(A) 
Subsequent Divisions. No parcel shall be divided so as to reduce the building site area, width, depth, or frontage below those required by this chapter, except as indicated in SCCC § 13.10.323(E)(1).
(B) 
No yard or other open space provided around any building on one site shall be considered as providing a yard or open space for a building on any other site.
(C) 
Exceptions to Site Standards. Site area, width, depth, and frontage requirements of this chapter shall not apply to sites used for tract offices, public utility structures and uses, power stations, radio and television transmission towers, drainageways, and similar structures which require a use approval, but appropriate requirements shall be determined by conditions of each use approval granted for each use. Flat plate solar collectors on existing structures shall be exempt from lot coverage and setback provisions.
(D) 
Height Limit. The allowable height of a structure is determined by a plane which parallels the topography of the site at the height limit established for each zone district, subject to exceptions for increased setbacks, discretionary design review, and certain exempt architectural elements. Excavations within the building perimeter do not lower the allowable height plane.
(1) 
A topographic map must be a part of each project submittal, unless determined to be unnecessary by the Planning Director, or their designee. The map must be prepared by a civil engineer, licensed surveyor, or architect. The plans must show the finish floor elevation at each floor and must show spot elevations at the high and low exterior grade elevations and the highest point of the building elevations.
(2) 
Prior to foundation inspection approval, the required spot elevations shown on the approved plans must be verified by a civil engineer, licensed surveyor, or architect, unless determined by the Building Official to be unnecessary.
(3) 
Height Exceptions. Chimneys, church spires and steeples, water tanks, cooling towers, elevators, flagpoles, monuments, noncommercial radio and television antennas, fire towers, and similar structures not used for human habitation and not covering more than 10 percent of the ground area covered by the structure may be erected to a height of not more than 25 feet above the height limit allowed in any district. Parapets (a low screen or barrier wall) for nonresidential buildings located at least five feet from the edge of any exterior wall that are constructed for the purpose of screening mechanical equipment or other building features may exceed the height limit by up to three and one-half feet. Firewall parapets for non-residential buildings that are upward extensions of an exterior wall and are required by the building code for fire safety purposes may exceed the height limit by up to three feet. Utility and commercial poles and towers may not be subject to the height limits prescribed in the district regulations. Height limits on wind-powered generators shall be as established in Chapter 12.24 SCCC. Noncommercial radio and television towers or freestanding antennas may exceed the height limit allowed in any zone district by 25 feet with administrative use permit use approval. Flat plate solar collectors on existing structures shall be permitted to exceed height restrictions by four feet.
(E) 
Maximum Allowed Floor Area. For zone districts subject to a maximum floor area ratio (FAR), calculate maximum allowable floor area (square feet) as follows: multiply maximum allowed FAR (percentage) by gross site area (square feet), excluding any coastal bluffs, beaches, and land seaward of the mean high tide line of Monterey Bay. See definition of "floor area ratio" and related definitions in SCCC § 13.10.700.
(F) 
Maximum Allowed Lot Coverage. For zone districts subject to a maximum lot coverage percentage, calculate maximum lot coverage (square feet) as follows: multiply maximum allowed lot coverage (percentage) by gross site area (square feet), excluding any coastal bluffs, beaches, and land seaward of the mean high tide line of Monterey Bay.
(G) 
Plan Lines. Where a plan line has been adopted, the required yards on the street side shall be measured from the plan line. In no case shall the provisions of this chapter be construed as permitting any structure to extend beyond such plan line. However, where a plan line or street widening has reduced the depth or the width of a site to less than the minimum required depth or width, the front yard may be reduced by the amount that the site depth was reduced, but in no case to less than 10 feet. The side yard adjoining the street may be reduced by the amount that the site width was reduced, but in no case to less than five feet.
(H) 
Minimum Parcel Sizes and Maximum Density. Minimum parcel size and maximum density requirements of the General Plan and Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan shall be met based on the land use designation, Appendix G of the General Plan and Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan, and Chapter 13.14 SCCC.
