The intent and purpose of this chapter is to upgrade the viability of the business district by making its environment more attractive to customers. Improvement of the business district would be achieved by regulating the size, height, construction, location, graphic qualities and general upkeep of signs and sign structures. This chapter will enhance the physical beauty and business climate within the city; provide for public safety; encourage local shopping; protect property values and work toward preserving and enhancing the overall beauty of the city.
(Ord. 222 § 2, 1993)
All signs are subject to the provisions of this chapter. A "sign" is: any physical form of visual communication, including its structure and component parts, which is exposed to exterior view to attract attention to or provide information about the subject matter, through use of any combination of words, letters, figures and/or symbols.
For further definitions of terms used within this chapter, refer to Section 11.01.030.
(Ord. 222 § 2, 1993)
The city has adopted the following general policies for signage:
A. 
Advertising clutter shall be minimized and effectiveness of allowed signage maximized.
B. 
Design integrity and harmony with the underlying structure and nearby signs shall be required.
C. 
Flexibility shall be allowed in the interest of creative design and commercial viability.
D. 
Identity of the foothill boulevard districts shall be enhanced.
(Ord. 222 § 2, 1993)
Allowable signs are generally subject to review for conformance with the general policies of this chapter and with standards set forth below. Temporary and other signs not subject to review are set forth in subsection (A)(2) of this section. Prohibited signs are listed in subsection D of this section.
A. 
Allowable Signs.
1. 
Signs Subject to Review.
a. 
Commercial Signage Standards (see also Bonuses, subsection (1)(b))
 
Maximum Size/Area
Max. # per Business
Placement
Form/Materials
Color
Illumination
Typestyle/Graphics
General Notes:
Total 1 square foot per linear ft. of bldg. frontage, + Bonuses (subsec. b)
 
At least 15 square feet allowed for each tenant
 
Letter height 18″, + Bonuses (subsec. b)
2 + Bonuses (subsec. b) + monument signs
No part of sign above parapet or more than 2′ above eave
 
No more than 35% of maximum allowable signage area may be more than 12′ above adjacent grade
 
Margin distance from copy to edge of sign shall be at least 15% of the corresponding total dimension of copy
Plexiglass or plastic material may not be glossy, may not be used for pictorial graphics
 
Min. 3/4″ returns are required on copy
 
No exposed conduit, raceways, or other mechanical fixtures allowed
Colors shall be compatible with surroundings
 
Colors from District palette as adopted by separate Planning Commission resolution are required
 
Letters and/or field shall be opaque
 
White or bright backgrounds discouraged
Illumination of all signs shall be limited to subdued lighting
 
Internally illuminated and neon signs shall be at least 7′ above grade, except indirect neon
 
No internal illumination is allowed in Old Town District (La Cañada Blvd. to Alta Canyada Road)
Exposed neon may be used for script and/or pictorial graphics only
 
Typestyles from District palette as adopted be separate Planning Commission resolution are required
 
The name of the center or business shall be the dominant focus of the sign
Wall signs:
See General Notes total; see subsection b for bonuses
1 + Bonuses (subsec. b)
Freestanding above or below bldg. projection encouraged (see Bonus subsection b)
 
Alignment of top of sign with top of adjacent sign(s) req'd in multitenant building
Geometric signs of plastic materials prohibited
 
Depth of small sign to be limited, especially when close to street
Letter color same as background color encouraged (see Bonuses subsection b)
 
Unless waived through review, an outline of the copy is required in contrasting color for painted signs
Projecting signs:
3′ Width; 6′ Height
 
Min. 2:1 Height to Width ratio if width exceeds 2′
1 + Bonuses (subsec. b)
Min. distance from neighboring projecting sign: 50′ or tenant width, whichever is less
 
Min. 7′ clearance above grade (8′ req'd above public right-of-way)
Flexible materials allowed if mounted on opposite ends
 
 
 
Awning signs:
Letter height: max. 8″ if used w/ wall sign &/or projecting sign
1 + valance signs per Bonuses (subsec. b)
Adequate distance from neighboring signage as to not block view from 30° angle
 
