A. The
provisions of this chapter establish general regulations for the use
of signs and other exterior advertising formats within the city.
B. Sign
regulations are established to promote the public health, safety,
and welfare by safeguarding and enhancing property values; protecting
public and private investment in buildings and open spaces; improving
the appearance of the city as a place in which to live and work, and
as an attraction to nonresidents who come to visit or trade; encouraging
sound signing practices as an aid to business, and to provide information
to the traveling public; preventing excessive and confusing sign displays;
reducing hazards to motorists and pedestrians, and reducing visual
blight.
C. It
shall be the policy of the City of Bell to maintain a content-neutral
approach to sign regulations so as not to inhibit protected forms
of freedom of expression.
D. No person may erect any sign regulated by this chapter without first obtaining appropriate zoning clearance pursuant to Section
17.92.060 and building permits, where required. Such signs must be erected in conformance with the provisions of this code and any applicable approved sign program.
(Prior code § 9322; Ord. 1129, 1997; Ord. 1239 § 4, 2018)
This chapter shall not regulate official traffic-control or
governmental signs, exterior signs on private property, which are
not visible from the public right-of-way or public areas, and interior
signs on private property not visible in any way from the building
exterior.
(Prior code § 9322.1; Ord. 1129, 1997; Ord. 1239 § 4, 2018)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the following
signs shall be permitted on any lot, in any zone, in the city:
A. Those
signs customarily utilized by public agencies in the performance of
their lawful function.
B. Those
signs which are authorized or customarily utilized by a public utility.
C. Temporary
Election Season Signs.
Temporary election season signs are permitted in any zone subject
to the following limitations:
1. Temporary
election season signs shall have a maximum area of eight square feet
per sign in residential zones and 32 square feet per sign in all other
zones. For double-sided signs, only the area of one side shall be
counted toward the maximum area allowed.
2. Maximum
height of temporary election season signs shall be no more than five
feet in residential zones and eight feet in all other zones as measured
from the highest point on the sign to the existing or finished grade
upon which the sign is located, whichever is less.
3. In
residential zones, the maximum total sign area shall be 10 square
feet per parcel, provided the maximum individual sign size is not
exceeded.
4. In
all nonresidential zones the maximum sign area shall be 32 square
feet per parcel, provided the maximum individual sign size is not
exceeded.
5. On
all parcels regardless of zone, no parcel shall be permitted to have
more than three temporary election season signs.
(Prior code § 9322.1; Ord. 1129, 1997; Ord. 1239 § 4, 2018)
A. Nonresidential
uses allowed in the residential zones, including, but not limited
to, religious and educational institution uses, shall be permitted
to have the following signs:
1. One
monument sign, not to exceed 50 square feet in sign area, and seven
feet, six inches in height as measured from the lowest grade (finished
or existing) to the highest point on the monument sign, subject to
the issuance of a zoning clearance.
17.84.040.-1: Monument Sign Face Area
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2. Monument
signs shall not be located closer than three feet to the nearest property
line and at least 25 feet from any other monument sign, pole sign,
or other freestanding sign.
3. For
purposes of visibility safety, monument signs shall not be permitted
within 15 feet of the corner intersection of streets, driveways or
alleys.
4. One
wall sign with a sign area of one and one-half square feet per lineal
feet of building frontage, up to a maximum of 80 square feet, subject
to the issuance of a zoning clearance.
B. Multifamily
Residential Uses.
1. Residential
developments that exceed 15 units on a single parcel of land shall
be permitted to have one monument sign, not to exceed 50 square feet
in sign area, and seven feet, six inches in height as measured from
the lowest grade (finished or existing) to the highest point on the
monument sign, subject to the issuance of a zoning clearance.
2. Monument
signs shall not be located closer than three feet to the nearest property
line and at least 25 feet from any other monument sign, pole sign,
or other freestanding sign.
3. For
purposes of visibility safety, monument signs shall not be permitted
within 15 feet of the corner intersection of streets, driveways or
alleys.
4. Each
residential lot shall be permitted one sign or a combination of signs
that solely or in combination do not exceed an area of three square
feet.
(Prior code § 9322.2; Ord. 1129, 1997; Ord. 1239 § 4, 2018)
A. Permanent
Signage—General Requirements and Limitations.
