The following design standards are applicable to all signs erected, relocated, or change of copy within the city, including the community plan areas unless the community plan has a standard specific to the area.
These standards have been developed to improve the scenic quality ranking of the scenic corridor.
(Ord. 1145 § 1)
As an alternative to the design standards contained in Articles VIII and IX, at the request of a permit applicant, the design standards contained in Chapter 38 of the TRPA Code of Ordinances may be applied to the application. Signage proposed in the application shall be compliant with all TRPA standards.
(Ord. 1145 § 1)
A. 
This chapter shall not regulate the copy message.
B. 
Motor fuel price signs shall comply with requirements of Section 13531 et seq. of the Business and Professions Code and TRPA Code of Ordinances Section 38.10.1.
C. 
Sign area containing copy required by law will not be deducted from the maximum allowable sign area, provided the copy does not exceed the minimum requirements of the law.
D. 
Any increase in sign copy beyond what is required by law is allowable, provided the additional area is deducted from the appropriate BRB.
(Ord. 1145 § 1)
A. 
All illuminated signs shall have either or both indirect or diffused lighting.
Guideline. Indirect backlighting of individual letters is the encouraged method of sign illumination.
B. 
Indirect lighting sources shall be shielded to prevent the light source from being visible from a public right-of-way or adjacent property.
Guideline. Methods that can be used include an enclosure that extends past the light source sufficiently that will channel the light onto the sign face and not spill light to other areas. Landscape materials and mounding may also be used. Approval of the shielding method and its design will be based on how well the standard is met.
C. 
The intensity of lighting shall not create a visual hazard to the public.
D. 
All internally illuminated signs shall have a background which transmits a limited amount of light. (For the standard, see SLTCC § 6.40.350, Color.)
(Ord. 1145 § 1)
A. 
All freestanding signs shall be placed wholly within a landscaped area. The minimum landscape area shall be equal to the city standard setback, and across the property frontage, excluding driveways. Should a sign not be located within the standard property setback, the sign shall be placed in a landscape island. The island shall have a minimum depth from each sign face/edge of 10 feet. (Also see SLTCC § 6.10.150, Landscaping. Planning commission design manual shall apply.)
Guideline. See the city design manual and SLTCC § 6.10.150.
B. 
In the event that the landscaping provisions cannot be met as they pertain to freestanding signs because of the physical limitations of the property, the staff may grant an exception under SLTCC § 6.40.230, Exceptions.
Multiple partial compliance applications may be approved prior to the required compliance deadline; however, additional new measures towards compliance must be provided for each application.
C. 
A security deposit for the installation of the required sign landscaping may be allowed by the staff based on the winter ground disturbance prohibition from October 15th through April 30th of each year. Staff may place conditions, as appropriate, to ensure timely compliance.
(Ord. 1145 § 1)
A. 
All supporting devices and braces shall be an aesthetic contribution to the sign structure and not a utilitarian appendage to hold up a sign, e.g., angle iron, pipes, and guy wires are not allowed.
B. 
Freestanding signs shall be supported by two or more poles/supports or a monument base.
Guideline. The use of monument bases in conjunction with low profile signs is encouraged.
(Ord. 1145 § 1)
A. 
Internally illuminated signs shall have backgrounds of a dark color, or opaque material which does not transmit light. If opaque, only the individual letters and/or symbols would be illuminated. Under day and night lighting conditions, the copy on internally illuminated signs shall be lighter than the background.
Guideline. Natural wood and high-density foam core signs which can be carved and painted consistent with the design standards, including dark backgrounds, are also encouraged.
B. 
Externally illuminated signs may be any color background and copy except for bright neon colors (fluorescent) and reflective colors, which are prohibited.
Guideline. Bright colors are generally discouraged on signs except when used as accent colors.
C. 
The color standard shall not apply to nationally registered trademarks if the color is a part of the trademark.
Guideline. The use of trademarks on natural backgrounds is encouraged.
(Ord. 1145 § 1)
A. 
The maximum height of a roof sign shall not exceed 15 feet from grade and shall be placed within a sign dormer.
For building signs more than 50 feet from the property line, no sign shall be mounted on the roof of a building or mansard roof, unless the sign is placed on a sign dormer which is located within the bottom one-half of the roof, as seen in elevation.
Guideline. Sign dormers should be designed as an architectural element and materials should be compatible with the building. Buildings with flat roofs should construct a new roof to accommodate a roof dormer for signage. The minimum roof slope should be 5:12. Individual letter signs should be used within sign dormers as they do not dominate the roof as do canned signs.
B. 
In the design of new buildings and major remodels, all improvements subject to design review shall identify signage locations.
Guideline. Architectural details of a building often suggest locations, size or shape of signs. Signs should complement the building and not be considered after the building is designed.
C. 
One freestanding sign shall be permitted per the street frontage or project area. Additional freestanding signs are allowed for parcels or project areas where there are multiple businesses if they are placed at least 100 feet apart and meet all other standards of this chapter.
D. 
The location (setback) of a freestanding sign is subject to the maximum height allowed per the following setback chart, but in no case shall a sign be closer than five feet, zero inches to a property line.
Guideline. Where possible, a low profile sign is encouraged.
Freestanding Sign Setback
Height
13 or less
10.00
14
10.25
15
10.50
16
10.75
17
11.00
18
11.25
19
11.50
20
11.75
21
12.00
(Ord. 1145 § 1)
A. 
For freestanding signs, see SLTCC § 6.40.360.
B. 
For all other signs, including window signs and banners:
1. 
If a single-story building is located within 50 feet of the property line, the maximum sign height shall be 15 feet, measured from grade.
2. 
If a single-story building is greater than 50 feet, the maximum sign height shall be 25 feet.
C. 
For multi-story buildings, a building sign height over 15 feet is allowed, up to a maximum of 25 feet.
(Ord. 1145 § 1)
Guideline. All signs should promote the city value of enhancing the unique beauty of Lake Tahoe by adherence to a high aesthetic quality and professional construction standards.
(Ord. 1145 § 1)