Valance min. 7′ above grade, w/4′ max. encroachment
 
Lettering on valance only, if used in conjunction with a wall sign or projecting sign
No glossy materials allowed
 
Open framework allowed beneath awning only
 
No general illumination of awning is allowed
 
Ground signs:
6′ above grade
 
Width: 8′
 
Area: 30 sq. ft.
1 per 100′ of street frontage of parcel
 
Max. 2 per property
50′ min. distance from neighboring ground sign
Plastic and plexiglass are prohibited
 
Landscaping at base required unless waived through review
 
Geometric signs of plastic materials prohibited
 
Exposed neon and internal illumination prohibited
 
Indirect neon encouraged
No more than 8 tenants may be identified on a directory monument sign, unless provided for under Section 11.37.050, "Exceptions"
Window signs (permanent):
See General Notes total; see ubsection b for bonuses
 
Within 3′ of window
 
White, pastel, and satin-finish metallic encouraged
Direct lighting of signs within windows prohibited
Only business name/logo or generic product service/type
b. 
Bonuses. Bonuses are applicable to adjust the standards set forth in subsection A of this section. See also Section 11.37.050, Exceptions.
If the city finds the resulting signage consistent with the general policies of this chapter, allowable sign area and total maximum allowable area may be increased due to the following site and design characteristics. The cumulative total of area bonuses, except as listed below under subsections (b)(ii), (iii) (iv), shall not exceed 50% of underlying maximum area.
Bonuses Based on Site Characteristics.
i. 
Distance of sign from lot frontage on Foothill Boulevard, at the rate of one percent additional sign area and/or letter height allowed for each four feet of distance, for a bonus of up to 50%.
ii. 
Narrow Building Relative to Lot. If the building frontage is less than 50% of the lot frontage, an additional one square foot is allowed for each five linear feet of lot frontage.
iii. 
Secondary Street Frontage. An additional one square foot per two linear feet of building frontage upon a secondary street is allowed for signage to face that street.
iv. 
Frontage Facing Side or Rear Parking Lot or Alley. An additional ten square feet of sign area is allowed for signs facing an alley or parking area of at least 15 spaces to the side or rear of the building.
Bonuses Based on Sign Design Characteristics.
v. 
Thin Lettering. Allowable sign area may be increased up to 50% by multiplying the allowable area by the bonus factor:
B
=
A
-
100
LW
where:
B= bonus factor (% of underlying allowable area);
L = number of letters;
A = sign area (sq. in.); and
W = width of stroke inches)
vi. 
Spacing between letters may be omitted from area calculations to the extent that spacing exceeds one-half the average letter width.
vii. 
Appendages to letters shall be exempt from the city's margin distance requirements on signs with fields, and shall be omitted from tabulation of sign area on signs without fields.
viii. 
Wall sign area and total maximum allowable area may be increased due to:
(A) 
Letters matching the color of the wall to which they are directly affixed shall be counted at 0.75 of actual area.
(B) 
Freestanding letters atop or below a building projection, provided that their depth is at least three inches, shall be counted at 0.9 times their actual frontal area.
Exclusion from Tabulation of Sign Area and Number.
ix. 
Suspended projecting signs shall be omitted from calculation of sign area if:
(A) 
Said signs do not exceed two feet in height and width;
(B) 
Said signs are more than fifty feet apart within the same tenant frontage; and
(C) 
Said signs are less than ten feet in height directly above grade.
x. 
Awning valance signs containing only the name of the business, limited to one per awning and not exceeding eight inches in height.
xi. 
Window signs (permanent) are not to be counted as part of overall sign area, provided that the lettering on such signs does not exceed six inches in height and that no portion of the exempt signage be at an elevation higher than four feet above the adjacent grade.
B. 
Residential Zone Signage. The only signs permitted in a residential zone are those signs designated in subsection C of this section as review-exempt, and the following:
1. 
Single-Family Zones. Permanent subdivision identification signs shall be permitted. Any illumination shall be limited to subdued lighting. Subdivision identification signs shall be subject to the restrictions imposed on commercial ground signs (see subsection (A)(1)(a)) of this section, except that height may not exceed three feet.
2. 
Multifamily Zones. One multifamily housing complex identification sign shall be permitted. Any illumination shall be limited to subdued lighting. Identification signs shall be subject to the restrictions imposed on commercial ground signs (see subsection (A)(1)(a) of this section), except for size. The sign area shall not exceed eight square feet for each multifamily complex containing one to nine units, nor 16 square feet for each multifamily complex containing ten to 29 units, nor 32 square feet for each multi-family complex with 30 or more units.