(I) 
Reductions in the Front Setback to Protect the Environment or Public Safety.
(1) 
Up to a 25 percent reduction in the required setback established by the zone district for front yards or other yards fronting on a street or vehicular right-of-way may be allowed, subject to review and approval by the Planning Director with a minor site development permit, for any of the following purposes:
(a) 
To minimize grading on steep lots;
(b) 
To protect environmentally sensitive resources such as significant trees or sensitive habitats such as riparian corridors; or
(c) 
To facilitate conformance with regulations for geologic hazards (Chapter 16.10 SCCC).
(2) 
In addition to the findings required in SCCC § 18.10.230 for discretionary approvals, the following additional findings shall be required:
(a) 
The reduced setback would result in an environmentally superior outcome or improved public safety, either by minimizing grading, affording better protection to an environmentally sensitive habitat or resource, or resulting in greater conformance with geologic hazard regulations; and
(b) 
The proposed project shall not unreasonably infringe on adequate light, air, or privacy of adjacent residential property.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3524 § 1, 1984; Ord. 3593 §§ 12, 13, 1984; Ord. 4119 § 8, 1991; Ord. 4122 § 8, 1991; Ord. 4159 § 5, 1991; Ord. 4194 § 3, 1992; Ord. 4346 § 30, 1994; Ord. 4496-C § 40, 1998; Ord. 4525 § 8, 1998; Ord. 5087 §§ 5, 6, 7, 2011; Ord. 5181 § 3, 2014; Ord. 5423 § 21, 2022)
(A) 
Minimum Frontage on a Cul-De-Sac. On a cul-de-sac or a curved street with a radius of curvature of 200 feet or less, a site may have a frontage of not less than 40 feet in any zone district, unless a lesser frontage is allowed in the zone district.
(B) 
Corridor Access Lots. A corridor access lot shall be permitted in any district. The corridor shall have a frontage and width of not less than 20 feet, and a length not to exceed 150 feet; the area of the access corridor shall not be included in the determination of site area.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 4836 § 97, 2006; Ord. 5423 § 21, 2022)
(A) 
The purposes of fence and/or retaining wall regulations are:
(1) 
To provide for privacy screening of yard areas.
(2) 
To ensure adequate light and air for the street area and abutting properties.
(3) 
To preserve a harmonious and compatible street front appearance.
(4) 
To ensure adequate visibility of vehicles entering the street from driveways, adequate sight distance from such vehicles, and adequate sight distance at street corners.
(B) 
The height of fences and/or retaining walls is determined as follows:
(1) 
By measuring the exposed face of the fence and/or wall at its tallest point, from finished grade at the base, to the top of the fence and/or wall.
(2) 
Where a parcel slopes down from a public or private right-of-way, the height of a fence or retaining wall shall be measured from the curb or edge of shoulder nearest the fence or retaining wall to the top of the fence and/or wall.
(C) 
Maximum Fence and Retaining Wall Heights.
(1) 
Fence Location and Height Table. Except as provided in subsection (D) of this section, the following table provides maximum fence height within front, side, and rear yard setback areas:
Table 13.10.525-1: Fence Location and Height
Property and Fence Location
Maximum Height without Permit1,2
Required Distance from Edge of Vehicle Lane or Shoulder
Maximum Height with Over-Height Fence Certification1,2
Required Distance from Edge of Vehicle Lane or Shoulder with Over-Height Fence Certification
Front yard inside Urban Services Line (USL) and Rural Services Line (RSL)
3 feet
3 feet
6 feet
See SCCC § 13.16.093, Sight distance.
Front yard outside USL and RSL
3 feet
3 feet
8 feet
See SCCC § 13.16.093, Sight distance.
Side/Rear Yard Abutting on a Street
6 feet
See SCCC § 13.16.093, Sight distance.
8 feet if fence is set at least 5 feet back from property line
See SCCC § 13.16.093, Sight distance.
Side/Rear Yard Not Abutting on a Street
8 feet
See SCCC § 13.16.093, Sight distance.
