City of Oroville, CA Chapter 17.20 SIGN REGULATIONS

§ 17.20.010 Purpose and applicability.

A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide standards to safeguard the public health, safety and welfare, and to enhance the aesthetic character of development in the city, by regulating and controlling the design, number, area, height, quality of materials, construction, illumination, location, and maintenance of all signs and sign structures and to implement the purposes, policies and programs of the general plan.

B. Applicability. The requirements of this section shall apply in all districts.

C. Exceptions. Exceptions to the standards of this section may be granted by the planning commission if warranted for safeguarding the public health, safety and welfare.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.020 Noncommercial signs and messages.

A. Any sign that is allowed under the provisions of this section may contain a noncommercial message.

B. Signs displaying a message which is not commercial in nature, including those that are displayed temporarily, are considered noncommercial signs. Messages typically relate to topics of public concern and debate, such as, by way of example and not limitation, religion, politics, arts, science, philosophy, commentary on governmental policy, etc. Noncommercial signs shall be allowed subject to the following requirements:

1. Noncommercial signs are permitted at all times in any zone.

2. No individual sign shall exceed 6 square feet in RL, R-1, R-2, R-3, RP, and R-4 zones and 32 square feet in all other zones.

3. No sign shall be placed within any public right-of-way or so as to obstruct a required sight distance area (see Figure 17.20.060-1 of this chapter).

4. The signs shall be placed on private property.

5. Campaign signs are subject to state law regarding temporary political signs.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.030 General provisions.

A. Materials and Structural Components.

1. All permanent signs that are displayed outdoors shall be constructed of durable, weatherproof materials.

2. All materials and structural components in a permanent sign shall meet the applicable requirements of the city building code. Illuminated signs shall meet the requirements of the city electrical code.

B. Maintenance. All signs, together with all of their supporting structural elements, shall be kept in a state of good repair at all times. Damage to signs, including cracked sign faces, frayed or weathered fabric, and broken lighting, shall be repaired. Failure to comply with this requirement shall be considered a violation of this section.

C. Permission of Property Owner. No person shall erect, construct, or maintain any sign or sign structure on any property or building without the written consent of the owner, holder, lessee, agent, or trustee thereof.

D. Sign Area. The area of a sign shall be calculated as follows:

1. The area circumscribed by the smallest geometric shape created with a maximum of 8 straight lines that will enclose all words, letters, figures, symbols, designs, and pictures, which form an integral part of an individual message.

2. The area of a sign with 2 parallel faces, such as the projecting sign shown in Figure 17.20.030-1 shall be measured as the area of the largest face.

Figure 17.20.030-1

Sign with 2 Parallel Faces

3. The area of a spherical, conical, cylindrical, or other non-rectangular 3-dimensional sign shall be measured as the area of the smallest rectangle that encloses the maximum projection of that sign onto a vertical plane, as shown in Figure 17.20.030-2.

Figure 17.20.030-2

3-Dimensional Sign

4. Structural elements that do not include any words, characters, symbols, and images shall not be counted as part of the sign area.

5. For signs that may be double-faced, such as freestanding and projecting signs, only one face shall be considered in the sign area calculation.

E. Sign Height.

1. The height of a sign shall be measured from the finished grade at which the sign is placed to the highest point of the sign, including any decorative or supporting structures associated with the sign.

2. The finished grade at a sign's base shall not be artificially raised above the surrounding finished grade for the purpose of increasing the sign's elevation above the ground.

F. Noncommercial and Political Signs. No provision of this chapter shall prohibit a political or other noncommercial message on a sign otherwise permitted by this chapter.

G. Prohibited Signs. The following types of signs shall be prohibited:

1. Signs that bear or contain statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character that offends public morals or decency.

2. Roof signs.

3. Rotating/revolving signs.

4. Signs that have become a public nuisance due to inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment.

5. Signs that obstruct a door, window, fire escape, or other required access way.

6. Wind-driven signs, "A" frame signs, sandwich boards, and portable signs except as specifically permitted in Sections 17.20.090 (Temporary signs) and 17.20.150 (Requirements for downtown historic overlay (DH-O) districts) of this chapter.

7. Video or any other electronic display signs with continuous motion, blinking, flashing or fluttering lights, or any other illuminated device which has a changing light intensity or brightness, except as otherwise authorized by this code.

8. Signs affixed to structures in the public right-of-way, except as otherwise provided for in this section, such as telephone poles, light poles, utility fixtures, posts, and fences; provided, however, as follows:

a. Temporary signs may be posted on any public kiosk that provides space intended for the posting of signs.

b. Official signs posted or required by a government agency, or a public utility or service, may be affixed to structures in the public right-of-way.

9. Signs attached, affixed, or carried by vehicles, excluding decals and painted signs, that advertise a business, service, or product, whether that business, service, or product is located on the same site or a different site. This prohibition shall not apply to standard identification practices where these signs are painted on or permanently attached to a commercial vehicle used to conduct a land use located on the site, or to bumper stickers.

10. Signs that attempt or appear to attempt to direct traffic, or that interfere with, imitate, or resemble any official traffic device.

11. Signs that were unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained.

12. Signs that interfere with visibility for drivers at an intersection, public right-of-way, or driveway.

13. Signs emitting audible sounds.

14. Signs held or supported by mechanical or static figures in the public right-of-way; except for noncommercial signs.

H. Sign Face Removal. A sign face shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business it advertises is no longer on the premises. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign face after the business has been discontinued, the building official shall issue the owner a citation. If the sign is not removed within 90 days after the citation has been issued, the sign face shall be deemed nonconforming and shall be removed as provided in Section 17.20.180 (Removal of signs) of this chapter.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1806 § 2, 2014; Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.040 Sign permits.

A. Permit Required. All signs shall hereafter be erected, re-erected, constructed, painted, affixed, altered, or maintained in accordance with this section. A separate permit shall be required for each such sign; however, when multiple signs are to be installed on one site, a single application shall be filed for all of the signs.

B. Sign Permits and Development Review. When a project is subject to development review, any signs associated with the project shall be evaluated by the review authority for development review, rather than in accordance with the procedure described in this section.

1. The review authority shall verify compliance with all applicable requirements of this section, considering the sign face as well as any structural elements of the sign. Sign permits shall be issued upon the approval of the development review application.

2. The review authority shall issue a sign permit only upon determining that:

a. The signs use a palette of colors and materials that is generally related to the architecture and design of other buildings and signs on the site.

b. The signs conform to the requirements of this section, as well as any applicable specific plan adopted by the city council.

C. Application.

1. Application for a sign permit shall be submitted through a building permit application with the building division, accompanied by any fee established by resolution of the city council. Plans will be routed to both the building and planning divisions for review. In addition to the building division's requirements, the planning division requires the application contain all of the following information:

a. The location by street, number and assessor's parcel number of the proposed sign;

b. The name and address of the owner and the sign contractor or erector;

c. Site plans showing the location of the proposed sign(s) and dimensions of any existing onsite structures;

d. Scale drawings showing the sign's design and location;

e. An inventory of the location, sign area and type of all existing permitted signs on the site; and

f. Any other pertinent information that is necessary to ensure compliance with this section.

D. Inspections. All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official.

E. Exempt Signs. The following signs shall not require a sign permit and shall not be counted towards the allowable sign area or number of signs for a building or use. These exemptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from the responsibility to comply with the provisions of this section and with all other applicable regulations.

