The intent and purpose of this chapter is to establish uniform sign regulations intended to:
(a) 
Maintain and enhance the City's visual environment by regulating the location, size, design, character, number, type, quality of materials, illumination, and maintenance of signs;
(b) 
Protect and improve pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic safety by balancing the need for signs which facilitate the safe and smooth flow of traffic without an excess of signage that may distract motorists, overload their capacity to quickly receive information, visually obstruct traffic signs, or otherwise create congestion and safety hazards;
(c) 
Generally limit commercial signage to on-site locations to protect the visual environment from visual disorder associated with the unregulated proliferation of signs while providing channels of commercial communication to the public;
(d) 
Allow the expression of political, religious, and other noncommercial speech at all times;
(e) 
Respect and protect the right of free speech through sign display, while reasonably regulating the structural, locational, and other noncommunicative aspects of signs generally to protect the public health, safety, and welfare and specifically to serve the public interest through pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic safety and the maintenance and enhancement of the visual environment;
(f) 
Minimize the potential adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property;
(g) 
Promote the City's interest in maintaining and enhancing its visual appeal to residents and visitors by preventing the degradation of visual quality which can result from excess signage;
(h) 
Defend the peace and tranquility of residential zones and neighborhoods by prohibiting commercial signs on private residences while allowing residents the opportunity, within reasonable limits, to express political, religious, and other noncommercial messages;
(i) 
Enable the fair, consistent, and efficient enforcement of sign regulations in the City.
(a) 
Signs shall only be erected or maintained in zones as allowed by this chapter. The sign regulations outlined in this chapter are intended to be the minimum standards needed to achieve the City's purposes in regard to signs.
(b) 
Where the provisions established by this chapter conflict with other provisions of this article, the provisions of this chapter shall apply.
The City therefore adopts the following policies:
(a) 
Signing in residential areas shall be harmonious with the materials, colors, and textures of the neighborhood.
(b) 
Signing used by commercial/industrial businesses either abutting or across the street from residential areas shall be designed so as to consider their proximity and not adversely affect the integrity of residential neighborhoods.
(c) 
Signing throughout the City shall be reasonable in scale, character, and design. The design of signs shall be consistent with the highest visual standards.
(d) 
All signing for an establishment within a multi-tenant commercial or industrial complex shall be in harmony and consistent with the signing of the entire complex. The theme of such signing shall be approved as part of the planned signing program for the commercial or industrial complex.
(e) 
Signs shall serve to identify the business(es) on the premises.
The following general provisions and regulations shall apply to all signs within the City unless otherwise specified in this chapter. To further the purposes and policies of this chapter, the following regulations shall be strictly construed in their application:
(a) 
The consent of the property owner is required before any sign may be displayed on any real or personal property within the City. In the case of public property, owner's consent shall be pursuant to the adoption of policy by the Council.
(b) 
Subject to the owner's consent, a noncommercial message of any type may be substituted for all or part of the commercial message on any sign allowed pursuant to this chapter.
(c) 
All rights, duties, and responsibilities related to permanent signs run with the land on which the sign is mounted, affixed, or displayed. The City may demand compliance with this chapter and with the terms of any sign permit from the permit holder, the owner of the sign, the property owner, or the person mounting the sign.
(d) 
Replacing sign copy on a commercial sign due to age, wear, or other aesthetic or safety purposes without any modification to the location, height, size of the sign area, any structural support or attachment, or electrical component shall require a sign permit.
(e) 
Rights and duties relating to permanent signs may not be transferred between different parcels of real property except as part of an approved Planned Signing Program. All duly issued and valid sign permits for permanent signs affixed to land shall automatically transfer with the right to possession of the real property on which the sign is located.
(f) 
Every sign shall be properly maintained respecting appearance, structure, and electrical provisions as follows:
(1) 
Any location where business goods are no longer sold or purchased or where services are no longer provided shall have 60 days to remove any remaining or derelict on premises signs following notification by the City and at the expense of the owner of such property. Where written notification has been given by the City and compliance has not been made within the required 60 day period, the City may cause the removal of such signs with the costs for such removal to be attached to the property. For good cause shown, the City Planner may extend the specified period not to exceed 90 days from the original date of notification.
(2) 
All on-premises signs shall be maintained in a clean and attractive condition. All signs shall be cleaned, repaired, or replaced within 30 days following the issuance of such notification by the City.
(g) 
Noncommercial or nonindustrial uses located in a commercial or manufacturing zone shall be governed by the requirements of the zone in which the particular use was originally permitted.
(h) 
Windows painted in a manner that prohibits the passage of light rays and that are the same color as the adjoining walls shall be considered a part of the wall.
(i) 
Every sign requiring a permit shall display the name of the maker, date of the installation, and the permit number. Such information shall be clearly legible and in a conspicuous place on each sign.
(j) 
A commercial or industrial building with a side or rear property line that abuts a residentially zoned property shall not erect a sign along said side or rear property line, with the exception of a directional sign or non-illuminated sign.
(a) 
Unless otherwise exempt by this chapter, no sign shall be installed, constructed, erected, structurally altered, relocated, or reconstructed without approval of a sign permit (or other applicable permit as required or allowed by this chapter) by the City Planner in accordance with the following:
(1) 
Applications. Applications for sign permits shall be made on forms provided by the Planning Division and shall be accompanied by the following materials:
(i) 
A sign elevation indicating the overall dimensions and the size and type of letter dimensions, proposed copy, colors, materials, and illumination;
(ii) 
A site plan indicating the proposed location, type, and character of each sign;
(iii) 
The name and address of the applicant and the person who will construct, erect, alter, relocate, or reconstruct the sign;
(iv) 
Building elevations with signs depicted; and
(v) 
Such other information pertinent to the application as may be required by the City Planner or as described in the sign permit application instructions.
(2) 
Review and Approval of Sign Applications.
(i) 
All sign applications shall be reviewed by the City Planner within 10 calendar days of filing. The City Planner shall either approve, approve with conditions, deny, or refer to the Commission an application in accordance with the provisions established by this chapter. Decisions of the City Planner on signs may be appealed to the Commission according to the appeals process established by Section 9806 of Chapter 8.
(ii) 
The City Planner may require submittal of a Planned Sign Program in accordance with Section 9610.02(a)(2)(iii) and Section 9610.04 prior to the approval of a sign permit.
(iii) 
The Commission may grant exceptions to these sign regulations as part of a Planned Sign Program, or where such exceptions would allow signs that would be better integrated with the architecture or character of an existing or proposed building, the project site, or the surrounding community.
(iv) 
If it is found that a temporary sign is necessary to establish or maintain identity until a permanent sign can be erected, the City Planner may issue a temporary sign permit for up to 30 days provided that the temporary sign complies with the sign area and other sign standards of this chapter. The City Planner may approve a temporary sign when necessary to avoid a dangerous condition and may approve temporary signs pertaining to a use permitted by a Special Event Permit as described in Section 9420.
