A.
The provisions of this chapter shall govern all matters relating
to signs and sign structures within the city that are visible from
the public right-of-way or adjacent properties.
B.
The purposes of these provisions are to:
1.
Maintain and enhance the physical appearance and economic value
of the city;
2.
Direct and inform persons as to the location and nature of enterprises
and activities;
3.
Provide guidance for design of advertising displays, structures
and devices which will harmonize with their surroundings, avoid confusion
or excessive competition for visual attention, and result in signage
which is architecturally compatible with adjacent buildings or structures;
4.
Reduce the potential for distraction of or hazard to motorists
or pedestrians; and
5.
Reduce the potential for creation of visual nuisances.
C.
The intent of these provisions is to provide a reasonable system
of controls to assist in the preservation and enhancement of the visual
environment, protection of property values, and the protection of
the public safety and general welfare.
D.
Applicability. This chapter does not apply to the following:
1.
Anything erected or installed for the purpose of or used for
displaying official notices issued by any court or public body or
officer;
2.
Official notices issued and/or posted by any court or public
body or officer in performance of a public duty or by any person giving
legal notice.
3.
Anything erected or installed for the purpose of or used for
displaying notices posted by any public officer in performance of
a public duty or by any person in giving legal notice;
4.
Directional, warning or information signs or structures required
by or authorized by law or by federal, state, county, or city authority;
5.
A structure erected near a city or county boundary, which contains
the name of such city or county;
6.
Traffic or Other Municipal Signs (Signs Required by Law). Railroad
crossing signs, legal notices, and such temporary emergency or non-advertising
signs as may be authorized by the city council;
7.
The display of the flag of the city, United States or the flag
of the state of California, or any structure used exclusively for
displaying these flags;
E.
Substitution Clause. Whenever a sign for a commercial message is
permitted by this chapter, a noncommercial message of any type may
be substituted for the duly allowed commercial message contained therein.
F.
Signs on Public Property. No person, except a public officer or city
employee in the performance of his duty, shall paste, post, paint
or erect any flag, pennant, banner, notice or sign of any kind or
cause the same to be done upon public property, street, street median,
parkway, bridge or sidewalk within the city, except for the following:
1.
Signs for special events to the benefit of the entire community
and authorized by the city council;
2.
Signs affixed to temporary construction fences located within
the public right-of-way during construction, when associated with
a public works project, to advertise the architect, construction company
or future development; provided, that no sign shall exceed twenty-four
square feet in area;
3.
Signs for advertisements on bus benches and bus shelters under
a regulated program authorized by the city council.
G.
Signs on Private Utility Company Poles. No person shall attach any
item to private utility company poles without prior written approval
from the utility company to which such poles belong.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
See Chapter 18.04 (Definitions).
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
A.
Sign Matrix. Signs shall be permitted (P), conditionally permitted
(CUP), temporarily permitted (T), or not permitted (-), as identified
in Table 18.23.030.A - Sign Matrix.
|
Table 18.23.030.A - Sign Matrix
| |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Permitted = P
Conditional Use Permit = CUP
Temporarily Permitted = T
Banner Permit = B
Not Permitted = -
|
Single-Unit Residential
|
Multi-Unit Residential
|
Mobilehome Park
|
Mixed-Use Residential
|
Nonresidential
|
|
Animated
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Attached
|
-
|
P
|
-
|
P
|
P
|
|
Awning
|
-
|
P
|
-
|
P
|
P
|
|
Banner
|
-
|
B
|
-
|
B
|
B
|
|
Bench
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
CUP
|
|
Billboard
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Bulletin board
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
P
|
|
Campaign
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
|
Canopy
|
-
|
P
|
-
|
P
|
P
|
|
Changeable copy
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
CUP
|
|
Construction
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
|
Convenience
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Digital Display
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Directory
|
-
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Electronic message
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Feather sign
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Flashing
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Freestanding
|
-
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Future development
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
|
Human advertisement
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Inflatable advertising device
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Inflatable character
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
|
Marquee
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
CUP
|
|
Memorial
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Menu board
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
CUP
|
|
Monument
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Multi-tenant
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
P
|
|
Nameplate
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Neon or neon lighting
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
CUP
|
|
Non-appurtenant
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Off-site or off-premises
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
On-site or on-premises
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
One-Time Event (Residential)
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
-
|
|
Painted
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
CUP
|
|
Portable
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
P
|
P
|
|
Projecting
|
-
|
CUP
|
-
|
CUP
|
CUP
|
|
Pump-top video display
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
CUP
|
|
Real Estate
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
T
|
|
Revolving
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Roof
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Seasonal Commercial Sales Lots
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
T
|
|
Subdivision
|
T
|
T
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Under-canopy
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
P
|
|
Vehicle
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Wall
|
-
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Window
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
T
|
C.
