Chapter 9.34
SIGNS
Sections:
9.34.030 Definitions (see also Division 8 of this title).
9.34.050 Comprehensive sign program.
9.34.090 General provisions for all signs.
9.34.100 Standards for specific types of signs.
9.34.110 Sign variances, minor adjustments, and revocation.
9.34.120 Residential sign standards.
9.34.130 Nonresidential sign standards.
9.34.140 Sign standards for special uses.
9.34.160 Residential subdivision signs: Temporary.
9.34.010 Purpose of chapter.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare, and to preserve the character of the City by regulating the construction, design, height, lighting, location, maintenance, number, quality of materials, and size of signs and sign structures not enclosed within a structure, in order to accomplish the following:
A. Provide a reasonable and comprehensive system of sign controls to ensure the development of a high quality environment;
B. Encourage a desirable character with a minimum of clutter, while recognizing the need for signs as a major form of communication;
C. Provide for fair and equal treatment of all sign users;
D. Encourage signs that are well designed and pleasing in appearance such as monument signs and architecturally integrated signs;
E. Provide for maximum public convenience by properly directing people to various activities; and
F. Promote public safety by providing that official traffic regulation devices be easily visible and free from nearby visual obstructions, including blinking signs, excessive number of signs, or signs resembling official traffic signs. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.34.020 Applicability.
A. All signs. The standards in this chapter are intended to apply to all signs within the City.
B. Allowed signs. Only signs authorized by this chapter shall be allowed unless otherwise expressly provided in this chapter.
C. Applicability to sign content. The provisions of this chapter do not regulate the message content of signs (sign copy), regardless of whether the message content is commercial or noncommercial. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.34.030 Definitions (see also Division 8 of this title).
The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this chapter, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
A-frame sign. A portable sign with advertising messages mounted on one or two (2) surfaces with two (2) edges connected with the other two (2) edges spread so that the two (2) faces read from different directions.
Abandoned sign. A sign remaining in place or not maintained for a period of ninety (90) days which no longer advertises or identifies an ongoing business, product, or service available on the business premises where the sign is located.
Advertising structure. See “billboard.”
Aerial sign. A sign or device that is either floating or flying in the air but is secured to a structure or to the ground by strings or cables, and is primarily installed to attract attention to or to advertise a business, a business location, a service, a product, or an event.
Alteration. Any change of color, construction, copy, illumination, location, position, shape, sign face, size, or supporting structure of any sign.
Animated sign. A sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene. This definition includes blinking, flashing, moving, and revolving signs; strobe, laser, fiber optic, searchlights; and string lighting of any type, including blinking or Tivoli lights.
Apartment/multifamily identification sign. A sign identifying an apartment or multifamily structure, an apartment or multifamily complex, or a planned unit development project by name and/or address.
Area of a sign. See “sign area.”
Awning sign. A sign painted or otherwise affixed permanently to the exterior surface of an awning. For purposes of this chapter, “awning” means shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building and constructed of a rigid frame covered by a flexible skin (e.g., fabric, synthetic material, or thin sheet metal).
Banner. A temporary sign made of fabric or any nonrigid material with no enclosing framework.
Barber pole. A rotating or stationary cylindrical pole of traditional red, white, and blue striped design.
Base of the sign structure. The structural component of a freestanding sign located below the sign face.
Bench sign. Copy painted on or affixed to any portion of a bench.
Big box user sign. A sign identifying an operator of or a tenant within a big box retail development. See “big box retail” in Division 8 of this title (Definitions).
Billboard. A sign or advertising structure used as an outdoor display for advertising that does not pertain to the businesses or activity on the premises where the sign or advertising structure is located.
Bunting. A decoration made out of fabric, sheet metal, synthetic, or any thin pliable material that is securely attached to at least two (2) ends of a rigid frame attached to a pole or projecting from a structure.
Business frontage. That portion of a building frontage occupied by a single business tenant having a public entrance within the building frontage.
Business identification sign. A sign which serves to identify the name(s), address (s), and lawful use of the premises upon which it is located.
Cabinet sign (can sign). A sign which contains all the text and/or logo symbols within a single enclosed cabinet and may or may not be illuminated.
Changeable copy sign. A sign designed to allow the changing of copy through electrical, manual, or mechanical means, including time and temperature.
Channel letters. Three (3) dimensional individually cut letters or figures, illuminated or nonilluminated, affixed to a structure.
Civic event sign. A temporary sign, other than a commercial sign, posted to advertise a civic event sponsored by a civic-fraternal organization, place of worship, public agency, school, or similar noncommercial organization.
Commercial message content or speech. Any message, the prevailing thrust of which is to propose a commercial transaction.
Contractor or construction sign. A sign which states the name of the developer and contractor(s) working on the site and any related architectural, engineering, or financial organizations involved with the project.
Convenience sign. A sign that conveys information (e.g., entrance, no parking, restrooms, etc.) or minor business identification for directional purposes, and is designed to be viewed on site by pedestrians and/or motorists.
Copy. Designs, figures, letters, numbers, words, or other symbolic representations incorporated into a sign.
Current value. The original cost or valuation of a sign depreciated in compliance with this chapter.
Directional sign. An on-site sign no greater than two (2) square feet in size and three feet (3') high, giving only information and direction to the viewer and containing no advertising message.
Directory sign. A sign for listing the tenants and their suite numbers of a multi-tenant structure or center.
Double-faced sign. A sign constructed to display its message on the outer surfaces of two (2) identical and/or opposite parallel planes.
Edge of roof. On a pitched roof, the lowest portion of the fascia board covering the roof rafters, or if no fascia board exists, the lowest point of the roof rafters. On a flat roof, the top of the parapet wall.
Electronic reader board sign. A sign with a fixed or changing display/message composed of a series of lights, but not including time and temperature displays.
Externally illuminated sign. A sign illuminated from an exterior light source.
Fence sign. A sign attached to or painted onto a freestanding fence or wall.
Flag. A fabric, material, or textile of any shape or size, with colors, patterns, and the like used as symbols of a nation, state, or company, or used for attracting attention; a pennant.
Flashing sign. A sign that contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source.
Freestanding sign. A sign standing on the ground, which is self-supporting, not attached to a structure. Signs mounted on architecturally integrated extensions of structures shall not be considered freestanding.
Freeway oriented sign. A freestanding sign that is primarily oriented to the traveling public using a freeway or expressway, and installed for the sole purpose of identifying major business locations within certain nonresidential zoning districts in close proximity to a freeway or expressway.
Frontage – building. The linear dimension of a structure that faces upon a public street (excluding an alley) or public/private parking lot, if appropriate, and is roughly parallel that street or parking lot.
Frontage occupancy. A single lineal dimension measured horizontally along the front of a structure which defines the limits of a particular business or use at that location and which has direct public pedestrian access through an exterior wall.
Frontage site. The length of a site along the street or other principal public thoroughfare, but not including a length along an alley, freeway, railroad, or watercourse.
Future tenant identification sign. A temporary sign that identifies the names of future businesses that will occupy a site or structure.
Gasoline/fuel price sign. An on-site sign identifying the brand and/or type and price of fuels sold.
Governmental sign. Signs placed by a governmental entity and/or required by local, State, or Federal law.
Grand opening. A temporary promotional activity, not exceeding thirty (30) calendar days, used by newly established businesses, within sixty (60) days after initial occupancy, to inform the public of their location and services available to the community. “Grand opening” does not mean an annual or occasional promotion of retail sales by a business.
Graphic. All depictions, lettering, logos, patterns, pictures, and symbols, including color, on a sign.
Height of sign. The vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the area of a sign to the average finish grade immediately below and adjoining the sign or the top of the nearest curb of the public street on which the sign fronts, whichever measurement is the greatest.
Holiday decoration sign. Temporary signs, in the nature of decorations, clearly incidental and customarily associated with nationally recognized holidays and which contain no advertising message.
Holiday promotional sign. See Section 9.34.120(B)(9)(a).
Human sign. A sign as defined in Section 9.34.070(A)(8).
I-frame sign. A portable sign with advertising messages mounted on one or two (2) surfaces with two (2) generally parallel edges constructed so that the two (2) faces read from different directions.
Illegal sign. A sign which includes any of the following:
1. A sign erected without first complying with all regulations in effect at the time of its construction or use;
2. A sign that was legally erected, but whose use has ceased, the structure upon which the display is placed has been abandoned by its owner, or the sign is not being used to identify or advertise an ongoing business for a period of at least ninety (90) days;
3. A sign that was legally erected which later became nonconforming and then was damaged to the extent of fifty percent (50%) or more of its current replacement value;
4. A sign which is a danger to the public or is unsafe; or
5. A sign which is a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts of the City.
Inflatable sign. A form of inflatable device or a sign that is displayed, painted, or printed on the surface of a balloon or any other form of inflatable background, and is primarily installed outside a building to attract attention to or to advertise a business, a business location, an event, a product, or a service.
Internally illuminated sign. A sign whose light source is located in the interior of the sign so that the rays go through the face of the sign, or internal light source which is attached to the face of the sign and is perceived as a design element of the sign.
Institutional sign. A sign identifying the premises of, or announcing the activities conducted by, a hospital, place of worship, rest home, school, or similar institutional facility.
Light-emitting diode (LED) sign. A sign illuminated by use of light-emitting diode (LED) lights.
Logo. The emblem, insignia, name, symbol, or trademark of a company or organization.
Major tenant. A tenant in a business center leasing a large portion (e.g., seven thousand (7,000) square feet) of the leasable space in the center.
Mansard roof. A roof having an almost vertical face on three (3) or more sides on the exterior portion of the roof and an almost horizontally flat roof on the interior portion of the roof.
Menu/preview board. A display sign that indicates items and prices sold within an establishment.
Message center display sign. A display sign that has a changeable message board that is remotely controlled by electrical or electronic means.
Marquee (canopy) sign. A sign which is attached to or otherwise made a part of a permanent roof-like structure which projects beyond the building wall in the form of a canopy to provide protection from the weather.
Mascot. A person or thing that is used to symbolize a particular event, business or organization.
Mobile/vehicle sign. A sign affixed, attached, mounted, or painted upon any surface of a motor vehicle, trailer, or similar conveyance parked on public or private property for the purpose of advertising a business or a business location within the City or outside the City.
Monument sign. An independent, freestanding structure supported on the ground having a solid base as opposed to being supported by poles or open braces.
Multiple tenant site/center. A commercial or industrial development consisting of two (2) or more separate businesses that share either the same parcel or structure and use common access and parking facilities.
Mural. A picture on an exterior surface of a structure that does not contain the name of the business, product, or service located on the premises.
Neon sign. Glass tube lighting in which a gas and phosphors are used in combination to create a colored light. Similar banding type lighting illuminated by LEDs, etc, shall be treated as “neon signs” for application of the sign ordinance.
Noncommercial message content, or speech. Any message that is not determined to be commercial speech, as defined above.
Nonconforming sign. An advertising structure or sign which was lawfully erected and maintained before the adoption of this Development Code, and which has subsequently come under the requirements of this Development Code, but does not comply with this Development Code.
Obscene sign. Signs when taken as a whole, which to the average person applying contemporary statewide standards, appeals to prurient interest and depicts or describes in a patently offensive manner sexual conduct which lacks serious artistic, literary, political, or scientific value.
Official flag. The official flag of the United States of America, the State of California, other government agencies, civic organizations, corporate organizations, and private or nonprofit organizations.
Off-site advertising sign. A sign structure or billboard, whether freestanding or mounted on an existing building, built for the purpose of advertising an establishment, product, or service that is not available on the property upon which the sign is located at the time the sign structure was erected.
Off-site directional sign. A sign identifying an emergency facility, publicly owned facility, or a temporary subdivision sign, but excluding real estate signs.
Off-site sign. Any sign identifying a facility, product, service, or use which is not located, manufactured, or sold on the same premises as the sign or which identifies a facility, product, service, or use by a brand name which, although manufactured or sold on the premises, does not constitute the principal item manufactured or sold on the premises.
Off-site subdivision sign. A temporary off-site, freestanding sign designed, erected, and maintained to serve the public by providing directions and information regarding new developments and/or community facilities.
Painted sign. A sign painted or silkscreened onto a structure wall or freestanding structure.
Parking lot sign. An on-site sign that is designed and erected solely for the purposes of directing vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic within a site.
Pennant. See “flag.”
Permanent sign. A sign constructed of durable materials and intended to exist for the duration of time that the occupant or use is located on the premises.
Placed or displayed. Carved, constructed, erected, glued, painted, posted, printed, tacked, or otherwise fastened, fixed, or made visible in any manner whatsoever.
Pole sign. A freestanding sign supported by one or more poles.
Political sign. A temporary sign designed for the purpose of advertising support of, or opposition to, a candidate or proposition for a public election.
Portable sign. A sign that is not permanently affixed to a structure or the ground.
Privilege sign. A standardized sign supplied at nominal cost or free to a retailer where a minor portion of the sign face (e.g., up to twenty-five percent (25%) of the sign face), by text and/or style, identifies the product of a national or regional distributor or manufacturer, and the remainder of the sign face is available to identify the local retailer.
Project sign. A temporary sign describing in words and/or drawings a planned future development project to be located on the same property.
Projecting sign. A sign, other than a wall sign, suspending from, or supported by, a structure and projecting outward.