(v) 
No permit for any sign shall be issued by any department, elected official, or employee of the City without compliance with the applicable requirements of this chapter. Any sign permit issued that does not comply with this chapter shall be null and void. The City Planner shall enforce the provisions of this chapter pertaining to the use of any sign.
(a) 
A Planned Sign Program shall be required for any site having three or more nonresidential tenants and shall be submitted and approved by the Commission prior to the issuance of any sign permit. Once a Planned Sign Program is approved, no sign permit shall be issued unless said sign complies with the Planned Sign Program.
(1) 
Applications for a Planned Sign Program shall be submitted to the City Planner and shall include the following:
(i) 
A site plan drawn to scale, delineating the site proposed to be included within the signing program, the lineal street frontage of the site, the lineal occupancy frontage of all buildings, and the locations of all existing and proposed signs;
(ii) 
Drawings indicating the exterior surface details (elevations) of all buildings on the site on which wall signs, directory signs, or projecting signs are proposed (including any existing signs to be retained);
(iii) 
Drawings indicating typical sign design, height, colors, faces, and methods of construction (including method of attachment for wall signs) for all proposed signs;
(iv) 
A statement of the reasons for any requested modifications to the regulations or standards of this chapter; and
(v) 
A summary indicating the maximum total sign area allowed for the site, the sign area of all existing signs, and the allocation of the sign area by sign type (freestanding, wall, multi-tenant, directional, etc) and location in the development.
(vi) 
The program shall have provisions for sign maintenance and removal, replacement of nonconforming signs, and other items as determined by Planning Division.
(b) 
A Planned Sign Program may include deviations from the standards of this chapter, provided that the total sign area shall not exceed the area otherwise permitted by this chapter. In approving a Planned Sign Program, the Commission shall determine that such Planned Sign Program:
(1) 
Includes signs consisting of materials, colors, textures, sizes, shapes, heights, and locations that are compatible with each other;
(2) 
Is consistent with or improved upon the style and character of any existing signs on the site;
(3) 
Is compatible with the character of signs on adjacent properties;
(4) 
Does not detract or adversely impact the use and enjoyment of adjacent properties; and
(5) 
Does not have an adverse impact on the safe and efficient movement of vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic.
(c) 
The Commission may require any reasonable conditions necessary to carry out the intent of the Planned Sign Program requirement.
(d) 
An alternate means of compliance with this section may be approved by the Commission.
(e) 
Planned Sign Programs may be part of a Site Plan Review, a Conditional Use Permit, or a Planned Unit Development.
(f) 
The Planning Commission shall conduct a public hearing on the planned sign program pursuant to Section 9804. Decisions of the Commission may be appealed to the Council according to the appeals process established by Section 9806 of Chapter 8.
(Amended by Ord. 1248, adopted 7-28-09)
The Commission may approve a Planned Sign Program application in whole or in part, with or without conditions, only if the following findings are made:
(a) 
The proposed sign is permitted within the zone and complies with all applicable provisions of this chapter, the General Plan, and any other applicable standards;
(b) 
The sign is in proper proportion to the structure or site on which it is located;
(c) 
The sign materials, color, texture, size, shape, height, and placement are compatible with the design of the structure(s), property, and neighborhood of which it is a part;
(d) 
The sign's illumination is at the lowest reasonable level as determined by the City Planner, which ensures adequate identification and readability, and is directed solely at the sign or is internal to it;
(e) 
The sign is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare; and
(f) 
The sign is in compliance with Section 9624, Lighting and Design Standards.
A sign permit shall not be required for exempt signs. Such signs shall be exempt from the sign regulations and design standards of this chapter except for regulations related to prohibited signs and locations provided in Section 9614. Exempt signs are permitted in all zones subject to the requirements of Table 9.6.1.
Table 9.6.1. Schedule of Exempt Signs
Signs
Max. Area in Square Feet (sf)
Maximum Number
Max. Height in Feet/Inches
Additional Standards
Accessory sign to a commercial, public or semipublic use
NR
NR
NR
• Signs manufactured as a standard, integral part of a mass-produced product accessory to a commercial or public or semipublic use, including telephone booths, vending machines, automated teller machines, and gasoline pumps
Address numbers
NR
NR
As required by Fire Department
• No additional standards beyond those otherwise required by this article
Balloons, non-helium
4 sf
NR
NR
• Only permitted for noncommercial decorative purposes not to exceed 20 days per calendar year
Construction sign
Residential zones – 6 sf
Nonresidential zones - 64 sf
1 per street frontage
8 feet
• One allowed per street frontage of a building under construction
• Removal shall occur prior to final occupancy of the building
Construction sign warning about a potential public hazard
NR
NR
NR
• Signs that inform the public of potential hazards resulting from construction or remodeling activities; these must be removed at the time of the completion of the construction or remodeling activities
Credit card, trading stamp, or trade association sign
0.5 sf
NR
NR
• No additional standards beyond those otherwise required by this article
Directional sign on-site
6 sf
1 per entrance/exit
4 feet
• There shall be no limitation on directional signs that are not visible from the public right-of-way
• Maximum sign area may be increased to 10 square feet if setback at least 100 feet from the public right-of-way
• Directional signs shall never include commercial or advertising content
Directional signs for public and semi-public use signs within the public right-of-way
3 sf per sign
3
Per agency requirement
• Subject to the approval of the City Planner or his/her designee
• Permitted within the public right-of-way
Door sign, nonilluminated
2 sf
1
NR
• Such signs shall not be computed in the maximum permitted sign area
Flag of an official government jurisdiction
NR
NR
NR
• Does not include official flags of government jurisdictions that are displayed as part of a commercial advertisement
Historical marker
2 sf per lineal frontage not to exceed 180 sf
1 per street frontage
NR
• No additional standards beyond those otherwise required by this article
Holiday lights, decorations, and displays
NR
NR
NR
• May be displayed no sooner than 45 days before a national or religious holiday and removed within 14 days after the holiday
Identification sign, owner/occupant
1 sf
NR
NR
• No additional standards beyond those otherwise required by this article
Identification sign, public utility
6 sf
NR
NR
• No additional standards beyond those otherwise required by this article
• Permitted within public right-of-way
Inspection sign
4 sf
1 per type of inspection
NR
• Includes official state inspection signs constructed of permanent materials and located flat against the wall of a building
Interior sign
NR
NR
NR
• Includes signs within the interior of building and structures (including enclosed malls) that are not visible from the outside of the building or structure
Menu board sign
32 sf
2
5 feet
• Only permitted in association with a business having a drive-through window
Open house sign
6 sf
1
4 feet
• Only permitted on the day(s) for which the property is available for public showing
• Portable signs are permitted
• Shall only be located on the site in which the open house is occurring.
