area of the wall sign does not exceed the maximum allowed.
6
Overhead clearance and projection into public rights-of-way shall be maintained so that no sign shall project within 2 feet of the curb nor beyond the distances specified in Table 14.16.060.E.2 for projection of signs into public rights-of-way.
7
Only approved by the fire marshal after a finding that the site, type, and location of the sign will not substantially interfere with fire fighting.
8
Regardless of the existence of a parapet wall.
9
A daily display sign may be allowed within the public right-of-way, subject to the standards of Section 14.20.040.
(Ord. 1733 § 1(1)(Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 1880 § 6 (Exh. A), 2000; Ord. 1916 § 3 (Exh. B), 2003; Ord. 1917 § 3 (Exh. B), 2003; Ord. 1965 §§ 2, 3, 2006; Ord. 2001 § 2, 2009; Ord. 2078 § 2 (Exh. B), 2014; Ord. 2110 § 2 (Exh. G), 2015; Ord. 2112 § 2 (Exh. B), 2015; Ord. 2245, 8/6/2024)
No sign shall be installed or maintained in an M, BI, NME, or MUTSA Zone, except as allowed under Section 14.12.010 Exempted Signs, or as otherwise noted in Table 14.16.050.
Table 14.16.050
Standards for Signs in Manufacturing Zones M, BI, NME, or MUTSA
Sign Type
Area
Height
Location
Number
Illumination1
Freestanding signs
1.5 sq ft per lineal ft of street frontage and 1 additional sq ft for each lineal ft of frontage over 100 ft2.
Max. 25 ft from ground level; min. clearance below lowest portion of a sign is 14 ft in any driveway or parking area.
Not permitted on any portion of a street, sidewalk, or public right-of-way.
1 multifaced sign permitted per street frontage.3
Permitted
Wall signs
Max. 10% of building face.4
Not above roofline or top of parapet wall, whichever is higher.
NA.
No limit.
Permitted
Roof signs
Max. 1 sq ft per lineal ft of street frontage.5
Max. 8 ft above highest point of building.6
Pending approval by fire marshal7; may not project over parapet wall.
1 multifaced sign per property permitted in place of, not in addition to, 1 freestanding sign.3
Permitted
Awning signs
Max. display surface is 25% of awning surface.8
No higher than the point where the roofline intersects the exterior wall.9
NA.
1 per frontage per occupancy.
Permitted
Hanging sign suspended beneath awning
Max. 1 sq ft per 1 lineal ft of awning length.
Min. 8 ft clearance from the ground to the lowest part of the sign or awning.
 
1 hanging sign per awning.
Permitted
Daily display signs
Max. 12 sq ft per display surface and 24 sq ft overall.
Max. 6 ft above ground level.
Not permitted within required landscaped areas or public right-of-way.10
1 per occupancy.
Permitted
Notes:
1
When fluorescent tubes are used for interior illumination of a sign within 500 feet of any residentially zoned property, such illumination shall not exceed illumination equivalent to 425 milliamperes rating tubes behind a Plexiglas face with tubes spaced at least 7 inches apart, center to center. No exposed incandescent lamp which exceeds 15 watts shall be used on the exterior surface of any sign so as to expose the face of such bulb or lamp to any public street or public right-of-way. Par spot or reflective-type bulbs may be used for indirect illumination of the display surface if properly shielded from direct glare onto streets or other property. See Section 14.24.020.
2
Not to exceed 250 sq ft of sign area per display surface for each sign, or a total of 1,000 sq ft for all display surfaces.
3
For properties with multiple frontages, one freestanding sign is permitted per frontage. In addition, where a single frontage exceeds 300 ft in length, one additional freestanding sign is permitted for that frontage. Multiple freestanding signs on the same frontage must be spaced a minimum of 150 ft from each other. One roof sign shall be permitted on the same property, in place of one of the allowable freestanding signs.
4
Includes signs painted directly on the building surface. In addition to the sign size limitations of this chapter, if an original art mural permitted under Title 20 occupies a wall where a wall sign has been proposed, the size of the wall sign shall be limited such that the total area of the original art mural plus the area of the wall sign does not exceed the maximum allowed.
5
For properties with multiple frontages, the total frontage length of the longest frontage shall be used to calculate the maximum total allowed area for all display surfaces of a roof sign. Roof signs shall not exceed 250 sq ft of sign area per display surface.
6
All roof signs shall be installed in such a manner that there shall be no visible angle iron or similar sign support structure.
