Division III. General Regulations
Chapter 15.34
SIGNS1
Sections:
15.34.020 Enforcement authority.
15.34.030 Inventory of illegal and abandoned signs.
15.34.040 Abatement of illegal and abandoned signs.
15.34.050 Penalty for violation.
15.34.060 General requirements.
15.34.080 Master sign programs.
15.34.090 Nonconforming signs and amortization.
15.34.100 Computation of sign area.
15.34.120 Permanent signs in nonresidential districts.
15.34.130 Permanent signs in residential districts.
15.34.140 Temporary signs in all districts.
15.34.160 Substitution of sign message.
15.34.010 Purpose and intent.
A. Statement. The purpose of this chapter is to establish standards for the uniform regulation of signs and sign structures in order to maintain and improve the quality of the visual environment within the city while providing for the effective identification of businesses and other activities. The procedures and regulations of this chapter are intended to:
1. Ensure that signs erected within the city are compatible with their surroundings and are in keeping with the goals and objectives of the general plan.
2. Aid in the identification of properties, land uses and businesses.
3. Promote commerce, traffic safety, and community identity while also promoting and enhancing the quality of the visual environment of the city.
4. Protect and enhance property values.
5. Lessen the objectionable effects of competition in the placement and size of signs.
6. Reduce hazards to motorists and pedestrians.
7. Avoid visual clutter.
8. Provide procedures and standards to control the location, size, type, number, and all other matters pertaining to signs within the city. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A)].
15.34.020 Enforcement authority.
The planning director is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all provisions of this chapter in accordance with the enforcement provisions of the municipal code. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.030].
15.34.030 Inventory of illegal and abandoned signs.
After the adoption of this chapter, the director may conduct an inventory and identification of all illegal or abandoned signs within the city.
The city may impose reasonable fees upon all owners or lessees of on-premises business advertising displays for the purpose of covering its actual costs of inventorying and identifying illegal or abandoned advertising displays within the city. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.040].
15.34.040 Abatement of illegal and abandoned signs.
A. Every illegal or abandoned sign identified in the inventory required by AVMC 15.34.030 and every illegal or abandoned sign hereafter identified shall be deemed to constitute a public nuisance.
B. The director is authorized to abate all illegal or abandoned signs pursuant to the procedures set out in this code and applicable provisions of the California Business and Professions Code.
C. An illegal sign posted in the public right-of-way or upon public property may be removed by the director or by a city code enforcement officer. Such a sign shall be retained at City Hall for a period of not less than three working days, during which time the sign may be retrieved by the sign owner upon the payment of a fee established by resolution of the city council to cover the city’s cost of removal and retention of such signs. Thereafter, any unclaimed signs shall be destroyed or discarded. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.050].
Cross-reference: nuisances, AVMC 8.24.010.
15.34.050 Penalty for violation.
A. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a violation may be prosecuted through the civil citation procedures set out in this municipal code.
B. Each day a violation of this chapter is committed or continues is a separate offense. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.060].
Cross-reference: violations and penalties generally, Chapter 1.06 AVMC.
15.34.060 General requirements.
A. Permitted Permanent Signs. Permanent signs may be permitted pursuant to the permit procedures set out in this chapter and shall be governed by the standards set out for each category of sign. In addition to such standards, consideration shall be given to building setbacks, landscaping, visibility of the sign on the site, and the proposed sign’s relationship to the overall appearance of the property and to the surrounding neighborhood. Compatible design, simplicity, and readability shall also be used as guidelines for sign approval. In calculating the total number and square footage of signs permitted, both commercial and noncommercial signs shall be counted.
B. Permission of Property Owner Required. No person shall erect or cause to be erected any sign upon the property of another without the express written approval of the owner of such property. All such signs shall comply with the size and square footage limitations contained within this chapter and shall be removed promptly upon the request of the property owner or occupant.
C. No Off-Premises Signs. All signs shall be located on the same premises as the land use or activity identified by the sign unless expressly permitted to be off-premises in this chapter.