Signs Within the Public Right-of-Way. Except as provided for in Section 18.23.060(F) no signs shall be erected or displayed on city property or in a public right-of-way by any person. Any sign erected on city property or in a public right-of-way in violation of this section may be summarily removed by the city. The city will hold such signs at the city yard for ten calendar days after they are removed.
E.
Conditionally Permitted Signs. Signs that are conditionally permitted are subject to the approval of a conditional use permit and shall be processed as a conditional use permit, pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 18.66, in addition to the requirements for a sign permit pursuant to Section 18.23.040, and any requirement for a sign program pursuant to Section 18.23.050.
G.
Not Permitted. In addition to any sign listed as not permitted in
Table 18.23.030.A - Sign Matrix, any signs which are not specifically
listed in said table are also prohibited unless, pursuant to a review
by the planning commission, the commission makes a determination that
the proposed sign is substantially similar to another permitted or
conditionally permitted sign.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
A.
Applicability. No person shall erect any sign regulated by this chapter without first obtaining a sign permit, which for this section shall also include, as applicable, a temporary sign permit, banner permit or special event permit, issued by the Chief Building Official, unless said sign is exempt pursuant to subsection 18.23.010(D).
B.
Number of Sign Permits Required. A separate sign permit shall be
required for each sign installed; provided, however, the chief building
official may allow one permit to cover a group of similar type signs
for a single business entity, a group of signs on a single supporting
structure, or a group of independently-mounted letters, words, or
symbols intended to convey a single message; provided, that such group
of signs or letters can be normally inspected at the same time and
in the same manner as normally required for a single sign.
C.
Application Materials. The applicant for the sign permit shall submit
sign plans that include a site plan, and building and sign elevations
rendered in color that identify the following:
1.
Sign area with dimensions, sign colors, sign type, sign materials
and method of illumination.
2.
Structural details and calculations (when applicable), electrical
wiring diagrams, footing and anchoring details.
3.
Such other information as the chief building official deems
reasonable and necessary to ensure safety of construction and compliance
with this chapter and all other city ordinances.
D.
Fees. All applicable building permit fees shall be paid as established
in the city of La Habra Master Schedule of Fees.
E.
Consent of Owner. No person shall erect any sign regulated by this
chapter without first obtaining and filing with the community and
economic development department the written consent of the owner and/or
the lessee or person having possession of the property upon which
the sign is situated.
F.
Approval. The sign permit shall be subject to the approval of the
chief building official, pursuant to the standards contained herein.
G.
Other Applicable Permits. The approval of a sign permit does not
negate the requirement for any other applicable permit, such as a
conditional use permit, or any requirement for the submittal of sign
plans as part of a design review.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
A.
Applicability. A sign program is sign criteria created by a property
owner that provides details on the number, location, types, height,
style, illumination etc. of all signs located on a property. A sign
program shall be required for:
1.
New multi-tenant shopping centers, office parks, other multi-tenant
and mixed- use developments consisting of three or more separate suites/tenants
that share the same parcel or structure and use common access and
parking facilities.
2.
Redesign, remodel, or redevelopment of existing multi-tenant
or mixed-use developments that do not have an existing sign program
adopted after the effective date of this chapter.
B.
Application. A completed application shall be submitted to the community
and economic development department for review and approval. A review
fee shall be paid at the time of submittal as established in the master
schedule of fees.
C.
The sign program shall include, but is not limited to, the following
information:
1.
A site plan of the property with dimensions that identifies
all proposed signs.
2.
Building elevations drawn to scale that identify the location
of all proposed building attached signs, tenant doors, windows and
architectural building elements such as arches, columns etc.
3.
A sign table that lists each tenant suite with storefront dimensions
(length and height) that identifies the maximum area allotted for
all building attached signs.
4.
Written guidelines that include:
a.
