Regulations addressing the number, location, size, placement of signs and other similar provisions are included in order to maintain the attractiveness and orderliness of the community, promote the City's appearance, and protect the public welfare and safety.
(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 2000), 1998)
Signs may be permitted in conformity with the following regulations:
A. 
All signs shall be subject to and consistent with Chapter 6 of the Citywide Design Guidelines.
B. 
All signs and displays shall be located on the same site as the use they identify or advertise, except subdivision directional signs and billboards, as provided for in this article.
C. 
In all districts except the CD, CS and PR districts, no blade sign shall project more than 36 inches over a public sidewalk, street or alley. Encroachment permits for such signs may be required from the Public Works Department.
D. 
There shall not be less than eight feet of clearance between the bottom of an overhanging sign and ground level, or as may be required by the Uniform Building Code, whichever is more restrictive.
E. 
A sign not attached to a building shall not exceed eight feet in height.
F. 
No sign shall be of such brightness or shall flash, scintillate, or move so as to create an annoying glare or hazardous condition.
G. 
Signs located within 100 feet of a residential zoning district shall not exceed 20 square feet in area.
H. 
An illuminated sign within 300 feet of a residential zoning district, measured along the radius of a 180-degree arc in front of a face of the sign, shall not flash, blink, move, or scintillate or be directly lighted, but may be indirectly lighted or may have semi-indirect or diffused lighting; provided, that the surface brightness shall not be greater than 100 foot-lamberts. This regulation shall not apply to a sign that is not visible from a residential zoning district.
I. 
All illuminated signs shall have an opaque background, allowing only lettering and logos to be illuminated to the degree that it does not become an annoying glare or hazardous condition as determined by the planning and building director.
J. 
Signs in the PD and RMP districts shall comply with the regulations prescribed in the applicable project policy statement.
K. 
No sign shall be erected at or near the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, or in any location where by reason of the position, shade, or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which makes use of the words "stop," "go," "caution," "look," "danger," or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse vehicular traffic.
L. 
Signs or structures which are built in a distinctive or unusual manner so as to constitute insignias or trademarks, which are not measurable by the standards contained in the article for the measurement of conventional types of signs, shall be permitted only as special uses appurtenant to the property on which it is located under the provisions for design review. In no event shall such insignias or trademarks be of such size or luminosity, design or other feature so as to constitute a hazard to motor vehicle traffic, or so as to clash or conflict with other architectural features or improvements to the subject property and surrounding properties, in a manner or to a degree that would depreciate or threaten to depreciate surrounding or neighboring properties, or otherwise constitute a structure inconsistent with the general objectives of the Land Use Code.
M. 
Roof-mounted signs are prohibited.
N. 
Sign area is defined as the area of a sign being an integral part of a building, awning, canopy, or marquee as its background shall be the area within the shortest line drawn to include all of the letters, designs, and tubing which are a part of the largest cross-sectional area of the sign including the background and tubing but excluding supporting posts without attached lighting. Only one side of a two-faced sign shall be counted in determining the amount of sign area.
O. 
All signs attached to a vehicle for advertising purposes for the benefit of any business located in the City of Healdsburg shall have the area of the vehicle sign added to the area of existing or proposed signs located on the business premises, to calculate the total sign area allowed the business premises under this title. Vehicles with painted identification signs and used in the normal course of business shall not be subject to this section.
P. 
All signs, together with their supports, braces, and anchors, shall be properly maintained with respect to appearance, structural and electrical components, if any.
Q. 
Nonconforming signs are subject to the regulations prescribed in Chapter 20.28 HMC, Article I.
(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A §§ 115, 2005, 2030, 2035, 2045, 2085), 1998; Ord. 971 § 2 (Exh. A §§ 10, 11), 2001; Ord. 1172 § 2, 2018)
The following types of signs are exempt from this article:
A. 
Signs used exclusively for the posting or display of an official notice by a public agency or official, or by a person giving legal notice, and signs erected or maintained by a public agency or official or required by law to be displayed by a public utility for directional, warning, or informational purposes.
