[Added by Ord. 81-16]
The sign regulations specified herein are designed to provide standards for signs in the City which will promote the public convenience and prosperity, conserve the value of land and buildings, promote commercial and business development, and guard the public safety, as well as serving aesthetic goals aimed at maintaining a sense of identity and pride in the beauty of Lakewood.
These regulations will, in particular, serve the goals of the General Plan:
--
All property owners in the City of Lakewood must be protected from the improper use of surrounding lands, to prevent irresponsible individuals from abridging the rights of others while permitting each property owner to achieve the full potential from the use of his property.
--
Stimulate private enterprise to effectuate development in the City of Lakewood, recognizing that hundreds of citizens making individual decisions every day in a competitive market will be responsible for achieving many of the objectives of the General Plan.
--
The City's role in establishing and implementing development policies should continue along at its present high level in order to perform its proper function and authority.
--
A pleasing urban environment which harmoniously and functionally relates to the use of individual property to physical improvements should be preserved and planned so it reflects the high aspirations, values and goals of the City of Lakewood. Human scale should be maintained at all costs.
The purpose described herein and the goals of the General Plan form principles for the regulation of signs in the City.
A. 
Signs should be compatible with the visual image and architectural design of surrounding buildings and landscaping.
B. 
Human scale should be maintained.
C. 
Signs of individual business or property owners should not be allowed to visually conflict and interfere with other signs.
D. 
Signs should primarily contain only that information necessary to identify the businesses or uses on the lot on which the signs are located.
For the purpose of this Chapter, certain words and terms used herein are defined in Section 9302. Definitions which apply particularly to this Part are defined as follows:
ADJACENT TO A LANDSCAPED FREEWAY
A. 
ADJACENT
As used in this Part, means any case where the advertising sign is placed or maintained within six hundred and sixty (660) feet from the edge of a freeway right-of-way line and the copy of which is visible from such right-of-way, or is designed to be viewed primarily by persons traveling on such landscaped section of a freeway. "Visible" means capable of being seen (whether or not legible) without visual aid by a person of normal visual acuity.
B. 
FREEWAY
As used in this Part means a highway in respect to which the owners of abutting land have no right or easement of access to or from their abutting land or in respect to which such owners have only limited or restricted right or easement of access, and which is declared to be such in compliance with the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California.
C. 
LANDSCAPED FREEWAY
As used in this Part shall mean a section or sections of a freeway which are not, or hereafter may be, improved by the planting of at least one side of the freeway right-of-way, of lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, or other ornamental vegetation which shall require reasonable maintenance. For the purpose of this definition, the planting for the purpose of soil erosion control, traffic safety requirements, reduction of fire hazards, or traffic noise abatement, shall not change the character of a freeway to a landscaped freeway.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
ADVERTISING SIGN
Any sign which is not any of the following: an identification sign, a directional sign, an official notice, a legal notice, or a sign required by law, ordinance, or a City permit approval.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
AERIAL SIGN
Any sign that is attached to, painted on, or suspended from a balloon, kite, or similar airborne or inflated object, or simply consists of such an airborne, air-infused, or air-inflated object secured to property within the City of Lakewood.
AREA OF A SIGN
The entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles that enclose the extreme limits of writing, representation, logo, or any figure of similar character, together with any frame, background area, structural trim, or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such sign from the background against which it is placed. The supports or uprights on which any such sign is supported shall not be included in determining the sign area unless such supports are designed in such a manner as to form an integral background of the display. The area of signs with two faces shall be considered to be the area of the largest face. The area of signs with three or more faces shall be considered to be the area of the largest face or one-half the area of all the faces, whichever is greater.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
HEIGHT AND WIDTH OF SIGNS
The height of a sign shall be the overall height of the sign, including all portions of the sign structure above the curb grade or the crown of the adjacent roadway to which it is oriented, whichever is higher. The height and area of signs shall be as illustrated below.
[Amended by Ord. 82-11; Ord. 2021-2]
IDENTIFICATION SIGN
A sign identifying the address, use, logo or name of the building, facility or complex name or the name of the business or residents who occupy the lot or the building where the sign is placed.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
ILLEGAL SIGN
A sign which lacks one or more of the following if required at the time of erection or alteration: Development Review Board approval, any planning approval, Building and Safety plan check approval or a building permit with a successful final inspection. Illegal signs include those with an expired permit or a sign that was nonconforming but is now illegal as specified in this Part, or has otherwise been constructed, erected, or altered in violation of the provisions of this Part.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
INCIDENTAL SIGN
An information sign that may include, but is not limited to, hours of operation, open/closed signs, accepted credit cards, contact and delivery information
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
INTEGRATED COMMERCIAL SITE
Any site within a commercial or manufacturing zone, regardless of the number of lots or individual tenants thereof, that is developed with common parking, layout, architecture or design features as determined and approved by the Community Development Director or designee.