Purpose and intent.
b.
Written general requirements and approval process by property
owner or management company.
c.
Approved sign design styles, lighting and colors.
d.
Description of prohibited signs.
e.
Construction requirements.
f.
Installation requirements.
g.
Tenant guarantee and insurance requirements.
D.
Approval.
1.
Design Review. A sign program that complies with all of the requirements of this chapter shall be processed as a design review, pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 18.68 (Design Review).
2.
Conditional Use Permit. A sign program that deviates from the design standards of this chapter, and/or includes signs that are subject to the approval of a conditional use permit, shall be processed as a conditional use permit, pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 18.66.
3.
Implementation. Individual tenant sign proposals shall be approved
by the property owner prior to submittal of an application for a sign
permit and shall be in compliance with an approved sign program, unless
such program is not applicable to the subject property.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
Notwithstanding the sign provisions of the zone(s) in which
located, the following regulations shall apply to all zones:
A.
Signs shall comply with the following general design standards.
1.
Compatibility. Signs shall be designed to be compatible with
the architectural style of the main structure or structures on the
site where the signs are to be located and shall incorporate matching
or similar construction materials, colors, and other design details.
2.
Illumination. The illumination of signs, from either an internal
or an external source, shall not cast stray light on surrounding rights-of-way
and properties. All illuminated signs shall comply with the following:
a.
External light sources shall not illuminate any object other
than the sign.
b.
Unless otherwise allowed by another provision of this chapter,
signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or intermittent lights or
other illumination devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness,
or color.
c.
The use of colored lights in a manner that could be confused
or interpreted as traffic control devices are prohibited.
d.
Light sources shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures compliant
with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
e.
Any illuminated signs that identifies a business within, or
adjacent to, a residential zone shall be turned off within two hours
after the business is closed.
B.
Projection and Clearance. All sign types shall conform to the clearance
and projection requirements of this section.
1.
Signs that encroach on public property. No sign of any type as defined by this chapter or any portion thereof shall extend or project over any public sidewalk, street, alley or other public property, unless as otherwise permitted by Section 18.23.060(F).
2.
Clearance. No projecting sign shall have a clearance of less
than eight feet above finish grade of the walkway below.
3.
Interference with traffic or right-of-way. No sign shall be
located in a manner which may obstruct or interfere with the view
of a traffic signal or other traffic regulatory signs as determined
by the director of public works or designee. No sign shall, as determined
by the director of public works or designee, be so located as to create
a hazard to the life or property of any person using the public right-of-way.
4.
Clearance from opening, fire exits or standpipes. No sign or
sign structure shall be erected in such a manner that will interfere
in any way or obstruct any opening, fire exit or standpipe.
C.
Construction Requirements. Every sign and all parts, portions, and
materials thereof shall be manufactured, assembled, and erected in
compliance with all applicable state, federal, and city laws and regulations.
All signs shall comply with the following criteria:
1.
Method of Attachment. All signs shall be safely and securely
attached or anchored to the ground, wall, building, or the like in
accordance with the requirements and specifications in the City's
Building Code (Title 15) and as required by the chief building official.
2.
Screening. All transformers, equipment, programmers, and other
related items shall be screened and/or painted to match the structure
or shall be concealed within the sign and shall be install in compliance
with the applicable electrical codes as required by the chief building
official.
3.
Materials. All permanent signs shall be constructed of quality
materials such as metal, concrete, natural stone, wood, glass, and
acrylic. Techniques shall be incorporated during construction to reduce
fading and damage caused by exposure to sunlight or degradation due
to other elements.
4.
Lighting. All freestanding signs that incorporate lighting shall
have underground utility service.
D.
Maintenance Requirements. All signs, together with all of their supports,
braces, guy and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and in a proper
state of preservation in accordance with this section.
1.
General Maintenance. It shall be the responsibility of the property
owner to maintain every sign and all parts, portions, and materials
thereof at all times in a state of safe and good repair.
a.
All signs shall be maintained in a neat, attractive condition,
and in adequate repair, as determined by the director of community
and economic development or a designee, at all times.
b.
Sign maintenance includes periodic repairs to prevent sign deterioration
such as fading paint, fading colors, and peeling letters.
c.
The display surface of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly
painted, and free from rust and corrosion.
d.
