(a) 
Any non-exempt sign to be constructed, erected, moved, enlarged, illuminated or substantially altered is required to obtain a permit from the Planning Director. Mere repainting or changing the message of a sign shall not, in and of itself, be considered a substantial alteration.
(b) 
If plans submitted for a land use permit include detailed sign plans, then the land use permit approval can also act as the sign permit.
(c) 
In the case of a property occupied by multiple business enterprises (e.g., a shopping center), a Master Sign Program shall be required in the name of the property owner. This program shall address design standards and location(s) of communal signs in conformance with the requirements of this chapter. Each business shall be responsible for obtaining a permit for its individual sign(s) which shall be in conformance with the sign program as well as this chapter.
(Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009)
(a) 
General Regulations. Notwithstanding any language to the contrary in this chapter, the temporary sign regulations contained in this section shall be controlling in the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency with any other sign code provision contained in the remainder of this chapter:
(1) 
All signs shall be kept in good repair and shall be maintained in a safe, neat, clean and attractive condition.
(2) 
No temporary sign shall mimic, or be attached to, official roadway signage (stop signs, yield, etc.).
(3) 
All temporary signs shall be placed in a manner that is safe. Temporary signs shall not block access to structures or parked cars, block vehicular sight distance views at corners or intersections, or block pedestrian walking paths.
(4) 
No temporary sign shall obstruct or impair access to a public sidewalk, public or private street or driveway, traffic control sign, bus stop, fire hydrant, bench, or any type of street furniture, or otherwise create a hazard, including a tripping hazard.
(5) 
All signs placed or erected that do not meet these regulations will be removed without notice.
(b) 
Types of Temporary Signs Allowed. The temporary noncommercial signs types listed below are subject to the specific regulations identified in this section in addition to the further regulations contained in subsections (d) and (e) of this section.
(1) 
Stake or Picket Signs. A sign supported by a stake or wire frame is considered temporary in nature and may not have any foundational element such as concrete or rely upon any structural support from adjacent fixtures.
(2) 
A-Frame Signs. A-frame signs must be constructed in a manner to ensure the sign remains in an upright placement and will not spread and expand its footprint beyond the width as originally placed or into any designated walking paths or sidewalks.
(3) 
Banners.
(i) 
No banner shall be placed on any public structure including walls, fences or buildings or over or across any passable roadway, driveway, or alley, unless approved within the confines of an event permit per Section 14.16C.065. The permit must specify where the banners will be placed. All banners are to be removed at the end of the event.
(ii) 
The maximum size for temporary banners shall be 32 square feet, unless an increase is approved within the confines of an event permit per Section 14.16C.065.
(iii) 
Temporary Banners on Buildings. Not more than one temporary banner per tenant space may be permitted.
(iv) 
If placed above a pedestrian passable area such as a sidewalk, entrance, or access point, the lowest part of the banner must be higher than eight feet.
(v) 
Banners must be constructed in a manner to withstand wind so that the banner substantially maintains its installed position.
(4) 
Feather and Sail Signs.
(i) 
The maximum size for feather or sail signs shall be 30 square feet per side (60 square feet total) per Section 14.68.050(c) and shall not exceed 12 feet in height measured from the ground to the top of the sign.
(ii) 
Feather or sail signs will be allowed in public rights-of-way, within the confines of an event permit per Section 14.16C.065. The permit must specify where the sign will be placed. All signs are to be removed at the end of the event.
(iii) 
If placed adjacent to a pedestrian passable area such as a sidewalk, the feather or sail sign shall not extend into or above the pedestrian passable area.
(c) 
Prohibited Temporary Signs. Prohibited signs are those signs not listed in subsection (b) of this section and include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) 
Inflatable – includes balloons or other gas-filled figures.
(2) 
Animated – includes any sign with action or motion (including those that flash, oscillate or revolve) or one that involves color changes.
(d) 
Temporary Signs in Public Right-of-Way.
