Chapter 18.125 COMPREHENSIVE SIGN LAW

The purpose of this chapter is to promote the orderly and attractive construction, placement and display of signs throughout the city. It is the policy of the city that the primary purpose of signs is for identification and public information. Signs that cause distraction represent potential safety hazards as well as aesthetic problems and are either discouraged or prohibited. These general provisions serve as specific development standards to be applied in addition to the basic sign provisions within each zoning district. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.01, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.01, 10-22-91].

18.125.020 Definitions.

The following are definitions of terms contained in this section:

“Abandoned sign” means a sign which no longer directs, advertises or identifies a legal business establishment, product or activity on the premises where such sign is displayed.

Area of Sign. The area of a sign is a space enclosed by the border or outer dimensions of the sign. In the case of a wall sign or similar sign without an identifiable border, the area shall be the space enclosed by parallel lines which include all letters, words, and images of the sign.

“Awning, canopy or marquee” means any permanent roof-like structure extending from part or all of a building face over a public right-of-way and constructed of a durable material such as canvas, metal, wood, glass or plastic which projects from the wall of a building and serves as a shelter, as over a storefront, window or deck. No advertising shall be placed on any awning or canopy, except the name of the business or industry conducted within the premises.

“Billboard” means an outdoor, freestanding signboard usually off site with a sign area exceeding 48 square feet.

“Community directional sign” means information signs posted at key locations with the city directing vehicular traffic to the downtown central district or other key business locations. Community directional signs may not advertise specific businesses.

“Construction or development project sign” means a temporary sign identifying the persons, firms of development connected with a construction project.

“Directional sign” means on-premises incidental signs designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

“Exempt sign” means a sign exempted from the normal permit requirements.

“Freestanding sign” means a sign attached to a freestanding frame or support not attached to a building, e.g., monument signs and pole signs.

“Grade” means the grade after construction exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating for landscaping or for the purpose of locating a sign.

“Height of sign” means the vertical distance measured from the adjacent grade to the top of the sign.

“Identity sign” means a sign which is designed and intended to identify the name of a commercial business, professional office use, public use, quasi-public use, or similar use and which sign is located on the premises to be identified.

“Incidental sign” means a sign pertaining to and advertising goods, prices, products, services or facilities which are available on the premises. Such signing is in addition to the main identity signing.

“Monument sign” means a ground-mounted and freestanding sign, other than a pole sign.

“Nonconforming sign” means a sign lawfully erected and legally existing at the time of the effective date of an ordinance, but which does not conform to new provisions of said ordinance.

“Pole sign” means a freestanding sign supported by one or more poles or similar supports.

“Projecting sign” means a sign which projects from the structure or building face to which it is attached.

“Public property” includes public streets, sidewalks, curbs, bridges, overpasses and underpasses, street lamp poles, electric light or telephone or telegraph poles, street signs, traffic signs, public information or directional signs, fire hydrants, publicly owned parking lots, public parks and playgrounds, and all buildings and facilities appurtenant thereto.

“Real estate or property sign” means any temporary sign pertaining to the sale, lease, exchange or rental of land or buildings. Real estate signs shall be located on site.

“Roof sign” means any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof or parapet of a building.

“Sign” means any written (including letter, word or numerical pictorial) presentation including illustration, decoration, emblem, flag or any other device, figure, logo or similar character which is located and maintained as a freestanding structure or any part of a structure or located and maintained on a building or structure or device by being placed, installed, attached, affixed, fastened, pasted, posted, painted, printed, nailed, tacked or in any other manner thereon or thereto; and intended to announce, direct attention to, identify or advertise; and visible from outside any building or structure.

“Temporary sign” means a sign which is installed for a limited time (the period of which shall be determined by the city in issuing an administrative temporary sign permit), is incidental and is used for the purpose of conveying information concerning goods, services or facilities available on the premises. Temporary signs shall include special event signs and banners.

“Temporary window sign” means a sign painted or constructed of paper or other lightweight material and affixed to the window or glass area on a building for a limited time.

“Total sign area” means the combined total display area for each sign located on a building, pole, ground-mounted or other sign measured in square feet but not including temporary or traffic directional signs.