1. Temporary signs, as described in Section 17.20.090 (Temporary signs) of this chapter.

2. Required signs, as described in Section 17.20.050 (Required signs) of this chapter.

3. Non-advertising signs, including, but not limited to, "No Trespassing," "Private Drive," "Beware of Dog," etc.

4. Professional name plates that have a maximum area of 2 square feet.

5. One bulletin board, with a maximum area of 12 square feet, located on the premises of a community facility or institution such as a park, school, library, community center, or house of worship.

6. One memorial sign or tablet, with a maximum area of 4 square feet, that includes information such as the name of a building and the date when it was erected, provided that the sign is cut into a masonry surface or constructed of an incombustible material such as bronze.

7. On-site directional or informational signs, with a maximum area of 5 square feet for each sign, that provide information for the convenience or safety of the public, such as directional signs in parking lots, hours of business and locations of telephones, ATMs or restrooms.

8. Any flag with a noncommercial message provided that the pole height is no greater than 25 feet and the flag's longest dimension is no greater than 25% of the length of the pole.

9. Signs within a building, or on the premises of a building, that are not visible from a public street.

10. Murals on the exterior of a building that do not advertise a product, business, or service.

11. Artworks which do not identify a business, service, or product are not considered signs.

12. Temporary exterior decorations that are associated with a cultural, religious, or national holiday, and that are not used to advertise a product, business, or service.

13. Signs on licensed commercial vehicles; provided, however, that such vehicles shall not be utilized as parked or stationary outdoor display signs.

14. Signs that are required by local, state or federal law or by court order. If any portion of the sign includes messages that are not required by law, that portion shall not be considered an exempt sign.

15. Signs that are posted by a government agency, or a public utility or service, that are essential to protect the public health, safety and welfare, including, but not limited to, identification and directional signs, official signs for traffic control, official public notices and warnings of potential hazards.

16. Signs that are posted by a government agency that identify, beautify, or pertain to the city and are authorized by the city council. Such signs may include, but are not limited to, light pole banners.

17. Signs created by landscaping (e.g., all of the letters and/or symbols are composed entirely of approved landscape elements).

18. Bus shelter advertisements placed with the authorization of the transit authority.

F. Maintenance and Changes in Messages. Painting, repainting, or cleaning of a sign, or the changing of the message on a sign, shall not require that a new sign permit be obtained, provided that all of the following conditions apply:

1. The structural elements associated with the sign are not reconfigured or replaced.

2. No electrical change is made to the sign.

3. The sign continues to comply with all requirements of the existing sign permit, as well as any requirements or conditions imposed as part of a discretionary approval.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.045 Signs requiring a use permit.

A. Off-Premises Signs (Outdoor Advertising including Billboards). Except as otherwise provided in this section, every off-premises sign and outdoor advertising structure shall comply with the requirements of this section. Such signs may be erected within the commercial and industrial districts as herein after stated.

1. Area. The maximum size shall be 300 square feet limited to one advertising message, per side. For an outdoor advertising structure located within ¼ mile of SR-70, targeting SR-70 traffic, the maximum sign area shall be 450 square feet on each face.

2. Height. No such sign or advertising structure shall exceed a maximum height of 40 feet. For an outdoor advertising structure located within ¼ mile of SR-70, targeting SR-70 traffic, the maximum sign height shall not exceed 85 feet measured from ground surface to the top of the sign. The need for this increased height shall be demonstrated by means of a balloon test or other method approved by the zoning administrator.

3. Location. All off-premises outdoor advertising structures and off-premises signs shall be so placed so as to assure that they do not intrude or project beyond the public right-of-way of any street or highway, shall be located only in commercial and industrial zoning districts, and shall be placed in accordance with the following standards:

a. Spacing. A minimum of 500 feet shall be maintained between each off-premises outdoor advertising sign structure.

b. Off-Premises Monument Signs. Upon approval of a use permit in accordance with the provisions of Section 17.48.010 (Use permits) of city code, off-premises identification signage may be allowed. The maximum sign area allowed for an off-premises monument sign is 85 square feet. City staff may require that the address be included on all such signs as a public service.

4. The application for building permits for such outdoor displays or structures shall include plans showing the construction of the sign, the advertising display to be placed thereon, and the proposed location of the sign in relation to the freeway and to the property on which the sign is to be placed. No advertising structure or off-premises sign shall be placed unless it is built to withstand a wind pressure of 20 pounds per foot of exposed surface.

5. Lighting. All lighting shall be effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed on the main traveled way of any highway, street, or road.

6. Safety. The community development director, or designee, shall approve the location of all offpremises advertising structures.

7. Maintenance. All structures shall be properly maintained, kept in good repair and kept clean. The area occupied by such structure shall be kept free of weeds and debris. If violations of this paragraph occur, the planning commission may start proceedings to revoke the permit.

8. Permits. A use permit will be required for all outdoor advertising (off-premises) signs. All requests for building permits for off-premises advertising structures shall be accompanied by engineer's specification drawings.

B. Digital Display Signs. Except as otherwise provided in this section, all digital display signs (DDS) shall comply with the requirements of this section.

1. Area. The maximum sign area for a DDS shall not exceed 300 square feet on each face. For a DDS within 150 feet of SR-70 right-of-way, targeting SR-70 traffic, the maximum sign area shall be 450 square feet on each face.

2. Height. A DDS shall not exceed a maximum height of 40 feet measured from ground surface to the top of the sign. For a DDS within 150 feet of SR-70 right-of-way, targeting SR-70 traffic, the maximum sign height shall not exceed 85 feet measured from ground surface to the top of the sign. The need for this increased height shall be demonstrated by means of a balloon test or other method approved by the zoning administrator.

3. Location. DDSs shall only be allowed to be located within 150 feet of a state route right-of-way within the city limits. All DDSs shall be located such that no part of the DDS encroaches into any public right-of-way. DDSs shall not be placed within any legal easements, unless such easements were specifically created for the placement of signs. The applicant for a DDS shall demonstrate that the proposed DDS location is free of such easements.

a. All proposed signs adjacent to state highways shall meet the requirements of the State of California Department of Transportation Outdoor Advertising standards for outdoor signs.

4. Spacing from Other DDS. Signs of this type must be separated from other display signs as follows:

State Route	Distance (miles)
Highway 70	1.0
Highway 162 (Oro Dam Blvd.)	1.25
Highway 162 (Olive Highway)	1.25

5. Lighting. Signs which contain, include, or are illuminated by flashing, intermittent, or moving light or lights are prohibited. A DDS that utilizes lighting technologies (such as light emitting diodes) to create digital messages shall be equipped with a light sensor that automatically adjusts the lighting of the sign face as ambient lighting changes. In no event shall a digital display sign face increase ambient illumination by more than 0.3 footcandles when measured perpendicular to the message sign face at a distance based on the sign face size as follows:

Changeable Message Sign Face Size (sq. ft.)	Measurement Distance (ft.)
50 ft2	71
100 ft2	100
150 ft2	122
200 ft2	141
250 ft2	158
300 ft2	173

*	For signs with an area in square feet other than those specifically listed in the table, the measurement distance shall be calculated with the following formula: Measurement Distance = √Area of Sign Sq. Ft. x 100

6. Safety. The community development director, or designee, shall approve the location of all digital display signs to ensure that they do not introduce unsafe driving conditions to the roadway system.