B. 
One unlighted real estate sign, advertising the sale or lease of a parcel of property or structure located on the same site as the property or structure being advertised for sale or lease. Said sign shall not exceed a maximum area of eight square feet in any residential or office district and 20 square feet in any commercial or industrial district.
C. 
Signs directing and guiding traffic in parking facilities, including directional markings painted on pavement.
D. 
Public convenience and information signs, including location of public restrooms, phones, presence of historic markers and similar signs, not exceeding two square feet in total size.
E. 
Menu boards, not exceeding 24 square feet in area and five feet in height for drive-in, drive-through, or walk-up restaurants, limited to two menu boards per restaurant.
F. 
National and state flags, when appropriately displayed.
G. 
Numerical street addresses, including dwelling unit address and master directory signs that are required by the fire department.
H. 
Temporary signs located in the interior of a building or on the windows of said buildings or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building or group of buildings, where such signs are designed and located to be viewed exclusively by patrons of such use or uses.
I. 
One non-illuminated, temporary construction sign, not more than six square feet in area, on the site of a structure under construction.
J. 
Temporary signs posted by a community benefit group that are related to an event sponsored by such group and comply with the following:
1. 
The sponsored event will take place within the City limits or, if taking place outside the City limits, is sponsored by a community benefit group whose primary place of operations is located within the City limits or on City-owned property.
2. 
The sponsored event will be open to the general public.
3. 
The sign may not exceed 50 square feet in size.
4. 
The sign may not jeopardize the safety of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
5. 
The sign shall be removed within 72 hours of the associated event.
(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A §§ 2005, 2010, 2020), 1998; Ord. 1090 § 4 (Exh. B § 2010), 2009; Ord. 1111 § 1 (Exh. A), 2011)
A. 
Definitions. The following definitions apply to the words or terms used in this section:
"Commercial message"
shall mean any copy that directly or indirectly names, draws attention to, or advertises a business, product, good, service, or other commercial activity, or which proposes a commercial transaction.
"Commercial sign"
shall mean a sign with a commercial message.
"Election period"
shall mean the period commencing 90 days before any national, state, or local election in which City electors may vote up through the date of the election.
"Freestanding sign"
shall mean a sign that is self-supporting in a fixed location and not attached to a building.
"Noncommercial message"
shall mean any copy that communicates a message that is not a commercial message. A noncommercial message does not directly or indirectly name, draw attention to, or advertise a business, product, good, service, or other commercial activity, or propose a commercial transaction.
"Noncommercial sign"
shall mean a sign with a noncommercial message.
"Temporary sign"
shall mean a sign constructed of cloth, canvas, lightweight fabric, cardboard, wallboard, wood or other light materials, with or without frames, which is not intended for or suitable for long-term or permanent display, due to the materials used.
B. 
General Temporary Commercial Sign Regulations.
1. 
Temporary commercial signs may be erected in commercial, office, and industrial districts for a period not to exceed 30 days upon obtaining a temporary sign permit from the planning and building director. As part of the application, a plan showing the location of all proposed temporary commercial signs must be submitted to the planning and building department.
2. 
Temporary commercial signs shall have the same location, height and size restrictions as required for permanent signs in the zoning district within which the temporary commercial sign is to be located.
3. 
A sign permit for temporary commercial signs associated with a single location may allow for the posting of signs up to three times during a 12-month period.
C. 
General Temporary Freestanding Noncommercial Sign Regulations.
1. 
The following regulations apply at all times to temporary freestanding noncommercial signs in residential districts:
a. 
Number. Each parcel is permitted two temporary freestanding noncommercial signs at all times. Such signs are in addition to all other signage allowed in this article.
b. 
Area. A temporary freestanding noncommercial sign may not exceed six square feet in area per face and may be double-faced.
c. 
Height. A temporary freestanding noncommercial sign may not exceed four feet in height.
d. 