N/A
N/A
1. See subsection (D) of this section for exceptions to maximum fence and retaining walls, including over-height fence certification requirements.
2. In the Coastal Zone, a coastal development permit will be required for all fence and retaining wall development unless it is exempt or excluded from coastal development permit requirements pursuant to SCCC § 13.20.060 or § 13.20.070.
(D) 
Exceptions to Maximum Fence Height Requirements.
(1) 
Within sight distance triangles, maximum structure height is three feet (see SCCC § 13.16.093).
(2) 
On steep slopes, open safety railings up to 42 inches in height are allowed as provided in SCCC § 13.10.323(E)(5)(a).
(3) 
Walkway fence openings, with or without gates, may have associated archways/trellises/pergolas up to a maximum height of eight feet without a discretionary approval, except in corner sight clearance triangles, where no fence or retaining wall shall exceed three feet in height. Archways/trellises/pergolas may not make up more than 25 percent of the length of the fence along a given property line without an administrative site development permit. Notwithstanding the above exceptions for discretionary approval and development permits, in the Coastal Zone all such archways/trellises/pergolas shall require a coastal development permit unless exempt from coastal development permit requirements pursuant to SCCC § 13.20.060 or § 13.20.070.
(4) 
Open architectural, decorative, and ornamental features such as lattice may exceed the given maximum fence heights by no more than six inches without a discretionary approval, except in corner sight clearance triangles, where no fence or retaining wall shall exceed three feet in height. Open means that no more than 50 percent of the feature may be opaque. Notwithstanding the above exceptions for discretionary approval and development permits, in the Coastal Zone all such archways/trellises/pergolas shall require a coastal development permit unless exempt from coastal development permit requirements pursuant to SCCC § 13.20.060 or § 13.20.070.
(5) 
Fencing for Agricultural Uses in Agricultural Zone Districts.
(a) 
Permanent Fencing. In agricultural zone districts, fencing for agricultural purposes may have heights up to six feet in all yards; provided, that such fencing is: (i) six feet or less in height; and (ii) made of wire that is spaced a minimum of one inch apart, supported with wood or metal posts, or made of wooden members which are spaced a minimum of eight inches apart. Fencing meeting these criteria shall be exempt from requiring a discretionary permit unless such fencing is located on property adjacent to Highway 1, in which case a minor site development permit is required. Agricultural fencing located within a corner sight clearance triangle shall be a maximum of three feet in height. Hedgerows or other living fences are allowed in agricultural zone districts and are not subject to fencing regulations. Vegetative screening of fences is encouraged where feasible.
Agricultural fencing exceeding six feet in height requires an over-height fence certification pursuant to subsection (E) of this section, and is limited to a maximum height of eight feet. Agricultural fencing exceeding eight feet requires an administrative site development permit, pursuant to Chapter 18.10 SCCC.
In addition to the requirements of this section, agricultural fencing within or adjacent to sensitive habitats is subject to regulations in SCCC Title 16, Environmental and Resource Protection. In the Coastal Zone, a coastal development permit will be required for all such fencing unless it is excluded from coastal development permit requirements pursuant to SCCC § 13.20.060 or § 13.20.070.
(b) 
Temporary Fencing. Where permanent agricultural fencing is not feasible but temporary fencing is necessary for an agricultural use, for purposes such as dust control, animal control, food safety, windbreaks, farmworker protection, and trespass prevention, temporary fencing consistent with the criteria below is allowed without discretionary permit approval:
(i) 
Height. Temporary fence heights shall not exceed four feet in required yards abutting a street and six feet in other required yards, and shall meet the sight distance requirements in SCCC § 13.16.093.
(ii) 
Materials and Construction. Temporary fencing may be solid in appearance, consisting either of woven material or other fabric installed at the interior of an existing permanent fence, or as a separate temporary fence structure consisting of woven material or other fabric supported by wood or metal stakes.
(iii) 
Duration. Temporary fencing is allowed for time periods not to exceed nine months in one year, and for no more than two years within any five-year period.