“Wall sign” means a sign attached to or erected against a wall of a building or any sign affixed in such a way that its exposed face is parallel to the plane of a building.

“Window sign” shall mean a sign placed within a business window providing advertising services for the business. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 716-15 § 1, 6-9-15; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.02, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.02, 10-22-91].

18.125.030 Prohibited signs.

No person shall paint, mark, attach, post, or otherwise affix any sign upon or to any public property in the city, and any person responsible for doing so is liable to the city for all costs incurred by the city for the removal thereof, which constitute a debt to the city. The provisions of this section shall not apply, however, to the painting of house numbers on street curbs, or to the installation of sidewalks containing a design or an admixture of colors specifically authorized by the planning commission.

In addition to any sign not specifically in accordance with this chapter, the following signs are prohibited:

(1) Signs, other than permitted projecting signs and portable signs, located on or extending over sidewalks, streets or public property.

(2) Rotating, revolving, flashing, animated, moving, glaring, changing, reflecting, and blinking signs or signs which appear to do any of the foregoing, whether such signs are located on the exterior of the premises or on the interior for viewing from the exterior. Additionally, signs emitting audible sounds, odor or visible matter.

(3) Billboard signs of any type.

(4) A roof sign extending above the eave or parapet line, except when, in the opinion of the planning commission, the sign is a complementary architectural part or feature of the building.

(5) Temporary or permanent signs on public property, except when authorized by the city council or this chapter.

(6) Signs which advertise a business not having an active business license on file with the city.

(7) Searchlights, balloons or other gas-filled fixtures.

(8) Flags, banners or pennants, except to celebrate or commemorate a temporary or special event or occasion, including grand openings and special community events, and when authorized by the city for each such event or occasion.

(9) Off-premises signs which direct attention to a business, commodity, industry, or other activity which is sold, offered or conducted elsewhere than on the premises upon which such sign is located.

(10) Signs which purport to be, or are, an imitation of or made to resemble official traffic signs and attempt to govern traffic in public streets or rights-of-way. This does not include traffic or directional signs installed on private property to control traffic within the premises.

(11) Signs on public property not authorized by the city council or declared exempt under WMC 18.125.040.

(12) Display of vehicle signs (when parked or stored on property or street for the purpose of identifying a business or advertising a product or service) in excess of eight square feet and when the vehicle is parked in the same general location (such as the same block face) for a period exceeding 72 hours.

(13) Signs blocking doors or fire escapes.

(14) No person shall exhibit, post, or display on any sign or wall any statement, symbol or picture of an obscene nature.

(15) Any sign that is deemed hazardous to public health and safety by the planning commission. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.03, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.03, 10-22-91].

18.125.040 Exempt signs.

The following signs shall be allowed without planning commission approval and shall not be required to obtain a sign permit unless provided herein:

(1) Public signs and notices required or specifically authorized by law, statute, or ordinance, of any type, size or location.

(2) Signs of governmental agencies for control of traffic or other regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies.

(3) Apartment or subdivision signs denoting the name of an apartment complex or subdivision when less than six square feet in area.

(4) Signs indicating that a property is for sale, rent, or lease and which are posted for a period not exceeding 30 days. Only one such sign is permitted to face each street adjacent to the property. Such signs may be single- or double-faced, nonilluminated, and are limited to six square feet or less on property in residential zones and 32 square feet in nonresidential zones, and do not exceed eight feet in height.

(5) Temporary signs shall not exceed four square feet total for each property in residential zones and 16 square feet total for each property in nonresidential zones, and subject to property owner’s permission.

(6) Plaques and building cornerstones.

(7) Portable signs such as sandwich board or “A” frame signs that do not impede pedestrian traffic, block visibility or pose any unsafe condition to the public through blocking of sidewalks, paths or other public access routes. Such signs may not exceed four feet in height and two feet in width for each side. Temporary real estate open house directional signs are permitted in residential zoning districts only.