Location. Temporary freestanding noncommercial signs may be placed in the front yard or side yard of any property; provided, that the signs do not encroach into any public right-of-way.
e. 
Lighting. Temporary freestanding noncommercial signs may not be illuminated.
2. 
In commercial, office, and industrial districts, each parcel may at any time substitute a noncommercial message of any type for all or part of the commercial or noncommercial message on any sign allowed under this article. No permit is required to substitute a noncommercial message for any other message on a permitted sign, provided the sign structure is already approved or exempt from any permit requirement.
D. 
Election Period Temporary Freestanding Noncommercial Sign Regulations. During any election period, the following additional opportunities for temporary noncommercial signs are permitted subject to the following regulations:
1. 
Number.
a. 
In residential districts, each parcel is permitted up to six additional temporary freestanding noncommercial signs in addition to the two permitted at all times.
b. 
In commercial, office, and industrial districts, each parcel is permitted up to 50 square feet of sign area for temporary freestanding noncommercial signs (up to 100 square feet if the signs are double-faced).
2. 
Area. In residential districts, no temporary freestanding noncommercial sign may exceed six square feet in total area per face and may be double-faced.
3. 
Height.
a. 
In residential districts, a temporary freestanding noncommercial sign may not exceed four feet in height.
b. 
In commercial, office, and industrial districts, the bottom of a temporary freestanding noncommercial sign may not exceed four feet in height, and the top of the sign may not exceed 10 feet in height.
4. 
Location. Temporary freestanding noncommercial signs may be placed in the front yard or side yard of any property; provided, that the signs do not encroach into any public right-of-way.
5. 
Lighting. Temporary freestanding noncommercial signs may not be illuminated.
6. 
Duration. All additional temporary freestanding noncommercial signs allowed during an election period under this subsection must be removed within 15 days of the end of the applicable election period; otherwise, the signs may be summarily abated by the City in accordance with applicable law.
E. 
Subdivision Signs. Temporary subdivision signs that indicate the directions to, or advertise the location, existence, or sale of a subdivision or any home, lot, or part thereof are permitted in conformance with the following regulations:
1. 
One nonilluminated sign pertaining to a subdivision and not exceeding 24 square feet in area may be erected or displayed for each 10 acres contained in the subdivision. If a subdivision contains less than 10 acres, one sign may be displayed.
2. 
The total number of signs, other than model home signs and directional signs as permitted in this article, shall not exceed four.
3. 
One nonilluminated sign pertaining to a model home and not exceeding six square feet in area may be erected or displayed on the site for each model home in the subdivision.
4. 
A maximum of two nonilluminated directional signs, each not more than six square feet in area, may be erected or displayed for each 10 acres contained in a subdivision, and may be located off of the site of the subdivision. If a subdivision contains less than 10 acres, two such signs may be erected or displayed.
A sign permit shall be required for each temporary subdivision sign. A permit may be issued by the planning and building director at any time after recordation of the subdivision map and shall become void one year following the date on which the permit was issued. A sign shall then be removed, unless prior to the expiration of one year, renewal of the permit for a period of one year is approved by the planning commission.
(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A §§ 2015, 2020, 2025), 1998; Ord. 956 § 2 (Att. A §§ 2020, 2025), 1999; Ord. 1039 §§ 1, 2, 3, 2006; Ord. 1090 § 4 (Exh. B § 2015), 2009; Ord. 1111 § 1 (Exh. A), 2011; Ord. 1176 § 2, 2018)
Viticultural area signs may be allowed subject to the approval of a sign permit by the planning and building director after City Council approval of the location of the sign pole(s).
A. 
Location.
1. 
The City engineer and planning and building director shall advise the City Council about the appropriateness of the proposed viticultural area sign location.
2. 
Viticultural area signs shall be located only in the rights-of-way of Healdsburg Avenue, Dry Creek Road and Grove Street.
3. 
Viticultural area signs shall not cause a visual obstruction, as defined in the state's outdoor advertising act or HMC § 20.16.195 (General provisions) pertaining to signs.