Commemorative plaque sign
1 sf
NR
NR
• Limited to plaques placed by historical agencies.
Political sign, residential
A maximum of 9 sf per sign; a total sign area of 36 sf per parcel
NR, provided that total area of signs does not exceed max. area of 36 sf per parcel
NR
• Political signs shall maintain a minimum setback of five feet from the front or street side property line and shall be subject to Section 4118 of the Downey Municipal Code
• All such signs shall be removed by the tenant or owner of the property within 10 days of the election for which the sign was posted
• All sign copy shall conform to the State Election Code
• No sign shall be located so as to constitute a hazard to automobile, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic, or a safety hazard including but not limited to the obstruction of the location of fire hydrants; visibility of traffic signs or signals; vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian directional signs; and the line of sight of intersections or sidewalks.
• Nothing in this section shall authorize any sign poster or other person to trespass or otherwise violate any rights of the property owners or tenants of property on which signs are posted, including the property owner's right to approve or disapprove locating the sign on their property.
Political sign, nonresidential
A maximum of 32 sf per sign; a total sign area of 96 sf per parcel
NR, provided that total area of signs does not exceed maximum area of 96 sf per parcel
NR
• Political signs shall maintain a minimum setback of five feet from the public right-of-way. In the case of buildings with no setbacks from the public right-of-way or a fenced vacant site, political signs shall be allowed to be affixed to the face of the building or fencing but in no case shall present an obstacle or block or impede access or pedestrian movement.
• All such signs shall be removed by the tenant or owner of the property within 10 days of the election for which the sign was posted
• All sign copy shall conform to the State Election Code
• No sign shall be located so as to constitute a hazard to automobile, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic, or a safety hazard including but not limited to the obstruction of the location of fire hydrants; visibility of traffic signs or signals; vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian directional signs; and the line of sight of intersections or sidewalks.
• Nothing in this section shall authorize any sign poster or other person to trespass or otherwise violate any rights of the property owners or tenants of property on which signs are posted, including the property owner's right to approve or disapprove locating the sign on their property.
Poster, notice, or sign legally required by state or Federal law
Per agency requirement
NR
NR
• No additional standards beyond those otherwise required by this article
• Permitted within the public right-of-way
Real estate sign
8 sf w/in R-1 and R-2 Zones; 16 sf w/in R-3 and R-3-O; and 32 sf w/in other zones
1 per street frontage
6 feet (if freestanding)
• Limited to on-site signs advertising the sale, lease, or rental of a structure or land
• Removal shall occur within 15 days of the close of escrow, lease, or rental
Subdivision sign
80 sf per street entrance
1 per lot w/in R Zones
4 feet (if freestanding)
• Duration of sign display shall not exceed one year after date of erection
• The requirement above may be extended for a reasonable period of time not to exceed one year by written approval of the City Planner
1 per street frontage w/in other zones
Time and temperature sign
1/6 sf per lineal footage of building frontage
1 per property
NR
• Not permitted in residential zones
• Only the display of current time and temperature shall be permitted
• Shall not be computed towards maximum permitted sign area
Traffic, danger emergency or other official public sign
Per agency requirement
NR
NR
• Includes miscellaneous traffic and other official signs of any public or government agency or official notices issued or posted by a public body or officer.
Window sign, permanent
15% of individual window area and 30% of total area of all windows
NR
NR
• Changeable copy is permitted. Signs shall not rotate, move, or cause uncontrolled direction of lights, flash, reflect, scroll, or blink.
Notes:
NR = No Requirement beyond the development and design standards and any other applicable requirement(s) of the underlying zone or this article.
(Amended by Ord. 1248, adopted 7-28-09)
The following signs and mechanical and electrical equipment shall be prohibited unless otherwise specified by this chapter:
(a) 
Canvas signs (excluding awning signs), paper or cardboard signs, banners, pennants, flags, streamers, balloons, or other wind signs, except where temporarily permitted as described in Section 9618.02;
(b) 
A-frame, portable, or sandwich board signs;
(c) 
Signs or sign structures which by color, wording, or symbols, resemble or conflict with any traffic control sign or signal;
(d) 
Signs with an intensity of illumination that creates a safety hazard for pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicular traffic;
(e) 
Signs which produce odor, sound, smoke, fire, or other such emissions;
(f) 
Signs advertising commercial uses, day care homes, residential care facilities, and similar uses on sites where the principal use is a residential dwelling unit unless otherwise allowed in accordance with State law;
(g) 
Signs that rotate, move, or cause uncontrolled direction of lights, flash, reflect, blink, or appear to do any of the foregoing with the exception of public service signs stating time and temperature;
(h) 
On-premises signs that identify or advertise a product, business, or service that is not located on the property on which the sign is located;
(i) 
Off-premises signs, including billboards, and/or advertising signs as defined in this chapter, which do not advertise a product, an interest, a service, or entertainment available on the premises, except as permitted by Section 9622.
(j) 
Any other sign, sign structure, or advertising device which is not specifically permitted by the zone regulations in which the sign is located or which may have been erected in violation of the laws in effect at the time of erection;
(k) 
String lights, except in connection with permissible holiday decorations. Outlining of a building or structure with lights shall be construed as being string lighting;
(l) 
Statuary sign, excepting those statuary signs legally established before January 12, 1978;
(m) 
Lamps or incandescent lights are prohibited from use in any sign. This includes but is not necessarily limited to:
(1) 
Stroboscopic lights;
(2) 
Spotlights;
(3) 
Revolving beacons;
(4) 
Any lamp with internal metallic reflectors;
(5) 
Any lamp with external reflectors; and
(6) 
Any exposed lamp or bulb with a rated wattage in excess of 25 watts.
(n) 
Signs extending above a building roof (Figure 9.6.1). However, a wall sign may be architecturally integrated with a sloping roof fascia or mansard roof with approval of a sign permit or a planned sign program.
Figure 9.6.1. Prohibited Roof Sign
(o) 
Exposed neon, unless the neon is approved by the Commission as a contributing architectural or historical feature of the building.
(p) 
Any painted wall sign.
(q) 
Any sign or portion thereof that physically rotates about an axis (a revolving sign).
(r) 
Changeable copy except as permitted elsewhere in this chapter.
(s) 
Animals or human beings, live or simulated, utilized as signs.
(Amended by Ord. 1248, adopted 7-28-09)
(a) 
Signs or sign structures which by their location conflict with a traffic control sign or signal or create a safety hazard for pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicular traffic;
(b) 
Signs on public property, except when authorized by the appropriate governmental agency;
(c) 
Signs overhanging in the public right-of-way, unless specifically permitted by this chapter. All signs permitted to project over the public right-of-way must do so in compliance with Sections 7165 through 7172 of Chapter 1 of Article VII, Streets and Public Works.