[Added by Ord. 2000-5; amended by Ord. 2021-2]
LIGHT POLE BANNER
Any banner fabricated, installed, and maintained as authorized and pursuant to Section 9516 of this Part, including any brackets, hardware and poles necessary for attaching banners to a parking lot light standard. "Banner" as used herein does not include Signs as defined in Section 9502.34 or any regulation in this part pertaining to signs, except as provided in Section 9516, regarding Light Pole Banner Program.
[Added by Ord. 2000-5]
LIGHT POLE BANNER PROGRAM
The use of banners attached to light poles in an integrated commercial site as defined by Section 9502.18 is for the purpose of allowing the owner or manager or persons in control of said site to promote the economic vitality of such commercial center by advertising special events, sales and business promotions contributing to a sense of community and place through the use of aesthetically pleasing banners subject to the regulations of Section 9516.
LOGO
A design of letters, symbols, or syllables, used as a trademark or for identification in lieu of or in conjunction with other signs.
PAINTED SIGN
Painted signs shall be considered to be those signs painted directly on a building and shall not include those signs which are painted onto a piece of wood or other material which is then attached to a building.
ROOF LINE
Either the uppermost edge of the roof or the top of the parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette and where a building has several roof levels, the roof line shall be the one belonging to that portion of the building on which the sign is located.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
ROOF SIGN
A roof sign is any sign which has a point of attachment to the roof of a building, erected upon or above a roof or a parapet wall of a building or placed above the apparent flat roof or eaves of a building.
SIGN
Any letters, figures, designs, symbols, trademarks, logos, or illuminated device, intended to attract attention to any place, subject, person, firm, business, product, article, or merchandise. A sign includes all parts, materials, frames, and backgrounds. "Sign" shall not include, and this part shall be inapplicable to, any advertising sign or signs on any shelter authorized pursuant to any ordinance of the City Council of the City of Lakewood granting a franchise to use certain streets and right-of-way.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
TEMPORARY SIGN
Any sign that is only intended for temporary use, regardless of materials used. Temporary signs may be included in an approved annual temporary sign permit program for recurrent temporary sign uses such as a drive-thru restaurant with seasonal promotional sign programs.
WALL SIGN
For purposes of this Part, a wall sign is any sign which is attached parallel to or painted on a wall, including parapet or canopy fascia, of a building.
WINDOW AREA
Any building area covered with clear or translucent material such as glass or plexiglass, which has not been permanently covered by an opaque covering such as paint or wood. However, if such an area has been covered and serves as a background for a sign, then such opaque area will be considered a window area and the sign a window sign for the purposes of calculating window area and allowed window signs. Signs enclosed in glass encasements such as movie poster marquees shall not be defined as window signs and may be approved as a portion of allowed permanent or temporary signage.
[Added by Ord. 2021-2]
SIGN ILLUSTRATIONS
The purpose of these sign illustrations is to provide a visual reference and guide to implementation of the Lakewood sign regulations, including those regarding the height, width, area, and type of signs allowed. The illustrations indicate the width ("w") and the height ("h") measurements that are necessary to calculate sign area.
A. 
Prohibited Signs. The following signs are not allowed, except as otherwise provided in this Part; Any flag-type A-frame, H-wire frame, or other moveable sidewalk signs, pennants, balloons, inflated, air-infused, any mechanical mannequin or human sign holders or twirlers and any vehicles or trailers being used as portable signs. No sign, except as otherwise provided by this Part, shall be erected, maintained, approved, or permitted where the sign:
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
1. 
Illumination exceeds .5 foot-candles at any residential property line, except at the exterior elevations of a mixed-use building containing residential units as measured at each story containing such units, exterior lighting shall not exceed an average of two (2) foot-candles.
[Amended by Ord. 2024-3]
2. 
Interferes with the reasonable use and enjoyment of a residential property, as determined by the Director of Community Development.
3. 
Emits sound, smoke, visible particles, or odors, except that speakers on drive-through facilities shall be permitted.
4. 
May, by reason of its size, color, design, content, location or means of illumination, be construed as, or confused with, any official traffic control device, street signs, or signal which interferes with safe vehicle operations and pedestrian safety.
5. 
