Chapter 18.37
SIGNS
Sections:
18.37.10 Sign Regulations for Temporary Signs.
18.37.12 Sign Regulations for Permanent Signs.
18.37.16 Illegal and Nonconforming Signs.
18.37.02 Declaration of Need.
A. The City recognizes the need for signs as a means to advertise and identify businesses within the community. The City finds that signage is an important design element of the physical environment. Provisions consistent with the goals and objectives of the community are necessary to ensure that the special character and image the community is striving for can be attained while serving business needs in the community.
B. The City is striving to provide an economically stable and visually attractive community through high quality site planning, building designs, landscaping and signage. As a planned architectural feature, a sign can be pleasing and can harmonize with the physical character of the environment. Proper controls can achieve this goal and will make the City a more attractive place to live, work and shop.
C. It is the purpose of this chapter to make the City attractive to residents and visitors, as well as to commercial, industrial and professional businesses while maintaining economic stability and promoting economic development through an attractive signage program. (Ord. 953 Sec. 1, 2012)
18.37.04 Intent and Purpose.
The regulation and control of the location, size, type, and number of signs permitted shall be governed by the provisions of this chapter. The purpose of this chapter shall be as follows:
A. To direct persons to various activities and enterprises, in order to provide for the maximum public convenience;
B. To provide a reasonable system of controls for signs, to ensure the development of a high quality environment;
C. To encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing in appearance and to provide incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationship, and spacing;
D. To encourage a desirable urban character with a minimum of overhead clutter;
E. To enhance the economic value of the community and each area thereof through the regulation of such things as size, number, location, design and illumination of signs;
F. To encourage signs which are compatible with adjacent land uses;
G. To reduce possible traffic and safety hazards through good signing; and
H. To protect the general public health, safety and welfare of the community. (Ord. 953 Sec. 1, 2012)
18.37.06 Administration.
It is the duty of the Planning Director to enforce all provisions of this chapter. The Planning Director has the authority to designate a representative of the Department to implement the provisions of this chapter. Further, the Planning Director has the option of referring any sign request to the Planning Commission for their review and determination.
A. Interpretation of Division. Whenever the application of this chapter is uncertain, the question shall be referred to the Planning Commission for determination. The Planning Commission shall then authorize signage which best fulfills the intent of this chapter. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this chapter is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of proper jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and such holdings shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof.
B. Appeal. A decision of the Planning Director may be appealed within 10 days of the decision to the Planning Commission. The appeal shall be made on the forms prescribed by the Planning Division. The submittal of the application, including the payment of application fees, shall constitute the filing of the appeal. The Planning Commission shall review the appeal at the next available regularly scheduled meeting. The Commission shall either uphold, reverse, or modify the Planning Director’s decision. If anyone is aggrieved or affected by the Planning Commission’s decision, they then may appeal the decision to the City Council within 10 days, in accordance with appeal provisions.
C. Sign Permit Required. A sign permit shall be required prior to the placing, raising, moving, or reconstructing of any sign in the City, unless expressly exempted by this chapter. Signs requiring a permit shall comply with the provisions of this chapter and all other applicable laws and ordinances.
D. Method of Application. An application for a permit shall be made on forms as prescribed by the Planning Director. Such an application shall be filed with the Planning Division. The application shall be accompanied by any fees as specified by City Council resolution.
E. Method of Review. The purpose of a permit is to help ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter. After receipt of a sign application, the Planning Director or a designated representative shall render a decision to approve, approve with modifications, set the matter for Planning Commission review, or deny the sign request within 10 working days. Such a review shall ensure that any sign proposal is in conformance with this chapter and is consistent with its intent and purpose.
F. Special Sign Permits. Certain signs, because of their potential increased for height, area, size or site location, may only be permitted by Planning Commission approval of a special sign permit. The signs requiring a special sign permit are noted in this chapter. The procedure for a special sign permit is as follows:
1. Application. An application for a special sign permit shall be made in accordance with established City procedures containing sufficient information to properly inform the Planning Commission on the requested sign and its impacts. A fee shall be established by City Council resolution to provide a charge commensurating with processing costs.
