Chapter 17.56 SIGNS

The location, height, size and illumination of signs are regulated in order to maintain the attractiveness and orderliness of the Holtville appearance, to protect business sites from loss of prominence resulting from excessive signs on nearby sites, and to protect the public safety and welfare. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.020 Application of Uniform Sign Code.

Where not otherwise provided for in this title, the terms, regulations and provisions of the current editions of the Uniform Sign Code shall apply. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.030 Building permits – Requirement – Fee.

A. No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, modify or relocate any sign in the city without first obtaining a building permit for each sign, except as provided in HMC 17.56.140 through 17.56.250.

B. Building permits for erection or construction of signs within the city shall be issued by the building inspector. The fee for such permits shall be set by resolution of city council. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.040 Canopy signs.

Canopy signs shall conform to state highway encroachment permits, as noted in State Highway Encroachment Permits, District II, Policy and Procedure Bulletin, dated June 1, 1968. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.050 Size – Square footage determination.

The square footage of a sign made up of letters, words, or symbols within a frame shall be determined from the outside edge of the frame itself. The square footage of a sign composed of only letters, words or symbols shall be determined from imaginary straight lines drawn around the entire copy or grouping of such letters, words, or symbols. Only those portions of the construction elements that are an integral part of the sign itself shall be considered in the allocation of square footage allowed. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.060 Materials – Removal.

All signs shall be structurally safe, shall be of rust inhibitive material, and shall be maintained in good condition in the opinion of the building inspector. The property owner of the land and/or improvements is responsible for removing any sign or signs on the premises where the uses has been discontinued for a period of over 90 days. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.070 Maintenance.

All signs, together with all of their supports, braces, guys, and anchors shall be kept in repair and in a safe state of preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times. Also, all weeds shall be cleared and removed periodically. The building inspector may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of Section S-305 of the Uniform Sign Code. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.080 Materials – Restrictions.

No cloth, paper, plastic or similar advertising signs or devices other than in rigid frames as provided in this chapter shall be permitted. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.090 Signs painted on or attached to vehicles.

Signs painted on or attached to vehicles that are parked on the premises for a period in excess of 24 hours shall be considered signs within the meaning of this title, and shall specifically be prohibited, except such signs as are normally displayed on business vehicles. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.100 Roof signs.

No roof signs shall be permitted, except where no building setback is provided roof signs may be permitted subject to a conditional use permit. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.110 Obscenity prohibited.

No person shall exhibit, post or display upon any sign or wall any statement, symbol or picture of an obscene nature. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.120 Building permit requirements.

No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, modify or relocate any sign in the city without first obtaining a building permit for such sign. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.130 Exemptions.

The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter:

A. Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public officer;

B. Directional, warning or informational signs authorized by federal, state or municipal authority;

C. Memorial plaques and building cornerstones when cut or carved into masonry surface or when made of incombustible material and made an integral part of the building or structure; and

D. Commemorative symbols, plaques and historical tablets. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

Article II. Special Purpose Signs

17.56.140 Permitted signs – Designated.

The signs designated in HMC 17.56.150 through 17.56.250 shall be considered special purpose signs and shall be permitted subject to the provisions of HMC 17.56.020 through 17.56.120, and reviewed by the building inspector. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.150 Parking directional signs.

In any zone, one parking directional sign is permitted, not exceeding 10 square feet in area or six feet in height, at each parking area entrance or exit. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.160 Political signs.

A. In any residential zone, one unlighted sign for each building or business establishment is permitted, not exceeding eight square feet. In all other zones, one unlighted sign for each building or business establishment is permitted, not exceeding 32 square feet.

B. Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height.

C. No sign shall be located in a public right-of way or an unoccupied premises (without consent of the property owner) or be attached to a tree or utility pole.

D. A political sign shall not be displayed more than 10 days after the election to which it pertains. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.170 For sale, rental signs.

In any zone, one unlighted sign is permitted, not exceeding six square feet on each street frontage adjoining a site, plus one “open house” sign. Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.180 Construction signs.

On the site of a project actively under construction, one unlighted sign is permitted, not exceeding 10 square feet in area, for contractor, architect or engineer engaged in the project, except that the total area of all signs shall not exceed 30 square feet. Signs may be combined. Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.190 Subdivision signs – Directional.

