Chapter 17.72
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS—SIGNS
Sections:
17.72.060 Signs permitted—RCO district.
17.72.070 Signs permitted—AN district.
17.72.080 Signs permitted—R districts (RA, R, RM).
17.72.090 Signs permitted—PA district.
17.72.100 Signs permitted—PO district.
17.72.110 Signs permitted—C and M districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, M-1, M-2).
17.72.140 Signage at closed businesses and/or vacant sites.
17.72.160 Signs for temporary uses.
17.72.170 Nonconforming signs.
17.72.180 Administration and enforcement.
17.72.190 Murals and public art.
17.72.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish procedures for regulating signs, including the type, size, location and construction standards of signs by zone district. Signs have an obvious impact on the character and quality of the city. As a prominent part of the visual environment, they can attract or repel the viewing public, affect the safety of vehicular traffic and their suitability or appropriateness helps to set the tone of the neighborhood. The objectives of this chapter include the following:
A. To reinforce that the sign should serve primarily to identify the general nature of an establishment or to direct attention to a project, activity, place, person, organization, or enterprise.
B. As identification devices, signs must not subject the citizens of Dinuba to excessive competition for their visual attention. As appropriate identification devices, signs must harmonize with the building, the neighborhood, and other signs in the area.
C. The city of Dinuba intends to encourage the installation of signs that improve the appearance of the property and the neighborhood and to enhance the economic effectiveness of signs.
D. The provisions in this chapter provide standards to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare in keeping with the character of the city of Dinuba by regulating the size, height, structural design, quality of materials, construction location, electrification, illumination and maintenance of all types of signs and sign structures.
E. The provisions in this chapter present criteria indicating whether or not signs conform to the above intentions of suitability and safety.
F. The requirements and provisions set forth in this chapter shall apply to all signs erected, altered, relocated, repaired or maintained within the city. No sign shall hereafter be erected, repaired, maintained or relocated except as provided in this chapter. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993)
17.72.020 Permit required.
Any person desiring to erect, move, alter or attach a sign or other improvement regulated by this section shall first obtain any necessary clearance or sign permit(s) to do so in compliance with this chapter. All requests for approval shall be accompanied by the drawings and information necessary to demonstrate compliance with the applicable regulations of this chapter.
A. Application. Applications for sign permits shall contain the following information upon submittal of a sign permit application. Applications not containing all of the information below shall be deemed incomplete and shall not be processed until deemed complete by the building official:
1. Name, address, and telephone number of applicant;
2. Address, zoning district, and use of the property where the sign is to be located;
3. Three copies of an accurate and scaled site plan of minimum eighteen-inch-by-twenty-four-inch size showing the location of property lines, structures, parking areas, driveways, landscaped areas, utility poles and wires, and existing and proposed sign(s) on the site;
4. Three copies of the plans and specifications for the design showing the method of construction and attachment to the structure or ground;
5. Two copies of calculations and stress diagrams showing that the structure is designed for dead load and wind pressure to meet the requirements of the building official;
6. The land owner’s written consent to the proposed sign, which may be shown by signature on the application;
7. The name of the person, firm, corporation or association owning and erecting the sign;
8. Such other information as the building official may deem necessary.
B. Electrical Permit Required. No person shall install any electrical wiring or lighting to be used in connection with any sign without first obtaining an electrical permit.
C. Appeal from Decision. An appeal may be filed with the planning commission by any person aggrieved or affected by any decision of the building official or director.
D. Modifications. The director may grant modifications to the conditions established in this chapter.
E. Expiration of Permit. Every sign permit issued by the director or designee under the provisions of this chapter shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within one year from the date of such permit, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced for a period of one year. In order to renew action on a permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee per the fees schedule at the time of the submittal.
Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which work may commence under that permit when the permittee is unable to commence work within the time required by this section for reasonable cause. The director or designee may extend the time for initiation of construction by the permittee for a period not exceeding one year on written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the permittee’s control prevented construction from being initiated or completed. Permits shall not be extended more than once and for no more than one year. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993)
17.72.030 Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, certain words and forms are defined as follows (also see Figure 72-1):
“A-frame sign” or “sandwich board” means a portable sign capable of standing without support or attachment.
“Advertising structure” means a structure erected exclusively for advertising purposes upon which any poster, bill, printing, device or other advertisement of any kind whatsoever may be placed, posted, printed or fastened and having a surface of twelve square feet or more.
“Awning sign” means any sign located on an awning.
“Balloon” means any inflatable sign or balloon intended to levitate above the ground regardless of size, that is designed to be used as an outdoor advertising device for any business or promotional event.
“Building” means the building on which a sign is located or attached, but excluding an advertising structure.
“Bulletin board” means a permanent monument sign with changeable copy intended to announce meetings or other events.
“Cut-out sign” means any sign or individual words, letters, figures or characters which are self-supporting and not affixed to any sign surface, but which are erected so as to be approximately parallel to the face of the structure but need not be attached to the structure.
“Directional sign” means any sign other than a highway marker or any sign erected by public authority which is for the purpose of directing persons to a place or activity not located on the same premises as the sign.
