Chapter 17.59 SIGNS

Chapter 17.59
SIGNS

Sections:

17.59.010 Purpose and scope.

17.59.020 Definitions and illustrations.

17.59.030 General provisions.

17.59.040 Sign regulations.

17.59.050 Permits and procedures.

17.59.060 Enforcement.

17.59.070 Penalties.

17.59.080 Enforcement procedures—Notice to correct.

17.59.010 Purpose and scope.

A. Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to coordinate the type, placement and scale of signs within the city. The procedures and requirements of this chapter are enacted to:

1. Encourage a desirable urban character consistent with the General Plan;

2. Preserve and improve the appearance of the city as a place to live, work and visit;

3. Promote commerce;

4. Balance the needs of the business and development community to advertise their goods and services with the community and planning goals related to streetscape aesthetics and traffic safety;

5. Establish regulatory distinction between permanent and temporary signs;

6. Promote ease of administration of sign regulations;

7. Provide for eventual elimination of preexisting nonconforming signs on a fair and equitable basis;

8. Prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this chapter;

9. Enable the fair and equitable enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.

The above shall be accomplished by regulation of the display, erection, use, and maintenance of signs. The use of signs is regulated according to land use. The placement and scale of signs are regulated primarily by standards established for sign type and length of primary building frontage. No sign shall be erected or displayed except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

B. Scope. The primary objective of this chapter is to regulate signs intended to be viewed from any vehicular or pedestrian public right-of-way. (Ord. 831 § 3 (part), 1995)

17.59.020 Definitions and illustrations.

A. Definitions. For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

“Abandoned sign” means any sign which is on the premises upon which it is located and has been vacated for a period of more than 90 days.

“Animated sign” means any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene, beacons, pennants, hand-held signs, large balloons or other inflatables used as signs, high-intensity illuminated signs, or other moving or flashing signs. Electronic or mechanical indications of time and temperature and decorations shall not be considered animated signs.

“Banner” means any sign constructed of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to any structure, including a pole, at 2 or more edges.

“Beacon” means a spotlight (searchlight) or other source of light used to attract attention.

“Billboard sign” means an off-site outdoor advertising sign on which space is leased or rented.

“Building facade” means the portion of any exterior elevation of a building or structure from grade to the top of the roof line and the entire width of the building.

“Building permit” means a permit issued by the city authorizing construction of a building or structure, including signs.

“Canopy sign” means any sign that is part of or attached to an awning, canopy or other material, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service area.

“Changeable copy sign” means a sign or portion of a sign with characters, letters or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign. A sign on which the message changes more than once per day shall be considered an animated sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this chapter.

“Clear vision triangle” means the required clear cross-visibility area unobstructed by any sign structure between 30 inches and 7 feet above the surface of the public sidewalk as follows:

1. At any corner formed by the intersection of a driveway/alley and street, the cross-visibility area shall be a triangle having 2 sides 15 feet long and running along the driveway/alley edge and curb line of street, said length beginning at their intersection and the third side formed by a line connecting the 2 ends.

2. At any corner formed by the intersecting streets, the cross-visibility area shall be a triangle having 2 sides 35 feet long and running along each curb line, said length beginning at their intersection and the third side formed by a line connecting the 2 ends.

“Commercial message” means any sign wording, logo or other representation that names or advertises a business, product, service or other commercial activity.

“Construction sign” means an on-site temporary sign identifying the names of individuals and/or firms connected with the construction of a project. Such sign may include the name of the project, lender, owner, developer, architect, contractor, address of business and emergency telephone number.

“Directional sign” means an on-site sign designed to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic that does not promote or advertise a business, property or product.

“Directory sign” means a sign or set of similarly designed individual signs, placed or displayed in sequence, to list all or part of the businesses within a building or shopping center.

“Flag (civic)” means a piece of cloth or canvas, usually rectangular or triangular in shape, representing a country, state or other civic entity, and designed to be flown from a flag pole. Flags of the United States, the state of California, other states, the city of Folsom, foreign nations having diplomatic relations with the United States, and any other flag adopted or sanctioned by the city of Folsom may be flown as a civic flag.

“Flag (corporate)” means a piece of cloth or canvas, usually rectangular or triangular in shape, representing a corporation, business or other private organization, and designed to be flown from a flagpole.

“Freestanding pad building” means a detached building within an integrated development.

“Freestanding sign” means a sign supported permanently upon the ground by poles or braces and not attached to any building.

“Freeway sign” means a sign adjacent to a freeway or intended to be viewed from vehicles traveling upon a freeway.

Frontage, Building. “Building frontage” means the length of an outside building wall facing a street, public parking lot or mall.

Frontage, Primary Building. “Primary building frontage” means the building frontage which faces the street. In cases where a building has more than 1 street frontage, the longest of the street frontages shall be considered the primary building frontage.

“Governmental/civic sign” means any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by or required by the city, county, state or federal government for traffic direction, city entrance, or for designation or direction to any school, hospital, historical site, or public service, property or facility.

“Grade” means the elevation of the finished surface of the ground or paving. Finished grade shall be construed to be the grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign. In cases in which the finished grade cannot reasonably be determined, the grade shall be determined by either the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal building of the lot. The lower elevation of the 2 points described shall be regarded as the finished grade.

“Height of freestanding sign” means the actual distance from the base of the sign at finished grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign.

“Home occupation sign” means an attached wall, suspended, projecting or other building sign located at a residence advertising a business conducted in the residence.

“Illuminated sign” means a sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.

“Incidental sign” means a small sign, emblem or decal informing the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises, including but not limited to a rest room and phone sign, credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of business.

“Integrated development” means a group of 2 or more adjacent uses or entities planned and developed in a joint manner with undivided or nonsegregated parking facilities shared by them or that are governed by a common business, tenant, homeowner or other association or by common conditions, covenants, and restrictions (CC&Rs), regardless of whether such uses or entities are located on the same lot or parcel.

“Logo sign” means a graphic sign which represents a particular trademark or business symbol for identification.

“Menu/order board sign” means a sign installed in a drive-through facility and intended for drive-through customers that advertises the products available at the facility.

“Monument sign” means a freestanding sign constructed upon a solid-appearing base or pedestal.

“Multiple-faced sign” means a sign containing 3 or more faces, not necessarily in back-to-back configuration.

“Name plate” means an attached wall, suspended, projecting or other building sign identifying the occupant of a dwelling unit.

“Noncommercial sign” means any sign which does not bear a commercial message. Noncommercial messages include religious, political, social and other state, federal and local issues.

“Nonconforming sign” means a sign which does not meet the requirements of this chapter and which has not received legal nonconforming status.

Nonconforming Sign, Legal. “Legal nonconforming sign” means a sign which was erected legally and has a valid permit, but which does not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and regulations.

“Pennant” means any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, attached to a rope, wire or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind and attract attention.

“Pole sign” means a freestanding sign mounted to a structure, where the average height of the structure is more than 2 times that of the average width.

“Portable sign” means any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported. Portable signs include, but are not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs configured as A or T frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public way, unless said vehicle is used in the day-to-day operations of the business.

“Projecting sign” means any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than 12 inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.

“Real estate sign” means a temporary sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for rent, lease or sale.

“Retail commercial center” means a regional-serving commercial development that is zoned C-2 or C-3, is located north of U.S. Highway 50, is located within 1,000 feet of U.S. Highway 50, and consists of 25 or more operating retail stores with an aggregate floor area of at least 100,000 square feet of retail space.

“Roof line” means the top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any mansards, cupolas, pylons, chimneys or minor projections.

“Roof sign” means any sign erected on the roof or over the roof line of a building.

“Sign” means any device, structure, fixture or placard using graphics, symbols, and/or written copy for the primary purpose of identifying, providing directions or advertising any establishment, product, goods or services.