Promotional sign. A sign erected on a temporary basis to promote new hours of operation, new management, the sale of new products, a new service, or to promote a special sale (see Section 9.34.120(B)(9)).
Property frontage. The front or frontage is that side of a parcel or development site abutting a public street right-of-way.
Public entrance. An entrance into a structure recognized as a main or principal entrance. Fire-exit-only doorways shall not be included as public entrances. Only one public entrance may be utilized for allowable wall sign calculations.
Reader board sign. See “changeable copy sign.”
Real estate sign. A sign indicating that a property, or any portion thereof, is available for inspection, lease, rent, sale, or directing people to a property, but not including temporary subdivision signs.
Roof line. A horizontal plane projected parallel to the plane of the roof fascia line or top of a parapet wall or an angular plane projected parallel to the verge rafter of a gable roof.
Roof sign. A sign constructed upon or over a roof, or placed so as to extend above the edge of the roof.
Shopping Center. A large commercial center located within the P-C-C (Planned Commercial Center) or the U-C (Urban Center) District.
Sign. Any device, display, figure, message, painting, placard, structure, or other contrivance, or any part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is designed, constructed, intended, or used to advertise, or to provide data or information in the nature of advertising, to direct or attract attention to a business, event, institution, location, object, person, or service by any means, including colors, designs, figures, fixtures, illumination, letters, projected images, symbols, or words.
Sign area. The entire area within a perimeter defined by a continuous line composed of right angles, not exceeding eight (8) geometrical lines, which enclose the extreme limits of lettering, logo, trademark, or other graphic representation, together with any frame or structural trim forming an integral part of the display used to differentiate the sign from the background against which it is placed.
Sign clearance. The vertical distance between the bottom of a sign and the sidewalk or roadbed grade nearest the base of the sign.
Sign copy. Any design, figures, graphics, letters, logos, numbers, words, or other symbolic representation incorporated into a sign.
Sign face. See “sign area.”
Sign program. A coordinated program of one or more signs for an individual business establishment or a business/commercial center.
Sign seal. A sticker or other approved method of identifying a sign having all necessary City approvals and permissions for its display.
Sign structure. Any structure which supports or is capable of supporting any sign. A sign structure may or may not be an integral part of a building. For the purpose of a freestanding sign, the sign structure shall include the aggregate area of the sign, including the sign copy and all structural elements of the sign.
Snipe sign. A temporary sign or poster that advertises shows or events.
Special event banner/sign. A temporary banner or sign that is intended to inform the public of a unique action, happening, occasion, or purpose (e.g., grand opening or community event).
Stabber sign. A temporary sign installed by penetrating the ground.
Subdivision directional sign. An off-premises sign providing information on the location of a subdivision whose parcels or units are being offered for lease, rent, or sale.
Subdivision identification sign. An on-premises sign advertising developed or undeveloped real property which has been divided into five or more parcels or units for lease, rent, or sale. (Signs advertising fewer than five (5) parcels shall be treated as “real estate signs.”)
Temporary sign. Any sign intended to be displayed for a limited period of time (meaning a maximum of thirty (30) days in any one calendar year, unless otherwise allowed by this chapter) and capable of being viewed from any neighboring property, parking area, or public right-of-way.
Under canopy sign. A sign suspended under an arcaded walk, canopy, or marquee in front of a structure, which shall be located a minimum of seven feet (7') above the walkway.
Vehicle sign. A sign which is attached to or painted on a vehicle which is parked on or adjacent to any property, the principal purpose of which is to attract attention to a business located or a product sold on the property.
Wall sign. A sign which is attached to or painted on the exterior wall of a structure with the display surface of the sign approximately parallel to the wall.
Windblown device. A human created device that visibly moves when blown by the wind, other than banners or flags.
Window area. Windows shall be viewable from the exterior of the area to the interior of the area. Window area shall be computed by calculating each window pane or panel. The area shall be separate for each building face, and for each window. A group of window panes or panels may be considered one window if they are adjoining on the building face and are less than six inches (6") apart. Display cases are not considered to be part of a window area. The window shall be a real window by standard definition, not a representational or false window.
Window sign. Any sign affixed, painted, placed, or posted in or on any window exposed to public view. Also includes any interior sign which faces any window exposed to public view and which is located within three feet (3') of the window. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.34.040 Sign permit review.
A. Sign review permit required. Except for certain exempt signs (see Section 9.34.060 (Exempt signs)), no sign shall be altered, constructed, erected, re-erected, or relocated, except as provided by this chapter, unless a sign review permit has been issued by the Director.
B. Sign review permit fee. A sign review permit shall not be issued until the applicant has paid the applicable permit fees in compliance with the City’s Fee Schedule.
C. Plans required. Sign review plans shall include three (3) sets of working drawings of the site showing all sign locations, elevations of structures and signs, an illustrative sample of the sign copy, exact colors, materials, methods of attachment, and methods of illumination. Plans shall be fully dimensioned and drawn to scale. Plans shall include all existing signs as well as all proposed signs. Additional information may be required by the Director. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.34.050 Comprehensive sign program.
A. Purpose.
1. The purpose of a comprehensive sign program is to integrate a project’s signs with the design of the structures to achieve a unified architectural statement.
2. A comprehensive sign program provides a means for the flexible application of sign regulations for multi-tenant projects and projects with more than five (5) permanent signs in order to encourage creativity and provide incentive and latitude in the provision of multiple signs and to achieve, not circumvent, the intent of this chapter.
3. A comprehensive sign program is required for a Zoning Map amendment to the U-C and P-C-C Districts in compliance with Chapter 86 of this title (Amendments).
B. Application requirements. The following information is required for the submittal of a rezone and/or a conditional use permit application for a comprehensive sign program:
1. Plans. Plans, to scale, to include the following:
a. Sign details indicating sign area, colors, dimensions, letter height, letter style, materials, and method of illumination for all signs;
b. Site plan indicating the location of all proposed signs with sign area dimensions;
c. Structure elevation(s) with sign locations depicted and with dimensions; and
d. A summary table showing the complete sign program and total square footage of all on-site signs.
2. Replacement of signs. A statement explaining how revisions/modifications/replacement of tenant signs will be carried out to limit the possibility of holes being left in the structure’s exterior by mounting brackets, electrical connections, or similar items;
3. Temporary signs. A statement of how the use of temporary banners, signs, and similar advertising devices will be monitored by the applicant to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter; and
4. Other. Supplemental information required by the Director.
C. Lessees to be informed of comprehensive sign program. Lessees within developments subject to the requirements of an approved comprehensive sign program shall be made aware of the program in their lease and their responsibility to follow the approved comprehensive sign program.
D. Findings. In approving an application for a rezone or a conditional use permit authorizing a comprehensive sign program, the applicable review authority shall make the following findings, in addition to those required for a rezone or a conditional use permit in compliance with Chapter 64 of this title:
1. The comprehensive sign program satisfies the purpose and intent of this chapter;
2. The signs enhance the overall development, are in harmony with, and are visually related to other signs included in the comprehensive sign program and to the structure and/or uses they identify, and to surrounding development;
3. The comprehensive sign program accommodates future revisions which may be required due to changes in uses or tenants; and
4. The comprehensive sign program complies with the standards of this chapter, except that flexibility is allowed with regard to sign area, height, location, and/or number to the extent that the comprehensive sign program will enhance the overall development and will more fully accomplish the purpose of this chapter.
E. Revisions to comprehensive sign programs.
1. Revisions to a comprehensive sign program may be approved by the Director if it is determined that the revision is minor and that the intent of the original approval, and any conditions attached thereto, are not affected.
2. For revisions that would substantially deviate from the original approval, the Director may require a modification to the original conditional use permit approval to be considered by the applicable review authority.
3. Revisions to a comprehensive sign program originally approved as part of a Zoning Map amendment to the U-C and P-C-C Districts in compliance with Chapter 86 of this title (Amendments) shall require an amendment to the U-C or P-C-C as well. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014; § 1(2) (Att. A), Ord. 23-05, eff. August 9, 2023)
9.34.060 Exempt signs.
The following signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this chapter, provided they conform with the applicable standards identified in this chapter, but shall be limited by Section 9.34.070 (Prohibited signs).
A. Addresses.
1. Street number and/or name signs not exceeding one square foot per sign for single-family or duplex structures and four (4) square feet per sign for all other uses.
2. One sign per street frontage shall be allowed.
3. This shall include signs which identify the location of the office of the manager of the property;
B. Commemorative plaques. Memorial signs and tablets approved under site plan review, structure names and/or erection dates when cut into a permanent surface or constructed on noncombustible materials, and religious symbols and similar emblems when submitted with the design of the structure and approved in compliance with this Development Code;
C. Community activity signs.
1. Signs associated with a charitable, civic, cultural, educational, or religious organization not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in size.
2. Signs shall be temporary and nonilluminated, located on private property only, and shall not create a site visibility hazard;
D. Construction announcement signs. Signs placed on real property upon which construction is to take place, which signs contain information regarding the individuals and firms directly connected with the construction project, including the name of the contractor, the subcontractors, the provider of financing, the real estate licensee, and future tenants.
1. Signs for sites less than two (2) acres shall be limited to a maximum size of thirty-two (32) square feet (four feet (4') by eight feet (8')) in aggregate sign area.
2. Signs for sites of two (2) acres or greater shall not exceed one hundred twenty-eight (128) square feet (eight feet (8') by sixteen feet (16')) in aggregate sign area.
3. Signs shall not be displayed more than twelve (12) months before the construction of the project.
4. Time extensions may be approved by the Director.
5. Construction announcement signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days after the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for a majority of the development;
E. Credit cards, trading stamps, and association membership. Credit cards accepted, trading stamps or other like promotional incentives given, and association membership signs when not exceeding one-half (1/2) square foot per window sign and one and one-half (1-1/2) square feet per hanging sign, and a maximum total of four in number;
F. Directional signs. Signs bearing no advertising message or company logo, limited to directional arrows, “Exit,” “Enter,” or “Drive-Thru,” and located on the site may be erected when necessary to facilitate circulation within the site or facilitate egress and ingress.
1. Signs shall not be counted against the site’s maximum allowed sign area.
2. No sign shall exceed two (2) square feet in area.
3. The number, placement, and size of informational signs may be limited by the Director. Directional signs shall not be located at site driveways;
G. Directory signs. Directory signs not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in area, located within a project and not visible from the street, may be erected when necessary to facilitate business locations within larger multi-tenant sites. Freestanding signs shall not have an overall height exceeding five feet (5'). These signs shall not count against the site’s maximum allowed sign area;
H. Flags. Flags of any nation, political subdivision, or fraternal or religious organization and those flags determined by the Commission to be of a noncommercial, nonprofit civic character; provided, the pole height does not exceed the maximum height of the underlying zone district and the height of the flag is not more than one-fourth (1/4) the height of the pole.
1. A sign application may be submitted to the Commission for a flagpole higher than the maximum height of the underlying zone district or a flag which exceeds one-fourth (1/4) the height of the pole where the applicant can demonstrate that the proposed flag and/or pole is consistent with the intent and purpose of this chapter.
2. This subsection is not intended to allow the clustering or display of flags for the purpose of commercial attraction as determined by the Commission;
I. Informational signs for the safety and convenience of the public. Signs including “danger,” “impaired clearance,” “no smoking,” “restrooms,” “telephone,” and other signs of a similar nature (“drive-in window,” “parking in rear,” and parking facility signs) may be allowed up to five (5) square feet in area under this subsection;
J. Interior signs.
1. Signs located in the interior of any structure or within an enclosed court or lobby of any structure or group of structures, and which are not visible from any public right-of-way, shall not be subject to the size and location criteria within this chapter.
2. Signs which require electrical connections or engineered supports shall be required to obtain all required permits;
K. Nonprofit, cultural, and promotion posters. Temporary display posters in connection with nonprofit civic and cultural events and with noncommercial health, safety, and welfare campaigns (e.g., Heart Fund, Red Cross, United Crusade, and performing arts). Posters shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after the termination of the event;
L. Official signs. Official signs posted in the discharge of any governmental function by public officials in the performance of their duties (including traffic and street name signs, as well as emblems, notices, or other forms of identification and signs required by law);
M. Political signs. Signs associated with a candidate for an elected office, political party, or ballot measure, or which make a political statement, not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area per candidate or issue per site, subject to the following:
1. The sign shall be erected not earlier than the closing date of the filing for candidacy and shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after the election. However, those candidates remaining after the primary election may continue to display their signs until fourteen (14) days after the next general election.
2. No campaign or political sign shall be attached to fence posts, trees, or utility poles, except on private property where signs may be attached to fence posts and/or trees with the permission of the property owner.
3. No campaign or political sign shall be attached and erected on public property or within the public right-of-way.
4. Campaign or political signs placed upon private property shall not be erected in a manner which, in whole or in part, would create a hazardous condition to pedestrian or traffic alike, either by obstructing the free use of exits, structure or site, or by creating visual distraction, whether by color, glare, or representing a traffic control device.
