CHAPTER 8
SIGN CONSTRUCTION
(Added by O-3895)
88.1.010 DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS.
Sign frames and supporting construction shall be designed and constructed as provided in the most recent building codes as adopted by the City of Torrance with the following exceptions:
a) All portions of such structures more than sixty (60) feet above grade shall be designed for wind pressure of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot.
b) Structural steel members shall be not less than one-quarter (1/4) inch thick if ungalvanized and three-sixteenths (3/16) inch thick if all members including bolts and fastenings are galvanized. Bolts and rivets used in sign structures supporting signs one hundred (100) square feet in area or more shall be not less than one-half (1/2) inch in diameter. On such structures supporting signs less than one hundred (100) square feet in area, bolts and rivets shall be not less than three-eighths (3/8) inch in diameter.
88.1.020 SUPPORTS.
Signs shall be designed so that all loads and reactions shall be transmitted to the ground through the structural framework and walls of supporting buildings or structures. If supports of an existing structure are found to be inadequate, they shall be adequately strengthened before the sign is erected. All sign supports other than those within a building shall be constructed of incombustible materials. Sign faces may be of other material that comply as Class II materials, in the most recent Building Code as adopted by the City.
88.1.030 FASTENINGS.
Signs erected on buildings or structures shall be securely attached by means of adequate metal brackets, expansion bolts, through bolts or lag screws. No material, parts, portion of equipment thereof or therefor shall be used which may become dangerous because of vibration, corrosion, disintegration, or for any other reason whatsoever. Wire, other than stranded cable, shall not be considered as adequate fastening except for cloth and banner signs.
88.1.040 WALL SIGNS.
a) Wall signs shall be constructed of materials as specified in Section 88.1.010. No wall sign shall have a projection over a public street, public sidewalk, or beyond a building line, a distance greater than one (1) foot. No wall sign shall extend above the roof or highest parapet wall immediately adjacent thereto.
b) Projecting signs attached to a building shall be constructed of materials as specified in Section 88.1.010. The thickness of any such sign shall not exceed the following:
1) For a maximum projection of four (4) feet, a thickness of two (2) feet six (6) inches.
2) For a maximum projection of three (3) feet, a thickness of three (3) feet.
88.1.050 ROOF SIGNS.
Roof signs shall be designed and constructed as specified in this Section except that minimum two (2) inch thick wood, access plank walkways may be used in lieu of steel walkways. Blocks, angles or supports fastened to the roof shall be so located so as not to interfere with the drainage of the roof, and where necessary in the opinion of the Director of Building and Safety, flashing or counter flashing shall be placed.
88.1.060 ACCESS TO ROOF SIGNS.
Passages clear of all obstructions shall be left under all signs exceeding a height of four (4) feet above the roof thereunder or immediately adjacent thereto. There shall be one (1) such passage or access opening for each building covered and at least every fifty (50) feet in the length of the sign, and when such signs are at right angles to a face of the building within twenty (20) feet of parapet or exterior walls, such passages shall be not less than three (3) feet wide and four (4) feet high and shall be at the parapet or roof level.
88.1.070 MARQUEE SIGNS.
Signs may be placed on, attached to or constructed in a marquee and such signs shall, for the purpose of obtaining projection, clearance, height and material, be considered a part of and shall meet requirements for a marquee.
88.1.080 CLOTH AND BANNER SIGNS.
Cloth and banner signs placed on buildings shall be strongly constructed and securely attached flat against the building. They shall be removed as soon as torn or damaged.
88.1.090 TEMPORARY SIGNS.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 88.1.010, temporary signs may be constructed as defined in Section 88.1.080, and may have wood supporting members if all parts extending into the ground are protected with a preservative approved by the Director in accordance with the criteria therefor established by the Building Code of the City; provided, however, that no signs so constructed may project over public property.
88.1.100 USE OF GLASS PANELS.
Glass panels used in signs shall be of the size, thickness and type as hereinafter provided:
|
Maximum Size of Exposed Glass Panel |
Minimum Thickness of Glass in Inches |
Type of Glass |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Any Dimension in Inches |
Area in Square Inches |
|
|
|
30 |
500 |
1/8 |
Plain, plate or wired |
|
45 |
700 |
3/16 |
Plain, plate or wired |
|
144 |
3,600 |
1/4 |
Plain, plate or wired |
|
over 144 |
over 3,600 |
1/4 |
Wire glass |
88.1.110 COMBINATION SIGNS.
Each portion of the sign which is subject to more than one (1) classification shall meet requirements for the classification to which such portion is subject.