(1) 
Location. Temporary signs are prohibited from being placed within roundabouts, medians, shoulders, travel lanes, and areas of the public right-of-way that are not accessible by a sidewalk or pedestrian walking path. Temporary signs are prohibited on any public structure including utility poles, walls, fences or buildings. Temporary noncommercial signs in rights-of-way shall not be located adjacent to city facilities or parks.
(2) 
If temporary signs are placed in the right-of-way, the sign owner is responsible to ensure such placement into the ground does not damage any infrastructure that is located under the surface, including but not limited to irrigation and utility infrastructure.
(3) 
Temporary signs in residential zones are limited in size to four square feet per side (eight square feet total) per Section 14.68.050(c) and shall not exceed four feet in height measured from the ground to the top of the sign when displayed.
(4) 
Temporary signs in nonresidential zones including mixed use zones are limited in size to 16 square feet per side (32 square feet total) per Section 14.68.050(c) and shall not exceed six feet in height measured from the ground to the top of the sign when displayed.
(5) 
Number. Signs shall not be placed within 10 feet of another temporary sign in the right-of-way and shall not otherwise be placed in a manner to create a continuous visual barrier for approaching vehicles traveling at the designated speed limit.
(e) 
Temporary Signs on Private Property.
(1) 
All temporary noncommercial signs placed on private property shall be placed with the property owner's consent or person in control of the property, such as a tenant.
(2) 
Temporary noncommercial signs in residential zones are limited in size to 16 square feet per side (32 square feet total) per Section 14.68.050(c) and shall not exceed six feet in height measured from the ground to the top of the sign when displayed.
(3) 
Temporary noncommercial signs in nonresidential zones including mixed use zones are limited in size to 32 square feet per side (64 square feet total) per Section 14.68.050(c) and shall not exceed six feet in height measured from the ground to the top of the sign when displayed.
(Ord. 1089, Sec. 3, 2020)
The following signs are exempt from regulation under this title:
(a) 
Signs not exceeding four square feet in area that are customarily associated with residential use. Examples include names of residents, addresses, no parking, no trespassing, home occupations, beware of dog and security signs.
(b) 
Noncommercial signs erected/placed by or on behalf of or pursuant to the authorization of a city, county, school district, state or federal governmental agency, for public purposes including legal notices, identification and informational signs, and traffic, directional, or regulatory signs.
(c) 
Official signs of a noncommercial nature erected by public utilities.
(d) 
Flags, pennants, or insignia of any governmental or nonprofit organization when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device.
(e) 
Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings or works of art, so long as such features or works do not contain business identification, trademarks, moving parts, or lights, or are not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device.
(f) 
Informational signs directing and guiding pedestrian and/or automobile traffic on private property that do not exceed four square feet each and that bear no advertising matter.
(g) 
School and church: bulletin boards, identification signs, and directional signs that do not exceed one per abutting street and 16 square feet in area per side (32 square feet total) per Section 14.68.050(c) and that are not internally illuminated.
(h) 
Signs painted on or otherwise permanently attached to currently licensed motor vehicles that are not primarily used as signs.
(i) 
Names of buildings, commemorative plaques or tablets, and similar noncommercial signs when carved into stone, concrete, or similar material, or made of bronze, aluminum, or other permanent-type construction, made an integral part of the structure, and projecting no more than two inches from the wall (when installed on a building), or at grade (when installed on the ground).
(j) 
Public information stations such as kiosks, bulletin boards, or similar devices used to convey community information.
(Ord. 468, 1995; Ord. 661, Sec. 4, 2002; Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009; Ord. 903, Sec. 45, 2013; Ord. 1089, Sec. 4, 2020)
(a) 
The following temporary signs are allowed without a permit but are subject to the limitations contained within this chapter:
(1) 
Signs advertising that the property on which the sign is located is for sale, lease, or rent may not exceed four square feet in area per side with a maximum of two sides. Such signs shall be removed immediately after sale, lease, or rental from each street frontage.