3. 
Temporary Subdivision Signs.
a. 
Regulations. Temporary subdivision signs shall be limited to 40 square feet of sign area, and located no closer than ten feet to a paved right-of-way. No tag sign, streamers or other appurtenances shall be affixed to a subdivision sign. All temporary subdivision signs shall be removed upon sale of all homes in the subdivision or model complex advertised. Any change of copy to advertise a different subdivision shall require a new permit.
b. 
Permit. A permit is required for any temporary subdivision sign. The permit application shall be accompanied by a fee and surety bond or cash deposit in an amount established by resolution of the city council to guarantee removal of the sign within 15 days after termination of the permit. A permit shall be valid for one year and shall be renewed by the director of community development for subsequent one-year periods following approval of an application for renewal accompanied by a fee in an amount established by resolution of the city council, as long as any unit with the subdivision remains unsold.
4. 
Nonresidential Uses in Residential Zones. One nonilluminated or indirectly illuminated sign may be used for an allowed nonresidential use, subject to restrictions on commercial ground signs (see subsection (A)(1)(a) of this section).
C. 
Review-Exempt Signs. The following signs are permitted on private property without discretionary city approval; provided, that the signs conform to the following standards. Signs within review-exempt categories exceeding the limits set herein shall be subject to discretionary review.
1. 
Temporary Signs.
a. 
Noncommercial Signs.
i. 
Political Signs. Total sign area shall not exceed 80 square feet per parcel.
ii. 
Election Signs. Display of election signs shall be removed within five days after such election. Election signs placed on one lot shall not exceed a total area of 80 square feet.
iii. 
Civic Event and Public Service Signs. Display of civic event and public service signs shall not exceed three thirty (30) day periods in one year. Total sign area shall not exceed 80 square feet per parcel.
iv. 
Government Posters.
v. 
Property Regulation Signs. Property regulation signs shall not be illuminated and shall not exceed three square feet in area for each occupancy or for each 100 feet of building frontage of a single occupancy.
2. 
Temporary commercial signs allowed without review are limited to the following:
a. 
Temporary signs, including banner or fabric signs, for the sole purpose of marking the opening of a new business, displayed upon the building containing such new business and for no more than 30 days after its opening. Area shall not exceed 150% of the allowable area for permanent signage.
b. 
Temporary window signs or non-paper promotional banners not exceeding 24 square feet in sign area. The sole purpose of these signs shall be to advertise a sale of merchandise or services. Such signs shall cover no more than 25% of total window display area eight feet or less above grade and on the same building face. No more than two of such signs may be displayed, and display shall not exceed a period of 15 days in a 45 day period. Color of temporary window signs shall conform to the standards for the district in which the sign is located, as shown in the official color palette.
c. 
Realty Signs.
i. 
Number. One "For Sale" or "For Lease" sign may be displayed per street frontage of the property to which it refers. One "Open House" sign may be displayed on the property during the hours of the open house.
ii. 
Size. No realty sign shall exceed 12 square feet in area or six feet in height.
iii. 
Location. Realty sign shall be placed inside the subject property lines unless an agreement is made to display the sign on another private parcel or on the public right-of-way through an encroachment permit. Realty signs shall not block line of sight for ingress and egress.
iv. 
Construction and Trades Signs. Only one such sign per project is allowed, with a maximum 12 square feet in area or six feet in height. The sign shall not be located closer than five feet to the property line. The sign may not be erected more than 60 working days before beginning construction and must be removed within five days following the completion of the work.
3. 
Permanent Signs.
a. 
Permanent Commercial Signs.
i. 
Address number signs not exceeding the minimum size required by the fire department.
ii. 
Incidental identification signs shall be limited to the following: Sign(s) not exceeding a total of four square feet in area per occupancy, and not more than four feet in height above the adjacent grade, designating the owner and/or occupant of the property, hours of operation, and/or address, or designating "manager" or "office" or the availability of major credit cards or other nonadvertising designations; provided, that said signs are not internally illuminated.