Has any visible moving parts or any portion that moves, rotates, or in any way gives the illusion of motion, including all aerial signs and air injected objects designed to attract attention, except those signs approved with changeable messages. This includes a person holding or twirling an advertising sign on a public sidewalk, alleyway or roadway.
6. 
Encroaches into any public right-of-way or property, except as herein provided.
7. 
Is attached to any public utility pole or structure, light pole, or tree.
8. 
Is erected, placed, suspended, attached, or maintained over any public street or other public way or place, including any cloth or canvas sign or banner for any purpose whatsoever without a permit from the City.
B. 
Nuisances. No person shall scatter, daub, or leave any paint, paste, glue or other substance used for painting or affixing advertisement matter upon any public street or sidewalk or scatter or throw or permit to be scattered or thrown any bills, waste matter, paper, cloth, or materials of whatsoever kind removed from billboards on any public street or on private property.
C. 
Consent of Property Owner. No person, except a public officer or employee in the performance of a public duty, or a private person in giving a legal notice, shall paste, post, paint, nail or tack or otherwise fasten any card, banner, handbill, sign, poster, advertisement or notice of any kind upon any property without the written consent of the owner, holder, lessee, agent or trustee thereof.
D. 
Vision Clearance at Street Intersection and Driveways. For safety vision purposes, a triangular safety area shall be regulated at street intersections and driveways. For all comer lots subject to yard requirements, the triangular area shall be formed by the front and side lot lines and the sides of such triangle forming the comer angle shall each be fifteen (15) feet in length measured from the aforementioned angle. For lots in the Commercial and Manufacturing zones, a triangular safety area will also be formed at the intersection of a street and alley, or by a lot line at a street and the perpendicular line at the edge of a driveway opening, and the sides of such triangle forming the comer angle shall each be fifteen (15) feet in length measured from the aforementioned angle. The third side of said triangle shall be a straight line connecting the two mentioned points, which are distant fifteen (15) feet from the aforementioned comer angle. Within the area compromising said triangle no sign higher than forty-two (42) inches above the established curb grade shall be permitted, except that supporting structures for signs may be placed within said triangle provided that the total horizontal cross-section of the supports does not exceed 24 inches at any point from 42 inches to eight (8) feet above said triangle.
Certain signs shall be exempt from permit requirements and from the limitations on signs specified in Sections 9505 and 9506. However, exempted signs shall not be exempt from any of the prohibitions listed in Section 9503. Exempted signs shall include, but are not specifically limited thereto, the following:
A. 
Official Notices. Official notices issued by any court or public body or officer.
B. 
Legal Notices. Notices posted by any public officer in performance of a public duty or by any person in giving legal notice.
C. 
Nameplates. One (1) nameplate, not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, containing the name or the address, or both, of the occupant of any residential unit.
D. 
Real Estate Signs. Signs advertising the sale, lease or rent of the property upon which it is located and the identification and contact information of the person or firm handling such sale, lease or rent shall comply with the following:
[Amended by Ord. 2005-8; Ord. 2021-2]
1. 
One unlighted, free-standing real estate sign per frontage, not exceeding 8 square feet in area per face and not exceeding 7 feet in height from grade level pertaining only to the sale, lease, or rental of the particular building or property upon which displayed, in an R-1, M F-R, R-A, or A zone.
2. 
One unlighted real estate sign for each 300 feet of frontage and allow one sign per frontage, not exceeding 32 square feet in size, pertaining only to the sale, lease, or rental of the particular building or property in a commercial, manufacturing, or open space zone.
3. 
Unlighted such real estate sign is displayed, up to 4 square feet in area per face, and pennants used for an open house activity, provided that a real estate agent is present at the site for sale and no signs encroach on the public right-of-way.
E. 
Construction Signs. One (1) unlighted construction sign per job site, not exceeding six (6) square feet in any residential zone, or 32 square feet in all other zones, and containing the name of the project, and the names and addresses of the contractors, architects, engineers, landscape architect, project or leasing agent, financing company, or developer.
F. 
Incidental Sign Area. In commercial or manufacturing zones, non-freestanding incidental sign area not exceeding two (2) square feet in size per elevation and attached flush to a door, wall, or window.
G. 
Changeable Copy. A sign approved as a changeable copy advertising sign through conditional use permit shall be exempt from permit, including encroachment permit, and review requirements when the copy is changed.
H. 
Church Signs. Signs, not more than one per street frontage, pertaining to, and where located on, the premises of a church establishment. Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area per face and 7 feet in height, exclusive of architectural features.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
I. 