7. Maintenance. All structures shall be properly maintained, kept in good repair and kept clean. The area occupied by such structure shall be kept free of weeds, debris, and graffiti. If violations of this paragraph occur, the planning commission may start proceedings to revoke the permit.

8. Permits. A use permit will be required for all DDS. All requests for building permits for these signs shall be accompanied by construction and design plans stamped by a California registered civil engineer; in addition, a lighting plan shall be required showing the brightness of the proposed sign and the message intervals between individual advertisements.

9. Hours of Operation. All DDS shall be permitted to operate only between the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

10. Messages shall be displayed for a minimum of 8 seconds.

11. Transition during messages shall be 2 seconds or less and shall either be instantaneous or fade out/in. Flashing is prohibited.

12. Signs shall be required to meet all Caltrans requirements, permits, and other applicable standards.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1768 § 2; Ord. 1806 § 2, 2014; Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.050 Required signs.

A. Building Numbers. In order to protect public health and safety by ensuring that buildings can be located by police, fire, paramedic, and other public services that are responding to an emergency, main buildings shall display building numbers as follows:

1. The building number shall be displayed at the building's primary entrance. The number shall appear in a color that contrasts from the number's background and shall be illuminated.

2. The minimum height of the building number shall be as specified in the California Fire Code.

B. Directory Signs. In order to protect public health and safety by ensuring that individual tenant spaces in a building can be located by police, fire, paramedic, and other public services that are responding to an emergency, directory signs shall be required as follows:

1. All multi-family residential developments, mobile home parks, and commercial buildings with multiple tenants shall provide an illuminated directory sign at the building entrance that provides primary access to the businesses or uses contained within the building.

2. The minimum area of the directory sign shall be 10 square feet, and no larger than 25 square feet.

3. The directory sign shall include all of the following information:

a. The name of the building or complex of buildings.

b. A "You Are Here" marker indicating the current location.

c. Building locations, with numbers and addresses.

d. A site plan showing private drives.

e. Fire hydrant locations.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.060 Location, placement and design of signs.

A. Off-Site Location Required. All signs shall be located on the same site as the use with which they are associated, except as provided otherwise in this section.

B. Placement for Public Safety. No sign shall be placed in a location where the sign would obstruct an entry or exit to a building or a safety device such as a fire alarm. In addition, no sign shall be located so as to obstruct a required sight distance area (see Figure 17.20.060-1).

Figure 17.20.060-1

Sight Distance Areas

C. Sign Area Calculation and Sign Placement. Allowable sign area shall be calculated based on lineal footage of a building that can be viewed from a public right-of-way. Signs may be placed on any side of a building, subject to the requirements of this section.

D. Vertical Clearance. All signs shall provide adequate vertical clearance to avoid obstructing the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

E. Lighting.

1. Any sign that includes lighting shall conform to the lighting performance standards in Section 17.12.010 (Performance standards) of this title.

2. Any conduits or wires that are connected to a sign's lighting source shall be screened or hidden from view where practical.

F. Sign Designs.

1. Signs should be compatible with the architecture of the building(s) on site. The sign structure and graphic imagery should relate to the building form and design concept of the entire project.

2. Materials and colors of signs should be generally related to the building materials and colors of the buildings on site.

3. Freestanding signs should be cladded or skirted from the base/ground to the sign frame so as to not leave an exposed pole. Cladding or skirting materials shall be complementary in style and color to the building(s) of the project.

4. Traditional cabinet signs or flat wall signs without 3-dimensional character are not encouraged. Contoured cabinet signs are considered acceptable. Building/wall mounted signs with individual letters are preferred over signs with cans or cabinets. See Figure 17.20.060-2 for encouraged sign lettering styles.

Figure 17.20.060-2

Sign Lettering Styles

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.070 Requirements for specific types of signs.

The following requirements shall apply in any case where the specified type of sign is used, unless provided otherwise by this section (see Tables 17.20.120-1 through 17.20.120-3, 17.20.130-1 and 17.20.140-1):

A. Wall Signs.

1. No part of a wall sign shall extend more than 1/3 of the sign height or 8 feet, whichever is less, above the top of the portion of the building façade that is adjacent to the sign.

2. The maximum area for the total of all permitted wall signs for any single wall plane shall not exceed 10%. The wall plane area shall include all window and door areas and shall be measured from the sidewalk or ground line to the building eave line or parapet.

B. Window Signs. For windows that have multiple panes, in order to determine the maximum window area that may be covered, the window area shall be measured as the framed area of all of the window's panes.

C. Monument Signs.

1. Monument signs shall not be placed on any lot frontage with a building setback of less than 20 feet.

2. A minimum distance of 50 feet shall separate any 2 monument signs.

3. A monument sign shall not be placed on any lot frontage on the same parcel that has a freestanding sign unless the two signs are separated by a minimum distance of 75 feet.

D. Freestanding Signs.

1. Freestanding signs shall not be placed on any lot frontage with a width of less than 75 feet, or with a building setback of less than 25 feet.

2. A minimum distance of 75 feet shall separate any 2 freestanding signs.

3. A freestanding sign shall not be placed on any lot frontage on the same parcel that has a monument sign unless the 2 signs are separated by a minimum distance of 75 feet.

4. The maximum height of a freestanding sign for properties that abut State Route (SR) 162 shall be up to 25 feet.

5. The maximum freestanding sign area is based on the total linear street frontage of the front side of the site as follows:

Street Frontage	Sign Area
Up to 200 ft.	50 sq. ft. per side
200 to 400 ft.	75 sq. ft. per side
Over 400 ft.	100 sq. ft. per side

6. No portion of a freestanding sign shall project above a public right-of-way.

7. Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one face of the sign. For example, 30 square feet of sign area equates to 60 square feet of required landscaped area.

E. Freeway-Oriented Freestanding Signs.

1. A freeway-oriented freestanding sign may be approved on a nonresidential zoned parcel immediately abutting State Route 70 right-of-way, or separated by a road running parallel to State Route 70 where no parcels separate the road from State Route 70 right-of-way, so long as the property is within a 1/4 mile distance from a State Route 70 right-of-way.

2. The maximum height and associated permitting requirements for freeway-oriented freestanding signs shall be as follows:

	Height	Permit Requirements
Single Tenant or Multiple Tenants	40 feet	Sign Permit
Multiple Tenants	60 feet plus 5 additional feet per tenant, up to 85 feet	Use Permit
Property within 1/4 mile of a State Route 70 off-ramp	85 feet	Use Permit

3. The maximum freeway-oriented freestanding sign area is based on the total linear street frontage of the side of the site facing State Route 70 as follows:

Street Frontage	Sign Area (Single Tenant)	Sign Area (Multi-Tenant Sign)
Up to 200 ft.	50 sq. ft. per side	150 sq. ft. per side
200 to 300 ft.	75 sq. ft. per side	250 sq. ft. per side
Over 400 ft.	100 sq. ft. per side	350 sq. ft. per side

4. Two or more contiguous parcels, not located within a shopping center or similar cohesive development, may share a freeway-oriented freestanding sign subject to the height and square footage limits of this section. If 2 or more contiguous parcels share a freeway-oriented freestanding sign, the parcels shall not be allowed a separate freeway-oriented freestanding sign or other freestanding sign advertising their individual parcel.

a. As a condition for the approval of a freeway-oriented sign for 2 or more contiguous parcels not located within a shopping center or similar cohesive development, an agreement shall be executed between the property owners. The agreement shall be in a form approved by the city attorney and zoning administrator and shall be binding upon the property owner and any successors in interest.