Sign, Area of. The measurable area of a sign face shall be computed by means of a single continuous perimeter composed of any rectilinear geometric figure which encloses the extreme limits of the advertising message. However, if the building attached sign is composed of individual letters or symbols using the wall as the background with no added decoration, the total sign area shall be calculated by measuring the area of a rectilinear geometric figure which encloses each word or logo. The combined areas for the individual words and/or logos shall be considered the total sign area. For freestanding signs, the perimeter of measurable sign area shall not include support and framing design embellishments with logo or no written advertising copy. The sign area of a double-faced sign with identical size and message placed back to back on the same structure (not more than 24 inches apart) so that only 1 face is visible at a time, shall be computed as the measurement of one of the faces. The sign area for multifaced signs shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any 1 point.

Sign, Off-Site. “Off-site sign” means a sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service or entertainment, which is not sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at the property on which said sign is located, e.g., “bill-boards.”

Sign, Off-Site Directional. “Off-site directional sign” means a sign which provides directional assistance to access an establishment conveniently and safely.

“Sign permit” means a permit issued by the planning director approving a sign plan pursuant to this chapter.

“Special event sign permit” means a permit issued by the planning director approving temporary signage for special events not otherwise permitted by this chapter.

“Temporary sign” means a sign not constructed or intended for long-term use.

“Temporary sign permit” means a permit issued by the planning director approving temporary signage in conformance with this chapter.

“Time and temperature sign” means a sign which displays the current time or outdoor temperature, or both, and which does not display any commercial advertising or identification.

“Under-canopy sign” means a sign perpendicular to the building face that is suspended from the underside of a horizontal plane surface and is supported by such surface.

“Uniform sign program (USP)” means sign criteria established for design consistency among all signs within an integrated development.

“Vehicle sign” means any sign which is attached to and is an integral part of a motorized vehicle or bicycle used directly for the purpose of a particular business and not used primarily as a sign base.

“Wall sign” means a sign attached essentially parallel to and extending not more than 18 inches from the wall of a building with no copy on the sides or edges. This definition includes painted signs, individual letter, cabinet signs, and signs on a mansard.

“Window sign” means a sign installed or placed inside a window or upon the window or glass (including the glass of door) intended to be viewed from outside.

B. Illustrations.

(Ord. 1185 § 2, 2013; Ord. 1005 § 2 (part), 2004; Ord. 831 § 3 (part), 1995)

17.59.030 General provisions.

A. Signs Prohibited. The following signs are prohibited:

1. Any nonexempt sign which is not authorized by a valid permit;

2. Abandoned signs;

3. Any sign located in a required clear-vision triangle;

4. Signs within the public right-of-way. The only type of signs permitted in the public right-of-way are governmental or city-sponsored civic signs, or those which comply with Section 17.59.030(D), Special Provisions;

5. Signs erected without the permission of the owner (or his/her agent) of the property on which the sign is located;

6. Billboard signs and off-site directional or off-site identification signs except government, civic, real estate and other signage as provided in this chapter;

7. Portable signs except those approved in the historic district zone or as otherwise provided in this chapter;

8. Vehicle signs where the primary purpose of the motor vehicle relates to its use as a sign;

9. Animated signs unless a special event sign permit is granted by the planning director or as otherwise provided for in this chapter;

10. Roof signs erected and constructed on and/or over the roof line of a building and supported by the roof structure;

11. Any sign which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or design any traffic sign or signal, or which makes use of words, symbols or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

B. Permits Required. Unless otherwise provided by this chapter, any sign placed, constructed, erected or modified on a lot or parcel within the city shall require permits and payment of fees prior to placement or erection of such signs in compliance with Section 17.59.050 of this chapter. No permit or fee is required for the repair or maintenance of a sign or for a change of copy on painted, printed or changeable copy signs.

C. Signs Exempt. The following signs shall be exempt from sign permits under this chapter, but may require a building permit according to the Folsom Municipal Code. Signs which exceed the numerical or square footage standards listed below may be approved by the planning commission upon approval of a variance with the finding that there exist special circumstances applicable to the property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, such that the strict application of this chapter deprives the property owner of privileges enjoyed by other property owners within the vicinity and under identical zoning classification:

1. Any public notice or warning required by a federal, state, or local law or regulation;

2. Governmental signs;

3. Flags (civic);

4. Incidental signs;

5. City-sponsored civic signs for community entrance, identification, direction and information, located off-premises on private property or in the public right-of-way, with approval of an encroachment permit by the public works department; provided, that the sign(s) not exceed a 150 square foot sign area and a height limit of 15 feet;

6. Commemorative wall signs, wall signs indicating the historical significance of a site or building, and building markers, not exceeding 4 square feet;

7. House numbers identifying the address of a residence or building, less than 2 square feet;

8. Name plates identifying the occupants of dwelling units, less than 2 square feet;

9. Home occupation signs at the residence of currently permitted and licensed home occupations provided that the signage is less than 1 square foot;

10. Signs prohibiting trespassing and advertising, as well as neighborhood watch and alarm signs;

11. Garage/yard sale signs; provided, that there are no off-site signs, that only 1 sign shall be displayed on site with a maximum sign area of 6 square feet and a 4-foot height limit, and that such sign be displayed only during the time of the sale. Signs in the public right-of-way may be authorized pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D);

12. Real estate signs for sale or lease of property; provided, that signs are located on private property, set back 5 feet from the public right-of-way unless authorized pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D), and out of any required clear vision triangle, with the following limitations:

a. For residential property, 1 on-site sign with a maximum sign area of 6 square feet. Additionally, a maximum of 3 attached rider signs are permitted on each real estate sign identifying the agent, special feature and/or sales status. On weekends and holidays, open house signs as needed to direct traffic from major collector and arterial streets to the subject property. One sign may be placed for each change in direction to a maximum of 5 signs with a maximum sign area of 6 square feet.

b. For commercial property, 1 on-site sign per street frontage with a maximum sign area of 32 square feet for parcels with less than 1 acre and 48 square feet for parcels larger than 1 acre with an 8-foot height limit.

13. Noncommercial sign(s) on private property, not within or over a public right-of-way unless authorized pursuant to subsection D of this section, or over the roofline of any building and outside of any clear vision triangle as follows:

a. For residential property, one or more signs are permitted on any one parcel of land with a maximum combined sign size of ten square feet and a maximum height of six feet. For noncommerical signs pertaining to an election to any public office or ballot measure or a noncommercial event or activity, one or more additional temporary signs which do not exceed a maximum sign size per sign of ten square feet and a maximum height of six feet are permitted, provided the signs are posted so that clear vision triangles or other lines of sight for pedestrians and vehicles are not impeded and the signs are posted during the durational period provided in this section;

b. For commercial property, one or more signs are permitted on any one parcel of land provided all such signs do not exceed a maximum combined sign size of thirty-two square feet and a maximum height of ten feet. For noncommerical signs pertaining to an election to any public office or ballot measure or a noncommercial event or activity, one or more additional temporary signs are permitted with a maximum sign size per sign of thirty-two square feet, provided the signs are posted so that clear vision triangles or other lines of sight for pedestrians and vehicles are not impeded and the signs are posted during the durational period provided in this section;

c. Noncommercial signs pertaining to an election to any public office or ballot measure or a noncommercial event or activity may be erected not earlier than sixty days prior to the election or noncommercial event or activity, and shall be removed within seven days following said election or noncommercial event or activity;

d. For purposes of this section, measurement of sign size is the actual sign dimension. When both sides of the sign are printed upon, or when the sign is configured in a “V” or triangle shape, then such sign shall be counted as one sign and shall be permitted;

14. Signs that are displayed during the course of and at the site of a political event or demonstration;

15. Construction Signs. One on-site temporary sign identifying the names of individuals and/or firms connected with the construction of a project. The maximum sign area is 40 square feet and shall not exceed 10 feet in height, removed prior to issuance of occupancy permit;

16. Project identification signs of current and pending development applications with a sign area of 40 square feet sign and a 10-foot height limit;