(iv) 
Maintenance. Temporary fencing shall be repaired, replaced, or removed when torn or degraded; and shall be maintained free of graffiti and litter.
(c) 
Extended Temporary Fencing in Agricultural Zone Districts. When there is a demonstrated need for dust and contamination control, fencing exceeding the height or time limits provided above for temporary fencing, a minor site development permit is required. The permit application review process may require submittal of the fence design, sample materials, photographs of the surrounding properties, documentation supporting the need for the proposed fence, and the proposed extended duration for the temporary fence. Any approved extended temporary fencing shall be maintained in accordance with subsection (D)(4)(b)(iv) of this section. The fence height shall be limited to the minimum necessary to support the agricultural use and shall meet sight distance height requirements in SCCC § 13.16.093. The permit may specify fence materials and design, require vegetative screening, or include other conditions as needed to comply with the following findings for approval of the agricultural fence permit for an extended temporary fence:
(i) 
The applicant has a demonstrated need for fencing related to an agricultural use that cannot be accommodated by permanent agricultural fencing or temporary fencing as described in subsections (D)(4)(a) and (D)(4)(b) of this section;
(ii) 
The fence height, materials, colors, and any proposed vegetative screening are visually compatible with the agricultural character of the community, minimize impacts on significant public vistas, and preserve public ocean vistas to the greatest extent feasible; and
(iii) 
The fence material is of woven or fabric construction, or other suitable material.
(E) 
Over-Height Fence Certification. An over-height fence certification for fence height up to eight feet may be issued with a minor site development permit with findings as provided by SCCC § 18.10.230(A) and, if in the Coastal Zone, the finding that the subject development will not adversely impact public views and scenic character. Fence height greater than eight feet requires an administrative site development permit.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3632 § 15, 1985; Ord. 4035 § 2, 1989; Ord. 4098 § 1, 1990; Ord. 4496-C § 41, 1998; Ord. 4836 § 99, 2006; Ord. 4921 § 13, 2008; Ord. 5095 § 2, 2011; Ord. 5115 § 2, 2012; Ord. 5124 § 2, 2012; Ord. 5423 § 21, 2022)
Repealed by Ord. 5425.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3748 § 2, 1986; Ord. 4496-C §§ 42, 43, 1998; Ord. 4642 § 2, 2001; Ord. 4723 § 3, 2003; Ord. 4786 § 3, 2005; Ord. 4836 § 100, 2006; Ord. 5061 § 14, 2009; Ord. 5083 § 2, 2010; Ord. 5119 §§ 27, 28, 2012; Ord. 5171 § 5, 2014; Ord. 5239 §§ 7, 13, 2017; Ord. 5264 § 9, 2018; Ord. 5265 § 8, 2018; Ord. 5305 § 8, 2019; Ord. 5325 § 19, 2020; Ord. 5326 § 19, 2020)
Repealed by Ord. 5425.
(Ord. 3748 § 3, 1986; Ord. 3756 § 3, 1986; Ord. 3843 § 5, 1987; Ord. 4496-C § 44, 1998; Ord. 4786 § 4, 2005; Ord. 4836 § 101, 2006; Ord. 5119 §§ 29–31, 2012)
Repealed by Ord. 5425.
(Formerly 13.10.553; Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3748 §§ 3–6, 1986; Ord. 4496-C §§ 45–49, 1998; Ord. 4642 § 3, 2001; Ord. 4786 § 5, 2005; Ord. 5264 § 10, 2018; Ord. 5265 § 9, 2018)
(A) 
No portion of any undeveloped or vacant site and, for any developed residential parcel, no portion of any front yard or any required side yard setback, or any required rear yard of corner or double frontage lots shall be used for the storage of any of the following:
(1) 
Building or construction materials, except those materials, bins, and dumpsters reasonably required for work under construction on the premises pursuant to a valid and effective building permit.
(2) 
Storage of construction or commercial equipment, machinery, chemicals, or materials.