Any cracked, broken surfaces, malfunctioning lights, missing
sign copy, or other non-maintained or damaged portions of a sign shall
be repaired or replaced by the property owner within thirty calendar
days following notification by the city.
2.
General Sign Removal. When a sign is removed or replaced, all
brackets, poles, and other structural elements that support the sign
shall also be removed. Affected surfaces shall be restored to match
the adjacent portion of the structure including wall texture and paint
colors. This requirement does not apply to routine maintenance.
E.
Calculating the Area of Signs. For sign applications and permits,
all sign plans shall incorporate the following methodology for calculating
the area of signs.
1.
General Area Calculation. Generally, the area of a sign including
logos shall be measured as the overall length of the sign multiplied
by the overall height of each segment of copy or logo inclusive of
background. See Figure 18.23.060-1 (General Sign Area Measurement).
2.
Sign Area Allowance. Allowable sign area either is a set square
footage per establishment or is based on a ratio of allowable sign
area to primary building frontage (e.g., one square foot of sign area
per one linear foot of primary building frontage). Where a ratio is
listed, a maximum sign area also applies.
|
Figure 18.23.060-1
General Sign Area Measurement
 |
3.
Awning Sign Area. Sign copy area which is applied to an awning
and/or canopy, shall be computed at one hundred percent of the area
within a single rectangle enveloping the sign copy. See Figure 18.23.060-2
(Awning or Canopy Sign Area).
|
Figure 18.23.060-2
Awning or Canopy Sign Area
 |
4.
Height of Freestanding Signs. The height of any freestanding
sign shall be measured from the uppermost point of the sign/frame,
structure to the finished grade immediately below such point. See
Figure 18.23.060-3 (Height of a Freestanding Sign)
|
Figure 18.23.060-3
Height of a Freestanding Sign
| |
 |
 |
F.
Signs on City Property and Within the Public Right-of-Way. The following
signs may project over the right-of-way, provided that the owner has
obtained an encroachment permit from the Public Works Department:
1.
Signs attached under canopies or marquees, which shall not exceed
a dimension of twelve vertical inches by forty-eight horizontal inches,
and shall clear the surface below by not less than eight feet.
2.
Signs affixed to the vertical face or valance of an awning or
canopy for buildings located in an MX Mixed Use Overlay may be permitted
subject to approval of a Design Review.
G.
Signs that advertise or identify the business, service, entity or
activity conducted onsite in a language other than English are encouraged
to include an English description of the use (i.e., "restaurant,"
"medical office," "grocery store," etc.) on the sign.
H.
Freestanding Signs. All freestanding signs shall be located within
a landscaped area or planter, as approved through a Design Review.
The base of any freestanding sign shall be constructed of masonry,
wood, or other suitable building materials which are architecturally
harmonious with the development to which the sign is appurtenant.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
|
Zone
|
Attached Signs
|
Freestanding Signs
|
|---|---|---|
|
Single-Family Residential Zones (R-1a-c)
|
Not allowed
|
Not allowed
|
|
(R-2 to R-7) Multiple-Family Residential Zones
|
1 or more signs with a collective sign area not to exceed 30
square feet.
|
1 monument sign per street frontage, with a maximum area of
20 square feet for the first 100 lineal feet of frontage, plus 10
square feet for each additional 100 lineal feet of frontage, or fraction
thereof. Maximum sign size is limited to 50 square feet in area and
a maximum height of 6 feet.
|
|
Mobile Home Park (MHP)
|
Not allowed
|
1 monument sign per street frontage, with a maximum area of
20 square feet for the first 100 lineal feet of frontage, plus 10
square feet for each additional 100 lineal feet of frontage, or fraction
thereof. Maximum sign size is limited to 50 square feet in area and
a maximum height of 6 feet.
|
|
Mixed Use (Residential Development)
|
1 or more signs with a collective sign area not to exceed 30
square feet.
|
1 monument sign per street frontage, with a maximum area of
20 square feet for the first 100 lineal feet of frontage, plus 10
square feet for each additional 100 lineal feet of frontage, or fraction
thereof. Maximum sign size is limited to 50 square feet in area and
a maximum height of 6 feet.
|
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
|
Wall Signs
| |
|---|---|
|
Maximum Sign Height/Length and Location Requirements
|
Maximum Number, Sign Area and Other Requirements
|
|
Sign Height/Length
• Maximum height of all portions of a wall sign (including
logo and multiple lines of copy) shall not exceed 15% of the total
wall height.