D. Rules on Sign Placement.
1. Signs and Rights-of-Way. Unless expressly permitted in this chapter or by sign exception, freestanding signs shall not be located: (a) within, over, or across a public right-of-way; (b) within five feet of a street right-of-way or (c) within a corner cutoff area identified in AVMC 15.14.030 and 15.22.030.
2. Safety and Traffic Flow. No sign shall be located in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision and flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic as illustrated in AVMC 15.14.030(F) and 15.22.030(D).
3. Utility Lines. No sign shall be located closer to overhead utility lines than the distance prescribed by California law or by the rules promulgated by agencies of the state or by the applicable public utility.
E. Maintenance Required. All signs permitted pursuant to this chapter shall be maintained in good repair, functioning properly, and free from all defects, including, but not limited to, cracking, rusting, and peeling. Signs not so maintained shall be deemed a public nuisance and may be abated pursuant to the applicable provisions of this municipal code.
F. Electrical Code and Exposed Conduits. All electrical signs shall be listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or other recognized testing agency and shall be installed in accordance with the installation instructions and with the California Electrical Code adopted by the city. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2012-146 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2011-136 §§ 22, 23; Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.070].
Cross-references: nuisances, AVMC 8.24.010; adoption of California Electrical Code, AVMC 13.02.010; sight distances at residential intersections, alleys and driveways, AVMC 15.14.030; sight distances at nonresidential intersections, alleys and driveways, AVMC 15.22.030.
15.34.070 Sign permits.
A. Sign Permit Required. A sign permit shall be required prior to the placement, movement, erection, reconstruction, alteration or display of any sign permitted pursuant to this chapter unless expressly exempted by this chapter. All signs, except where expressly exempt, shall conform to the current California Building and Electrical Codes as adopted by the city of Aliso Viejo.
B. Sign Permit Applications. Applications for sign permits shall be filed with the planning department on forms prescribed by the planning director, together with: (1) all maps, plans, documents and other materials required by the director, and (2) all required fees and deposits per Chapter 15.90 AVMC. The director shall provide the necessary forms plus written filing instructions specifying all application materials required to any requesting person at no charge. Sign permits may be combined with associated building or electrical permit forms.
C. Sign Permit Review. Sign permits shall be reviewed ministerially by the planning director pursuant to AVMC 15.70.030. However, the director may refer the permit application to the city council for review if the director determines on a case-by-case basis that the public interest would be served by such referral. Such referrals shall be made within 10 days of determination that the sign permit application is complete pursuant to subsection (B) of this section. Actions by the director may be appealed pursuant to AVMC 15.70.080. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2012-146 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2012-141 § 19; Ord. 2012-140 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.080].
15.34.080 Master sign programs.
A. Purpose. The purpose of a master sign program is to encourage creative, coordinated, innovative, and attractive sign design for residential, commercial, office, industrial, and business park projects.
B. Modified Standards. In order to serve the purposes set out in subsection (A) of this section, signs in an approved master sign program may deviate from the standards set out in this chapter, provided all requirements of this section are satisfied, except for prohibited signs.
C. Applicability and Review Authority. In order to serve the purposes set out in subsection (A) of this section, sign programs shall be required when expressly provided in this chapter or when required by an existing master sign program. In addition, owners of existing or future planned development projects may apply for approval of a master sign program pursuant to this section. Master sign programs shall be approved by the director, unless otherwise specified in this chapter. The director may refer the application to the city council if the director determines on a case-by-case basis that the public interest would be served by such referral.
D. Submission Requirements. In addition to the requirements of AVMC 15.34.070 (Sign permits), applications for master sign programs and for additions or modifications to master sign programs shall include the following materials:
1. A letter from the property owner and property management or property owner association approving the permit and/or master sign program and authorizing the applicant, if the applicant is not the owner, to submit the master sign program application on behalf of the owner.
2. A site plan showing the footprint of all buildings. The site plan shall include a vicinity map, the location of adjacent streets, the location of all proposed signs, and the location of existing signs on the site and their dimensions and square footages.