Window Signs. In the commercial and manufacturing zones the combination of temporary and permanent advertising signs located on windows, shall not exceed 25% of the total area of the first 25 feet in height of the building elevation upon which they are placed, except as follows or as part of a temporary sign permit program. Seasonal window decorations and graphics are allowed and are not subject to any percentage restrictions. Perforated window screening material that shades windows with or without graphics and that allow a view of the outside from the building interior are allowed and are not subject to percentage restrictions.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
J. 
Light Pole Banners Installed on City Property. Light pole banners installed on property owned by the City promoting non-commercial events where authorized by the City Council.
[Added by Ord. 2000-5]
K. 
Political Signs. Unlighted political signs shall be allowed without permit prior to an election and up to ten (10) days after the same election, provided that no sign is located within the vision clearance triangle specified in Section 9503.D or is otherwise maintained in a manner that makes it an obstruction or nuisance. The candidate and/or campaign manager shall be responsible for removal of signs.
[Added by Ord. 2021-2]
Permanent signs which are not exempted by Section 9504 shall be subject to the following conditions and limitations, in addition to the general prohibitions contained in Section 9503.
A. 
Illumination.
1. 
No sign over 4 square feet in area shall be wholly or partially illuminated by unshielded lighting of any type.
2. 
No sign shall use mirrors reflecting a direct light source, or utilize flashing, blinking, or "running" lights, except as authorized in changeable message signs.
B. 
Materials.
1. 
All signs and their supporting structures shall be composed of metal, wood, plastic, paint, or comparable weather-resistant material.
2. 
The background facade behind each proposed wall sign or other sign type attached to a building shall be properly patched and fully repainted one continuous color prior to installation of the sign.
3. 
All portions of signs, including the display surface and the sign supports, braces, guys, anchors, and electrical equipment, shall be kept in good repair and maintained in safe, neat, clean, and attractive condition at all times.
4. 
Any graffiti shall be removed within 3 days of notice by the city.
C. 
Consent of Property Owner. No person, except a public officer or employee in the performance of a public duty, or a private person in giving a legal notice, shall paste, post, paint, nail, or tack or otherwise fasten, any card, banner, handbill, sign, poster, advertisement or notice of any kind upon any property without the written consent of the owner, holder, lessee, agent, or trustee thereof.
D. 
Sign Review. Approval of the size, design, location, and any required landscaping planter is required for all of the following signs by the Community Development Director or designee or by referral to the Development Review Board by the Director:
1. 
Allowed Signs. Directional, warning, or information signs or sign structures required by, allowed by, or authorized by, Federal or State law or regulation, or by a City ordinance, resolution, regulation, or minute order, a planning approval, or by administrative guidelines established by and on file with the Community Development Director. These signs shall be allowed, subject to approval of the size, design, and placement.
2. 
Readerboards or Electronic Message Boards on church or private school sites.
3. 
Drive-Through Signs. Signs such as advance order and menu boards, on the interior driveways of drive-through facilities.
4. 
Flag Canopies. Flag canopies erected and maintained at automobile sales lots.
E. 
Other General Provisions.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
1. 
Colors for all signs must be harmonious with the area and the store where the signs are located.
2. 
All signs and their supporting structures shall be enclosed as to prevent infestation by birds and vermin, shall be structurally safe, and shall be maintained in good condition at all times.
3. 
Logos or identification symbols shall be considered signs and shall conform to all provisions of this Part.
[Amended by Ord. 90-13; Ord. 2018-3; Ord. 2021-2;Ord. 2024-3]
Any sign not prohibited by Section 9503 or exempted by Section 9504 shall be allowed in any commercial or any manufacturing zone, subject to the general provisions of Section 9505 and, in addition, shall be subject to the following conditions and limitations. The provisions of this Section shall also apply to residential mixed-use buildings.
A. 
Free-Standing Signs.
1. 
The number of free-standing signs permitted shall be one sign for each street frontage, unless otherwise approved with a conditional use permit.
2. 
No free-standing sign shall be placed closer than 25 feet from another freestanding sign, except where this would prohibit a property from having one such sign. No portion of a sign shall be closer than 1 foot from a common property line.
3. 
No individual free-standing sign shall exceed 25 feet in height.
4. 
The area of any free-standing sign shall not exceed 120 square feet, unless otherwise authorized by this Part.
B. 
Non-Free-Standing Signs.
1. 
Prohibited. No sign except those exempted by Section 9504 may be placed on a building elevation which faces a residential zone less than 50 feet away from that sign unless the residential use is part of a mixed-use development.
2. 
