Chapter 25.42 SIGNS

§ 25.42.010 Purpose and Applicability.

Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to create the legal framework for a comprehensive and balanced system of signs that will preserve the right of free speech and expression, provide an easy and pleasant communication between people and their environment, and avoid the visual clutter that can be harmful to traffic and pedestrian safety, property values, business opportunities, and community appearance. With these purposes in mind, it is the intent of this chapter to authorize the use of signs that:

Are well designed, compatible with their surroundings, and preserve locally recognized values of community appearance;

Provide for consistent signage on adjacent sites and within a development;

Safeguard and enhance property values in residential, commercial, and industrial areas by promoting the use of signs which are aesthetically pleasing, of appropriate scale, and integrated with surrounding buildings and landscape;

Protect public investment in and the character of public thoroughfares;

Do not detract from the attraction of shoppers and other visitors who are important to the economy of the City;

Promote the free flow of vehicular and non-motorized traffic;

Protect pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists from injury and property damage caused by or attributable to cluttered, distracting, or illegible signage;

Are appropriately sized to the activity that displays them;

Are expressive of both the identity of individual activities and the community as a whole; and

10.

Are legible in the circumstances in which they are seen.

Applicability.

This chapter applies to all signs within the City unless specifically exempted by Section 25.42.020 (Exempt Signs).

The number and area of signs set forth in this chapter are intended to be maximum standards. In addition to the enumerated standards, consideration shall be given to a sign's relationship to the overall appearance of the subject property, as well as the surrounding community.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a person from holding a sign while picketing or protesting on City of Burlingame property that is open to the public, as long as the person holding the sign does not block ingress and egress from buildings; does not create a safety hazard by impeding travel on sidewalks, in bike or vehicle lanes, or on trails; or does not violate any other reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions adopted by the City of Burlingame.

Severability. If any part, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, phrase, clause, term, or word in this chapter is held to be invalid, unconstitutional, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining portions of this chapter.

(Ord. 2000 § 2, (2021))

§ 25.42.020 Exempt Signs.

Exempt Signs. Those classes of signs designated in the following sections of this chapter may be erected and maintained in the City without the obtaining of a building permit (unless an electrical permit is required) or sign permit and without the payment of fees. However, all exempt signs are subject to the provisions of Section 25.42.030 (General Requirements for All Signs). In computing the total maximum sign area on any building or parcel for purposes of this chapter, the face area of exempted signs shall not be included.

Signs Required by Law. Signs required by law, including, but not limited to, signs for essential public services, including traffic, fire and police signs, signals, devices and markings of the State, the City, and any other component government authorities; signs of public utility or service companies, including signs showing the placement or location of public utility facilities; and trespass and warning signs, are exempt.

Signs Integrated into Certain Devices. Any sign integrated into or on a coin-operated machine, vending machine, gasoline pump, permitted sidewalk vendor receptacle or telephone booth is exempt.

Signs Not Visible from Right-of-Way. Any sign that cannot be viewed from a public right-of-way is exempt.

Signs Carried by Persons. Any sign carried by a person is exempt, so long as it does not obstruct the use of any public right-of-way.

"For Sale" or "For Rent" Signs. Signs pertaining to the sale, exchange, lease, or rental of the real property on which the sign is located shall be exempt. Not more than one such sign may be placed on any lot or parcel of land, except that two such signs may be placed on any corner lot or parcel, one such sign facing each of the abutting streets. Such signs shall be removed upon the completion of the sale, exchange, lease, or rental of the property.

Construction Project Signs. Signs erected on a construction site used to identify businesses involved in the construction activity are exempt. Such signs shall be wholly contained on the subject construction site and shall be removed when construction activity has been completed.

Window Signs. A premises, or an occupant of a shopping center or multiuse building, may display window signs not to exceed 25 percent of the window area of the façade of the building.

Directional Signs. A premises may display one directional sign at each entrance or exit not more than four square feet in size.

Menu Board Signs at Drive-Through Establishments. Signs used to provide information to customers in drive-through aisles at permitted drive-through establishments are exempt. Such signs shall be sized, oriented, and illuminated (where illumination is provided) to be legible only to customers in the drive-through aisle.

Flags.

Flags shall be permitted within the following limitations:

The flag shall be of flexible material, typically cloth, paper, or plastic; shall not include those painted on or otherwise erected or attached to any structure; and shall be flown from a flagpole pursuant to this section.

No more than three flags shall be permitted per parcel.

No flagpole shall exceed 35 feet in height above grade.

No flag shall exceed a vertical dimension of five feet nor a horizontal dimension of eight feet.

Each flag flown shall be either a noncommercial sign or a sign directly related to a service or business offered on the property on which the flag is being flown.

Bunting, pennants, and streamers shall only be permitted for automobile sales businesses.

Decorative flags as defined in Article 8 (Definitions), whether temporary or permanent, may be displayed when attached to light poles within parking areas of an automobile sales business, provided that the flags do not contain any commercial message, logo, or symbol. Each decorative flag may not exceed eight square feet in area, and there shall be no more than one decorative flag per 100 square feet of public parking area. The lowest portion of the decorative flag shall be a minimum of 10 feet above adjacent grade.

(Ord. 2000 § 2, (2021); Ord. 2008 § 6, (2023))

§ 25.42.030 General Requirements for All Signs.

General Requirements.

Only Permitted Signs to Be Erected.

No person shall erect, reconstruct, alter, relocate, or place any sign within the City except such signs as are permitted by this chapter. All signs, including the frames, braces or supports thereof, shall be constructed and maintained in compliance with this chapter, the California Building Code and National Electrical Code as adopted by the City, this title, and all other applicable ordinances of the City.

Noncommercial signs as defined in Article 8 (Definitions) are permitted wherever other signage is permitted under this chapter.

Noncommercial signage is subject to the same standards and is included within the maximum allowances for signs for a parcel.

Property Owner's Consent Required. It is unlawful for any person to place, attach, or maintain any sign, banner, card, sticker, handbill, or other advertising device upon or within any property, whether public or private, without securing the written consent of the owner or the owner's authorized agent.