“Erect” means to build, construct, hang, place, suspend or affix, including the painting or otherwise applying of wall signs.
“Face” means the surface of a sign on, against or through which the message or design is displayed or illustrated.
“Face of structure” means the exposed side of a main wall of a structure, excluding structural projections facing a street, highway or thoroughfare.
Figure 72-1: Illustration of various sign types
“Feather sign” means a sign typically freestanding that is mounted on a pole, normally made of fabric and designed to blow in the wind.
“Fin sign” means any sign which is erected so as to combine the features of both a roof sign and a projecting sign.
“Freestanding sign” means any sign which is self-supporting in a fixed location and not attached to any structure.
“Gross surface area of sign” or “aggregate surface area” means the area contained within a single continuous perimeter, enclosing all parts of the sign, but excluding any structural elements outside the limits of signs which are required for the support of the sign, most often measured in square feet.
“I-frame” signs are a type of portable sign, designed to stand on a solid base or base with four legs, supporting a vertical sign which may or may not be two sided.
“Illuminated sign” means any sign illuminated by any light source on, within or attached to the sign or by a light source removed therefrom.
“Marquee” means a permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the structure.
“Marquee sign” means any sign attached to or supported by a marquee.
“Monument sign” means any low-profile sign located on the premises and advertising the use, business, service or activity being conducted on the premises.
“Noncommercial sign” means a sign (typically temporary in nature) that contains a message or images displaying noncommercial speech (e.g., commentary or advocacy on topics of public debate and concern). This definition shall be construed and interpreted in light of relevant court decisions.
“Occupancy frontage” means the length of a building frontage of an individual business (see Figure 72-3). Occupancy frontage is used to determine the maximum permitted size of a wall sign.
“Outdoor advertising structure (billboard)” means any sign, other than a directional sign, having a gross area of fifty square feet or more, if single faced; or one hundred square feet or more if double faced, which advertises a business, product, service or activity made available elsewhere than upon where the sign is located.
“Pedestrian sign” means a sign typically hung above a sidewalk from an awning or arcade meant to be viewed by pedestrians.
“Pennants” are long, narrow flags that may be used individually or strung together, and are most often used to designate car sales or other outdoor sales or events.
“Portable sign” means any sign designed to be easily transportable or movable, and which is capable of standing without support or attachment, including but not limited to an A-board, movable freestanding, tire stack or wind sign.
“Projecting sign” means any sign which is attached to the face of a structure and projects more than eighteen inches from the face of the structure.
“Real estate sign” means any sign used exclusively for advertising a parcel of property or a structure for sale, lease or rent.
“Roof sign” means any sign located on a roof of a building or having its major structural supports attached to a roof.
Sandwich Board. Refer to definition of “A-frame sign.”
“Sign” means any advertisement, announcement, display (including electronic display), illustration, banner, insignia or mechanism which is affixed to, painted on or otherwise represented on a building, structure or site, on any vegetation, rock, wall, post, fence or any other object, and which is used to advertise or promote the interests of any person on the sale, use or consumption of any service, commodity, article or thing.
For the purpose of this chapter the term “sign” shall not include the following:
1. Advertising media located entirely within an enclosed building;
2. Traffic highway markers, parking directional signs not greater than three square feet in area and railroad crossing or danger signals;
3. The display of official court or public office notices;
4. Any sign erected or maintained by public authority; or
5. Signs used for the safety, welfare or convenience of the public by utility companies.
“Sign structure” means the structure supporting a sign including uprights, braces and framework but excluding any portion of the sign structure which meets the definition of a “sign.”
“Snipe sign” means a type of temporary sign used for commercial purposes, typically small, made of plastic or paper that is attached to a wire frame that is stuck into the ground. Snipe signs are also sometimes attached to other objects such as telephone poles, trees, fences, etc.
“Streamer” means a long, narrow banner, flag, or pennant.
“Street frontage of a lot” means the face of a lot abutting a street for interior lots and the narrowest frontage abutting a street on corner lots.
“Trompe l’oeil” means an art technique involving realistic imagery in order to trick the eye into perceiving a painted detail as a three-dimensional object.
“Wall sign” means any sign painted, affixed or attached on a building wall or of solid construction located as to be approximately parallel with the face of a structure, including a “V” type sign which does not extend more than eighteen inches from the face of the structure.
“Window sign” means any sign painted on or attached to a window or located inside a structure within a distance equal to the greatest dimension of the window (either width or height) and designed to be viewed from the outside of the structure in which the window is located. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2015-08 § 2 (part), 2015; Ord. 2014-06 § 2, 2014; Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993)
17.72.040 Exemptions.
A. Real estate signs not exceeding six square feet in area and having a vertical dimension of not more than four feet pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of the property on which they are displayed may be erected without obtaining a sign permit; provided, that not more than one such sign shall be permitted on a lot, or upon each sixty feet of frontage of larger parcels; provided further, that when located in any RA, R or RM zone not more than one such sign shall be allowed no matter the size of the parcel.
