A. 
Purpose. This Chapter establishes sign regulations to:
1. 
Provide each sign user an opportunity for effective identification by limiting the number and area of signs allowed on all sites.
2. 
Maintain and enhance the quality of the City's appearance by limiting off-premises signs to avoid clutter.
3. 
Enable users of goods and services to readily identify establishments offering services to meet their needs.
4. 
Regulate the number and size of signs according to standards consistent with the types of establishments in each zoning district.
5. 
Protect residential zoning districts from adverse impacts from excessive signs of adjoining nonresidential zoning districts.
6. 
Provide fair and equitable regulations throughout the City.
7. 
Provide substantial compliance with Citywide Sign Design Guidelines.
8. 
Minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property, including streets, roads, and highways.
9. 
Regulate signs in a manner so they do not physically interfere with or obstruct the vision of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
10. 
Avoid unnecessary and time-consuming approval requirements for certain minor or temporary signs that do not require review for compliance with the City's Building and Electrical Codes, while limiting the size and number of such signs so as to minimize visual clutter.
11. 
Respect and protect the right of free speech by sign display, while reasonably regulating the structural, locational, and other noncommunicative aspects of signs.
12. 
Regulate signs in a constitutional manner, which is content-neutral as to noncommercial signs.
B. 
Applicability. The standards of this Chapter apply to signs in all zoning districts. Only the signs authorized by this Chapter shall be allowed.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
Owner's Consent. The consent of the property owner or person in control or possession of the real property is required before any sign may be placed on any private property in the City.
B. 
Noncommercial Signs. Noncommercial signs are subject to the same sign standards established in this Chapter as commercial signs. An approval is required for a permanent noncommercial sign only when a permanent commercial sign has not been previously approved. For purposes of this Chapter, all noncommercial speech messages are deemed to be "on site," regardless of location.
C. 
Substitution of Noncommercial Message. A noncommercial message of any type may be substituted for all or part of the commercial or noncommercial message on any sign allowed under this Chapter. No special or additional approval is required to substitute a noncommercial message for any other message on an allowable sign, provided the sign structure is already approved, or exempt from the approval requirements, and no structural or electrical change is made. Substituted messages are subject to the same design, locational, and structural regulations (e.g., color, materials, size, height, illumination, maintenance, duration of display), and all Building and Electrical Code requirements, as would apply if the sign were used to display a commercial message.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
General Requirement. No temporary or permanent sign shall be erected or displayed without a Sign Permit or Temporary Sign Permit, unless the sign is exempt under Section 18.95.040 (Exempt Signs). See Chapter 18.140 (Sign Permit) and Chapter 18.145 (Temporary Sign Permit) for permit processes and procedures.
B. 
Removal, Modification, or Relocation. The Zoning Administrator may require the removal, modification, or relocation of an existing sign as a condition of Sign Permit or Temporary Sign Permit approval if one of the following is found to be true:
1. 
The proposed sign would be located on a site with an existing sign violation; or
2. 
The approval of the Sign Permit or Temporary Sign Permit would result in a violation of the sign regulations established in this Chapter.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
The following signs are exempt from the regulations of this Chapter unless approved as part of a Master Sign Program under Section 18.95.110 (Master Sign Program).
A. 
Addresses and Name Plates. The following signs are intended to assist in identifying and locating a site.
1. 
Residential. Occupant name, street numbers, and street name signs as required by the Building Code or local fire protection district.
2. 
Nonresidential. Signs for commercial, office, and industrial uses not over two square feet in area that display business information limited to business identification, addresses, hours of operation, phone numbers, accepted forms of payment, and trade associations.
3. 
Nonilluminated wall sign not over two square feet in area, displaying the name of the occupant or resident, or the address at the entrance of each business occupant space.
B. 
Building Signs. Signs with the name of a building, date of erection, commemorative tablet, or similar content, when made of or carved into a permanent-type of material (e.g., stone, concrete, bronze, aluminum) and is an integral part of the structure. Such a sign may not exceed four square feet in area and may not be illuminated.