5. In cases where campaign or political signs are not removed within the specific time period, the Director shall have the remaining signs removed at the candidate’s expense;
N. Real estate signs. Real estate signs subject to the following:
1. For sale or lease. On-site or structure signs not exceeding four (4) square feet for single-family or duplexes and sixteen (16) square feet for multifamily, business, and industrial sites of up to two (2) acres in area, thirty-two (32) square feet total sign area for multifamily, business, and industrial sites of two (2) acres or larger, and one in number per street frontage;
2. Open house: On site. On-site or structure signs, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily, not exceeding four (4) square feet per sign and one in number per site or structure; and
3. Open house: Off-site residential. Open house signs for single-family, including duplexes, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily, not exceeding four (4) square feet per sign and one in number in the neighborhood of sales; not to be located in any center median of a public road or in a sidewalk right-of-way; and directional arrows with addresses not exceeding four (4) in number in the neighborhood of sales. In adopting this exemption for off-site residential open house signs, the Council finds as follows:
a. The City has a compelling interest to exempt certain signs to further the purpose and objectives of this chapter and to allow for the use of signs with minimal aesthetic impact because of their size and temporary nature.
b. The single-family residential real estate industry is distinct from other industries in that there are generally no storefronts available for advertising and most homes are not located adjacent to heavily traveled streets. This makes off-site signs that advertise available homes necessary for potential buyers to find them.
c. Real estate signs do not advertise goods or services, but actual locations. Directing potential buyers to an available home is necessary to facilitate real estate transactions as potential buyers must be able to find and view the available homes.
d. Single-family real estate sales are temporary and infrequent as opposed to sales from commercial businesses. Exempting single-family open house real estate signs will not lead to a proliferation of unsightly signs because they will be used only during very limited times when there is an open house, will be removed at the end of each day of use, and once a home is sold will no longer be used.
e. Exempting off-site open house real estate signs is necessary to allow homeowners to efficiently advertise and sell their properties as quickly as possible and to assist potential buyers in finding available homes;
O. Replacing sign copy.
1. The removing and replacing of only the sign copy without increasing or decreasing the area in conforming signs is allowed.
2. The sign container, including the structural and electrical connections, shall remain unchanged.
3. Any change to the sign container shall be reviewed and approved in compliance with this chapter.
4. This subsection is not intended to allow changeable copy signs;
P. Residential nameplates.
1. A nameplate not exceeding two (2) square feet in area and one in number and displaying only (a) the name of the premises upon which it is displayed; and (b) the name of the owner or lessee of the premises; and (c) the address of the premises.
2. The nameplates shall be affixed flush to the structure in which any home occupation is located and shall not be illuminated;
Q. Seasonal decorations. Holiday greetings, decorations, and displays (e.g., Christmas, Fourth of July, and Thanksgiving) excluding advertising signs disguised as seasonal decorations;
R. Signs required by law. Signs displayed by private individuals when required by law or regulations of any governmental agency; and
S. Window signs. Temporary window signs (non-internally-illuminated) announcing a change in management, individual product and/or price signs, special sales, or similar information and designed to be viewed from adjacent parking lots within a business center, public rights-of-way, sidewalks, or streets. This subsection is not intended to allow additional permanent signs. Window signs are not to exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the window’s area. Temporary window signs shall have a maximum display time of thirty (30) days. The temporary window sign area shall not exceed the permanent sign area allowed for the elevation (also see Section 9.34.100(E)). (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014; § 1(2) (Att. A), Ord. 23-05, eff. August 9, 2023)
9.34.070 Prohibited signs.
In addition to any sign not specifically in compliance with this chapter, the following signs shall be prohibited:
A. Signs having one or a combination of the following characteristics:
1. Changeable copy signs. Signs designed to have changeable copy as a part or all of their copy, except as specifically provided by this chapter;
2. Fluorescent colors. Any permanent signs containing florescent colors as all or part of their copy;
3. Imitative of official signs. Signs (other than when used for traffic direction) which contain or are an imitation of an official traffic sign or signal, or contain the words go, caution, danger, slow, stop, warning, or similar words, or signs which imitate or may be construed as other public notices (e.g., zoning violations, building permits, business licenses, etc.);
4. Natural despoliation. Signs which are burned, cut, limed, painted, or otherwise marked on a field, rock, tree, or other natural item;
5. Obscene or offensive to morals. Containing pictures, statements, or words of an indecent, immoral, or obscene character which, taken as a whole, appeal to the prurient interest in sex, and which signs are patently offensive and, when taken as a whole, do not have serious artistic, literary, political, or scientific value;
6. Privilege signs. Any sign containing the manufacturer’s name and/or emblem which exceeds one-fourth (1/4) of the face of the sign;
7. Inconsistent signs. Signs which are inconsistent with the intent of this chapter such as placement of signs on tower elements of a building which would conflict with the intent of this chapter to preclude signs on or above the roof or in excess of the height allowed for freestanding signs. Such sign shall not be permitted except by a variance action; and
8. Human signs. Human signs shall be prohibited. Human signs are defined as persons wearing, carrying and/or moving a sign, or functioning as a sign to attract the attention of motorists or pedestrians to a business, product or event. Human signs include sign spinners and costumed humans. In adopting this prohibition on human signs, the Council finds as follows:
a. The problems associated with sign spinners and human signs remain the same as identified when the Council first approved a ban on human signs, and include: eliminating unnecessary distractions which may jeopardize pedestrian or vehicular traffic safety, avoiding sidewalk congestion, enhancing the character and natural beauty of the community and its various neighborhoods and districts, protecting commercial districts from sign clutter and visual blight, general aesthetics, and implementation of the community design objectives expressed in the General Plan.
b. Without a complete ban on sign spinners and human signs, they could proliferate on every street corner and in front of every business. The Council finds that sign spinners and human signs are more distracting and more hazardous to traffic, pedestrians, and the individual sign holders than other forms of advertisement. They are aesthetically displeasing, distracting, and when on or near sidewalks and street corners, interfere with pedestrian crossings and driver sight distances. Further, because of the proximity between sign spinners and drivers of vehicles, sign spinners are at an increased safety risk from distracted drivers as well as drivers who may violate traffic safety rules.
c. The City has received numerous complaints about sign spinners from citizens in the community about their appearance, distraction, and near miss accidents with them. The City has also received complaints from competing businesses that see illegal sign spinners as having an unfair competitive advantage. For the reasons noted above, allowing sign spinners and human signs would open the door to a proliferation of these types of signs, in violation of community aesthetic goals and substantially increasing the potential for vehicle and pedestrian conflicts and the safety hazards associated with them. Therefore, a complete ban is essential to meet the City’s goals and objectives.
B. Moving signs having one or a combination of the following characteristics:
1. Animated signs. Animation (e.g., mechanical movement of parts of the sign, projections on or within the sign, or changes on the shape or content of the sign face), except that this is not intended to exclude “time and temperature” devices approved in compliance with this chapter. This shall include, but is not limited to, blinking, flashing, flickering, moving, moving textual messages, rotating signs, and frames which appear to rotate, except as allowed in this chapter;
2. Banners. Banners, except as allowed in this chapter;
3. Flashing signs. Flashing of lights or changing of color intensity, except as allowed in this chapter;
4. Smoke or sounds. Where there is any production of smoke, sound, or other substances; and
5. Windblown devices. Windblown and wind-aided devices and inflated signs whose movement is designed to attract attention (e.g., balloons, flags, pennants, or other inflated objects, or reflective attachments to sign faces), except as allowed in this chapter.
C. Signs which are portable. A-frame and I-frame signs, except as allowed in this chapter.
D. Obstructive to use or visibility, hazardous locations. No sign shall be erected in any manner which, in whole or in part, would create a hazardous condition to pedestrians or traffic alike, either by obstructing the free use of exits, structure or site, or by creating visual distraction, being color, glare, or sound, or representing a traffic control device, including signs in one of more of the following locations:
1. Bench signs. Signs located on benches or on other similar structures provided for the use of passengers along the route of a bus shall be prohibited;
2. In storage. Signs may not be located on a premises so as to be visible from beyond the property line after removal, before erection, or while in storage;
3. Mansard roof signs. Signs located on the upper one-third (1/3) of a mansard roof shall be prohibited. Signs located on the lower two-thirds (2/3) of a mansard roof shall be counted as wall signs. Mansard roofs shall be designed to provide for sign placement in an architecturally integrated fashion, except as allowed in this chapter;
4. Miscellaneous temporary signs and posters. The posting, tacking, or otherwise affixing of signs of a miscellaneous character, visible from a public way, located on the walls of structures, barns, or sheds or on fences, poles, posts, trees, or other structures shall be prohibited, unless specifically allowed by this chapter;
5. Projecting. Signs projecting more than twelve inches (12") from the face of a structure shall not be allowed;
6. Roof signs, except mansard roof signs. Roof signs, except mansard roof signs, and those allowed by this chapter;
7. Signs on humans or animals. Signs carried or supported in any form by a human or animal shall be prohibited;
8. Signs on vehicles. No vehicle may be used as a platform or substitute for a billboard, freestanding sign, or movable sign, whether parked on private property or the public right-of-way. This is specifically intended to include the use of vehicles as a freestanding or off-premises sign;
9. Stabber signs. Stabber signs may not be installed;
10. Utility pole or post signs. Signs may not be mounted or affixed onto either a public or private utility pole or post; and
11. Within public places. Within any public parking lot, public street, right-of-way, or sidewalk, unless they maintain a minimum clearance of fourteen feet (14') above the adjoining grade level and after acquiring an encroachment permit from the Department, except marquee signs as defined by this chapter, unless specifically provided for in this chapter.
E. Permanent signs that advertise continuous sales. Permanent signs that advertise continuous sales, special prices, etc. shall not be allowed. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014; § 1(2) (Att. A), Ord. 23-05, eff. August 9, 2023)
9.34.080 Abandoned signs.
A. Removal.
1. Signs advertising an activity, business, product, or service no longer conducted on the premises on which the sign is located, or sign frames, structural members, or supporting poles remaining unused for one hundred eighty (180) days or longer, shall be removed from the site.
2. Signs will be considered abandoned or dilapidated where the sign or element of it is excessively weathered or structurally unsound or where the copy can no longer be seen or understood by a person with normal eyesight under normal viewing conditions.
B. Continuation of abandoned signs.
1. The owner of a sign, the purpose of which has been abandoned, who desires to make subsequent use of the structural portions of the sign in its present location, may, within one hundred eighty (180) days after the abandonment, make an application to the Director for an extension of time.
2. Where the sign conforms to all other requirements of this chapter, and where the owner submits reasonable evidence to secure use for the sign (a new tenant for the structure or the arrival of a new product line for the existing tenant), the Director may grant extensions of time.
3. The Director may require the owner, as a condition of approving the extension, to remove some or all of the elements of the sign that allows the remaining sign(s) to be neat and unobtrusive in appearance in harmony with the structure to which it is attached, and that this be done within thirty (30) days after approval of the extension, or the extension shall be deemed invalid.
4. Signs which are determined by the Director to be structurally unsound and dangerous or hazardous to the public safety or welfare shall be removed immediately upon notification by the Director.
C. Failure to comply. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the Director shall give the owner thirty (30) days’ written notice to remove it. Upon failure to comply with the notice, the Director may have the sign removed at the owner’s expense. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.34.090 General provisions for all signs.
A. Approval required. No sign shall be altered, constructed, displayed, or maintained within the City except in compliance with a permit approved in compliance with this chapter, unless the sign is specifically exempted from the permit requirements. Signs may be erected and maintained in the zoning district where applicable structures are allowed with an approved permit.
B. Compliance with other codes. The erection or placement of all signs shall meet the requirements of the State Public Utilities Commission, the Underwriter’s Laboratory, the Uniform Sign Code as adopted by the City, the regulations of the Department, and all other relevant Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
C. Shopping center signs.
1. The sign program for shopping centers shall be approved with the site plan review in compliance with Chapter 56 of this title.
2. The design criteria for all signs to be located within a shopping center or a mall-type development shall be approved by the Director, before any individual sign permit application for the development is reviewed by the Building Inspection Division.
3. The review shall ensure that signs located within a shopping center are harmonious and of compatible design.
4. Shopping center signs located within the P-C-C (Planned Commercial Center) or the U-C (Urban Center) District shall be reviewed as part of the Zoning Map amendment process, in compliance with Chapter 86 of this title (Amendments).
D. Lighting for exterior illuminated signs. Lighting for exterior illuminated signs shall not create a hazardous glare for pedestrians or vehicles, either in a public street or on any private premises. Each sign shall be designed so that illumination does not exceed ten (10) candlepower at a distance of ten feet (10'), measured from the base of the sign.
1. Blinking. Signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices that have a changing light brightness, color, or intensity.
2. Colored lights. Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner so as to be confused or construed as traffic control devices.
3. Energy efficient fixtures. Light sources shall utilize energy efficient fixtures to the greatest extent possible.
4. Not a hazard. Neither the direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a hazard to operators of motor vehicles.
5. Reflective bulbs. Reflective-type bulbs and incandescent lamps that exceed fifteen (15) watts shall not be used on the exterior surface of signs so as to expose the face of the bulb or lamp to public rights-of-way or adjacent structures and properties.
6. Light-emitting diode (LED) signs. LED lighting shall not exceed 10 candlepower at a distance of ten feet (10'), measured from the base of the sign.
7. Sign separation. Illuminated freestanding signs shall not be placed within fifty feet (50') of an adjacent residential property.
