Chapter 18.12
SIGN REGULATIONS
Sections:
18.12.030 Development standards for signs.
18.12.080 Enforcement, liability and penalty.
18.12.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish regulations for the design, construction, location, and maintenance of signs that balance the needs of residents, businesses, visitors, and institutions for adequate identification, communication, and advertising with the objectives of protecting public health, safety, and general welfare and promoting a well-maintained and visually attractive community, consistent with state and federal law. (Ord. 698-2015 § 3 (Att. 1) (part), 2015)
18.12.020 Applicability.
The provisions of this chapter apply to all signs constructed or physically altered on or after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter in all zoning districts, except as provided below. See also Section 18.02.090, Nonconforming uses, structures, lots and signs.
No sign shall be erected, re-erected, constructed, enlarged, relocated or altered (including change of copy or face change), except as provided by this section, unless an administrative sign permit or planned sign program has been issued.
A. Administrative Sign Permit. An administrative sign permit is required for:
1. Downtown sign program signs;
2. Signs on properties with two or less separate permitted uses and a total aggregate sign area of one hundred square feet or less;
3. Monument signs less than eight feet high; and
4. Individual tenant signs within a site or building that has an approved planned sign program.
The planning director is authorized to approve, conditionally approve, or deny an administrative sign permit, subject to the appeal provisions in Section 18.03.040. A public hearing is not required for approval of an administrative sign permit. The planning director may, at his or her discretion, refer an administrative sign permit to the planning commission.
B. Planned Sign Program. A planned sign program is required for any sign request that does not qualify for an administrative sign permit. A planned sign program is a master sign plan for all intended signs for a site or building. The planning commission is authorized to approve, conditionally approve, or deny a planned sign program subject to the appeal provisions in Section 18.03.040. A public hearing pursuant to the provisions of Section 18.03.050 shall be required for approval of a planned signed program.
|
Legend P Permitted ASP Administrative Sign Permit Required PSP Planned Sign Program Required ASP/PSP Administrative or Planned Sign Program Required Depending on the Project NP Not Permitted |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Types of Signs |
Residential Zones |
Commercial Zones |
Industrial Zones |
Public Institutional Zone |
|
1 |
Nameplate |
P |
P |
P |
P |
|
2 |
Identification sign |
ASP |
ASP |
ASP |
ASP |
|
3 |
Bulletin board (for public/quasi-public uses) |
ASP |
ASP |
ASP |
ASP |
|
4 |
Wall sign (for public/quasi-public uses) |
ASP |
ASP |
ASP |
ASP |
|
5 |
Individual business signs |
NP |
ASP/PSP |
ASP/PSP |
ASP/PSP |
|
6 |
Directory signs |
ASP |
ASP |
ASP |
ASP |
|
7 |
Awning/canopy signs |
NP |
ASP/PSP |
ASP/PSP |
ASP/PSP |
|
8 |
Monument signs (including public/quasi-public uses) |
NP |
ASP/PSP |
ASP/PSP |
ASP/PSP |
|
9 |
Shopping center signs |
NP |
PSP |
NP |
NP |
|
10 |
Marquee signs |
NP |
PSP |
PSP |
NP |
|
11 |
Downtown sign program |
NP |
PSP* |
NP |
NP |
|
12 |
Flags |
P |
P |
P |
P |
|
13 |
Information signs |
P |
P |
P |
P |
|
14 |
Memorial signs |
P |
P |
P |
P |
|
15 |
Official government notices |
P |
P |
P |
P |
|
16 |
Traffic, directional, informational, warning signs |
P |
P |
P |
P |
|
17 |
Residential subdivision entry signs |
PSP |
PSP |
NP |
NP |
|
18 |
Subdivision or tract sign |
ASP |
ASP |
ASP |
ASP |
|
19 |
Temporary signs |
P |
P |
P |
P |
|
20 |
Off-site signs |
NP |
PSP |
PSP |
PSP |
* Only permitted in the DTC zoning district.
(Ord. 698-2015 § 3 (Att. 1) (part), 2015)
18.12.030 Development standards for signs.
A. Nameplates. One nonilluminated nameplate is allowed per residential unit or business. Nameplates shall be affixed to the wall and shall not exceed one square foot in area.
B. Identification Signs. One nonilluminated identification sign is allowed for each street frontage for multiple-family dwelling complexes, public and quasi-public uses, and bed and breakfast inns. Maximum area shall be six square feet. Maximum height shall be four feet.