(3) 
Inoperative vehicles or parts thereof.
(4) 
Household appliances, equipment, machinery, furniture, salvage materials, or boxes.
(B) 
Items and materials identified in subsection (A) of this section may be stored in rear yards, provided such is screened from public view or stored within an approved storage structure constructed in accordance with applicable building and zoning regulations.
(C) 
Outdoor storage of firewood on residential parcels shall comply with locational standards provided in subsections (A) and (B) of this section, excepting the initial delivery of firewood prior to storage. Firewood may be stored on residential parcels solely for use on the premises, shall be limited to no more than five cords of wood at any one time, and shall be stacked no higher than six feet. One cord is 128 cubic feet of firewood, equivalent to a stack that is four feet in height, four feet in width, and eight feet in length. A commercial firewood operation, where wood is cut, processed and/or stored for sale to the public, is not permitted on residential parcels.
(D) 
Operative vehicles in excess of those allowed in the front yard pursuant to SCCC § 13.16.060(H) must be parked in side or rear yards; provided, that the vehicle is screened from public view or stored within an approved structure constructed with the required building and zoning permits. Only one recreational vehicle or travel trailer may be stored on a property, pursuant to SCCC § 13.10.683(I).
(Ord. 4338 § 1, 1994; Ord. 4496-C § 50, 1998; Ord. 5061 § 15, 2009; Ord. 5423 § 21, 2022)
No signs or outdoor advertising structure or display of any kind shall be permitted in the R-1, RB, RR, RA, RM, RF, A, AP, or CA Districts except the following:
(A) 
One nonilluminated sign or nameplate not larger than one square foot in area pertaining to a home occupation.
(B) 
One nonilluminated sign not larger than six square feet in area pertaining to the sale, lease, rental, or display of a structure or land.
(C) 
One identification or informational sign, not directly illuminated, not larger than 12 square feet in area. If located on the site of a new discretionary use, such sign shall be included in the development permit for said use. No such sign shall be established on the site of a non-discretionary use without a zoning clearance. All identification or information signs, whether discretionary or permitted, shall be consistent with SCCC § 13.10.581(D) through (J).
(D) 
One or two nonilluminated signs, single- or double-faced, with a total area not larger than 50 square feet, pertaining to the sale of subdivision lots and included in the permit for said subdivision.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 5423 § 21, 2022)
(A) 
No sign, outdoor advertising structure or display of any kind shall be permitted except the following:
(1) 
One business or identification sign and one small pedestrian-oriented sign per site as provided below.
(2) 
Signs pertaining to a use conducted on the site, with aggregate areas according to the following table:
Table 13.10.581-1: Total Sign Area Allowed
(Includes All Signs Displayed)
Basis for Calculation
Total Sign Area1 Allowed
Front width of building on an interior lot; or
Front width plus street side width of building on a corner lot
1/2 square foot (72 square inches) of sign area per foot of building width
Width of site along the street (interior or corner lot)
1/4 square foot (36 square inches) of sign area per foot of site width
Maximum allowable area on an interior lot less than 40 feet wide at the street
20 square feet
Maximum allowable area on other lots
50 square feet
1. "Sign area" is defined as: The area within a well-defined border; or the area of one side of a double-sided sign; or, on a sign with no defined border, the area within the perimeter which encloses the letters, symbols, or logo.
(3) 
Direction signs for off-street parking and loading facilities not exceeding four square feet.
(4) 
One sign pertaining to the sale, lease, rental, or display of a structure or land, not exceeding six square feet.
(5) 
Up to two gas station price displays, limited to numerals, business logo, and discount information required by California Business and Professions Code Sections 13530 through 13540.
(B) 
Permanent and temporary window signs are each limited to a maximum of 20 percent of the window area of the building. Temporary window signs not displayed for more than two weeks are not included in the total sign size limitation.
(C) 
Signs directly across the street from a residential zone district shall be limited to 30 square feet in area and shall not be directly illuminated or flashing.