(2) 
Off-premises signs for temporary activities customarily associated with residential uses which identify the activity and location. Temporary activities related to residential uses include those activities that are noncontinuous and occur only occasionally. They include garage sales; sale, lease or rental of single-family residential structures or property; family gatherings; craft shows; etc. They do not include advertising home occupations.
(i) 
Such signs may not exceed four in number, except there shall be no maximum number of signs for garage sales, nor four square feet in area per side with a maximum of two sides.
(ii) 
They shall only be allowed during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, or 9:00 a.m. Friday until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, and only when the person conducting the activity is on site, except that garage sale signs may be erected for a continuous period not to exceed 72 hours.
(iii) 
The signs may be placed on private or public property with the permission of the owner of the property on which the sign is placed.
(3) 
Construction site identification signs. Such signs may identify the project, the owner or developer, architect, engineer, contractor and subcontractors, funding sources, and may contain related information including but not limited to sale or leasing information. Not more than one such sign may be erected per site, and it may not exceed 32 square feet in area. Such signs shall not be erected prior to the issuance of a land use permit and shall be removed within 30 days after completion of the project.
(4) 
Signs attached temporarily to the interior of a nonresidential building window or glass door. Such signs, individually or collectively, may not cover more than 25 percent of the surface area of the transparent portion of the window or door to which they are attached.
(5) 
Temporary displays, including lighting, flags, or pennants, erected in connection with the observance of holidays when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device. These shall be removed within 30 days following the holidays.
(6) 
Signs indicating that a grand opening or a permitted event on a nonresidential site is to take place on the lot where the sign is located. No more than one such sign per frontage shall be allowed. Signs may be erected not sooner than two weeks before the grand opening or permitted event and must be removed not later than three days after the grand opening or permitted event.
(Ord. 468, 1995; Ord. 497, 1995; Ord. 527, Sec. 1, 1996; Ord. 661, Sec. 4, 2002; Ord. 676, Sec. 57, 2003; Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009; Ord. 821, Sec. 10, 2009; Ord. 1089, Sec. 5, 2020; Ord. 1179, Sec. 19, 2024)
A multi-faced sign shall be considered to be a single sign, provided the following standards are met:
(a) 
With respect to a V-type sign, the two sides are at no point separated by a distance that exceeds five feet; and
(b) 
With respect to double faced (back to back) signs, the distance between the backs of each face of the sign does not exceed three feet.
(Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009)
(a) 
The surface area of a sign shall be computed by including the entire area within a single, continuous, rectilinear perimeter of not more than eight straight lines, or a circle or an ellipse, enclosing the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself, or not including those non-sign portions of a structure that serve a non-signage function (such as an awning or canopy), even though the color may be the same as the background of the sign.
(b) 
If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all of the area, including that between sections or modules, shall be included in the computation of the sign area.
(c) 
The sign area shall be the sum of the area of all sides of the sign except:
(1) 
The area of a double faced, back to back sign shall be calculated by using the area of only one side (the larger of the two if there is a difference), so long as the distance between the backs of such signs does not exceed three feet.
(2) 
The sign surface area of a double faced sign constructed in the form of a "V" shall be calculated by using the area of only one side of such sign (the larger side if there is a size difference), so long as the angle of the "V" does not exceed 30 degrees and at no point does the distance between the backs of such sides exceed five feet.
(d) 
In shopping centers with multiple tenants, it is the responsibility of the property owner to address allocation of sign area amongst tenants. The City shall be responsible for enforcing only the provisions of this title on a property-wide basis and not the provisions of any allocation formula.
(Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009)
(a) 
The total area devoted to all signs on any lot shall not exceed the limitations set forth in this section. All signs except temporary signs and subdivision signs shall be included in this calculation.
(b) 
The maximum sign area permitted on any single-family lot in any residential district is four square feet.
(c) 
The maximum total sign area permitted on any lot in a nonresidential district shall be determined by multiplying the number of square feet of the building by 0.075 square feet, up to a maximum area of 500 square feet.