(8) The following sign modifications shall not require a sign permit. These exceptions shall not be construed as relieving the sign owner from responsibility for sign erection and maintenance and compliance with applicable provisions of this section:

(a) The changing of the advertising copy or message of a painted plastic face, or printed sign only. Electrical signs shall not be included in this exception, except for those signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy;

(b) The repairing, repainting, or maintenance of a sign, unless a structural change is made. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 716-15 § 1, 6-9-15; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.04, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.04, 10-22-91].

18.125.050 Permit required.

No sign shall be constructed, maintained, displayed, or altered within the city except pursuant to a sign permit obtained as provided in this chapter, unless the sign is specifically exempted from permit requirements pursuant to WMC 18.125.040. All signs required by this chapter to obtain a permit shall either be approved through WMC 18.125.060, Administrative review, or by the planning commission. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.05, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.05, 10-22-91].

18.125.060 Administrative review.

(1) Method of Review.

(a) An administrative sign permit is intended to allow planning department review of signs for projects consisting of not more than two separate permitted uses on the same lot or in the same building, as well as for temporary signs.

(b) A sign permit may be obtained after receipt of a complete sign application by the property owner or his or her authorized agent from the city manager or his/her designee, who shall administratively approve, conditionally approve or deny such sign request. The city manager may refer the application to the architectural design review board. Sign applications which are referred to the design review board by the city manager shall be scheduled for the next available design review board meeting upon determination of a complete application, and payment of applicable fee(s).

(c) Sign permits which do not require design review pursuant to this section shall be processed by the planning department within 10 working days of submittal of a complete application. In the event that the sign permit application is not approved, conditionally approved or denied within 10 working days, the applicant may request an appeal to the planning commission.

(2) Appeals. Appeals of the city manager’s decision shall be to the planning commission and must be filed in writing to the city clerk within 10 calendar days of that action. Appeals of the planning commission’s decision may be made to the city council by filing a written appeal with the city clerk within 10 calendar days of the commission’s action and paying the fees as adopted by the city council. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.06, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.06, 10-22-91].

18.125.070 Application.

Any person desiring to construct, maintain, or display a sign for which a permit is required shall submit an application to the city manager. Such application shall include plans, drawings and other descriptive materials sufficient to depict the sign proposal, as well as all other proposed or existing signing on the same property, and to enable evaluation of the proposal’s conformance with the sign regulations. A certification of permission of the property owner shall be required to submit a sign permit application. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.07, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.07, 10-22-91].

18.125.080 Building permit.

(1) 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 such sign except those signs listed in WMC 18.125.040, and/or not required by the building official.

(2) Once approved administratively or by the planning commission and when a separate building or electrical permit is required, the applicant shall be notified and the sign permit shall not be issued until such other permits are obtained from the building department.

(3) If the building inspector finds that any sign regulated by this chapter is unsafe or insecure or is a menace to the public, he/she shall give written notice to the owner and to the property owner. If such sign owner fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards set forth in this chapter within 30 days after such notice, the building inspector may cause such sign to be removed or altered at the expense of the sign owner or owner of the property upon which it is located. The building inspector may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.08, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.08, 10-22-91].

18.125.090 Fees.

Any person filing for a sign permit shall at the time of filing the application pay to the city a fee to cover processing the application and issuance of permit as set by city council resolution. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.09, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.09, 10-22-91].

18.125.100 Inspection and maintenance.

(1) Inspections. All signs for which building permits are required shall be subject to inspection by the building official or his/her authorized representative in the following manner and in compliance with WMC 18.125.080.

(a) Footing inspections will be required for all freestanding signs.

(b) Electric signs shall be inspected before or during erection prior to any work being covered.

(2) All signs and sign structures, together with their braces, guys, bolts, and supporting frames, shall be maintained at all times in a state of good repair and safe condition, free from deterioration, rot, rust and loosening. The display surfaces shall be kept neatly painted or posted, shall have broken or cracked panels replaced, and shall have all sources of illumination in proper working order at all times. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.10, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.10, 10-22-91].

18.125.110 General standards.

The following sign standards by zone are intended to include every zone in the city of Willows. The zones are as defined by this title and the official zoning map. Only signs as described herein and as may be described under provisions for temporary signs or exceptions will be permitted in each particular zone.

If any zone is omitted from this chapter, or if a new zone is created after the enactment of this section, all signs developed therein shall require use permit approval granted by the planning commission.