Maintenance or Alteration of Existing Signs. A sign permit shall not be required for the maintenance of an existing sign which does not result in a change or alteration in the size, shape, or illumination of the affected sign. Any work other than such maintenance shall require a sign permit.

Traffic Hazard. No sign shall be erected at the intersection of any street, within a triangular area formed by the curb lines and their projection, and a line connecting them at points 35 feet from the intersection of the projected curb lines unless the sign, in compliance with the provisions of this chapter, has a clearance of at least 10 feet above curb grade.

Figure 25.42-1: Traffic Hazard

Pedestrian Hazard. All signs or other advertising structures which are erected at any point where pedestrians might be endangered by the presence of the sign shall have a smooth surface, and no nails, tacks, or wires shall be permitted to protrude from the sign. Electrical reflectors and devices may extend over the top and in front of the sign or structure but not less than eight feet above the sidewalk.

Projection into Public Right-of-Way.

Signs supported entirely on private property may extend up to four feet into a public right-of-way with the approval of an encroachment permit. In no event shall any sign be permitted to extend within three feet of any portion of a public right-of-way used principally for vehicular traffic.

Portions of signs extending into a public right-of-way shall have a minimum vertical clearance of eight feet between the bottom of the sign or its supporting structure and the surface of the ground or sidewalk below. The minimum vertical clearance for any part of an awning shall be eight feet, as measured to the bottom of the awning or valance.

Public Places and Objects.

No person shall paint, mark, or write on, or post or otherwise affix, any handbill or sign to or upon any sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, curbstone, street planter, parking meter or post, street lamp post, hydrant, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard, railroad trestle, electric light or power or telephone or telegraph pole, or wire appurtenance thereof or upon any fixture of the fire alarm or other emergency alert device or upon any lighting system, public bridge, drinking fountain, street sign, or traffic sign.

Any handbill or sign found posted or otherwise affixed upon any public property contrary to the provisions of this section may be removed by an agent of the Police Department or the Department of Public Works. The person responsible for any such illegal posting shall be liable for the cost incurred in the removal of such sign. The Department of Public Works is authorized to affect collection of the cost.

Nothing in this section shall apply to the painting of house numbers upon curbs done under permits issued by the Director of Public Works under and in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Side Wall and Rear Wall Signs. Signs erected or painted on the wall of a building or structure which immediately abuts an adjacent privately owned parcel shall require application to and approval of a minor modification by the Director. The Director's decision to approve such signage shall be based on the following findings:

The placement of the sign does not confuse the public regarding the premises for which the sign is placed;

The placement of the sign does not adversely impact the visual conditions with respect to the adjacent property; and

Adequate clearance is provided for maintenance of the sign.

Removal of Sign from City, County, or State Property Upon Notice. Any sign which was previously permitted to extend over or to be maintained on any property in which the City, County, or State owns an interest shall be removed or altered by the person maintaining such sign, at the person's sole expense, on 30 days' written notice from the Director whenever, by reason of changed traffic conditions or the construction or relocation of public improvements, the Director finds that the continued existence of such sign is no longer consistent with the purposes for which such public property is to be used.

10.

Clearance from Utility Lines. No sign shall be erected or maintained which has less horizontal or vertical clearance from communication lines and energized electrical power lines than that prescribed by the law of the State of California or rules and regulations duly promulgated by State agencies.

11.

Obstruction. No sign shall be erected, located or maintained in any manner that prevents free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.

Noncommercial Signs and Messages.

Noncommercial Signs and Messages. Any sign that can be displayed under the provisions of this chapter may contain a noncommercial message.

Noncommercial Signs in Residential Districts. In the R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 zoning districts and without a sign permit, noncommercial signs no larger individually than eight square feet and totaling not more than 60 square feet may be placed on a parcel in addition to the other signage that may be allowed pursuant to this chapter. This provision is intended to allow reasonable noncommercial expression in residential districts where signage has been restricted because of the need to protect the character and value of the residential districts.

(Ord. 2000 § 2, (2021))

§ 25.42.040 Prohibited Signs.

Prohibited Signs. Those classes of signs designated in the following sections of this chapter are expressly prohibited and shall not be erected in any zoning district.

Digital or Changeable Copy. With the exception of fuel price signs and marquee signs on theaters and similar entertainment venues, digital and changeable copy signs are prohibited.

Signs Which Conflict with Traffic Control. Signs which by color, location, or design resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or signals are prohibited, or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign or signal device; or which makes use of the words "stop," "go," "caution," "look," "danger," or any other word, phrase, symbol or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.

Signs on Public Right-of-Way.

Except as otherwise allowed under this section, all signs, A-board signs, and advertising structures placed upon or attached to the ground upon any portion of any public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way, including signs attached to light poles or standards, are prohibited.

Newspaper vending machines are allowed under Chapter 12.23.

Signs required by law allowed under Section 25.42.020 (Exempt Signs) and signs and banners of a civic nature allowed under Section 25.42.090.B. (Temporary Signs) may be erected and maintained if they comply with the requirements of this title.

Figures, as defined and addressed in Chapter 12.10 (Encroachment Permits) and pursuant to an encroachment permit, may be placed on a public sidewalk in the area fronting to property on which the tenant's owned or leased space is located in Subarea A of the Burlingame Avenue Commercial Area.

Off-Premises Advertising (General Advertising). Signs carrying the advertising of a person, product, or service other than that of the occupant of the parcel on which the sign is placed are prohibited.

Pole Signs. Pole signs, as defined in Article 8 of this title, are prohibited.

Portable Signs. Portable signs on public properties, such as A-board signs, are prohibited, unless specifically otherwise authorized within a Downtown zoning district or the Broadway Mixed-Use zoning district.

Roof Signs, Above-Roof Signs, and Sky Signs. Roof signs, above-roof signs, and sky signs are prohibited. No portion of any sign shall be allowed to extend above the roof.

Signs on Vehicles.

No person shall park any vehicle on public property and place signs on the vehicle when the dominant purpose or use of the vehicle is to be a sign, except for paragraph 2, below.

If a person parks any vehicle on private property and places signs on the vehicle with the dominant purpose or use of the vehicle is to be a sign, the placement of the vehicle shall require a sign permit and the square footage of the signage on the vehicle shall be counted toward the allowance for the property on which the vehicle is parked.