(d) 
The total sign surface area of all signs located on a wall of a structure in any zoning district shall not exceed 20 percent of the total surface area of the wall on which it is located.
(Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009; Ord. 1179, Sec. 19, 2024)
(a) 
The area of a freestanding sign may not exceed 0.3 square feet in surface area for every linear foot of street frontage along the street toward which the sign is oriented, provided the following maximums are not exceeded:
(1) 
Sites with 200 or less feet of frontage: 50 square feet;
(2) 
Sites with 200 to 400 feet of frontage: 75 square feet; and
(3) 
Sites with more than 400 feet of frontage: 100 square feet.
(b) 
In all nonresidential zoning districts, freestanding sign area may not exceed 0.75 square feet in surface area for every linear foot of street frontage along the street toward which such sign is primarily oriented to a maximum of 250 square feet.
(c) 
Freestanding signs that have no discernible sides, such as spheres or other shapes not composed of flat planes, may not exceed the maximum total surface area allowed under subsection (a) or (b) of this section for a single side of a freestanding sign.
(Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009; Ord. 1179, Sec. 19, 2024)
(a) 
No property may have more than one freestanding sign except: one freestanding sign is allowed for each street having at least 100 feet of frontage.
(b) 
One freestanding sign is allowed for each non-intersection public street regardless of the amount of frontage.
(Ord. 468, 1995; Ord. 661, 2002; Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009)
(a) 
Changeable text signs are permanent sign fixtures with non-changing sign faces on non-moving text consisting of opaque individual letters mounted on plexiglass or similar materials may manually be periodically changed (e.g., for short term sales or specials). While the fixture must be permitted, the text may change without a permit as long as it fits within the dimensional parameters of the fixture.
(b) 
Changeable text signs are permissible in the Local Business, Central Business District, and Public/Semi-Public districts, except that churches, synagogues, and temples (use class 5.200) may have a changeable text sign in any zone district in which they may be located, provided such sign is not internally illuminated. Each occupant may have changeable text signs, though the total aggregate surface area of such sign(s) may not exceed 10 percent of the occupants' total allowable permitted signage.
(Ord. 468, 1995; Ord. 661, 2002; Ord. 676, Sec. 58, 2003; Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009; Ord. 1179, Sec. 19, 2024)
(a) 
Freestanding signs shall observe the setback requirements set forth in Section 14.48.040.
(b) 
Except for displays, including lighting, erected in connection with the observation of holidays on the roofs of residential structures, no sign may be placed:
(1) 
For buildings with more than one story – higher than the second-story window sill level, except for upper floor window signs only for businesses located exclusively above the first floor.
(2) 
For one-story buildings with a cornice – on or above the cornice line; or
(3) 
For one-story buildings with a parapet – higher than the highest point of the parapet.
(4) 
For all buildings – upon any roof surface, except that for purposes of this section, roof surfaces constructed at an angle of 75 degrees or more from horizontal shall be regarded as wall space.
(5) 
For gas pump canopies – on or above the cornice line.
(c) 
No wall sign attached to a building may project more than 12 inches from the building wall.
(d) 
No sign or supporting structure may be located in or over any portion of a public right-of-way unless:
(1) 
The sign is attached to a structural element of a building;
(2) 
A right-of-way permit is obtained from the City;
(3) 
No portion of the sign or supporting structure may hang or protrude below eight feet above a sidewalk or other area accessible to pedestrians;
(4) 
No sign will project closer than two feet from the curb line of a street; and
(5) 
Only one hanging, marquee, canopy, or projecting sign is allowed for each main entry into a building.
(e) 
No more than one business identification sign affixed to the building may be located on any one side of a building, unless the building contains individual businesses with separate entrances, in which case one business identification sign per individual business may be located on as many sides as there are separate business entrances.
(f) 
The maximum height of a freestanding sign, measured from ground level, shall be 15 feet in the Planned Business Development and Central Business Districts and six feet in all other districts.
(Ord. 468, 1995; Ord. 661, 2002; Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009)
(a) 
No sign within 150 feet of a residential zone may be illuminated between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m., unless an opaque screen which effectively blocks view of the sign from the residential zone is located between the residential zone and the sign.