E. Screening light sources.
1. Whenever an illuminated advertising device is allowed, every part of its light source shall be concealed from view, and the light shall not travel from the light sources straight to the viewer’s eye, but instead shall be visible only from a reflecting or diffusing surface.
2. Exemptions from this requirement shall be neon tubing which conforms to subsection D of this section (Lighting for exterior illuminated signs), and is counted in the total permanent sign area.
3. As used in this subsection, “light source” shall mean a bulb or tube from which light is emitted when the bulb or tube is activated (electronically or otherwise), including incandescent filament bulbs, electric discharge bulbs, and fluorescent tubes.
F. Measurement of wall sign areas.
1. Wall signs consisting of one or two (2) lines of copy.
a. Wall signs consisting of one or two (2) lines of copy painted on or attached to a structure wall where the portion of the wall behind the sign is the same color as the rest of the wall and does not serve as a frame area shall be measured by the smallest regular geometric shape not exceeding eight (8) sides which encompasses the emblem, symbol, or words composing the sign. (See subsection (F)(6) of this section (How to further measure wall sign area).)
b. Areas between words in a line and between lines shall not be measured as long as they are reasonably spaced. (See subsection (F)(6) of this section (How to further measure wall sign area).)
2. Other wall signs. Three (3) lines or more of copy or nonlinear arrangement shall be measured as that area which can be enclosed within the smallest regular geometric shape not exceeding eight (8) sides which encompasses the total message, including the open space between cutout figures, letters, objects, panels, or symbols. (See subsection (F)(6) of this section (How to further measure wall sign area).)
3. Signs which are framed or have distinguishing color background. Signs which are framed or have distinguishing color background shall be measured by taking the entire area of the sign and background, including the framing surface.
4. Multiple face signs.
a. The area of all faces shall be added together to determine the total sign area.
b. However, a double-faced sign may be erected having the allowed sign area on each side of the sign; provided, the maximum dimension between the two (2) faces shall not exceed twenty-four inches (24").
c. Both faces of a double-faced sign which exceeds twenty-four inches (24") between the two (2) faces shall be counted together to determine the total sign area.
5. Neon tube lighting (or LED lighting). Illuminated neon tubing or LED rope lighting when outlining portions of structures or windows shall be deemed to have a minimum width of at least six inches (6") in the calculation of sign area. Where an area bordered by lighting is substantially a closed geometric shape, all the area enclosed shall be considered the sign area.
6. How to further measure wall sign area. The surface area of a sign shall be calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of all emblem, logo, representation, writing, or other display within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles with no more than eight (8) lines.
FIGURE 3-11
SIGN AREA MEASUREMENT
a. Framework. Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself shall not be computed as sign area.
b. Vertical plane. Where a sign consists of one or more three-dimensional objects (e.g., balls, clusters of objects, cubes, sculpture or statue-like trademarks), the sign area shall be measured as the total surface area of the object(s).
c. Time and temperature. For signs that incorporate time and temperature devices, the area devoted to the time and temperature devices shall be included in the total allowable area of the sign.
G. Measurement of sign height. See Section 9.34.100(B)(3) (Measurement of sign height).
H. Sign copy. The City does not regulate the message content (copy) of signs; however, the following are principles of copy design and layout that can enhance the readability and attractiveness of signs. Copy design and layout consistent with these principles is strongly encouraged, but not required:
1. Sign copy should relate only to the name and/or nature of the business or commercial center.
2. Information should be conveyed briefly or by logo, symbol, or other graphic manner. The intent should be to increase the readability of the sign and thereby enhance the identity of the business.
3. Freestanding signs should contain the street address of the parcel or the range of addresses for a multi-tenant center. The address(es) shall not be included in the total allowable area of the sign. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.34.100 Standards for specific types of signs.
A. Awning signs.
1. Building frontages. Signs on awnings shall only be located on building frontages, including those fronting a parking lot or pedestrian way.
2. Ground level/second story only. Signs on awnings are limited to ground level and second story occupancies only.
3. Illumination. Awning illumination shall be subject to review and approval in compliance with Chapter 56 of this title (Site Plan Review).
B. Freestanding signs.
1. Street frontages only. Freestanding signs are allowed only on frontages adjoining a public street.
2. Setback. Freestanding signs shall not be located closer than one foot from a property line and shall be subject to review and approval regarding line-of-sight requirements identified in subsection (B)(6) of this section (Not project or obstruct).
3. Measurement of sign height.
a. Sign height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the area of the sign to the average finish grade immediately below and adjoining the sign or the top of the nearest curb of the public street on which the sign fronts, whichever measurement is the greatest.
b. The maximum height of the signs shall be in compliance with the various tables provided in this chapter.
4. Measurement of sign area. See Figure 3-11, Sign Area Measurement.
5. Separation. There shall be a minimum of fifty feet (50') between two (2) freestanding signs on adjoining sites to ensure adequate visibility for all signs. The Director may modify this requirement in situations where its enactment would be impractical due to the locations of existing signs on adjacent properties.
6. Not project or obstruct. Signs shall not project over public property, rights-of-way, or vehicular easements. Signs shall not be less than one foot inside the property line and shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic entering into or exiting from the site or with vehicular street traffic or pedestrians. On corner lots it is the intent of this section that signs not be placed at the corner of one street frontage to be viewed from another street frontage. Signs shall not obstruct corner traffic safety sight areas.
7. Landscaping required. Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one face of the sign. For example, thirty (30) square feet of sign area shall require sixty (60) square feet of landscaped area.
8. Address plate required. Freestanding monument signs shall contain an address plate identifying the project or use by specific street address. The address plate shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area. Numbers shall be a minimum of six inches (6") in height. Address plates shall not be included in the total allowable area of the sign.
9. Freestanding signs shall architecturally integrate with the related development.
C. Under canopy signs. Under canopy signs shall be allowed in commercial centers; provided, each shall not exceed six square feet in sign area, nor shall the sign extend lower than seven feet (7') above the area over which it is suspended, and shall be mounted perpendicular to the building face. Only one sign shall be displayed for each frontage with a public entrance.
D. Wall signs.
1. Building frontages only. Signs shall be located only on building frontages unless specifically approved by the Director.
2. Allowed projection. Signs shall not project from the surface upon which they are attached more than required for construction purposes, and in no case more than twelve inches (12").
3. Height. Signs shall not be placed upon a roof or project above the edge of the roof or parapet of a structure and shall be measured in compliance with subsection (B)(3) of this section (Measurement of sign height).
4. Not obstruct window. Signs shall not be placed to obstruct any portion of a window.
E. Window signs.
1. Ground level/second story only. Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground level and second story of a building frontage.
2. Painted inside of window. Signs shall be painted or mounted only on the inside of the windows and doors.
3. Twenty-five percent (25%) maximum. Signs shall not occupy more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the window area of any one window including permanent and temporary signs.
4. Unobstructed observation. The lowermost portion of the entire window(s) (a minimum of twenty-four inches (24")) shall be clear of any signs in order to allow for unobstructed observation by security personnel (e.g., City police, private security, etc.).
5. Temporary Signs. Temporary window signs (non-internally-illuminated) announcing special sales, a change in management, individual product and/or price signs, or similar information and designed to be viewed from adjacent streets, sidewalks, public rights-of-way or parking shall cover not more than fifty percent (50%) of any single window, fifty percent (50%) of the entire surface area of a group of windows and shall not be so affixed as to block a clear view of exits or entrances or to create a safety hazard to persons exiting or entering. The total area of the window signs shall not be greater than the permanent on-building sign area allowed for the business/use. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.34.110 Sign variances, minor adjustments, and revocation.
A. Purpose. The Director may grant minor adjustments in order to prevent unnecessary hardships which would result from a strict and literal interpretation and enforcement of certain regulations required by this chapter. A practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship may result from the size, shape, or dimensions of a site or the location of existing structures on the site, from geographic, topographic, or other physical conditions on the site, or in the immediate vicinity, or from street locations or traffic conditions in the immediate vicinity which would affect the placement of signs on the site or structure.
B. Exception purposes. The Director may grant a minor adjustment if it can be demonstrated that an exception is necessary to facilitate an improved aesthetic relationship between the signs and the structures upon which they are mounted, or to overcome an unusual site condition.
C. Procedure. All minor adjustments for signs shall be referred to the Director where the applicant desires one or more adjustments from the requirements of this chapter (deviations from those regulations identified in Section 9.34.070 (Prohibited signs) shall only be processed as variance requests); provided, the total amount of adjustments is limited to twenty-five percent (25%) of the allowed sign area. The Director may allow adjustments within the limits listed in this section. Appropriate findings, consistent with this chapter, shall be made a part of the granting of the adjustment.
1. Transfer and/or increase of sign area.
a. To overcome a disadvantage because of an exceptional setback between the street and the sign or orientation of the sign location;
b. To achieve an effect which is essentially architectural, graphic art, or sculptural and which, in the opinion of the Director, enhances the sign and site’s development;
c. To permit more sign area in a single sign than is allowed, but less than the total allowed for the entire site, where a more orderly and concise pattern of signs will result;
d. To allow a sign compatible with other conforming signs in the vicinity;
e. To establish the allowable amount and location of signs when no street frontage exists or when, because of an unusual parcel shape (e.g., a flag lot), the street frontage is excessively narrow in proportion to the average width of the parcel; and
f. To allow sign area to be transferred to a street building frontage when the main entrance does not face the street.
2. Alternative sign locations.
a. On site. To transfer allowed signage from a structure wall to an allowed freestanding sign based upon the finding that the alternative location is necessary to overcome a disadvantage caused by an unfavorable orientation of the front wall to the street or parking lot or an exceptional setback;
b. Parcels not fronting on any street. Under sign review, approval may be given for the placement of a sign on an access easement to a parcel not having street frontage, at a point where viewable from the adjoining public street; and
c. Other. Alternative locations may be granted in order to further the intent and purpose of this chapter or where normal placement would conflict with the architectural design of a structure, including transfer of sign area on the same building.
3. Alternative types of signs. To facilitate compatibility with the architecture of structures on the site and improve the overall appearance of the site.
D. Fees. A minor adjustment fee, in compliance with the City’s Fee Schedule, shall be collected when the application for a minor adjustment is submitted to the Department.
E. Notices of minor adjustments. When the Director approves a minor adjustment, the Director shall have the discretion to provide notice (e.g., providing written notice to adjacent properties). If notices are provided by the Director, property owners and business operators existing at the time, located adjacent to the affected property within three hundred feet (300') from the location of the sign, shall be notified of the decision in compliance with Chapter 88 of this title (Public Hearings). The notice shall identify the proposed adjustment and the available appeal process. The decision shall not take effect until the appeal period ends in compliance with Chapter 90 of this title (Appeals).
F. Appeals. Appeals for minor adjustments shall be processed in compliance with Chapter 90 of this title (Appeals).
G. Revocation of sign review permit. Following due notice to the applicant, any approved sign review permit may be revoked or modified if the Director determines that the sign or sign program for which the permit was granted:
1. Advertises the availability or sale of goods, property, or services no longer available; or
2. Is not constructed, installed, or properly maintained in compliance with the approved sign review permit. To be properly maintained, all signs, together with all anchors, braces, guys, and supports, shall be kept in presentable condition and repair, including periodic repainting and cleaning, as well as the replacement of worn or defective parts. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014; § 1(2) (Atts. 1, 2), Ord. 20-18, eff. February 3, 2021; § 1(2) (Att. A), Ord. 23-05, eff. August 9, 2023)
9.34.120 Residential sign standards.
A. Residential signs. This subsection shall apply to all districts designated by this Development Code as residential.
1. Maximum allowed size.
a. For single-family residences only. One wall-mounted sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in area shall be allowed for the identification of a home occupation.
b. For multiple-family residences/developments only. One monument sign per street frontage not to exceed one square foot per ten feet (10') of lot frontage with a minimum area of twelve (12) square feet and a maximum area of twenty-four (24) square feet shall be allowed. The height of the sign shall not exceed six feet (6').
c. For planned unit developments. Signs shall be approved in conjunction with the conditional use permit for a residential planned unit development.
2. Location. Multifamily development signs may be freestanding or wall mounted. When freestanding, the signs shall not be less than one foot inside the property line, nor closer than one hundred feet (100') from another freestanding sign on the same parcel. If building mounted, signs shall be flush mounted on the wall.
3. Illumination. Nonilluminated signs or external illumination of the sign area only shall be allowed.
4. Special uses. See Table 3-30 (Special Uses) for those uses (other than residential) allowed in the applicable residential zoning district. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.34.130 Nonresidential sign standards.
A. Commercial signs. This subsection shall apply to all districts designated as commercial or professional office and shall specifically apply to the following zoning districts: C-1, C-2, C-3, C-P, C-R, U-C, and R-T. In mixed use developments, the predominant use of the site shall be the basis for determining sign area standards.
1. Residential uses. Signs for residential uses shall be allowed in compliance with Section 9.34.120 (Residential sign standards).