(d) 
No sign shall be affixed to any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way or public or private property unless the vehicle or trailer is currently and regularly being used in its normal business capacity and is not for the sole purpose of attracting business.
(e) 
Sign structures shall not be placed within the intersection visibility triangle as described in Section 9520.04 and shown in Figure 9.6.2 unless the sign complies with the provisions of Section 9614.04(f).
Figure 9.6.2. Sign Restrictions Near Intersections
(f) 
Within the area composed by said triangle ("the corner cutback area"), no sign shall create a visual obstruction within a vertical space between 30 inches above the adjacent curb grade and a minimum nine feet above the adjacent curb grade as shown in Figure 9.6.3.
Figure 9.6.3. Area Free of Visual Obstruction
(g) 
The City Planner may require an additional offset or setback other than required by this section to create site visibility upon finding that the need for such additional offset or setback is required to maintain public safety.
(h) 
Nonexempt signs within the R-1 and R-2 Zones.
(a) 
Sign area shall be computed as follows:
(1) 
Wall, Awning, Marquee, and Window Signs. Sign area shall be computed by measuring the square or rectangle that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, graphic representation, emblem, or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the message or display or otherwise used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, including any supporting framework. When signs are composed of individual elements, the area of all sign elements, which together convey a single complete message, shall be considered a single sign (see Figure 9.6.4).
Figure 9.6.4. Area of a Wall, Awning, Marquee, or Window Sign
(2) 
Monument Signs. Sign area shall be computed by measuring the entire area contained within the frame or cabinet but excluding the monument base if it contains no advertising and is clearly distinguishable from the sign copy area through the use of different texture, color, and design (see Figure 9.6.5).
Figure 9.6.5. Area of a Monument Sign
(3) 
Projecting and Hanging Signs. Sign area shall be computed by measuring the entire area contained within the frame or cabinet (see Figure 9.6.6).
Figure 9.6.6. Area of a Projecting Sign
(4) 
Freestanding Signs. Sign area shall be computed as the entire area of the surface(s) upon which the sign message is placed, including the supporting column(s) if decorated or displayed with advertising (see Figure 9.6.7).
Figure 9.6.7. Area of a Freestanding Sign
(5) 
Multi-Faced Signs. The sign area for a two-sided or multi-faced sign shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces (see Figure 9.6.8).
Figure 9.6.8. Area of a Multi-Faced Sign
(6) 
Flags, Banners, Pennants, etc. Sign area shall be computed as the surface area of both sides of the flag or pennant. For banners, the side(s) containing sign copy shall be counted as sign area (see Figure 9.6.9).
Figure 9.6.9. Area of a Flag, Pennant, or Banner
(b) 
Sign height shall be measured as the greatest vertical distance from the finished grade adjacent to the sign footing or wall or below a suspended sign to the top of the sign, including any support structure and any design element as shown in Figure 9.6.10.
Figure 9.6.10. Sign Height
Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, copy area shall be measured as defined as shown in Figure 9.6.11.
(1) 
The total copy area shall not exceed 75% of the sign area. Supplemental sign copy and/or logos on the same sign may constitute no more than 25% of the total copy area.
Figure 9.6.11. Copy Area
The following regulations shall apply to all nonexempt on-site signs in each zone. Such signs shall require a sign permit unless otherwise indicated by this chapter. Examples of on-site signs are shown in Figure 9.6.12.
Figure 9.6.12. Examples of On-Site Signs
(a) 
The allowable signs and maximum sign area allowed by zone for on-site signs shall be as identified in Table 9.6.2 and subject to the following:
(1) 
The maximum sign area shall be calculated based on the lineal feet of building frontage or as otherwise provided below. A maximum of one building frontage shall be used to determine the total maximum sign area allowed for building signs except that two building frontages may be counted for buildings located on lots or parcels with more than one street frontage. Where a building has multiple frontages, the City Planner shall determine which frontage shall be used to calculate the maximum building sign area. The maximum sign area for building signs may be allocated to any building frontage as determined by the applicant.
(2) 
The maximum sign area allocated for building signs may be distributed all allowable signs as determined by the applicant provided that all signs comply with Section 9618.04, Sign-Specific Requirements.
(3) 
All signs shall comply with Section 9624, Lighting and Design Standards.
Table 9.6.2. Signs by Zone
Zone
Signs Allowed
Maximum Sign Areaa
R-1 and R-2
Exempt signs
Exempt signs only
R-3 and R-3-O
Exempt signs
Temporary signs
Wall signs
A maximum of 12 square feet in total sign area per street frontage
M-U
Awning signs
Exempt signs
Freestanding signs
Hanging signs
Marquee signs
Monument signs
Projecting signs
Temporary signs
Wall signs
Multi-family developments shall be subject to the requirements for the R-3 and R-3-O Zones. Commercial uses shall be subject to the requirements for the C-1, C-2, and C-3 Zones.
H-M
Exempt signs
Monument signs
Temporary signs
Wall signs
A maximum of one square foot of area for each lineal foot of building frontage. No individual sign shall exceed not to exceed a maximum of 30 square feet. Signs shall not be permitted to face toward a residential zone.
O-S
Exempt signs
Monument signs
Temporary signs
One monument sign which shall not exceed 20 square feet of copy area and 60 square feet of background area
P
Awning signs
Exempt signs
Freestanding signs
Hanging signs
Marquee signs
Monument signs
Projecting signs
Temporary signs
Wall signs
The maximum sign area and height for building and freestanding signs in a P Zone shall be determined by the City Planner based on the identification needs of the use, the nature and uses of the surrounding area, and the sign requirements of any adjacent zone(s)
C-P
Exempt signs
Monument signs
Temporary signs
Wall signs
A maximum of 1/2 square foot of area for each lineal foot of business frontage, not to exceed a maximum of 40 square feet in area.
Property under single ownership and having a continuous street frontage greater than 150 feet may exceed the 40 square feet maximum and compute the permitted area as follows: 1.5 times the building setback, plus 1/3 of the lineal feet of business frontage.
C-1, C-2, C-3
Awning signs
Exempt signs
Freestanding signs
Hanging signs
Marquee signs
Monument signs
Projecting signs
Temporary signs
Wall signs
The maximum sign area of all permit signs for each individual business shall not exceed 2.25 square feet of area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
C-M
Awning signs
Exempt signs
Freestanding signs
Hanging signs
Marquee signs
Monument signs
Projecting signs
Temporary signs
Wall signs
The maximum sign area of all permit signs for each individual business shall not exceed 2.25 square feet of area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
M-1 and M-2
Awning signs
Exempt signs
Freestanding signs
Hanging signs
Marquee signs
Monument signs
Projecting signs
Temporary signs
Wall signs
The maximum sign area of all permit signs for each individual business shall be limited to one square foot for each lineal foot of building frontage for the first 60 feet of frontage, plus 1.0 square foot for each 2.0 lineal feet of building frontage for the next 40 feet of frontage, plus 1.0 square foot for each 4.0 lineal feet of building frontage for any additional frontage greater than 100 feet.