3. Drawings and/or sketches indicating the exterior surface details of structures on the site.
4. Building elevations with height dimensions, depicting accurately dimensioned signs.
5. Color drawings to scale, indicating the sign copy size, method of illumination, height, sign area and location of all identification signs, both freestanding and building-mounted.
6. Incidental signs, such as directional and traffic control signs, directory signs, address signs, etc., including size, location and design of each such sign.
7. A written set of design standards approved by the property owner and property management or property owner association.
8. A list of signs that would be prohibited by the master sign program.
9. A refundable cash bond, deposit or equivalent acceptable to the director of administrative services in an amount established by resolution of the city council, to ensure that construction is completed according to approved plans. Final inspection approval shall include installed landscaping where required.
10. Such other information as the director reasonably deems necessary to determine compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
E. Required Findings. The following findings shall be made by the decision-making authority prior to the approval of any master sign program or any master sign program amendment:
1. Common Theme. The signage follows a common theme, incorporating similar design elements in terms of materials, letter style, colors, illumination, sign type, and sign shape.
2. Materials, Colors and Design. The signage utilizes materials, colors, and design which reflect and are consistent with the architecture of the buildings.
3. Effective Identification. The signage provides effective identification of the applicable land use(s) to patrons and the general public.
4. Consistency with General Plan. The master sign program or master sign program amendment is consistent with the goals, policies and objectives of the general plan and any applicable specific plan.
5. Consistency with Zoning Code. The master sign program or master sign program amendment conforms to the zoning code and any applicable specific plan.
6. Compliance with CEQA. Processing and approval of the permit application are in compliance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.
7. Surrounding Uses. Approval of the application will not create conditions materially detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare or injurious to or incompatible with other properties or land uses in the vicinity.
F. Removal of Nonconforming Signs. For sites with existing signs, a schedule for bringing such signs into conformance with the approved sign program may become part of the approval. A cash bond may be required to guarantee the removal of nonconforming signs.
G. Amendments. Any additions or modifications to an existing master sign program shall be considered as an application to amend an adopted master sign program. As part of the application, the director may require any and all of the submittal requirements as listed in subsection (D) (Submission Requirements) of this section.
H. Previously Approved Master Sign Programs. Master sign programs approved by the city or by the county of Orange prior to the effective date of this zoning code shall remain valid and in effect for signs covered under such programs provided the signs conform to the program’s standards. Any future modifications may be approved by the director through the master sign program amendment process. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2014-161 § 4 (Exh. A); Ord. 2012-141 § 20; Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.100].
15.34.090 Nonconforming signs and amortization.
A. Continuation of Nonconforming Signs. A nonconforming sign is any permanent or temporary sign which was legally established and maintained in conformance with the provisions of all applicable laws in effect at the time of original installation, but which does not comply with the provisions of this chapter. Such nonconforming signs may be continued and maintained subject to AVMC 15.86.020(B), provided:
1. The sign is properly maintained and does not constitute a danger to the public; and
2. The sign was covered by a valid permit or variance or complied with all applicable laws on the date of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
B. Applicability and Rules. The provisions of this section shall apply to all nonconforming signs. In addition to all other applicable provisions of this chapter, a nonconforming sign shall not be:
1. Changed to another nonconforming sign or replaced by the same nonconforming sign.
2. Structurally or electrically expanded or structurally altered unless such alteration is designed to and does bring the sign into full conformance with all current provisions of this chapter, or increases energy efficiency.
3. Relocated on the same site or to any other property.
4. Reestablished after discontinuance of use for 90 days or more.
5. Reestablished after damage or destruction of more than 50 percent of the replacement value of the sign prior to said damage or destruction.
C. Off-Site Signs. Every off-site sign becoming nonconforming as a result of the adoption of this chapter must be removed in accordance with the Outdoor Advertising Act (California Business and Professions Code Section 5200 et seq.), within five years, unless a longer period of time is deemed necessary as determined by the director based upon the cost of the sign, its depreciated value, remaining useful life, remaining length of leases, and harm to the public if the nonconforming sign remains. The amortization period may be administratively appealed as provided for in AVMC 15.34.110. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2011-131 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.110].