In any zone, unlighted signs advertising subdivisions containing only the name of the subdivision, the name of developer and/or agent, an identification emblem and directional message shall be permitted provided:

A. There shall be no more than three such signs located within the city limits for each subdivision;

B. The total area of each sign shall not exceed 32 square feet;

C. The total height of each sign shall not exceed 15 feet; and

D. Directional subdivision signs may be displayed during the two years following the date of recordation of the final map or until 100 percent of the lots have been sold, whichever occurs first. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.200 Subdivision signs – On-site.

On-site subdivision signs shall be permitted provided there shall be no more than 300 square feet of total sign area for each subdivision and a total of six signs. Such on-site signs shall be permitted to remain only as long as the sales office is maintained in the subdivision; and provided, that such signs are maintained in good condition as determined by the building inspector. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.210 Subdivision signs – Entrance.

At the major street entrance to a subdivision or development, not more than two unlighted signs, each not exceeding 20 square feet in area, attached to and not extending above a wall or fence indicating the name of the subdivision development are permitted. Such signs shall be constructed of materials and affixed to the wall or fence in such a manner as to render them not readily susceptible to vandalism. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.220 Subdivision signs – Application to group housing complexes.

For the purpose of administering this chapter, apartment or group housing complexes of 30 units or more shall be considered within the definition of a subdivision. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.230 Retail commercial uses – Sale signs.

For retail commercial uses in any zone where such uses are listed as a permitted or conditional use, sale signs may be permitted while a sale of goods or service is being conducted. Such signs shall be displayed only in rigid frame on the wall of the building where the business is conducted and shall not exceed in area 10 percent of the wall area of the building. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.240 Retail commercial uses – Attraction signs.

For retail commercial uses in any zone where retail sales or rentals are listed as a permitted or conditional use, one double-faced attraction board not exceeding 12 square feet in area shall be permitted. Such sign shall be used only for the purpose of indicating prices on products for sale or rent. Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.250 Special signs.

Flags, emblems, insignias, and posters of any nation, state, international organization, political subdivisions or other governmental agency, unlighted nonverbal religious symbols attached to a place of religious worship, and temporary displays of a patriotic, religious, charitable, or civic character shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter; however, if the height exceeds 35 feet, such signs shall be subject to a conditional use permit. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

Article III. Signs in Residential Zones

17.56.260 Permitted signs – Designated.

Except as described in HMC 17.56.150 through 17.56.250, special purpose signs, only the following signs designated in HMC 17.56.270 through 17.56.290 shall be permitted in a residential zone. Table 17.56-1 sets forth special purpose sign standards for residential uses.

Table 17.56-1

Special Purpose Signs
– Residential Use
Uses	Permitted Sign	Sign Standard
Residential
Single-family	One unlighted nameplate	1 square foot
Multifamily	One unlighted identification sign, or one freestanding sign	15 square feet, or 6 feet in height
Agricultural	One unlighted sign pertaining to the products raised on the premises	6 square feet or 6 feet in height
Public and semi-public	One lighted or unlighted sign or freestanding sign	15 square feet

(Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.270 Residential uses.

A. For single-family dwelling units, one unlighted nameplate not exceeding one square foot in area indicating the name of the occupant shall be permitted. On a site with more than one dwelling unit, nameplates shall not be combined.

B. For multifamily dwellings, apartment developments, boardinghouses, roominghouses, and dormitories, one unlighted identification sign not exceeding 15 square feet in area shall be permitted. Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.280 Agricultural uses.

One unlighted sign not exceeding six square feet in area or six feet in height pertaining to the products raised on the premises shall be permitted. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.290 Public and semi-public uses.

One lighted or unlighted sign not to exceed 15 square feet in area shall be permitted. Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

Article IV. Signs in Commercial Zones

17.56.300 Permitted signs – Designated.

Except as prescribed in HMC 17.56.150 through 17.56.250, special purpose signs, only the following signs designated in HMC 17.56.310 through 17.56.360 shall be permitted in a commercial zone. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.310 Office uses.

A. For each use, one nameplate not exceeding two square feet in area indicating the name and profession or business of the occupant shall be permitted. When two or more professional offices occupy the same building, nameplates may be combined in the form of a directory; provided, such combined sign shall not exceed 75 square feet in area. When such a sign is freestanding, such sign shall not exceed 12 feet in height.

B. For buildings containing four or more offices, one single-faced lighted wall or canopy sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area indicating the name of the building shall be permitted. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.320 Uses in C-2 zone, except service stations.

A. One freestanding lighted sign indicating the name of the shopping center not exceeding 75 square feet in area shall be permitted. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 30 feet in height.