B. The following signs and nameplates may be erected without obtaining a sign permit:
1. Street number and/or name signs not exceeding one square foot per sign for single-family or duplex structures and three square feet per sign for all other uses. One sign per street frontage shall be allowed. This shall include signs which identify the location of the office of the manager of the property;
2. Signs for identification of institutional buildings, private clubs, lodges, schools and churches, provided:
a. Such signs shall not exceed two in number;
b. Such sign or signs shall not exceed more than twenty square feet in the aggregate;
c. Such signs shall be attached to a wall of the building, parallel to the wall, and shall not project out from the wall more than six inches, nor extend above the wall;
3. Bulletin boards, which may be double faced, not over twelve square feet on one side; provided, that such bulletin boards shall have letters not more than six inches in height, be internally illuminated, and serve only to identify the institution and announce its services and/or activities;
4. Signs identifying the lot, not greater than twelve square feet in area, accessory to public garages or parking areas, when such signs are located on the same lot;
5. Signs not exceeding twelve square feet in area, when placed upon work and during construction; provided, that not more than one such sign shall be erected on the site. Such signs shall be erected for not longer than six months, and shall be removed thirty days after obtaining an occupancy permit for the structure;
6. Signs used exclusively for the posting or display of official notices by a public agency or official, or by a person giving legal notice;
7. Signs erected or maintained by a public agency or official or required by law to be displayed by a public utility for directional, warning or information purposes;
8. Signs not exceeding three square feet in area announcing garage or yard sales, posted consistent with Section 17.72.050(B), and which are removed immediately after the completion of the sale. Total size of all signs shall not exceed nine square feet in the aggregate, and shall not be placed so as to block the vehicular or pedestrian view from adjoining properties;
9. Signs bearing no advertising message and located on the site may be erected when necessary to facilitate circulation within the site or facilitate egress and ingress;
10. Flags of any nation, political subdivision or fraternal or religious organization, provided the pole height does not exceed twenty-four feet and the height of the flag is not more than one-fourth the height of the pole. A sign application may be submitted for a flagpole higher than twenty-four feet or a flag which exceeds one-fourth the height of the pole where the applicant can show that the proposed flag and/or pole is consistent with the intent and purpose of this chapter. This section is not intended to allow the clustering or display of flags for the purpose of commercial attraction as determined by the director;
11. Signs such as “rest rooms,” “telephone,” “danger,” “impaired clearance,” “no smoking” and other signs of a similar nature may be allowed up to five square feet in area under this section;
12. Signs located in the interior of any building or within an enclosed lobby or court of any building or group of buildings, and which are not visible from any public right-of-way, shall not be subject to the size and location criteria within this chapter;
13. Temporary display posters in connection with nonprofit civic and cultural events and with noncommercial health, welfare and safety campaigns. Such posters shall be removed within fourteen days after the conclusion of the event;
14. The removal and replacement of only the sign copy without increasing the area of conforming signs. The sign container, including the structural and electrical connections, shall remain unchanged. This section is not intended to allow changeable (electronic message) signs;
15. Holiday greetings, decorations and displays, excluding advertising signs disguised as seasonal decorations;
16. Noncommercial signs, subject to size and placement limitations specified for each zone. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2014-06 § 4, 2014; Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993)
17.72.050 Prohibited signs.
Unless otherwise provided, the following signs are expressly prohibited (see also Figure 72-2):
A. Off-premises signs, billboards and outdoor advertising structures;
B. Subject to Section 17.72.160, no person (except a duly authorized public official permitted by the city for specific locations) shall erect, paint, print, nail or otherwise fasten any banner, sign, advertisement or notice of any kind on any lamp, pole, utility pole, bench, hydrant, bridge, wall, tree, sidewalk or structure in, upon or across any public street, alley or public property except as may be required or permitted by law;
C. Glaring and flashing lights, including illuminated window signs, excepting seasonal decorations;
D. Directional signs in any RM or C districts; provided, however, that temporary signs for the purpose of directing traffic to a residential property for sale, not including new subdivisions, shall be permitted; provided, that such signs shall have an area on any face not greater than three square feet, shall be limited to two in number pertaining to any property and shall be displayed only during the hours between eight a.m. and five p.m.;
E. Feather signs, snipe signs, pennants, streamers, spinners, ribbons and inflatable signs;
F. Animated signs, the movement of which is simulated by variations in the intensity, color, pattern or illumination, and flashing signs, as listed below, shall be permitted in all districts. Any animated signs not listed shall be prohibited:
1. A sign changing so as to show time and/or temperature;
2. An on-premises barber pole operated during business hours;
3. A sign showing the value, such as percentages and dollar amounts, of item(s) or service(s) located at the business;
Figure 72-2: Prohibited Sign Types
4. Electronic signs displaying such things as time, temperature, advertisement or events of community interest shall be permitted. The area of such signs shall be included when computing the total sign area of a business or site, subject to a conditional use permit;
G. Murals which contain advertising copy or which function as an advertisement;
H. Signs having one or a combination of the following characteristics:
1. Obscene or Offensive to Morals. Containing statements, words or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral 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 literary, artistic, political or scientific value;
2. 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 “stop,” “go,” “slow,” “caution,” “danger,” “warning” or similar words, or signs which imitate or may be construed as other public notices, such as zoning violations, building permits, business licenses and the like;
3. Natural Despoliation. Signs which are cut, burned, limed, painted or otherwise marked on a field, tree, rock or other natural item;
I. 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, or driving on the street. This is specifically intended to include the use of vehicles as a freestanding or off-premises sign;
J. Roof signs;
K. The tacking, posting 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 trees, poles, posts, fences or other structures, shall be prohibited, unless specifically permitted by this chapter. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2015-08 § 2 (part), 2015; Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993)