5. Freeway-oriented freestanding signs shall not be placed on any frontage with a width of less than 75 feet, or with a building setback of less than 25 feet.

6. A minimum distance of 75 feet shall separate any 2 freeway-oriented freestanding signs.

7. No portion of the sign shall project above a public right-of-way.

8. The sign shall comply with the location, placement, and design criteria of Section 17.20.060.

9. Support structures for freeway-oriented freestanding signs containing 4 or more tenant panels shall be cladded or skirted from the base/ground to the sign frame so as to not leave an exposed pole. Cladding or skirting materials shall be complementary in style and color to the building(s) of the subject property.

10. Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one face of the sign. For example, 30 square feet of sign area equates to 60 square feet of required landscaped area.

a. If the sign is located abutting State Route 70 at the rear of the property primarily used as a service area and not for regular customer access, decorative rock, gravel, bark, and other low-maintenance landscaping techniques and plantings may be utilized so long as the base area equal to twice the area of one face of the sign is not paved.

F. Projecting Signs.

1. Projecting signs may be provided only for uses located on the ground floor of a building.

2. A projecting sign may include a projection above a maximum of 5 feet of the width of a public right-of-way, provided that the sign includes the minimum vertical clearance specified by Section 17.20.060 (Location, placement, and design of signs) of this chapter and provides a 2-foot horizontal clearance from the curb face.

3. In a multi-story building, projecting signs shall be placed at or below the sill of the second-floor windows in a multi-story building.

4. No part of a projecting sign shall extend more than 1/3 of the sign height or 8 feet, whichever is less, above the top of the portion of the building façade that is adjacent to the sign.

5. Where practical, projecting signs shall be placed so that the sign face is perpendicular to the adjacent right-of-way.

6. Signs shall be double-faced or otherwise detailed on all sides visible to the public.

7. The thickness of any projecting sign shall not exceed one foot.

8. All signs shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet from the ground to the bottom of the sign or sign structure.

G. Awning Signs. Awning signs may be placed at the sides or ends of the awning and shall not project from the surface of the awning.

H. Reader Boards.

1. Reader boards may be provided as part of any allowed sign.

2. The area of a reader board shall not exceed 40 square feet on any one face, and in no case shall a reader board be provided on more than 2 faces of a sign.

I. Three-Dimensional Signs. Three-dimensional signs shall not be limited to the width requirements specified for the different sign types.

J. Gas Station Signs.

1. Number.

a. Identification Sign. Each motor vehicle fuel or service station may erect and maintain one freestanding sign for purposes of identifying the use.

b. Motor Vehicle Fuel Sign. In addition to the freestanding sign permitted by this section, each use dispensing any motor vehicle fuel at retail to the general public shall be permitted to erect and maintain one freestanding service station price sign for the primary purpose of advertising motor vehicle fuel prices. The sign shall comply with the provisions of California Business and Professions Code Section 13531, as it may be amended, regarding display requirements.

2. Location.

a. No freestanding sign over 5 feet high shall be erected or maintained within the clear vision triangle;

b. Freestanding signs shall not be erected or maintained any closer than 3 feet to any building; and

c. Any freestanding sign shall maintain a setback, measured from that part of the sign that is closest to the nearest property line of the parcel or lot on which it is placed, equal to at least 1/2 the height of the sign.

3. Height and Design. The maximum height for any freestanding sign shall be 12 feet, including the base. The base shall be constructed of materials which match the exterior materials utilized on the main building.

4. Area.

a. Identification Sign. Except as otherwise provided, the maximum area of a freestanding sign shall be one square foot for each lineal foot of street frontage, not to exceed 160 square feet. If a use fronts on more than one street, either, but not both, frontages may be used to determine maximum sign area allowed. Provided, however, that the freestanding sign must be placed along and oriented to the frontage which is used to determine permitted area.

b. Motor Vehicle Fuel Price Sign. The maximum area of any motor vehicle fuel price sign, excluding the base or embellishments shall be 100 square feet; the maximum area of the sign including the base and/or embellishments shall be 150 square feet.

i. Motor vehicle fuel price signs may consist of programmable electronic signs. Use of said signs shall be limited to the portion of any sign structure devoted exclusively to display of motor vehicle fuel price information required or permitted by Division 5, Chapter 14, Article 12 of the California Business and Professions Code (Section 13530 et seq., as it may be amended).

ii. Sign displays shall remain static and may not change more than once in one 12-hour period.

K. Programmable Signs.

1. A maximum of one programmable electronic sign is permitted per site with a maximum sign area of 32 square feet.

2. Messages shall be static and unanimated for a minimum of 8 seconds.

3. Transition during messages shall be 2 seconds or less and shall either be instantaneous or fade out/in. Flashing is prohibited.

4. For signs adjacent to a Caltrans right-of-way, signs shall be required to meet all Caltrans requirements, permits, and other applicable standards.

5. Lighting requirements shall be the same as for digital display signs (Section 17.20.045(B)).

L. Drive-Through Menu Boards.

1. Menu boards associated with drive-through establishments, such as coffee houses and restaurants, shall not be considered in the sign area calculation if:

a. Used primarily for displaying the type and price of food and beverages available; and

b. The menu board faces cannot be read from a public right-of-way.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1763 §§ 12, 13; Ord. 1796 § 6; Ord. 1849 § 2; Ord. 1886, 3/18/2025)

§ 17.20.080 Sign programs.

A. Purpose. Sign programs are specifically intended to address the unique needs of certain uses and properties that include multiple uses on a site, or multiple signs for uses with special sign needs. Sign programs shall be used to achieve aesthetic compatibility between the signs within a project and provide flexibility in the number, size, location and type of signs.

B. Applicability. A sign program shall be required for the following:

1. Any new non-residential development with 4 or more tenants.

2. Shopping centers containing at least one anchor tenant occupying at least 50,000 square feet and at least 3 other tenants who share common parking and pedestrian facilities.

3. Any requests for deviations from the regulations and standards of this chapter.

4. Sign programs may also be required as a condition of approval for a project requiring development review or a use permit, specifically for the following uses:

a. Multiple-tenant buildings.

b. Drive-through establishments.

c. Uses with freeway-oriented signs.

d. Automobile or other vehicle sales.

e. All uses within a planned development (PD-O) overlay district.

C. Modification of Standards. A sign program may modify any of the following standards of this section:

1. The number of signs allowed.

2. The size allowed for an individual sign.

3. The maximum height of monument and freestanding signs; provided, however, as follows:

a. The height shall not exceed 40 feet for establishments that are contiguous to Oroville Dam Boulevard, and 25 feet for all other establishments.

b. The maximum height shall not be increased for signs in a residential district or the downtown historic overlay (DH-O).

4. The location and type of signs allowed; provided, however, as follows:

a. A sign program shall allow no more than one sign that is not located on the same site as its associated use, in addition to any such signs that may be allowed by this section.

b. A sign program shall not include a prohibited sign.