C. 
Construction Signs. Construction signs with a maximum total size of 24 square feet per individual frontage for commercial, office, and industrial zoning districts and 12 square feet per frontage for residential zoning districts. No freestanding construction sign shall exceed five feet in height. Construction signs shall be removed within 30 working days following the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
D. 
Directional or Informational Signs. On-site directional signs shall meet all the following standards:
1. 
Do not exceed one double-faced sign;
2. 
Do not exceed four square feet in area;
3. 
Do not exceed 80 inches in height measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign face area and 104 inches from the ground to the tallest portion of the sign.
4. 
Does not include advertising material.
E. 
Door Signs. Exterior door signs in a nonresidential zoning district where the total area covered by signs (including exempt signs) is five square feet or less for each door.
F. 
Flags. Official flags of the nation, the State of California, other states of the Nation, or City government flags mounted or flown no higher than the maximum building height of the underlying zoning district.
G. 
Holiday Decorations. Holiday decorations, not advertising a product or sale, that are on display for a maximum of 60 consecutive days, no more than two times per calendar year. A holiday decoration that includes advertising is a regulated sign under this Chapter.
H. 
Interior Signs. Signs within a building five feet or more from a window.
I. 
Lottery Signs. Signs for the California State Lottery, approved by the Lottery Commission for display by lottery game retailers.
J. 
Personal Property Sales Signs. Signs not exceeding six square feet and erected on private property for no more than three consecutive days six times per calendar year.
K. 
Product Sign. Signs manufactured as a standard, integral part of a mass-produced product accessory to a commercial or public or semipublic use, including a telephone booth, vending machine, automated teller machine, gasoline pump, newspaper rack, and bus shelter sign.
L. 
Public Agency Sign. Signs placed by a public agency on property owned by that agency.
M. 
Public Interest Sign. Signs erected by a public agency, including public information, identification, directional signs, the City's information A-frame signs, and banner signs erected on public property under the City banner policy.
N. 
Public Notice. Notices posted by a utility or other public or quasi-public agent in the performance of a public duty or by any person giving due legal notice.
O. 
Real Estate Sign. Temporary signs on private property in any zoning district being offered for sale, rental, or lease subject to the following requirements.
1. 
Residential Uses. In residential zoning districts or residential areas of PUD, HPUD, and PPD zoning districts, one on-site real estate sign is allowed that does not exceed six square feet.
2. 
Nonresidential Uses. In nonresidential zoning districts, one temporary on-site real estate sign is allowed that does not exceed 32 square feet.
3. 
Any freestanding sign shall not exceed six feet in height. The sign shall be removed within seven working days following the sale (close of escrow), lease, or rental of the property.
4. 
During the construction of and initial opening of a multi-family residential development or single-family residential subdivisions with three or more homes, up to 24 square feet of sign area for temporary on-site real estate signs is allowed.
5. 
Up to four off-site open house signs are allowed to be placed as necessary at street intersections leading to the open house, plus one on-site real estate company open house sign, provided the following requirements are met.
a. 
Each sign shall not exceed four square feet in area and three feet in height.
b. 
Sign shall only be displayed on the weekends or for the Contra Costa Association of Realtors-sponsored broker's open house.
c. 
Only one sign is allowed per intersection regardless of the number of open houses in the direction indicated by the sign.
d. 
No temporary off-site directional real estate sign shall be located on a wall or fence in the public right-of-way, on a utility pole, or on a public street, median strip, traffic island, public landscaped area, sidewalk or private property without permission of the owner.
P. 
Recycling Facility Sign. Signs on a machine in a recycling facility not over four square feet in area, identifying the type of material to be deposited, operating instructions, and the name and phone number of the operator.
Q. 
Service Station Sign. Gasoline service station fuel pump identification and/or price signs located on the pump top or pump face and not exceeding two square feet in area.
R. 