15.34.100 Computation of sign area.
A. Rules. Sign area shall be determined as follows:
1. Distinct Border or Boundary. For signs with a distinct border or boundary, the sign area shall be computed as the entire surface within the border, boundary, sign board, or sign face.
2. No Distinct Border or Boundary. For signs with no distinct border or boundary, the sign area shall be calculated by a simple rectilinear figure which contains all of the lettering or illustration on such sign.
3. Double-Sided Sign. The sign area of signs which have two identical faces, arranged back to back in parallel planes, shall be computed for one side only.
4. Multiple-Sided Sign. The sign area of signs which have more than one side but are not consistent with the standards for double-sided signs have a sign area equal to the sum of all sides. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.120].
15.34.110 Appeals.
Appeals on decisions pertaining to the provisions of this chapter shall be processed pursuant to the provisions of AVMC 15.70.080. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2012-141 § 21; Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.130].
15.34.120 Permanent signs in nonresidential districts.
A. Permitted Signs. Signs identified in the following table are permitted in nonresidential districts and in the nonresidential portions of specific plan and mixed-use developments subject to approval of a sign permit pursuant to AVMC 15.34.070:
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Sign Type and Placement |
Maximum Number |
Maximum Area |
Maximum Height |
Illumination |
Additional Requirements |
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Free-Standing Monument ID Signs: identifying a single-tenant building or a multi-tenant building or complex. |
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Building-Mounted Building Identification (Wall) Signs |
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Building-Mounted Business Identification (Wall) Signs – Retail Use:2 identifying individual tenants, businesses, or other establishments. |
1 flush-mounted; 1 under-canopy; or 1 awning sign.
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Flush-mounted:
Under-canopy:
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Building-Mounted Business Identification (Wall) Signs – Multi-Tenant Building with Exclusive Entries: identifying individual tenants, businesses, or other establishments. |
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Building-Mounted Business Identification (Wall) Signs – Multi-Tenant Building with Shared Entry: identifying individual tenants, businesses, or other establishments. |
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Flush-mounted:
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Directory Signs for Multi-Tenant Buildings or Complexes: exterior building-mounted or freestanding |
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Gas/Service Station Signs: identifying individual stations or “combo” uses, which may combine a gas station with a car wash, convenience store, fast food restaurant, etc. |
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Signs for Cinemas and Live Theaters |
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Community Signs1 |
Community announcement and community identification signs may be permitted subject to approval of a master sign program. If approved in the master sign program, such signs may be off-premises and may be permitted in the public right-of-way. In addition, community announcement signs may include attraction boards. |
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1 Electronic signs may contain changeable copy, but shall be limited to letters, numbers and logos. In order to mitigate distractions to motorists, no electronic or other signs may incorporate pictures, flashing copy, or animated visual effects. For projects less than 100 acres, sign copy shall be static (shall not scroll, crawl, dissolve or incorporate any other movement). For projects over 100 aggregate acres, electronic sign copy may be static or may scroll, crawl or dissolve. 2 Retail uses for the purposes of qualifying for Building-Mounted Business Identification (Wall) Signs – Retail Uses include all uses in the CT (town center commercial), CC (community commercial), CN (neighborhood commercial) and retail designated area within specific plan areas that meet the definition for retail in Chapter 15.94 AVMC. |
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[Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2015-165 § 4 (Exh. A); Ord. 2012-146 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.140].
15.34.130 Permanent signs in residential districts.
A. Permitted Signs. Signs identified in the following table are permitted in residential districts and in the residential portions of specific plan and mixed use developments subject to approval of a sign permit pursuant to AVMC 15.34.070:
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Sign Type and Placement |
Maximum Number |
Maximum Area |
Maximum Height |
Illumination |
Additional Requirements |
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Project Identification Signs: building-mounted or freestanding. |
per project entry: 1 double-faced sign or 2 single-faced signs with 1 on either side of the project entry; or
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Directory Signs for Multi-Unit Buildings or Complexes: building-mounted or freestanding. |
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[Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.150].