D. Design Requirements.

1. Sign programs shall be designed so that all signs have visually compatible themes and placement.

2. Signs shall draw from a common palette of materials, colors, shapes, lettering types and sizes, and illumination methods. This common palette shall be compatible with the architecture and scale of the site's buildings.

3. For developments with existing signs, the sign program shall include existing signage at the property and designate appropriate replacements, if any, which are consistent with the new signage.

E. Submittal Requirements. An application for a sign program shall consist of the following:

1. A copy of a site plan showing location of buildings, parking areas, driveways, landscaped areas, and adjacent streets.

2. A site plan indicating the location of all existing and proposed signs requiring a permit.

3. A matrix summarizing the total number of signs, sign area for individual signs, total sign area and height, for each existing and proposed sign type.

4. For each existing sign to remain or proposed sign in the Planned Sign Program, the following shall be specified:

a. Location of each sign on the buildings and property;

b. Sign dimensions;

c. Color scheme;

d. Lettering or graphic style;

e. Lighting, if any;

f. Materials;

g. Landscaping quantities, types, sizes, and planter area dimensions if signs are to be located within landscaped planters;

h. Statement of justification for requests for deviations; and

i. Other information as deemed necessary for the adequate evaluation of the proposed Planned Sign Program.

F. Review of Sign Programs. All sign programs shall be subject to development review, in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 17.52 (Development Review) and the requirements of this section. Any sign program requesting deviations from the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to planning commission action. The review authority for development review shall approve a sign program only upon determining that:

1. The signs included in the sign program have one or more common design elements, such as their placement, colors, materials, illumination, sign type, sign shape, letter size, and lettering type.

2. The colors, materials, size and placement of the signs included in the sign program are compatible with the materials, architecture and scale of the buildings and signs on the site.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1849 § 2; Ord. 1886, 3/18/2025)

§ 17.20.090 Temporary signs.

A. Intent. The city recognizes that temporary signs provide an important medium through which to convey a variety of noncommercial and commercial messages. The intent of this section is to balance the right of individuals to convey their messages through temporary signs and the right of the public to be protected against the aesthetic nuisances, traffic hazards, and detriments to property values that can result from the unrestricted proliferation of temporary signs.

B. General Requirements.

1. Except as specified, no sign permit shall be required for the temporary signs described in this section, provided that the signs comply with all applicable requirements of this section.

2. Temporary signs that are exempted by this section from obtaining a sign permit shall not include any form of lighting or illumination in association with the sign, nor shall any permanent structure be constructed in association with the temporary sign.

C. Development Signs. Temporary development signs, such as those identifying a construction project, indicating the parties involved in a construction project or providing sales information for a subdivision, shall be allowed subject to the following requirements:

1. On a site with an area of less than one acre, a maximum of one temporary development sign, with a maximum area of 36 square feet and a maximum height of 6 feet, may be displayed on site. On a site with an area of one acre or greater, a maximum of 2 temporary development signs, each with a maximum area of 50 square feet and a maximum height of 10 feet, may be displayed on site.

2. One directional sign, with a maximum area of 6 square feet, may be displayed on another site for each on-site temporary development sign that is allowed by this section, provided that permission to exhibit such signs shall be obtained from the owner of the premises upon which such signs are placed. These directional signs shall be installed on private property.

3. Temporary development signs shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of construction or the sale of all available parcels or units, as applicable.

4. A temporary sign that indicates the future use of a building being constructed/remodeled on the premises may be permitted if it does not exceed the total permitted sign area of the district requirements. Such sign may be permitted for a period of one year or until completion of the construction/remodel of the building, whichever first occurs.

D. Real Estate Signs. One temporary real estate sign, with a maximum area of 32 square feet, may be displayed on the premises of a building or property that is for sale, lease, or rent.

E. Portable Signs. Portable signs, such as "A" frame signs and sandwich boards, shall be allowed in nonresidential districts, subject to the following requirements:

1. A business may display one portable sign, with a maximum area of 8 square feet on each face and a maximum of 2 faces. The sign shall be displayed on private property on which the business is located.

2. Portable signs shall have a maximum height of 4 feet and a maximum width of 2 feet.

3. Portable signs shall not be placed within 10 feet of any other portable sign.

4. For multiple-tenant buildings, a maximum of one portable sign for each 3 tenants may be displayed at any given time, up to a maximum total of 3 portable signs.

5. Portable signs shall be able to withstand wind gusts or must be removed during inclement weather.

6. For portable signs in the downtown historic overlay district please reference Section 17.20.150.

F. Special Function Signs. Temporary signs for special functions, such as special sales, grand openings, and fundraising drives, shall be allowed subject to the following requirements:

1. The display of flags or other decorations for nationally recognized and celebrated holidays are permitted.

2. A maximum of 2 temporary special function signs, each with a maximum area of 25 square feet, may be displayed. The signs shall be located on private property.

3. Wind-driven signs are permitted as follows:

a. Inflatable signs, with the exception of balloons with a diameter no greater than 14 inches and height no greater than 10 feet above the finished grade, shall require a temporary sign permit.

b. Signs that rotate or revolve are not permitted.

c. Pennants, ribbons, streamers, and balloons are permitted subject to the requirements as found in this section.

4. Temporary signs for special functions shall not be displayed more than 60 days prior to, or 7 days after, the function or event.

5. Signs displayed in or placed on a window shall not obstruct more than 25% of the window's area.

6. Street banners strictly advertising a public event that has obtained a street closure/special event permit are permitted without regard to other requirements of this chapter.

7. Garage/yard sale signs placed in compliance with the size and height requirements of Section 17.20.110 (Requirements for residential districts) located on private property. Signs may be on site or off site with the property owner's permission. All garage/yard sale signs are to be removed within 24 hours of the conclusion of the sale.

G. Temporary Uses. A maximum of 2 signs, each with a maximum area of 20 square feet, may be displayed on the site of an allowed temporary use. The signs shall be located on private property and shall be removed immediately upon cessation of the temporary use.

H. Political Signs. Temporary political signs shall be allowed subject to the following requirements:

1. In residential districts, up to of 32 square feet of nonilluminated signs may be displayed, with each sign having a maximum area of 8 square feet and a maximum height of 4 feet. In nonresidential districts, up to 64 square feet of signs may be displayed, with each sign having maximum area of 32 square feet, may be displayed.

2. The signs shall be located on private property and are prohibited within the public right-of-way.

3. The signs shall be installed no earlier than 90 days prior to the election and removed no later than 7 days following the election.

I. Temporary Noncommercial Signs. Temporary signs displaying a message that is not commercial in nature are subject to the provisions outlined in this section, Section 17.20.090 (Temporary signs), and Section 17.20.020 (Noncommercial signs and messages).

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.100 Temporary sign permits.

A. Permit Required. Temporary sign permits shall be required for all temporary signs not authorized in Section 17.20.090 (Temporary signs) of this chapter.

B. Frequency of Permits. For any site, no more than 4 temporary sign permits shall be issued within any 12-month period.

C. Application.

1. Application for a temporary sign permit shall be submitted to the zoning administrator in a form approved by the zoning administrator, accompanied by any fee established by resolution of the city council. The application shall contain all of the following information:

a. The location by street and number of the proposed sign.

b. The name and address of the owner of the site, and of the person requesting the permit.

c. The business or event for which a permit is being requested.

d. The specific type of temporary sign for which a permit is being requested.

e. The dates and times on which the temporary sign will be displayed.

f. Any other pertinent information that is necessary to ensure compliance with this section.