(1) All permanent freestanding signs shall not obstruct the vehicle sight visibility distance area at intersections and driveways, to the satisfaction of the public works and police departments. On sites where the existing street is not constructed to the full designated width, signs shall be located behind the ultimate property line unless otherwise approved by the planning commission and the public works department with an agreement for future removal or relocation.

(2) All permanent freestanding signs shall incorporate the numerical address (letters minimum six inches high), or range of addresses, of the parcel or commercial center at which the sign is located. The area of the address shall not be counted in the area of the sign.

(3) All signs shall be located on the same parcel as the subject of the sign, except as otherwise allowed by this chapter. A sign may project over an adjacent public right-of-way only when authorized by an encroachment permit as well as a sign permit.

(4) No sign shall be erected that obstructs any fire escape, required exit, window, door, or opening required for ventilation. No sign shall be attached to a standpipe, gutter drain or fire escape.

(5) Any sign, any part of which is 60 feet or more above the ground, shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of 30 pounds per square foot. Signs erected less than 60 feet shall be constructed and erected to withstand a wind pressure of 15 pounds per square foot. All signs shall be constructed to support dead loads as required in the building code or other ordinances and laws of the city.

(6) Any advertising copy or message existing at any time which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted shall be removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial use of the building within 30 days after written notification from the city manager, and upon failure to comply with such notice within the time specified in such order, the city manager is authorized to cause removal of such sign and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the owner of the building, sign or structure upon which such sign is displayed.

(7) Lighting. Open, unshielded light bulbs are prohibited. Lighting shall be installed to avoid glare or reflection onto adjacent property or onto a street as to create a traffic hazard. Light sources shall be steady, stationary, shielded, and directed so as to avoid undue glare for pedestrians, motorists, and neighboring property. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.11, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.11, 10-22-91].

18.125.120 Exceptions to standard.

Freeway-oriented commercial services located in CH highway commercial, CG general commercial, ML light industrial, and MH heavy industrial shall be allowed a pole-mounted sign of a height not to exceed 80 feet and an area not to exceed 100 square feet of surface area for one face or 200 square feet of surface area for two or more faces, unless additional square feet is approved by the planning commission through a use permit; provided, that:

(1) Freeway-Oriented Business. The business provides a service primarily for the freeway-motoring public similar to those providing gas, food or lodging for the freeway traveler.

(2) Maximum Distance. The parcel of land on which the business is located shall be a maximum distance of 800 feet from the centerline of the freeway at its closest point.

(3) Additional Sign Height. Additional sign height may be necessary to allow motorists sufficient advance notice for safe freeway exit. Unobstructed vision from a distance of 1,320 feet from a freeway exit ramp shall be considered the minimum standard providing sufficient advance notice. The amount of additional height shall be determined by the planning commission. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 664-00 § 10.12, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.12, 10-22-91].

18.125.130 Zoning compliance.

No signs shall be permitted to be constructed, maintained or displayed in any zoning district within the city except as provided herein. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.13, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.13, 10-22-91].

18.125.140 Residential zones.

Each sign in a residential zoning district established by Chapter 18.10 WMC, Designation and Establishment of Districts, shall comply with the following requirements of Table 18.125.140‑A:

Table 18.125.140-A
Land Use	Allowed Sign Types	Maximum Sign Height	Maximum Sign Area Allowed
R-1, R-2	Name plate for each unit	N/A	One square foot
R-3	Name plate for each unit Flat wall (c), ground-mounted (b)	Seven feet above grade	One square foot Max 12 square feet
RP	Name plate Free hanging, flat wall (c), pole-mounted	N/A Seven feet above grade	One square foot Max 12 square feet
RP (Office Complex) (a)	Attached, free hanging, pole-mounted	Eight feet above grade	Max 12 square feet

(a) All professional office signs may be illuminated by indirect lighting only and may only indicate the name and nature of the business.

(b) Ground-mounted subdivision identity signs may be authorized at major entrances to residential subdivisions when approved by design review board. Such signing shall be landscaped to blend in with the surroundings.