Notes:
a
Individual signs may have further limits, see Section 9618.04
(a) 
In addition to the maximum sign area requirements established by Section 9618.02 above, on-site signs are also subject to the following requirements. Where the provisions of this subsection conflict with the maximum sign area requirements by zone, this subsection shall prevail.
(1) 
Freestanding signs, which are sometimes also referred to as pole or pole-mounted signs, are subject to the requirements of Table 9.6.3. Typical freestanding signs are shown in Figure 9.6.13.
Figure 9.6.13. Freestanding Signs
Table 9.6.3. Requirements for Freestanding Signs
Standard
Requirement
Maximum Sign Area
When abutting a street lot line = 42 square feet;
When set back from a street lot line = 2.5 times the setback distance plus 42 square feet, with a maximum permitted sign area of 157 square feet.
Maximum Height
When abutting a street lot line = 20 feet
When set back from a street lot line = 1/2 of the setback distance, plus 20 feet with a maximum permitted height of 43 feet
When the abutting property to the rear is in a residential zone, the sign shall be of such a height so as not to be visible from the ground floor of any dwelling unit(s) located within said residential zone.
Vertical Clearance
When located within the intersection visibility, freestanding signs shall comply with Section 9614.04(f).
Maximum Number of Signs
1 per each continuous street frontage that is greater than or equal to 150 feet in length but not more than 2.
Minimum Separation between Signs
100 feet
Minimum Setback Requirements
50 feet from any interior side property line;
 
75 feet from any residential zone.
Landscaping Requirements
Freestanding signs shall be located in a landscaped planter equal the area of the sign face, but never less than 80 square feet. The sign support structure(s) shall be located a minimum of 4 feet from 2 of the curbs of the landscape planter.
Alternative Requirements for Corner Lots
In lieu of placement of freestanding signs on each street frontage, a single freestanding sign may be permitted to be located at the street intersection, which sign shall not exceed 80 square feet in area, and a height of 24 feet. Sign supports shall be at least 5 feet away from any property line and no part of the sign may encroach into the public right-of-way.
Changeable Copy
May not change more than once per hour. Signs shall not rotate, move, or cause uncontrolled direction of lights, flash, reflect, scroll, or blink. No more than 25% of the sign area.
(2) 
Marquee signs, which are sometimes also referred to as canopy signs, are permitted as provided by Table 9.6.4. A typical marquee sign is shown in Figure 9.6.14.
Table 9.6.4. Requirements for Marquee Signs
Standard
Requirement
Maximum Sign Area
1 square foot per lineal foot of building frontage
Maximum Sign Copy Area
75% of sign area;
The vertical dimension of the sign copy area shall not exceed 4 feet
Maximum Height
Such signs may not extend above the building façade and in no event higher than 20 feet.
Maximum Height of Sign Copy Letters
1 foot
Vertical Clearance
8 feet above grade
Maximum Number of Signs
1 per parcel
Maximum Projection into the Public Right-of-way
1/2 of the parkway width
Figure 9.6.14. Marquee Signs
(3) 
Hanging signs are permitted as provided by Table 9.6.5. A typical hanging sign is shown in Figure 9.6.15.
Table 9.6.5. Requirements for Hanging Signs
Standard
Requirement
Maximum Sign Area
5 square feet
Maximum Sign Copy Area
75% of the sign area
Maximum Height
Such signs shall not extend above the building façade and in no event higher than 20 feet.
Vertical Clearance
8 feet above grade
Maximum Number of Signs
1 per business
Maximum Projection into the Public Right-of-Way
1/2 of the parkway width
Figure 9.6.15. Hanging Sign
(4) 
Monument signs are permitted as provided by Table 9.6.6. Monument signs are shown in Figure 9.6.16. Multi-Tenant Monument Signs are shown in Figure 9.6.17
Table 9.6.6. Requirements for Monument Signs
Standard
Requirement
Maximum Sign Area
1/3 square foot per lineal footage of building frontage with a minimum of 15 square feet of sign area
Property under one ownership having a continuous street frontage in excess of 150 feet and a building setback greater than the required setback may compute maximum sign area as follows: 1.5 times the building setback, plus 1/3 of the lineal feet of building frontage.
Maximum Sign Copy Area
75% of the sign area
Maximum Height
8 feet, unless the sign is within the intersection visibility triangle (see Section 9614.04(e) & (f))
Maximum Number of Signs
1 per street frontage
Setback Requirements
Permitted within the front setback, but not closer than 7 feet from the street property line
Illumination Requirements
Internally or indirectly illuminated only
Changeable Copy
May not change more than once per hour. Signs shall not rotate, move, or cause uncontrolled direction of lights, flash, reflect, scroll, or blink. No more than 25% of the sign area.
Figure 9.6.16. Monument Signs
Figure 9.6.17. Multi-Tenant Monument Sign
(i) 
The following regulations shall also apply to secondary monument signs:
(A) 
In addition to being allowed one monument sign per street frontage, a multi-tenant building with a minimum street frontage of 150 feet may also display a secondary monument sign(s) on the same street frontage as provided below.
(B) 
A secondary monument sign shall be separated from any other monument or freestanding sign by at least 75 feet.
(C) 
The secondary monument sign(s) shall reflect a design consistent with the architectural style of the multi-tenant building.
(D) 
A maximum 25% of the sign copy area shall be devoted to identifying the name of the multi-tenant building while the remaining copy area shall identify each tenant within the complex.
(E) 
Secondary monument signs are also subject to the sign area, sign copy, height, setback, and illumination requirements for monument signs listed in Table 9.6.6.
(5) 
Projecting signs are permitted as provided by Table 9.6.7. A typical projecting sign is shown in Figure 9.6.18.
Table 9.6.7. Requirements for Projecting Signs
Standard
Requirement
Maximum Sign Area
15 square feet
Maximum Sign Copy Area
75% of the sign area
Maximum Height
Equal to or below the height of the building façade to which it is attached, but never higher than 20 feet
Vertical Clearance
8 feet above grade
Minimum Building Frontage
50 feet
Maximum Number of Signs
1 per business
Maximum Projection
Minimum 10 feet from a side building line
Setback Requirements
Internally or indirectly illuminated only
Figure 9.6.18. Projecting Sign
(6) 
Wall signs are permitted as provided by Table 9.6.8. A typical wall sign is shown in Figure 9.6.19.