15.34.140 Temporary signs in all districts.
A. Permitted Signs. Temporary signs may be permitted throughout the city pursuant to this section. Such temporary signs shall require a sign permit in accordance with AVMC 15.34.070 unless exempt from permit requirements pursuant to AVMC 15.34.150. Banner signs and signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited unless expressly permitted in the following table:
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Sign Type and Placement |
Maximum Number |
Maximum Area |
Maximum Height |
Illumination |
Additional Requirements |
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Commercial Real Estate Signs: building-mounted or freestanding, advertising the sale, lease, or rental of nonresidential property upon which the sign is located. |
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The sign permit shall expire 1 year from the date of issuance or upon completion of the sale, lease or rental of the property, whichever occurs first. After 1 year, signs must be renewed through a new sign permit application. |
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Construction Signs: building- or fence-mounted or freestanding, placed on the site where construction or renovation is in progress, identifying the owner, architect, or contractor. |
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Model Home Complex Identification Signs: building-mounted or freestanding. |
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Grand-Opening and Going-Out-of-Business Signs: building-mounted signs associated with the opening or closing of a business, a new owner or a major remodeling under a building permit. |
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Seasonal Banner Signs: in nonresidential districts, either building-mounted or freestanding on parking lot light standards. |
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Special Event Signs on Private Property for Nonprofit, Noncommercial Events: building-mounted or freestanding. |
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Special Event Street Banners in the Public Right-of-Way for Nonprofit, Noncommercial Events |
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May be permitted in the public right-of-way upon approval of a sign permit subject to the following:
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[Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2011-136 § 24; Ord. 2011-131 § 3 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.160].
15.34.150 Exempt signs.
A. Applicability. The signs listed in the following table are permitted without a sign permit, nor shall their area and number be included in the aggregate area or number of signs permitted for any premises or use. However, this exemption shall not be construed as relieving the sign owner of the responsibility of: (1) obtaining any building or other permits required for sign erection, if any; (2) proper sign maintenance; or (3) compliance with applicable provisions of this chapter or of any other law or ordinance. Exempt signs shall not be placed within any public right-of-way unless expressly permitted in this chapter.
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Sign Type |
Placement |
Maximum Area |
Illumination |
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Note: In this table, “n/r” means no restriction |
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1. |
Vehicular directional signs to identify on-site circulation and street entrances and exits, excluding business identification, maximum 3 ft. high if freestanding. |
Building-mounted or freestanding. |
4 sq./ft. |
Direct or indirect. |
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2. |
Traffic, warning, directional or informational signs required or authorized by law or by a governmental authority. |
n/r; may be placed in public right-of-way. |
n/r. |
n/r. |
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3. |
Official notices posted by any court or public body or officer and notices posted by any public officer in the performance of a public duty. |
n/r; may be placed in public right-of-way. |
n/r. |
n/r. |
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4. |
Property signs (e.g., “No Trespassing,” “No Parking,” etc.) and warning signs (e.g., “High Voltage”), maximum 3 feet high if freestanding. |
Building-mounted or freestanding. |
2 sq./ft. |
Direct or indirect. |
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5. |
Signs located in the interior of any building or enclosed or screened outdoor area, such as school or college campuses, courtyards, and shopping malls, which are designed and located to be viewed exclusively from within such building or outdoor area. |
Building-mounted or freestanding. |
n/r. |
n/r. |
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6. |
Within residential districts, address placards and nameplates. |
Building-mounted. |
4 sq./ft. aggregate. |
Indirect. |
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7. |
Within residential districts, incidental temporary seasonal, holiday or decorative flags. |
Building-mounted. |
8 sq./ft. aggregate. |
Prohibited. |
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8. |
Within nonresidential districts, incidental accessory signs and placards (e.g., open/closed signs, credit card placards, help wanted signs, and similar). |
Window- or building-mounted. |
4 sq./ft. aggregate |
Direct or indirect. |
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9. |