2. Findings for Approval. Before a special sign permit may be granted, the Planning Commission or City Council, upon appeal, shall make a finding from the evidence submitted, that all of the following conditions exist:
a. The required sign will not adversely affect the General Plan or the public convenience or general welfare of the community or persons residing or working in the neighborhood thereof;
b. The requested sign will not adversely affect land uses or property in the same proximity in which it is proposed to be located;
c. The location or configuration of the requested sign will not cause visual interference for the traveling public nor interfere with sighting of other signs or nearby buildings;
d. The sign dimensions including height and area are in proportion to the site and the viewing needs;
e. The requested sign is designed so business identification is easily determined;
f. The sign meets all sign standards as contained in Section 18.37.12; and
g. The sign is consistent with other signs on the site and/or the adopted sign program for the site. (Ord. 953 Sec. 1, 2012)
18.37.08 General Provisions.
A. Signs Exempt from Requirement for Permits. The following signs shall be exempt from the application, permit, and fee requirements of this chapter. An electrical or building permit may, however, be required. The number and area of such signs shall not be counted toward the maximum allowable sign area for any use or property:
1. Directional signs for on-site direction provided they do not exceed an area of three square feet each, or a height of three feet if freestanding, or exceed a height of eight feet if attached to a building.
2. Legal signs indicating fire lanes, parking restriction and similar information may be placed where appropriate, provided each sign does not exceed an area of two square feet.
3. Time and temperature signs in commercial and industrial zones, provided the area of each sign does not exceed 12 square feet.
4. Memorial tablets, plaques, or directional signs for community historical resources, installed by a recognized historical society or civic organization, provided they are reviewed by Planning Division staff or the Architectural Review Subcommittee.
5. Interior signs within a building or structure.
6. Real estate signs for residential property sales not exceeding six square feet in area or six feet in height, provided they are removed within 15 days after the close of escrow or the rental or lease has been accomplished.
7. Unlit real estate signs for commercial and industrial property sale, lease or rent not exceeding 32 square feet in area or eight feet in height, and not located closer than five feet from any property line. Larger signs may be permitted by the Planning Commission upon approval of a special sign permit.
8. Construction signs are permitted on the construction site for all contractors (may include bank, realtor, subcontractors, etc.), provided the total area of all construction signs not exceed an area of 32 square feet unless legally required by government contractors to be larger. Placement for government contract signs exceeding the 32-square-foot maximum shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission for proper location. With the exception of the above, no sign shall exceed eight feet in overall height and shall be located no less than five feet from any property line. Such signs shall be removed upon the completion of the project. Construction signs shall not interfere with other signs on the property.
9. Political signs pertaining to a specific election are permitted on private property subject to the same restrictions as to size and illumination as commercial signs permitted in the applicable zone. Said signs are specifically permitted in residential zones but may not exceed 32 square feet or be illuminated. Political signs shall be removed within 10 days following the election to which they pertain.
a. If the Planning Director finds that any political sign has been posted or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this section, the Director shall issue to the actual responsible party or the candidate’s designated agent a demand for the removal of such sign or correction of the violation within 48 hours. Said notice shall include a brief statement of the reasons requiring removal or correction. If the person so notified fails to correct the violation or remove the sign within said period, the Director shall cause said sign to be removed by City forces and the cost incurred will be charged to the actual responsible party.
b. Any political sign that remains posted for more than 10 days after the election to which it pertains or which is not removed pursuant to the notice shall be deemed abandoned. The Director may cause the summary removal by City staff of such abandoned signs and any signs which constitute an immediate peril to persons or property without further notice and charge the costs as provided for in this subsection. Persons wishing to appeal fees imposed in this section shall follow the appeal provisions contained in Section 18.37.06(B).
10. Home occupation and agricultural sales signs are limited to one sign indicating the home occupation or for the sale of livestock or produce raised on the premises providing that the sign does not exceed 16 square feet in area. Signs are allowed in A-1, R-1 and A-E Zones and within residential districts in a specific plan only.
11. Flags. Limited to one official flag each of the United States of America, the State of California, and other states of the United States, counties, municipalities, and official flags for nations, and flags of internationally and nationally recognized organizations. A maximum of three such flags may be flown at any one time, unless permitted by the Planning Division by a special sign permit (or special event if temporary). Flag limitations in this section do not restrict or prohibit flags otherwise allowed under other sections of the municipal code.