(D) 
A freestanding sign detached from a building shall be of a design consistent with the architectural character of the building and shall be designed as an integral part of the landscaped area. Freestanding signs shall not exceed seven feet in height, measured from the existing grade at the edge of the road. Where on-street parking limits the visibility of freestanding signs, such signs may be erected to a maximum height of 12 feet, measured from the existing grade at the edge of the road.
(E) 
Signs located on a wall or on a roof fascia shall be designed as an integral part of the building design. Building signs shall be located on or below the upper line of the roof fascia.
(F) 
Signs and supports shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the edge of the right-of-way or roadway, whichever is greater, and shall not obstruct vehicular sight distance or pedestrian/bicycle circulation.
(G) 
No sign other than a directional sign shall project more than 12 inches into a required rear yard or required interior side yard.
(H) 
Visibility of signs within a scenic corridor shall be minimized by the use of appropriate material, size, location, and orientation. No illuminated signs shall be permitted within a scenic corridor.
(I) 
Where sign lighting is permitted, only indirect illumination or low-intensity interior illumination shall be used. It is preferred that lighted signs be designed with light-colored translucent letters and logos, on a semi-opaque dark background. Any permitted sign lighting shall be unobtrusive to adjacent properties and any glare shall be directed onto the site.
(J) 
Moving signs, flags, banners, sandwich board signs or flashing signs shall not be permitted.
(K) 
Shopping Centers.
(1) 
A sign program shall be developed for any shopping center or any group of business uses with shared sign facilities. The program shall include a name sign containing the name of the center, a directory sign either separate or combined with the name sign, and one small pedestrian-oriented sign for each shop. The sign program shall specify sign designs, dimensions, materials, colors, lighting, if any, and placement.
(2) 
The total area of the center's name sign(s) and directory sign shall not exceed 50 square feet. The area of each individual shop sign shall not exceed one-half square foot per foot of building width measured across the front of the building, and shall not exceed a maximum of 18 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 4346 § 33, 1994; Ord. 5202 § 2, 2015; Ord. 5423 § 21, 2022)
(A) 
No signs or outdoor advertising structure or display of any kind shall be permitted in the PR District except the following:
(1) 
One identification sign, not directly illuminated, not larger than 12 square feet in area, located on the site of the use and included in the permit for said use.
(2) 
Direction signs for off-street parking or other facilities not exceeding four square feet.
(B) 
Sign design in the PR District shall follow SCCC § 13.10.581(D) through (F), commercial signs.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 5423 § 21, 2022)
(A) 
Temporary signs, not including political signs, that are to be used in conjunction with a special event or an approved temporary use are permitted subject to the following restrictions.
(1) 
Maximum sign area permitted shall be six square feet in a residential zone district and 18 square feet in all other zone districts.
(2) 
Temporary signs shall not be placed so as to constitute a traffic hazard.
(3) 
Temporary signs shall be removed not more than 10 days after the special event or temporary use to which they refer.
(B) 
Political signs are allowed without restriction; provided, that they shall not be placed so as to constitute a traffic hazard and that they shall be removed not more than 10 days after the election to which they refer.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 4228 § 1, 1992; Ord. 5423 § 21, 2022)
(A) 
Regardless of any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, directional and informational signs of a public or quasi-public nature, including signs identifying specific village areas and signs giving directions to properties not situated adjacent to the street from which such signs are visible, are allowed with a use permit; provided, that no individual sign shall be larger than 12 inches by 42 inches and no individual village directional sign shall be larger than 12 square feet. Such signs shall contain only the name of the use with an appropriate arrow indicating the direction.
(B) 
No sign established under the provisions of this section shall be illuminated by artificial light which is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use.
(C) 
It is the intent of these regulations to discourage indiscriminate placing of signs along the public highways and streets of this County and to encourage the joint use of single structures upon which signs may be displayed. Multiple use of a single structure to display signs is allowed with one use permit; provided, that where one structure is used to display multiple signs, the outside dimensions of the structure shall not exceed 10 feet by 10 feet and shall be designed so as not to obstruct traffic visibility.