Moving Signs. Any sign is prohibited if all or part of it moves or rotates.

Sky Signs. Any sign attached to, painted on or suspended from a balloon, kite, or similar object secured to real or personal property within the City.

Signs with Flashing Lights. Any sign with animated, moving, or flashing lights, or any sign which, because of flashing lights, brilliant lighting, or reflected light, is a detriment to surrounding properties or prevents the peaceful enjoyment of residential uses, is prohibited.

(Ord. 2000 § 2, (2021))

§ 25.42.050 Sign Permit and Sign Program Requirements.

Administration and Enforcement. The provisions of this chapter shall be administered and enforced by the Director or designee. All other officers and employees of the City shall assist and cooperate with the Director in administering and enforcing the provisions of this chapter.

Sign Permit Required. No person shall erect or display any sign unless the Director has issued a permit for the sign or unless this chapter exempts the sign from the permit requirement.

Sign Permit Limitations. The Director shall apply the standards of this chapter upon the filing of an application for a sign permit to ensure that the following limitations are observed:

Each zoning district in the City has maximum signage limits permitted with a sign permit. These limits are specified in Section 25.42.080 (Permanent Signs).

Properties that are zoned "unclassified" shall be subject to the standards of the closest adjacent zoning district, as determined by the Director.

Signs enumerated in Section 25.42.020 (Exempt Signs) are exempt from calculation of maximum signage per frontage.

Each sign classification (freestanding sign, wall sign, projecting sign, etc.) has further specifications that are described in succeeding sections of this chapter. In no case shall a sign variance be granted to increase the maximum total area of signage to be permitted on a parcel.

Frontage and Sign Area Calculations. In the commercial, industrial, and mixed-use zoning districts, where maximum signage is related to frontage, the following procedures shall determine that frontage for purposes of this chapter:

A distinction shall be observed between parcel frontage and building frontage as follows:

Parcel frontage shall be used for freestanding ground signs, or combinations of these signs with any other type.

Building frontage shall be used to calculate maximum signage area for signs attached to or wholly supported by a building or major structure.

Frontage lengths and sign area limits are determined based on the street classification and are listed in the requirements for each zoning district. Parcel and building frontage are further defined in Article 8 (Definitions). The length of any frontage shall be the figure used to calculate maximum permitted signage on that frontage, as described in Section 25.42.080 (Permanent Signs).

Sign area shall be determined as specified in Section 25.42.070 (Calculation of Sign Height and Area).

Any freestanding sign which can be viewed from two street frontages and which is so placed that it has equal or nearly equal exposure from each frontage, shall be counted twice, once for each frontage.

Existing Signs. Each premises shall be entitled to sign area within the limitations set forth in this chapter. However, the area of all existing signs to remain shall be included with any new signs in calculating the maximum total sign area allowed on a parcel.

Sign Permit Application – Information Required and Process.

Application Content. A person proposing to erect or display a sign shall file an application for a permit with the Building Division. The application, at a minimum, shall contain the following and any additional required information set forth in application materials:

Name, address, and telephone number of sign contractor and the owner and occupant of the premises where the sign is to be erected or displayed;

The date on which the sign is proposed to be erected or displayed;

Address and zoning district in which the sign is located;

Full description as determined by the Director of all existing and proposed signs;

Written consent of the owner of property to erect such sign(s);

A drawing to scale that shows:

All existing signs displayed on the premises,

ii.

The location, height, and size of any proposed signs, and

iii.

The percentage of the signable area covered by the proposed sign; and

Specifications for the construction or display of the sign and for its illumination and mechanical movement, if any.

Application Fee. An application fee, as established by Council resolution, shall be paid by the applicant at the time of payment for the building permit fee for installation of the sign(s).

Review and Time Limits. The Director shall review the application upon the receipt of a completed permit application. Within 30 days from the date the application was determined to be complete and permit fee was filed with the Director, the Director shall determine if the application complies with the provisions of this Chapter 25.42 (Signs) or requires Planning Commission action.

Approval or Denial. The Director shall approve a permit for the sign if it complies with the building, electrical, or other adopted codes of the City and with:

The regulations for signs contained in this chapter and any variance that has been granted from these regulations; and

Any approved sign variance for the parcel.

Denial of Permit. If the Director does not approve a permit for the sign and it is determined that a variance is not an available option, the Director shall state the reasons for the denial in writing and shall mail a certified copy of the reasons for denial to the address of the applicant stated on the application.

Time Limit for Exercise of Sign Permit. In all cases where a sign permit has been approved, a building permit shall be obtained and the sign(s) erected within a period not to exceed six months from date of approval. In the event such sign or signs are not erected within this period, the permit shall become null and void.

No Permit Required. Signs specifically exempted from the provisions of this chapter as specified in Section 25.42.020 (Exempt Signs) are exempt from the permit requirement.

Building Permit Required. No person shall erect, move, alter, change, repair, replace, suspend, or attach any sign, or portion thereof, or cause the same to be done without first obtaining from the Building Official a permit in writing to do so and paying therefor the fees prescribed for such building permit. Upon receipt of a building permit application, and evidence of a valid sign permit issued by the Director, the Building Official shall then examine the plans and specifications and other data and the premises upon which it is proposed to erect the sign or other advertising structure. If it appears that the proposed structure is in compliance with all the requirements of this chapter, the California Building Code in effect at that time, and all other applicable laws and ordinances of the City, the Building Official shall then issue the building permit. Replacement of an existing sign face on a sign cabinet shall not require a sign permit nor a building permit.

Appeal – Decision of Director. Any applicant who is denied a permit for the display of a sign under the provisions of this title may file a written appeal to the Commission within 10 days of the date of the Director's decision. The appeal must be made in writing pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 25.98 (Appeals) of this title, and any applicable fee shall be paid.

Appeal – Decision of Commission. Any decision of the Commission can be appealed to the Council pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 25.98 (Appeals) of this title, and any applicable fee shall be paid.

(Ord. 2000 § 2, (2021))

§ 25.42.060 Master Sign Program.