State Inspection Sign. One official State inspection sign constructed of a permanent material for each type of inspection service offered on site, located flat against the wall of a building and not exceeding four square feet in area.
S. 
Temporary Noncommercial Signs. Signs that comply with Section 18.95.090 (Temporary Sign Standards).
T. 
Vehicle or Trailer Sign. An identification sign painted on or affixed to a vehicle or trailer only when all of the following apply:
1. 
The vehicle or trailer is legally parked within a single, delineated parking space; and
2. 
The sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer. The following criteria may be used in determining whether the sign is indeed incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer:
a. 
The sign is painted upon or applied in a permanent manner directly to an integral part of the vehicle or trailer or merely temporarily attached to the vehicle;
b. 
The vehicle or trailer is in operating condition, currently registered and licensed to operate on public streets when applicable;
c. 
While the business is open, the vehicle is not moved and the vehicle is so parked or placed that the signs thereon are displayed to the public;
d. 
The vehicle or trailer is regularly parked in a location and in a manner so that it can be observed by passersby;
e. 
The vehicle or trailer is actively used as a vehicle in the daily function of the business to which such signs relate;
f. 
The vehicle or trailer is associated with, and necessary to, performing a service at the property in which the vehicle or trailer is located; and
g. 
The sign includes directional language that would only be applicable if parked in the vicinity of the use.
It is not necessary that any one or all the listed criteria be present in order to determine that a vehicle sign falls into the exempt or prohibited category; the criteria are intended to guide City staff toward making consistent determinations on the matter.
U. 
Window Signs. Window signs in a nonresidential zoning district are allowed if the total window area covered by signs (including exempt signs) is 30% or less of the window area. For the purposes of this Section, "window area" means the window area of a single business, on each building elevation. Glass doors are excluded from the calculation of window area.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
Unless otherwise exempt, the following types of signs and locations of signs are prohibited:
A. 
Signs located in a required setback adjoining a street property line in violation of Section 18.55.070 (Traffic Safety Visibility Area).
B. 
Signs with lighting, colors, design, or text that could be confused with a public traffic directional sign or control device.
C. 
Signs which include obscene matter in violation of California Penal Code Section 311 et seq.
D. 
Exterior signs made of materials which are impermanent and will not stand exposure to weather, unless it is a temporary sign.
E. 
Roof signs.
F. 
Outdoor advertising structure signs and/or signs located within a public right-of-way except for the following:
1. 
Signs associated with a City-approved bus shelter or bench; or
2. 
Signs located within the Downtown Specific Plan area and approved by the City Engineer.
G. 
Signs placed on, painted, or affixed to a vehicle or trailer which is parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property visible from a public right-of-way, if the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or business, or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or other property.
H. 
Electronic readerboard signs larger than two square feet used as a window sign or if located on the exterior of a structure. Electronic service station fuel price signs are not considered to be "readerboard" signs.
I. 
Balloon or similar inflated sign, except with a Temporary Sign Permit under Section 18.95.100 (Standards for Other Types of Temporary Commercial Signs).
J. 
Signs advertising tobacco products except as allowed in Section 9.45.230 (Restrictions on the advertising of tobacco products – Exceptions).
K. 
Commercial signs that are animated and/or moving, including mechanically or human powered or held signs within the public right-of-way, and any mechanically powered animated and/or moving commercial sign on private property, except as allowed in Section 18.95.070 (Specific Sign Standards), given that the movement associated with such signs is particularly distracting to motorists and thus, poses traffic safety hazards.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
Applicability. Maximum sign area regulations established in this Section apply to wall signs and multiple-story office signs. They do not apply to freestanding signs, window signs, off-premises signs, shingle signs, temporary signs, or exempt signs.
B. 
Maximum Sign Area. All wall signs and multiple-story office signs shall comply with the maximum sign areas specified in Table 18.95-A: Maximum Sign Areas:
Table 18.95-A: Maximum Wall Sign Areas
Zoning District
Maximum Sign Area
Residential zones
8 square feet per street frontage.