12. Service station price signs not exceeding the minimum State requirements of Division 5, Chapter 14, Article 12 of the California Business and Professional Code are permitted in addition to signs permitted by the zone district. Larger-than-minimum State price requirement for signs shall be regulated by the zone district provisions.
13. Business information signs not to exceed an area of six square feet that provide information on hours of operation, open, closed, etc.
14. Such emergency, temporary or nonadvertising signs as are authorized by the City Council.
15. Signs of public utility companies and private contractors indicating danger or which serve as an aid to public safety, or which show the location of underground facilities.
16. House numbers, nameplates, “No Trespassing,” “No Parking,” and other warning signs provided the sign does not exceed two square feet and located entirely on site.
17. Bus shelter advertising, in accordance with provisions established by Riverside Transportation Agency, only within commercial/industrial zones.
18. Off-site new homes directional/subdivision signs constructed and maintained as part of the New Homes Directional Signs Program sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Riverside County (BIA/RC), only upon City Council approval of the program and location of signs as well as the approval of the Public Works Department for the location of sign.
19. Temporary fence signs that do not exceed 10 percent of the fence area fronting on a public street.
B. Prohibited Signs. All signs not expressly permitted are prohibited, including but not limited to the following:
1. Fin signs: a sign placed on an architectural feature that extends from a building wall or a sign structure which is supported partly by a pole or poles placed in the ground and partly by a building, structure or fence.
2. Fence signs: a sign that is attached, painted, or otherwise affixed to a fence or any other wall or self-supporting structure other than a building (except such signs are permitted as attached signs in agricultural zones), unless otherwise allowed in this chapter.
3. Banners, pennants, balloons, etc., unless temporarily approved under a special event permit or special event sign permit and in compliance with this chapter.
4. Inflatable devices or signs, and other tethered objects used for the purpose of drawing attention to the site, a product, or service, unless temporarily approved under a special event permit or special event sign permit and in compliance with this chapter.
5. Light bulb strings, festoons, and exposed tubing (except for temporary uses such as Christmas tree sales lots).
6. Temporary or portable signs, unless temporarily approved under a special event permit in compliance with this chapter.
7. Signs that are animated, revolve, flash, or move in any manner (except signs that flash time and temperature or unless specifically permitted in this chapter).
8. Signs placed on or extending over the public right-of-way (except signs authorized by law or by governmental authority or unless specifically permitted in this chapter).
9. Signs that constitute a hazard to the safe and free flow of traffic by obstructing or restricting the vision of drivers of motor vehicles, pedestrians and equestrians.
10. Billboards.
11. Signs relating to inoperative activities. Sign copy shall be removed or obliterated within 60 days after the premises have been vacated.
12. A-frame signs. Unless temporarily approved under a special event permit or special event sign permit and in compliance with this chapter.
13. Any type of sign, directional placard, or banner used for commercial purposes held by an individual where it jeopardizes the public health, safety and welfare, and, at a minimum, in or adjacent to the public right-of-way within a pedestrian-equestrian trail to attract attention or to provide direction.
C. Maintenance of Signs. Every sign and all parts, portions, and materials shall be maintained and kept in proper repair. The display surface of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from rust and corrosion. Any cracked, broken surfaces, malfunctioning lights, missing sign copy or other unmaintained or damaged portion of a sign will be repaired or replaced within 30 days following notification by the City. Noncompliance with such a request will constitute a zoning violation and will be enforced as such.
D. Signs in Public Right-of-Way. Signs in public right-of-way are regulated per Sections 12.08.100 and 18.37.10(A)(2). (Ord. 953 Sec. 1, 2012)
18.37.10 Sign Regulations for Temporary Signs.
Special event sign permit and auxiliary sign permit applications and other applicable permits are required for signs included under this section, provided the signs are in compliance with all other applicable laws and ordinances.
A. Special Event Signs. Special event signs may be approved for a limited period of time as a means of drawing attention to special events (i.e., grand openings, carnivals, charitable events, seasonal sales, special promotions, etc.). To apply for approval, a special event sign permit application and fee shall be submitted to the Planning Division. However, special event signs associated with national holidays or recognized City events are exempt from City review.