1. Multi-tenant commercial centers, consisting of three or more tenants, regardless of whether the center is established on multiple parcels, shall submit a master sign program to be approved by the City of Bell Planning Commission pursuant to Section
17.84.070 prior to the issuance of building permits for signage.
2. The
sign face area shall be calculated by measuring the total area of
the sign face, excluding any structures or uprights on which the sign
is supported.
17.84.050.-1: Sign Face Area
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3. All
signs requiring a building permit shall be installed per applicable
sections of the
California Building Code and shall be maintained in
good condition at all times.
4. Signs
made of non-traditional materials or design elements may be approved
by the Planning Commission provided the Planning Commission can make
the following findings:
a. The proposed sign is consistent with the policies and goals of the
City of Bell General Plan;
b. The colors, placement, size, and overall design of the sign are consistent
with the architecture of the building or structure on which the sign
is to be placed;
c. The proposed sign will not adversely affect traffic, health, and
safety of the general public.
B. Wall
Signs—Sign Design and Development Standards.
1. Each
business tenant space with a single business frontage shall be permitted
to have one wall sign. For business tenant spaces with multiple frontages,
or business tenant spaces with a single business frontage exceeding
125 feet in length, an additional wall sign shall be permissible,
subject to the issuance of a zoning clearance.
2. The
maximum sign area for each wall sign shall be one and one-half square
feet per lineal feet of building frontage, up to a maximum of 80 square
feet.
3. Signs
shall be constructed of durable and weatherproof material in compliance
with industry standards and to the satisfaction of the building official
and community development director.
4. Wall
signs shall be of channel letter design.
a. Wall signs shall be limited to no more than two lines of sign copy.
b. Wall signs shall have a minimum depth of two inches and a maximum
depth not exceeding 12 inches from the building wall of which the
sign is attached.
c. The width of wall signs shall not exceed 70% of the width of the
tenant space or building wall on which the wall sign is located on.
d. Wall signage which is horizontally separated by 10 inches or greater
shall be considered a second sign, subject to the pertinent regulations
of this chapter.
e. Wall signs shall not exceed the height of the building roofline or
parapet wall.
C. Projecting
Signs—Sign Design and Development Standards.
1. Each
business tenant space with a single frontage not exceeding 125 feet
in length shall be allowed to have a single projecting tenant sign
subject to the issuance of a zoning clearance.
2. Projecting
signs shall maintain a seven foot, six inch clearance between the
baseline of any sign and the sidewalk below. For projecting signs
that project horizontally from the building face, the proposed projecting
sign shall be located no farther than 15 feet from the nearest property
line, as measured from the point of connection of the sign to the
perpendicular wall. Projecting signs projecting over the public right-of-way
shall obtain all necessary encroachment permits.
3. Maximum
Permitted Sign Area. Projecting tenant signs shall not exceed 15 square
feet per sign face.
D. Monument
Signs—Sign Design and Development Standards.
1. For
business centers consisting of multiple businesses on a parcel of
land or multiple parcels working as a cohesive business center, or
a single business, which occupies a frontage of 126 lineal feet or
more, shall be permitted to have one monument sign subject to the
issuance of a zoning clearance.
2. Monument
signs shall not be located closer than three feet to the nearest property
line and at least 25 feet from any other monument sign, pole sign,
or other freestanding sign.
3. For
purposes of visibility safety, monument signs shall not be permitted
within 15 feet of the corner intersection of streets, driveways or
alleys. Monument signs shall not exceed a maximum height of seven
feet, six inches as measured from the highest point on the monument
sign to the existing or finished grade of the lot upon which the sign
is located, whichever is less.
4. The
location of monument signs shall not interfere or present a hazard
to pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
5. Maximum
permitted sign area. Monument signs shall not exceed a maximum sign
area of 50 square feet.
6. Monument
signs shall have a minimum 75 square feet of landscaped planter area
proportionally surrounding the sign, this area shall not be counted
as part of required landscape areas.
E. Temporary
Signage—General Requirements and Limitations.
1. Permitted
temporary signs are limited to banners and feather flags.