2. Commercial uses: Freestanding signs.
a. Size and height. The sign area of each face and the sign height shall not exceed those areas and heights identified in Table 3-14, 3-15, or 3-16, as applicable to the type of sign.
|
Street Frontage (Each) |
Maximum Height |
Maximum Face Area |
|---|---|---|
|
0 – 50 |
6 |
20 |
|
51 – 100 |
8 |
36 |
|
101 – 150 |
10 |
40 |
|
151 – 200 |
12 |
50 |
|
201 – 400 |
14 |
60 |
|
401 – Plus |
20 |
100 |
|
Street Frontage of |
Maximum Height |
Maximum Face Area |
|---|---|---|
|
0 – 50 |
6 |
30 |
|
51 – 100 |
8 |
40 |
|
101 – 150 |
10 |
50 |
|
151 – 200 |
12 |
60 |
|
201 – 400 |
14 |
70 |
|
401 – Plus |
20 |
100 |
|
Street Frontage of Center (Each) |
Maximum Height |
Maximum Face Area |
|---|---|---|
|
0 – 200 |
14 |
50 |
|
201 – 400 |
16 |
70 |
|
401 – 500 |
20 |
80 |
|
501 – Plus |
20 |
100 |
Note:
* In addition to the freestanding sign allowance, shopping centers with a street frontage of seven hundred (700) lineal feet or greater shall be allowed secondary tenant freestanding identification signs. The number of secondary signs shall not exceed one for each main drive approach for a maximum of two (2) signs. Sign area shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet for each sign, with individual panels of no more than ten (10) square feet. Identification signs shall not exceed a maximum height of ten feet (10'). The signs shall be granted for minor tenants within the center, located more than one hundred fifty feet (150') from the street the business intends to serve.
3. Commercial developments: On-building “frontage” identification signs.
a. Area allowed for frontages with public entrances. Each business frontage having a public entrance shall be allowed on-building identification signs with the allowable area computed in compliance with Table 3-17. Only one public entrance shall be utilized for calculating allowable primary sign area.
|
Structure Entrance Setback |
Allowable Sign Area Formula |
Minor Tenants Maximum Allowable Sign Area |
Major Tenants Maximum Allowable Sign Area* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
150 feet or less to the intended service street property line. |
One sq. ft. per each linear foot of lease space. |
50 sq. ft. |
100 sq. ft. |
|
More than 150 feet to the intended service street property line. |
One and one-half sq. ft. per each linear foot of lease space. |
75 sq. ft. |
150 sq. ft. |
Note:
* Major tenants having one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet or more gross leasable area shall be eligible for additional on-building sign area under special approval by the Director. In these cases, the Director may increase the maximum allowable areas for major tenants identified in Table 3-17 from one hundred (100) to two hundred (200) square feet where the building entrance setback is located less than or equal to one hundred fifty (150') feet from the nearest street property line; or from one hundred fifty (150) to three hundred (300) square feet where the building entrance setback is located more than one hundred fifty feet (150') from the nearest street property line; whichever applies. Without further increasing the allowed on-building sign area, the Director may allow major tenants to transfer, in whole or in part, the on-building sign area allowance from a side street frontage without a public entrance to a frontage with a public entrance. The Director may approve an increase in the building sign by transferring up to seventy-five percent (75%) of the allowable freestanding sign area.
b. Area allowed for street frontages without public entrances. Each business occupying the end of a structure, having a street frontage without a public entrance, shall be allowed one-half (1/2) square foot of sign area for each one foot of leased building frontage. The maximum area shall be limited to twenty-five (25) square feet for buildings up to one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet and fifty (50) square feet for buildings over one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet.
c. Minimum sign area. Each commercial use which has direct pedestrian access through an exterior building wall which is visible from a public right-of-way shall be allowed twenty-five (25) square feet of building sign area, regardless of structure occupancy frontage. Commercial uses having a sole access from the interior of any structure or from an enclosed court or lobby shall not be allowed the minimum building wall sign area referred to in this subsection.
d. Privilege signs. Where a number of commodities with different brand names or symbols are sold on the premises, up to one-fourth (1/4) of the area of a business sign, or twenty-five (25) square feet of the sign area, whichever is the lesser, may be devoted to the advertising of one or more of the commodities by brand name or symbol as an accessory function of the business sign; provided, the advertising is integrated with and a part of the remainder of the business sign.
e. Under canopy signs. Under canopy signs shall be allowed in commercial centers; provided, each shall not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area, nor shall the sign extend lower than seven feet (7') above the area over which it is suspended, and shall be mounted perpendicular to the building face. The signs shall identify only a business name within a business center. Only one sign shall be displayed per frontage with a public entrance.
f. Transfer of sign area. When approved by the Director, the sign area may be transferred in part or in whole from a frontage with a public entrance to one without a public entrance; provided, the signs on a given frontage do not exceed the allowable area, as computed in compliance with Table 3-17.
g. Location. The location of the signs shall not be less than one foot inside the property line and shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic entering into or exiting from the commercial development or with vehicular street traffic or pedestrians. On corner parcels, it is the intent of this subsection that signs not be placed at the corner of one street frontage to be viewed from another street frontage. Generally, multiple freestanding signs for independent businesses and commercial developments shall be centered on the street frontage on which they are placed.
h. Number. Only one freestanding sign shall be allowed for and upon each street frontage. Without increasing the total freestanding sign allowance for corner parcels, the Director may allow the linear footage of two (2) or more connecting street frontages to be combined for corner parcels in order to obtain a greater face area for a freestanding sign along a particular frontage than would otherwise normally be allowed, subject to the following restrictions:
(1) The height of the freestanding sign does not exceed that normally allowed for the street frontage on which the sign is placed, based on values identified for the linear footage on that street; and
(2) The combined face area of the freestanding sign does not exceed that normally allowed for the street frontage on which the sign is placed by more than twenty-five percent (25%).
i. Shopping center: Minor tenant directional signs. In addition to the freestanding sign allowance identified in Table 3-16 (Shopping Center Signs), shopping centers shall be allowed on-site directional signs for minor tenant identification in compliance with the following standards:
1. The number of directional signs shall not exceed one for each main driveway.
2. Signs shall not exceed ten (10) square feet of sign area for each sign, with individual panels of no more than three (3) square feet.
3. Minor tenant directional signs shall have a maximum height of six feet (6') and shall be architecturally integrated with the shopping center site.
4. Signs shall be located a minimum of forty feet (40') from the nearest street property line, and the location shall be subject to the review and approval of the Director.
5. It is not the intent of this subsection to create additional signs to be viewed from a public right-of-way.
j. Shopping center: Tenant identification signs. In addition to the freestanding sign allowance identified in Table 3-16 (Shopping Center Signs), shopping centers with a street frontage of seven hundred (700) lineal feet or greater shall be allowed secondary tenant freestanding identification signs in compliance with the following standards:
1. The number of secondary signs shall not exceed one for each main drive approach for a maximum of two (2) signs.
2. Sign area shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet for each sign, with individual panels of no more than ten (10) square feet.
3. The identification signs shall not exceed a maximum height of ten feet (10').
4. The identification signs shall be granted for minor tenants within the center, located more than one hundred fifty feet (150') from the street the business intends to serve.
k. Drive-in and drive-through facility signs. In addition to the sign area allowed under the commercial zoning district regulations, drive-in and drive-through restaurants shall be allowed the following boards/signs in compliance with the following standards:
1. One menu board, to be located at the ordering device in association with the drive-through window use, for each drive-through lane, not to exceed twenty (20) square feet in area or six feet (6') in height.
2. Changeable copy is limited to the menu board.
3. Each drive-through lane shall be allowed a maximum of one preview board in addition to the menu board. The preview board shall be no more than twenty (20) square feet in area and not exceed six feet (6') in height.
4. The minimum distance from the center of the menu board to the center of any proposed preview board shall be no less than twenty-five feet (25').
5. All menu boards and preview boards shall utilize low intensity illumination.
6. All corporate advertising shall be eliminated from the menu and preview boards.
7. Menu and preview boards shall not be visible from the street. Additional landscape areas or shrub plantings may be required to provide appropriate screening.
8. Approval of all menu and preview board signs shall be in compliance with Chapter 64 of this title (Conditional Use Permits) and a formal sign permit shall be submitted for review and approval in compliance with Section 9.34.040 (Sign permit review) before installation of any signs at the site.
9. Any proposed carhop and walk-up menu boards shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area and shall be located in areas approved in compliance with the conditional use permit process.
10. Directional signs: see Section 9.34.060(F), Directional signs.
l. Freeway oriented signs. In addition to signs allowed by Section 9.34.120 (Residential sign standards), sites five (5) acres or more in size and located in the C-2 District or an accredited college or university use on sites five (5) acres or more in size and located in the R-T District and directly adjacent to State Route 168 are allowed one on-site freeway freestanding identification sign and on-building freeway identification sign, subject to the following standards:
1. The maximum height for freeway freestanding identification signs is twenty feet (20'), to be measured from the finish grade of the property (at the base of the sign) to the top of the sign. Allowed sign area shall be calculated per standards outlined in Table 3-30, Special Uses.
2. The Director may grant a greater height, up to a maximum height of thirty-five feet (35'), through the administrative use permit process, in compliance with Chapter 62 of this title.
3. A request to exceed the twenty-foot (20') height maximum shall be subject to a flag test to be performed by the applicant, with a member of City staff in attendance.
4. On-building freeway identification signs are allowed with sign area to be calculated at a ratio of one square foot of sign applicable review authority for each lineal foot of lease space for a major tenant (e.g., seven thousand (7,000) square feet or greater) having freeway frontage with a maximum on-building sign area not to exceed two hundred (200) square feet.
5. For an accredited college or university located in the R-T District, a video and changeable copy light emitting diode (LED) display is allowable identifying campus activities and events, recruitment, graduation and similar ceremonies, on-site conferences, campus housing and staff and faculty announcements only requiring an administrative use permit. This display shall be of a video or fixed image, conform to light intensity requirements of the Clovis Municipal Code and require review and approval by the State of California Department of Transportation.
The Director may grant a greater height, up to a maximum height of fifty feet (50'), through the administrative use permit process, in compliance with Chapter 62 of this title.
4. Office uses: Freestanding signs.
a. Maximum size and height. Professional office developments within the C-P District may use one of two (2) optional freestanding sign programs: a single freestanding sign listing the name and address of the office center or the business in the case of a single business development, or multiple low-profile freestanding signs in the case of multiple tenants. The sign area and the sign height shall not exceed those listed in Table 3-18.
|
Street Frontage of Development (Each) |
Maximum Height (in feet) |
Maximum Face Area |
|---|---|---|
|
0 – 50 |
4 |
8 |
|
51 – 100 |
6 |
32 |
|
101 – 200 |
8 |
50 |
|
201 – 400 |
10* |
75 |
|
401 – Plus |
12* |
100 |
Note:
* An increase in the height may be granted by the Director where the Director feels a taller sign structure shall enhance the design of the development.
b. Location. The location of the signs shall not be less than one foot inside the property line and shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic entering into or exiting from a professional office complex or with vehicular street traffic or pedestrians.
c. Number. The allowable number of freestanding signs shall be as follows:
(1) Single tenant. The total face area may be utilized in one sign or be divided among two (2) signs per street frontage, with a maximum height of eight feet (8'); provided, a minimum distance of one-half (1/2) of the width of the parcel is maintained between each sign and the street corner of the parcel. This provision shall be for frontages having two hundred one feet (201') or greater of the total street frontage and shall be reviewed and approved by the Director.
(2) Multiple tenants. When a professional office structure development has more than one tenant, individual low-profile freestanding signs for each multi-tenant building may be allowed in lieu of a single freestanding sign for the site, as allowed by subsection (A)(4)(c)(1) of this section. Developments with multiple buildings shall consolidate these signs as much as possible, limiting the number to no more than one per each two (2) buildings. The low-profile signs shall be uniform in construction (except for copy) and shall not exceed four feet (4') in height, eight feet (8') in length, and two feet (2') in width per business. The total face area shall be limited to two (2) times the face area allowed in Table 3-18. The low-profile signs shall be limited to copy on one side and placed parallel to the street.
d. Directory signs. For directory signs located within the interior of a professional office complex, there shall be no quantity limits (see Section 9.34.060(F)). For directory signs located at a professional office complex street entrance, only one sign, located at least forty feet (40') from the street entrance property line, shall be allowed when the Director determines the design, location, and shape of the center, or other special circumstances exist and warrant special consideration. All directory signs shall be limited to twelve (12) square feet in area and freestanding directory signs shall have a height limit not to exceed five feet (5').
5. Office uses: On-building identification signs.
a. Size. Each business frontage having a public entrance shall be allowed on-structure identification signs having an area of one-half (1/2) square foot per front foot of structure, up to a maximum of fifty (50) square feet of sign area. Structures set back one hundred fifty feet (150') or more from the facing street shall be allowed one square foot of sign area per front foot of structure, up to maximum of seventy-five (75) square feet. Only one public entrance may be utilized for calculating the allowable primary sign area.
b. Area allowed for street frontages without public entrances. Each business occupying the end of a structure, having a street frontage without the public entrance, shall be allowed one-half (1/2) square foot of sign area for each one foot of leased building frontage. The maximum area shall be limited to twenty-five (25) square feet.
c. Location. When approved by the Director, the sign area may be transferred from a frontage with a public entrance to one without a public entrance; provided, the ratio of signs per lineal foot is not exceeded on any one elevation.
6. R-T industrial developments. This subsection shall apply to all R-T industrial developments.
a. R-T industrial developments: Freestanding monument signs.