Primary Elevation. The primary elevation of a business shall be directly abutting either a street or a parking area. If there is a choice, a business owner may choose which elevation is considered the primary elevation, except that in a multi-tenant building the owner must choose an elevation which is adjacent to a contiguous business primary elevation.
3. 
Secondary Elevations. Any elevation of a building not determined to be a primary elevation shall be considered a secondary elevation.
4. 
Allowable Sign Area. Allowable sign area will be determined for each business or commercial enterprise requesting a sign. The sign area to be allowed on any building face or elevation of a business shall be calculated as a percentage of the area of that elevation occupied by the business. All permanent signs, including permanent window signs and excepting exempt signs and those signs specified in Section 9505.A.4, shall be included in summing the area of actual signage.
a. 
The allowable permanent sign area for a primary elevation of a one or two-story business shall not exceed 20% of the area of the first 25 feet in height of that elevation and shall not exceed a maximum of 200 square feet.
b. 
The allowable permanent sign area for a secondary elevation of a one or two-story business shall not exceed 5% of the area of the first 25 feet in height of that elevation and shall not exceed a maximum of 100 square feet.
c. 
The allowable permanent sign area for a three or more-story commercial or manufacturing building shall not exceed 20% of the total area of the elevation to which they are attached and shall not exceed a maximum of 500 square feet for all signs on a single elevation and no one sign shall exceed 400 square feet in area.
d. 
The total area of permanent window signs on a particular elevation may not exceed 25% of the total window area on that elevation.
e. 
Projecting signs shall not exceed 4 square feet in area per face.
f. 
Under canopy signs shall not exceed 4 square feet in area per face.
5. 
Location of Signs.
a. 
No sign shall project above the parapet, canopy fascia, or wall to which it is attached, nor above the roofline if it is attached to the roof, unless otherwise approved by the Development Review Board and shall not exceed 10 feet above such building elements.
b. 
Wall and roof signs shall not project horizontally more than 18 inches from their attachment to the building.
c. 
Projecting and under canopy signs shall have a minimum clearance above grade of 8 feet over walkways and 12 feet over driveways.
6. 
Dimensions of Signs. Sign dimensions shall be consistent with the limitations on sign area and location mentioned herein. Projecting and under canopy signs shall be no larger than 12 inches thick from face to face.
7. 
Signs for Buildings from 40,000 to 75, 000 Square Feet in Gross Floor Area. Buildings from 40,000 to 75,000 square feet of gross floor area, located in the C-4 (General Commercial) zone and less restrictive zones may have non-freestanding identification signs of a maximum 200 square feet in area on two elevations. No such sign shall exceed 20% of any elevation.
8. 
Signs for Buildings over 75,000 Square Feet in Gross Floor Area. Buildings over 75,000 Square Feet of gross floor area, located in the C-4 (General Commercial) zone and less restrictive zones may have non-freestanding identification signs of a maximum 200 square feet in area on three elevations. No such sign shall exceed 20% of any elevation.
9. 
Projecting identification signs. Projecting Identification Signs may be attached to the exterior of a mixed-use building containing residential units subject to the standards below:
a. 
Projecting Identification Signs shall be permitted as an alternative to and not in addition to any other allowed Identification Signs for the elevation upon which they are placed.
b. 
Projection Identification Signs shall not hang over or otherwise encroach into the public right-of-way.
c. 
There shall be not more than four (4) Projecting Identification Signs for each mixeduse building containing residential units.
d. 
There shall be not more than one (1) Projecting Identification Sign per building elevation.
e. 
Projecting Identification Signs shall not be placed on a building elevation which faces an R-1, R-A, PD-SF, M-F-R, or PD-MF residential zone less than 50 feet away from that sign.
f. 
The sign area of each Projecting Identification Sign shall not exceed one-half (0.5) square-foot per linear foot of the elevation upon which the sign is located, as measured horizontally at ground level.
g. 
A Projecting Identification Sign shall have a minimum clearance of 12 feet between the bottom of such sign and finished grade.
h. 
The maximum allowable projection from the wall surface to which a sign is attached shall not exceed 10 percent (10%) of the height of the building elevation upon which it is placed.
i. 
A Projecting Identification Sign shall be located a minimum of 15 feet (15') from any common property line.
[Amended by Ord. 2005-8]
No advertising signs for any products or services are to be displayed in or on any yards, or windows, walls or doors of structures except for temporary signs posted by licensed contractors during the term of their work at the property. The following signs, if not prohibited by Section 9503 or exempted by Section 9504, shall be allowed in the R-1, R-A and Z zones subject to the general provisions of Section 9505 and the following conditions and limitations:
A. 