Purpose. The purpose of a master sign program is to integrate all signs proposed for a single development project with the overall site and structure design to present a unified architectural statement. A master sign program provides a means for the flexible application of sign regulations for projects that require multiple signs and/or unique signs and to achieve, not circumvent, the purpose of this section. A sign program shall not be used to circumvent the City's prohibition on new off-site signs or any other prohibited sign.

When Required. The approval of a master sign program shall be required whenever any of the following circumstances exists. A master sign program may be requested in circumstances other than those outlined in subsections B.1 through B.3, below, but is not required.

New developments with four or more separate tenant spaces are present on the same parcel or on multiple parcels that are part of a unified shopping center or similar business center, regardless of whether the tenant spaces are occupied;

Deviations from sign regulations are proposed, including use of iconic signs;

Proposed use of signs above the first building story where not otherwise authorized by this chapter; and

Whenever the Director determines that a master sign program is needed because of special project characteristics (e.g., the size of proposed signs, limited site visibility, a business within another business, the location of the site relative to major transportation routes, etc.).

Signs Above the First Building Story. Where signs are not specifically authorized by this chapter for placement on a building above the first story, a master sign program application may be prepared to request placement above the first story. Any proposed such placement shall comply with the following:

The placement of any such sign shall not obscure any building or window trim or any architectural feature of the building.

The sign shape and design shall be compatible with the architectural style of the building on which it is placed.

The sign size shall be in proportion to façade portion on which it is placed.

No more than one sign shall be placed on any building frontage.

The total area of all signage on any one frontage shall be 1.0 square foot of sign area per 1.0 lineal foot of building frontage, with no sign permitted to be larger than 60 square feet.

Any proposed deviation from subsection C.1 through C.5 above, except for total allowed sign area, may be considered by the responsible Review Authority upon demonstration by the applicant that the deviation will create a superior design result.

Findings and Decision. The following findings are required to be made by the responsible Review Authority for the approval of a master sign program application, with or without conditions:

The master sign program complies with the purpose and intent of this section and chapter;

The master sign program does not allow any sign that is prohibited by Section 25.42.040 (Prohibited Signs);

The master sign program standards will result in signs that are visually related or complementary to each other and to the buildings and/or developments they identify through the integration of predominant architectural materials, elements, or details of such buildings or developments;

The signage shall make a positive visual contribution to the overall image of the City;

Any deviations from sign standards are justified by unique circumstances or conditions applicable to the property;

The master sign program will not result in signs that would impair pedestrian and vehicular safety;

Light and glare associated with the signs will not negatively affect nearby residential uses; and

The master sign program shall not be used to exceed the maximum total number of freestanding signs per parcel frontage.

(Ord. 2000 § 2, (2021))

§ 25.42.070 Calculation of Sign Height and Area.

Sign Height. The height of a sign shall be measured from the highest part of the sign, including any decorative features, to the highest elevation of the adjoining finished grade directly beneath the sign. See Figure 25.42-2.

Figure 25.42-2: Calculating Sign Height

Sign Area.

Calculating Sign Area – Generally. Supporting structures, such as sign bases and columns, and decorative features shall not be included in any calculation of sign area, provided that they contain no lettering or graphics except for addresses. See Figure 25.42-3.

Calculating Sign Area – Single-Faced Signs. Sign area for single-faced signs shall be calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of all sign backing and borders, emblem, logo, representation, writing, or other display within a single continuous perimeter composed of horizontal and vertical lines with no more than eight corners.

Calculating Sign Area – Double-Faced Signs. Only one face of a double-faced sign shall be used to calculate the permitted area of a double-faced sign. Where the two faces are not equal in size, the larger sign face shall be used.

Figure 25.42-3: Calculating Sign Area

Calculating Sign Area – Multi-Faced Signs. On a multi-faced sign, the combined sum of the area of the largest and smallest faces shall be used to calculate the permitted area of the sign. See Figure 25.42-4.

Figure 25.42-4: Calculating Sign Area

Calculating Sign Area – Three-Dimensional Signs. Signs that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks) may have a sign area that is the sum of two adjacent sides of the smallest cube that will encompass the sign. Signs with three-dimensional objects that project six inches or less from the sign face shall be measured as a single-face sign. See Figure 25.42-5.

Figure 25.42-5: Calculating Sign Area for Three-Dimensional Sign

Sign Area = Sum of two adjacent sides (faces)

(Ord. 2000 § 2, (2021))

§ 25.42.080 Permanent Signs.

Types of Permanent Signs and Where Permitted. This section identifies the types of permanent signs permitted, where specific sign types are permitted in various zoning districts, and the limitations on the establishment of such signs.

Awning, Canopy, and Marquee Signs.

Where Permitted. An awning, canopy, or marquee, as defined in Article 8 (Definitions), may be installed on a building in accordance with California Building Code Standards, subject to the zoning requirements for structures on each street or highway frontage and the limitations established in this title in the zoning districts identified in Tables 25.42-1 through 25.42-6, below. The signs on these structures shall conform to the requirements of this chapter.

Signable Area. On an awning, canopy, and marquee, the signable area shall not exceed 50 percent of the area of the principal face of the awning, canopy, or marquee. The signage located on an awning, canopy, or marquee shall be included in the maximum total signage allowed on a specified frontage.

Projection into Public Right-of-Way. Awnings, canopies, and marquees which are used for signage and which are entirely supported on private property may extend up to four feet into the public right-of-way, provided they shall not extend within three feet of the portion of the public right-of-way used for vehicular traffic (measured from the face of the curb). Portions of the awnings, canopies, and marquees extending into the public right-of-way or over a private sidewalk shall have a minimum vertical clearance of eight feet between the bottom of the structure and the surface of the ground or sidewalk. An encroachment permit shall be obtained for any such projection.

Illumination. Awnings, canopies, and marquees may be unlit or may be externally illuminated only by downward directed and shielded lighting fixtures where the cone of light is contained on the parcel. Internally illuminated awnings and canopies and marquees are prohibited. An internally illuminated sign that does not to exceed 10 percent of the area of the marquee face may be placed in a frame on a marquee structure.