2. Temporary
signs shall be allowed in any of the C and M zones only upon issuance
of a temporary sign permit through a zoning conformance process, which
shall be subject to the following requirements:
a. Temporary signs shall be allowed to be placed in a manner that does
not exceed 90 days during any calendar year.
b. All temporary sign permits shall expire on December 31 of the year
in which it is issued.
c. There shall be no carry-over of unused term allotment into the succeeding
year.
d. The 90 day period shall be divided into multiple display periods
within any calendar year. Each display period shall not exceed 30
consecutive calendar days.
e. The temporary signage shall be removed for a period of no less than
30 days before a new display period shall commence.
f. If a new business license holder occupies premises that have been
vacant for a period of at least 15 days during a calendar year, the
new license holder shall be entitled to the use of a temporary sign
for up to 90 days.
g. Temporary Signage-Size, Number, Design and Location.
i. Temporary signage shall not exceed 36 square feet or one and one-half
feet per lineal foot of building space frontage, whichever is less.
ii. No more than one temporary sign shall be allowed per display period.
iii.
Temporary signs made of paper shall not be allowed.
iv. Temporary signage shall not encroach on or above the public right-of-way
nor be attached to public utility poles.
v. Temporary signage shall not interfere with vehicular traffic visibility.
vi. Temporary banners as permitted under this chapter shall only be mounted
on a building on the subject site.
vii.
Temporary signage shall not be mounted on the building roof,
or installed above the building's parapet or roofline.
F. Review
Exempt Signs.
1. Window
signs that do not exceed 15 square feet. Such signs shall not cover
more than 20% of the total window space.
(Prior code § 9322.3; Ord. 1129, 1997; Ord. 1239 § 4, 2018)
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to allow and regulate digital
billboards. Billboards are typically positioned on highly visible,
heavy traffic locations such as expressways and major roadways. Nothing
in this section is intended to amend any other provision of this chapter,
which apply to identification signs and signs that relate to the business,
goods, activities, or services being provided on the premises where
the sign is located.
B. Billboards Prohibited. Outdoor advertising structures (billboards)
shall not be permitted in the city except as provided herein.
C. Nonconforming Billboards — Removal Without Compensation.
1.
Any existing billboard that was constructed in conformance with
all regulations and permit requirements at the time of its erection,
and that is maintained in accordance to all applicable building standards,
shall constitute a legal nonconforming use.
2.
Any existing billboard that was constructed without valid permits
or in violations of building standards at the time of its erection,
or an existing billboard that constitutes a threat to the public health
and safety, may be required to be removed without compensation.
D. General Requirements.
1.
The requirements of this section shall apply to the expansion
or modification of an existing digital billboard, including the construction
of additional face(s), and/or to the digital conversion of an existing
static billboard to a digital billboard. No digital billboard may
be expanded, modified, or newly constructed other than pursuant to
an agreement, subject to the provisions of this section.
2.
Digital billboards shall be permitted:
a.
Within the "M" (Manufacturing) zoning district located adjacent
to the California Interstate 710 Freeway; or
b.
In connection with the conversion of an existing printed (static)
billboard located on a commercial or other industrial zoned property
(C3, C3R, M, or CM) anywhere in the city; provided, however, that
the conversion of an existing printed billboard located on a commercial
or other industrial zoned property shall only be permitted where the
billboard owner or operator voluntarily removes sufficient printed
sign inventory from elsewhere within the city, and only pursuant to
an agreement negotiated and executed between the billboard operator
and/or owner of the property and the city ("Agreement") consistent
with this section and
Business and Professions Code Section 5412.
The Agreement shall include specific public benefits to be provided
to the city including mitigation fees, cost recovery, maintenance,
and periodic review and upgrade.
Nothing contained in this section shall require the city to
negotiate and/or approve an Agreement on terms that are not beneficial
to the city. In order to convert existing signage as contemplated
in subsection (D)(2)(b), the billboard owner or operator must remove,
at minimum, two times the amount of signage area (square feet) as
that of the proposed digital sign (i.e., a two-to-one removal-to-conversion
ratio) and said voluntarily removal must be explained set forth in
the corresponding Agreement. Digital billboards erected pursuant to
subsection 2(D)(2)(a) or subsection (D)(2)(b) above must comply with
all requirements set forth in this section.
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3.