C. Bulletin Boards for Public/Quasi-Public Uses. One nonilluminated bulletin board is allowed per site for a public or quasi-public use. The bulletin board shall not exceed twenty square feet in area or five feet above existing grade. Changeable messages shall be manually installed and may not be electronic and shall not exceed seventy-five percent of the sign face.
D. Wall Signs for Public/Quasi-Public Uses. One nonilluminated wall sign per building face fronting on a public street is allowed for public or quasi-public uses. Maximum size shall be ten square feet.
1. Height. Wall signs shall not be mounted or placed higher than the second story and shall not extend higher than the eaves or parapet of the building wall upon which they are attached.
2. Projection. Wall signs shall not extend more than twelve inches beyond the face of the wall to which they are attached.
E. Individual Business Signs. Individual business signs are allowed for each business fronting on a public street or sidewalk.
1. The maximum aggregate sign area allowed for each business shall be one square foot of signage for each lineal foot of a business frontage with a public entrance that faces a public street or sidewalk.
2. The following signs are allowed for each business frontage as defined above; however, the aggregate sign area shall not exceed the permitted sign area. No portion of the allowable sign area for a business frontage may be transferred to another portion of the building or business.
a. One wall sign.
i. Height. Wall signs shall not be mounted or placed higher than the second story and shall not extend higher than the eaves or parapet of the building wall upon which they are attached.
ii. Coverage. Wall sign copy shall not occupy more than seventy-five percent of the length of the wall to which the sign is attached.
iii. Projection. Wall signs shall not extend more than twelve inches beyond the face of the wall to which they are attached.
iv. Maximum sign area allowed for any individual sign shall be seventy square feet.
v. Where the visibility of the wall sign would be impaired by the existing site design, building location or site constraints, one monument sign with a maximum height of four feet may be allowed in its place, subject to approval by the planning director.
b. Window signs.
i. Location. Permanent window signs painted or otherwise adhered directly onto a window shall not be mounted or placed on windows higher than the second story. Only businesses located on the second floor may have second floor window signs.
ii. Maximum sign area allowed for any individual sign shall be four square feet.
c. Awning/canopy signs (see subsection G of this section).
d. Projecting signs (under-canopy signs).
i. Illumination. The sign shall not be illuminated.
ii. Sign Clearance. Minimum of seven feet.
iii. Area. Maximum six square feet.
iv. Distance Between Signs. Minimum twenty-five lineal feet.
v. Projections. Signs projecting into the public right-of-way are subject to an encroachment permit. Encroachment permits for signs projecting into the public right-of-way must be annually renewed.
F. Directory Signs. Directory signs may be placed on walls without a public entrance if those walls face a public street, walkway, public parking area, or parking area under the same ownership as the building where the sign is to be located.
G. Awning/Canopy Signs. Awning/canopy signs may be attached to or painted on the vertical edges of awnings, canopies, arcades, or similar features or structures; provided, that the maximum height of sign text shall be no greater than twenty-five feet.
H. Monument Signs. Monument signs are allowed for sites with two or more businesses with an integrated site and design plan.
1. Signs are allowed on street frontages that have a primary entrance to the site.
2. Maximum aggregate square footage of the sign face is seventy square feet.
3. Maximum height of monument signs shall be eight feet.
4. The sign shall be located in a planter area at least twice the square footage of the sign face.
I. Shopping Center Signs. Shopping center signs are allowed for retail shopping centers with more than forty thousand square feet in site area and with an integrated site and design plan.
1. Signs are allowed on street frontages that have a primary entrance to the center.
2. Maximum aggregate area of shopping center signs shall be two hundred square feet.
3. Maximum height of shopping center signs shall be fifteen feet.
4. The sign base is to be located within a planter box or planting area, the design and location of which is to be approved by the planning commission.
J. Marquee Signs. Marquee signs are limited to theaters, performing arts facilities, conference venues, performance venues, or similar uses. The marquee sign may include manually changeable text to announce performances or events. A marquee sign may be a wall sign, or may extend on a structure from the building wall, and may have a portion of the sign above the eave or roof parapet. Examples:
Standards for a marquee sign are:
1. No portion of a marquee sign with manually changeable text shall be higher than the eave line or parapet wall of a building. Up to twenty-five percent of the sign area without manually changeable text may extend above the eave line or parapet wall of a building.
2. Projections. A marquee sign may extend from the building to which it is attached subject to approval from the city engineer. All signs that project into the public right-of-way shall be designed and located so as to cause no harm to street trees. Signs projecting into the public right-of-way are subject to an encroachment permit and shall be renewed annually.