(b) 
Lighting directed toward a sign shall be shielded so that it illuminates only the face of the sign and does not shine directly into a public right-of-way, adjacent properties, or into the sky.
(c) 
Internally illuminated signs are allowed only within Commercial, Industrial and Public/Semi-Public Zone districts. This prohibition does not apply to the following:
(1) 
Signs that do not exceed two square feet in area and that convey the message that a business enterprise is open or closed or that a place of lodging does or does not have a vacancy;
(2) 
Neon signs less than nine square feet and/or mounted to be seen through a window and meeting all other requirements of this chapter;
(3) 
Signs for churches, synagogues and temples (use class 5.200), except that changeable text signs may not be internally illuminated pursuant to Section 14.68.084(b).
(d) 
No sign or illuminated tubing or strings of lights may contain flashing or intermittent lights or lights of changing degrees of intensity. This prohibition does not apply to temporary signs erected in connection with the observance of holidays.
(Ord. 468, 1995; Ord. 661, 2002; Ord. 676, Sec. 59, 2003; Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009; Ord. 903, Sec. 46, 2013)
(a) 
The following restrictions apply to all signs except those exempt from regulation (Section 14.68.020) and except those exempt from permits specifically identified below.
(b) 
No off-premises signs may be located in any district except:
(1) 
Those exempted from regulation or from permit requirements under Section 14.68.020 or 14.68.030; and
(2) 
City-sponsored "City Center/Welcome" signs identifying the location of the historic downtown and the general types of businesses and services available.
(c) 
Signs located within residential zone districts are prohibited unless specifically allowed elsewhere in this chapter.
(d) 
No sign may be located so that it substantially interferes with the view necessary for motorists to proceed safely through intersections or to enter onto or exit streets. Freestanding and portable signs may not be placed within a vehicular sight distance triangle at the intersection of any streets. This triangle connects the intersection of the paved or traveled surface of the roadways with each of the two points measured 30 feet from the intersection along the edge of the respective paved or traveled surface of each roadway.
(e) 
Signs that are designed to revolve or are animated or that utilize movement or apparent movement to attract the attention of the public are prohibited. Without limiting the foregoing, banners, streamers, pennants, and propellers are prohibited, but signs that only move occasionally because of wind are not prohibited if their movement (1) is not a primary design feature of the sign, and (2) is not intended to attract attention to the sign. The restriction of this subsection shall not apply to barber poles or signs specified in Section 14.68.030(a)(5).
(f) 
No sign may be erected so that by its location, color, size, shape, nature, or message it would tend to obstruct the view of or be confused with official traffic signs or other signs erected by governmental agencies.
(g) 
Freestanding signs shall be securely fastened to the ground or to some other substantial supportive structure so that there is virtually no danger that either the sign or the supportive structure may be moved by the wind or other forces of nature and cause injury to persons or property.
(h) 
Animated display boards shall be subject to the following limitations:
(1) 
They are prohibited in residential zone districts.
(2) 
No more than one animated display board per establishment is allowed.
(3) 
The maximum area of a sign with an animated display board shall be 50 square feet. The maximum area of the animated display portion of the sign shall be 40 percent of the sign of which it is a part.
(4) 
Animated display boards shall convey text messages only. Graphic images are prohibited. Movement of text messages is allowed to transition to other messages. However, repeated flashing of the same message is prohibited.
(Ord. 468, 1995; Ord. 661, Sec. 4, 2002; Ord. 676, Sec. 60, 2003; Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009)
(a) 
All signs and structural components shall be kept in a state of good repair.
(b) 
If a sign advertises an entity, service, or goods or other activity that is no longer available on the site, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall, within 30 days after such abandonment, be removed by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other party having control over such sign.