(1) Size and height. The sign area of each face and sign height shall not exceed the areas and heights identified in Table 3-19.
|
Street Frontage of Each R-T Use |
Maximum Height |
Maximum Face Area |
|---|---|---|
|
0 – 75 |
6 |
25 |
|
76 – 100 |
6 |
50 |
|
101 – 150 |
6 |
60 |
|
151 – 200 |
8 |
75 |
|
201 – Plus |
8 |
100 |
(2) Location. The location of the signs shall not be less than one foot inside the property line and shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic entering into or exiting from an R-T development or with vehicular traffic or pedestrians.
(3) Number. The total face area may be utilized in one sign or, where specifically approved by the Director, the sign area may be divided among one sign per street frontage, with a maximum height in compliance with Table 3-19; provided, a minimum distance of one-half (1/2) of the width of the parcel is maintained between each sign and the street frontage of the parcel.
b. R-T industrial developments: On-building identification signs.
(1) Size and height. The sign area of each face shall not exceed those areas identified in Table 3-20.
|
Structure Entrance Setback |
Allowable Sign Area Formula |
Minor Tenants Maximum Allowable Sign Area |
Major Tenants Maximum Allowable Sign Area |
|---|---|---|---|
|
150 feet or less to the intended service street property line. |
One sq. ft. per each linear foot of lease space. |
50 sq. ft. |
100 sq. ft. |
|
More than 150 feet to the intended service street property line. |
One and one-half sq. ft. per each linear foot of lease space. |
75 sq. ft. |
150 sq. ft. |
(2) Number allowed. The sign area of each business frontage may be utilized in one or more signs; provided, the total sign area of all signs on a given frontage does not exceed the maximum allowable area.
7. R-T commercial developments: Freestanding monument signs. This subsection shall apply to all R-T commercial developments.
a. Size and height. Commercial developments may use one of two (2) optional freestanding sign programs: a single freestanding sign listing the name and address of the center or the business in the case of a single business development. The sign area and the sign height shall not exceed those identified in Table 3-21.
|
Street Frontage (Each) |
Maximum Height |
Maximum Face Area |
|---|---|---|
|
0 – 50 |
6 |
8 |
|
51 – 100 |
6 |
32 |
|
101 – 200 |
6 |
50 |
|
201 – 400 |
8 |
75 |
|
401 – Plus |
8 |
100 |
An increase in the height may be granted by the Director where the Director feels a taller sign structure shall enhance the design of the development.
b. Location. The location of signs shall not be less than one foot inside the property line and shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic entering into or exiting from a commercial development or with vehicular street traffic or pedestrians.
c. Number. The allowable number of freestanding signs shall be as follows:
(1) The total face area may be utilized in one sign or be divided among the street frontage, with a maximum height in compliance with Table 3-21; provided, a minimum distance of one-half (1/2) of the width of the parcel is maintained between each sign and the street corner of the parcel. This provision shall be for frontages having two hundred one feet (201') or greater of the total street frontage and shall be reviewed and approved by the Director.
(2) When a commercial development has more than one tenant, individual low-profile freestanding signs for each tenant may be allowed in lieu of a single freestanding sign for the site, as allowed by subsection (A)(7)(a) of this section. The low-profile signs shall be uniform in construction (except for copy) and shall not exceed four feet (4') in height, eight feet (8') in length, and two feet (2') in width per business. The total face area shall be limited to two (2) times the face area allowed in Table 3-21. Low-profile signs shall be limited to copy on one side and placed parallel to the street.
d. Directory signs. For directory signs located within the interior of a commercial development, there shall be no quantity limits. For directory signs located along the exterior street frontages of a commercial development, only one sign shall be allowed for each approach entrance, or as determined by the Director when the design, location, and shape of the center or other special circumstances exist and warrant special consideration.
8. R-T commercial developments: Freestanding signs. This subsection shall apply to all R-T commercial developments.
a. Size and height. The sign area of each face and the sign height shall not exceed those areas and heights identified in Table 3-22, 3-23, or 3-24, as applicable to the type of sign.
|
Street Frontage (Each) |
Maximum Height |
Maximum Face Area |
|---|---|---|
|
0 – 50 |
6 |
20 |
|
51 – 100 |
8 |
36 |
|
101 – 150 |
10 |
40 |
|
151 – 200 |
12 |
50 |
|
201 – 400 |
14 |
60 |
|
401 – Plus |
20 |
100 |
|
Street Frontage of Development (Each) |
Maximum Height |
Maximum Face Area |
|---|---|---|
|
0 – 50 |
6 |
30 |
|
51 – 100 |
8 |
40 |
|
101 – 150 |
10 |
50 |
|
151 – 200 |
12 |
60 |
|
201 – 400 |
14 |
70 |
|
401 – Plus |
20 |
100 |
|
Street Frontage of Center (Each) |
Maximum Height (in feet) |
Maximum Face Area |
|---|---|---|
|
0 – 200 |
14 |
50 |
|
201 – 400 |
16 |
70 |
|
401 – 500 |
20 |
80 |
|
501 – Plus |
20 |
100 |
Note:
* In addition to the freestanding sign allowance, shopping centers with a street frontage of seven hundred (700) lineal feet or greater shall be allowed secondary tenant freestanding identification signs. The number of secondary signs shall not exceed one for each main drive approach for a maximum of two (2) signs. Sign area shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet for each sign, with individual panels of no more than ten (10) square feet. Identification signs shall not exceed a maximum height of ten feet (10'). The signs shall be granted for minor tenants within the center, located more than one hundred fifty feet (150') from the street the business intends to serve.
b. Location. The location of the signs shall not be less than one foot inside the property line and shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic entering into or exiting from the commercial development or with vehicular street traffic or pedestrians. On corner parcels it is the intent of this subsection that signs not be placed at the corner of one street frontage to be viewed from another street frontage. Generally, multiple freestanding signs for independent businesses and commercial developments shall be centered on the street frontage on which they are placed.
c. Number. Only one freestanding sign shall be allowed for and upon each street frontage. Without increasing the total freestanding sign allowance for corner parcels, the Director may allow the linear footage of two (2) or more connecting street frontages to be combined for corner parcels in order to obtain a greater face area for a freestanding sign along a particular frontage than would otherwise normally be allowed, subject to the following restrictions:
(1) The height of the freestanding sign does not exceed that normally allowed for the street frontage on which the sign is placed, based on values identified for the linear footage on that street; and
(2) The combined face area of the freestanding sign does not exceed that normally allowed for the street frontage on which the sign is placed by more than twenty-five percent (25%).
9. R-T commercial developments: On-building “frontage” identification signs. This subsection shall apply to all R-T commercial developments.
a. Area allowed for frontages with public entrances. Each business frontage having a public entrance shall be allowed on-building identification signs with the allowable area computed in compliance with Table 3-25. Only one public entrance shall be utilized for calculating allowable primary sign area.
|
Structure Entrance Setback (from street frontage property line) |
Allowable Sign Area Formula |
Minor Tenants Maximum Allowable Sign Area |
Major Tenants Maximum Allowable Sign Area* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
150 feet or less to the intended service street property line. |
One sq. ft. per each linear foot of lease space. |
50 sq. ft. |
100 sq. ft. |
|
More than 150 feet to the intended service street property line. |
One and one-half sq. ft. per each linear foot of lease space. |
75 sq. ft. |
150 sq. ft. |
Note:
* Major tenants having one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet or more gross leasable area shall be eligible for additional on-building sign area under special approval by the Director. In these cases, the Director may increase the maximum allowable areas for major tenants identified in Table 3-25 from one hundred (100) to two hundred (200) square feet where the building entrance setback is located less than or equal to one hundred fifty (150) square feet from the nearest street property line; or from one hundred fifty (150) to three hundred (300) square feet where the building entrance setback is located more than one hundred fifty feet (150') from the nearest street property line, whichever applies. Without further increasing the allowed on-building sign area, the Director may allow major tenants to transfer, in whole or in part, the on-building sign area allowance from a side street frontage without a public entrance to a frontage with a public entrance.
b. Area allowed for street frontages without public entrances. Each business occupying the end of a structure, having a street frontage without a public entrance, shall be allowed one-half (1/2) square foot of sign area for each one foot of leased building frontage. The maximum area shall be limited to twenty-five (25) square feet.
c. Minimum sign area. Each commercial use which has direct pedestrian access through an exterior building wall which is visible from a public right-of-way shall be allowed twenty-five (25) square feet of building sign area, regardless of structure occupancy frontage. Commercial uses having a sole access from the interior of any structure or from an enclosed court or lobby shall not be allowed the minimum building wall sign area referred to in this subsection.
d. Privilege signs. Where a number of commodities with different brand names or symbols are sold on the premises, up to one-fourth (1/4) of the area of a business sign, or twenty-five (25) square feet of the sign area, whichever is the lesser, may be devoted to the advertising of one or more of the commodities by brand name or symbol as an accessory function of the business sign; provided, the advertising is integrated with and a part of the remainder of the business sign.
e. Under canopy signs. Under canopy signs shall be allowed in commercial centers; provided, each shall not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area, nor shall the sign extend lower than seven feet (7') above the area over which it is suspended, and shall be mounted perpendicular to the building face. The signs shall identify only a business name within a business center. Only one sign shall be displayed per frontage with a public entrance.
f. Transfer of sign area. When approved by the Director, the sign area may be transferred in part or in whole from a frontage with a public entrance to one without a public entrance; provided, the signs on a given frontage do not exceed the allowable area, as computed in compliance with Table 3-25.
10. Temporary promotional signs.
a. Holiday promotional signs. Within the eight (8) identified holiday periods identified below, temporary promotional signs, as allowed by this subsection, may be displayed within a commercial, office, or industrial area without a sign permit or prior review and approval by the Director. The allowed holidays and promotional display periods, totaling not more than fifty-seven (57) days, are as follows:
(1) Valentine’s Day and the preceding six (6) days;
(2) Easter and the preceding four (4) days;
(3) Last day of the Clovis Rodeo and the preceding four (4) days;
(4) Memorial Day and the preceding four (4) days;
(5) July 4th and the preceding four (4) days;
(6) Halloween and the preceding four (4) days;
(7) Thanksgiving and the preceding nine (9) days;
(8) Christmas/New Year’s (December 16th to December 31st).
b. Special promotional signs. Special promotional signs may only be displayed in compliance with the following provisions:
(1) To display special promotional temporary signs, a business shall submit a letter to the Director, indicating the proposed time period and type of display.
(2) Temporary signs may be used in conjunction with an event or sale, and may be displayed by one of the following methods:
(a) One such display per calendar year for a maximum single consecutive thirty (30) day period; or
(b) One such display up to three (3) separate times per calendar year, for a maximum of fourteen (14) consecutive days during each display period, and with a minimum of seven (7) days separating each display period.
The method selected must be chosen by the business with the first display period for the year and contained in the letter to the Director. A failure to use all of the allowable time during a permissible display period may not be carried over to another display period, except that if during the first display period fourteen (14) days or less are used, the business may convert an initial election from thirty (30) consecutive days to up to three (3) fourteen (14) day periods. The business owner shall notify the Director of any change.
(3) A promotional display shall not list individual product prices and shall require written notification to the Director.
(4) Special promotional periods may be used in place of a holiday promotional period (identified in subsection (A)(10)(a) of this section), as long as they do not extend the maximum time periods.
(5) A promotional display may not be used within a residential district.
11. Grand opening signs. A-frame signs, I-frame signs, and portable changeable copy signs shall be limited to only one grand opening and a maximum display time of thirty (30) days per business, with written notification of their display given to the Director.
B. Industrial signs.
1. Application. This section shall apply to all districts designated by this Development Code as industrial. This section shall specifically apply to the following zoning districts: CM, M-P, M-1, and M-2. (See subsections (A)(6), (7), (8), and (9) of this section for the R-T Business Park sign standards.)
2. Industrial uses: Freestanding signs.
a. Size and height. The sign area of each face and sign height shall not exceed the areas and height identified in Table 3-26.
|
Street Frontage (Each) |
Maximum Height |
Maximum Face Area |
|---|---|---|
|
0 – 75 |
10 |
25 |
|
76 – 100 |
14 |
50 |
|
101 – 150 |
16 |
60 |
|
151 – 200 |
18 |
75 |
|
201 – Plus |
20 |
100 |
b. Location. The location of signs shall not be less than one foot inside the property line and shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic entering into or exiting from an industrial business center or with vehicular traffic or pedestrians.
c. Number allowed. The total face area may be utilized in one sign for each street frontage.
3. Industrial uses: On-building identification signs. Each industrial business frontage shall be allowed one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of structure frontage up to a maximum of three hundred (300) square feet.
a. Area allowed for street frontages without public entrances. Each business occupying the end of a structure, having a street frontage without a public entrance, shall be allowed one-half (1/2) square foot of sign area for each one foot of leased building frontage. The maximum area shall be limited to twenty-five (25) square feet. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014; § 1 (Att. 1), Ord. 18-11, eff. June 20, 2018: § 2 (Att. A), Ord. 20-07, eff. May 6, 2020; § 1(2) (Att. A), Ord. 23-05, eff. August 9, 2023)
9.34.140 Sign standards for special uses.
A. Special uses. Certain uses, because of their special sign needs or their allowance in residential as well as commercial or industrial districts, have been specifically listed in this section.