Combination Signs. Combination signs are signs which have features or characteristics normally found in signs of more than one classification, and shall meet all the requirements for construction, height, location, supports, illumination, or other specifications for each sign type. Where different standards are specified for the sign types, the more restrictive shall apply.

Freestanding Signs. As defined in Article 8 (Definitions), freestanding signs include both monument signs and pylon signs.

Where Permitted.

Monument signs are allowed in the zoning districts identified in Tables 25.42-1 through 25.42-6, below.

Pylon signs are only allowed on certain street frontages in the CAR, I-I, and RRMU zoning districts, as set forth in Tables 25.42-1 through 25.42-6, below.

Size and Height Regulations. Freestanding signs shall comply with and not exceed the size and height regulations set forth in Tables 25.42-1 through 25.42-6, below.

Materials.

Monument signs shall be constructed to have the appearance of a fully enclosed foundation in accordance with Titles 17 and 18 of the Municipal Code. A monument sign shall be designed so that the style and materials of the sign and its base are consistent with the architecture of the building(s) on the site.

Pylon signs shall be constructed in accordance with Titles 17 and 18 of this Code and shall have decorative support structures that are architecturally compatible with on-site buildings.

Projecting Signs.

Where Permitted. A premises, and each occupant of a shopping center or multiuse building, may display one projecting sign on each street frontage in the commercial, industrial, and mixed-use zoning districts. Such signs shall conform to the size and number regulations set forth in Tables 25.42-1 through 25.42.6, below.

Size and Height of Projecting Signs. Projecting signs shall comply with the size regulations set forth in Tables 25.42-1 through 25.42-6, below.

Projection into the Public Right-of-Way.

A minimum vertical clearance of eight feet shall be maintained from the bottom of the sign or its supporting structure to the surface of the ground or sidewalk below.

A projecting sign may project no more than four feet into the public right-of-way and shall not extend within three feet of any portion of a public right-of-way used principally for vehicular traffic. An encroachment permit shall be obtained for any such projection.

Wall Signs.

Where Permitted. In all nonresidential zoning districts, a premises—and each occupant of a shopping center or multiuse building—may display wall signs on walls adjacent to each street, public right-of-way, or private parking lot on which it has frontage in accordance with the height and area requirements of the zoning district.

Signable Area.

Wall signs shall only be erected within areas that are signable area. The maximum area of the signage allowed is restricted by the total sign area designated for each frontage in each zoning district. The signable area(s) on each façade of the building that has frontage on a public street, right-of-way, or parking lot shall be an area of the building façade which does not contain architectural features and windows, including, but not limited to, friezes, corbels, tile, and trim.

Sign area shall not exceed a maximum of 80 percent of the signable area and no greater that 75 percent of the vertical dimension of a designated sign band. In no event shall the sign area be greater than the maximum sign area specified by this chapter for the zoning district in which the parcel is located.

Number. Wall signs may be displayed as one or divided among two or more wall signs, provided the sum of the area of all such signs does not exceed the maximum allowed sign area.

Additional Limitations. Wall signs may be painted on or attached to the wall but must not project from the wall by more than 12 inches and must not interrupt architectural details.

Permitted Signs in the R-1 and R-2 Zoning Districts.

No signs shall be erected or maintained in any R-1 or R-2 zoning district except the following:

Signs exempted in Section 25.42.020 (Exempt Signs).

Noncommercial signs permitted in Section 25.42.030.B. (General Requirements for All Signs).

Freestanding signs for permitted nonresidential uses, subject to the regulations in this chapter and as set forth in Table 25.42-1, below.

Freestanding Sign Incentive. To promote monument signs, two-sided monument signs are considered to be one sign and in measuring total sign area, only one side of the sign is included in the calculation.

Illumination.

External illumination shall be directed in such a way so that any light bulb, filament, neon tubing, or similar light source is not visible from beyond the property line.

On parcels that are 10,000 square feet in area or greater, freestanding signs with interior illumination or translucent faces shall be limited to low-level illumination that cannot exceed 0.1 foot-candles at any property line.

On parcels that are less than 10,000 square feet in area, interior illumination of freestanding signs is prohibited, except for signs less than one square foot in area.

Interior illumination of wall signs is prohibited.

All sign illumination shall be turned off by an automatic system between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Table 25.42-1: R-1 and R-2 Zoning Districts – Permanent Signs
Allowed Sign Type	Maximum Number per Parcel		Maximum Sign Area		Maximum Sign Height
Freestanding	Parcel Area	Maximum Number	Parcel Area	Maximum Sign Area	No portion of any freestanding sign shall exceed seven feet in height. A sign erected on a building or structure shall not be placed higher than the first story or 12 feet above the established grade below the top of the sign, whichever is lower.
	Less than 10,000 sf	1 per frontage	Less than 10,000 sf	15 sf per frontage
	10,000 sf and over	2 per frontage	10,000 sf and over	50 sf per frontage

Permitted Signs in the R-3 and R-4 Zoning Districts. No signs shall be erected or maintained in any R-3 or R-4 zoning district except the following:

Signs exempted in Section 25.42.020 (Exempt Signs).

Noncommercial signs permitted in Section 25.42.030.B. (General Requirements for All Signs).

Freestanding signs and wall signs subject to the regulations listed in this chapter and as set forth in Table 25.42-2, below.

Signs established for the purpose of directing vehicles and pedestrians into and within parking areas. Such signs shall be limited to a total of six signs per parcel, each limited in size to three feet in height and three square feet in area. Such signs shall only be located at driveway entrances and within parking areas. Such signs shall be exempt from the total square footage calculation.

Illumination.

External illumination shall be directed in such a way so that any light bulb, filament, neon tubing, or similar light source is not visible from beyond the property line.

On parcels that are less than 10,000 square feet in area, interior illumination of freestanding signs is prohibited, except for signs less than one square foot in area.

Interior illumination of wall signs is prohibited.