17. Holiday decorations that do not contain any commercial message. Such noncommercial signage must be removed within 7 days following the holiday or event;

18. Temporary community activity signs in designated banner sign locations throughout the city or as approved by the planning director, for a period not exceeding 30 days in duration;

19. Vehicle signs attached to and an integral part of a motorized vehicle or bicycle which is used directly for the purpose of a particular business. This exemption includes authorized commercial signage on public transit vehicles such as buses and light rail cars as determined by the public works director. The total amount of signage shall not exceed 30 square feet on any 1 side of a vehicle and shall not exceed 12 square feet on the rear of a vehicle. Signage shall be located within designated areas as determined by the public works director;

20. One under-canopy sign for each commercial business with a maximum sign area of 4 square feet, located perpendicular to the building face with an 8-foot vertical clearance above sidewalks and walkways. An encroachment permit issued by the public works department may be necessary if a sign projects into a public right-of-way;

21. Window signs; provided, that all such commercial and incidental signs (both temporary and permanent) do not exceed a combined maximum of 25 percent of the total window area for each window. Total signage placed on any window may not include unused signage amounts allowable for other windows;

22. Signs located in the interior of a building, mall, court, stadium, or enclosed lobby intended for interior viewing only;

23. Directory signs internal to the site within an integrated development for commercial, business or industrial uses with a maximum sign area of 24 square feet and a 6-foot height limit;

24. Time and temperature signs in nonresidential zones, not to exceed a maximum sign area of 12 square feet;

25. Barber poles in nonresidential zones;

26. Two menu/order board signs for each drive-through business; provided, that each sign not exceed a maximum 40 square foot sign area and an 8-foot height limit and be located adjacent to the drive;

27. One on-site directional sign which does not promote or advertise a business, property or product is permitted for each one-way drive, drive aisle, and service or delivery entrance, located so as not to impair vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The area of each sign shall not exceed 4 square feet. The height of the sign including the pole or base shall not exceed 4 feet from grade to the top of sign. If the sign(s) contain a corporate logo or identification, the signs are calculated into the total allowable sign area for the use;

28. Sign copy changes;

29. Authorized commercial signs located on permanent structures (e.g., shelters and kiosks, excluding benches) at officially designated transit stops/stations as determined by the public works director. The total amount of signage within a shelter or kiosk shall not exceed 50 square feet and be located within a designated area as determined by the public works director;

30. Noncommercial signs inside a vehicle or painted on a vehicle, provided the sign does not obstruct view or other requirements in the California Vehicle Code.

D. Special Provisions for Signs in the Public Right-of-Way.

1. Except as provided herein, setback for signs shall be measured from the right-of-way to the closest edge for the sign. For streets which are improved to a width less than the future right-of-way, setback for signs may be measured from the existing improvements meeting current city standards; provided, that a relocation agreement shall be recorded at the owner’s expense which guarantees that the property owner agrees to relocate the sign at his/her own expense to the required setback from the right-of-way at such time that the city widens (or causes to be widened) the improvements to the future right-of-way. For parcels where improvements are not complete to meet present city standards, setback shall be measured from that point which would abut city standard improvements if they were installed.

2. Signs may be placed in the public right-of-way with approval of a sign permit pursuant to Section 17.59.050(A) and in compliance with the following provisions:

a. Signs are allowed only on weekends (and holidays) between Friday evenings after 6:00 p.m. and removed no later than Monday mornings by 7:00 a.m. Removal includes any portion of the sign or supporting structure.

b. Specific location approved by the planning and public works directors for pedestrian and traffic safety, and if located within a city-maintained lighting and landscaping district with approval of the lighting and landscaping district supervisor.

c. The applicant shall provide a certificate of insurance and other documentation or agreements assuming liability for the sign(s) within the public right-of-way to the satisfaction of the city attorney.

d. The applicant shall agree to remove the sign(s) at the request of the city without payment of compensation or authorization for relocation.

E. Nonconforming Signs.

1. All nonconforming signs are deemed public nuisances, except for those signs satisfying the requirements of subsection (E)(2) of this section.

2. No sign which was lawfully erected anywhere within the city shall be compelled to be removed, nor shall its customary maintenance or use be limited, without payment of compensation, as defined in the State Eminent Domain Law (Title 7, commencing with Section 1230.010 of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure), except as provided in this section. The compensation shall be paid to owner(s) of the sign and the owner(s) of the land upon which the sign is located.

3. No nonconforming sign shall be, in any manner, structurally altered, reconstructed or moved without being made to comply in all respects with the provisions of this chapter; however nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the painting, maintenance or repairing of such sign, including the face and changing of copy, except that such repairs shall not exceed 50 percent of the replacement cost of such sign.

4. Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this section, those nonconforming off-site signs which meet all of the following requirements shall be removed without compensation:

a. The sign is located within an area shown as residential or agricultural in the general plan or within an area zoned for residential or agricultural use.

b. The sign is not located within 660 feet from the edge of the right-of-way of an interstate or primary highway with its copy visible from the highway, nor is placed or maintained beyond 660 feet from the edge of the right-of-way of an interstate or primary highway with the purpose of its message being read from the main traveled way.

c. The sign is not required to be removed because of an overlay zone, combining zone, or any other special zoning district whose primary purpose is the removal or control of signs.

d. The off-site sign is allowed to remain in existence for 7 years after the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, and after giving notice of the removal requirement. The off-site sign shall be deemed to be a public nuisance after the expiration of the 7-year amortization period, unless the sign was granted approval by the planning commission or city council, in which case the sign is not required to be removed.

5. Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the city from entering into agreements for the relocation of existing nonconforming signs.

6. If at any time any sign in existence or maintained prior to adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, which does not conform with the provisions of this chapter is destroyed by fire, accident, explosion or act of God to the extent of more than 50 percent of the replacement cost thereof, then, without further action of the city, such sign, from and after the date of such destruction, shall be subject to all the provisions of this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, the value of any sign shall be the estimated cost and replacement of the sign in kind as determined by the chief building official in accordance with applicable laws.

7. a. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, a sign that was legally erected on private property and where such property is acquired by the city shall be deemed a legal nonconforming sign and need not be removed if all of the following criteria are met:

i. The sign was for on-site advertising and the acquisition of the property by the city would convert the sign to off-site advertising.

ii. No other reasonable alternative exists, as determined by the community development director, for placement of the sign on the remainder of the property on which the sign was located and that was not acquired by the city. Criteria to evaluate alternative locations includes, but is not limited to, visibility and interference with or proximity to other legally erected structures or signs.

iii. No expansion of the size, height or structural design of the sign will be permitted; however, nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the painting, maintenance or repairing of such sign, including the face and changing sign copy.

iv. The lighting of the sign shall be subject to approval by the community development director.

v. The sign shall remain the property of the prior owner who shall be solely responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the sign, the terms of which shall be specified in an easement or other similar instrument to the satisfaction of the city attorney.

vi. No advertising on the sign shall be permitted, except that which advertises businesses located on the remainder of property not acquired by the city.

vii. The city consents to the continued presence of the sign.

b. When the community development director finds that a sign meeting the criteria of subsection (E)(7)(a) cannot be located on the property acquired or controlled by the city and when the community development director finds that no reasonable alternative exists for the placement of the sign on the remainder of the property on which the sign was located and that was not acquired by the city, the sign may be relocated to property owned or controlled by the city which is immediately adjacent to the acquired property. In order for the community development director to approve the relocation of a sign to an adjacent parcel, the community development director must find that:

i. No reasonably feasible alternatives exist for placement of the sign on the property acquired by the city;

ii. No reasonably feasible alternatives exist for placement of the sign on the remainder of the property not acquired by the city;

iii. Relocating the sign on an adjacent parcel will not impair the value or use of that parcel;

iv. Relocating the sign will not grant the sign owner special privileges which the owner would not have enjoyed absent acquisition of the property by the city; and

v. Placement of the sign on the adjacent property will not be detrimental to other neighboring properties or scenic view sheds.