Two (2) unlighted signs at the main entrance to any subdivision not exceeding six (6) square feet or four (4) feet in any dimension, provided such sign is placed on a masonry wall and does not extend above or out from the wall, contains only the name of the subdivision, and will be maintained by an active homeowners association.
B. 
Signs on the premises in the A zone, advertising products grown or produced and sold thereon are permissible, subject to the same conditions as apply in the commercial zones, except that high free-standing signs are prohibited.
C. 
A conditional use permit authorizing the sale of agricultural products grown on the premises in any R-1 or R-A zone, as specified in Subsections 9320.C(10) or 9326.D(10), may authorize the maintenance of signs on said premises advertising products sold and grown thereon, subject to the same conditions as apply in the commercial zones, except that high free-standing signs are prohibited.
[Amended by Ord. 2005-8; Ord. 2021-2]
No advertising signs for any products or services are to be displayed in or on any yards, or windows, walls, or doors of structures except for temporary signs posted by licensed contractors during the term of their work at the property. The following signs, if not prohibited by Section 9503 or exempted by Section 9504, shall be allowed in any M-F-R or PD zones subject to the general provisions of Section 9505 and the following conditions and limitations:
A. 
One unlighted sign for each multiple unit development of five units or more, not to exceed 32 square feet in area or eight 8 feet in any dimension. Said sign shall contain only the name of the development and the street address. In addition, if said sign is freestanding, it shall not exceed a height of 7 feet.
B. 
One unlighted directory type sign for each multiple unit development of five units or more, not exceeding 8 square feet in area or 4 feet in any dimension or 7 feet in height, provided such sign is located within an interior court and adjacent to an internal walkway as described in Section 9332.1 (Interior Walkways).
The following signs, if not prohibited by Section 9503 or exempted by Section 9504, shall be allowed in any O-S zone, subject to the general provisions of Section 9505 and the following conditions and limitations:
A. 
One low free-standing type sign shall be permitted for each parcel of land on record, provided that the exclusive use of the sign is to identify the primary use of the parcel, the maximum height of any sign shall be 7 feet from the finished grade to top of the sign, and the sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.
B. 
One wall sign shall be permitted per building provided that the sign shall not exceed 20% of the area of the building elevation and it does not project more than 18 inches horizontally from the wall of the building.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
A. 
Conditional Use Permit Required. It is the intent of the City to enhance the business environment, as well as the aesthetics and image of the community through proper sign control, to prevent harmful effects and to promote the public convenience, health, safety, and general welfare. The following additional signs shall be permitted subject to a conditional use permit (CUP), as hereinafter provided.
B. 
On-Premises Signs in the commercial and manufacturing zones with CUP, as follows:
1. 
Electronic Message Boards or other changeable copy signs, provided:
a. 
No such changeable non-free-standing sign shall exceed 50% of the overall allowable sign area for the elevations upon which they are placed.
b. 
No sign shall be located within 50 feet of any land zoned for residential use.
c. 
No sign shall exceed a height of 25 feet.
2. 
Over Height High Freestanding Signs in excess of 25 feet in height may be allowed with CUP, provided:
a. 
No more than one sign in excess of 25 feet shall be permitted per site.
b. 
No free-standing sign over 25 feet in height shall be erected, constructed, or maintained, which is 600 feet or further from a freeway off-ramp.
c. 
No free-standing sign shall exceed a maximum height of 50 feet, as measured from the crown of the roadway to which it is oriented.
d. 
The Planning and Environment Commission shall make a finding in each case, determining optimum height in consideration of the lot, use, location, streetscape, adjacent properties, and exposure.
3. 
Additional High or Low Free-Standing Signs in excess of the one allowed per street frontage per site may be allowed with CUP, provided:
a. 
The Planning and environment Commission shall make a finding determining the need for additional high or low free-standing signs in consideration of lot size, number of tenants thereon, lot configuration, streetscape, and exposure.
b. 
No more than one additional high free-standing sign shall be granted a conditional use permit per each integrated commercial center with less than 1200 linear feet of frontage.
c. 
More than one additional low free-standing sign may be allowed per street frontage with justification to the Planning and Environment Commission.
d. 
Removal or elimination of pre-existing sign clutter and nonconforming signs shall be encouraged.
4. 
Wall Graphic. A property owner of a commercial or manufacturing zoned property may propose a wall graphic or mural whose area exceeds the maximum allowed for a non-free-standing wall sign subject to a CUP, provided:
a. 