All sign illumination shall be turned off by an automatic system between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Table 25.42-2: R-3 and R-4 Zoning Districts – Permanent Signs
Allowed Sign Type	Maximum Number	Maximum Sign Area		Maximum Sign Height
Wall and Freestanding	No more than 3 signs for each frontage, one of which may be a two-sided monument sign.	Parcel Area	Maximum Sign Area per side	No portion of any freestanding sign shall exceed seven feet.
		Less than 10,000 sf 10,000 – 15,000 sf	15 sf 0.5 sf per lineal foot of parcel frontage per side (25 sf maximum)	A sign erected on a building or structure shall not be placed higher than the first story or 12 feet above the established grade below the sign, whichever is lower.
		15,001 – 30,000 sf	0.5 sf per lineal foot of parcel frontage per side (30 sf maximum)
		Over 30,000 sf	0.5 sf per lineal foot of parcel frontage per side (50 sf maximum)

Permitted Signs in the C-1, BAC, BMU, CAC, CR, DAC, HMU MMU, BRMU, CMU, and NBMU Zoning Districts.

Permanent Signs. All permanent signs shall comply with the standards set forth in Table 25.42-3, below.

Pole Signs Prohibited. In addition to the signs specified in Section 25.42.040 (Prohibited Signs), pole signs are prohibited.

Signs Providing Direction Allowed. Signs established for the purpose of directing vehicles and pedestrians into and within parking areas are allowed as follows and shall not count toward the total square footage of allowable signage:

Up to a total of six signs per parcel, each not to exceed three feet in height and three square feet in area, and

Only located at driveway entrances and within parking areas.

Illumination.

See Section 25.42.080.B.4. regarding illumination of awning signs.

A permanent sign may be non-illuminated, illuminated by internal, internal indirect, or external indirect illumination. Signs that are externally lit shall be illuminated only with steady, stationary, downward-directed, and shielded light sources directed solely onto the sign.

A sign shall not be animated, have changeable copy, or have flashing illumination.

Table 25.42-3: C-1, BAC, BMU, CAC, CR, DAC, HMU MMU, BRMU, CMU, and NBMU Zoning Districts – Permanent Signs
Allowed Sign Type	Maximum Number	Maximum Sign Area per Building Frontage		Location and Maximum Sign Height	Additional Regulations
Awning, Projecting, and Wall	2 per tenant frontage	Primary Frontage: 1.5 sf per 1 lineal foot of tenant frontage, with maximum of 100 sf total for all signage along primary frontage Secondary Frontage: 0.75 sf per 1 lineal foot of tenant frontage, with maximum of 50 sf total for all signage along secondary frontage In all cases, at least 30 sf of total sign area per frontage is allowed (to address narrow tenant frontages).		a. Wall signs may be placed on any designated frontage. b. No awning, projecting, or wall sign shall extend above the roof line.	a. Any single sign on any frontage shall not exceed 60 square feet in area. b. Monument signs are prohibited on parcels with a parcel frontage of less than 100 feet.
Monument	Frontage	Maximum Number	50 sf per side	6 ft
	100 – 299 ft	1
	300 – 399 ft	2
	400 ft or greater	3

Permitted Signs in the Downtown California Drive Auto Row (CAR) Zoning District and For Vehicles Sales Not Located Within the CAR Zoning District.

Permanent Signs. All permanent signs shall comply with the standards set forth in Table 25.42-4, below.

Up to a total of six signs per parcel, each not to exceed three feet in height and three square feet in area, and

Only located at driveway entrances and within parking areas.

Illumination.

See Section 25.42.080.B.4. regarding illumination of awning signs.

A sign shall not be animated, have changeable copy, or have flashing illumination.

Table 25.42-4: CAR Zoning District
Allowed Sign Type	Maximum Number		Maximum Sign Area		Location and Maximum Sign Height	Additional Regulations
Awning, Projecting, and Wall	5 per building frontage		Building Frontage Length	Maximum Total Sign Area of all Signs	a. Wall signs may be placed on any designated frontage. b. No awning, projecting, or wall sign shall extend above the roof line.	a. Wall signs shall be permitted on any building frontage subject to the sign area limitations in this table and the placement requirements in Section 25.46.080.F (Wall Signs). b. Monument signs are prohibited on parcels with a parcel frontage of less than 150 feet.
			50 ft or less	150 sf
			51 ft – 100 ft	300 sf
			101 ft – 150 ft	450 sf
			Over 150 ft	500 sf
Monument – Permitted in addition to allowed wall, awning, projecting, and pylon signs	Frontage	Number	50 sf per side, 100 sf total area		12 ft on California Drive 6 ft on all other streets
	150-299 ft	1
	300-399 ft	2
	400 ft or greater	3
Pylon – Permitted in addition to wall, awning, projecting, and monument signs	Frontage	Number
	150-299	1	150 sf per side, 300 sf total sign area		25 ft	a. Allowed only on Broadway, California Drive, and Rollins Road. b. A pylon sign shall be counted as 2 signs, and each side shall be counted in the total sign area. c. Pylon signs are prohibited on parcel frontages less than 150 feet in length. d. Pylon signs shall have decorative support structures that are architecturally compatible with on-site buildings and shall not consist of a single pole.
	300 or more	2	150 sf per side, 300 sf total sign area		25 ft

Permitted Signs in the Bayfront Commercial (BFC) Zoning District.

Permanent Signs. All permanent signs shall comply with the standards set forth in Table 25.42-5, below.

Prohibited: Pole Signs. In addition to the signs specified in Section 25.42.040 (Prohibited Signs), pole signs shall be prohibited. However, a pole sign lawfully existing on March 31, 2008 may continue to exist so long as it conforms to the provisions of Section 25.42.100 (Nonconforming Signs). Further, notwithstanding Section 25.42.040 (Prohibited Signs), if the parcel on which a pole sign lawfully existing on March 31, 2008 is located is subdivided in accordance with Title 26 (Subdivisions) of this Code, the advertising on the existing pole sign may advertise the businesses that are located on the resulting parcels but only under the following circumstances:

No physical alterations of any kind may occur except for replacement of the actual face of the sign and maintenance as permitted under Section 25.42.100 (Nonconforming Signs).

Advertising is limited to the advertising of a person, product, or service of an occupant of the parcels created by the subdivision of the original parcel and only during the period of actual occupancy by such an occupant.

If the sign is removed, it cannot be replaced.