Approval of the relocation of a sign pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to the criteria set forth in subsection (E)(7)(a).

F. Sign Inventory. Pursuant to Section 5491.1 of the California Business and Professions Code, the city shall commence an inventory and identification of illegal and abandoned signs within city limits within 6 months of the date of adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter. Additionally, within 60 days after the 6-month period, the city shall commence abatement of the identified preexisting nonconforming and abandoned on-premises signs.

G. Construction and Maintenance.

1. All signs shall comply with the appropriate detailed provisions of the city building code and the Uniform Sign Code relative to design and construction, structural integrity, connections and safety. Signs shall also comply with the provisions of the applicable electrical code and the additional construction standards set forth in this chapter.

2. Each sign hereafter erected or remodeled shall bear, in a prominent location, clearly legible identification decals stating the firm or corporation responsible for its construction and erection. Electric signs shall be marked with amperages at the full-load output.

3. Each sign shall have a specified sticker issued by the building department that identifies the permit number issued by the city, and such sticker must be visibly placed on the frame or outer perimeter of the sign.

4. All signs shall be maintained in good condition including, but not limited to, maintenance of colors and materials, replacement of defective parts, painted, cleaned, and kept free of graffiti. Any portions of a sign in need of repair shall be repaired or contracted for repair within 30 days of notification by the enforcement officer. If the sign is not made to comply with adequate safety standards, the enforcement officer shall require its removal in accordance with the provisions of Section 17.59.080 of this chapter.

H. Sign Removal. An owner of property on which a sign was constructed, painted, installed or maintained in conformance with a permit under this chapter, but for which the permit has lapsed, become void, or the amortization period of a nonconforming sign has expired, shall forthwith remove the sign without additional notice or action from the city.

I. Abatement Obligation by Property Owner or Possessor of Property. It shall be the duty of both the owner of the property on which the violation is located and any person who is in possession of such property to at all times maintain such property that can be viewed by any person using the public right-of-way in compliance with signage requirements specified by this chapter. If the owner or person in possession of the property fails to maintain such property in said manner, violations may be summarily abated pursuant to the provisions set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 1185 §§ 3, 4, 2013; Ord. 1006 § 2 (part), 2003; Ord. 953 § 2, 2002; Ord. 858 § 14(1)—(3), 1997; Ord. 831 § 3 (part), 1995)

17.59.040 Sign regulations.

A. Signs for Commercial Uses. Unless otherwise exempt by this chapter, signs for retail and service commercial uses located in nonresidential zones require the planning director’s approval of a sign permit for compliance with the following standards:

1. Building Signs. The maximum allowable sign area for a business or entity is calculated as a ratio of the length of the primary building frontage. Types of building signage calculated into the total maximum sign area are wall, projecting and canopy signage as follows (square footage of exempt signage is not counted toward the maximum sign area):

a. Maximum Sign Area. One and a half square feet of signage for each 1 lineal foot of primary building frontage up to a maximum of 150 square feet.

b. Location. Building sign(s) may be placed on building frontages facing a street, public parking lot, or mall and shall not be located above the roof line. Wall signs shall not project more than 18 inches from the building wall and the sign length shall not exceed 75 percent of the building frontage.

c. Projecting signs and canopies shall maintain an 8-foot vertical clearance from public walkways and may not project into any public right-of-way without approval of an encroachment permit by the public works department.

2. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs shall be set back 5 feet from the public right-of-way, located outside required clear vision triangles in a landscaped planting area. However, signs attached to a fence or soundwall may be located within the required setback area. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit. Freestanding signs may be located in planter medians with approval of the public works and planning departments for traffic safety and clear visibility. Along arterial roads designated in the General Plan, freestanding signs shall be externally lit, nonilluminated, or internally illuminated with opaque (nontranslucent) backgrounds. Freestanding signs may include changeable copy; provided, that the sign area for changeable copy does not exceed 75 percent of the sign’s area. Corporate flags used to identify a business or entity shall be calculated into the maximum allowable freestanding sign area.

a. Individual Buildings. Individual buildings not part of an integrated development may choose to substitute 1 free-standing monument sign for a portion of allowable building attached signage, not to exceed a maximum sign area of 24 square feet and a maximum height of 6 feet, including a maximum 2-foot tall base.

b. Integrated Developments. Integrated developments with multiple businesses are permitted 1 freestanding monument sign (exclusive of allowable building attached signage) with a maximum sign area of 60 square feet and a 15-foot height limit to identify the name of the center or development, address, and tenants within the development.

B. Signs for Business/Industrial/Hospital Uses. Unless otherwise exempt by this chapter, signs for professional office, business park, industrial, hospital, and other similar uses located in nonresidential zones require the planning director’s approval of a sign permit for compliance with the following standards:

1. Building Signs. Each business or entity is permitted 1 nonilluminated wall sign as follows:

a. Maximum Sign Area. The allowable sign area is .5 square foot of signage for each 1 lineal foot of primary building frontage up to a maximum sign area of 50 square feet.

b. Location. The wall sign shall not be located above the roof line or project more than 18 inches from the building wall. The sign length shall not exceed 75 percent of the building frontage.

2. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs shall be set back 5 feet from the public right-of-way, located outside the required clear vision triangle in a landscaped planting area. However, signs attached to a fence or soundwall may be located within the required setback area. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit. Freestanding signs may be located in planter medians with approval of the public works and planning departments for traffic safety and clear visibility. Freestanding signs shall be externally lit, nonilluminated, or internally illuminated with opaque (non-translucent) background along arterial roads as designated in the General Plan. Freestanding signs may include changeable copy; provided, that the sign area for changeable copy does not exceed 75 percent of the total freestanding sign area. Corporate flags used to identify a business or entity shall be calculated into the maximum allowable freestanding sign area.

a. Individual Buildings. Individual buildings not part of an integrated development are permitted 1 freestanding monument sign with a maximum sign area of 24 square feet and a maximum sign height of 6 feet, including a maximum 2-foot tall base.

b. Integrated Developments. Integrated developments with multiple businesses or offices are permitted 1 freestanding monument sign with a maximum sign area of 32 square feet and a maximum sign height of 6 feet, including a maximum 2-foot tall base, to identify the name of the development, address, and tenants within the development.

C. Signs for Nonresidential Uses in Residential Zones. Unless otherwise exempt by this chapter, signs for nonresidential uses in residential zones require the planning director’s approval of a sign permit for compliance with the following standards:

1. Building Signs. Each nonresidential use in a residential zone is permitted one nonilluminated or externally illuminated wall sign as follows:

a. Maximum Sign Area. The allowable sign area is one-half square foot of signage for each one lineal foot of primary building frontage up to a maximum of fifty square feet.

b. Location. The wall sign shall not be located above the roof line or project more than eighteen inches from the building wall. The sign length shall not exceed seventy-five percent of the building frontage.

2. Freestanding Signs. Each nonresidential use in a residential zone (individual building or integrated development) is permitted one nonilluminated or externally illuminated freestanding monument sign as follows:

a. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is twenty-four square feet.

b. Maximum Height. The maximum sign height is six feet, including a maximum two-foot tall base.

c. Location. Freestanding signs shall be set back five feet from property lines, located outside required clear vision triangles in a landscaped planting area. However, signs attached to a fence or soundwall may be located within the required setback area. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit. Freestanding signs may be located in planter medians with approval of the public works and planning departments for traffic safety and clear visibility.

d. Freestanding signs may include changeable copy; provided, that the sign area of the changeable copy does not exceed seventy-five percent of the total freestanding sign area.

e. Design. The sign shall match the architectural style of the building.

f. Corporate flags used to identify a business or entity shall be calculated into the maximum allowable freestanding sign area.