1. Special event signs include banners, flags, pennants, blade signs, balloons (except metallic balloons), inflatable devices or signs, and other tethered objects. Special event signs which flap are not allowed within 20 feet of a designated horse trail. Special event signs shall be limited to no more than four 15-day periods per year. Said periods may run consecutively; however, unused days from one period shall not be added to another period. The display of inflatable devices or signs and other tethered objects shall be permitted only within commercial zones along streets that do not have horse trails.
2. Temporary special event signs in the public right-of-way, except as authorized by a recognized government agency in accordance to Section 12.08.100, shall be permitted with the approval of a special event sign permit from the Planning Division. The approval of a special event sign permit includes, by default, the approval of an encroachment permit from the Engineering Division as applicable for said signs and subject to the following regulation:
a. Location. Signs may be located within a landscaped parkway portion of the public right-of-way, but not within the median of any street or highway, shall not overhang any street, curb, sidewalk, trail or driveway, and shall not be affixed to any traffic control devices, government signs, light standards, utility poles, horse trail fence, bus shelters or other structures, posts, fences, shrubs or trees but shall be freestanding, and shall not be located in any area that the Planning and Engineering Divisions determine would constitute a pedestrian or vehicular traffic safety hazard.
b. Size and Height. Signs shall not exceed six square feet in area, and shall not exceed three feet in height (as measured from grade).
c. Identification. Unless otherwise clearly discernible on the sign itself, the owner of the sign shall affix his/her/its name, address and telephone number to the sign prior to installation of the sign.
d. Installation. The installation of any temporary sign shall not cause damage to the public right-of-way, including damage to landscaping and/or associated irrigation systems. The owner of a sign placed within the public right-of-way expressly understands that, by placing a sign within the public right-of-way, the owner agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless from any and all claims, demands, cause of action, costs, expenses, liability, loss, damage or injury in any manner arising out of or incident to the placement of the sign in the public right-of-way. Underground Service Alert (USA) shall be notified for any excavations required to place sign.
e. Time Period Approved. Temporary signs may be permitted in the public right-of-way from 7:00 a.m. Saturday to 7:00 p.m. Sunday.
f. Removal Procedures. The applicant/installer of these temporary signs is responsible for removal of signs by the expiration date of the special event sign permit. Should these signs be left in the right-of-way after the expiration of the permit, removal shall occur in accordance to Section 18.37.16(A), and the applicant/installer of these temporary signs shall be responsible for all City costs associated with removal of the signs. The City is not responsible for any damage to the signs.
g. Hazardous Signs. If the Public Works/Engineering Director determines that a sign posted within the public right-of-way would constitute a pedestrian, equestrian or vehicular traffic safety hazard due to its location, construction or other circumstances, the City shall immediately, and without notice to the owner, remove the sign. If the owner of the sign can be identified, the City shall provide notice to the owner by telephone or mail that the sign has been removed and the reasons thereto. The City shall store the sign for no less than 72 hours after removal and, if the owner of the sign has not retrieved the sign within said time period, the City may dispose of the sign. The City is not responsible for any damage to the signs.
h. Special event signs are not allowed in the horse trail or affixed to trail fencing.
i. Individuals Holding Signs. For commercial businesses/centers abutting Hamner Avenue, individuals holding signs (i.e., sign twirlers) may be allowed to stand in the sidewalk (public right-of-way) in front of that business/center for the duration of the time frame specified and approved under a special event or special event sign permit.
j. Mannequins and other forms representing human or animal figures are not allowed as special event or temporary advertising, whether with or without signage attached thereto.
B. Auxiliary Signs. Auxiliary signs may be approved for an extended limited period of time as a means of drawing attention to businesses and to services and merchandise offered by the business. To apply for approval, an auxiliary sign permit application and fee shall be submitted to the Planning Division.
1. Auxiliary signs include banners, flags, and pennants, affixed to the front, sides or rear faces of buildings that face toward a public street. Said signs shall be limited to businesses within the building upon which faces the signs are affixed and said signs shall be affixed to the wall so that no portion of the sign flaps in the wind. Said auxiliary signs, combined with permanent signage, shall not exceed the allowed maximum square footage allowed per business for the front face (entry) of the business. The maximum allowed square footage of auxiliary signs on side or rear faces of buildings shall not exceed 20 percent of the total wall area of said building.