No other freestanding signage may be placed on any of the parcels created by the subdivision of the original parcel so long as the pole sign remains.

All off-premises advertising as prohibited in Section 25.42.040 (Prohibited Signs) on the pole sign shall be removed if any of the parcels created by the subdivision of the original parcel are redeveloped by the demolition or construction of any structure or any portion of any structure exceeding 1,000 square feet or 10 percent of the floor area—gross square footage of the structures on the parcel, whichever is greater. Following removal of the off-premises advertising, the only advertising allowed on the pole sign shall be advertising of a person, product, or service located on the one parcel on which the pole sign is then located.

The provisions of this section are recorded in a form approved by the City Attorney on the title of each of the parcels created by the subdivision of the original parcel.

Limitation on Size of Sign. No single sign or single side of a freestanding sign shall be larger than 250 square feet in area. The maximum total sign area allowed on the upper half of a building on each building frontage is 350 square feet.

Up to a total of six signs per parcel, each not to exceed three feet in height and three square feet in area, and

Only located at driveway entrances and within parking areas.

Limitation on Total Sign Area. The maximum total sign area allowed on each parcel frontage, inclusive of all allowable signage except for signs providing direction, as identified in subsection K.4 above, shall be determined based on the length of the parcel frontage calculated in accordance with the following:

Parcel Frontage Length	Maximum Total Sign Area per Parcel Frontage
50 feet or less	100 square feet
51 feet to 150 feet	150 square feet
151 feet to 250 feet	250 square feet
251 feet to 350 feet	350 square feet
Over 350 feet	500 square feet

Illumination.

See Section 25.42.080.B.4. regarding illumination of awning signs.

A sign shall not be animated, have changeable copy, or have flashing illumination.

Table 25.42-5: Bayfront Commercial Zoning District
Allowed Sign Type	Maximum Number		Maximum Sign Area	Location and Maximum Sign Height	Additional Regulations
Wall, Awning, and Projecting	6 per building frontage, with no more than 3 signs on the lower half of a building and 3 signs on the upper half of a building		See Section 25.43.080.K.5 above for limitation on total sign area per parcel.	a. Wall signs may be placed on any designated frontage. b. No awning, projecting, or wall sign shall extend above the roof line.	a. Wall signs shall be permitted on any building frontage subject to the sign area limitations in this table and the placement requirements in Section 25.42.080.F (Wall Signs). b. For purposes of this section, no building shall be considered to have more than four building frontages regardless of the building's design or parcel.
Monument	Frontage	Number
	0-150 sf	1	Airport Blvd., Bayshore Hwy, and Gilbreth Rd.: 75 sf for any one sign face All Other Streets: 40 sf for any one sign face See Section 25.42.080.K.7 above for limitation on total sign area per parcel.	8 ft.
	151 sf or greater	1 for every 150 sf of frontage		8 ft.

Permitted Signs in the Innovative Industrial (I-I) and North Rollins Mixed-Use (RRMU) Zoning Districts.

Permanent Signs. All permanent signs shall comply with the standards set forth in Table 25.42-6, below.

Limitation on Use of Pylon Signs. Pylon signs are prohibited except on parcels on Adrian Road, Broadway, and Gilbreth Road having a frontage of 150 feet or greater. Where used, pylon signs shall have decorative supporting structures that are architecturally compatible with on-site buildings and shall not consist of a single pole.

Monument Signs Incentive. To promote monument signs where pylon signs are allowed, two-sided monument signs are considered to be a single sign and in measuring total sign area, only one side of the sign is included in the calculation.

Residential Developments in RRMU Zoning District. Any residential project in the RRMU zoning district shall comply with the sign standards applicable to the R-3 and R-4 zoning districts.

Mixed-Use Developments in RRMU Zoning District. Any mixed-use project in the RRMU zoning district shall comply with the sign standards applicable to the C-1, BAC, BMU, CAC, CR, DAC, HMU, MMU, BRMU, CMU, and NBMU zoning districts.

Up to a total of six signs per parcel, each not to exceed three feet in height and three square feet in area, and

Only located at driveway entrances and within parking areas.

Illumination.

See Section 25.42.080.B.4. regarding illumination of awning signs.

A sign shall not be animated, have changeable copy, or have flashing illumination.

Table 25.42-6: Innovative Industrial and North Rollins Mixed-Use Zoning Districts
Allowed Sign Type	Maximum Number		Maximum Sign Area		Location and Maximum Sign Height	Additional Regulations
Wall, Awning, and Projecting	Maximum of 3 signs on any building frontage		Building Frontage Length	Maximum Total Sign Area	a. Wall signs may be placed on any designated frontage. b. No awning, projecting, or wall sign shall extend above the roof line.	a. Wall signs shall be permitted on any building frontage subject to the sign area limitations in this table and the placement requirements in Section 25.42.080.F (Wall Signs). b. For purposes of this section, no building shall be considered to have more than four building frontages regardless of the building's design or parcel.
			50 ft or less	150 sf
			51-100 ft	200 sf
			101-150 ft	250 sf
			151-200 ft	300 sf
			Over 200 ft	350 sf
Monument – Can be established in addition toallowable wall, awning, and projecting signs	Frontage	Number	Adrian Rd., Broadway, and Rollins Rd: 75 sf per side and 150 sf of total sign area		8 ft
	150-300	1
	301 – 400	2
	Over 400 ft	3	All other streets: 40 sf per side and 80 sf of total sign area
Pylon Signs a. Only allowed on Adrian Rd., Broadway and Gilbreth Rd. on parcels with 150 ft or more of frontage b. Only allowed in lieu of a monument sign c. Can be established in addition to allowable wall, awning, and projecting signs	Over 150 ft	1	120 sf per side and 240 sf of total sign area		40 ft

(Ord. 2000 § 2, (2021))

§ 25.42.090 Temporary Signs.

Purpose. In addition to Section 25.42.010 (Purpose and Applicability) of this chapter, the purpose of this section is to ensure that temporary signs do not create a distraction to the traveling public by limiting the proliferation of temporary signs and eliminating aesthetic blight and litter that are detrimental to the public's health, safety, and general welfare.

General Standards for All Temporary Signs.