iii. 
"Open/closed" sign, limited to the following: One sign not to exceed four square feet attached to the building of business indicating that the establishment is open or closed for business.
iv. 
Directional on-site signs, limited to one per vehicular entrance or exit, not exceeding two square feet in area or three feet in height from grade to top of sign.
v. 
Service Station Signs. In addition to the basic allowed signs established by the frontage of the enclosed building, service stations may be permitted up to 24 square feet of review-exempt sign area for signs denoting gasoline prices or trading stamps, credit card, or other related information, and additional review-exempt sign area as required by governing public agencies. Digital signage shall not be permitted as part of the 24 square feet of review-exempt sign area, except as follows in subsection a.
a. 
Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, fuel pricing numerals may incorporate digital LED signage, not subject to Section 11.37.040(D), provided:
i. 
The combined area of the pricing portions of the display (price numerals) does not exceed four square feet total per sign face measured with the smallest rectangle drawn per each numeral set (e.g., where the price for gas is $3.59 9/10 per gal; the rectangle will circumscribe the numerals 3.59 9/10); and
ii. 
Any digital display containing animation, streaming video, or text or images which flash, pulsate, move, or scroll is prohibited; and
iii. 
The content of a digital display must transition by changing instantly; and
iv. 
When refacing existing signage, there is no change to the existing overall height or existing square footage; and
v. 
The addition of any digital display to an illegal sign is prohibited; and
vi. 
When feasible, the sign shall be powered from an existing circuit; and
vii. 
Brightness shall not exceed 0.3-foot candles greater than ambient lighting conditions and be governed by a photosensor controller. The measurement shall be taken perpendicular to the sign, at a distance consistent with the following formula: Measurement distance = square root of (the approved monument sign area (sq. ft.) x 100); and
viii. 
The LED color emitted is white. Any other color shall require discretionary review.
4. 
Permanent Noncommercial Signs.
a. 
House address and/or identification signs; provided, that they do not exceed two sign faces each two square feet or less in area, for each driveway entrance. Subdued lighting may be used. Placement in the public right-of-way may be allowed with an encroachment permit from the director of public works.
b. 
Bulletin boards for noncommercial uses; provided, that total square footage of said board(s) does not exceed 12 square feet per use. Subdued lighting may be used.
c. 
Security signs; provided, that each sign not exceed one square foot in area or a total area of four square feet per parcel.
D. 
Prohibited Signs. The following signs and/or sign structures are prohibited:
1. 
By Nuisance or Hazardous Characteristics.
a. 
Signs Which Conflict with Traffic Control Signs. Signs or sign structures which by color, wording or location, resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or devices.
b. 
Signs Which Create Safety Hazards. Signs which obstruct vehicular views of pedestrians or other vehicles or pedestrian views of vehicles, so as to affect the safety of the public.
c. 
Rotating, moving, scintillating, blinking or flashing illumination signs, except for randomly blinking Tivoli lights.
d. 
Electronic reader boards, of more than four square feet of area.
2. 
By Form.
a. 
Flags, pennants, banners, bunting, streamers or balloons, except:
i. 
Temporary signage as provided for in subsection (C)(1) of this section;
ii. 
Those bearing solely noncommercial messages;
iii. 
Balloons less than one foot in any dimension; and
iv. 
Flags of government entities; provided, that the flag area does not exceed 20 square feet per flag or 80 square feet total per parcel.
b. 
Commercial Advertising Statuary or Holograms.
3. 
By Location.
a. 
Billboards and other off-premises signs, except for noncommercial off-premises signs.
b. 
Paper products signs used in exterior locations, including temporary signs.
c. 
Bench signs.
d. 
Portable signs, except for:
i. 
Noncommercial signs;
ii. 
Signs expressly specified as allowed and exempt from review under subsection C of this section; and
iii. 
Signs expressly permitted in the public right-of-way (subsection (D)(4) below).
4. 
Public Right-of-Way. Signs located anywhere within the public right-of-way, except for the following:
a. 
Incidental lettering on objects, within the public right-of-way, for which an encroachment permit has been obtained from the director of public works, such as umbrellas, vending carts, and menu boards; provided, that the lettering or extent of lettering has been indicated on the approved drawings for the encroachment permit;