A billboard or digital billboard in existence on the effective
date of the ordinance enacting this provision pursuant to any prior
agreement (including any amendments or extensions thereof) may be
relocated and rebuilt as a digital billboard subject to the provisions
of this section.
5.
No new digital billboard shall be approved, and no existing
billboard shall be relocated, converted, or modified without the applicant
first providing proof of legal or equitable interest in the property
or parcel proposed for new construction, relocation, or modification,
including, but not limited to, a fee interest, lease, easement, or
other entitlement, demonstrating the right to install and operate
the billboard on the subject property. Information to be provided
shall include the title, lease or other recorded interest and the
written consent of the property owner.
6.
No digital billboard shall be approved for construction, modification,
or expansion, and no digital billboard may be maintained unless the
applicant provides evidence that a designated maintenance service
is available by telephone and able to respond to a repair call "24/7"
in the event a digital billboard becomes damaged or is malfunctioning.
7.
Applicants shall obtain all applicable federal and/or state
permits for installation.
8.
The owner and/or operator of the digital billboard shall comply
with all applicable federal, state, or local laws when constructing,
operating, improving, maintaining, repairing, and removing the digital
billboard, including the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 (23 U.S.C.
Section 131), the Outdoor Advertising Act (Business and Professions
Code, Section 5200 et seq.), the regulations promulgated to implement
the Outdoor Advertising Act (4 Cal. Code Regulations. Section 2242(c)
et seq.).
E. Development Standards.
1.
To the extent not covered herein, digital billboards shall comply
with Caltrans requirements for height, size, operation, distance from
other billboards, highways, or residential uses, and any other requirements.
In the event of inconsistency between this section and Caltrans requirements,
the more restrictive standards shall control. All distances shall
be measured along the nearest edge of the pavement between points
directly opposite the signs along each side of the highway.
2.
All utilities for a digital billboard shall be underground.
3.
No digital billboard shall have more than one digital display
surface oriented in the same vertical plane, for a maximum of two
display surfaces.
4.
Sign Area. The maximum total sign area for any digital billboard:
(a) when located within an "M" (Manufacturing) zone, shall not exceed
1,200 square feet per sign face, and each sign face shall not exceed
25 feet in height and 60 feet in length; or (b) when converting an
existing printed billboard located within a commercial or other industrial
zoned property (C3, C3R, or CM), shall not exceed the total sign area
of the existing printed billboard. For purposes of this section, sign
area shall mean and include any frame or material forming an integral
part of the display but excluding support structures.
5.
Sign Height. The maximum height of any digital billboard including
non-digital sign faces: (a) when located within an "M" (Manufacturing)
zone shall not exceed 75 feet as measured from the finished grade
of the freeway travel lane closest to the sign to the uppermost point
of the sign; or (b) when located within a commercial or other industrial
zoned property (C3, C3R, or CM), shall not exceed 40 feet, as measured
from the finished grade of the travel lane closest to the sign to
the uppermost point of the sign, except as may be approved for good
cause as demonstrated by the applicant and determined in the sole
discretion of the city.
6.
Digital billboards projecting over a driveway or driving aisle
shall have a minimum clearance of 25 feet between the lowest point
of any part of billboard and the finished driveway grade. No part
of any digital billboard shall encroach onto an adjacent private or
public property other than the airspace.
7.
Digital billboards projecting over a pedestrian walkway shall
have a minimum clearance of 25 feet between the lowest point of the
structure and the walkway grade.
8.
Digital billboards not projecting over a drive areas or a pedestrian
walkway shall have a minimum clearance of 25 feet between the lowest
point of the structure and the finished grade level.
9.
Digital billboard structures shall be free of any visible bracing,
angle iron, guy wires, cable, and/or similar supporting elements.
All exposed portions of a digital billboard, including backs, sides,
structural support members and support poles, shall be screened to
the satisfaction of the director of community development.
10.
Digital billboards, with the exception of conversion of an existing
printed (static) billboard, shall be placed at least 50 feet from
any residential zone or residentially used property (including mixed
use). Existing billboards may be closer than 50 feet and this distance
requirement shall only apply to new billboards. The measurement shall
be from the closest edge of the billboard to the closest edge of the
residential zone or closest property line on which a residential use
is located.
11.
