Appendix B
COASTAL ACCESS SIGNING PROGRAM
I. Sign Guidelines.
a. Signs should be placed to allow safe pedestrian clearance and should avoid conflict with door opening or vehicular operation. Signs should be located to be easily read, and placed to provide safe stopping or turning distance. Height should normally be 40 inches from the ground to the bottom of a single sign and 36 inches from the ground to the bottom of a double sign. Signs along walkways should be set back a minimum of 18 inches.
b. Signing should be consolidated wherever possible: it is preferable to have one sign with three messages than three signs on three separate posts with separate messages. Signs can be combined with other fixtures such as lights to reduce unnecessary posts and cluttering of the landscape or view. However, types of signs should not be mixed; warning or regulatory signs especially should not be mixed with other types.
c. The style for lettering should be standardized throughout the signing system.
d. Coastal access signs should incorporate a standardized symbol that is recognizable by the general public as a symbol that means coastal access.
e. Any segment of the California Coastal Trail should incorporate official California Coastal Commission “foot and wave” logo and/or the words “California Coastal Trail.”
f. The use of international, pictorial symbols can also be an integral part of a standardized signing program for accessways. The use of symbols rather than phrases or sentences has a number of advantages: symbols are more explicit than words; sign size can be reduced; and symbols are universally understood. When located correctly, signs using symbols are universally understood. When located correctly, signs using symbols can stand alone, with little or no additional explanation. When used consistently throughout the accessway signing system, the symbols can be used in conjunction with additional written information to provide a quick index to the types of activity, the regulations for use and the location of accessways which are part of the system. Symbol signs have been standardized and are readily available from most sign companies.
II. Types of Signs. There are four basic sign types. The kind of information that a sign is conveying determines its placement, design and use.
a. Wayfinding. These signs help orient visitors, shoppers, and residents alike, pointing them to area parking facilities, retail establishments, pedestrian and bicycle access routes, and other important destinations. A wayfinding sign can be tailored to specific groups depending on contextual factors and desired outcomes; however, these tools are most relevant and important for those unfamiliar with an area. Wayfinding informs people of the best way to access an area, depending on their mode of travel. Marine-oriented signs should assist owners/operators of visiting vessels to locate harbor support facilities.
b. Public Access. These signs assist the public in locating, recognizing, and utilizing public trails and bikeways. These signs should be used intersections with roads or trails and at trailheads. Use of too many directional signs should be avoided. However, where it is necessary to use a number of directional signs, they can be effectively clustered. To indicate a change in route or confirmation of a correct direction, an arrow should be included in a directional sign. Where appropriate, these signs should include information advising the public of environmentally sensitive habitats, safety hazards, and to respect adjacent private property. Marine-oriented signs should assist boat owners/operators and the public to locate public launching and docking facilities.
c. Informational Signs. Informational signs are used for organizing a series of elements (i.e., location of restrooms, water fountains, telephones, etc.) Informational signs should be placed at a natural gathering spots and included in the design of the accessway.
d. Regulatory Signs. A regulatory sign should differ in shape from other signs and give operational requirements, restrictions or warnings (i.e., environmentally sensitive habitats, safety hazards, private property, etc.) Graphic symbols are useful in transmitting messages quickly.
e. Identification Signs. Identification signs give specific location information.
(Ord. 2016-19 § 9 (Exh. A)(part), 2016)
City of Newport Beach
Wayfinding & Directional Signage Program
Initial Design and Locations
Note: Subsequent wayfinding signs may have design variations that reflect the character and/or themes of the neighborhood or district in which they are located.