Table 9.6.8. Requirements for Wall Signs
Standard
Requirement
Maximum Sign Area
1.5 sf per lineal foot of frontage of the tenant's space
Maximum Sign Copy Area
75% of the sign area. Supplemental sign copy and/or logos on the same sign may constitute no more than 25% of the copy area. For a channel letter wall sign (see Figure 9.6.20), it may constitute no more than 25% of the sign area.
Maximum Number of Signs
1 per street frontage
An individual business with a building frontage in excess of 150 feet having more than one primary entrance on the same building elevation may be permitted one additional wall sign adjacent to the entrance provided the total allowable sign area is not exceeded and any supplemental text is contiguous.
Maximum Projection
18 inches from the wall to which it is attached. Signs shall not extend beyond the exterior lines of the building façade.
Setback Requirements
Illuminated wall signs shall be a minimum 100 feet from any adjacent residential zone.
Locational Requirements
No wall sign shall cover any window or doorway of a building.
Figure 9.6.19. Wall Sign
Figure 9.6.20. Channel Letter Sign
(i) 
The following regulations shall also apply to wall signs:
(A) 
Signs located on the façade or façade fascia of a building or structure shall be considered wall signs.
(B) 
Primary Wall Sign. The primary wall sign shall be considered the main wall sign of the building. The frontage it is located on shall have a main building entrance and must side onto either a street or parking area.
(C) 
Secondary Wall Sign. A secondary wall sign not exceeding one-half the allowable area of the primary wall sign may be established on a second, third, or fourth frontage, provided that the frontage sides onto either a street, required off-street parking on the same lot, or a driveway with access to required off-street parking. The secondary wall sign shall not exceed the area of the primary wall sign.
(D) 
Building frontages in excess of 150 feet may divide the supplemental sign copy portion of the primary wall sign to a maximum four sign areas on the same building elevation, provided that the supplemental sign copy portions do not exceed 25% of all signing on the building elevation, and the combined area of all signs on the building elevation does not exceed the maximum allowable area of the primary wall sign.
(E) 
Wall signs may be located on a mansard or parapet, provided the sign does not exceed the height of the mansard or parapet (see Figure 9.6.21). Such signs shall be architecturally integrated with the roof.
Figure 9.6.21. Wall Sign Located on a Parapet
(F) 
Businesses above the ground floor or not fronting the public right-of-way or a parking area may be listed on a single directory panel located on the wall of the building facing the street which shall not exceed two square feet in area per business or a maximum combined area for all businesses of 30 square feet in area. This sign area shall be in addition to the overall sign area permitted. See Figure 9.6.22.
Figure 9.6.22. Multi-Tenant Wall Sign
(7) 
Awning signs are permitted as provided by Table 9.6.10. A typical awning sign is illustrated in Figure 9.6.23.
Table 9.6.10. Requirements for Awning Signs
Standard
Requirement
Maximum Sign Area
60% of the length or height of any portion of an awning. The limitation on sign area shall apply to each portion of the valance of an awning (including the shed, ends, and flap) as shown in Figure 9.6.24.
Maximum Sign Copy Area
75% of the sign area.
Maximum Number of Signs
No additional requirement beyond compliance with the applicable sign area requirements.
Maximum Height
Awnings shall not project above an apparent eave or parapet including the eave of a mansard roof.
Minimum Vertical Clearance
8 feet above grade.
Maximum Projection
5 feet into a public right-of-way.
Figure 9.6.23. Awning Sign
(i) 
The following additional standards shall also apply to awning signs:
(A) 
Awning signs with backlit graphics or otherwise internally illuminated is not permitted. Lighting directed downward that does not illuminate an awning may be allowed if the lighting is complementary to and compatible with the architectural design of the building.
(B) 
Awnings or canopies shall be permanently attached to a building.
(C) 
Awnings without sign area or copy are not subject to the issuance of a sign permit.
(Amended by Ord. 1248, adopted 7-28-09)
(a) 
Temporary signs, banners, flags, pennants, decorations, and other advertising devices that do not advertise a specific product or service are permitted if subject to approval of a Special Event Permit from the City Planner as described in Section 9420. The application shall include the type and size of sign, display dates, and their location in addition to the other requirements of the Special Event Permit. The sign area of temporary signs shall be a maximum of 150% of the permitted sign area within the applicable zone provided that the temporary signage does not create any safety hazards or impede the view of a sign of any other establishment.
(b) 
Nothing in this section contained shall prevent the Council from granting a temporary special permit or otherwise permitting, on such terms as it may deem proper, signs (or the like) advertising or pertaining to any civic, patriotic, or special event of general public interest taking place within the boundaries of the City when it can be found that the same will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare, interests, or safety or injurious to any abutting property.
(c) 
Additional standards apply to the following specific temporary signs:
(1) 
Decorative Balloon Displays.
(i) 
Shall be constructed of nonmetallic balloons no larger than 12 inches in diameter.
(ii) 
Maximum height of any balloon display shall not exceed 40 feet above adjacent grade.
(iii) 
Shall not obstruct visibility for vehicular traffic.
(iv) 
Shall be anchored in such a way as to prohibit interference with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(v) 
Shall not be displayed on or within any vehicles.
(vi) 
Decorative balloon displays are allowed only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
(vii) 
No permits or fees are required.
(2) 
Ground or Roof-Mounted Balloons or Inflatables.
(i) 
Maximum height of balloon/inflatable is not to exceed 40 feet.
(ii) 
Height of mounted balloon/inflatable is not to exceed 75 feet above adjacent grade.
(iii) 
Illumination of balloon/inflatable is permitted except for moving or flashing lights.
(iv) 
Placement of balloon shall not obstruct vehicular traffic visibility.
(v) 
Maximum of one balloon/inflatable may be displayed at any time.
(vi) 
Display periods are limited to a maximum of 30 days per calendar year.
(vii) 
A permit fee, as established by resolution of the Council, shall be paid.
(3) 
Tethered Balloons or Inflatables.
(i) 
Size is not to exceed 300 cubic feet.
(ii) 
Flying height is not to exceed 125 feet maximum above adjacent grade.
(iii) 
Illumination of balloons is permitted except for moving or flashing lights.
(iv) 
A red or white beacon light must be mounted on the highest point of the balloon/inflatable. The beacon light must be activated from sundown to sunrise.
(v) 
Maximum of one balloon/inflatable may be displayed at any time.
(vi) 
Display periods are limited to a maximum of 30 days per calendar year.
(vii) 
A permit fee, as established by resolution of the Council, shall be paid.
(4) 
Flags, Pennants, and Streamers.
(i) 
Shall not encroach on or above the public right-of-way nor be attached to public utility poles.
(ii) 
Shall not interfere with vehicular traffic visibility.
(iii) 
Shall not be displayed on or within any vehicles.
(iv) 
Display periods shall be limited to a maximum of four 30 day display periods per calendar year. Each display period shall be separated by a minimum of 30 days.