2. An application for a temporary sign permit shall be approved or denied in accordance with the procedure relating to an administrative permit, as provided in Section 17.48.020 (Administrative permits) of this title.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.110 Requirements for residential districts.

In all residential districts, signs may be provided as follows:

A. Single-Family Units and Multiple-Family Developments.

1. Each single-family residence may display one wall, window, banner, canopy or freestanding sign, with a maximum area of 5 square feet. No lighting shall be provided for the sign.

2. Any monument, freestanding or other sign not affixed to a building shall neither exceed 4 feet in height nor a maximum of 5 square feet.

3. In a multiple-family residential development that contains at least 4 dwelling units, one additional wall, window, banner, or canopy sign, with a maximum area of 10 square feet, shall be allowed for the entire development. This sign shall not be internally illuminated.

B. Subdivision Signs. A maximum of 2 monument signs shall be allowed at up to 2 entrances to a residential subdivision, or to a multi-family residential development with at least 4 dwelling units. Each sign shall have a maximum area of 30 square feet and a maximum height of 6 feet. The signs shall not be internally illuminated.

C. Nonresidential Uses. Any nonresidential use in a residential district may provide a wall, window, banner, canopy, or monument sign. The maximum area of all the signs shall not exceed 10 feet, and the signs shall not be internally illuminated.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.120 Requirements for commercial and mixed-use districts.

A. Signs in CN and MXN Districts. In CN and MXN districts, signs shall be permitted as specified in Table 17.20.120-1.

B. Signs in C-1, OF, and MXD Districts. In C-1 and MXD districts, signs shall be permitted as specified in Table 17.20.120-2.

C. Signs in C-2, CLM, CH, and MXC Districts. In C-2, CLM, CH, and MXC districts, signs shall be permitted as specified in Table 17.20.120-3.

D. Dwelling Units in Commercial and Mixed-Use Districts.

1. Any dwelling unit in a commercial or mixed-use district may display one wall, window, banner, or canopy sign, with a maximum area of 5 square feet. No lighting shall be provided for the sign.

2. For mixed-use developments that contain at least four dwelling units, one additional wall, window, banner, or canopy sign, with a maximum area of 10 square feet, shall be allowed for the entire development. This sign shall not be internally illuminated.

Table 17.20.120-1 Allowed Signs in CN and MXN Districts
Permitted Sign Types	Max. Number of Signs	Max. Area	Max. Total Area for All Signs1	Max. Height	Lighting Allowed	Additional Requirements
Awning signs	No maximum	Determined by maximum total sign permitted	1 square foot for each linear foot of building fronting a street, public way or public or customer parking area2	No maximum	Yes; internal illumination prohibited	§ 17.20.070
Banner signs	1 per frontage			Below eave or below sill of second floor window	No	Shall not be used as permanent copy and be displayed for not more than 30 consecutive days See § 17.20.090 if the banner is for a special function
Canopy signs	No maximum				Yes; internal illumination prohibited	—
Monument signs	1 per frontage	30 sq. ft. per sign face		6 feet	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Projecting signs	1 per tenant on each frontage	Determined by maximum total sign permitted		Below eave or below sill of second floor window	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Wall signs	1 per building frontage or tenant suite elevation facing a street or parking lot	1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed 10% of wall area		Below eave	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Window signs	No maximum	25% of window area		No maximum	Yes	§ 17.20.070

Notes:
1	The maximum total area applies to all signs on a site, including signs for all tenants of a multi-tenant building. This does not include freestanding signs, freeway-oriented freestanding signs, and monument signs, whose maximum area shall be as specified in Section 17.20.070 and not apply to the maximum total area for all signs on a site.
2	The maximum total area shall not be lower than 25 square feet.

Table 17.20.120-2 Allowed Signs in C-1, OF and MXD Districts
Permitted Sign Types	Max. Number of Signs	Max. Area	Max. Total Area for All Signs1	Max. Height	Lighting Allowed	Additional Requirements
Awning signs	No maximum	50% of awning area, or 40 sq. ft., whichever is less	Less than 20,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area on site: 1.5 sq. ft. for each linear foot of building frontage, or 300 sq. ft., whichever is less2	No maximum	Yes; internal illumination prohibited	§ 17.20.070
Banner signs	1 per frontage	40 sq. ft.		20 feet5	No	Shall not be used as permanent copy and be displayed for not more than 30 consecutive days See § 17.20.090 if the banner is for a special function
Canopy signs	No maximum	5 sq. ft. per face	At least 20,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area on site: 1.5 sq. ft. for each linear foot of building frontage, or 350 sq. ft., whichever is less3	20 feet5	Yes; internal illumination prohibited	—
Freestanding signs	1 per frontage	See § 17.20.070		12 feet4	Yes	§ 17.20.070 § 17.20.150
Monument signs	1 per frontage	50 sq. ft. per sign face	40,000 to 80,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area: 1.5 sq. ft. for each linear foot of building frontage, or 400 sq. ft., whichever is less4	8 feet	Yes	§ 17.20.070 § 17.20.150
Projecting signs	1 per tenant on each frontage	50 sq. ft.		20 feet5	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Wall signs	1 per building frontage or tenant suite elevation facing a street or parking lot	1.5 sq. ft. per linear foot of building frontage not to exceed 10% of wall area	80,000 to 140,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area: 1.5 sq. ft. for each linear foot of building frontage, or 450 sq. ft., whichever is less	20 feet5	Yes	§ 17.20.070 § 17.20.150
Window signs	No maximum	25% of window area	140,000 to 200,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area: 1.5 sq. ft. for each linear foot of building frontage, or 500 sq. ft., whichever is less	No maximum	Yes	§ 17.20.070

Notes:
1	The maximum total area for all signs applies to all signs on a site, including signs for all tenants of a multitenant building. This does not include freestanding signs, freeway-oriented freestanding signs, and monument signs.
2	For a gross floor area less than 20,000 square feet, the maximum total area shall not be lower than 50 square feet.
3	For a gross floor area of at least 20,000 square feet, the maximum total area shall not be lower than 75 square feet.
4	Sites contiguous to State Route 162 may have additional height as specified in Section 17.20.070.
5	Maximum sign height of 20 feet may be exceeded, subject to the approval of the planning commission.