Temporary Sign Content Neutrality. All regulations and standards in this section are to be exercised in light of the City's content neutrality policy. These provisions are not intended to limit, censor, or restrict free speech.

Relationship to Permanent Sign Regulations. The number and area of temporary signs shall not be included in the calculation of permanent sign area.

Duration and Removal of Temporary Signs. Temporary signs may be posted for no more than 60 days in any 12 consecutive calendar months.

Sign Materials. Temporary signs shall be made of durable, weather-resistant materials, as determined by the Director.

Illumination Prohibited. Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.

Sign Placement.

Temporary signs are allowed on private property only subject to permission of the property owner.

Temporary signs shall not be placed in any public right-of-way except as may otherwise be permitted by the Municipal Code.

Temporary Signs in Residential Zoning Districts. See Section 25.42.020 (Exempt Signs) for permitted temporary sign types and standards in residential zoning districts, including temporary signs displaying noncommercial messages or residential activities, such as yard sales, new construction, and advertisement for a property that is for sale, rent, or lease.

Temporary Signs in Nonresidential Zoning Districts. Temporary signs shall comply with the standards set forth in this subsection. Table 25.42-7 identifies the sign type, number, location, area, and height allowed within nonresidential zoning districts, along with any applicable additional regulations. The standards contained in Table 25.42-7 are maximums, unless otherwise stated. The signs in Table 25.42-7 are allowed in any combination unless otherwise noted in this subsection. However, businesses shall not display more than five temporary signs at any one time, except for allowed window signs.

Table 25.42-7: Temporary Signs in Nonresidential Zoning Districts
Sign Type	Maximum Number	Maximum Sign Area	Maximum Sign Height	Additional Regulations
a. Banner Sign	1 per business frontage	30 sf or 10% of business frontage on which banner is placed, whichever is lesser	N/A	See Section 25.42.090.H.
b. Feather Sign	1 per 50 linear feet of street frontage up to 2 signs per street frontage	12 sf	10 ft	See Section 25.42.090.H.
c. Yard Sign	1 per business frontage	25 sf	6 ft	See Section 25.42.090.H.

Temporary Sign Type Standards.

Banner Sign.

Businesses and institutions may exhibit banner signs related to an activity or event having a specific duration, or the end of which is related to a specific action.

Banner signs shall be affixed to a permanent structure. Banner signs shall be securely affixed at all corners and other points as necessary and shall not interfere with pedestrian paths of travel.

Banner signs shall not project above the edge of the roof of a structure.

Banner signs shall be professionally crafted and well maintained (i.e., not torn, bent, faded, or dirty).

Feather Sign. Businesses and institutions may exhibit feather signs related to an activity or event having a specific duration, or the end of which is related to a specific action.

Feather signs shall not interfere with either pedestrian or vehicular sight distance, any view corridor, or obstruct views to any existing business or existing permanent sign.

Feather signs shall be set back at least five feet from any property line.

Feather signs are permitted during the hours a business is open for business and one-half hour before opening and one-half hour after closing. Feather signs shall be removed during hours when the establishment is not open to the public.

Acceptable materials for feather signs include vinyl, nylon reinforced vinyl, polyethylene or polyester-like materials, durable fabric, or similar materials.

Yard Sign. Businesses and institutions may exhibit yard signs related to an activity or event having a specific duration, or the end of which is related to a specific action, subject to the following:

Yard signs shall be located outside of public rights-of-way. Yard signs shall be set back at least one foot from any property line and located within the landscaped setback.

Yard signs shall not interfere with either pedestrian or vehicular sight distance, any view corridor, or obstruct views to any existing business or existing permanent sign.

Yard signs shall be installed securely in the ground.

Signs and Banners of a Civic Nature. The City Manager or designee may, upon written application to the Manager, issue administrative sign permits for temporary signs and banners announcing a community event sponsored by a charitable or educational group in the City at no more than two places in the City. The City Manager shall, prior to issuance of a permit, require recommendations regarding matters of safety, construction, and location from applicable City departments, and shall ensure that all the following conditions are fulfilled:

Each sign is required for the convenience or safety of the public;

Each sign is directly related to an event that is clearly of a noncommercial nature directly related to the City;

Each sign is of a temporary nature, and not to remain up longer than 14 consecutive days in any 12-month period; and

Insurance in the amount set by the City Attorney for such permits be provided.

(Ord. 2000 § 2, (2021))

§ 25.42.100 Nonconforming Signs.

Change and Modification. A nonconforming sign or sign structure shall be brought into conformity with this chapter if it is altered, reconstructed, replaced, or relocated. A change in copy is not an alteration or replacement for purposes of this section.

Maintenance. Nonconforming signs must be maintained in good condition. Maintenance required by this section shall include replacing or repairing of worn or damaged parts of a sign or sign structure in order to return it to its original state and is not considered to be a change or modification prohibited by Section 25.42.040 (Prohibited Signs).

Removal. Removal of a nonconforming sign, or replacement of a nonconforming sign with a conforming sign, is required when:

A nonconforming sign, or a substantial part of a nonconforming sign, is blown down, destroyed, or for any reason or by any means taken down, altered, or removed. As used in this subsection, "substantial" means 50 percent or more of the value of the entire sign structure, as determined by the Building Official; or

The condition of the nonconforming sign or nonconforming sign structure has deteriorated and the cost of restoration of the sign to its condition immediately prior to such deterioration exceeds 50 percent of the value of the sign or sign structure prior to its deterioration, as determined by the Building Official; or

The use of the nonconforming sign, or the property on which it is located, has ceased, become vacant, or been unoccupied for a period of 180 consecutive days or more.

General Requirements. Where a legal nonconforming use exists, any signs to be erected shall require application to and approval by the Director. The number of signs permitted on the building or parcel, the size and nature thereof, and their location on the property shall be determined by the provisions of this title applicable to such property as if it were classified for the actual use then existing. However, the Director may modify such standards if it is determined that the use or condition of adjacent parcels makes such standards inappropriate because the illumination, location, or size of the signage would unreasonably interfere with the quiet enjoyment and use of one or more adjacent parcels.

(Ord. 2000 § 2, (2021))