(v) 
A permit fee, as established by resolution of the Council, shall be paid.
(5) 
Searchlights, Lasers and Similar Devices.
(i) 
Shall not be placed within 100 feet of a residential zone.
(ii) 
Shall be operated only from sunset to midnight.
(iii) 
Permits may be granted for a maximum period of 12 days per calendar year within a 30 day period. No more than three consecutive days will be permitted.
(iv) 
Prior to the approval of a permit involving a laser, the applicant must provide evidence to the Planning Division of issuance of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "Variance" and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) "Letter of Non-objection."
(v) 
A permit fee, as established by resolution of the Council, shall be paid.
(6) 
Banners.
(i) 
Maximum size is limited to 32 square feet.
(ii) 
Maximum height of any building-mounted banner shall not be higher than the roof line.
(iii) 
Banners shall only be mounted to the building and shall not be affixed to a fence, vehicle, ground, pole, etc. There shall be no more than one banner permitted per building elevation.
(iv) 
When displayed within or on a window will be subject only to window sign rules.
(v) 
Shall not be displayed on or within any vehicles.
(vi) 
Maximum of two banners may be displayed at any time.
(vii) 
Display periods shall be limited to a maximum of four, 30 day display periods per calendar year. Each display period shall be separated by a minimum of 30 days.
(viii) 
A permit fee, as established by resolution of the Council, shall be paid.
(7) 
Window Signs.
(i) 
Placement of temporary window signs is limited to a 30% permit maximum for all window areas on the front face of the building, not to exceed 30% in any one window, provided that the total area of window areas used for signing and all other permitted signs together do not exceed the total allowable sign area of the applicable zone for the business.
(ii) 
Any portion of a sign located within thirty-six inches (36″) of a window will be considered a window sign.
(iii) 
Display periods shall be limited to a maximum of four, 30 day display periods per calendar year. Each display period shall be separated by a minimum of 30 days.
(iv) 
Temporary window signs and changeable copy window signs may not be simultaneously displayed on or within the same building frontage.
(v) 
A permit fee, as established by resolution of the Council, shall be paid.
(8) 
Civic, Charitable, Religious, Education, or Service Organization Event Signs.
(i) 
Includes signs and banners for the noncommercial promotion of events put on by civic, charitable, religious, education and service organizations.
(ii) 
Maximum size is limited to 16 square feet in any Residential, Open Space or Public Zone and 32 square feet in any other zone.
(iii) 
Such signs are permitted a maximum of 30 days prior to the event and shall be removed within 10 days of completion of the event.
(iv) 
Signs promoting the same event shall be spaced by a minimum of 25 feet apart.
(v) 
A permit fee, as established by resolution of the Council, shall be paid.
(Amended by Ord. 1248, adopted 7-28-09)
Where sign standards for specific uses are not set forth in this section, the standards of this chapter and the underlying zone shall apply. In instances where the provisions of this section conflict with those established elsewhere in this chapter or article, the provisions of this section shall prevail.
The total of all signs shall not exceed one square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of street frontage or two and one-quarter square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage, whichever is greater. A sign may be located on a fence not closer than 100 feet to the public right-of-way. Window price signs on individual cars shall not be computed as sign area. Auto dealers' used car signs and service signs where number, location and height vary from the requirements of this chapter may be permitted if approved by the Commission.
Churches are permitted one of each of the following signs:
(a) 
A wall sign with a maximum sign area of 20 square feet; and
(b) 
A monument sign which shall not exceed a maximum sign area of 15 square feet, a maximum height of six feet, and a minimum setback of seven feet from a street property line. Changeable copy is permitted subject to the following:
(1) 
Changeable copy shall not change more than once per hour;
(2) 
Changeable copy shall not rotate, move, or cause uncontrolled direction of lights, flash, reflect, scroll, or blink; and
(3) 
Changeable copy shall be no more than 25% of the sign area.
In addition to the signs permitted within the underlying residential zone, as outlined in Table 9.6.2 of this chapter, primary education schools, located within a residential zone, are permitted the following signs:
(a) 
One, non-illuminated wall sign per street frontage, not to exceed a maximum sign area of 32 square feet per sign.
(1) 
Wall signage content shall be limited to the school name and address.
(b) 
One monument sign, located along the school's primary street frontage, which shall not exceed a maximum sign area of 70 square feet, and a maximum height of eight feet.
(1) 
Changeable copy shall not change more than once every 10 seconds during the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
(2) 
Illuminated, changeable signage shall be turned off during the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.;
(3) 
Changeable copy shall not rotate, move, or cause uncontrolled direction of lights, flash, reflect, scroll, brighten, or include animated text or video;
(4) 
Signs must have a dim control to minimize light output and brightness;
(5) 
No audio output allowed;
(6) 
Lighting levels on the digital sign shall not exceed 0.3 foot candles above ambient light from a distance of 250 feet, as measured according to standards of the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA);
(7) 
Illumination shall be directed such that minimal light spill will occur on either side or the top or bottom of the sign face;
(8) 
A light sensor shall be installed with the sign to measure ambient light levels and to adjust light intensity to respond to such conditions: the light sensor adjusts the sign's brightness in order to compete with ambient light; the darker the surrounding ambient light, the less bright the sign is;
(9) 
Content shall be limited to school events only and shall not be sold or leased for commercial or off-site advertising;
(10) 
Changeable copy shall be no more than 75% of the sign area;
(11) 
Sign shall be 10 feet from the property line; and
(12) 
Schools with an interior side property line abutting a residential lot shall not erect a monument sign closer than 50 feet from said residential lot.
(c) 
Freestanding signs are prohibited.
(Added by Ord. 1393, adopted 4-24-18)
Signs applicable to drive-in businesses (excepting service stations) shall be regulated as follows:
(a) 
One freestanding sign may be located on the premises in conformance with the requirements of this chapter.
(b) 
Additionally, one wall sign may be permitted which shall not exceed one square foot of area for each lineal front frontage of the building.
(c) 
Both signs allowed subject to subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall be included in the computation of the total allowable sign area.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, signs erected on any lot within five hundred feet (500′) of either side of a freeway right-of-way line shall comply with the following:
(a) 
Signs which advertise the sale or lease of the lot upon which such sign is placed;
(b) 
Signs which only designate the name of the owner or occupant of the lot or identifying such premises;
(c) 
Signs limited to an advertisement of the business conducted, services rendered, or goods produced upon the lot on which the sign is located;
(d) 
Signs located such that the content displayed is not designed to be viewed primarily by persons traveling upon such freeway;
(e) 
Prior to placing any permanent sign for commercial or industrial purposes within five hundred feet (500′) of either side of the right-of-way line of any freeway, a plan shall be filed with, and approved by the City Planner showing the location and orientation of the sign or advertising structure and the location of the business or industrial use being served; and
(f) 
Any advertising structure or sign which is now, or hereafter may be, in violation of the provisions of this section shall be removed in accordance with the amortization schedule of this chapter.