(c) No wall sign which projects more than 10 inches over public property shall be less than eight feet above the sidewalk and maximum projection for any such sign shall not exceed 18 inches. Reflector arms may extend from the advertising surface of a wall sign if such reflector arms are not less than 14 feet above the surface of the adjoining ground, sidewalk or pavement.

[Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.14, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.14, 10-22-91].

18.125.150 Commercial districts.

Each sign in the commercial zoning districts established by Chapter 18.10 WMC, Designation and Establishment of Districts, shall comply with the requirements of Table 18.125.150-A, and the following standards:

(1) Signs applicable to the permitted use of the property in the central commercial (CC) and the entryway (E) zoning districts shall meet the requirements identified in the City of Willows Historic Downtown and Wood Street Design Guidelines.

(2) Content. Pole-mounted signs shall be identity signs and may include the message “open” or “open 24 hours,” in the case of service station or restaurant occupancies, and the term “vacancy” or “no vacancy,” in the case of motels.

(3) Signs not applicable to the permitted use of the property may be permitted upon securing a use permit from the planning commission.

(4) Identity Signs. Each business is allowed a collective sign total of one and one-half square feet of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.

Table 18.125.150-A
Land Use	Allowed Sign Types	Maximum Sign Height	Maximum Sign Area Allowed
Central Commercial Entryway Districts Commercial Centers (b)	Identity signs, including wall (c), projecting (d), monument and window signs (in the downtown guidelines, pole signs are discouraged)	30 feet above grade if attached to building 8 feet for monument and pole-mounted	Total square footage of all identity signs shall not exceed 1.5 sq. ft. for each ft. of lineal building frontage, with higher totals requiring use permit 60 sq. ft. of incidental sign area is also allowed
CH, CG, ML, MH & PD Combining Districts	Identity signs, including wall, projecting, monument and window signs 1 pole-mounted (e) must meet two requirements (a)	80 feet	Pole-mounted sign: 100 sq. ft. of surface area for one face or 200 sq. ft. of surface area for two or more faces Identity Signs: 1.5 sq. ft. for each ft. of lineal building frontage, with higher totals requiring use permit 60 sq. ft. of incidental sign area is also allowed
Industrial Districts Industrial Park	Identity signs: including wall, projecting, monument and window signs 1 pole-mounted (e) must meet two requirements (a) 2 identity signs at entrance to park; 4 identity signs total for a park; Ground-mounted	30 feet above grade if attached to the building and 8 feet if pole-mounted	Maximum sign area for each business shall not exceed 350 sq. ft. for all signs, not including pole signs Pole-mounted sign area may not exceed 170 sq. ft. for any one face 60 sq. ft. of incidental sign area is also allowed 1 square foot of identity sign for each gross acre of land within the industrial park Maximum sign area is 200 sq. ft.
Open Space Ag Districts	Stationary	8 feet above grade	20 sq. ft. for one face, 40 sq. ft. for 2 or more faces

(a) Two Requirements. (1) Freeway-oriented business which provides a service primarily for the freeway-motoring public similar to those providing gas, food or lodging for the freeway traveler, and (2) the parcel of land on which the business is located shall be a maximum distance of 800 feet from the centerline of freeway at its closest point.

(b) Only one off-premises sign shall be allowed for each such commercial center or enterprise larger than five acres which has been designed or developed together as an integrated unit. Only one off-premises sign shall be allowed for each such commercial center or enterprise larger than five acres and may not be located more than 1,000 feet from the premises. The off-premises signs must be within the allowable square footage calculation requirements for the premises.

(d) Every projecting sign shall be placed at least 10 feet above the public sidewalk over which it is erected and any sign less than 14 feet above the public sidewalk shall not extend nearer the curb face than 18 inches. Signs placed 14 feet or more above the public sidewalk shall not extend beyond the curb face. Every projecting sign erected over public driveways, alleys and thoroughfares shall be placed not less than 15 feet above the level of the same. Signs which project over the public property shall be subject to an encroachment permit.