17.72.060 Signs permitted—RCO district.
Signs permitted in the RCO district are as follows:
A. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040;
B. For permitted uses, name plates or signs not directly lighted, with an aggregate area of not more than twenty square feet;
C. For conditional uses, the provisions of Section 17.72.100 (PO district) shall apply; and
D. One noncommercial sign, not to exceed three square feet in area or four feet in height. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993. Formerly 17.72.070)
17.72.070 Signs permitted—AN district.
Signs permitted in the AN district are as follows:
A. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040;
B. Name plates or signs not directly lighted, with an aggregate area of not more than twenty square feet pertaining to a permitted use;
C. Identification signs or other signs appurtenant to a conditional use, not to exceed sixty square feet in aggregate area;
D. One noncommercial sign, not to exceed three square feet in area or four feet in height. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993. Formerly 17.72.080)
17.72.080 Signs permitted—R districts (RA, R, RM).
Signs permitted in the R districts are as follows:
A. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040;
B. Not more than one sign advertising subdivisions and tract homes under construction and located on the site of the subdivision; provided, that the dimensions of such sign shall be in accordance with the following table:
|
Advertising Relating to: |
Maximum Area (Square Feet) |
Maximum Dimension (Feet) |
Maximum Height above Grade (Feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Buildings or structures |
32 |
12 |
12 |
|
Subdivisions of fewer than 5 acres |
48 |
16 |
12 |
|
Subdivision of 5 or more acres |
65 |
16 |
12 |
C. Signs and pennants advertising the sale of subdivision lots and tract homes shall be permitted for a period of twenty-four months from the date of beginning construction; provided, that when seventy-five percent of the lots in the subdivision have been built, all such signs shall be removed within thirty days;
D. Size. For Multiple-Family Residences Only. One monument sign per street of lot frontage, not to exceed six feet high and up to thirty-five square feet of sign area. For planned unit developments, signs shall be approved in conjunction with the conditional use permit. Multiple-family development signs may be freestanding or wall-mounted. When freestanding, such signs shall not be less than five feet inside the property line, nor closer than one hundred feet from another freestanding sign on the same parcel. If structure-mounted, signs shall be flush-mounted on the wall;
E. Single-family dwelling signs shall indicate name of the occupant and the address. Multiple-family development signs may give the name of the development, the address, phone number and, only when vacancies occur, note “units for rent” (“no vacancy” signs shall not be permitted), not to exceed six square feet;
F. Up to four noncommercial signs, with each sign not to exceed three square feet in area nor exceeding four feet in height. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993. Formerly 17.72.090)
17.72.090 Signs permitted—PA district.
Signs permitted in the PA district are as follows:
A. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040;
B. One sign for each entrance to a parking facility shall be permitted; provided, that said sign shall not exceed one square foot of area for each one lineal foot of street frontage upon the subject lot; and further provided, that no single sign shall exceed one hundred square feet in area;
C. Exit signs, not to exceed six square feet in area, shall be permitted at each exit from said parking lot to any abutting street or alley;
D. One noncommercial sign, not to exceed three square feet in area or four feet in height. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993. Formerly 17.72.100)
17.72.100 Signs permitted—PO district.
Signs permitted in the PO district are as follows:
A. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040;
B. A single freestanding sign not to exceed six feet in height or thirty-five square feet in area listing the name and address of the office center or the business in the case of a single business development. The total face area may be utilized in one sign or be divided among one sign per street frontage, provided a minimum distance of one-half of the width of the lot is maintained between each sign and the street corner of the lot.
The location of such signs shall not be less than five feet inside the property line and shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic entering into or exiting from a business center or with vehicular street traffic or pedestrians;
C. Office complexes may be permitted one directory sign along each street frontage located near an entrance or driveway. The sign may list tenants of the complex and may be up to six feet high and contain up to thirty-five square feet of sign face;
D. Each business frontage having a public entrance shall be allowed on-building identification signs having an area of up to thirty-five square feet of maximum area;
E. One noncommercial sign, not to exceed three square feet in area or four feet in height. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993. Formerly 17.72.110)
17.72.110 Signs permitted—C and M districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, M-1, M-2).
The following signs are permitted for each business in commercial and industrial districts (see also Figure 72-3 for graphic illustration of standards for selected sign types). For multi-tenant shopping centers or office parks containing three or more individual uses, a coordinated sign program shall be submitted for review and approval by the planning director.
Further, the planning commission may approve sign programs, sign size, placement and design which do not strictly comply with sign ordinance requirements when deemed necessary due to building design, site layout, site design and other similar circumstances, consistent with the intent of the sign ordinance. Such a request shall be by conditional use permit.