3. Changeable Copy. Manually changeable copy may occupy up to seventy-five percent of the area of a marquee sign.
K. Downtown Sign Program. In addition to the individual business signs allowed, the following signs are allowed in the DTC zoning district and are not counted towards the maximum allowable sign square footage:
1. On-site or off-site signs erected by the city that direct customers to businesses, locations, or attractions in the downtown area.
2. “A” frame signs (in the DTC zoning district only) provided the sign faces are designed as sign art and are made of wood. “A” frame signs are only permitted for uses that have conventional signage identifying the business or use. An encroachment permit must be obtained for “A” frame signs in the public right-of-way. The encroachment permit shall show the location of the signs or displays and shall be renewed annually.
L. Flags. Flags may be erected and located in accordance with the following standards:
1. Flagpoles shall not be located within any required yard setback.
2. Flagpole heights shall be limited to thirty feet.
3. Maximum aggregate flag area is twenty-four square feet in residential zoning districts; thirty-five square feet in all other zoning districts.
4. Illumination of flags shall be top-mounted light fixtures in conformance with Section 18.09.050, Outdoor lighting.
M. On-Site Commercial Information Signs. Information signs include wall or window signs that provide information to patrons of an enterprise such as credit cards accepted, menus, redemption stamps or directories and signing on instant teller and similar automated outdoor dispensing machines. Information signs may not exceed an aggregate of four square feet in sign area.
N. Memorial Signs. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings or date of building erection are exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter when cut into any structural building element or surface.
O. Official Government Notices. Official notices issued by a court, public body or public official and posted in the performance of a public duty; notices posted by a utility in the performance of a public duty; or other signs required or authorized by law are permitted in all zoning districts without a permit.
P. Traffic, Directional, Informational, and Warning Signs. On-site traffic, directional, informational or warning signs erected by a public utility, common carrier, or public agency and not exceeding one square foot in area erected for the convenience of the public, such as signs identifying restrooms, public telephones, walkways and similar features or facilities; historical markers erected by a governmental body; or signs indicating danger and aids to service or safety may be erected without a sign permit.
Q. Residential Subdivision Entry Signs. For identifiable residential subdivision entry signs, the maximum sign area permitted is twenty square feet. Signs shall be mounted on a fence, wall or other similar entry feature, and require a planned sign permit.
R. Subdivision or Tract Sale Sign. One on-site sign per street frontage identifying the name of the subdivision or tract for sale, not exceeding thirty square feet in area, is allowed and requires an administrative permit.
S. Temporary Signs. Any unlighted temporary sign, banner, valance or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or without frames, for any event of limited duration including, but not limited to, entertainment, sporting events, construction, elections, real estate sales and rentals and sales of goods, may be erected and located in accordance with the following standards:
1. In residential areas, temporary signs may not exceed six square feet, no portion of which may be higher than seven feet above existing grade. In nonresidential areas, temporary signs may not exceed twenty-four square feet, no portion of which may be higher than ten feet above existing grade.
2. Temporary signs shall be removed within thirty days after they are placed, erected or installed. The planning director may, for good reason, grant an extension of up to forty-five days based on the sign owner’s written application. In no case shall a temporary sign remain in place for more than seventy-five days or beyond the duration of the event for which it is erected, whichever is longer. Signs shall be on private property.
3. Real estate signs shall be located on site and shall follow all provisions for temporary signs, except that signs may remain in place as long as the property is listed for sale.
T. Off-Site Signs. In addition to the individual business signs allowed, the following signs are allowed and are not counted towards the maximum allowable sign square footage:
1. On-site or off-site signs erected by the city that direct customers to businesses, locations, or attractions. (Ord. 698-2015 § 3 (Att. 1) (part), 2015)
18.12.040 Prohibited signs.
The following signs shall not be permitted, erected or maintained within the city of Cloverdale:
A. Animated, Flashing, or Moving Signs. Any animated sign or sign with lights or mechanical features that flash, move, rotate, scintillate, blink, flicker, reflect, vary in intensity, vary in color, or use intermittent electrical pulsations.
B. Signs with Changeable Copy. Any sign with automatic changeable copy in which copy can be changed or altered by electric, electro-mechanical, electronic, or any other mechanical or electronic means, and any sign with animation, rolling or running letters or message, flashing lights or displays as part of the display. However, bulletin board and marquee signs with manually changeable letters may be allowed as otherwise provided in this chapter.