Table 17.20.120-3 Allowed Signs in C-2, CH, CLM and MXC Districts
Permitted Sign Types	Max. Number of Signs	Max. Area	Max. Total Area for All Signs1	Max. Height	Lighting Allowed	Additional Requirements
Awning signs	No maximum	50% of awning area, or 40 sq. ft., whichever is less	Less than 20,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area: 1.5 sq. ft. per linear foot of building frontage, or 300 sq. ft., whichever is less2	No maximum	Yes; internal illumination prohibited	§ 17.20.070
Banner signs	1 per frontage	40 sq. ft.		20 feet6	No	Shall not be used as permanent copy and be displayed for not more than 30 consecutive days See § 17.20.090 if the banner is for a special function
Canopy signs	No maximum	5 sq. ft. per face		20 feet6	Yes; internal illumination prohibited	—
Freestanding signs	1 per frontage	See § 17.20.070	20,000 to 40,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area: 1.5 sq. ft. per linear foot of building frontage, or 350 sq. ft., whichever is less3	12 feet5	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Freeway-oriented freestanding signs	1 per property	See § 17.20.070		See § 17.20.070	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Marquee signs	1 per frontage	Determined by total area		10 feet	Yes	—
Monument signs	1 per frontage	50 sq. ft. per sign face		8 feet	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Projecting signs	1 per tenant on each frontage	50 sq. ft.	40,000 to 80,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area: 1.5 sq. ft. per linear foot of building frontage, or 400 sq. ft., whichever is less4	20 feet6	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Wall signs	1 per building frontage or tenant suite elevation facing a street or parking lot	1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed 10% of wall area		20 feet6	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Window signs	No maximum	25% of window area	80,000 to 140,000 square feet of gross floor area: 1.5 sq. ft. per linear foot of building frontage, or 450 sq. ft., whichever is less 140,000 to 200,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area: 1.5 sq. ft. per linear foot of building frontage, or 500 sq. ft., whichever is less	No maximum	Yes	§ 17.20.070

Notes:
1	The maximum total area applies to all signs on a site, including signs for all tenants of a multi-tenant building. This does not include freestanding signs, freeway -oriented freestanding signs, and monument signs.
2	For a gross floor area less than 20,000 square feet, the maximum total area shall not be lower than 50 square feet.
3	For a gross floor area between 20,000 and 40,000 square feet, the maximum total area shall not be lower than 75 square feet.
4	For a gross floor area more than 40,000 square feet, the maximum total area shall not be lower than 100 square feet.
5	Sites contiguous to State Route 162 may have additional height as specified in Section 17.20.070.
6	Maximum sign height of 20 feet may be exceeded, subject to the approval of the planning commission.

(Ord. 1763; Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1763 §§ 11, 14—17; Ord. 1796 §§ 1—3; Ord. 1849 § 2; Ord. 1886, 3/18/2025)

§ 17.20.130 Requirements for industrial districts.

A. Signs in Industrial Districts. In all industrial districts, signs shall be permitted as specified in Table 17.20.130-1.

B. Dwelling Units in Industrial Districts. Any dwelling unit in an industrial district may display one wall, window, banner or canopy sign, with a maximum area of 5 square feet. No lighting shall be provided for the sign.

Table 17.20.130-1 Allowed Signs in Industrial Districts
Permitted Sign Types	Max. Number of Signs	Max. Area	Max. Total Area for All Signs1	Max. Height	Lighting Allowed	Additional Requirements
Awning signs	No maximum	50% of awning area, or 40 sq. ft., whichever is less	Less than 20,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area: 1.5 sq. ft. for each linear foot of building frontage, or 300 sq. ft., whichever is less2	No maximum	Yes; internal illumination prohibited	§ 17.20.070
Banner signs	1 per frontage	40 sq. ft.		20 feet5	No	Shall not be used as permanent copy and be displayed for not more than 30 consecutive days See § 17.20.090 if the banner is for a special function
Canopy signs	No maximum	5 sq. ft. per face		20 feet5	Yes; internal illumination prohibited	—
Freestanding signs	1 per frontage	See § 17.20.070	20,000 to 40,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area on site: 1.5 sq. ft. for each linear foot of building frontage, or 350 sq. ft., whichever is less3	12 feet4	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Monument signs	1 per frontage	50 sq. ft. per sign face		8 feet	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Projecting signs	1 per tenant on each frontage	50 sq. ft.	40,000 to 80,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area on site: 1.5 sq. ft. for each linear foot of building frontage, or 400 sq. ft., whichever is less4	20 feet5	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Wall signs	1 per building frontage or tenant suite elevation facing a street or parking lot	1.5 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed 10% of wall area		20 feet5	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Window signs	No maximum	25% of window area	80,000 to 140,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area on site: 1.5 sq. ft. for each linear foot of building frontage, or 450 sq. ft., whichever is less 140,000 to 200,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area on site: 1.5 sq. ft. for each linear foot of building frontage, or 500 sq. ft., whichever is less	No maximum	Yes	§ 17.20.070

Notes:
1	The maximum total area applies to all signs on a site, including signs for all tenants of a multi-tenant building. This does not include freestanding signs, freeway-oriented freestanding signs, and monument signs.
2	For a gross floor area less than 20,000 square feet, the maximum total area shall not be lower than 50 square feet.
3	For a gross floor area of at least 20,000 square feet, the maximum total area shall not be lower than 75 square feet.
4	Sites contiguous to State Route 162 may have additional height as specified in Section 17.20.070.
5	Maximum sign height of 20 feet may be exceeded, subject to the approval of the planning commission.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1796 § 4; Ord. 1849 § 2; Ord. 1886, 3/18/2025)

§ 17.20.140 Requirements for special purpose districts.

A. Signs in OS Districts. In OS districts, the following requirements shall apply:

1. Signs that identify the site and provide information of use to visitors, such as the hours of operation, shall be permitted. These site identification signs shall not be subject to a sign permit.

2. No signs that are subject to a sign permit shall be permitted in an OS district.

B. Signs in PQ Districts. In PQ districts, signs shall be permitted as outlined in Table 17.20.140-1.

Table 17.20.140-1 Allowed Signs in PQ Districts
Permitted Sign Types	Max. Number of Signs	Max. Area	Max. Total Area for All Signs1	Max. Height	Lighting Allowed	Additional Requirements
Awning signs	No maximum	50% of awning area, or 25 sq. ft., whichever is less	1 sq. ft. for each linear foot of building frontage, or 100 sq. ft., whichever is less2	No maximum	Yes; internal illumination prohibited	§ 17.20.070
Banner signs	1 per frontage	30 sq. ft.		20 feet3	No	Shall not be used as permanent copy and be displayed for not more than 30 consecutive days See § 17.20.090 if the banner is for a special function
Canopy signs	No maximum	4 sq. ft. per face		20 feet3	Yes; internal illumination prohibited	—
Monument signs	1 per frontage	50 sq. ft. per sign face		6 feet	Yes	§ 17.20.070 § 17.20.150
Projecting signs	1 per tenant on each frontage	50 sq. ft.		20 feet3	Yes	§ 17.20.070
Wall signs	1 per building frontage or tenant suite elevation facing a street or parking lot	1 sq. ft. per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed 10% of wall area		20 feet3	Yes	§ 17.20.070 § 17.20.150
Window signs	No maximum	25% of window area		No maximum	Yes	§ 17.20.070

Notes:
1	The maximum total area applies to all signs on a site, including signs for all tenants of a multi-tenant building. This does not include freestanding signs, freeway-oriented freestanding signs, and monument signs.
2	The maximum total area shall not be lower than 25 square feet.
3	Maximum sign height of 20 feet may be exceeded, subject to the approval of the planning commission.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1796 § 5; Ord. 1849 § 2; Ord. 1886, 3/18/2025)

§ 17.20.150 Requirements for downtown historic overlay (DH-O) districts.

A. Development Review. In any case where a sign permit is required in a DH-O district, development review of the sign shall also be required. Any sign reviewed by the historic advisory commission shall not require development review.