A. Wall Signs.
1. Number of Signs per Business. The number of wall signs permitted per business or parcel is as follows:
a. One primary wall sign is permitted on the wall with the primary public entrance to the business. For businesses with more than one entrance, only one entrance shall be counted as the primary entrance.
b. Where the site abuts a public street and the primary wall sign is on a wall not facing the street, a secondary wall sign is permitted on the wall facing the street (or streets in the case of a corner or multiple-frontage lot).
c. If the site has a parking lot and a building wall faces the parking lot and that wall does not have a wall sign permitted under subsection (A)(1)(a) or (b) of this section, a secondary wall sign is permitted on the wall facing the parking lot. Not more than one such parking lot sign is permitted.
d. For businesses fronting onto a public alley, one alley wall sign is permitted for the wall that faces onto the alley.
2. Calculation of Wall Sign Area.
a. For a primary wall sign, nine-tenths of one square foot of sign area is permitted for each foot of linear occupancy frontage, as shown in Figure 72-4, up to a maximum of one hundred fifty square feet of sign area, whichever is less. Notwithstanding this regulation, all businesses shall be permitted a minimum of twenty-five square feet of primary wall sign.
b. Where a secondary wall sign is permitted, the maximum sign area shall be one-half the permitted sign area of a primary sign.
c. For an alley wall sign, the maximum sign area shall be twenty-five square feet.
d. For multi-tenant buildings, each tenant shall be permitted one sign mounted on the wall with the primary entrance, except for corner units which may be permitted a primary wall sign and a secondary wall sign.
e. Maximum Height. Not to exceed the top of the vertical wall surface on which the sign is mounted. Signs mounted on a pitched roof may not extend above the peak of the ridge line of the roof. No sign is permitted on the top of a flat-roofed structure.
f. Changeable Message. A wall sign may contain changeable messages (either electronic scrolling messages or letters that are changed manually). The size of a wall sign with a changeable message may be increased by twenty-five percent above the maximum sign area provided under subsection (A)(2)(a) of this section.
Figure 72-3: Selected Commercial and Industrial Sign Standards
Figure 72-4: Calculation of Permitted Wall Sign Area
B. Freestanding Signs.
1. Maximum height: ten feet.
2. Maximum area: thirty-five square feet per sign face.
3. Sign Design. Freestanding signs shall be designed as a monument sign with a solid base extending at least one-half the width of the sign face.
4. Number per Parcel. One freestanding sign is permitted per parcel (or collection of parcels functioning as a single integrated development) for each one thousand feet of street frontage, or fraction thereof, except that parcels with frontage on more than one public street shall be permitted one freestanding sign for each one thousand lineal feet of frontage (or fraction thereof) on each street.
5. Changeable Message. Freestanding signs may contain changeable messages (either electronic scrolling messages or letters that are changed manually). The size of a freestanding sign with a changeable message may be no more than fifty square feet per sign face.
6. Setbacks. A freestanding sign shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any interior side property line. Encroachment into a setback may be permitted by the planning director where the location of existing improvements presents a functional hardship in compliance with the required setback.
7. Landscaping. All freestanding signs shall be surrounded by landscaping of an area at least twice the size of the area of one side of the sign structure. Landscaping shall be consistent with Section 17.71.130 (Landscaping).
C. Directional Signs.
1. Maximum height: four feet.
2. Maximum area: six square feet.
3. Number per site: one per each side of a driveway from a public street.
4. Location. Directional signs shall be placed within five feet of a driveway that accesses the site from a public street. Placement of directional signs shall ensure the sight safety of vehicles entering/leaving a site is not compromised.
D. Directory Signs.
1. Number per site: one per public vehicle and/or pedestrian entrance to the site.
2. Maximum area: thirty-five square feet.
3. Maximum height (if freestanding): six feet.
4. Location. No directory sign which is a freestanding sign may locate closer than five feet to any neighboring property line or closer than three feet to any point of ingress/egress.
E. Temporary/Portable Signs.
1. Banners.
a. Number of Signs. One banner sign is permitted per business.
b. Maximum Height. Not to exceed roof line of nearest building or building affixed to but in no case higher than thirty feet. Banner signs shall not be attached to existing freestanding signs.
c. Maximum area: fifty square feet.
d. Permitted Time. Banner signs may not be utilized for more than ninety days per calendar year.
e. Temporary signs used to identify a business shall be removed within ninety days and replaced with a permanent sign.
2. Sandwich Board Signs.
a. Maximum height and width: three feet wide and four feet tall, maximum.
b. Maximum area: twelve square feet.
c. Number per business: one.
d. Location. May be placed on the business site as long as conflicts with vehicle safety are not caused. May also be placed on the public sidewalk adjacent to the business with approved encroachment permit, but must permit a minimum of four feet of passage area on sidewalk, and be no closer than twenty-five feet to a driveway or a cross street.
e. Permitted display time: during business hours.
F. Projecting Signs.
1. Maximum Height and Projection. Not to exceed roof line of wall or structure to which projecting sign is attached. (Note: Bottom of sign shall be a minimum of eight feet from ground to provide proper clearance.)
2. Number per Business. One, but a projecting sign is permitted only where a wall sign is not used on the same wall.
3. Calculation of Area. One-half square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage of the business to which sign pertains.