(e) Every pole sign shall be placed at least 10 feet above the public sidewalk over which it is erected, and any sign less than 14 feet above the public sidewalk shall not extend nearer the curb face than 18 inches. Signs placed 14 feet or more above the public sidewalk shall not extend beyond the curb face. Every projecting sign erected over public driveways, alleys and thoroughfares shall be placed not less than 15 feet above the level of same. One pole-mounted sign for each business. All pole signs shall be engineered for safety. Signs which project over the public property shall be subject to an encroachment permit.

(f) Community Directional Signs. Community directional signs are allowed with approval of a sign permit from the planning commission at the following locations:

(1) On the south side of Highway 162 in the vicinity of Airport Road, just west of Interstate 5; at city entries along Highway 162 (Wood Street) at the east and west ends of the city; and at key locations along Tehama Street and Wood Street.

(2) The purpose of the signs shall be to direct vehicular traffic to the central downtown district and other key business locations around the city. A community directional sign is not intended to be used to advertise specific businesses.

(3) Each community directional sign shall be limited to eight square feet in size, and will typically be placed within city or public roadway rights-of-way. Any necessary encroachment permits shall be obtained by the city.

[Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.15, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.15, 10-22-91].

18.125.160 Industrial districts.

(1) Signs shall be permitted on properties located in areas designated as ML (light industrial), MH (heavy manufacturing), and CG/ML/PD (general commercial/light manufacturing/planned development) as listed on Table 18.125.150-A and shall meet the following standards:

(a) Any industry located in a nonindustrial district is subject to the sign code requirements of that district.

(b) All signs shall be identity signs.

(c) Commercial Uses. Signs for wholesale and retail sales businesses located within the industrial district shall be regulated by the requirements of WMC 18.125.170.

(d) Signs for uses in the PD district shall be subject to the issuance of a use permit.

(e) Signs not applicable to the permitted use of the property may be permitted upon securing a use permit from the planning commission.

(2) Industrial Park Identification Sign. Ground-mounted signs may be installed at major entrances to park, subject to approval by the architectural design review board, and conform to Table 18.125.150-A and the following standards:

(a) Identity signs shall be indirectly lighted.

(b) Identity signs shall not contain the name of any industry or business within the industrial park.

(c) Identity signs shall be appropriately landscaped and blend with surroundings. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.16, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.16, 10-22-91].

18.125.170 Open space and agricultural districts.

Signs shall be permitted on properties within areas designated as open space or AG agriculture general district as listed on Table 18.125.150-A and meet the following standards:

(1) Control any explanatory signs as necessary.

(2) Lighting. Signs shall be stationary and be illuminated from ground level indirect sources only. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.17, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.17, 10-22-91].

18.125.180 Public or quasi-public districts.

Sign area, height and number shall be based on requirements and conditions of the use permit. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.18, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.18, 10-22-91].

18.125.190 Nonconforming signs.

All signs lawfully existing prior to the adoption of this chapter may continue in use, subject to the provisions of this section, even when later amendments to this chapter, or prior amendments to any provision of preceding sign ordinances recodified in this chapter, have caused such lawfully existing signs to become nonconforming under the terms of this chapter. Signs not lawfully existing prior to the adoption of this chapter must be brought into conformance or removed.

(1) Nonconforming Signs. The owner of a nonconforming sign shall within six months of notification of nonconformity either:

(a) Remove the sign; or

(b) Obtain a new permit, with variances to allow the nonconforming aspect; or

(d) Obtain an extension of time within which the sign must be moved under the amortization provisions of subsection (2) of this section.

(2) Amortization.

(a) An owner of a nonconforming sign may delay removal or modification of the sign for a reasonable period in order to recover the original costs where, at the time specified for removal, the costs were not yet fully amortized. The amortization period shall be proportionate with the investment involved.

(b) The owner of a nonconforming sign may apply to the city manager for an extension of time within which the sign must be removed. The application shall contain the following information:

(i) Name and address of the sign;

(ii) A description of the sign;

(iii) The date the sign was erected;

(iv) Whether and when a sign permit was issued;

(v) The cost of construction;

(vi) The remaining term of the sign owner’s lease of the real property, if applicable; and

(vii) The present value of the sign.

(c) The city manager shall consider the information presented on the application in acting on the request for extension. If the city manager finds that the circumstances warrant granting an extension of time for amortization of the sign, the city manager may grant the extension for a reasonable time not to exceed three years. No extension shall be granted for a portable sign or sign painted on a building or structure.