B. For each use, one single-faced, lighted wall or canopy sign, not exceeding one square foot of area for each lineal foot of property frontage, or portion thereof, shall be permitted on each side of the building fronting on a street, parking lot or mall to a maximum of 75 square feet per sign; provided, however, there shall be no more than two signs per use. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.330 Uses in the C-3 zone, except service stations.

A. For each use, one lighted freestanding identification sign 75 square feet in area for each street frontage shall be permitted; provided, however, that for each lineal foot of property frontage in excess of 75 feet, an additional one square foot of sign area shall be permitted to a maximum of 150 square feet; and further provided, that there shall be no more than one sign per lot or parcel of land. Where more than one business is being conducted on single lot or parcel of land, the permitted sign area shall be combined into one freestanding sign up to a maximum combined area of 150 square feet. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 30 feet in height.

B. For each use, one single-faced, lighted wall or canopy sign, not exceeding one square foot of area for each lineal foot of property frontage or portion thereof, may be placed on each side of the building fronting on a street, parking lot or mall, to a maximum of 100 square feet per sign; provided, however, there shall be no more than two such signs per use. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.340 Uses in the C-4 zone, except service stations.

Commercial uses in the C-4 zone, except service station signs, shall be permitted in the C-4 zone to the same extent as in the C-3 zone, provided additional signing may be approved by the planning commission. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.350 Service stations.

The following signs shall be permitted:

A. One lighted, freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area. Such sign shall not exceed 30 feet in height;

B. Not more than two wall or canopy signs, each sign not exceeding 30 square feet;

C. Not more than one price sign not to exceed 12 square feet in area; and

D. Informational or other permanent promotional signs such as those indicating the availability of state approved services or trading stamps shall be permitted. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.360 Public and semi-public uses.

One lighted sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area shall be permitted. Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

Article V. Signs in Industrial Zones

17.56.370 Permitted signs – Designated.

Except as prescribed in HMC 17.56.150 through 17.56.250, special purpose signs, only the signs set forth in HMC 17.56.380 through 17.56.400 shall be permitted in an industrial zone. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.380 Uses in I-1 zone.

For each use, one single-faced, lighted wall or canopy sign, not exceeding one square foot of area for each lineal foot of building or portion thereof may be placed on the side of the building facing the major street frontage, up to a maximum of 100 square feet. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.390 Uses in I-2 zone.

A. For each use, one single-faced, lighted wall or canopy sign, not exceeding one square foot of area for each lineal foot of building or portion thereof, may be placed on the side of the building facing the major street frontage, up to a maximum of 100 square feet.

B. For each use, one lighted, freestanding sign not exceeding 75 square feet in area shall be permitted; provided, that there shall be no more than one such sign per lot or parcel of land. Where more than one use is being conducted on a single lot or parcel of land, the permitted sign area for each use shall be combined into one freestanding sign up to a maximum of 100 square feet. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 30 feet in height. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.400 Public and semi-public uses.

One lighted sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area shall be permitted. Freestanding signs shall not exceed six feet in height. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

Article VI. Signs in Mobile Home Zone

17.56.410 Permitted sign.

At the major street entrance to the mobile home park, not more than two lighted signs, each not exceeding 20 square feet in area, attached to and not extending above a wall or fence, indicating the name of the mobile home park, shall be permitted. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

Article VII. Administration

17.56.420 Freestanding signs – Planning commission review.

A. All freestanding signs except special purpose signs as designated in HMC 17.56.150 through 17.56.250 and permitted signs in residential zones shall be subject to the review and approval of the planning commission.

B. Fee for the review of freestanding signs shall be as established by resolution of the city council.

C. In its review of freestanding signs, the planning commission shall consider the size, shape, scale and location of the proposed sign as it relates to surrounding land uses in order to insure compatibility between signs and other structures and to reduce possible detrimental effects.

D. Planning commission review of freestanding signs shall not be required where such signs have been approved in conjunction with commission approval of a conditional use permit or variance.

E. Following its review of a freestanding sign as prescribed in subsection C of this section, the planning commission may approve, conditionally approve, or not approve the proposed sign. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).

17.56.430 Freestanding signs – Appeal of commission action.

If after reviewing a proposed freestanding sign the planning commission should not approve the sign as submitted, or if the applicant does not agree with the conditions of approval required by the commission, the applicant may appeal the decision to the city council as prescribed in HMC 17.66.020. (Ord. 441 § 1, 2000).