4. Maximum area: sixty square feet.
5. Location. Projecting signs may extend over public rights-of-way including public sidewalks not to exceed two-thirds of the distance from the building face to which the sign is attached to the curb face of said sidewalk.
G. Awning/Canopy Signs.
1. Number of Signs. Where an awning is present, one sign may be applied to the awning.
2. Maximum Area. The area of signage on each surface of an awning shall not exceed twenty-five percent of the area of the individual surface.
3. Location. Awning signs shall be made of removable materials such as individual cut-out letters and/or symbols attached, stenciled or otherwise placed on the canopy surface, and may be located on exterior surfaces of a canopy. Canopy signs shall be of color, size and design to harmonize with the color, size and design of the canopy on which they are placed.
H. Window Signs.
1. Maximum Area. Up to twenty-five percent of the area of each individual window may be covered with a window sign or graphic.
I. Alley-Side Signs.
1. Number of Signs/Sign Area. Any building facing a public alley shall be permitted one alley-side sign with a maximum of twenty-five square feet of sign area.
2. Height. Alley side signs may not project above the wall on which they are mounted.
J. “For Sale,” “For Rent,” or Similar Signs.
1. Number of Signs. One sign shall be permitted per street frontage.
2. Size: thirty-two square feet, per sign.
3. Height: maximum of six feet.
K. Pedestrian Signs.
1. Number of Signs. One pedestrian-oriented sign that projects or hangs above a sidewalk on each side of a building with a public entrance.
2. Size. Each sign may be a maximum of five square feet in size and may hang or be suspended no lower than eight feet above grade level.
L. Noncommercial signs, Not to Exceed Thirty-Two Square Feet in Area or Eight Feet in Height. One sign is permitted for each three hundred lineal feet of street frontage on a given site.
M. Exempt signs as set forth in Section 17.72.040. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018)
17.72.120 Design guidelines.
All commercial signage in commercial and industrial zones should incorporate attractive design elements consistent with the following, as applicable (also see Figure 72-5 for illustrations of selected design guidelines):
A. Design Compatibility. The design of all signs should be compatible and harmonious with the colors, materials and architecture of the building and the immediate vicinity. Freestanding signs should be finished with the same or compatible materials as the building on the site.
B. Size. Notwithstanding applicable sign standards elsewhere in this chapter (and as determined by the director) sign size should be proportionate to the size and scale of the site and/or building upon which the sign is proposed. Sign dimensions as specified in this chapter are maximum allowable dimensions; it may be necessary that signs be smaller than the maximum allowed, in order to be proportionate in size and scale to achieve the design objectives of this section.
C. Commercial and Industrial Center Signs. Individual tenant signs within multi-tenant centers should be coordinated in size, location, materials and illumination.
Figure 72-5: Selected Sign Design Guidelines
D. Color. Colors should be used in coordinated groupings, and should be compatible with those colors used in the building or project design. For cabinet-style signs, a dark sign background is preferred with light colored copy (characters/graphics).
E. Logos and Trademarks. The use of established corporate colors or logos is not prohibited by this section. When established corporate colors are incompatible with building colors, compatibility in design with the surrounding development should be accomplished through the use of appropriate background colors or other design features.
F. Lighting Intensity. The light emitted or reflected by a sign, or emitted by a light source, should be of reasonable intensity and should be compatible with the architecture of the building and the immediate vicinity. Artificial light sources shall be shielded to prevent light spillage, glare or annoyance to persons on or inside adjoining properties or to public or private rights-of-way.
G. Sign Bases and Frames. Freestanding signs should be either housed in a frame, or set onto a base, presenting a solid, attractive, and well-proportioned appearance. The size and shape of the frame or base should be proportionate to the size and mass of the sign and should be low profile in design. Pole type signs are not permitted. Guy wires, angle irons, braces and other support or construction elements should be screened or hidden from view.
H. Landscaping. Freestanding signs are to be located in a landscaped area proportionate to the size of the sign, but not less than twice the size of one side of the sign face. Appropriate screening/accent landscaping should be placed at the base of the sign. Landscaping shall comply with Section 17.71.130 (Landscaping).
I. Sign Copy. Sign copy should be simple and concise without excessive description of services or products. On freestanding signs, sign copy should be designed to contribute to the design of the structure on which it is displayed. In all cases, freestanding sign design and sign copy should be coordinated to provide an attractively designed freestanding element which identifies the development or project.
J. Wall Signs. Building signs should be mounted flush against the building, and shall not project above the roof ridge or the top of the parapet.
K. Maintenance. All signs and their supporting components are to be kept in good repair and maintained in good structural condition at all times. It is unlawful to permit vegetation, rubbish, or flammable material to accumulate within ten feet of any sign.
L. Design Quality. All signs should be professionally designed and manufactured. Signs that utilize hand-made lettering or elements should be avoided. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018)
17.72.130 General provisions.
A. Sign Area. The area of individual signs shall be measured in accordance with the “Sign Area Measurement” diagram (see Figure 72-6).
B. Sign Faces Counted. Where a sign has two faces containing sign copy, which are oriented back to back and separated by not more than twenty-four inches at any point, the area of the sign shall be measured using one sign face only.