B. Types of Signs. Freestanding signs and monument signs shall be prohibited in DH-O districts.

C. Lighting. Externally illuminated signs shall be allowed, subject to the requirements found in Section 17.20.060(E) (Location, placement, and design of signs, lighting) in addition to the requirements of this section. Internally illuminated and neon-lighted signs shall require the approval of the historic advisory commission in the DH-O district. Encouraged internally illuminated signs include:

Figure 17.20.150-1

Halo Lit Signs

Figure 17.20.150-2

Day/Night Channel Letters

Figure 17.20.150-3

Traditional Cabinet Signs

(not allowed with the DH-O district)

D. Exemption for Historic Signs. Any sign that is a contributing feature of a DH-O district, and that does not advertise a business that is currently in operation, shall not require a sign permit. In addition, any such sign shall not be counted towards the allowable sign area or number of signs for a building or use.

E. "A" Frame Signs. One "A" frame sign is permitted, per business, in the DH-O in the public right-of-way. All signs shall:

1. Be able to withstand wind gusts or must be removed during inclement weather;

2. Be located directly in front of the business;

3. Not unreasonably interfere with or impede the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic;

4. Not create visibility hazards for pedestrians or vehicular traffic;

5. Not interfere with the ingress into or egress from any residence or place of business;

6. Not be attached or secured in any way to any object in the public right-of-way;

7. Not endanger the safety of persons or property;

8. Not restrict the use of poles, posts, traffic signs or signal(s), utility access vaults, manholes, hydrants, mailboxes, or other objects permitted at or near such a location;

9. Not have any balloons, streamers, pennants or other objects designed and fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by wind or breeze; and

10. Not obstruct a wheelchair ramp or violate any pedestrian path of travel or other requirements as may be required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1796 § 7; Ord. 1809 § 1; Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.160 Creative signs.

A. Purpose. This section establishes standards and procedures for the design, review, and approval of creative/artistic signs. The purposes of this section are to:

1. Encourage signs of unique design, and that exhibit a high degree of originality, thoughtfulness, imagination, inventiveness, and creativity; and

2. Provide a process for the application of sign regulations in ways that will allow creatively designed signs that make a positive visual contribution to the property, the surrounding area, and the overall image of the city, while mitigating the impacts of large or unusually designed signs.

B. Applicability. An applicant may request approval of a sign permit to authorize creative signs that employ standards that differ from the other sign provisions of this chapter. Approval of creative signs permitted shall not be construed to reduce the number and type of signs that are otherwise permitted by this chapter.

C. Authority. The planning commission shall review and approve applications for creative signs.

1. If the sign falls within the DH-O the historic advisory commission shall review and approve applications for creative signs.

D. Design Criteria. In approving an application for a creative sign, the planning commission shall ensure that a proposed sign meets the following design criteria:

1. Design Quality. The sign shall:

a. Constitute a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and shall have a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;

b. Be of unique design and exhibit a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, inventiveness, and spirit; and

c. Provide strong graphic character through the imaginative use of graphics, color, texture, quality material, scale, and proportion.

2. Contextual Criteria. The sign shall contain at least one of the following elements:

a. Classic historic design style.

b. Creative image reflecting the current or historic character of the city.

c. Inventive representation of the use, name or logo of the structure or business.

3. Architectural Criteria. The sign shall:

a. Utilize and/or enhance the architectural elements of the building(s); and

b. Be placed in a logical location in relation to the overall project or composition of the building's façade and not cover any key architectural features/details of the façade.

4. Impacts on Surrounding Uses. The sign shall be located and designed not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses.

Figure 17.20.160-1

Examples of Creative Signs

(Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.170 Nonconforming signs.

A. Allowances and Requirements for Conformance. Any existing sign that does not comply with the requirements of this section but which was constructed, operated and maintained in compliance with all regulations at the time of its placement shall be regarded as a legal nonconforming sign and shall be allowed to remain in use, except as follows:

1. If the sign is altered in shape, size, or any manner that increases its nonconformity, immediate conformance with the requirements of this chapter shall be required.

a. Electrical, structural, or other safety elements associated with a nonconforming sign can be reconfigured or replaced so long as the sign is not altered in shape, size, or any manner that increases its nonconformity.

2. If a business or use for which the nonconforming sign is provided has been discontinued for a continuous period of more than 2 years, the sign and its associated structures shall be removed or brought into conformance with the requirements of this section. For multiple-tenant buildings, this requirement shall apply when more than 50% of the multiple-tenant building's gross floor area has been unoccupied for 2 years.

3. If more than 50% of a nonconforming sign is destroyed, and structural repairs are required to restore the sign to good condition, the sign shall be removed or brought into conformance with the requirements of this section.

B. Exceptions.

1. If the planning commission finds, based on substantial evidence, that the provisions of this section would significantly affect the economic ability of a business to continue due to the impossibility of locating a new sign in a location where it would not be substantially obstructed or able to serve its purpose as a sign, the commission may allow a nonconforming sign to be retained or modified, or a new nonconforming sign to be erected.

2. A sign that is part of a landmark or landmark site shall be deemed nonconforming only if at least one of the following conditions applies:

a. The sign does not contribute to the historic significance of the landmark or landmark site.

b. The sign poses an immediate threat to public safety. If the sign is deemed nonconforming solely because it threatens public safety, the sign shall be repaired or modified, if possible, rather than removed.

3. The historic advisory commission may allow the continuation of signs in the historic downtown overlay (DH-O) that are historic in nature, are a contributing feature to the DH-O, or identify a historic business that is no longer in operation.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.180 Removal of signs.

A. Removal of Permanent Signs. The zoning administrator may order the removal of any permanent sign, including its associated structural elements, that has been erected or maintained in violation of this section.

1. The zoning administrator shall give written notice to the owner of the building, structure or premises upon which the sign is located, requiring the owner to remove the sign or to bring it into compliance with this section.

2. If the owner does not comply with the city's notice within 30 days, the city may proceed to enter the premises and remove the sign and its structural elements. The cost of the removal shall be assessed to the record owner of the premises upon which the sign is situated.

3. With the prior written approval of the city attorney, the building official may remove any sign immediately, without notice, if the condition of the sign presents an immediate threat to public safety. The building official shall notify the zoning administrator in writing of any such action.

B. Removal of Temporary Signs. The zoning administrator may order the removal of any temporary sign erected or maintained in violation of this section, without any notice requirement.

C. Storage of Removed Signs. Any sign removed by the zoning administrator shall be stored for 10 days, during which time the owner or other party responsible for posting the sign may recover the sign upon payment to the city of the costs of removal and storage.

D. Cost of Sign Removal. If a permanent sign is not recovered within the storage period required by this section, the city shall mail a notice to the last known record owner of the premises at the address set forth upon the last equalized assessment roll. The notice shall be of a form approved by the zoning administrator and city attorney, and it shall set forth the cost of removing the sign and notify the owner of the city council hearing at which the cost of sign removal will be assessed against the property.

E. Removal of Portion of a Sign. Where practical, the zoning administrator may require the removal or screening of only a portion of a nonconforming sign, rather than the removal of the entire sign face and all of its associated structural elements.

(Ord. 1749 § 4; Ord. 1849 § 2)

§ 17.20.190 Violations and penalties.

A. Violation. It is unlawful for any person or entity to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert or demolish, equip, use, or maintain any signs in the city, or cause or permit the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this Chapter.

B. Penalties. Any person or entity violating any of the provisions of this Chapter shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each day during which any violation of the provisions of this section is committed, continued, or permitted. Upon conviction of any such violation, the violator shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000.00.

(Ord. 1794 § 2; Ord. 1849 § 2)