C. Balloons or any other air inflatable advertisement.
D. Signs with Noise, Odor, or Smoke Emissions. Signs that produce noise audible from the public right-of-way or neighboring private property and signs that emit odor or visible smoke, vapor or particles.
E. Fence Signs. Signs attached or painted on fences or freestanding walls that are not part of a building.
F. Obstruction of Ingress and Egress or Ventilation. Signs shall not obstruct any door, window, or fire escape. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe, gutter drain, handicap access or fire escape. Signs shall not interfere with any opening required for ventilation.
G. Off-Site Signs. To the extent allowed by law, with the exception of off-site signs legally in existence at the time of adoption of this chapter or as permitted in Section 18.12.020, off-site signs are prohibited. Legally established off-site signs are subject to the nonconforming sign provisions of Chapter 18.02. The prohibition against off-site signs shall not apply to messages lawfully placed on public property in accordance with this chapter.
H. Pennants.
I. Pole Signs.
J. Portable Signs. Portable signs are prohibited, except “A” frame or board signs and moveable signs on sidewalks as allowed in the downtown commercial zoning district subject to downtown sign requirements.
K. Roof Signs. Signs shall not be erected or painted upon, over or above the roof of a building or structure, or affixed to the wall of a building so that it projects above the eave line of a roof, except as allowed in this chapter.
L. Searchlights.
M. Signs Creating Traffic Hazards. Signs that simulate in color, size or design any traffic control sign, signal or device, or that make use of words, symbols or characters in a manner that interferes with, misleads or confuses pedestrian or vehicular traffic, are prohibited. No sign, light or advertising structure shall be located in such a manner as to constitute a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision at any location where by reason of the position, shape, color or movement may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device.
N. Signs on Public Property. No person shall paint, mark, or write on, or post or otherwise affix, any handbill or sign to or upon any sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, curbstone, street lamp post, hydrant, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard, post, railroad crossing, electric light or power or telephone or telegraph pole, or wire appurtenance thereof, or upon any fixture of the fire alarm or police communications system, or upon any lighting system, public bridge, public building or wall, drinking fountain, street sign, or traffic sign or any other public improvement or place. The prohibition against signs on public property shall not apply to signs or handbills posted by a public officer or public employee in the performance of a public duty, legal notices and messages that are authorized by law and placed on public improvements or places in accordance with this chapter and applicable law by authorized public officials.
O. Signs on Private Landscaping. No person shall paint, mark, or write on, or post or otherwise affix, any handbill or sign within, to, or upon any tree, shrub, or tree stake or guard.
P. Vehicle Display Signs. Signs placed or displayed on vehicles parked in a conspicuous location used for on-site or off-site advertising, except for vehicles used in the normal conduct of business or parked on the business site or on a job site, or for sale signs for personal vehicles parked on the vehicle owner’s property. (Ord. 698-2015 § 3 (Att. 1) (part), 2015)
18.12.050 Design principles.
A. Architectural Compatibility. A sign (including its supporting structure, if any) should be designed as an integral design element of a building’s architecture and be architecturally compatible, including color and scale, with any building to which the sign is to be attached and with surrounding structures. A sign that covers a window or that spills over “natural” boundaries or architectural features and disrupts parts of upper floors of buildings is detrimental to visual order and is not permitted.
B. Consistency with Area Character. The size, materials, colors, graphic style, illumination, and other features of the sign shall be in keeping with the visual character of the street or area in which it is proposed.
C. Visibility. A sign should be conspicuous and readily distinguishable from its surroundings. (Ord. 698-2015 § 3 (Att. 1) (part), 2015)
18.12.060 General standards.
This section establishes general physical standards and requirements for signs. In addition to these general standards, all signs shall conform to all applicable specifications and standards of the California Electrical Code and any other element of the California Building Standards Code as in effect in the city.
A. Materials. Signs shall be made of sturdy, durable materials. Paper, cardboard and other materials subject to rapid deterioration shall be limited to temporary signs displayed for no more than seventy-five days.
B. Clearance from Utilities. Signs and their supporting structures shall maintain clearance from and not interfere with electrical conductors, communications equipment or lines, surface and underground facilities, conduits for water, sewage, gas, electricity communications equipment or lines or other utilities. Signs shall not be placed in public utility easements unless express written permission from the affected public utility and/or property owner, as required, is obtained. Signs shall maintain clearance from energized electric power lines as prescribed by the California Public Utilities Code, the regulations of the California Public Utilities Commission, and the orders of the California Division of Industrial Safety, as now in force and as hereafter amended.