Auxiliary signs include nonpermanent blade signs that are placed in permanent in-ground receptacles designed specifically for the subject signs and are not located closer than 20 feet to another such sign. Blade signs are not allowed within 20 feet of a designated horse trail. The maximum allowed height for blade signs is 10 feet from ground level.
2. Auxiliary signs are not allowed in the public right-of-way.
3. Upon approval, auxiliary signs are permitted for six months; provided, that signs are maintained in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Said approvals can be extended for one six-month period without new applications or fees provided the owner of said sign(s) has filed with the Planning Division a written request for the extension; and provided, that the sign still has a maintained and pleasing appearance. (Ord. 1006 Sec. 1, 2016; Ord. 953 Sec. 1, 2012)
18.37.12 Sign Regulations for Permanent Signs.
Sign applications and building permits are required for signs included under this section, provided the signs are in compliance with all other applicable laws and ordinances.
A. Signs permitted in the Open Space (O-S), Limited Development (L-D), Agricultural (A-E, A-1, and A-2), and Single-Family Residential (R-1) Zones for property developed with nonresidential uses:
1. Wall. One wall sign, which must be below the roof line and oriented towards the street, shall be allowed per street frontage. Maximum sign area is 20 square feet.
a. If site is 20 acres or more, sign may be increased one square foot for each additional acre to a maximum of 80 square feet.
b. Wall signs are limited to business identification only.
2. Monument Sign. One freestanding monument sign shall be allowed, with a maximum sign area of 20 square feet and maximum height of five feet from street or natural grade of the property.
a. If site is 20 acres or more, sign may increase one square foot for each additional acre to a maximum of 80 square feet.
b. Sign shall be located at least five feet from street right-of-way and five feet from interior property line or driveway.
c. All monument signs shall contain a site address and shall adhere to the design standards in this section.
d. For sites under 20 acres, a freestanding sign taller than five feet and/or with a sign area larger than 20 square feet may be approved by the Planning Commission.
e. Monument signs are limited to business identification only.
3. Readerboard. One wall or freestanding nonelectronic readerboard shall be allowed, with a maximum sign area of 20 square feet, and must be installed below the roof line on a wall or within the five-foot height limitation for a freestanding sign. Readerboard sign area must be incorporated into the allowed sign area and design of a wall or freestanding sign. Larger and/or electronic readerboards may be permitted by the Planning Commission with the approval of a special sign permit.
B. Signs permitted in the Commercial Office (C-O), Commercial General (C-G), Commercial (C-4), Heavy Commercial/Light Manufacturing Zones (M-1) and any other commercially zoned property within a specific plan area:
1. Wall Sign (See Exhibit 18.37.10-1). One wall sign, which must be below the roof line, shall be allowed for each building face. Maximum sign area is two square feet for each lineal foot of each building face for ground level story; 50 percent of this amount for each floor (except mezzanines) above ground floor.
Exhibit 18.37.10-1: Wall Sign
a. Roof signs are allowed if integrated into the architectural style and structure of the building and do not appear to be added on; all roof signs shall be approved by Planning Commission.
b. Signs painted directly on a building are allowed if said signs are professionally done and reflect the theme of the structure.
c. Design standards in Section 18.37.14 shall be adhered to.
d. Wall signs are limited to business identification only.
2. Suspended Sign. One suspended sign shall be allowed per tenant entrance. Maximum sign area is six square feet, sign shall not exceed six feet in length, and an eight-foot minimum clearance shall be provided between sign and ground. Suspended signs shall be limited to business identification only.
3. Monument Sign (See Exhibit 18.37.10-2). One freestanding monument shall be allowed per street frontage, with a maximum sign area of 32 square feet and maximum height of six feet from street or natural grade of the property and subject to the following:
Exhibit 18.37.10-2: Monument Sign
a. A monument shall be located at least one foot from frontage property line, five feet from interior property line or a driveway, and not placed within the ultimate planned street right-of-way.
b. Letter height for a monument shall be a minimum of eight inches for readability.
c. For property with frontages of 200 feet or more, more than one monument sign may be permitted by the Planning Commission with the approval of a special sign permit, with the submittal of a sign program for the entire property.
d. All monument signs shall contain a site address and shall adhere to the design standards in this section.
e. For monument signs on Sixth Street, or on other commercial lots that front onto horse trails, up to a three-foot increase in the allowed height may be considered to increase the visibility of the monument sign above horse trail fencing.
f. Monument signs may be allowed a height of over six feet to accommodate architectural elements with approval by the Planning Commission.
g. Monument signs are limited to business identification only.