The Development Review Board reviews and decides to make a positive recommendation to the Planning and Environment Commission, regarding the size, location, neighborhood compatibility and overall appropriateness of such.
b. 
The Planning and Environment Commission reviews and decides to approve with a positive finding that the proposal is acceptable in terms of the size, location, and neighborhood compatibility, and overall appropriateness.
C. 
Off-Premises Advertising and Billboards are permitted with CUP, provided:
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
1. 
All freeway oriented off-premises advertising structures shall conform to the size, location, and standards established by the State Outdoor Advertising Act.
2. 
No off-premises advertising shall be in the public right-of-way.
3. 
No sign shall be located within 50 feet of a residential zone and such signs shall be not oriented towards residential areas if possible.
4. 
No more than one off-premises sign per site.
5. 
No off-premises sign shall exceed a height of 25 feet, as measured from the crown of the roadway to which it is oriented.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
Temporary signs are permitted as follows:
A. 
Subdivision Signs. Unlighted subdivision signs shall be allowed with a temporary sign permit for a non-renewable period of up to one (1) year, provided that one sign is allowed per project and the sign area per face does not exceed 120 square feet, it is erected only for the purpose of announcing the subdivision and sale or rental of the property where located.
B. 
Other Temporary Signs. The Director of Community Development or designee shall review and take an action to approve, approve with conditions or not approve an application for a temporary sign and/or a temporary sign program. The review shall determine the size, location, method of attachment and reasonable duration of the temporary sign or temporary sign program permit. Such signs shall be subject to any required fees or deposits, as adopted by the city and shall comply with administrative guidelines established by, and on-file, with the Director of Community Development. A temporary sign permit may be renewed and extended at the discretion of the Director of Community Development.
Sign reviews are conducted by the Community Development Department for the purpose of monitoring the conformity of signs with the purposes and regulations of this Part.
A. 
Sign Review Required. No permanent or temporary sign or other advertising structure not exempted by Section 9504 shall be erected, relocated, posted, or painted, except for routine maintenance which does not materially alter the structure, and does not alter the copy, by any person until such person has first submitted an application, paid applicable fees, received review and approval from the City Community Development Department and obtained a properly issued building permit if required.
B. 
Staff Review of Signs. All applications for permanent and temporary signs shall be reviewed by the Community Development Department staff for compliance with this Part. The staff may approve, approve with conditions, or deny any sign application, as follows:
1. 
Permanent sign applications shall require:
a. 
A completed application form that fulfills the submittal requirements of the Community Development Department.
b. 
Any applicable fees, as established by the City.
2. 
Temporary sign applications shall require:
a. 
A completed application form that fulfills the submittal requirements of the Community Development Department. The application shall contain the location, size, and proposed duration of all temporary signs.
b. 
Each temporary sign approval shall specify a duration with a final date for the sign to be removed. The approval shall also require that the temporary sign be removed, repaired, or replaced if it becomes damaged, frayed or is in any manner objectionable or unsightly, as determined by the Community Development Department.
c. 
Any applicable processing fees and/or any required surety deposits, as established by the Community Development Director to assure immediate removal of the temporary signs after the specified duration of the temporary sign permit has lapsed. The deposit shall be forfeited upon failure to remove the temporary sign within five (5) days of the final day authorized by the permit.
3. 
General Code Compliance. Each staff sign review shall include confirmation that the commercial or industrial tenant space and the center, if any, in which it is located, is in compliance with normal site maintenance, accessibility and the trash collection and storage requirements for such uses, established by applicable law, regulation or administrative directive. A signed agreement by the property owner or property manager to correct any such non-complying situations within a reasonable period of time as determined and acknowledged by the Director of Community Development, shall be sufficient to authorize approval for such signs. The signed agreement shall be provided to the Community Development Department, prior to the issuance of permits for such signs or other improvements related to the use.
C. 
Appeal. Any Community Development Department decision regarding permanent or temporary signs or related conditions of approval may be appealed, within 19 days of the decision, by application to the Planning and Environment Commission.
D. 
Building Permits Required. No section of this Part may be construed as an exemption from obtaining proper building permits as required from the Building and Safety Section. Final inspection of all permanent signs, including painted signs, shall be conducted by a building official for compliance with an approved precise plan of design.
E. 
Staff Review of Signs.
1. 
All temporary signs for which application for a temporary sign permit is made shall be reviewed by the Community Development Department for compliance with this Part and the guidelines and conditions set forth in Sections 9484 and 9484.1 of the Lakewood Municipal Code. The staff may approve, approve with conditions, or deny any application.