(3) Alterations/Removal. At such time as a nonconforming sign is altered in any way or moved, it must be brought into conformance with the provisions of this title. The term “altered” as used herein shall include, but not be limited to, any change in the structure or sign face, including changing names or colors, deleting or adding words or symbols, or changing the appearance in any way, but shall not include normal maintenance or upkeep. If a nonconforming sign is removed for any length of time for any reason other than maintenance, it shall not be reinstalled at the subject site unless it is in full compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

(4) Signs with Modifications. Signs which received sign modifications prior to the adoption of this chapter, but which are nonconforming as to the provisions of this chapter, may continue in use under the provisions of that sign modification until any changes, expansions, or alterations other than normal maintenance and upkeep are proposed for the sign, or until such time as the sign modification expires. At the time of such expiration or change, the modification shall become null and void and such sign shall be brought into conformance with the provisions of this chapter or removed.

(5) Use Permit or Planned Development Permit. Nonconforming signs that were permitted and installed pursuant to a conditional use permit or planned development permit, prior to the adoption of this chapter, may continue in use until changes, expansions, or alterations other than normal maintenance and upkeep are proposed for or made to such sign. At the time of such change, any such sign must be brought into conformance with the provisions of this chapter.

(6) Alterations to Existing Development. When structural alterations, additions or remodeling with a value, as determined by the building official, of 25 percent or more of the full value of the improvements as shown on the last equalized assessment roll, or $15,000, whichever is greater, are made to the exterior of a building or to a site containing a nonconforming sign, any and all such nonconforming signs must be brought into conformance with the provisions of this chapter whether or not changes or alterations are proposed for or made to the sign, or such signs must be removed. Any owner or user of such nonconforming signs wishing to maintain such a sign in its existing condition may apply to the city manager for a permit to allow continued maintenance and use of the sign. Application shall be made within 30 days of the sign owner or user being notified of the need to bring such sign into conformance. Such permit, if granted, shall establish a specific period of time for continued use and maintenance, based upon an individual assessment of the facts and circumstances relating to the particular sign. Factors to be considered in approving or denying such a permit shall be the initial sign cost, the sign age, the value of the structural alterations to the existing development, and similar facts and circumstances. Failure to apply for a permit within the 30 days specified herein shall constitute a waiver of the right to request any longer period for maintenance or use of an existing nonconforming sign.

(7) Annexation – Change of Zone. Any sign that becomes nonconforming after the adoption of this chapter because of annexation, zone change, or other city action shall be subject to the provisions of this section. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09; Ord. 664-00 § 10.19, 6-27-00; Ord. 632-91 § 10.19, 10-22-91].

18.125.200 Planning commission review.

(1) Planned Sign Program.

(a) A planned sign program is required for all multi-tenant facilities or any signage program proposing an aggregate sign area exceeding 50 square feet, for any sign request that is not exempt or does not qualify for an administrative sign permit. A planned sign program may approve a master sign plan for all intended signs for a site or building. A planned sign program shall require conditional use permit approval.

(b) The planning commission is authorized to approve, conditionally approve, or deny a planned sign program subject to appeal provisions of WMC 18.125.060(2). The city manager shall provide recommendations to the planning commission regarding planned sign programs. A public hearing pursuant to the provisions of WMC 18.135.030 shall be required.

(2) Required Findings. The planning commission may approve a planned sign program only if all of the following findings can be made in an affirmative manner:

(a) The proposed sign is consistent with the goals, objectives, policies and programs of the city of Willows general plan and any applicable design guidelines.

(b) The proposed sign conforms to applicable development standards and provisions of this title and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare.

(c) The physical location or placement of the sign is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and does not pose a safety risk.

(3) Appeals. Appeals may be made by filing a written appeal with the city clerk within 10 calendar days of the commission’s action and paying the fees as adopted by the city council. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09].

18.125.210 Required findings.

A sign permit may be approved if all of the following findings are made:

(1) The size, location, and design of the sign(s) are visually compatible with the scale and architectural style of the primary structures on the site and the surrounding land uses.