1. Additional special uses. Additional sign standards allowed for specified special uses are identified in Table 3-27 (Special Use Commercial Sign Standards) and Table 3-30 (Special Uses).
|
Class |
Sign Type |
Maximum Number |
Maximum |
Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Service Station Identification and Pricing |
Wall |
1 per street; maximum of 2. |
10% of building’s face, not to exceed 150 square feet. |
Not to project above the roof line. |
|
Monument |
1 per street frontage, not to exceed a total of 2 per station. |
36 square feet. |
6 feet. |
|
|
Special Service Signs |
Wall or ground |
1 for each pump island, not to exceed a total of 4 per station. |
2 square feet. |
If mounted on a wall or pole of the canopy, it shall be no higher than 6 feet. Ground signs shall not exceed 6 feet in height. |
|
Special Advertisement |
Wall or ground |
2 per station. |
6 square feet. |
A ground sign shall not exceed 6 feet in height, a window sign shall not exceed 6 feet in height. |
|
Pedestrian Traffic Signs |
Wall, window, canopy |
1 per business. |
6 square feet. |
Not to exceed 8 feet above finish grade. |
B. Design district sign regulations.
1. Where design districts are established in the City in order to establish special sign regulations for a designated area, the provisions of the design district shall apply where there is a conflict with this chapter.
2. The design district for the downtown shall be described as follows: the Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way on the east, Eighth Street on the south, the alley between Pollasky and Woodworth Avenues on the west, and Second Street on the north. (§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.34.150 Nonconforming signs.
A. Illegal signs.
1. Every sign in existence on September 5, 1984, and which was prohibited or illegal at the time of installation, and which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, shall be an illegal sign and shall be removed immediately upon notification of illegality.
2. All signs which were legal, nonconforming under the September 5, 1984, City of Clovis sign ordinance have exceeded the amortization periods set under that ordinance and are now illegal and shall be removed upon notification of illegality.
3. Failure to remove an illegal sign shall be a violation of this chapter.
4. Signs which are not constructed, maintained, or displayed in compliance with this chapter, and which are not legal, and which are nonconforming shall be illegal.
5. Signs in the public right-of-way or on public property without approval shall be illegal and subject to immediate removal.
B. Nonconforming signs.
1. Every sign in existence on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter which was lawful and of pre-existing standards, and which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, shall be a legal, nonconforming sign. These signs shall be subject to removal under Table 3-29, Amortization. The period for removal is determined by taking the number of years the sign has been in existence to find the depreciation formula in Table 3-28. This figure is a percentage of the original cost based upon its period of existence. This depreciation value is then used in Table 3-29 to calculate the period for the removal.
2. Any sign conforming to County laws at the time the property upon which it is located is annexed to the City of Clovis and which is made nonconforming or illegal under the provisions of this chapter shall be removed or brought into conformance within five (5) years after the date it became nonconforming. Any sign which has been declared nonconforming under County laws prior to annexation to the city shall be removed or brought into conformance with this chapter within the time period provided for under the County’s law; provided, that the time period is less than five (5) years.
3. In the event the nonconforming sign is abandoned or discontinued, the sign shall be required to be brought into compliance with this chapter.
4. For the purposes of this section, a change of copy or sign face shall not be deemed a discontinuance of use.
5. For the purposes of this section, any structural alteration to any part of the sign shall be deemed a discontinuance of use.
6. Notwithstanding the amortization schedule below, a nonconforming sign shall be made to comply immediately with the provisions of this chapter if:
a. The owner, outside of a change of copy, requests permission to remodel and remodels a nonconforming sign display, or expands, alters, or enlarges the structure or land use upon which the advertising display is located, and the display is affected by the construction, enlargement, or remodeling, or the cost of construction, enlargement, or remodeling of the advertising display exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the cost of reconstruction of the structure;
b. The owner relocates a sign;
c. There is an agreement between the owner and the City for the removal of a sign on a given date;
d. The sign display is temporary, as determined by the Director;
e. The sign display is or may become a danger to the public or is unsafe; or
f. The sign display constitutes a traffic hazard not created by the relocation of streets or highways or by acts of the City or County.
|
Period of Existence |
Depreciation Formula |
Period of Existence |
Depreciation Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 Year |
Cost - 5% |
6 Years |
Cost - 30% |
|
2 Years |
Cost - 10% |
7 Years |
Cost - 35% |
|
3 Years |
Cost - 15% |
8 Years |
Cost - 40% |
|
4 Years |
Cost - 20% |
9 Years |
Cost - 45% |
|
5 Years |
Cost - 25% |
10 Years |
Cost - 50% |
|
Depreciated Value |
Period of Removal |
|---|---|
|
Prohibited or illegal signs |
Immediately |
|
$500.00 or less |
1 Year |
|
$500.01 to $1,000.00 |
2 Years |
|
$1,001.00 to $2,500.00 |
4 Years |
|
$2,500.01 to $5,000.00 |
6 Years |
|
$5,000.01 to $15,000.00 |
8 Years |
|
Over $15,000.00 |
10 Years |
(§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)
9.34.160 Residential subdivision signs: Temporary.
A. On-site temporary signs. On-site temporary signs are allowed in compliance with the following standards:
1. Total sign area shall be limited to one hundred twenty-eight (128) square feet in one principal subdivision sign and up to sixty (60) square feet for each additional sign located at each street entrance to or within the subdivision, not to exceed a total of five (5) signs for the entire subdivision. All phases of a single tentative map by a single subdivider shall be considered as a single subdivision.
2. Model home signs shall be limited to one sign for each model home, with a maximum of sixteen (16) square feet in total sign area per sign.
3. For a single ten (10) day grand opening period, banners, flags, and additional temporary signs shall be allowed on site as long as they do not create a traffic safety hazard. A written letter shall be submitted to the Department notifying the City of the grand opening event.
4. With a performance deposit set by resolution of the Council, flagpoles, flags, and banners may be allowed subject to the following standards:
a. Flags and poles shall be immediately removed when the flags are no longer displayed.
b. Flags/banners shall be removed or replaced when faded or tattered.
c. Flagpole heights shall not exceed thirty feet (30').
d. Flags shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area.
e. The number of flags/poles shall not exceed twenty-four (24) plus one for each model home. As approved in the subdivision master sign program, the flagpoles may be grouped.
f. Flagpoles shall not be located within the public rights-of-way.
g. Up to three (3) temporary banners may be displayed not to exceed four feet (4') by twenty feet (20') in size.
5. Failure to comply with these standards shall cause the forfeiture of the performance deposit.
B. Off-site temporary signs. Off-site temporary signs are allowed in compliance with the following standards:
1. Signs shall be immediately removed when the subdivision is no longer being actively marketed.
2. Signs shall be removed or replaced when damaged or in disrepair.
3. Signs shall identify and market specific individual subdivision projects.
4. Signs shall be located within a five (5) mile radius from the project they are approved to market.
5. Signs shall not be located in the public rights-of-way or public easements, except for directional kiosks as authorized by this Development Code.
6. Signs shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in sign area; framing and other architectural elements surrounding the sign shall not be counted towards sign area if not specifically depicting advertising, direction and/or as determined by the Director to be noncommercial in nature.
7. Not more than two (2) off-site signs shall be allowed in any geographical direction (north, south, east, and west) with up to eight (8) signs permitted for the entire development.
8. Signs shall not be located closer than one hundred (100) yards from any directional kiosk, as authorized by this Development Code.
9. Signs advertising residential developments outside of the City limits shall be prohibited. This section is not intended to prohibit signs for developments that are in the process of annexation.
10. In allowing temporary off-site residential subdivision signs, the Council finds as follows:
a. The City has a compelling interest in allowing off-site temporary signs for single-family residential subdivisions, subject to a comprehensive subdivision signage plan and permitting process, while not allowing similar opportunities for multifamily housing or other businesses.
b. Special signage is needed by single-family developers to a greater degree than other businesses because development project sales are ordinarily conducted for a relatively limited period of time for any particular location, that is, only until all units in the subdivision are sold.
c. The residential real estate industry is distinct from other industries in that there are generally no storefronts available for advertising and most new subdivisions by their very nature are located in areas where streets and highways are newly constructed. Such thoroughfares are seldom shown on maps available to persons seeking to purchase new homes. This makes off-site signs that advertise available homes necessary for potential buyers to find them. Businesses in established commercial centers or with more permanent sales locations do not share these problems and, thus, have less need for off-site signage. Similarly, commercial subdivisions are generally located in established areas of the City and have established methods of marketing their product through a network of commercial brokers.
d. Subdivision signs are temporary and infrequent as opposed to sales from commercial businesses. Allowing off-site temporary signs for single-family residential subdivisions, subject to the limitations set forth herein and subject to a comprehensive subdivision signage plan and permitting process, will not lead to a proliferation of unsightly signs as would occur if the same opportunities were allowed for other commercial businesses.
e. By requiring approval of a comprehensive subdivision signage plan and permitting process, the City will ensure that temporary off-site subdivision signs have minimal aesthetic impact.
C. Subdivision signage plan and permits. Prior to the placement of any temporary subdivision signs, a complete subdivision signage program shall be submitted to the Director for review and approval. Approval shall be for a one-year period. For each additional year the subdivision is actively being marketed, an annual permit shall be filed. A performance deposit set by resolution of the City Council shall be required to ensure the timely removal of signs. All subdivision signs shall also be subject to any building code and building permit requirements.
D. Subdivision directional signs. Subdivision directional signs are allowed in compliance with the following standards:
1. Council findings.
a. The Council finds that there is an unsightly and confusing proliferation of off-site directional signs, relating to the new residential development projects, including new rental projects, and other business.
b. Development projects by their very nature are most frequently located in areas where streets and highways are newly constructed.
c. These thoroughfares are seldom shown on maps available to persons seeking to purchase new homes; consequently, developers use signs to aid persons in locating their subdivisions.
d. The result is a proliferation of signs which are: (1) unsightly and damaging to the appearance of areas subject to this subsection; (2) confusing to individuals; and (3) potentially unsafe in that drivers of motor vehicles, while searching for subdivisions or signs providing direction, are distracted from the operation of their vehicles.
e. Directional signs are required by developers to a greater degree than other businesses because development project sales are ordinarily conducted for a relatively limited period of time for any particular location, that is, only until all units in the subdivision are sold.
f. Listings in the conventional media, including the telephone yellow pages, are impractical.
g. While other media, including broadcast media, websites, and newspapers are available, and maps could be disseminated in only some of the media, the most efficient method of directing prospective purchasers to development projects is the use of directional signs posted at intersections and other strategic locations.
h. Businesses with more permanent sales locations do not share these problems and, thus, have less need of directional signs.
2. Purpose. The purpose of this subsection is to provide a uniform, coordinated method of offering developers a means of providing directional signs to their projects, while minimizing confusion among prospective purchasers who wish to inspect development projects, while promoting traffic safety and reducing the visual blight of the present proliferation of directional signs.
3. Authority. This subsection is in compliance with State law (State Planning and Zoning Law; Business and Professions Code, Section 5230; and Streets and Highways Code, Section 1460).
4. Definitions. The following phrases, terms, and words, when used in this subsection, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Developer. An association, corporation, district, estate, firm, individual, joint venture, partnership, syndicate, trust, or political subdivision that offers for sale a residential development of at least five (5) dwellings, including condominiums, planned unit developments, and single-family dwellings.
Directional sign. Any on- or off-site freestanding, nonflashing sign which is designed, erected, and maintained to serve as a public convenience in directing pedestrian and vehicular traffic, but not used for the purpose of advertising uses and activities on site.
Kiosk. A freestanding and multiple sided structure whose main purpose is to display signs or information.
Licensee. A corporation, firm, or person(s) authorized by a license agreement to design, erect, and maintain directional and kiosk signs within the City.
Off-site sign. Any sign which is not located on the business or activity site it identifies.
Person. An association, corporation, district, estate, firm, individual, joint venture, partnership, syndicate, trust, or political subdivision, or any other group acting as an independent unit.
5. Direction signs prohibited. Directional and kiosk signs, including travel directional signs, other than those on site, are prohibited except as provided in this subsection.
6. Authority to grant license. The Council may, by duly executed license agreement, grant to a qualified person the exclusive right to design, erect, and maintain directional and kiosk signs within all or part of the City.
7. License required. No person shall erect or maintain any directional sign or kiosk sign within the City without first obtaining a license issued by the Department. Licenses may be issued to locate a single directional sign in the public right-of-way at locations approved by the Director. Licensees shall be selected by soliciting requests for proposals.
8. Term. The term of each license shall be defined in the license agreement.
9. Location of directional signs and kiosk structures. Directional signs and kiosk structures:
a. Shall not obstruct the use of bike or multi-use trails, sidewalks, traffic control signs, or walkways;
b. Shall not obstruct the visibility of vehicles, pedestrians, or traffic control signs;
c. Shall, where feasible, be combined with advance street sign names; and
d. Shall not be installed in the immediate vicinity of street intersections.