Digital billboards shall plainly display and be visible from
no less than 100 feet, the name of the person or company owning or
maintaining the digital billboard and the digital billboard identification
number.
F. Operational Requirements.
1.
No digital billboard shall display any obscene language or images,
as the term is defined in Section 311 of the California
Penal Code,
including any amendments or successor statutes thereto.
2.
Each digital billboard shall be connected to the National Emergency
Network (or any successor network thereto) and provide emergency information,
including child abduction alerts (i.e., "Amber Alerts") or other missing
persons or emergency alerts as may be issued by local, state, or federal
authorities, in accordance with local and regional first responder
protocols.
3.
Digital billboard operating requirements:
a.
Each message shall not move and shall not include animation,
flashing lights, or the varying of light intensity.
b.
Each message shall not be displayed for less than the minimum
amount of time provided by Caltrans' regulations.
c.
Digital billboards shall not operate at brightness levels of
more than 0.3 foot candles above ambient light, as measured using
a foot candle meter, at a pre-set distance as set forth under this
section. Brightness levels from display to display shall not vary
by more than 0.3 foot candles.
d.
Pre-set distances to measure the foot candles impact vary with
the expected viewing distances of each size sign and shall comply
with the following:
Face Size
|
Distance to point of measurement
|
---|
12' X 25'
|
150'
|
10'6" X 36'
|
200'
|
14' X 48'
|
250'
|
20' X 60'
|
350'
|
e.
Each digital billboard shall have a light sensing device that
will automatically adjust the brightness as ambient light conditions
change.
4.
Each digital billboard shall be designed and operated with systems
and monitoring in place to either turn the display off or show-full
black screen in the event of a malfunction.
5.
Walls or screens at the base of the digital billboard or other
support structures shall not create a hazard to public safety or become
an attractive nuisance and shall be continually maintained in good
condition and free from graffiti, weeds, or other blight conditions.
6.
Digital billboards shall not simulate or imitate any directional,
warning, danger, or information sign, or any other display likely
to be mistaken for any permitted sign intended or likely to be construed
as giving warning or direction to traffic, for example using such
words or phrases as "stop" or "slow down."
7.
Digital billboards shall not display any red or blinking or
intermittent lighting that may be mistaken for warning or danger signals
nor shall the billboards' illumination impair the vision of travelers
on the adjacent freeway and roadways.
G. The requirements set forth under subsections
B,
C, and
D, above, shall be in addition to any other conditions and requirements contained in the Agreement and may be modified by the Agreement or resolution of city council. If any condition or requirement imposed in an Agreement conflict with the general requirements set forth in subsections
B,
C, and
D, the general requirements of subsections
B,
C, and
D shall control. For purposes of this subsection, conditions or requirements contained in an Agreement that are more restrictive than those contained in the general requirements of subsections
B,
C, and
D shall not be deemed in conflict, and shall control.
H. Application Requirements and Review Procedures.
1.
Application requirements. To the extent not covered in this section, the application, review, and appeal provisions of Chapter
17.96 (Variances and Conditional Use Permits) shall apply to this section for billboards within the "M" Manufacturing zone except for billboards in connection with the conversion of existing printed billboards located within a commercial or other industrial zoned property (C3, C3R, or CM). Any person wishing to erect a new digital billboard, relocate an existing nonconforming or conforming billboard or modify and convert an existing into a digital billboard shall submit a request in writing for approval of an Agreement as described under subsection
B of this section that includes the following:
a.
The name, address, phone number, and other contact information
of the person proposing the Agreement.
b.
The location of the proposed digital billboard and printed signs
to be removed, if applicable, under Section (D)(2)(b), above.
c.
Information that establishes that the person proposing the Agreement
has legal or equitable interest in the proposed new, relocated, or
converted billboard and proof of legal or equitable interest in the
proposed site including, but not limited to, a fee interest, lease,
easement, or other entitlement demonstrating the right to install
and operate the billboard on the subject property. Information to
be provided shall include the written consent of the property owner.
d.
Conceptual design drawings of the digital billboard that includes
technical specifications to determine the digital billboard's
compliance with this section.
e.
A detailed description of the proposed compensation or public
benefit to be provided to the city and complying with all city requirements.
f.