4. Pole Sign (See Exhibit 18.37.10-3). For a center greater than 15 acres, one freestanding pole sign, which shall include signs supported on two poles, shall be allowed per street frontage instead of a monument sign, with the approval of a conditional use permit and subject to the following:
Exhibit 18.37.10-3: Pole Sign
a. The pole sign shall be allowed a maximum sign area of 150 square feet and a maximum height of 25 feet from street or natural grade of the property.
b. Sign support shall not be located within five feet of an interior property line or driveway and shall not be placed within or extend into the ultimate planned street right-of-way.
c. Pole signs shall contain a site address and shall adhere to the design standards in this section.
d. Pole signs are limited to business identification only.
5. Readerboard. One wall or freestanding readerboard (nonelectronic or electronic) shall be allowed, with a maximum sign area of 20 square feet and must be installed below the roof line on a wall and within the height limitation of a freestanding sign. Readerboard sign area must be incorporated into the allowed sign area and design of a wall or freestanding sign. Larger readerboards may be permitted by the Planning Commission with the approval of a special sign permit.
C. Freeway-Oriented Signs for the Open Space (OS), Commercial Office (C-O), Commercial General (C-G), and any other commercially zoned property within a specific plan area not otherwise covered by a sign program.
1. In addition to other signs permitted in the zone district and on properties not already regulated through a sign program, an on-site freestanding, freeway-oriented sign designed to be viewed primarily from the freeway may be permitted by the Planning Commission with the approval of a special sign permit, and subject to the following criteria:
a. In the OS Zone, freeway-oriented signs shall only be permitted on parcels that are a minimum of 30 acres in size and that are located within 250 feet of the freeway right-of-way, as ancillary uses to an otherwise already permitted primary use of the property.
b. In the OS Zone, sign area shall be determined by the Planning Commission based on the area needed for reasonable viewing by the traveling public on the freeway.
c. For commercial centers more than five acres in the C-O, C-G, and any other commercially zoned property within a specific plan area, and not otherwise regulated by a sign program, the sign area of said sign shall not exceed 600 square feet. The sign shall be designed to accommodate no more than six tenant signs with a minimum of 100 square feet each (see Exhibit 18.37.10-4). A larger sign may be approved upon approval of a conditional use permit.
Exhibit 18.37.10-4: Freeway-Oriented Sign
d. For commercial centers less than five acres or for a single business in the C-O, C-G, and any other commercially zoned property within a specific plan area, a freeway-oriented sign may be permitted with a maximum sign area of 250 square feet, provided the center or business is within 660 feet of the freeway right-of-way and is within one-half mile of a freeway off-ramp (see Exhibit 18.37.10-5), and is not otherwise regulated by a sign program.
Exhibit 18.37.10-5: Freeway-Oriented Sign
e. Sign height shall be 20 to 35 feet from freeway or natural grade, with the final height determined by the Planning Commission based on the height needed for reasonable viewing by the traveling public on the freeway.
f. Design of the sign shall be approved by the Planning Commission and shall incorporate features that identify the center or facility and the City and reflect the equestrian nature of the City, or shall minimally include the Norco Horsetown USA logo as an alternative.
g. Freeway signs shall be designed so that the mass of sign area is parallel, as opposed to perpendicular, to the supporting pole(s) unless the sign is square or near square in shape. The sign’s structure shall incorporate design features of any related primary buildings and/or design elements that reflect a project theme (western, equestrian, etc.).
h. Freeway-oriented signs shall be limited to business identification only. (Ord. 953 Sec. 1, 2012)
18.37.14 Design Standards.
A. Architectural Style. Each sign shall be designed to be architecturally compatible with the main building or buildings upon the site, and, to the extent possible, consistent with improvements upon lots adjacent to the site and shall incorporate elements that reflect a western or equestrian theme.