b. 
Publicly posted business signage as sponsored by a city program;
c. 
Addresses in noncommercial zones subject to public works approval;
d. 
Election signs placed within the unimproved public right-of-way (parkway area) between the property line and curb line or improved public right-of-way with the approval of the abutting property owner or occupant. This provision shall only apply to unimproved public right-of-way abutting developed single-family residential lots and shall be subject to the following restrictions:
i. 
An individual sign shall not be greater in size than six square feet and the total aggregate of all signs shall be no greater than 36 square feet; and
ii. 
Signs shall not be placed in a manner that creates a potential or actual safety hazard; and
iii. 
Signs may be removed by the city in such case as the city manager, or designee, reasonably determines that the location of the sign(s) creates a potential or actual safety hazard to pedestrian, vehicular, and/or equestrian traffic due to line of sight or access-related impacts from the sign(s). Upon removal, the city shall return the sign(s) to the abutting property owner or occupant along with a notice that the sign may be relocated so as not to create a potential or actual safety hazard.
5. 
Signs Erected on Hillsides. Signs of any kind, including those created by the arrangement of vegetation, rocks or other objects on a hillside visible from a public right-of-way.
6. 
Other Categories.
a. 
Geometric signs of plastic materials.
b. 
Obscene Signs. Signs that display a message or graphic representation that is obscene.
c. 
Any other sign not expressly allowed within the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 222 § 2, 1993; Ord. 246 § 1(b), 1995; Ord. 387 § 1, 2010)
Aside from categorically prohibited signs (Section 11.37.040(D)) and standards pertaining to maximum size/area, maximum number per business, and placement (Section 11.37.040(A)(1)(a)), exceptions from the standards of this chapter may be allowed through public design review pursuant to Section 11.37.060; provided, that approval findings be made that such exceptions effectuate the general policies for this chapter as set forth in Section 11.37.030.
(Ord. 222 § 2, 1993)
A. 
All signs except those prohibited and those specifically exempted from review by this chapter, require approval by the director of community development prior to installation or issuance of any permits required by the building department.
B. 
Applications for sign approval shall be submitted to the planning department and shall be accompanied by a fee in an amount established by resolution of the city council, and by six drawing sets showing:
1. 
Site Plan. A site plan of the property with the location of buildings, walls, neighboring structures, and other features indicated and dimensioned.
2. 
Position and Relationship of Sign. The position of each sign and its relationship to adjacent buildings and structures.
3. 
Design of Sign. The height, dimensions, area calculations, shape, copy and design of each sign and supporting structure, including callouts of colors and materials, and samples thereof unless exempted by the director of community development.
C. 
Additional information may be required by the director of community development to determine compliance with this chapter.
D. 
Applications shall also include the following information:
1. 
The name and address of the business proprietor and property owner;
2. 
Authorization by either the property owner or any authorized representative of the owner, for review and action on the application.
E. 
Permit Approval.
1. 
After a complete application is filed, the director of community development shall determine whether the proposed sign is in conformance with standards and general policies established by this chapter, and with the following criteria:
a. 
The sign's size, shape, color, placement and compatibility with existing signs shall be considered in order to determine if the sign is compatible with and bears a harmonious relationship to its building, site and surroundings.
b. 
The sign's location and design, lettering, colors, decorative motifs, spacing and proportions shall be considered in order to determine whether the sign would be legible and that it would not obscure from view or unduly detract from existing adjacent signs or features.
c. 
The sign's design shall be considered in order to determine whether it would be in keeping with the overall character of the development.
2. 
Changes or modifications of existing signage for existing buildings, including signage in a new location on such buildings, shall require only director of community development review and approval; however, the director may require that the design review board review and act upon the proposal. The resulting decision, whether by the director or by the design review board, shall be final, subject to the right of appeal to the planning commission. The planning commission decision shall be subject to appeal to the city council.