D. Signs for Multifamily Residential Uses. Unless otherwise exempt by this chapter, signs for multifamily residential uses require the planning director’s approval of a sign permit for compliance with the following standards:

1. Building Signs. Each multifamily use is permitted one externally lit or nonilluminated wall sign as follows:

a. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is forty square feet.

c. Design. The sign shall match the architectural style of the complex.

2. Freestanding Signs. Each multifamily use is permitted one freestanding sign as follows:

a. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is thirty-two square feet.

b. Maximum Height. The maximum sign height is six feet, including a maximum two-foot tall base. The sign shall not exceed the height of the structure to which it is attached.

c. Location. The sign shall be set back five feet from property lines, located outside required clear vision triangles in a landscaped planting area. However, signs attached to a fence or soundwall may be located within the required setback area. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit. Freestanding signs may be located in planter medians with approval of the public works and planning departments for traffic safety and clear visibility.

d. Design. The sign shall match the architectural style of the complex.

e. Corporate flags used to identify a business or entity shall be calculated into the maximum allowable freestanding sign area.

E. Freeway Signs. In addition to signage permitted in subsection A of this section, the following section applies to signs for nonresidential uses located directly adjacent to and intended to be viewed from Highway 50. Freeway signs are subject to Caltrans approval as well as approval of a conditional use permit by the planning commission.

1. Building Signs. One additional wall sign is permitted on the building frontage facing the freeway as follows:

a. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is one and one-half square feet of signage for every one lineal foot of building frontage facing the freeway, not to exceed a maximum one hundred fifty square feet.

c. Letter Height. Letter height maximums for freeway visible wall signs shall comply with the following table.

Freeway-Visible Wall Sign
Letter Height Calculation
Distance of sign from nearest freeway lane	Maximum letter height
Less than 100 feet	18 inches
100—200 feet	24 inches
200—300 feet	36 inches
300—500 feet	48 inches
500+ feet	60 inches

2. Freestanding Signs. Each integrated development located adjacent to the freeway is permitted one freestanding sign facing the freeway, consistent with the following provisions:

a. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is three hundred square feet with no more than six panels for on-site tenant identification. Individual letters shall have a maximum height of three and one-half feet (forty-two inches).

b. Maximum Height. The maximum height of the sign shall be eighteen feet, measured from the crown of the adjacent highway.

c. Location. The sign shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from property lines, located outside required clear vision triangles in a landscaped planting area. However, signs attached to a fence or soundwall may be located within the required setback area. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit. Freestanding signs may be located in planter medians with the approval of the public works and planning departments for traffic safety and clear visibility.

d. Design of the sign shall be compatible with the architectural theme of the business or center.

e. Freestanding signs may include changeable copy; provided, that the sign area for changeable copy does not exceed seventy-five percent of the sign’s area.

f. Sign copy shall be made of routed letters, so that internal illumination is from behind letters and/or logos only, not the background.

g. Corporate flags used to identify a business or entity shall be calculated into the maximum allowable freestanding sign area.

2.5. Animated Signs. A conditional use permit for an animated freestanding freeway sign on property abutting U.S. Highway 50 may be approved when the proposal involves the removal of more than one existing billboard sign along Highway 50 or a scenic corridor as defined in this chapter. The sign shall be an authorized billboard within the current city limits. In order to grant approval of the conditional use permit, the planning commission shall find that the proposal results in a net decrease in the number and sign area of billboard signs along U.S. Highway 50 or a scenic corridor within the city and that the property on which the animated sign is located has no other freestanding sign as permitted in subsection (E)(2) of this section. Where a freestanding sign already exists on the property on which the animated sign is to be located, the project shall be conditioned to require removal of the sign. The maximum height of the animated freeway sign shall be no higher than the highest billboard sign being removed and shall not have a greater sign area than the largest billboard being removed. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, both on-site and off-site commercial messages shall be permitted on animated signs.

3. Off-Site Commercial Signs.

Off-site billboard signs are permitted on the U.S. Highway 50 corridor if all the following criteria are met:

a. The billboard sign must advertise a retail commercial center which itself does not have freeway frontage and an existing sign visible to U.S. Highway 50 and the property on which the retail commercial center is located north of U.S. Highway 50 and within one thousand feet of U.S. Highway 50.

b. The billboard sign may not advertise a particular store or product, instead must refer to the retail commercial center.

c. The billboard sign must comply with all applicable codes and regulations promulgated by Caltrans, including, but not limited to the Outdoor Advertising Act.

d. The billboard sign shall not exceed twenty-five feet in height and twenty feet in width. The total sign area (for a single-side of the billboard sign) shall not exceed three hundred square feet in area.

e. No billboard sign may be erected without approval of a conditional use permit, a building permit and an outdoor advertising permit issued by Caltrans.

f. No billboard sign may be located within five hundred feet of another freestanding freeway oriented monument or billboard sign.

g. The design, colors and lighting of any billboard sign erected pursuant to this section shall be subject to the review and approval of the planning commission. No changes to a sign may be made without planning commission approval. The design, colors and lighting shall be designed to be consistent with the surrounding topography, trees and open space corridor along U.S. Highway 50.

h. Qualifying retail commercial centers are limited to one off-site billboard sign.

F. Subdivision Signs. This subsection includes provisions for both temporary and permanent on-site and off-site subdivision signage. Subdivision signs require approval of a sign permit by the planning director, in compliance with the provisions below:

1. On-Site Signs.

a. Entrance Signs. One nonilluminated freestanding sign is permitted for each subdivision street entrance as follows:

i. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is 24 square feet.

ii. Maximum Height. The maximum sign height is 4 feet, unless mounted on an entry wall or soundwall, in which case 2 signs are permitted with a 6-foot height limit.

iii. Location. Freestanding entrance sign(s) shall be set back a minimum of 5 feet from the public right-of-way, located outside of required clear vision triangles in a landscaped planting area. Signs attached to a fence or soundwall may be located within the required setback area. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit. Signs may be located in planter medians with the approval of public works and planning departments for traffic safety and clear sign visibility.

b. Subdivision Flags. New subdivisions can have a maximum of 10 flags on model home lots, sales offices or at the entryway along the subdivision frontage as follows:

i. Maximum Flag Size. The maximum flag size shall not exceed 24 square feet.

ii. Maximum Height. The maximum pole height is 20 feet.

iii. Location. Flags must be set back a minimum of 5 feet from the right-of-way and outside of all required clear vision triangles. Location of flags within any corridor of a lighting and landscaping district requires approval of the city’s lighting and landscaping supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit.

iv. Flags must be removed when the last home within a subdivision is sold and must be maintained in good repair to the satisfaction of the planning director.

c. Temporary Subdivision Identification Sign(s). One nonilluminated identification sign is permitted per project for projects which are less than and including 5 acres in size. For projects larger than 5 acres, the applicant may request 1 on-site sign for each project frontage with entrance(s), up to a maximum total of 3 signs.

i. Maximum Sign Area. The maximum sign area is 40 square feet.

ii. Maximum Height. The maximum sign height is 10 feet.

iii. Location. Freestanding signs must be set back a minimum of 5 feet from the right-of-way and outside of all required clear vision triangles. Any on-site subdivision identification sign located within a lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit.

iv. Signs are to be removed when the last home within a subdivision is sold.

d. Joint-Use Subdivision Directional Signs for Master Planned or Specific Planned Communities. In order to allow on-site direction within a large subdivision to those builders/villages which do not have frontage on major streets, on-site joint-use directional signs may be approved to identify and provide direction for these builders/villages on other parcels within the same subdivision. Number and location of such signs to be established by the planning director with the approval of a sign permit in compliance with the following conditions:

i. Approval. The planning director may grant approval of a sign permit for on-site joint-use subdivision signs, which provide directional assistance on the project site only, for a limited 5-year period. One year extension(s) may also be granted by the planning director if requested prior to the expiration date on the permit.

ii. Sign Area and Dimensions. The sign area shall be a maximum of 48 square feet with a 10-foot maximum sign height, an 8-foot maximum sign width, and a 3-foot base required for ground clearance. The sign shall have a maximum of 4 subdivision nameplates per sign face.

iii. Location. On-site directional signs within master planned or specific planned communities shall be located along major arterials and collectors, no closer than 1,000 feet to any other such sign in the same direction on any 1 roadway. Joint-use signs shall be set back 5 feet from the public right-of-way, unless authorized pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D), and shall not be located within any required clear vision triangle. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit.

iv. Nameplates. Individual subdivision nameplates on a joint-use sign require an annual sign permit approved by the planning director. Sign copy is limited to the name of the builder, project identification, and a directional arrow. Sign area of nameplates shall be a maximum of 12 square feet. Letter height shall not be less than 8 inches.

v. Responsible Party, Attachments. All sign(s) to display the name, address and phone number of the company responsible for the placement of the sign(s). Signs shall not be displayed with any lights, balloons or any other items attached.