C. Pedestrian Clearance. All signs above a pedestrian way, either on private or public property, shall provide a minimum of seven feet of clearance between the pedestrian way and any portion of the sign.
D. Signs Extending Within or Over Public Rights-of-Way. No sign shall be located in or extend over or into a public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit has been issued by the city engineer in accordance with all applicable permit requirements, including the sign owner obtaining insurance satisfactory to the city and protection acceptable to the city against claims or other liability related to the sign. All signs that project into the public right-of-way shall be designed and located so as to cause no harm to street trees. Any sign located in a public right-of-way must provide eight feet of horizontal clear space for pedestrians on Cloverdale Boulevard and five feet clear space on other streets.
E. Intersection and Driveway Visibility. No sign shall obstruct the visibility necessary for safe ingress into or egress from a public right-of-way. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, signs and related structures must comply with the restrictions set forth in Section 18.09.030, Fences, walls and hedges, on obstructing the “traffic safety visibility area.”
F. Illumination. Where illumination is permitted by this chapter, illuminated channel letters, neon signs, and external illumination are allowed. Internally illuminated signs and unshielded or bare bulbs are prohibited. Lighting fixtures used to illuminate an outdoor sign shall be mounted on the top of the sign structure and focused downward. Light sources shall be steady, stationary, shielded, and directed so as to avoid undue glare for pedestrians, motorists and glare or reflection onto adjacent property. See also Section 18.09.050. (Ord. 698-2015 § 3 (Att. 1) (part), 2015)
18.12.070 Sign maintenance.
Each sign displayed within the city, including signs otherwise exempt from this chapter, shall be maintained to comply with the following standards:
A. Graffiti on a sign shall be removed pursuant to Chapter 8.38.
B. The display upon any sign shall be maintained in good condition, without rips, tears, fading, peeling, or similar damage.
C. All parts, portions, units and materials composing a sign, together with the frame, background, surface, support or enclosure therefor, shall be maintained in a safe condition, painted, and adequately protected from weathering with all braces, bolts and structural parts and supporting frames and fastenings reasonably free from deterioration, rot, rust, and loosening so that they do not create a hazard to persons or property or constitute a nuisance.
D. Any sign or sign structure that is sagging, leaning, fallen, decayed, broken, deteriorated, or otherwise in a dilapidated condition shall be promptly repaired, to the satisfaction of the city, or removed, and such signs that are not repaired or removed as required shall constitute a public nuisance and be subject to abatement in accordance with this code and/or other applicable law.
E. Abandoned signs shall be removed within ninety days of cessation of the use. Any sign not removed within the required period shall constitute a public nuisance and shall be removed pursuant to the procedures set forth in Division 3, Chapter 2.6 of the California Business and Professions Code (Section 5499.1 et seq.), as that section may be amended from time to time. (Ord. 698-2015 § 3 (Att. 1) (part), 2015)
18.12.080 Enforcement, liability and penalty.
Violations of this chapter shall be enforced pursuant to Chapter 18.02, Administration and Enforcement.
A. Liability for Damages. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this chapter shall not be construed as relieving or limiting in any way the responsibility or liability of any person erecting or owning any sign for personal injury or property damage resulting from the placing of such signs, or resulting from the negligence or willful acts of such persons, their agents, employees or workers in the construction, maintenance, repair or removal of any sign. Nor shall this chapter be construed as imposing upon the city, or its officials, officers, employees, agents, or volunteers any responsibility or liability by reason of the approval of any signs, materials or devices under the provisions of this chapter.
B. Removal. In addition to the enforcement provisions set forth in Chapter 18.02, if the sign owner or the property owner fails to remove or alter a sign as required to comply with the standards set forth in this chapter after notice of a violation has been served on the sign owner and/or property owner, the code enforcement officer or other designated city official may cause such sign to be removed, or altered to comply with the provisions of this chapter, at the expense of the sign owner or owner of the property upon which it is located. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the building department, code enforcement officer, or police department may have any sign that is an immediate threat to persons or property or that is located on public property in violation of Section 18.12.060, General standards, removed without prior notice. Once such a sign is removed the code enforcement officer or other designated city official shall immediately attempt to notify the owner of the sign, if ascertainable. If the sign is not retrieved within fifteen days after removal, it shall be deemed abandoned and may be disposed of by the city. (Ord. 698-2015 § 3 (Att. 1) (part), 2015)