3. 
All other signage for which review is required shall be subject to design review board approval, conditional approval, or denial, with the design review board to determine whether the proposed sign is in conformance with standards and general policies established by this chapter as well as the other criteria set forth in this section. Decisions of the design review board are subject to appeal to the planning commission. The planning commission decision shall be subject to appeal to the city council.
4. 
Any appeal pursuant to this section must be filed within 15 days after the date of the action being appealed. The appeal must be in writing and filed with the city clerk, with the appropriate fees in the amount established by resolution of the city council. In the event of an appeal to the city council, its decision regarding the matter shall be final and conclusive.
5. 
Compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall not substitute for compliance with the building code of the city, as it applies to the construction or maintenance of a sign.
6. 
The director of community development shall authorize the issuance of a permit for any sign after compliance with all applicable requirements of this chapter has been achieved.
(Ord. 222 § 2, 1993)
A. 
Non-Approved Signs. The city may require removal, without compensation, of the following signs:
1. 
Any sign which was installed without first complying with all ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of its construction and erection or use;
2. 
Any sign found posted, or otherwise affixed upon any public property contrary to the provisions of this subsection may be immediately removed by the city.
B. 
Legal Nonconforming Signs. Legal nonconforming on-premises signs shall be removed without compensation, if the sign meets any of the following criteria:
1. 
Any sign, including its supporting structure, whose use has ceased, or has been abandoned by its owner, for a period of not less than 90 days. Costs incurred in removing an abandoned sign shall be charged to the legal owner;
2. 
Any sign which has been more than 50% destroyed, and the destruction is other than facial copy replacement, and the sign is not repaired within 30 days of the date of its destruction;
3. 
Any sign whose owner, outside of a change of copy subject to design approval, requests permission to: (i) remodel and remodels that sign; or (ii) expands or enlarges the building or land use upon which the sign is located and the sign is affected by the construction, enlargement or remodeling, or the cost of construction, enlargement or remodeling of the sign exceeds 50% of the cost of reconstruction of the building. (Changes of copy are subject to approval unless categorized in Section 11.37.040(C) as review-exempt;)
4. 
Any sign whose owner seeks relocation thereof and relocates the sign;
5. 
Any temporary sign which is beyond the time limits set within this chapter for its category of temporary sign;
6. 
Any sign which, in the determination of the city building inspector, is or may become a danger to the public or which is unsafe;
7. 
Any sign which constitutes a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts of the city or Los Angeles County.
C. 
Deactivation of Signs. Any sign which rotates, moves, scintillates, blinks or flashes, shall be deactivated within 60 days from the effective date of this chapter, without compensation.
D. 
Limitations on Properties with Nonconforming Signs.
1. 
No sign shall be added to an occupancy with a nonconforming sign unless the total allowable sign area square footage and at least one nonconforming sign associated with such occupancy is made conforming.
2. 
No modification shall be made to an existing building unless the total allowable sign area square footage and at least one nonconforming sign is made conforming.
(Ord. 222 § 2, 1993)
A. 
Signs which may be removed without compensation shall be abated pursuant to the following process:
1. 
Director's Notice. The director shall provide notice by any means which he or she deems desirable to the owner(s) of the business and the property at which the sign is located of the need to remove such sign, and/or to bring the sign into compliance with this chapter. Such notice shall specify a date by which compliance shall be obtained, which shall be not less than ten days from the date of such notice.
2. 
Adoption of Resolution. The city council shall, by resolution, declare as public nuisances any sign to be abated. The resolution shall describe the property upon which or in front of which the sign exists by its lot and block number on the city or Los Angeles County Assessment Map and its street address if known. Prior to adoption of the resolution, the city clerk shall provide at least ten days' written notice to all persons owning property described in the proposed resolution according to the last equalized assessment roll. The notice shall state the date, time and place of the hearing and generally describe its purpose and the nature of the illegality of the signs to be abated.