(2) The signs do not exceed the standards of the district and enable motorists and pedestrians to readily identify the facility or site from a sufficient distance.

(3) The proposed sign(s) are in substantial conformance with the design criteria in the city design guidelines. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09].

18.125.220 Expiration and time extension of sign permits.

(1) A sign permit approval shall expire one year from its date of issuance, unless the sign has been erected within the period or a later expiration date is stated in writing at the time of approval. Prior to expiration of a sign permit, the applicant may apply to the city manager for an extension of up to one additional year. The city manager may approve extensions with or without conditions or may deny extensions of the approved sign if it is found there has been substantial change in circumstances.

(2) A temporary sign permit shall be valid for a period of 30 days, with longer periods of time possible, up to a maximum of 90 days, if authorized by the city manager. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09].

18.125.230 Compliance with electric power line requirements prerequisite to issuance.

No permit for any sign shall be constructed or maintained which has less horizontal or vertical clearance from communication lines and energized electrical power lines than that prescribed by the laws of the state of California or rules and regulations promulgated by duly authorized agents. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 683-09 § 1, 7‑14‑09].

18.125.240 Temporary economic stimulus regulations for signage for city of Willows licensed businesses.

(1) Effective Date. This section shall expire on July 1, 2012, unless otherwise extended or revoked.

(2) Definition. “Licensed business” shall mean any authorized business as defined under WMC Title 5, which operates their principal business within a permanent “brick and mortar structure” located within the city limits.

(3) Conflict. Whenever this section conflicts with any other provision of this chapter or any other city resolutions, ordinances, or regulations of the city, this section shall control while it is in effect.

(4) Temporary Building Signs Allowed. During the effective date of this section, temporary building signs allowed by this chapter shall be allowed as follows:

(a) Temporary building and/or business signs may be displayed at any time for the length of time this section is in effect.

(b) At the expiration of the effective date of this section, including any extension approved by the city council of the city of Willows, all temporary building signs shall be removed within 10 days of the expiration date. Temporary building signs still displayed after 10 days from the expiration date shall be in violation of this chapter, unless a sign permit has been issued for the signage pursuant to WMC 18.125.050.

(c) This section specifically supersedes the limited time (the period of which shall be determined by the city in issuing an administrative temporary sign permit) of WMC 18.125.020, Definitions.

(5) Portable Signs Allowed. During the effective date of this section, portable signs (as defined in WMC 18.125.040(7)) shall be allowed for businesses as follows:

(a) All licensed businesses within developed lots in R-P multiple residence-professional office, E entryway, CC central commercial, CG general commercial, CH highway commercial and industrial zones in the city shall be allowed to display two portable signs at any time during the effective date of this section, regardless of when the business began operations. This section specifically supersedes the restrictions stated in WMC 18.125.030(9), off-premises signs.

(b) At the expiration of the effective date of this section, including any extension approved by the city council of the city of Willows, all portable signs shall be removed within 10 days of the expiration date. All portable signs still displayed after 10 days from the expiration date shall be in violation of this chapter, unless a permit has been issued for the signage pursuant to WMC 18.125.050.

(6) Permit and Fee Requirements for Signs Allowed by This Temporary Sign Program. Notwithstanding WMC 18.125.050 and 18.125.090, Fees, during the effective date of this section:

(a) No sign permit and no fee shall be required for placement of temporary building signs or portable signs authorized by this section for businesses within developed lots in R-P multiple residence-professional office, E entryway, CC central commercial, CG general commercial, CH highway commercial and industrial zones.

(b) Licensed businesses shall be required to obtain written authorization from any or all property owners where temporary signs are displayed. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11; Ord. 688-10 § 1, 6-8-10].

18.125.250 Posting banners, handbills, etc.

It shall be unlawful for any person to paste, paint, nail, tack or otherwise fasten any card, banner, handbill, poster, or advertisement or notice of any kind, or cause the same to be done, upon any public property, or upon any other property without authorized consent of the owner or lessee of such property, within the city, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, or as may be required or permitted by the ordinances of the city or laws of the state or of the United States. [Ord. 735-17 § 1, 11-14-17; Ord. 705-11 § 1, 7-12-11].