(c) 
If the message portion of a sign is removed, leaving only the supporting "shell" of a sign or the supporting braces, anchors, or similar components, the owner of the sign or the owner of the property where the sign is located or other person having control over such sign shall, within 30 days of the removal of the message portion of the sign, either replace the entire message portion of the sign or remove the remaining components of the sign. This subsection shall not be construed to alter the effect of Section 14.68.150(c), which prohibits the replacement of a nonconforming sign, nor shall this subsection be construed to prevent the changing of the message of a sign.
(Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009; Ord. 903, Sec. 47, 2013)
No person may, for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the visibility of any sign, damage, trim, destroy, or remove any trees, shrubs, or other vegetation located:
(a) 
Within the right-of-way of any public street or road, unless the work is done pursuant to the express written authorization of the Planning Director;
(b) 
On property that is not under the ownership or control of the person doing or responsible for such work, unless the work is done pursuant to the express authorization of the person owning the property where such trees or shrubs are located;
(c) 
In any area where such trees or shrubs are required to remain under a permit issued under this title;
(d) 
In any area encumbered by a native growth protection easement or similar easement prohibiting the removal of trees or vegetation.
(Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009)
(a) 
Subject to the remaining restrictions of this section, nonconforming signs that were otherwise lawful on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter may be continued.
(b) 
No person may engage in any activity that causes an increase in the extent of nonconformity of a nonconforming sign. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, no nonconforming sign may be enlarged or altered in such a manner as to aggravate the nonconforming condition. Nor may illumination be added to any nonconforming sign.
(c) 
A nonconforming sign may not be moved or replaced except to bring the sign into complete conformity with this title.
(d) 
If a nonconforming sign is destroyed by natural causes, it may not thereafter be repaired, reconstructed, or replaced except in conformity with all the provisions of this title, and the remnants of the former sign structure shall be cleared from the land. For purposes of this section, a nonconforming sign is "destroyed" if damaged to an extent that the cost of repairing the sign to its former stature or replacing it with an equivalent sign equals or exceeds the value (tax value if listed for tax purposes) of the sign so damaged.
(e) 
The message of a nonconforming sign may be changed so long as this does not create any new nonconformities (for example, by creating an off-premises sign under circumstances where such a sign would not be allowed).
(f) 
Subject to the other provisions of this section, nonconforming signs may be repaired and renovated so long as the cost of such work does not exceed within any 12-month period 50 percent of the value (tax value if listed for tax purposes) of such sign.
(g) 
If a nonconforming sign other than a billboard advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction, or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall be removed within 30 days after such abandonment by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other party having control over such sign.
(h) 
If a nonconforming billboard remains blank for a continuous period of 180 days, that billboard shall be deemed abandoned and shall, within 30 days after such abandonment, be altered to comply with this chapter or be removed by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other person having control over such sign. For purposes of this section, a sign is "blank" if:
(1) 
It advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction, or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted; or
(2) 
The advertising message it displays becomes illegible in whole or substantial part; or
(3) 
The advertising copy paid for by a party other than the sign owner or promoting an interest other than the rental of the sign has been removed.
(i) 
The burden of establishing a sign to be legally nonconforming or not destroyed under this section rests upon the person or persons, firm, or corporation claiming legal status for a sign.
(j) 
As soon as reasonably possible after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title, the Planning Director shall make every reasonable effort to identify all the nonconforming signs within the City's planning jurisdiction. The director shall then contact the person responsible for each such sign (as well as the owner of the property where the nonconforming sign is located, if different from the former) and inform such person (1) that the sign is nonconforming, (2) how it is nonconforming, (3) what must be done to correct it and by what date, and (4) the consequences of failure to make the necessary corrections. The Planning Director shall keep complete records of all correspondence, communications, and other actions taken with respect to such nonconforming signs. However, performing these actions in no way releases the sign owner from the burden established in subsection (i) of this section.
(Ord. 468, 1995; Ord. 497, 1995; Ord. 661, Sec. 4, 2002; Ord. 799, Sec. 2, 2009; Ord. 811, Sec. 65, 2010; Ord. 1179, Sec. 19, 2024)