10. Requirements for directional signs and kiosk structures. The requirements for directional signs and kiosk structures shall include all of the following:
a. Sign structures shall be wood type with individual sign panels of uniform design and color throughout the City limits.
b. Sign structures shall not exceed twelve feet (12') in height.
c. The width of individual sign structures and sign panels shall not exceed five feet (5').
d. Sign panels shall not be illuminated.
e. Sign structure installation shall include the Caltrans standard of “breakaway” design features where required in right-of-way areas.
f. The lettering for each tract identification shall be uniform and shall be reviewed and approved by the Director.
g. Licensees shall maintain all signs in a neat, clean, and orderly manner.
h. Licensees shall accept liability for all signs and shall provide insurance naming the City as additionally insured in a form and with a company acceptable to the City Attorney.
i. All violations of the license agreement are to be corrected within forty-eight (48) hours (two (2) days).
j. All signs erected on private property shall have written consent from the property owner with the City to have a right to enter property to remove any signs not in compliance. The consent shall be filed with the Director before issuance of a sign permit.
k. The City, and its officers and employees, shall be held free and harmless of all costs, claims, and damages levied against them.
l. No attachments, devices, display boards, flags, pennants, signs, streamers, tags, or other appurtenances or devices shall be attached to any directional sign.
m. All signs shall have applicable Building Division permits.
n. Placement of signs shall be in compliance with City permit specifications.
o. All signs within the public rights-of-way shall have an encroachment permit.
p. All nonconforming subdivision or apartment complex directional signs associated with the project in question shall be removed before the issuance of a new sign permit.
q. For housing projects within a recorded tract, signs on approved sign structures shall be allowed for a maximum period of time concurrent with the approved time limit of the structure location or until the associated subdivision is sold out, whichever first occurs.
r. The placement of each sign structure shall be reviewed and approved by the Director.
s. A sign location plan shall be prepared showing the site of each directional sign and shall be submitted to the Department before the issuance of a sign permit.
t. Any sign approved for a particular subdivision or apartment complex within the City shall not be changed to advertise another subdivision or apartment complex without prior approval of the Director.
11. Directional signs structures and operation.
a. Licensees shall make directional sign panels available to all persons or entities selling subdivisions (hereinafter referred to as “subdividers”) on a first-come, first-service basis.
b. Licensees shall maintain a separate waiting list for each sign structure.
c. A subdivider may apply to a licensee for a sign panel program consisting of a single sign panel on each of a series of sign structures as needed to guide prospective purchasers to the subdivision.
|
Special Use |
Sign Type |
Illuminations |
Locations |
Limitations and Special Conditions |
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Nameplate |
Identification |
Directory |
Changeable Copy |
Business |
Other |
None |
External |
Internal |
Wall |
Window |
Freestanding |
Marquee |
Projecting |
Other |
Explanation of Table The “❍” indicates the options available for allowed signs. |
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Airports/ |
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To be determined with the conditional use permit approval. |
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Automobile/ |
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❍ |
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❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
|
|
1. Primary freestanding identification sign based upon Table 3-17. One freestanding sign may be provided per separate new automobile/motor vehicle showroom/sales facility. A minimum distance between freestanding signs shall be 100 feet, and a minimum distance to the property line shall be 50 feet. 2. Freestanding signs for ancillary used automobile/motor vehicle sales shall be no higher than 14 feet nor contain more than 36 square feet of sign area. One used automobile/motor vehicle freestanding sign shall be allowed per site. The minimum distance between freestanding signs shall be the same as for new automobile/motor vehicle sales. This sign area may be combined with the main dealership sign (maximum 136 square feet). 3. Facia signs at a rate not to exceed the area in Table 3-17. 4. Window signs: Temporary signs only. |
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Drive-In or Drive-Through Uses |
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❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
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Drive-up, drive-in uses are subject to a conditional use permit. In addition to the sign area allowed under the commercial zoning district regulations, drive-up restaurants shall be allowed one menu board for each drive-up lane not to exceed 20 square feet in area or 6 feet in height. Changeable copy is limited to the menu board. Also, each drive-up lane shall be allowed one preview board in conjunction with the menu board. The preview board shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and not exceed 6 feet in height. Walk-up menu boards shall be limited to 6 or less square feet in area in locations, subject to approval of a conditional use permit. Carhop menu boards shall not exceed 6 square feet in area and shall be subject to approval of a conditional use permit. |
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Entertainment Uses (Live) Indoor/ |
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❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
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Live entertainment uses are subject to a conditional use permit. The normal zoning district regulations shall be met, except a changeable copy sign may be included in the allowable on-structure sign area. |
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Freeway Signs |
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❍ |
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In addition to signs allowed by Section 9.34.130 (Nonresidential sign standards), sites located in the C-2 District and directly adjacent to State Route 168 are allowed one on-site freeway freestanding identification sign and on-building freeway identification sign, subject to the following criteria: Freeway Frontage Face Area 1 – 200 feet 150 square feet 201 – 500 feet 250 square feet 501 – plus 350 square feet The maximum height for freeway freestanding identification signs is 20 feet, to be measured from the finish grade of the property. The Director may grant a greater height up to a maximum height of 35 feet through the administrative use permit process. A request to exceed the 20-foot height maximum shall be subject to a flag test to be performed by the applicant, with a member of City staff in attendance. On-building freeway identification signs are allowed with sign area to be calculated at one square foot per each lineal foot of lease space for a major tenant (7,000 square feet or greater) having freeway frontage with a maximum on-building sign area not to exceed 200 square feet in area. |
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Freeway Signs (Continued) |
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❍ |
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On-building freeway identification signs are allowed with sign area to be calculated at one-half square foot per each lineal foot of lease space for a minor tenant (less than 7,000 square feet) having freeway frontage with a maximum on-building sign area not to exceed 25 square feet in area. The lease space is measured along the one side of the suite adjacent to the freeway. This on-building signage allowance for minor tenants does not apply to buildings located on the same site or center that are not directly adjacent to the freeway. Minor tenants may process a minor amendment application to request a twenty-five (25%) percent increase of the allowed sign area. If applicable, the applicant shall process a minor site plan review amendment to modify the approved signage program for subject site. |
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Golf Courses, Country Clubs, Sports and Recreational Facilities |
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❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
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One freestanding sign per street frontage with vehicular access. Maximum height, 10 feet. Maximum area, for frontages under 200 feet, 12 square feet; for frontages 201 feet or greater, 20 square feet. |
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Hotels/Motels |
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❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
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In addition to the signs allowed in the commercial districts, hotel/motel uses shall be entitled to one “vacancy-no vacancy” sign not to exceed 5 square feet. |
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Major Medical Services |
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To be determined with the conditional use permit approval. |
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Mortuaries/ |
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❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
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One freestanding sign on each street frontage with a public entrance. Maximum height 10 feet, maximum area 30 square feet. Wall signs on the principal entrance not to exceed 12 square feet. |
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Outdoor Uses, Other Than Temporary/ |
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❍ |
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❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
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Not exceeding one-half square foot per front of parcel or area for the use to a maximum of 50 square feet, with a maximum height of 6 feet, and shall be approved by the Director. |
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Outdoor Uses, Temporary |
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❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
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❍ |
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Temporary A-frame and I-frame signs may be used. Maximum sign area shall not exceed 50 square feet total, individual signs shall be limited to 25 square feet each with a maximum height of 6 feet, and shall not affect traffic or parking spaces. Total number of signs per street frontage shall be limited to one, and shall be reviewed and approved by the Director. |
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Places of Worship |
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❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
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Monument signs not exceeding 12 square feet for directory signs nor 32 square feet in total sign area for freestanding monument signs. One allowed per street frontage. Wall signs not to exceed one-quarter square foot per front foot of structure facing a street. |
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Private Parking Facilities |
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❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
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❍ |
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One freestanding sign at each street entrance not to exceed 15 square feet in area nor 7 feet in height indicating the name and nature of the business, plus the means of operation or parking restrictions. The freestanding sign(s) may be mounted in a parking lot attendant structure in lieu of the freestanding sign(s). |
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Public Uses Facilities |
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As approved by the Council for City uses. |
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Schools, Private |
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To be determined with the conditional use permit approval. |
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Seasonal Sales Conducted Outdoors/ Seasonal |
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❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
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❍ |
Maximum sign area shall not exceed 50 square feet total, individual signs shall be limited to 25 square feet each with a maximum height of 6 ft., and shall not affect traffic or parking spaces. Total number of signs per street frontage shall be limited to one, and shall be reviewed and approved by the Director. |
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Self Storage |
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❍ |
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❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
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*See below. |
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*Self storage residential zone district uses: On-building identification signs. a. Nonilluminated individual pan-channel letters not to exceed 16 square feet in total sign area. b. Externally illuminated, up-lighted signs may be utilized in residential zone districts. c. On-building signs are subject to compliance with the following standards: • Signs shall be permitted on the perimeter wall and shall architecturally integrate with the facility. • On-building signs shall be permitted at the entrance to the facility or at a key corner intersection. • Facilities on a corner parcel shall be permitted one additional on-building sign (16 square feet maximum), at a key corner intersection wall. *Self storage residential zone district uses: Freestanding signs. a. Size, height and type. Freestanding signs located along the exterior street frontages of a self-storage facility are subject to compliance with the following standards: • Signs shall be of a monument style and shall architecturally integrate with the facility through incorporation of landscaping and design. • The sign area of each sign face shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area. • The sign height of the monument sign(s) shall not exceed 6 feet (with a 2-foot base). • Internally illuminated monument signs shall not be permitted when located within and across from residential zone districts. • Only one sign shall be allowed for each approach entrance, or as determined by the Director when the design, location, and shape of the facility or other special circumstances exist and warrant special consideration. |
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|
*Commercial and industrial uses: On-building identification signs. a. Individual pan-channel letters not to exceed 16 square feet in total sign area. b. Illuminated signs are subject to compliance with the following standards: • Internally illuminated signs shall not be permitted when located within and across from residential zone districts; • Externally illuminated, up-lighted signs shall be utilized when located within and across from residential zone districts. • Signs shall be permitted on the perimeter wall and shall architecturally integrate with the facility. • On-building signs shall be permitted at the entrance to the facility or at a key corner intersection. • Facilities on a corner parcel shall be permitted one additional on-building sign (16 square feet maximum), at a key corner intersection wall. *Commercial and industrial uses: Freestanding signs. a. Size and height. The sign area of each face and the sign height shall not exceed those areas and heights identified in the commercial and industrial zone districts tables accordingly. • On-building signs shall be permitted at the entrance to the facility or at a key corner intersection. • Facilities on a corner parcel shall be permitted one additional on-building sign (16 square feet maximum), at a key corner intersection wall. |
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Service Stations (Gasoline Sales) Including: Mini-Market/Gas Convenience Market with Gas Car-Wash/ Vehicle |
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❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
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❍ |
Portable outside merchandise display stands may be located no farther than 6 feet from the face of the principal structure (connected canopy is not considered as part of the principal structure); provided, each does not exceed 5 feet in height, 3 feet in width nor 30 cubic feet in area. Signs on a stand shall be limited to advertising the merchandise located on the stand. A- and I-frame sign boards shall not be considered “merchandise stands” within the meaning of this section. |
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Service Stations (Continued) In addition to normal sign area, the following special purpose signs may be displayed. |
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❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
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❍ |
Gasoline price signs: One permanently mounted freestanding price sign per street frontage shall be allowed which lists information for each grade of gasoline, type of service available, and type of payment permitted, when there is a difference in price for each separate case. Signs indicating a single price or a combination of prices shall not exceed a total area of 20 square feet, with a maximum height of 5 feet, unless mounted on the freestanding business identification sign or the pump island supports, in which case the height shall not exceed those allowed for the subject zoning district. In addition to the gasoline signs allowed, one or a combination of the following gasoline price sign locations not to exceed 20 square feet per street frontage may be displayed: one on-structure or window location and one on-pump-island-support location. |
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Subdivision Identification (Permanent) |
❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
❍ |
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❍ |
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Residential. Freestanding signs shall be attached to a permanent structure designed for the purpose and located within the center island or on one side of the street at up to 2 entrances to a subdivision, shall be subject to an approved encroachment permit when located within the public right-of-way, shall not exceed a height of 10 feet nor 12 square feet in area per sign, nor one sign per entrance. Signs shall be approved with a tentative subdivision map. Commercial or industrial freestanding signs shall be attached to a permanent structure designed for the purpose of identifying the entire subdivision. The location of the permanent sign shall be not less than one foot inside the property line, shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic or pedestrians, shall be subject to the review and approval of the Director, shall not exceed a height of 6 feet nor 60 square feet in area, and shall be limited to one sign per subdivision. |
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Theaters |
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One square foot of sign area per front foot of structure facing a public street not to exceed 100 square feet per frontage and one freestanding sign not to exceed 35 square feet for each theater screen up to a maximum area of 200 square feet and a maximum height of 18 square feet. A changeable copy sign may be employed for film listings. |
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Time/ |
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Located on private property and bearing no animated advertising message shall be approved only through the conditional use permit procedure. No additional sign area will be granted for these signs. a. If mounted on the structure, the top of the sign shall not extend above the roof line of the structure on which it is displayed. b. Consideration shall be given to the location of the sign so as not to interfere visually with traffic signals. c. The area of the time/temperature sign shall be counted against the allowed sign area of the site. d. The time/temperature device shall be in keeping with the scale of the site and/or structure. e. The time/temperature signs should not be located within visual proximity of another time/temperature sign (500 feet). |
Note: Vehicle sales, including recreational (new only with incidental used automobile sales), mobile homes, and boats, shall be handled under the general provisions for commercial signs. See Section 9.34.130(A).
(§ 2, Ord. 14-13, eff. October 8, 2014)