• Maximum length of a wall sign shall not exceed 75% building
façade length.
|
Number
• Maximum of one wall sign per business elevation that
faces a street and/or provides a public entrance.
|
|
Location
• No sign shall encroach into the public right-of-way,
unless approved through an encroachment permit by the director of
public works or designee and the director of community and economic
development or designee.
|
Area
• Commercial land uses: Maximum area of each sign shall
not exceed 30% of the area of each building elevation where a sign
is permitted.
• Light manufacturing and/or planned commercial Industrial
land uses: Maximum area of each sign shall not exceed 15% of the area
of the building elevation where a sign is permitted.
|
|
Other
• Channel letters, reverse channel letters and push pin
letters are preferred.
• Signage containing multiple elements (e.g. logo and text)
on 1 façade shall be designed so that the multiple elements
are located and scaled with relationship to each other.
• Internal and/or external illumination allowed. External
light shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures compliant with Title
24 of the California Code of Regulations. Any illuminated signs that
identify a business within, adjacent to, a residential zone shall
be turned off within 2 hours after the business is closed.
• Signs shall be designed to be compatible with the architectural
style of the main structure or structures on the site where the signs
are to be located and shall incorporate matching or similar construction
materials, colors, and other design details.
| |
|
Freestanding Signs
| |
|---|---|
|
Maximum Sign Height/Length and Location Requirements
|
Maximum Number, Sign Area and Other Requirements
|
|
Sign Height/Length
• Maximum height: 8 feet high
|
Number
• 1 freestanding sign per street frontage of a property.
• A freestanding sign shall not be permitted for each individual
tenant(s).
• Multiple freestanding tenant signs shall be subject to
the approval of a Sign Program.
|
|
Letter Height
• Minimum letter height shall be 12 inches.
• The maximum letter height shall be 36 inches.
|
Area
• Allowable sign area shall not exceed 1 square foot for
each lineal foot of street frontage.
• The sign area excludes the-framework (e.g., post, masonry
column or beam). For double-faced (two-sided) freestanding signs,
only 1 side of the sign shall be used to determine the sign area.
|
|
Location
• Freestanding sign(s) shall be set back a minimum of 15
feet from the public right-of-way. Exceptions may be granted through
the review and approval of a line-of-sight study, prepared by a licensed
traffic or civil engineer.
• No freestanding sign shall be located within 250 feet
of any other freestanding sign on the same business property.
• All freestanding signs shall be placed in a landscaped
area and shall have a minimum horizontal clearance of 3 feet from
any adjacent area used for vehicle traffic or parking.
|
Other
• Materials, design and colors for freestanding signs shall
be complementary to the materials, design and colors of the buildings
for the related development.
• All monument and pylon type signs must have a base element.
The base element must be designed to "ground" the sign through materials,
including but not limited to, rock masonry, or wood, or through decorative
treatment consistent with that found on the associated building.
|
|
Projecting Signs
| |
|---|---|
|
Maximum Sign Height/Length and Location Requirements
|
Maximum Number, Sign Area and Other Requirements
|
|
Sign Height/Length
• Not applicable
|
Number
• 1 per primary façade adjacent to designated pedestrian
walkway.
|
|
Location
• Attached to an exterior building wall (not permitted
on freestanding exterior walls, fences or light fixtures). Projecting
signs shall be placed only on ground-floor façades, except
for businesses located above the ground level with direct exterior
pedestrian access. In the case of a one-story building, the top of
the sign shall, exclusive of the suspension structure, be no higher
than the roof eave line.
• Projecting signs shall be mounted perpendicular to the
exterior building façade, or when located on the corner of
the building, at a 45-degree angle to the corner of the building.
• Where located above a pedestrian walkway, the lowest
point of a blade or bracket sign shall be a minimum of 8 feet above
grade.
• A sign may project a maximum of 5 feet from the building,
but is not permitted to project over or onto the public right-of-way,
without the approval of an encroachment permit by the director of
public works or his/her designee.
• The sign shall be suspended with a clear space of at
least 6 inches between the sign and the structure. Exceptions may
be granted consistent with applicable Building Code requirements.