3. 
Posted and Written Notice. Following adoption of the resolution, the director shall conspicuously post notices on or in front of the property on or in front of which the sign is located, at least ten days prior to the date for hearing objections set by the city council. The notice shall be substantially in the following form:
NOTICE TO REMOVE ILLEGAL SIGNS
Notice is hereby given that on the day of , the City Council of the City of La Cañada Flintridge adopted Resolution No. declaring that an illegal sign is located upon or in front of this property which constitutes a public nuisance and must be abated by removal of the illegal sign. Otherwise, the sign will be removed, and the nuisance abated by the City. The cost of removal will be assessed upon the property from or in front of which the sign is removed and will constitute a lien upon the property until paid. Reference is hereby made to the resolution for further particulars. A copy of this Resolution is on file in the office of the City Clerk.
All property owners having any objection to the proposed removal of the sign are hereby notified to attend a meeting of the City Council of the City of La Cañada Flintridge to be held on , at , when their objections will be heard and given due consideration.
Dated this day of   ,   .
City Clerk
City Clerk
4. 
Written Notice. In addition to posting notice as set forth above, the city clerk shall mail written notice of the proposed abatement to all persons owning property described in the resolution. The city clerk shall also mail written notice to each person on whom the described property is assessed in the last available equalized assessment roll at least ten days prior to the date for hearing objections set by the city council.
5. 
Hearing and Order to Abate. At the time stated in the notices, the city council shall hear and consider all objections to the proposed removal of the sign(s). The city council shall by motion or resolution at the conclusion of the hearing allow or overrule any objections. Following disposition of any objections made, the city council shall, by motion or resolution, order the director or designee to abate the nuisance by having the sign(s) removed.
6. 
Abatement of Nuisance by City or Owner.
a. 
The director may enter private property to abate the nuisance. Prior to said officer's arrival, any property owner may remove the illegal sign at the owner's own expense.
b. 
The director shall keep an account of the cost of abatement of each sign, and shall submit an itemized written report showing that cost to the city council for confirmation. A copy of said report shall be posted at City Hall for at least three days prior to its submission to the city council, with notice of the time of submission.
c. 
At the designated time of submission, the city council shall hear the report of abatement costs and any objections of the property owner(s) liable to be assessed for the abatement, and may modify the report if necessary. The city council shall then confirm the report by motion or resolution.
7. 
Cost of Abatement.
a. 
The cost of abatement in front of or upon each parcel of property, and the cost incurred by the city in enforcing abatement upon the parcel(s), including investigation, boundary determination, measurement, clerical and other related costs, are a special assessment against that parcel. After the assessment is made and confirmed, a lien attaches on the parcel upon recordation of the order confirming the assessment by the office of the Los Angeles County recorder. Such lien does not attach to the real property where the property has been transferred to a bona fide purchaser for value, or if a lien of a bona fide encumbrancer for value has been created and attaches thereon, prior to the date on which the first installment of the assessment would become delinquent, and in such cases the cost of abatement and enforcement relating to the property shall be transferred to the unsecured roll for collection.
b. 
After confirmation of the report, a copy shall be given to the Los Angeles County tax assessor and the tax collector, who shall add the amount of the assessment to the next regular tax bill levied against the parcel for municipal purposes. The county auditor shall enter each assessment on the county tax roll opposite the parcel of land.
c. 
The amount of the assessment shall be collected at the time and in the manner of ordinary municipal taxes.
B. 
The procedures set forth in subsection A of this section shall not be deemed exclusive, and the city reserves the right to abate signs in accordance with any other provision of law.
(Ord. 222 § 2, 1993)
Every sign shall be maintained in good structural and aesthetic condition at all times. All signs shall be neatly painted, cleaned and defective parts replaced as required by the building official.
(Ord. 222 § 2, 1993)