7
Only approved by the fire marshal after a finding that the site, type, and location of the sign will not substantially interfere with firefighting.
8
Measured in vertical distance times length.
9
Regardless of the existence of a parapet wall.
10
A daily display sign may be allowed within the public right-of-way subject to the standards of Section 14.20.040.
(Ord. 1733 § 1(1) (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 1880 Exh. A, 2000; Ord. 1965 §§ 2, 3, 2006; Ord. 2001 § 2, 2009; Ord. 2078 § 2 (Exh. B), 2014; Ord. 2146 § 2, 2017; Ord. 2163 § 2, 2018)
No sign shall be installed or maintained in the DMU or OS Zones, except as allowed under Section 14.12.010 Exempted Signs, or as otherwise noted in this section.
A. 
Freestanding Sign
In the downtown zones, freestanding signs shall be monument type only. The sign face shall be no less than 60% of the total area of the monument. Pole signs are prohibited.
1. 
Area
The maximum permitted display surface area of a freestanding sign shall be computed on 1 sq ft of area per lineal ft of street or highway frontage.
a. 
In the OS Zone the maximum area shall not exceed 32 sq ft per display surface and 64 sq ft overall.
2. 
Height and/or Clearance
a. 
In the DMU Zone, freestanding signs are limited to a maximum height of 7 ft. Properties with frontage on McLoughlin Blvd may have freestanding signs with a maximum height of 15 ft and shall only be located along the McLoughlin Blvd frontage. Freestanding sign height shall be measured from the top of the sign to the lowest finished grade within a 6-ft horizontal distance from the sign.
b. 
In the OS Zone freestanding signs are limited to a maximum height of 6 ft above grade.
3. 
Number
One freestanding sign is permitted on a street or highway frontage.
B. 
Wall Sign
1. 
Area
The maximum permitted area of a wall sign shall be 20% of the building face.
a. 
In the OS Zone the maximum permitted area of a wall sign shall be 16 sq ft.
b. 
In addition to the sign size limitations of this chapter, if an original art mural permitted under Title 20 occupies a wall where a wall sign has been proposed, the size of the wall sign shall be limited such that the total area of the original art mural plus the area of the wall sign does not exceed the maximum allowed.
2. 
Height and/or Clearance
No wall sign shall extend above the roofline at the wall or the top of a parapet wall, whichever is higher.
3. 
Number
a. 
Dictated by area requirements.
b. 
In the OS Zone one wall sign is permitted in addition to one freestanding sign.
4. 
Location
Limited to the building surface or surfaces facing the public right-of-way only.
C. 
Awning Sign
1. 
Area
The maximum permitted display surface of an awning sign is 25% of the surface of the awning. For a sign hung or suspended underneath an awning, the sign shall not exceed in area one square foot per one lineal foot of awning length.
2. 
Height and/or Clearance
An awning sign may not extend higher than the point at which the roofline intersects the exterior wall, regardless of the existence of a parapet wall. An awning sign may not be located higher than the first floor of a building or 15 feet, whichever is less. The minimum clearance below an awning on which signage is hung or displayed is 8 feet from the sidewalk or ground level to the lowest portion of the awning or suspended sign, whichever is lowest.
3. 
Number
One awning sign per frontage per occupancy, and one sign hanging per awning, is permitted.
D. 
Daily Display Sign
1. 
Area
The maximum permitted area of a daily display sign shall be 8 square feet per display surface and 16 square feet overall, with a maximum height limit of 6 feet above ground level.
2. 
Number
1 daily display sign per occupancy is permitted.
3. 
Location
A daily display sign shall not be located within the required landscaped areas, and is allowed within the right-of-way only subject to the standards of Section 14.20.040.
E. 
Projecting Signs
1. 
Area
Projecting signs shall not exceed in gross area 20% of the face of the building to which the sign is attached or on which the sign is maintained. However, if a projecting sign is located on the same building face as a wall sign, the total of all sign surfaces shall not exceed 20% of the face of the building.
2. 
Height and/or Clearance
No projecting sign shall extend above the roofline at the wall or the top of a parapet wall, whichever is higher. No projecting sign shall project more than 5 feet from a building. Overhead clearance and projection into public rights-of-way shall be maintained so that no sign shall project within 2 feet of the curb nor beyond the distances specified in the Table 14.16.060.E.2.