C. Wall-Mounted Letters. Where a sign is composed of letters individually mounted or painted on a building wall, without a border or decorative enclosure, the sign area is that of the smallest area within which all letters and words can be enclosed.
Figure 72-6: Sign Area Measurement
D. Three-Dimensional Signs. Where a sign consists of one or more three-dimensional objects such as balls, cubes, clusters of objects, or sculptural or statue-type trademarks, the sign area shall be measured as the area of the smallest rectangle within which the object(s) can be enclosed, when viewed from a point where the largest area of the object(s) can be seen.
E. Obstruction of Fire Escape. No sign shall be erected, relocated or maintained so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
F. Traffic Hazard. No sign shall be erected at or near a street, driveway or alley in such a manner as to obstruct clear vision, or at any location where the position, shape or color may obstruct the view of, or be confused with, any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which uses any word, phrase, symbol or character in such manner as to interfere with or confuse traffic. In general, signs shall be set back at least ten feet from the intersection of two streets or the intersection of streets and alleys and streets and driveways.
G. Utility Lines and Easements. No sign or outdoor advertising structure shall be located within a utility easement, or erected or located in a manner which will reduce the vertical or horizontal clearance from communication or energized electric power lines as required by laws, rules and regulations of the state of California and agencies thereof.
H. Portable Signs. Where portable signs are permitted elsewhere in this chapter they shall in no case be placed on a public right-of-way or within thirty feet of a street intersection. When placed on a sidewalk, portable signs shall be situated to allow at least four feet of lateral clearance on the sidewalk. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993. Formerly 17.72.150)
17.72.140 Signage at closed businesses and/or vacant sites.
A. Closed Business. When a business vacates and/or closes for a period of over ninety days, it is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the following:
1. The faces of all on-site signs, as defined by Section 17.72.030, as well as any individual words, letters, figures or characters, shall be removed from the building and other structures on the property within one hundred twenty days following commercial vacancy or closing.
2. The sign face of freestanding and monument signs shall be removed within one hundred twenty days following commercial vacancy or closing, and the sign shall be maintained with a blank, opaque sign face.
3. Any awning, structure or facade left exposed after sign, sign face, or sign structure removal shall be repaired to a customary finished appearance within one hundred twenty days following commercial vacancy or closing.
B. Vacant Buildings and Sites. When a site contains no buildings or contains no occupied buildings, it is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure the following:
1. No sign or structure that is not exempt by Section 17.72.040 shall be constructed, erected, or displayed on a vacant site or on a site with no occupied buildings.
2. No temporary sign, as defined by Section 17.72.160, shall be constructed, erected or displayed, except that noncommercial signs may be erected and displayed in conformance with this chapter. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A) (part), 2018: Ord. 2014-04 § 2 (part), 2014. Formerly 17.72.155)
17.72.150 Special use signs.
Certain uses, because of their special sign needs or their allowance in several districts, have been specifically listed in this section. Where such uses are approved, the sign standards allowed for such uses shall be as follows:
A. Auto/RV Sales (New Auto Sales Only with Incidental Used Vehicle Sales).
1. One freestanding sign may be provided per separate new car showroom. The minimum distance between freestanding signs shall be fifty feet.
2. Freestanding signs for incidental used car sales shall be no higher than ten feet nor contain more than thirty-five square feet of area.
B. Churches. Not exceeding thirty-two square feet in total sign area for freestanding signs and no higher than six feet tall. One allowed per street frontage. Wall signs not to exceed one-quarter square foot per front foot of building.
C. Drive-In or Drive-Up Uses. In addition to the sign area normally allowed, drive-up restaurants shall be allowed one menu board at the drive-through, not to exceed twenty square feet in area nor six feet in height.
D. Movie Theaters. One square foot of sign area per front foot of building facing a public street not to exceed one hundred square feet per frontage, and one freestanding sign not to exceed thirty-five square feet per screen up to a maximum of two hundred square feet and a maximum height of eighteen feet. Changeable copy may be used for movie listings.
E. Temporary signs for the purpose of directing traffic to a residential property for sale, not including new subdivisions, shall be permitted; provided, that such signs shall have an area on any face not greater than three square feet, shall be limited to two in number pertaining to any property and shall be displayed only during the hours between eight a.m. and five p.m. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993. Formerly 17.72.160)
17.72.160 Signs for temporary uses.
A. Banners.
1. No person shall erect or maintain over, across or above any public street, alley or other public place any sign or banner for any purpose whatsoever, without first obtaining approval from the city in writing.
2. It is the responsibility of the person installing such banner or sign to remove it at the termination of the event shown on the banner or sign. A six-day grace period will be permitted for the removal of the banner at the end of which it will be removed by the city and such person will be assessed for the cost of the removal.
B. Outdoor Fireworks Sales, Christmas Tree Sales and Similar Uses. Temporary A-frame and I-frame signs may be used. Total number of signs per street frontage shall be one sign, not to exceed twenty-five square feet in surface area or six feet in height. Maximum sign surface area for all street frontages shall not exceed fifty square feet. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2014-06 § 3, 2014; Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993. Formerly 17.72.170)
17.72.170 Nonconforming signs.
A. Illegal Signs. Every sign in existence at the time the ordinance codified in this title became effective 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. Such signs shall be removed immediately upon notification of illegality. Signs that are not constructed, maintained, or displayed pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, and that are not legal, and that are nonconforming shall be illegal.