If a Sign Permit is approved, up to 32 square feet per street frontage is allowed as reasonable and necessary for identification of any of the following uses: Convalescent facility; cemetery; place of assembly; congregate care – general; cultural institution; day care – general; hospital; religious institution; private school; or subdivision community identification.
NB, RB, PAO, C and LI
1 square foot for each linear foot of building frontage.
Mixed use zones
Residential components within a mixed-use zone are subject to the same maximum wall sign area provisions as residential zones.
Commercial components within a mixed-use zone are subject to the same maximum wall sign area provisions as NB, RB, PAO, and C zones.
REC
If a Sign Permit is approved, up to 32 square feet per street frontage is allowed as reasonable and necessary for identification
C. 
Calculating Maximum Wall Sign Area. In determining compliance with maximum sign area, the following general regulations apply:
1. 
Only one side of a building shall be used in calculating the building frontage. The Zoning Administrator may designate another side of a building as the building frontage if it is determined that:
a. 
The primary access to the tenant spaces is from a side facing an interior side lot line; and
b. 
The interior lot line is longer than the front lot line.
2. 
Only the street frontage that is developed or approved for development is counted for purposes of determining the maximum allowable sign area. Vacant land reserved for future development is not counted.
3. 
No sign or sign area allowed on one tenant's building frontage shall be transferred to another tenant's building frontage within a shopping center or other multi-tenant structure or development except in accordance with a Master Sign Program prepared under Section 18.95.110 (Master Sign Program).
4. 
The sign area shall be measured using the simplest geometric shape that will encompass the extreme limits of the sign. Negative space that is bounded by sign elements shall be counted in the total sign area.
5. 
The background area of panel signs (area surrounding the lettering) shall not be included in the calculation of total sign area, provided that the background of the panel complies with the following standards:
a. 
Does not contain text;
b. 
Is designed to be architecturally compatible with the building façade;
c. 
Is proportionate to the size of the sign lettering; and
d. 
Is compatible with the colors, materials, and design of the sign.
Figure 18.95-1
Wall Sign Area Management
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
Freestanding Signs. The following standards apply to freestanding signs.
1. 
Freestanding signs shall not exceed the maximum sign areas established in Table 18.95-B (Maximum Freestanding Sign Areas by Zoning District).
Table 18.95-B: Maximum Freestanding Sign Areas by Zoning District
Zoning District
Maximum Size
Residential zones, OS, and REC
0.5 square foot for each lineal foot of street frontage up to a maximum of 16 square feet on one face or 32 square feet on two faces. A freestanding sign is only allowed for the uses listed in Section 18.95.060B.
NB, RB and C
0.5 square foot for each lineal foot of street frontage up to a maximum of 32 square feet on one face or 64 square feet on two faces.
If the street frontage exceeds 250 feet, one additional freestanding sign is allowed, not to exceed 32 square feet on one face or 64 square feet on two faces.
PAO and LI
0.5 square foot for each lineal foot of street frontage up to a maximum of 16 square feet on one face or 32 square feet on 2 faces.
Mixed-use zones
Residential components of a mixed-use zone are subject to the same maximum freestanding sign area provisions as residential zones.
Commercial components of a mixed-use zone are subject to the same maximum freestanding sign area provisions as NB, RB, and C zones
2. 
Calculating Maximum Freestanding Sign Area. The surface area of a freestanding sign shall be calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of all framing, writing, logo, representation, emblem, or other display within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles with no more than eight lines. See Figure 18.95-2 (Sign Area Measurement).
Figure 18.95-2
Sign Area Measurement
B. 
Other Regulations. A freestanding sign may not:
1. 
Be closer than 30 feet to another freestanding sign or to a projecting sign;
2. 
Be closer to an interior property line than one-half its height;
3. 
Extend over a public right-of-way nor be located on the same frontage as a projecting sign extending over a public right-of-way;
4. 
Be placed outside of a landscaped area;
5. 
Exceed eight feet in height in a nonresidential zoning district or exceed six feet in height in a residential zoning district;
6. 