Within nonresidential districts, incidental accessory neon signs. |
Window or building-mounted. |
8 sq./ft. aggregate |
Direct. |
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10. |
Within nonresidential districts, restaurant menu boards. |
Building-mounted. |
2 sq./ft. aggregate |
Indirect. |
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11. |
Within nonresidential districts, vending machine identification signs. |
n/r. |
8 sq./ft. |
Direct. |
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12. |
National and state flags. Such flags shall be limited to one national and one state flag per premises. The flagpole shall not exceed the maximum building height nor be located within the required setback area for the zoning district in which it is located. |
Building-mounted or freestanding. |
24 sq./ft. per flag. |
Indirect. |
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13. |
Temporary holiday murals, scenes, or decorations painted on windows of a business displayed from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Day. The display shall not include references to particular products, services, sales, or commercial events. The use of fluorescent, “day-glo,” and neon colors is prohibited. |
Building-mounted. |
n/r. |
Direct or indirect. |
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14. |
Tablets or dates of erection mounted on or cut into the surface of a wall or pedestal. |
Building-mounted or freestanding. |
2 sq./ft. |
Indirect. |
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15. |
Signs located in public parks. |
Building-mounted or freestanding. |
n/r. |
Direct or indirect. |
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16. |
Window signage (fluorescent, “day-glo” and neon colors are prohibited, except as provided for above). |
Window. |
Up to 20 percent of the total window area on each building side. |
None. |
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17. |
Real estate signs and residential open house directional signs. |
Pursuant to subsections (B) and (C) of this section. |
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B. Exempt Small Commercial Real Estate Signs. Temporary real estate signs, including building-mounted and freestanding signs advertising the sale, lease, or rental of nonresidential property, are exempt from sign permit requirements subject to the following provisions:
1. Signs shall not exceed four square feet in area and a height of four feet if freestanding.
2. Signs shall be removed within 24 hours of the close of escrow or execution of lease.
3. No flags or balloons shall be displayed.
4. No rider shall be attached to the sign.
5. No more than one sign per available lease space or unit shall be permitted in single-story building, but in no case shall such signs be permitted above the ground floor in multistory buildings.
C. Exempt Residential Real Estate and Directional Signs.
1. Sale and Lease Signs. Temporary real estate signs, including freestanding and building-mounted signs, advertising the sale, lease, or rental of residential property, are exempt from sign permit requirements subject to the following provisions:
a. Such signs shall not exceed four square feet in area, and a height of four feet if freestanding, with the exception of single-family detached residences where colonial signs up to six feet in height shall be permitted.
b. Such signs shall be removed within 24 hours after close of escrow, lease, or rent.
c. No flags or balloons shall be displayed.
d. A rider not exceeding six inches in height by 24 inches in length or eight inches in height by 18 inches in length may be attached to the top of the sign.
e. Such signs shall be placed so that they do not obscure fire hydrants, traffic signs or traffic signals, block motorists’ line of sight, or otherwise inhibit or interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
f. No part of any sign shall be within three feet of the back of sidewalk, but in no event shall a sign be within three feet of the lot line.
g. Such signs shall be placed at the immediate entrance of the subject residential unit, with the exception of single-family detached residences, where such signs shall be placed only in the front yard of the subject property. Only one sign per available lease space or residential unit shall be permitted.
2. Directional Signs. Temporary off-site open house directional signs shall be permitted in residential districts subject to the following:
a. Signs shall not be permitted on public sidewalks, streets or medians, but may be placed in public parkways outside of the first two feet of the parkway. In addition, an owner of real property or his/her agent may display the sign on real property owned by another with that owner’s prior consent.
b. Signs shall not exceed four square feet in area, and a height of three feet, including the vertical post.
c. Signs are only permitted to be posted during the time an owner or owner’s agent is on the premises and the premises are open for viewing.
d. The signs shall be installed no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and removed no later than sunset.
e. The signs shall not be installed in a manner which creates a hazard to traffic or pedestrians.
f. No flags, pennants, balloons, A-frames, or other attention-attracting devices shall be displayed.
g. Up to two signs may be placed at an intersection.
h. The maximum number of signs per event shall be six. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.170].