2. Off-Site Signs. Individual builders or subdividers have the option of choosing 1 of the following types of off-site signage programs in compliance with listed provisions.

a. Joint-use subdivision directional signs as follows:

i. Approval. The planning director may grant approval of a sign permit for joint-use subdivision directional signs, which provide directional assistance only, for a maximum 5-year period. One-year extension(s) may also be granted by the planning director if requested prior to the expiration date on the permit.

ii. Sign Design and Dimensions. Sign design shall be consistent with the city-wide standard illustrated in Section 17.59.020(B), Illustrations. The sign area is 96 square feet per sign face (2-sided) with a 15-foot sign height, an 8-foot sign width, and a 3-foot base required for ground clearance. The sign shall have 6 subdivision nameplates per sign face. Colors and materials to be approved by the planning director.

iii. Location. Off-site joint-use directional signs shall be located along major arterials, no closer than 1,000 feet to any other such sign in the same direction on any one roadway. However, the planning director may approve more than 1 subdivision sign at any corner at the intersection of 2 major arterial streets. Joint-use signs shall be set back 5 feet from the public right-of-way, unless authorized pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D), and shall not be located within any required clear vision triangle. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit.

iv. Nameplates. Individual subdivision nameplates on a joint-use sign require an annual sign permit approved by the planning director; provided, that each builder does not exceed a maximum of 8 nameplate locations throughout the city. Sign copy is limited to the builder and project identification and a directional arrow. Nameplate dimensions shall be 8 feet wide and 1.5 feet tall with a sign area of 12 square feet. Letter height shall not be less than 8 inches. If a joint-use sign advertises 3 or fewer builders, each builder may occupy the area of 2 subdivision nameplates until a fourth space is leased, at which time all 3 builders shall modify their signs to the standard nameplate dimensions.

vi. Removal. Joint use subdivision signs shall be permanently removed within 60 days after the sign advertises no subdivisions or within 10 days after the expiration of the sign permit. Nameplates shall be removed from all joint-use signs when the last home within the subdivision is sold.

vii. Deposit. A $500 deposit or other financial security as approved by the city attorney is required for each off-site sign. The deposit shall be made to the city prior to issuance of building permits as an incentive to take the signs down at the expiration of the permit. The funds will be returned when the sign is removed or will be used by the city to remove the signs.

b. Subdivision Directional Signs for Master Planned or Specific Planned Subdivisions. Large subdivisions with multiple builders or villages may request a sign program catered to the overall project design for the master/specific planned subdivision as follows:

i. Approval. The planning director may grant approval of a sign permit for off-site subdivision signs which provide planned community identification and directional assistance for a maximum 5-year period. One- year extension(s) may be granted by the planning director if requested prior to the permit expiration date.

ii. Location. Signs shall be located along major arterials, and all signs for any particular project must be separated by a minimum distance of 1,000 feet. However, the planning director may approve more than 1 subdivision sign at any corner at the intersection of 2 major arterial streets. Signs may be approved only at decision-making points deemed necessary to provide direction to the subdivision, up to a maximum of 6 off-site sign locations. Joint-use signs shall be set back 5 feet from the public right-of-way, unless authorized pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D), and shall not be located within any required clear vision triangle. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit.

iii. Sign Design and Dimensions. Sign design shall be approved by the planning director on a case-by-case basis consistent with the following parameters. Sign area shall be a maximum of 40 square feet per sign face to identify the name of the overall subdivision, exclusive of individual nameplates. Sign height shall be a maximum of 10 feet, with an 8-foot maximum width, and a 3-foot base required for ground clearance.

iv. Maximum Number of Nameplates. Individual builders within the master planned or specific planned subdivision are permitted a maximum of 8 subdivision nameplate locations throughout the city, including off-site subdivision signs erected for the overall development as described herein, which are exclusive of individual nameplates identifying the builders within the master planned or specific planned subdivision.

vi. Removal. Off-site subdivision directional signs for master planned or specific planned subdivisions shall be permanently removed within 60 days after the last home in the subdivision is sold or within 10 days after the expiration of the sign permit.

c. Temporary Weekend Directional Sign(s). Each subdivision, builder or property owner is permitted a maximum of 25 weekend directional signs in compliance with the following provisions:

i. Approval. Temporary sign programs for weekend directional signage are subject to approval of a sign permit by the planning director for a 6-month period of time. The applicant shall submit, as a requirement of the application, a map identifying the proposed location for each temporary directional sign, property owners authorization, contact person for placement and removal of signs, as well as a security deposit, in the amount of $200, provided to the city as guarantee of funds to cover costs associated with removal and disposal of sign(s) found in violation of this section.

ii. Maximum Sign Area. Maximum sign area shall be limited to 4 square feet to advertise the name of the builder, project identification, and a directional arrow.

iii. Maximum Sign Height. The maximum height of the sign is 4 feet from finished grade.

iv. Location and Placement. Signs shall not be placed within a required clear vision triangle, shall not be displayed on private or publicly owned fences, utility poles or walls, and shall not be visible from freeway or along the on-/off-ramps. Weekend directional signs may be located within the public right-of-way pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D). Sign placement is limited to 1 sign per direction at any one intersection. The placement of a maximum of 1 sign per project may be approved at points of turn, but all signs for any particular project must be separated by a minimum distance of 500 feet. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit.

v. Signs are allowed only on weekends (and holidays) between Friday evenings after 6 p.m. and removed no later than Monday mornings by 7 a.m. Removal includes any portion of the sign or supporting structure.

vi. Weekend directional signs for subdivisions shall not be displayed with any lights, balloons or any other items attached to them.

vii. All sign(s) shall display the name, address and phone number of the company responsible for the placement of the sign(s).

viii. Signs shall be designed to ensure that sign face(s) are securely fastened to the supporting structure and that the supporting structure is securely fastened to the ground.

ix. Removal. Permanently removed when the last home within the subdivision is sold. Any sign found in violation of any provision herein may be removed by city personnel after compliance with the procedures set forth in Section 17.59.080 of this chapter.

x. Any subdivision sign program found to be in violation of any provision herein may be grounds for the denial of future renewal permits.

G. Humbug/Willow Creek Parkway Signage. Signage related to surrounding and adjacent land uses shall not be oriented towards the Humbug/Willow Creek Parkway. Signage criteria for information or interpretive signs within the parkway is as follows:

1. Sign material, color and design should reflect the natural setting of the site. Whenever possible, natural materials such as wood, granite and river rock shall be used.

2. Large, light-colored sign faces invite graffiti and are not permitted.

3. For simplicity, continuity and ease of communication, signs shall employ symbols where appropriate for bike trails, rest rooms, hiking trail designations.

4. In most cases within the parkway, illumination of signs could adversely affect the environmental qualities of the parkway and is therefore not permitted. An exception might include a minor, shielded, lighting source at an emergency call box, a trail-head near an intersection, or at a bike tunnel.