Be considered a double-faced sign unless the two faces are an integral part of a single sign and the sign faces are designed to be identical in size and located back to back on opposite parallel planes.
C. 
Illumination and Movement. The following regulations apply to signs that are illuminated or move.
1. 
No sign may have exposed fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs unless determined by the Sign Permit review authority to be an enhancement to the design of the sign and complementary to the architecture of the building facade.
2. 
Signs indirectly illuminated shall use white or amber colored lights.
3. 
Signs directly visible from a residential zoning district shall not be illuminated between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except during the hours the business is open.
4. 
No movement or apparent movement of, or in, a sign or change in intensity of sign illumination is allowed, except for the following if consistent with the other provisions of this Chapter:
a. 
Time or temperature signs.
b. 
Theater canopy signs.
c. 
Electronic readerboard signs located inside a building and within three feet of a window if the total aggregate area of all electronic readerboard signs at any business location does not exceed two square feet.
D. 
Multiple-Story Office Signs. An office building at least three stories in height may have a multiple-story office sign to identify the building if:
1. 
The sign is located below the top of the parapet at a height and scale architecturally in harmony with the building;
2. 
There is only one identification sign per building;
3. 
Only individual letters or a logo are used and there are no cabinet or can signs. If lighted, the letters shall be internally illuminated;
4. 
The sign is not indirectly illuminated;
5. 
The sign complies with the maximum sign area established in Section 18.95.060 (Maximum Wall Sign Area).
E. 
Off-Premises Signs. An outdoor sign advertising a business, product, or service not sold on the premises is not allowed, unless:
1. 
The sign is needed to provide visibility of the business(es) from the nearest arterial or commercial collector street; and
2. 
The sign is not located in a residential zoning district.
F. 
Projecting Signs. A projecting sign (also referred to as a "shingle" or "blade" sign) shall:
1. 
Be set back at least five feet from an interior side property line, if applicable;
2. 
Not exceed four square feet in area;
3. 
Be at least seven and one-half feet, but not more than 20 feet, above the surface over which it projects, or not less than 14 feet above a vehicular passageway; and
4. 
Not project above an apparent eave or parapet, including the eave of a simulated mansard roof.
G. 
Theater or Cinema Sign. A Sign Permit may be issued for a theater or cinema sign deviating from the standards of this Section, including a marquee with changeable letters, brighter lights, or other features.
H. 
Wall Signs. A wall sign, or the painting or decorating of a building with the purpose of advertising a message, shall comply with the maximum sign area requirements established in Section 18.95.060 (Maximum Wall Sign Area) and shall not:
1. 
Project above an eave or parapet, including the eave of a simulated mansard roof;
2. 
Project more than six inches from the face of the building; or
I. 
Window Signs. Window signs are exempt from Sign Permit review, provided the following standards are met:
1. 
The window sign does not cover up more than 30% of the total window area for each building frontage (glass doors are not included in the calculation of total window area); and
2. 
The window sign is not located in a residential zoning district, nor directly facing a residential zoning district.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
In reviewing sign applications, the Architectural Review Commission shall ensure that all signs are in substantial compliance with the sign guidelines established in the Citywide Design Guidelines.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
Temporary Freestanding Sign Standards.
1. 
General. Temporary freestanding signs are allowed as follows:
a. 
Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts.
i. 
Commercial Signs. The Zoning Administrator may issue a Temporary Sign Permit for a temporary commercial freestanding or a portable sign subject to the requirements of Section 18.95.100 (Standards for Other Types of Temporary Commercial Signs).
ii. 
Noncommercial Signs. A temporary freestanding noncommercial sign is allowed if it complies with the standards in Subsections B through C of this Section. No Temporary Sign Permit is required.
b. 
Residential and REC Zoning Districts.
i. 
Commercial Signs. No temporary freestanding commercial sign is allowed in a residential zoning district, except for an exempt real estate sign under Section 18.95.040 (Exempt Signs). Real estate signs are not permitted in the REC zoning district.
ii. 