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Area
• Maximum 6 square feet for each blade and/or bracket signs.
|
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Other
• Sign materials shall match those used on the buildings
on the site and any other signs on the site.
• Sign supports and brackets shall be compatible with the
design and scale of the sign.
| |
|
Awning and Canopy Signs
| |
|---|---|
|
Maximum Sign Height/Length and Location Requirements
|
Maximum Number, Sign Area and Other Requirements
|
|
Sign Height/Length
• Not applicable
|
Number
• Maximum of 1 sign per individual awning and/or canopy.
|
|
Location
• Awning and/or canopy signs shall only be allowed for
first-story occupancies.
|
Area
• Signage shall only be permitted on the valance.
• Signage shall not exceed 70% of the valance area.
|
|
Other
• The shape of the awning or canopy must reflect the architectural
style of the building to which it relates.
• Only permanent signs that are an integral part of the
awning or architectural projection shall be allowed. Temporary signs
shall not be placed on awnings.
| |
|
Automobile Service Station Signs
| |
|---|---|
|
Maximum Sign Height/Length and Location Requirements
|
Maximum Number, Sign Area and Other Requirements
|
|
• One freestanding sign, or 1 monument sign; each sign
may include name of fuel business, and name of convenience store,
price of fuel, credit cards accepted, and existence of a car wash.
• One attached sign to each device providing air or water
service, recharging for electric vehicles and similar services.
• One pump-top video display terminal per pump dispenser.
|
• Maximum of 1 canopy sign per street frontage and limited
to 20 square feet not to exceed 70% of the vertical face on which
the sign is located.
• Attached signs that identify onsite services (air, water,
recharging etc.) are limited to 4 square feet and shall not be illuminated.
• Pump-top video displays are limited to a maximum viewable
screen area of 19 inches measured diagonally.
• Pump-top video display terminals shall be located a minimum
of 40 feet to any residential zone or residential use boundary line.
|
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
|
Construction Signs
| |
|---|---|
|
Standards
|
Time Limitation
|
|
• A temporary sign permit must be obtained prior to the
erection of a construction sign.
• The placement of multiple on-site construction signs
shall be subject to review and approval by the chief building official.
|
• A construction sign not exceeding 45 square feet may
be maintained on any lot or parcel that is undergoing construction.
• Any such sign(s) shall be removed no later than 3 working
days after the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
|
|
Real Estate Signs
("For Sale, Lease, Rental and/or Open House Signs")
| |
|---|---|
|
Standards
|
Time Limitation
|
|
Temporary On-Site Residential
• Signs shall not exceed 8 square feet in area and shall
not exceed 6 feet in height.
Temporary On-Site Commercial and Industrial
• Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall
not exceed 6 feet in height.
Temporary Residential Open House Signs
• Signs shall not exceed 6 square feet in area and shall
not exceed 4 feet in height.
• One open house directional sign may be placed in the
parkway at any 2 intersections closest to the open house property
within the city. The sign location shall not impede pedestrian or
vehicular access or pose a safety hazard.
• 2 flags and open house sign may be placed in the parkway
of the open house.
• No signs shall be posted at any time along any street
median or parkway, street tree or utility pole.
General Standards for All Real Estate Signs
• A permit for temporary real estate signs is not required.
• All signs shall be placed not less than 10 feet back
from the curb face and not within the public right-of-way.
• No sign shall be so located as to create a hazardous
condition.
|
Temporary On-site Residential, Commercial or Industrial
• Sign shall be removed not more than 15 days after the
close of escrow, lease or rental.
Temporary Residential Open House Signs
• No open house signs shall be allowed on any day of the
week except Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays only from
sunrise to sunset.
• Any open house signs remaining in the parkway after the
weekend or holiday shall be subject to confiscation by the city and
a citation may be issued after 1 written warning.
|
|
Subdivision Signs
| |
|---|---|
|
Standards
|
Time Limitation
|
|
• A temporary sign permit must be obtained prior to the
erection of a subdivision sign.
• Subdivision signs may be erected along each street frontage
of the subject lot for the purpose of advertising building sales in
residential tracts.