2. 
Appeal. Any Community Development Department decision may be appealed, within ten (10) days of the decision, by application to the Development Review Board.
F. 
Development Review Board Review of Signs. All permanent sign applications and any applications for appeal of staff decisions for temporary signs shall be reviewed by the Development Review Board in accordance with Part 18, of Chapter 3, of Article IX of this Code.
G. 
Building Permits Required. No section of this Part may be construed as an exemption from obtaining proper building permits as required from the Building and Safety Section. Final inspection of all permanent signs, including painted signs, shall be conducted by a building official for compliance with an approved precise plan of design.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
A. 
Non-Conforming Sign Becomes Illegal Sign. A non-conforming sign becomes an illegal sign and must be removed, altered, or changed to comply with all provisions of this Part when:
1. 
The non-conforming status expires in accordance with Section 9392 of this Code.
2. 
It is structurally altered or expanded so as to extend its useful life.
3. 
There is damage or destruction of more than 50% of the value of the original permit.
4. 
The site is vacant or unoccupied, not offered for sale or lease and there is no active use of the property for one year or more.
5. 
Any sign which pertains to any occupant or business unrelated to the premises' present occupant or business, or a sign which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies shall be either removed or replaced with a blank panel within 10 days following the business closing or following the referenced time, date, event, or other purpose. This action will not render a non-conforming sign illegal and a new business occupying the premises may apply to install new sign copy without losing nonconforming status of the sign.
B. 
Existing Signs. Notwithstanding any provision in this chapter to the contrary, any sign other than an off-premise sign, which was lawfully erected, or altered or maintained at the date of the adoption of the ordinance enacting this section, may continue as a legal nonconforming sign in accordance with Section 9392 and of Section 9505.C of the Lakewood Municipal Code, with the exception that Section 9392.B (Amortization of Nonconforming Buildings, Uses or Structures) shall be inapplicable.
C. 
Off-Premise Signs. Notwithstanding any provision in this chapter to the contrary, any off-premise sign which was lawfully erected or altered or maintained at the date of the adoption of the ordinance enacting this section, may continue as a legal nonconforming sign subject to the provisions of Section 9392.
[Amended by Ord. 2021-2]
Light pole banners may be installed and maintained within commercial and manufacturing zoned parking lots subject to the following:
A. 
The banners shall be located and maintained only on light poles in parking lots located in commercial and manufacturing zones.
B. 
No banner or part thereof may encroach into the public right-of-way.
C. 
No such banner shall be placed or maintained on any permanent structure, free-standing sign or utility pole used exclusively for supporting electrical or communication lines.
D. 
All banners shall be fabricated and installed in accordance with the diagrams and standards approved by, and on file in, the office of the Director of Community Development.
E. 
Such light pole banners shall be in accordance with, and subject to, a Light Pole Banner Program authorized or approved by the owner of person or persons in charge of the integrated commercial site and by the Director of the Community Development Department. A Light Pole Banner Program shall include a site plan showing all light pole banner locations and the type(s) of light pole banners that will be installed at each location in accordance with the standards on file in the office of the Director of Community Development. The Light Pole Banner Program shall include a color drawing or image of each type of light pole banner and the proposed Program duration.
F. 
No Program duration shall exceed 4 months within any calendar year.
G. 
Any banner that becomes damaged or falls into a state of disrepair shall be repaired, replaced, or removed as directed by the Director of Community Development.
H. 
The approved Light Pole Banner Program, including the fabrication and installation of the banners and the copy to be displayed on the banners, shall be filed in the office of the Director of Community Development. The person to whom said approved Light Pole Banner Program is issued shall sign an agreement, in the form approved by the City Attorney, which shall include, among other things, the following:
1. 
A provision that if any banner has become damaged or falls into a state of disrepair, as determined by the Director of Community Development, the same shall be repaired, replaced, or removed as directed by the Director of Community Development.
2. 
If any person with an approved Light Pole Program should fail to repair, replace or remove the banners, as aforementioned, on the direction of the Director of Community Development, or should fail to remove said banners at the termination of the Program as specified in the approval, the City is authorized to enter the integrated commercial site and to remove and dispose of all banners and paraphernalia, in which event, the owner or manager who has received approval of the Program agrees to hold the City free and harmless from any liability for damage to the property of such manager or owner.
[Added by Ord. 2000-5; amended by Ord. 2021-2]
If any section or provision of this part should be inconsistent with or in conflict with any other provisions of this chapter, the provisions of this part shall govern.