Noncommercial Signs. A temporary freestanding noncommercial sign is allowed in a residential zoning district or the REC district if it complies with Subsections B through C of this Section. A temporary freestanding noncommercial sign may be displayed as a temporary freestanding sign or as a building wall or fence mounted banner. No Temporary Sign Permit is required.
c. 
Mixed-Use Zoning Districts.
i. 
Residential. Residential components of a mixed-use zoning district are subject to the temporary freestanding sign standards for residential zoning districts established in Subsection A.1.b of this Section.
ii. 
Commercial. Commercial components of a mixed-use zoning district are subject to the temporary freestanding sign standards for commercial zoning districts established in Subsection A.1.a of this Section.
d. 
Dimensions. Table 18.95-C (Temporary Freestanding Sign Standards – Noncommercial) establishes standards for allowable size, aggregate area, spacing, and sign display duration for temporary freestanding noncommercial signs:
Table 18.95-C: Temporary Freestanding Sign Standards – Noncommercial
Standard
Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
Residential and REC Zoning Districts
Properties with up to 150 feet of lineal street frontage3
Properties with over 150 feet of lineal street frontage3
Maximum Area per Sign Face (single or double-sided)
16 square feet
6 square feet
25 square feet
Maximum Aggregate Area for All Signs
64 square feet1
25 square feet
25 square feet
Maximum Individual Letter Height
Not to exceed 50% of sign face height or 12 inches whichever is greater
Not to exceed 50% of sign face height or 12 inches whichever is greater
Not to exceed 50% of sign face height or 12 inches whichever is greater
Maximum Size of Any Graphic, Emblem, Logo or Photograph
Not to exceed 30% of sign face area
Not to exceed 30% of sign face area
Not to exceed 30% of sign face area
Minimum Distance Between Temporary Freestanding Noncommercial Signs
Multiple signs, regardless of spacing, arranged to appear as one sign to convey a single message or image, are prohibited.
Multiple signs, regardless of spacing, arranged to appear as one sign to convey a single message or image, are prohibited.
Multiple signs, regardless of spacing, arranged to appear as one sign to convey a single message or image, are prohibited.
Maximum Height
8 feet
6 feet
6 feet
Sign Display Duration4
Up to 65 days, two times per year, or up to 30 days, six times per year, or any combination of the above that does not exceed a total of 195 days per year, all with at least 30 days between each display period2
Up to 65 days, two times per year, or up to 30 days, six times per year, or any combination of the above that does not exceed a total of 195 days per year, all with at least 30 days between each display period2
Up to 65 days, two times per year, or up to 30 days, six times per year, or any combination of the above that does not exceed a total of 195 days per year, all with at least 30 days between each display period2
NOTE: Mixed-use zones. Residential components of a mixed-use zoning district are subject to the standards for residential zoning districts, and commercial components of a mixed-use zoning district are subject to the standards for commercial zoning districts.
1 – The aggregate sign area applies whether the signs are located on an individual lot or within a single commercial shopping center, business park, industrial park or other complex of related buildings.
2 – Sign text changes may occur within each occurrence.
3 – When a property (lot) has more than one street frontage, only one is used to calculate street frontage.
4 – A record of sign display dates shall be maintained by the person displaying the sign and available to the city for review upon request.
B. 
Location.
1. 
A temporary freestanding noncommercial sign shall not be attached to a utility or light pole, tree, or other vegetation, except that a temporary freestanding noncommercial sign may be displayed as a banner temporarily affixed to poles (other than utility poles or light poles) placed on private property solely for the purpose of displaying temporary signage or as a building wall mounted banner.
2. 
A temporary freestanding noncommercial sign shall not obstruct or pose the threat of obstructing vehicular or pedestrian travel. The sign shall be located in compliance with the requirements of Section 18.55.070 (Traffic Safety Visibility Area).
3. 