(D) 
Temporary off-site directional signs of a larger size shall be permitted for seasonal produce sales, subject to securing a use permit. The signs shall only be permitted for direct sale to the public of produce grown on the same site. The information on the signs shall be limited to the type of produce, the farm name, and the directions to the farm site. Individual signs shall not exceed 16 square feet in area.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 5423 § 21, 2022)
Owners of nonconforming signs, except those signs which have been designated as historic resources pursuant to Chapter 16.42 SCCC, shall have the following times within which to remove, alter, or otherwise make such signs conform to this chapter:
(A) 
Except as otherwise provided, all signs shall be removed, altered, or otherwise made to comply with this chapter on or before January 1, 1981, except that any sign, other than a portable sign, which was installed or maintained pursuant to a use permit or planned development permit issued since September 20, 1974, shall be removed, altered, or otherwise made to conform to this chapter by December 31, 1985, unless a variance is obtained under the provisions of SCCC § 13.10.230.
(B) 
Portable signs, sandwich boards, movable freestanding signs, tire stacks, window signs, wind signs, signs painted on buildings, walls, or fences, rotating or flashing signs, and all signs of less than $100.00 in replacement value shall be removed, altered, or otherwise made to comply with this chapter within 30 days after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section. "Portable sign" includes, but is not limited to, any sign, banner, pennant, valance, or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric or plastic, cardboard, wallboard, or other light material, with or without a frame.
(C) 
Signs appurtenant to any use shall be removed within 30 days of the discontinuance of said use.
(D) 
Failure to remove, alter, or otherwise make a nonconforming sign conform to the requirements of this chapter within the time allowed shall be deemed a violation of this chapter and a public nuisance subject to abatement in accordance with Chapter 1.14 SCCC. The owner of the land on which a sign is displayed shall be held responsible for rendering such a sign conforming.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3927 § 6, 1988; Ord. 4496-C § 51, 1998; Ord. 5423 § 21, 2022)
Regardless of any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, nonilluminated historic identification plaques as approved by the Historic Resources Commission not exceeding two square feet in size are permitted to be installed on structures designated as historic resources pursuant to Chapter 16.42 SCCC.
(Ord. 3927 § 7, 1988; Ord. 5423 § 21, 2022)
(A) 
In any district, exceptions to any applicable ordinance standards for a sign, sign program, temporary sign, or directional sign may be considered for approval where warranted by site-specific circumstances such as restricted visibility, distance from thoroughfare, location on a corner, unusually large structure, or historic preservation concerns.
(B) 
Sign exceptions shall meet the following criteria:
(1) 
The exception shall vary from sign standards in the Santa Cruz County Code only to the extent necessary and appropriate to address site-specific circumstances.
(2) 
The signage is architecturally and aesthetically compatible with the surrounding neighborhood, environmental setting, and associated buildings; does not create or contribute to visual clutter, does not adversely impact coastal visual resources, is consistent with the Local Coastal Program, and, if lighted, avoids undue incidental illumination away from the signage.
(3) 
If the exception proposes illumination of a sign visible from a scenic road, the sign shall be only for State and County directional and information signs or for a sign situated within a commercial or visitor serving area.
(C) 
Processing of Sign Exceptions.
(1) 
A sign exception shall be processed as an administrative permit with public notice, in accordance with noticing and appeal procedures set forth in SCCC Title 18, except that the following proposals shall require a public hearing by the Zoning Administrator:
(a) 
Any proposed exception to establish more than three business/identification signs, or more than three small pedestrian-oriented business/identification signs, or any combination of general and pedestrian-oriented business/identification signs exceeding four.
(b) 
Any proposed exception that would exceed by more than 50 square feet either the maximum aggregate sign area established by SCCC § 13.10.581(A) or the maximum area for directory signs established by SCCC § 13.10.581(K)(2).
(Ord. 5202 § 3, 2015; Ord. 5423 § 21, 2022)