B. 
Design.
1. 
Panels with winery names shall be placed on a six-inch by six-inch white post and painted white.
2. 
The maximum height of the sign post shall be 20 feet above road grade, including the header.
3. 
No more than 15 winery name panels shall be placed on a post. The panels shall not be more than one inch by six inches by 36 inches.
4. 
An oval header panel not more than one inch by 30 inches by 15 inches shall be located on top of a post, with the name "Healdsburg," the name of the grape growing area and a grape logo. The header panel shall be similar in construction to the winery name panel.
C. 
Approval of all viticultural area signs shall be conditioned on maintenance of the sign by the applicants for the sign permit.
D. 
The sign post and panel signs may be removed by the City without notice, hearing or compensation.
E. 
A site license agreement for viticultural area signs may be required by the City engineer.
(Ord. 1019 § 2 (Exh. A § 2027), 2004)
A. 
Purpose. The Downtown Directional Wayfaring Sign Program is intended to enhance visitor awareness of downtown businesses and points of interest and provide general directions to their business location.
B. 
Program eligibility criteria. The following criteria shall be used to determine which businesses may participate in the Downtown Directional Wayfaring Sign Program:
1. 
The business identified on the sign plaque is likely to be of interest to and patronized by visitors to Healdsburg. The City Council shall designate, by resolution, a list of the types of businesses that may and may not participate in the program, based on these criteria.
2. 
The business must be located within the boundaries of the Downtown Commercial (CD), Service Commercial (SC) or Mixed Use (MU) Zoning Designations or be a destination of general interest outside the District to encourage exploration (e.g., historic points of interest, public facilities).
3. 
The City Council may allow exceptions to the above eligibility criteria through the adoption of a resolution where such exceptions are intended to promote the filling of blank spaces on underutilized sign faces, which shall be defined by the Council.
C. 
Number and location of sign plaques.
1. 
Sign plaques for an individual business may be approved for a maximum of two directional signposts.
2. 
A maximum of two sign plaques per business may be approved per signpost, with a maximum of four total sign plaques per business.
3. 
Reasonable effort shall be made to locate a business's sign plaques on signposts that are located closest to the business.
D. 
Design criteria.
1. 
Each sign plaque shall be designed to prominently display the business name with a descriptive line identifying merchandise or services that is clearly subordinate to the business name.
2. 
Phone numbers and websites may not be included on sign plaques.
3. 
Each sign plaque shall include a directional arrow oriented towards the location of the business. The inclusion of an address is encouraged, especially when the business is not located on the same block as the sign.
4. 
Sign plaque dimensions and materials shall be consistent with standards determined by the planning and building department.
E. 
Application process.
1. 
Application for approval of a downtown directional wayfaring sign plaque may be made to the planning and building department on a form prescribed by the department, accompanied by a processing fee as required by resolution of the City Council and a color depiction of the sign.
2. 
Applicants shall be responsible for their sign plaque design, subject to the criteria established in this section.
3. 
Applications will be placed on a waiting list if no spaces are available at the requested location at the time of application.
F. 
Sign installation. Sign plaques shall be installed within 30 days of the City's approval unless an extension is granted by the City at the request of the applicant. Failure to do so may result in the invalidation of the City's approval.
G. 
Sign removal. Sign plaques associated with a defunct business shall be removed promptly following the close of the business. Failure to do so may result in their removal by the City.
(Ord. 1117 § 1 (Exh. A), 2012; Ord. 1241 § 2, 2024)
The following signs may be permitted in the Open Space District, the Office and Multi-Family Residential District and residential districts:
A. 
One nameplate affixed to the building, not directly lighted and not exceeding one square foot in area, on the site of a one-family or two-family dwelling in an R or ORM district.
B. 
One identification sign, not directly lighted and not exceeding six square feet in area, located on the site of a multi-family dwelling, multi-family complex, lodging house or residential visitor lodging in a residential district or the ORM District, or a permitted use in the O District.
C. 