A temporary freestanding noncommercial sign is not allowed in or over the public right-of-way (including public streets, alleys, sidewalks and unpaved areas). Except, in residential and REC zoning districts, a temporary freestanding noncommercial sign may be placed within the privately maintained portion of the public right-of-way that extends beyond the edge of sidewalk (or, beyond the edge of curb if no sidewalk exists) in the front setback, provided that it does not block or impede public or vehicular access, parking, traffic safety visibility area, utility access, or disabled access, and does not otherwise create a hazard or public nuisance.
C. 
Temporary Portable Freestanding Signs. A temporary portable freestanding sign ("A-frame," "H-frame," or similar sign):
1. 
May be approved by the zoning administrator subject to compliance with design, siting and locational criteria established by the zoning administrator or as specified in an approved master sign program.
2. 
May not be located within any public right-of-way (except in the Downtown Specific Plan area subject to approval by the city engineer).
3. 
May not be located within areas regulated to preserve sight distance (see PHMC § 18.55.070).
4. 
May be approved for display with a temporary sign permit for no more than 20 calendar days, up to six times each calendar year.
D. 
Temporary freestanding noncommercial signs shall not be lighted.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
Temporary Commercial Wall Signs. A Temporary Sign Permit may be approved for a temporary commercial wall sign if all the following standards are met:
1. 
Sign Area. The temporary wall sign area shall not exceed a maximum of 25 square feet. Buildings with a frontage more than 100 linear feet, the maximum temporary wall sign area may be increased at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator, not to exceed the maximum sign area allowed under Section 18.95.060 (Maximum Wall Sign Area).
2. 
Sign Width. The temporary wall sign width shall not exceed two-thirds of the width of the storefront.
3. 
Number of Signs. No more than two temporary wall signs shall be displayed at any one time, and they shall not face in the same direction.
4. 
Attachment. The temporary wall sign shall be securely attached to a wall, fascia, or window of the structure.
5. 
Duration. The Temporary Sign Permit shall not allow a temporary wall sign to be displayed for more than 20 calendar days, six times each calendar year.
6. 
Purpose. The temporary sign is necessary to:
a. 
Advertise a special event, promotion, sale, or other temporary activity;
b. 
Maintain identity while a Sign Permit application is pending and until a permanent sign is erected;
c. 
Warn of a temporary, dangerous condition; or
d. 
Advertise a temporary use allowed by a Temporary Use Permit.
B. 
Other Commercial Temporary Signs. A Temporary Sign Permit may be issued for a flashing sign, searchlight, flag, pennant, streamer, spinner, air blown, or similar device. For these types of signs, the Temporary Sign Permit may be issued for no more than seven days, six times per calendar year.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
General Requirement. A site with more than four nonresidential tenants or proposing a renovation of more than 5,000 square feet shall have an approved Master Sign Program in accordance with Chapter 18.150 (Master Sign Program) before issuance of any occupancy permit and before any permanent sign is placed or modified.
The owner of an existing development may submit a Master Sign Program to be reviewed and approved by the Architectural Review Commission.
B. 
Variations. A Master Sign Program may include certain variations from the standards of this Chapter subject to the following:
1. 
The Master Sign Program shall conform to the maximum sign area requirements of Section 18.95.060 (Maximum Wall Sign Area). The Architectural Review Commission may allow an increase in maximum wall sign area for individual tenants, provided that the overall allowable wall sign area for the project site is not exceeded. In addition, for a multiple building site, sign area may be transferred from one building frontage to another if the transfer does not exceed 50% of the area allowed for a particular frontage or tenant;
2. 
The Master Sign Program may allow more than one freestanding sign per lot;
3. 
The Master Sign Program may allow for decorative, "nongeneric," temporary freestanding signs (such as "A" or "H" frames, menu boards, and small temporary promotional signs) on the premises. In the Downtown Specific Plan area, such signs may be allowed in the public right-of-way subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. Such temporary freestanding signs shall comply with the following standards:
a. 
Be limited to locations that would not impair or obstruct public access, disabled access, parking, loading, and/or required intersection or driveway visibility.
b. 