• No sign shall exceed an area of 50 square feet or 12
feet in height.
|
• Subdivision signs shall be removed within 12 months from
the date of the approval or within 15 days after the close of escrow
or date of lease or rental of such property, whichever period is the
lesser, provided however, that such time limitation may be extended
(for good cause shown) by the director of community and economic development.
|
|
Banners
| |
|---|---|
|
Standards
|
Time Limitation
|
|
• A banner permit must be obtained prior to installation.
• The maximum area of any banner shall not exceed 45 square
feet.
• Must be constructed of plastic, vinyl, canvas or other
weather resistant material. Banners may not be constructed of paper,
cardboard, clear plastic or similar material.
• Banners may not be used in lieu of a permanent sign.
• Must be attached to an exterior building wall, located
below the eave or roof parapet. No banners are allowed above the eave
or roof line, on freestanding light fixtures, ancillary buildings,
vehicles, landscape features or plant materials.
|
• Shall not be displayed more than 30 consecutive days.
• Shall be obtained no more than 3 times per calendar year
with a minimum period of 30 days between each permit.
|
|
Seasonal Commercial Sales Lots
| |
|---|---|
|
Standards
|
Time Limitation
|
|
• Signs related to a seasonal commercial sales lot may
be displayed upon the approval of the special event permit.
• Signs shall not exceed a collective total of 100 square
feet of area.
• No sign shall exceed a height of 8 feet.
• Only one sign shall be allowed per commercial street
frontage.
|
• All signs related to a seasonal commercial sales lot
shall be removed upon the expiration of the special event permit.
|
|
Window Signs
| |
|---|---|
|
Maximum Sign Height/Length and Location Requirements
|
Maximum Number, Sign Area and Other Requirements
|
|
Sign Height/Length
Not applicable
|
• A permit for window signs is not required.
Number
• Maximum 3 signs for windows up to 50 square feet in area.
• Maximum 5 signs for windows up to 100 square feet in
area.
|
|
Location
• Window signs must be located on the interior of the window.
|
Area
• Window signs must not obscure more than 33% of the total
window or door area visible from a public street, right-of-way or
parking lot.
|
|
Portable Signs
| |
|---|---|
|
Standards
|
Time Limitation
|
|
• A permit for the use of a portable sign is not required.
• Shall not extend into the public right-of-way or adjacent
properties.
• Shall not be placed within any required parking spaces.
• Sign may be placed within building recesses or in a manner
as not to obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic flow.
• Sign shall not exceed a collective total of 12 square
feet of area.
• No sign shall exceed a height of 36 inches measured from
the pavement to the highest point of the sign and 24 inches in width
measured between the outer most edges of the sign or frame, whichever
is greater.
• Only one sign shall be allowed per business.
|
• The use of a portable sign is only permitted during the
established hours of operation of the business.
• The sign shall be removed and stored inside the building
at the close of each business day.
|
|
Campaign Signs
| |
|---|---|
|
Standards
|
Time Limitation
|
|
• A permit for the use of campaign signs is not required.
Location
• Shall not be posted without prior written approval of
the property owner.
• Shall not be posted upon any public property, including,
but not limited to: streets, traffic signs, sidewalks, parkways, medians,
and city parks.
• Shall not be attached to any tree, fence, utility pole,
nor affixed in any permanent manner to any structure.
• Shall not be located as to constitute a hazard to auto
and pedestrian traffic.
• Shall not be located within 100 feet of a polling place
in accordance with the Elections Code.
Sign Height/Length/Illumination/Content
• Shall not exceed 4 square feet in area and shall not
exceed an overall height of 5 feet.
• Shall not be illuminated either directly or indirectly.
• Shall include the name and address of the sponsor or
individual responsible for posting of the political sign.
|
• Shall be removed within 10 calendar days after the election.
• Any campaign sign posted in violation of this Chapter
may be removed by the city after providing 24 hour notice to the property
owner.
• The cost of removal of any campaign signs will be charged
to the candidate, committee or the organization whose name appears
on the sign as sponsor or responsible person or entity for such sign.
• The city shall hold campaign signs removed pursuant to
this section at the city yard for 10 calendar days after they are
removed for pick-up by the owner.
|
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
In addition to any other lawful method for enforcement of the
provisions of the La Habra Municipal Code (LHMC), the city may follow
the provisions of this chapter.
A.
Illegal Signs. Any sign which was not lawfully erected or maintained,
or was not in conformance with the ordinance in effect at the time
of the erection of the sign, or which was not installed with a valid
permit from the city, or which poses a danger to persons or property,
shall be considered illegal.