One identification sign, not directly lighted and not exceeding 12 square feet in area on the site of a public building or grounds, a private institution, a church, a club or lodge, or a professional office, clinic, or laboratory. In addition, one monument sign not exceeding eight feet in height and 24 square feet in area for one side may be allowed. However, it shall not be internally illuminated. This sign shall be located no closer than five feet to the back of a sidewalk or public right-of-way, whichever is furthest.
D. 
In addition to an identification sign, one bulletin board, not directly lighted, and not exceeding 16 square feet in area, on the site of a church.
E. 
One non-illuminated sign not exceeding four square feet in area on the site of a parking lot.
F. 
Signs pertaining to a conditional use in the O District if authorized by the conditional use permit.
G. 
Signs pertaining to mobile home and travel trailer parks in accord with the provisions of HMC § 20.08.260.
H. 
Mobile home parks may have one identification sign per park entrance, which may consist of one of the following:
1. 
A ground sign, not exceeding a height of 42 inches and a display area of 24 square feet.
2. 
A wall sign, which may be affixed to a screen wall, with a maximum area of 24 square feet.
(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A §§ 2050, 2055), 1998; Ord. 956 § 2 (Att. A § 2055), 1999; Ord. 971 § 2 (Exh. A § 2055), 2001; Ord. 1090 § 4 (Exh. B § 2055), 2009)
The following signs may be permitted in the MP District:
A. 
One main identification sign per building, not exceeding an area of 20 square feet. The sign may be either a wall sign or a ground sign and may be non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated.
B. 
In addition to the sign permitted in subsection (A) of this section, one identification wall, canopy or awning sign shall be allowed per occupant or tenant of a multi-tenant building, not exceeding six square feet in area.
(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 2060), 1998)
Signs for commercial and office uses may be permitted in the GMU District subject to the following regulations:
A. 
Signs shall be limited to five feet in height and 16 square feet in area.
B. 
Non-illuminated monument signs set back at least 10 feet from the street right-of-way are allowed.
C. 
Sandwich board signs are prohibited.
(Ord. 1087 § 2 (Exh. A § 765(d)), 2009)
A. 
The maximum sign area identified in Table 19 may be permitted for buildings and uses in a commercial or industrial district, except as provided for the GMU District in HMC § 20.16.225.
B. 
The maximum aggregate area of all sign faces shall be 200 feet.
C. 
Individual signs shall be subject to design review as prescribed in Chapter 20.28 HMC, Article IV to determine if the signs are compatible with the building or site on which the signs are proposed and with the surrounding neighborhood.
Table 19 Maximum sign area in commercial* and industrial districts
Maximum sign area
Per foot of width of building frontage, or front and street side elevations of building on corner lot, or,
Per foot of property line adjoining street, or,
Interior lot with frontage less than 50 feet
1 square foot
1/2 square foot
50 square feet
Notes:
*except GMU District
(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 2065), 1998; Ord. 1090 § 4 (Exh. B § 2065), 2009)
As an alternative to the sign provisions set forth in this article, property owners, developers and/or tenants may elect to prepare and submit a master sign program to the City. The planning and building director shall establish submittal requirements for master sign programs.
A. 
Master sign programs may only be submitted on parcels of two acres or greater and involving five or more uses or activities on the site.
B. 
The maximum sign area may increase by a factor of 30 percent over normal maximums, as set forth in this article. The height of monument or freestanding signs may not be increased.
C. 
Master sign programs may be approved by the planning commission when the following findings can be made:
1. 
Approval of a master sign program will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare.
2. 
All signs to be constructed pursuant to the master sign program shall be in architectural harmony and scale with the development project for which the master sign program is proposed.
(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A §§ 2070, 2075), 1998)
All signs with an area of 20 square feet or greater, all illuminated signs, all flashing, blinking, scintillating or moving signs, and all signs projecting above a roof, coping, parapet or ridgeline shall be subject to design review as prescribed in Chapter 20.28 HMC, Article IV.
(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 2080), 1998)