Not be permanently attached to the ground or any other fence, wall or structure.
c. 
The design, size, location, number, and spacing of such signs are subject to Architectural Review Commission approval.
4. 
Conflicting Standards. In the case that the Master Sign Program has more restrictive requirements, including methods of measurement, than prescribed by this Chapter, the Master Sign Program shall be controlling.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
The Architectural Review Commission may approve minor adjustments involving not more than a 20% change from any provision of this Chapter as part of approval of a Sign Permit, except that a greater number of signs is not allowed.
B. 
Before approval of a minor adjustment, the Architectural Review Commission shall find that the adjustment complies with all the following standards:
1. 
Is consistent with the intent of the specific purposes of this Chapter;
2. 
Will not adversely affect adjacent properties or tenants; and
3. 
Is necessary due to practical difficulties involved in the strict application of the standards of this Title to the project site or would result in a superior, more creative design.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
The Planning Commission may approve major adjustments involving more than a 20% change from any provision of this Chapter through approval of a Use Permit.
B. 
Before approval of a Use Permit for a major sign adjustment, the Planning Commission shall make the following findings in addition to the findings required by Chapter 18.155 (Use Permit):
1. 
The adjustment is consistent with the intent of the specific purposes of this Chapter;
2. 
The adjustment will not adversely affect adjacent properties or tenants; and
3. 
The adjustment is necessary due to practical difficulties involved in the strict application of the standards of this Title to the project site or would result in a superior, more creative design.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
Maintenance. Each sign shall be:
1. 
Maintained in a secure and safe condition;
2. 
Maintained in good repair; and
3. 
Cleaned, painted, and replaced as necessary to present a neat appearance.
B. 
Abandoned or Obsolete Sign. An on-premises sign advertising an activity, business, service or product shall be removed within 45 calendar days after a business is no longer in operation. If the sign is not so removed, the code enforcement officer may have the sign removed in accordance with the public nuisance abatement provisions of Pleasant Hill Municipal Code Chapter 7.05, and the property owner will be held responsible for the cost of removal. Any prior exceptions, adjustments, modifications or variances granted for the abandoned or obsolete sign are void 45 calendar days after the business is no longer in operation.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)
A. 
If the City determines that a sign is not secure, safe, or in a good state of repair, it shall give written notice to the person responsible for the sign. If the defect is not corrected within the time allowed by the City, the City may revoke the Sign Permit or Temporary Sign Permit to maintain the sign and may remove the sign in accordance with the public nuisance abatement provisions of Chapter 7.05 (Public Nuisances).
B. 
Illegal Signs. An illegal sign is any sign in violation of this Chapter including, but not limited to, the following:
1. 
A sign erected or displayed without a Sign Permit, unless the sign is exempt under Section 18.95.040 (Exempt Signs);
2. 
A sign which is prohibited under Section 18.95.050 (Prohibited Signs);
3. 
A sign which is a danger to the public or which is unsafe;
4. 
A sign which is not properly maintained, abandoned, or obsolete under Section 18.95.140 (Maintenance, Abandonment, and Obsolete Signs); or
C. 
Abatement.
1. 
An illegal sign violates this Zoning Ordinance and is considered a public nuisance and may be abated in accordance with any enforcement procedure established in Chapter 18.190 (Development Agreement), or the public nuisance abatement procedures established in Chapter 7.05 (Public Nuisances). The cost of abatement is the responsibility of the owner. Each person who erects or maintains a sign which is subject to removal is jointly and severally liable for the cost of removal.
2. 
In addition to all other remedies, the City has a lien upon the sign which it removes for the cost of removal and may, but is not required to, keep possession of the sign until the owner redeems it by paying the cost of removal. The City may dispose of the sign 30 calendar days after removal without further liability to the owner by giving the owner notice that the owner may redeem the sign by paying the cost of removal.
3. 
An illegal sign on public property may be summarily removed without prior notice to the owner.
(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)