1.
Illegal signs shall be abated or removed by the property owner
and/or tenant within thirty days after receiving notice of the violation.
2.
In the event that the property owner and/or tenant does not remove an illegal sign, within the given time, then such sign shall be required to be removed through an abatement process pursuant to the provisions of LHMC Chapter 18.74. The duty to abate arises upon notice by a city official. Such notice shall give property owners thirty calendar days to cure/abate by conformance to current law and/or current permit requirements, to abate by removal or other remedial action. If the property owner and/or sign owner fails or refuses to cure/abate within thirty calendar days of said notice, a designated city official may initiate nuisance abatement proceedings pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 18.74.
B.
Abandoned Signs. The following standards shall apply to conforming
and nonconforming abandoned signs.
1.
Abandoned or Vacated Business Signs. Any sign that pertains
to a business/use or occupation which has vacated or is no longer
using the particular property for a period of thirty calendar days
or more, or which relates to a time or event which no longer applies,
or constitutes false advertising/identification, shall conform to
the following:
a.
The sign or sign copy shall be removed within thirty calendar
days after the associated business/use, occupation, or event has vacated
the premises. An abandoned sign is prohibited, and the removal shall
be the responsibility of the owner of the sign or the owner of the
premises.
b.
If the sign structure is maintained, the sign copy shall be
replaced with a blank sign copy within thirty calendar days of the
close of the associated business/use, occupation, event or operation
(e.g., no utility service, business/use is not open for more than
thirty calendar days).
c.
A blank sign copy shall mean, a sign face or sign copy that
does not display any visible advertising matter. No exposed light
fixtures or exposed internal wiring is permitted for vacated business
signs.
d.
A sign structure that is maintained with a blank copy shall only be allowed to remain for twelve consecutive months from the date of the closure of the business/use. At the conclusion of this time period, if no new business/use utilizes the sign structure, the entire sign structure shall be removed by the property owner. If the sign is not removed, a code enforcement officer or designated city personnel may have the sign removed in accordance with the public nuisance abatement provisions of LHMC Chapter 18.74 and the property owner will be held responsible for the cost of removal.
e.
Any prior exceptions, adjustments, or modifications granted
for the abandoned or obsolete sign are void forty-five calendar days
after the business is no longer in operation, provided the sign structure
was continually maintained with a blank sign copy pursuant to this
chapter.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
Every sign in existence on the effective date of the ordinance
codified in this chapter, and which was legal at the time of installation,
and which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, is a
legal, nonconforming sign. The following requirements shall apply
to all legal, nonconforming signs.
B.
No new sign shall be approved for a site, structure, building, or
use that contains nonconforming signs unless such nonconforming signs
are removed or modified to conform with the provisions of this chapter.
C.
No building permit or discretionary permit shall be issued for any
structures, building expansion, or new building construction on a
site which contains nonconforming signs, unless all signs on the site
are brought into conformance with this chapter. This does not apply
to interior alterations which do not substantially change the character
or intensity of the site.
D.
All nonconforming signs shall be removed at such time as the use
of any site, building, or structure is changed. A change in business
ownership shall not be deemed a change of use, pursuant to this section.
E.
Removal/Abatement. Any sign which becomes nonconforming as a result
of the provisions of this chapter shall be protected from removal
by applicable provisions of state law and may be removed only as allowed
by state law. The city shall order signs to be abated by the property
owner and/or person or entity responsible for the sign installation
and/or maintenance.
F.
Maintenance and Repair. Any sign currently in use that was legally
installed but does not conform to the requirements of this chapter
may continue with routine maintenance and repair, such as repainting,
or replacement of the sign face or sign copy. No enlargement or physical
change or the construction of additional sign area is permitted. For
the purposes of this section "physical change" means any type of change
to the structure of a sign.
G.
Restoration of Damaged Signs. As determined by the director of community
and economic development, whenever fifty percent or less of a nonconforming
sign is destroyed by fire or other calamity (not including intentional
acts), the sign may be restored to its nonconforming condition and
the sign modified as necessary to comply with current code requirements.
Any nonconforming sign destroyed by more than fifty percent of its
assessed value shall not be restored unless it is brought into compliance
with the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 1852, 12/4/2023)