B. Relationship to Other Signs. Where there is more than one sign located upon a lot, all such signs shall have designs which are well related to each other by similar treatment of the following components:
1. Channel letters or other configuration of sign area;
2. Supports, uprights or structure on which sign is supported;
3. Shape of entire sign;
4. Letter style of sign copy; and
5. Illumination.
C. Landscaping. Freestanding signs shall be located in a planted landscaped area which is of a size equal to at least twice the sign area to provide a compatible setting and ground definition to the sign. Landscaping immediately adjacent to a freestanding sign shall be maintained so that it does not obstruct the visibility of the sign and the ability of the traveling public to view the sign.
D. Sign Copy. Sign copy shall be uncluttered and readable to the persons the sign is primarily directed to.
E. Illumination. All signs shall be internally illuminated. Nonilluminated signs shall be allowed illumination via concealed or decorative fixtures that shine directly onto the sign. (Ord. 953 Sec. 1, 2012)
18.37.16 Illegal and Nonconforming Signs.
A. Illegal Signs. The City shall identify and contact the firm or person responsible for placement of illegal signs, informing them that removal of illegal signs must take place within 24 hours to avoid billing by the City for the removal of the illegal signs. The City shall bill the firm or person responsible for the illegal sign/s for the cost incurred to remove each sign if illegal signs are not removed within 24 hours of notification.
B. Legally Nonconforming Signs. Signs that were lawful before the ordinance codified in this chapter was passed or amended but which would be prohibited, or restricted under the terms of this chapter or future amendments are declared legally nonconforming signs. They shall be treated in the following manner:
1. Shall not be changed to another nonconforming sign, except messages may be changed.
2. Shall not be structurally altered to extend its useful life, except that necessary maintenance may be performed to keep the sign in proper working condition.
3. Shall not be expanded.
4. Shall be removed after the site upon which the sign is located has been vacant for 120 days, unless considered a nuisance per the provisions of the City nuisance abatement regulations contained in Chapter 6.22.
5. Shall be removed upon damage or destruction resulting in a devaluation of more than 50 percent of its replacement value as determined by the Building Official.
C. Abatement of Legally Nonconforming Signs That Subsequently Become Unlawful. If the City Council determines by resolution that legally nonconforming signs are a public nuisance by virtue of their unlawfulness as described in subsection (B) of this section, and provided it is in the best interest of the public health, safety, and general welfare to abate such signs, the City abatement procedures shall be as follows:
1. Notification. Notification for the abatement of signs shall be by registered or certified mail to the property owners and/or the proprietors who own such signs. The last known address of such owners (taken from the latest equalized tax assessment roll) shall be used. For the proprietors or owners of such signs, mailing or delivery to subject property shall be utilized. The notification shall cite the appropriate section of the ordinance under which abatement is required, and include the time, date, and location of a public hearing to be conducted for the purpose of considering abatement. Such notification shall be mailed not less than 10 days prior to the date of such public hearing.
2. Hearing. A public hearing before the Planning Commission shall be conducted as noticed and may be continued if necessary.
3. Resolution. The Planning Commission shall adopt a resolution stating its findings with respect to the abatement of signs on the subject properties and setting the dates for abatement.
4. Appeal. The decision of the Planning Commission shall be final unless within 10 days from the adoption of the Planning Commission resolution an appeal in writing is received by the City Clerk. The form, fee, and process for such appeal shall be as required in Chapter 18.43.
D. Schedule of Abatement.
1. Off-premises signs are to be removed within the following abatement schedule at the time of notification of abatement:
|
VALUE OF SIGN |
ABATEMENT PERIOD |
|---|---|
|
0—$3,999 |
3 Years |
|
$4,000—$6,999 |
4 Years |
|
$7,000 or More |
5 Years |
2. All other nonconforming signs are to be removed, relocated, replaced, or otherwise made to conform to the provisions hereof within the following abatement schedule:
|
VALUE OF SIGN |
ABATEMENT PERIOD |
|---|---|
|
0—$6,999 |
4 Years |
|
$7,000—$12,999 |
6 Years |
|
$13,000 or More |
10 Years |
E. Value of Sign. The value of the signs shall be determined by the Building Official. However, the Planning Commission or City Council on appeal may adjust the values if sufficient evidence is submitted indicating a different value. (Ord. 953 Sec. 1, 2012)