B. Nonconforming Signs. Every sign in existence at the time the ordinance codified in this title became effective and which sign was legal at the time of installation but that does not conform to the provisions of this chapter shall be a legal nonconforming sign. In the event such nonconforming sign is abandoned or discontinued, such sign shall be required to conform to the provisions of this chapter. A change of copy or sign face shall not be deemed a discontinuance of use. Any structural alteration to any part of the sign shall be deemed a discontinuance of use. A nonconforming sign shall be made to conform immediately to the provisions of this chapter if:
1. The owner remodels a nonconforming sign display, or expands or enlarges the structure or land use upon which the advertising display is located;
2. The owner relocates a sign to another area of the existing site;
3. There is an agreement between the owner and the city for the removal of a sign on a given date;
4. The sign display is or may become a danger to the public or is unsafe;
5. The sign display constitutes a traffic hazard; or
6. The sign is destroyed. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993. Formerly 17.72.180)
17.72.180 Administration and enforcement.
A. Signs and other advertising structures regulated in this chapter, when found by the building official to be unsafe or a menace to the public, or erected in violation of the provisions of this chapter, shall be and constitute a public nuisance and shall be subject to abatement.
B. Any sign which, because of changes in structure or site occupancy or use, does not comply with the requirements of Section 17.72.130 may be maintained for a period not longer than thirty days, after which time any such sign shall be in violation of the provisions of this chapter and subject to abatement within a period not exceeding one year.
C. Per Section 17.98.050, any person, firm, corporation or organization found in violation of any provisions of this chapter shall be notified and cited in accordance with policies established by the community development department and approved by the city council.
Also, any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions or failing to comply with any of the requirements of this code, except as specifically reserved, shall be guilty of an infraction, per Section 1.16.010. Each sign violation may constitute a separate infraction. Should an infraction remain for a longer than reasonable amount of time, not to exceed five business days, the person, firm, or corporation in violation may be found in violation of an additional infraction. The maximum penalty for an infraction is a fine not exceeding the maximum then allowable by state law. At present, pursuant to Government Code Section 36900, the maximum penalty for an infraction is a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars for a first violation, a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars for a second violation of the same ordinance within one year and a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars for each additional violation of the same ordinance within one year.
Except as otherwise provided by law, all provisions of law or ordinance relating to misdemeanors shall apply to infractions. Therefore, any person violating any provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor. Such person shall be deemed to be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day, and each and every location of each offending sign, during any portion of which any violation of this chapter is committed or continued.
D. Any sign or sign structure erected, altered, relocated, repaired, or maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter is declared to be unlawful and a public nuisance; and the city shall, upon order of the city council, immediately commence action or proceedings for the abatement and removal and enjoinment thereof in the manner provided by law, and shall take such other steps and shall apply to such courts as may have jurisdiction to grant such relief as will abate and remove such sign or structure. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 93-6 § 3 (part), 1993. Formerly 17.72.190)
17.72.190 Murals and public art.
A. Murals are painted wall signs which have a majority of sign area comprised of noncommercial content, and which generally have artistic, historic, or cultural themes. New murals, public art and the restoration of murals shall require the prior review and approval by the planning commission via the conditional use permit process.
B. The planning commission may approve a new mural or public art if it finds that the proposed mural or public art is consistent with applicable city policies and ordinances, and that the mural or public art would not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare. Commercial content of murals and public art shall be subject to all applicable sign limitations of the underlying zone district. Murals and public art shall be subject to the following standards and review process:
1. Murals and public art may be located on structures or walls within any commercial or industrial zone district.
2. Prior to painting or installation of a new mural or public art, or the modification of an existing mural, an application must be submitted for the review and approval by the planning commission. All applications for new or modified murals or public art shall be referred to the planning commission for review.
3. Approval of a mural design or public art shall occur only after notice and an opportunity to comment has been provided consistent with the process established in Chapter 17.04 (Procedures) for a public hearing. Interested parties may provide comment on proposed murals in writing or in person to the planning commission. The planning commission shall consider any public comments during its review of a proposed mural or public art.
4. The planning commission shall apply the following design criteria in reviewing proposed murals or public art:
a. The subject matter shall be of historical significance regarding the growth and development of the city of Dinuba and its surrounding region. The mural or public art may also contain other subject matter deemed by the committee to be significant and of high quality.
b. Murals and public art shall be designed and painted by an artist who possesses demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the design, materials, and execution of murals and public art.
c. To the extent feasible, the mural and public art shall be vandal and graffiti resistant.
C. No person shall paint, alter, or remove a mural or public art without first obtaining a conditional use permit and paying applicable sign permit fees. (Ord. 2018-08 § 2 (Att. A)(part), 2018: Ord. 2010-04 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2008-05 § 1 (part), 2008: Ord. 2002-01, 2001. Formerly 17.72.200)