Photos of all existing signage, and architectural renderings
and elevations of the proposed digital billboard and a scaled site
plan and elevations showing the locations of all existing structures
and improvements on the property, and the proposed digital billboard
and related structures and improvements.
g.
Photo simulations of the before and after physical site appearance
from views as specified by the director of community development.
h.
A photometric study prepared by a certified lighting engineer
demonstrating the proposed digital billboard's compliance with
the operational requirements of this note. A photometric study for
a billboard in connection with the conversion of an existing printed
billboard with lighting shall demonstrate that the brightness levels
for the converted billboard are less than the existing lighting levels
for the printed billboard.
i.
The applicant shall pay a filing fee as set by resolution of
the city council, or as stated in the Agreement. This fee shall be
in addition to any other required fees for permits relative to the
development of the property and shall be for the purpose of defraying
the costs associated with city's review of the application. The
city may also require reimbursement of actual costs.
j.
The applicant shall pay the cost of any environmental studies
and reports necessary for the completion of the environmental review
of the proposal pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act,
and for legal expenses of negotiating any agreements.
k.
Such other documents, materials, or information deemed reasonably
necessary by the director of community development.
2.
Review Procedures.
a.
An Agreement shall be reviewed by the planning commission at a duly noticed public hearing, pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section
17.96.110 of the BMC. The planning commission shall review the Agreement and make a recommendation to city council whether the proposed digital billboard meets the required findings set forth in subsection (H)(2)(c) below.
b.
The city council shall conduct a duly noticed public hearing following the planning commission recommendation to consider approval of the Agreement. The hearing before the city council shall be noticed in accordance with Section
17.96.110 of the BMC, and may be continued from time to time. In order to approve a digital billboard Agreement, the city council shall make all of the findings contained in subsection (H)(2)(c) below. Agreements shall be approved by ordinance.
c.
Findings for approval of an Agreement. The city council shall
approve the Agreement if it finds the following:
i.
The proposed Agreement is consistent with the goals, objectives,
purposes and provisions of the General Plan, the Municipal Code, and
any applicable specific plans and provides for appropriate maintenance
and periodic review;
ii.
The proposed installation site is compatible with the uses and
structures on the site and in the surrounding area;
iii. The proposed digital billboard would not create
a traffic or safety problem, including problems associated with on-site
access circulation or visibility;
iv.
The proposed digital billboard would not interfere with on-site
parking or landscaping required by city ordinance or permit;
v.
The proposed digital billboard would not otherwise result in
a threat to the general health, safety, and welfare of city residents;
and
vi.
The proposed digital billboard, in addition to its aesthetic
treatment, provides substantial public benefits that would not otherwise
accrue to the public in the absence of its installation.
(Ord. 1278 § 3, 2023; Ord. 1283, 11/8/2023)
A. Unless
otherwise exempt by this chapter, no sign shall be installed, constructed,
erected, structurally altered, relocated, or reconstructed without
approval of a zoning clearance (or other applicable permit as required
or allowed by this chapter) by the community development director.
B. The
City of Bell Planning Commission may grant a master sign program for
multi-tenant commercial buildings and/or shopping centers, consisting
of three or more tenants, regardless of whether the shopping center
or building is established on multiple parcels.
C. In
order to allow for flexibility in sign regulations and provide businesses
with the opportunity to showcase their brand identity in a unique
and visually appealing way while still maintaining the safety and
aesthetic standards of the community, the Planning Commission may
also grant a master sign program to accommodate unique commercial
development needs that may include, but not be limited to:
1. Multiple
signs per business, exceeding the normal limit of two signs; and
2. Signs
that are larger than the standard size allowed by the sign regulations;
and
3. Signs
that have a unique and creative design that does not conform to the
standard regulations.
D. A master
sign program may be granted subject to the following findings:
1. The
proposed signs are well-designed and consistent with other signs located
on the subject property, as well as compatible with community character
and harmonious with surrounding properties and buildings;
2. The
proposed sign program complies with all applicable chapters of this
title and is consistent with the plans and policies of the general
plan;
3. The
proposed signs are displayed in a manner that does not harm the public
health, safety, and welfare.
(Ord. 1239 § 4, 2018; Ord. 1282 § 2, 2023)