Table 14.16.060.E.2
Projection of Signs into Public Rights-of-Way
Overhead Clearance
Maximum Projection Into Public Right-of-way
Less than 8 feet above finished floor/grade
Not permitted
8 feet above finished floor/grade
1 foot
8 to 16 feet above finished floor/grade
1 foot plus 6 inches for each foot of above clearance in excess of 8 feet
Over 16 feet above finished floor/grade
5 feet
3. 
Location
No projecting sign shall be located within 20 feet of another projecting sign. Of 2 signs not conforming to this provision, the first lawfully installed sign may remain.
4. 
Number
Only one projecting sign will be permitted on the same business frontage. No projecting sign shall be permitted on the same premises where there is a freestanding sign.
F. 
Marquee Signs
1. 
Area
The maximum display surface for a sign displayed on a marquee is 25% of the marquee surface.
2. 
Height
A marquee sign shall not extend higher than the point where the roofline intersects the wall, regardless of the existence of a parapet wall.
3. 
Location
Marquee signs shall not extend more than one foot from the surface of a marquee or more than one foot over the top edge of the marquee.
4. 
Number
One marquee sign is allowed per frontage per occupancy.
G. 
Under-Marquee Signs
1. 
Area
Under-marquee signs shall not exceed 6 square feet per display surface or 12 square feet in overall sign area.
2. 
Height and/or Clearance
Under-marquee signs must have 8 feet of clearance below the lowest portion of the sign and the ground below.
3. 
Location
Under-marquee signs shall not project within 2 feet of the curb.
4. 
Number
No limit, dictated by area requirements.
H. 
Illumination
Illuminated signs may be permitted subject to the following:
1. 
Signs with opaque letters or symbols that are backlit, having a light source behind the opaque area and not directly visible from in front of the sign, are permitted.
2. 
Par spot or reflective-type bulbs may be used for indirect illumination of the display surface if properly shielded from direct glare onto streets.
3. 
Awning signs must not be internally illuminated. Features on an awning sign may be externally illuminated subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission, per Section 19.1006 Type III Review, according to the following criteria:
a. 
Sign lighting should be designed as an integral component of the building and sign composition.
b. 
Sign lighting should be designed primarily for the enhancement of the pedestrian environment along adjacent streets and open spaces.
c. 
Lighting should contribute to a sign that is architecturally compatible with the character of the area.
4. 
Sign illumination must be directed away from, and not be reflected upon, adjacent premises.
5. 
Internally illuminated cabinet signs are discouraged in the downtown zones. Internal illumination of cabinet signs may be permitted subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission, per Section 19.1006 Type III Review, according to the following criteria:
a. 
The sign should be a unique design that responds to the downtown design guidelines in Subsection 19.508.4.
b. 
The sign copy should be lighter than the sign background.
c. 
The sign background should use a predominance of dark color or be opaque when the light source is on.
6. 
Neon signs with exposed tubing are allowed provided that light levels comply with Subsection 14.24.020.A and Subsection 14.24.020.D.
7. 
Electronic display signs are permitted for properties that have frontage on McLoughlin Blvd, subject to the following standards:
a. 
An electronic display sign may be included only as part of a larger sign, and the electronic display portion of the sign is subject to the more restrictive of the following size limitations:
(1) 
25% of the size of the sign face that contains the electronic display sign, abuts the electronic display sign, or is on the same sign structure as the electronic display sign.
(2) 
20 sq ft.
b. 
An electronic display sign shall be primarily visible from, and oriented toward, McLoughlin Blvd and not toward any other street on which the property has frontage.
c. 
Illumination for an electronic display sign is subject to the standards of Subsection 14.24.020.G.1.
d. 
The manner of display on electronic display signs shall comply with the standards of Subsection 14.24.020.G.3.
e. 
Incorporating an electronic display sign within an existing nonconforming sign is allowed subject to the regulations of Subsection 14.28.020.A.3.b.
(Ord. 1733 § 1(1) (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 1916 § 3 (Exh. B), 2003; Ord. 1917 § 3 (Exh. B), 2003; Ord. 1965 §§ 2, 3, 2006; Ord. 1977 § 2, 2008; Ord. 2001 § 2, 2009; Ord. 2025 § 3, 2011; Ord. 2040 § 2 (Exh. B), 2011; Ord. 2078 § 2 (Exh. B), 2014; Ord. 2106 § 2 (Exh. F), 2015; Ord. 2161 § 2, 2018; Ord. 2235 § 2, 2023)