H. Signage in Scenic Corridors. Applicants who wish to have nonexempt signs erected visible from a scenic corridor are required to obtain a sign permit from the planning director in compliance with provisions of this chapter.

1. The following are designated as scenic corridors in the city:

i. Greenback Lane (east of Madison Ave. to Rainbow Bridge);

ii. Green Valley Road (from East Natoma Street to the city limits);

iii. Blue Ravine Road;

iv. East Bidwell (from Blue Ravine Road east to the city limits);

v. Prairie City Road;

vi. Folsom Boulevard;

vii. Folsom-Auburn Road.

2. Signs in the scenic corridor shall comply with the following special provisions and other applicable sections of this chapter:

a. Signs shall be externally lit, nonilluminated, or internally illuminated with opaque (nontranslucent) backgrounds so that the lighting comes through the letter or logo only. Type and level of illumination must be approved by the planning director to prevent excessive glare along scenic corridors.

b. Sign design shall match or complement the color and architecture of the building.

I. Temporary Signs. Temporary signs are permitted on the site of the business to which the message pertains with approval of a temporary sign permit issued by the planning director (unless otherwise exempt in this chapter). Temporary commercial signs include grand opening, special product, sale or event advertising. Such temporary promotional signs shall not be freestanding, moving or illuminated.

1. Maximum Area. Each business or entity is permitted one or more temporary signs with a combined maximum sign area of one hundred square feet. Additionally, businesses or entities with more than one hundred lineal feet of primary building frontage are permitted an additional two square feet of signage for each lineal foot of primary building frontage (in excess of one hundred lineal feet), up to a total maximum sign area of two hundred square feet.

2. Location. Temporary sign(s) must be attached to the main building or wall/fence, but not located above the roof line or height of wall/fence structure for the business advertising.

3. Time. Each business is allowed a maximum of two weeks temporary promotional signage a quarter/season (four times a year) or a total of eight weeks per calendar year, but not more than four consecutive weeks (twenty-eight consecutive days). (Ord. 1101 § 2, 2007; Ord. 1005 § 1 (part), 2004; Ord. 1006 § 2 (part), 2003; Ord. 890 § 3(1), 1998; Ord. 858 § 14(5), 1997; Ord. 831 § 3 (part), 1995)

17.59.050 Permits and procedures.

A. Sign Permit.

1. Application. The sign user or authorized representative shall submit a sign permit application to the planning department upon forms provided for that purpose, including but not limited to the following:

a. Four sets of sign plans illustrating all permanent attached and freestanding signage proposed which is calculated into the total maximum allowable signage for the parcel or business (including the number of signs, location, size, type, colors and materials, illumination, and construction details of proposed signage);

b. The sign plan shall illustrate compliance with any applicable Uniform Signage Program and any other sections of this chapter.

2. Application Fee. The city council may establish a fee for the processing of an application under the provisions of this chapter by resolution, which may be amended from time to time.

3. Application Review. Except as otherwise provided herein, the planning, inspections and permitting director shall review and approve, conditionally approve or deny the sign permit application based on conformance with the provisions of this chapter and any applicable uniform sign program. The historic district commission shall review and approve, conditionally approve or deny sign permit applications for signs to be located within the boundaries of the historic district based on conformance with the provisions of this title and any applicable uniform sign program. Applications shall be approved unless the planning, inspections and permitting director, or historic district commission finds in writing that:

a. The applicant has failed to provide sufficient or adequate plans, information or other data necessary to allow determinations respecting compliance with the provisions of this chapter;

b. The proposed signage will violate provisions of this chapter, state or federal laws, and such violation cannot be resolved by the imposition of conditions pursuant to this section.

4. Notice of Denial. Written notice of the planning director’s decision shall be given to the applicant within seven days of the decision.

5. Conditions. The planning director may at the time of approval impose such conditions as are reasonable and necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter, or state or federal laws.

6. Term of Permit. The sign permit shall be effective eleven days from the date of issuance, unless an appeal has been filed, and shall remain in force indefinitely unless suspended or revoked or if installation of the sign is not completed within six months from the date of issuance of such permit. The planning director may grant one ninety-day extension if work has been commenced but not completed.

7. Building Permit Required. Prior to installation of a sign, an applicant shall first obtain any required building permits for the sign.

8. Amendment of Permit. Any proposed changes to the sign(s) shall be reviewed and approved by the planning director in the manner and pursuant to the standards of the city’s current sign ordinance.

B. Uniform Signage Program (USP). Each integrated development with multiple tenants shall submit a Uniform Signage Program (USP) application for approval by the planning director. The uniform signage program shall include the process for sign review by the landlord and incorporate the city’s requirements for obtaining a sign permit, and shall also include sign criteria for building-attached and freestanding signs for tenants, anchors, freestanding buildings and the integrated development itself. Uniform signage programs shall be consistent with the standards set forth in this chapter.

1. Application. The developer, landlord or authorized representative for integrated developments shall submit a uniform signage program application to the planning department upon forms provided for that purpose.

2. Application Fee. The city council may establish a fee for the processing of an application under the provisions of this chapter by resolution, which may be amended from time to time.

3. Application Review. The planning director shall review, approve, conditionally approve or deny the uniform signage program applications based on compliance with all applicable requirements of this chapter. Applications shall be approved unless the planning director finds in writing that:

a. The applicant has failed to provide sufficient or adequate plans, information or other data necessary to allow determinations respecting compliance with the provisions of this chapter;

b. The proposed signage will violate provisions of this chapter, state or federal laws, and such violation cannot be resolved by the imposition of conditions pursuant to this section;

c. The uniform signage program proposed for the integrated development does not establish standards for consistency of sign type, location, logo and/or letter height, lines of copy, illumination, construction details, and color and material of signs within that development.

4. Notice of Denial. Written notice of the planning director’s decision shall be given to the applicant within seven days of the decision.

5. Conditions. The planning director may at the time of approval impose such conditions as are reasonable and necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter, or state or federal laws.

6. Permits Required. Each tenant within an integrated development shall submit a sign permit application consistent with the uniform signage program to the planning director for review and approval according to subsection A of this section. Additionally, prior to installation of any sign(s), the applicant shall first obtain any required building permits for the sign(s).

7. Binding Effect. After approval of a uniform signage program, no sign shall be displayed except in conformance with such plan and this chapter. The uniform signage program shall be enforced in the same way as any provision of this chapter. In case of any conflict between the provisions of such plan and any provisions of this chapter, the chapter shall control.

8. Amendment of Uniform Signage Program. Any proposed changes in the program after approval shall be submitted to the planning director for review. No person shall undertake activity which does not conform with the uniform signage program, unless approved by the planning director. The planning director shall review any proposed changes in the manner and pursuant to the standards of the city’s current sign ordinance.

C. Temporary Sign Permit. Temporary signs not otherwise exempt from or prohibited by this chapter must obtain a temporary sign permit from the planning director.

1. Application. The sign user or authorized representative shall submit a temporary sign permit application to the planning department upon a form provided for that purpose, including but not limited to the following: explanation of number, location, size and promotional period requested.

2. Application Fee. The city council may establish a fee for the processing of an application under the provisions of this chapter by resolution, which may be amended from time to time.

3. Application Review. The planning director shall review and approve, conditionally approve, or deny the temporary sign permit application based on conformance with the provisions of this subsection, Section 17.59.040(J), and other applicable provisions in this chapter.

4. Conditions. The planning director may at the time of approval impose such conditions as are necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter, or state or federal laws.

5. Term Limit. The temporary sign permit shall be effective for the dates identified on the approved permit consistent with this chapter.

6. Renewal of Temporary Sign Permit. A request for renewal for a temporary sign permit may be submitted to the planning director prior to the end of the period for which the temporary sign permit was approved. The planning director may approve a renewal request provided all applicable renewal fees have been paid, and the planning director finds the sign(s) to be in conformance with the standards set forth in Section 17.59.040(J) and other applicable provisions of this chapter.