Mobile homes/manufactured home parks are allowed one of the following signs:
(a) 
One freestanding sign which shall not exceed a maximum height of six feet or a maximum sign area of 12 square feet; or
(b) 
One monument sign which shall not exceed 12 square feet of sign copy area or a maximum height of more than five feet above the finished grade.
Service station signs shall be permitted as follows:
(a) 
One freestanding sign may be located at the street intersection, which sign shall not exceed 60 square feet in area, and a height of 24 feet; or
(b) 
One sign not exceeding 30 square feet or a height of 20 feet may be erected on each street frontage not closer than 60 feet to the street intersection of the property lines; or
(c) 
One monument sign not exceeding 50 square feet and a height of seven feet.
(d) 
In addition to the freestanding or monument sign, service stations may be permitted a maximum of 52 square feet in total sign area logo, gasoline price, trading stamp, and credit card information. An identification wall sign may be permitted on pump island canopy façade fascia or mounted beneath the canopy on the support column, provided the vertical height of the sign does not exceed two feet.
(e) 
For Gasoline Price Signs, State law (Article 12, California Business and Professional Codes, Sections 13530—13545) requires that the prices for the three major grades of gasoline must be clearly posted in numbers a minimum of six inches in height and letters a minimum of four inches in height or two-thirds the height of the letters. Sign area used to comply with this requirement shall not be computed towards the total allowable sign area for a service station.
For purposes of this section a large commercial center is defined as a contiguous commercially zoned development greater than or equal to 20 acres. Large commercial centers are subject to the following sign standards:
(a) 
A Planned Sign Program identifying the type, size, and location of all signs in the project shall be approved by the Commission in accordance with the applicable zone.
(b) 
In addition, a large commercial center located in the C-2 or C-3 Zones shall be permitted one freestanding sign for each public right-of-way within or abutting the center.
(c) 
The maximum sign area for a large commercial center shall not exceed one square foot of sign area per lineal foot of property frontage along the public right-of-way for the first 100 lineal feet plus one additional square foot of sign area for each additional two lineal feet of property frontage along the public right-of-way. However, the maximum sign area for a large commercial center shall never exceed 200 square feet.
Theaters may erect marquee, projecting, wall, or changeable copy sign signs so long as the total square footage of all sign area does not exceed 300 square feet.
The following provisions shall establish the standards of development for billboard signs where permitted:
(a) 
Location.
(1) 
Billboard signs shall only be permitted in the M-1 and M-2 Zones subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit.
(2) 
No new installation shall be erected within 500 feet of an existing off-premises sign fronting on the same street.
(3) 
Billboard signs shall not be located within 200 feet of any street intersection.
(4) 
Billboard signs shall not be erected at any location on any street within 300 feet of any property having frontage on such street zoned for residential purposes or which is devoted to public or quasi-public recreational, educational, religious, cultural, or administrative uses.
(5) 
Billboard signs shall not be located closer than 25 feet to buildings on an adjoining property, and at such time as any new buildings are constructed on such adjoining property where an outdoor advertising display would be within 25 feet of the building, such display will become nonconforming, except where such display is located abutting any wall which has no window openings.
(6) 
No sign shall be erected or maintained on the premises where the residential uses comprise over 50% of the premises.
(7) 
Billboard signs shall be set back not less than 20 feet from the street property line.
(8) 
Billboard signs shall be located in such a manner that they do not interfere with the rights of other neighboring uses of property.
(b) 
Standards.
(1) 
Billboard signs shall not exceed 300 square feet in area.
(2) 
Billboard signs shall be ground installed with not more than two steel supports, designed in conformance with Subsection (f) of Section 9624. No roof mounted billboards shall be permitted.
(3) 
Billboard signs shall not exceed a maximum height of 35 feet.
(4) 
Signs that do not have advertising copy for a period of 45 days shall be removed.
(5) 
Billboard signs shall be maintained in conformance with Subsection (f) of Section 9608 of this chapter.
(6) 
Billboard signs shall be subject to the landscaping requirements for freestanding signs established by Table 9.6.3 of Section 9618.04.
(7) 
The exposed lack of off-premises advertising structures that may be readily viewed from a public street or residential zone shall be screened in an opaque manner approved by the City Planner.
(8) 
Billboard structures shall be freestanding.
Lighting employed as a means of attracting attention to any sign shall be subdued and subject to the following provisions:
(a) 
All lighting directed onto the exterior surface of a sign shall be provided with opaque deflection or shielding devices to prevent such lighting from glaring or shining onto abutting properties or the public right-of-way.
(b) 
Interior illuminated signs shall not exceed 430 milliamperes, 12 inches on center. Sections of signs using colored panels having low light transmission may have those panels illuminated with increased lighting equal to 800 milliampere intensity when certified by the installing sign manufacturer.
(c) 
Sign design shall consist of a series of compatible elements including but not limited to the materials, letter style, color(s), illumination, and sign shape.
(d) 
Signs shall be an integral part of the overall design of the building structure and compatible with the design and scale of the buildings that they identify.
(e) 
Supporting sign structures shall be architecturally compatible with the signs they support and the structure(s) on the premises on which they are displayed in terms of style, color, texture, and exterior finish. Supporting members of signs shall appear to be free of any extra bracing, angle iron, guy wires, and the like. The support shall appear to be an architectural and integral part of the building and/or sign. Supporting columns of round, square, or shaped steel members may be erected if required bracing, visible to the public, is minimized or covered to the satisfaction of the City Planner.
(f) 
The City Planner's approval of sign supporting structures shall be governed by the extent to which the sign supporting structures reasonably comply with this section.
(Amended by Ord. 1248, adopted 7-28-09)
(a) 
Compliance. To protect the public health, safety, and welfare, all signs within the City shall be constructed or erected subject to the provisions of this chapter.
(b) 
Nonconforming and Illegal Signs: Conformance Procedures.
(1) 
Nonconforming signs may not be:
(i) 
Changed or altered to another nonconforming sign;
(ii) 
Structurally altered so as to extend their useful life;
(iii) 
Expanded;
(iv) 
Reestablished after discontinuance 180 days or more; or
(v) 
Repaired when the repairs exceed 50% of the reasonable replacement value of the existing sign or support structure, unless they shall be made to conform to the requirements of this chapter.
(2) 
All illegal signs shall be removed or made to conform to this chapter within 30 days.
(c) 
The City Planner or his or her authorized representative shall not permit and shall abate any sign within the City which fails to meet the requirements of this article or other applicable laws, including, but not limited to, failure to obtain a sign permit, creating a public hazard, and/or abandonment.