15.34.160 Substitution of sign message.
Any sign permitted pursuant to this chapter may be used for the display of an ideological, political or other noncommercial message; provided, that in no event shall the height, length, character, or total square footage of the sign exceed that permitted by this chapter. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.180].
15.34.170 Prohibited signs.
A. Prohibited Signs. Unless expressly permitted elsewhere in this chapter, the following signs are prohibited in the city:
1. Any off-premises sign or sign advertising a business not on the property upon which the sign is placed.
2. Billboards or outdoor advertising signs.
3. Any sign that encroaches upon any public property or within any public right-of-way.
4. Flashing, animated or pulsating signs, laser lighting or searchlights.
5. Signs which conflict with or imitate any traffic control device due to color, wording, design, location or illumination, or which interfere with the safe and efficient flow of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.
6. Signs which emit sound, odor, or visible matter.
7. Rotating signs or other signs with mechanical movement.
8. Roof signs.
9. Projecting signs, unless approved as part of a master sign program.
10. Pole signs.
11. Signs oriented toward a freeway unless approved pursuant to AVMC 15.34.120.
12. Human signs which: (a) display, offer for sale or vending or otherwise make available any goods and/or products; or (b) are used to attract attention to a commercial premises.
13. Banners, flags and pennants, unless expressly permitted pursuant to this chapter or otherwise approved in a master sign program.
14. Balloons, kites, streamers, spinners, festoons, windsocks, valances, or other such advertising devices or displays.
15. Inflated signs, animals or other figures, or other inflatable displays, whether tethered or not.
16. Signs which constitute a nuisance or hazard due to their light intensity.
17. Abandoned Signs. Such signs shall be abated pursuant to AVMC 15.34.040.
18. Neon signs or other neon lighting displays inside or outside a building visible from streets, parking areas or site boundaries, unless expressly permitted pursuant to this chapter or approved as part of a master sign program.
19. Window signs, except as expressly permitted pursuant to this chapter or as required by law.
20. Off-site garage or yard sale signs, circulars, posters or other such sign or displays unless permitted by a special event permit pursuant to Chapter 11.05 AVMC.
21. Any sign outlined with individual light bulbs or strings of lights.
22. Portable signs and sandwich board signs (including A-frame signs), unless approved as part of a master sign program, but in no event shall be visible from a public right-of-way.
23. Signs which are closer to overhead utility lines or utility structures than the minimum distance prescribed by California law or by the rules duly promulgated by agencies of the state or by the applicable public utility.
24. Signs installed, relocated, or maintained in a manner which prevents free ingress to or egress from any door, except those signs required by the municipal code.
25. Painted wall signs, unless approved by the city council as part of a master sign program or specific plan.
26. Advertising statuary, unless approved by the city council as part of a master sign program or specific plan.
27. Any sign affixed to any vehicle or trailer on a public right-of-way or public property, unless the vehicle or trailer is being used in its normal business capacity and not for the sole purpose of attracting people to a place of business. All such vehicles used as part of a normal business activity shall be stored on private property. This prohibition is not intended to prohibit typical business identification lettered on a motor vehicle or construction trailer.
B. Enforcement. Any person who erects or causes to be erected any prohibited sign without express approval by the city is subject to the enforcement provisions of the municipal code. [Ord. 2019-209 § 3 (Exhs. A, B); Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2010-123 § 3 (Exh. A). Formerly 15.34.190].
Cross-references: graffiti removal, Chapter 8.14 AVMC; advertising on parked vehicles, Chapter 9.08 AVMC; newsrack regulations, Chapter 10.02 AVMC.