D. Special Event Sign Permit. Any person or entity requesting short-term use of temporary animated signs not otherwise permitted in this chapter, including but not limited to beacons, pennants, freestanding banners, or inflatables used as signs, for a special event, shall apply for a temporary special event sign permit.

1. Application. The sign user or authorized representative shall submit a special event sign permit application to the planning department upon a form provided for that purpose including, but not limited to the following: explanation of sign type, number, location, size and promotional period requested.

2. Application Fee. The city council may establish a fee for the processing of an application under the provisions of this chapter by resolution, which may be amended from time to time.

3. Application Review. The planning director shall review, approve, conditionally approve or deny the special event sign permit application for community-wide events, grand openings, and other similar events as determined by the planning director to be of a community-wide benefit; provided, that the sign(s) not be a roof sign and comply with traffic safety standards. No entity or integrated development may be issued more than 2 special event sign permits per calendar year.

4. Conditions. The planning director may at the time of approval impose such conditions as are necessary to ensure the protection of the general health, safety, and welfare of the community.

5. Term Limit. The special event sign permit shall be effective for the dates identified on the approved permit and shall not exceed a maximum of 14 consecutive calendar days.

E. Use Permit. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, if a particular use in any land use district requires the issuance of a use permit, the planning commission shall, in granting such permit, specify and establish the size, location, number and conditions of signs to be erected in conjunction with the proposed land use and in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Nothing in this section shall exempt such signs from the requirements of subsection A of this section, Sign Permit. However, in addition to other standards specified, the planning director’s action shall be consistent with the provisions of the use permit.

F. Planned Development Permit. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, if a particular use in any land use district requires the issuance of a planned development permit, the planning commission shall, in granting such permit, specify and establish the size, location, number and conditions of signs to be erected and maintained in conjunction with the proposed project, in compliance with Chapter 17.38 and the provisions of this chapter. Nothing in this section shall exempt such signs from the requirements of subsection A of this section, Sign Permit. However, in addition to other standards specified, the planning director’s action shall be consistent with the provisions of the planned development permit.

G. Appeals.

1. Appeals. If the applicant or other person whose property rights may be affected is dissatisfied with any determination made by the planning director, such person may appeal to the planning commission. Decisions of the planning commission, when sitting as an appeal body, may not be appealed to the city council.

Any such appeal shall be in writing, shall state the specific reasons therefor and grounds asserted for relief, and shall be filed with the planning director not later than 10 calendar days after the date of the action being appealed. If an appeal is not filed within the time or in the manner prescribed above, the right to review of the action against which the complaint is made shall be deemed to have been waived.

2. Appeal Fee. The city council shall by resolution adopt and, from time to time, amend a fee for the filing of appeals. Such fee shall be for the sole purpose of defraying costs incurred for the administration of appeals. The fee for an appeal shall be paid at the time of and with the filing of an appeal. No appeal shall be deemed valid unless the prescribed fee has been paid.

3. Appeal Hearing. After the filing of an appeal within the time and in the manner prescribed herein, a hearing shall be scheduled before the appeal body within 30 days of the filing of the appeal for the purpose of determining whether the appeal should be granted. Written notice of the time, date and place of the hearing shall be served upon the appellant not later than 10 days preceding the date of the hearing.

4. Action on Appeals. The appeal body shall review the entire proceeding(s) relating to the decision being appealed, de novo, and may make any order it deems just and equitable, including the approval of the application. At the conclusion of the hearing, the appeal body shall prepare a written decision which either grants or denies the appeal and which contains findings of fact and conclusions. The written decision, including a copy thereof, shall be filed with the city clerk. The clerk shall serve such decision on the applicant and the party filing the appeal. The decision of the appeal body shall become final upon the date of the filing and service with respect to any appeal.

5. Notices. Any notice authorized or required by this chapter shall be deemed to have been filed, served and effective for all purposes on the date when it is personally delivered in writing to the party to whom it is directed or deposited in the United States mail, first-class postage prepaid, and addressed to the party to whom it is directed.

Whenever a provision in this chapter requires a public hearing to be conducted, notice of the time, date, place and purpose of the hearing shall be published at least once not later than 10 calendar days in advance of the date of commencement of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation which is published within the county. The same type of notice shall also be served on each permittee whose permit may be affected by the action taken at the conclusion of the hearing. (Ord. 890 § 3(2), 1998; Ord. 831 § 3 (part), 1995)

17.59.060 Enforcement.

A. This chapter shall be enforced pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 1.08 through 1.10, inclusive, of the Folsom Municipal Code.

B. The director of planning, inspections and permitting and the code enforcement officer shall enforce the provisions of this chapter.

C. Each sign installed, created, erected or maintained in violation of this chapter shall be considered a separate violation when applying the penalty portions of this chapter.

D. Confiscation and Fees. Any sign installed or placed on public property, including signs within the public right-of-way that do not comply with the requirements of this chapter, shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. When noncommercial signs related to election issues are confiscated by city staff from public property, staff shall notify the campaign of record within seven days of confiscating the sign and afford the campaign the opportunity to retrieve the sign. If the campaign has not retrieved the sign within ten days of notice, the city may dispose of the signs. In addition to other remedies hereunder, the city shall have the right to recover from the owner or person placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign, including any administrative staff costs and attorneys’ fees incurred to enforce this chapter. (Ord. 1185 § 5, 2013; Ord. 858 § 14(5), 1997)

17.59.070 Penalties.

The penalties set forth in Section 17.03.020 of this title shall not apply and the following penalties shall be applicable for any violation of this chapter:

A. A violation of this chapter shall be an administrative violation as defined in Section 1.08.020.

B. Each of the sanctions for administrative violations identified in Section 1.09.013 shall be available for enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.

C. Based upon the criteria for the imposition of administrative sanctions set forth in Section 1.09.014, a violation of this chapter shall be deemed a Level B violation, as that term is described in Section 1.09.012. The range of monetary sanctions available for a violation of this chapter shall be as set forth in Section 1.09.012(A)(2). (Ord. 858 § 14(6), 1997)

17.59.080 Enforcement procedures—Notice to correct.

A. Prior to the suspension, revocation or denial of any license or permit, or the assessment of any fee, penalty or charge, or the commencement of any other enforcement action pursuant to this chapter, the director of the department of planning, inspections and permitting and the code enforcement officer shall follow the procedures set forth in Sections 1.09.020 through 1.09.048, inclusive, of the Folsom Municipal Code. The rights to judicial review set forth in Sections 1.09.050 through 1.09.059, inclusive, of the Folsom Municipal Code shall apply.

B. A notice to correct or stop order shall be served in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.09.023. The time to correct any violation of a provision of this chapter shall be no less than 24 hours and no more than 14 calendar days. In determining the appropriate length of time to allow for correction of the violation, the code enforcement officer shall consider whether the sign is temporary or permanent.

If an event is advertised by the sign and the event has occurred or will occur within 24 hours, no notice to correct shall be required, and a notice of administrative violation may be served in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.09.027 of Chapter 1.09, Title 1 of the Folsom Municipal Code. Signs advertising an event that has occurred or will occur within 24 hours that are given a notice of administrative violation are a Level A violation, as defined in Section 1.09.012(A)(1).

C. A notice to abate may be served at the same time as the service of either a notice to correct or notice of administrative violation. The notice to abate shall be served in accordance with the procedures established in Chapter 1.10, and the city shall be entitled to recover all costs and expenses of abatement as set forth therein.

D. If a sign has been confiscated pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, it shall not be returned until all administrative penalties, fines, costs, expenses and other charges are reimbursed in full to the city.

E. If it is determined that the sign was placed on the land without the consent of the owner of the land and that the owner has not subsequently acquiesced in the presence of such sign, the costs of administration or removal of the sign shall not be assessed against the property upon which the sign exists, and the city shall make no other attempts to collect such costs from such owner of the land. (Ord. 858 § 14(7), 1997)