Chapter 17.80 SIGNS

Chapter 17.80
SIGNS

Sections:

17.80.010 Purpose and intent. Revised 3/17

17.80.020 General provisions. Revised 3/17

17.80.030 Signs permitted in all districts. Revised 3/17

17.80.035 Signs permitted in downtown districts. Revised 3/17

17.80.040 Signs permitted in a highway service commercial district. Revised 3/17

17.80.045 Signs permitted in commercial, office and industrial districts. Revised 3/17

17.80.050 Signs permitted in planned districts. Revised 3/17

17.80.060 Signs permitted in all other districts. Revised 3/17

17.80.070 Prohibited signs. Revised 3/17

17.80.080 Abandoned signs. Revised 3/17

17.80.090 Administration. Revised 3/17

17.80.100 Nonconforming signs. Revised 3/17

17.80.010 Purpose and intent.

The purpose of this chapter is to create a comprehensive and balanced system of signs which allows adequate business identification and communication with a quality appearance. Signs authorized under this chapter should:

A. Encourage a desirable urban character consistent with the general plan;

B. Preserve and improve the appearance of the city as a place to live, work and visit;

C. Eliminate confusing, distracting, or dangerous sign displays which interfere with vehicular traffic;

D. Promote commerce;

E. Provide for fair and equal treatment of sign users;

F. Promote ease of sign regulation administration; and

G. Provide for eventual elimination of preexisting, nonconforming signs on a fair and equitable basis. (Ord. 2016-07 § 3 (part): Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6005 (A))

17.80.020 General provisions.

A. Lighting. An illuminated sign may be permitted only if the lighting is subdued and does not create an adverse design circumstance, interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of surrounding properties, does not present a traffic or pedestrian hazard or otherwise present a public nuisance. Installation of any new sign illumination shall be subject to securing a sign permit.

B. Installation. All signs shall be installed in a safe manner and in conformance with building codes and regulations. A building permit shall be obtained as necessary for any sign installation.

C. Design. Signs should achieve general conformity with the Winters design guidelines or the Grant Avenue design guidelines, including design restrictions and/or themes specific to each designated design corridor.

D. Construction. A wall or projecting sign may not exceed six inches in thickness.

E. Definitions. Unless otherwise stated in this chapter, all signs shall be as defined in Section 17.04.140. (Ord. 2016-07 § 3 (part): Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6005 (B))

17.80.030 Signs permitted in all districts.

The following signs do not require a sign permit, unless otherwise noted, and are not counted in the sign area of a business.

A. Special Event Temporary Signs.

1. Signs which advertise a specific community event (such as a pancake breakfast, festival, or parade) shall be authorized by the community development director. Signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet and be permitted for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days.

2. Signs which advertise noncommunity activities (such as Christmas tree sales, pumpkin patch, carnival, religious assembly, or arts and crafts show) shall be regulated by the required temporary activity permit.

B. Memorial Signs or Tablets. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings, and dates of building erection when cut into the surface of facade or a building.

C. Public Notices. Official notices posted by public officers or employees in the performance of their duties.

D. Public and Quasi-Public Signs. Signs required or specifically authorized for a public or quasi-public purpose which may be of any type, number, area, height, location, illumination, or animation authorized by the statute or regulatory ordinance under which the signs are erected. For signs not so authorized, a sign area not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet and height of eight feet shall be permitted per property.

E. Vending Machine Signs. Signs on vending machines, gas pumps, ice containers, etc., not exceeding four square feet per sign. A maximum of twelve (12) such signs are allowed per lot. The use shall include temporary advertising signs in such locations.

F. Single Property Real Estate Signs. One real estate sale/lease/rental sign on any lot provided such sign is located entirely within the property to which the sign applies does not exceed six square feet in area, and is removed within seven days after the sale, rental or lease has been accomplished. May also include up to five off-site open house “A-frame” signs, each of which may not exceed four square feet and each of which can be placed not more than one day per week.

G. Multi-Lot Real Estate Signs. Signs advertising the sale, lease or rent of developments may be allowed as shown below:

1. One on-site sign advertising a multi-lot development of less than forty (40) acres, not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet and eight feet in height;

2. Up to four on-site signs advertising a multi-lot development of forty (40) acres or more, not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet per sign and eight feet in height. Limit of one such sign per street frontage.

H. Construction Signs. One sign per property not exceeding fifteen (15) square feet in area and six feet in height identifying contractors, owners, designers, lenders, etc., for projects under construction on that property. The sign shall be removed within seven days of completion of the particular construction aspect identified on the sign.

I. Flags. The flags, emblems or insignias of any nation or political subdivision.

J. Symbols or Insignias. Religious symbols, commemorative plaques of recognized historical agencies, or identification emblems of religious orders or historical agencies; provided, that no such symbol, plaque, or identification emblem shall exceed four square feet in area and that all such symbols, plaques and identification emblems shall be placed flat against a building.

K. Interior Signs. Any sign visible only within the structure in which it is located.

L. House Numbers and Name Plates. House numbers and name plates not exceeding three square feet in area for each one- or two-family residential building and ten (10) square feet for multifamily, commercial, office and industrial uses.

M. Political and Campaign Signs. Political or campaign signs on behalf of candidates for public office or measures on election ballots; provided, that said signs are subject to the following regulations:

1. The signs shall be removed within ten (10) days following the election.

2. In any residential zone no more than four stationary signs are permitted on any one parcel of land. The signs shall not exceed a combined total of twenty (20) square feet in area and, if freestanding, shall not exceed six feet in height.

3. In any commercial or industrial zone, political signs are permitted provided all such signs do not exceed an aggregate sign area of thirty (30) square feet.

N. Holiday Decorations. Seasonal decorations not referring to businesses or goods.

O. Time and Temperature Signs. Devices giving time, temperature and similar information but not having a business identification or information.

P. Window Signs. One sign per window not exceeding twenty-five (25) percent of the individual window area.

Q. On-Premises Directional or Institutional Signs. Signs which provide direction or instruction and are located entirely on the property to which they pertain and do not advertise a business, exceed four square feet in area, and which provide direction or instruction, such as parking lot entrance and exit location signs.

R. Off-Premises Directional Signs.

1. Off-premises signs which provide direction to general places, destinations, and collections of uses may be permitted by the planning commission, so long as the city bears no expense in placing or maintaining the signs. Examples of places appropriate for directional signs might include historic downtown, central business district, restaurants, subdivisions, churches, schools, parks, overnight lodging, and the civic center.

2. To the extent feasible, multiple directional signs shall be placed as a group in one supporting structure, rather than on individual supports.

3. The planning commission will exercise discretion as to height and dimensions of signs based upon the number of destinations being identified on one sign. However, the signs should be no more than twenty (20) square feet and no more than twelve (12) feet in height. When there are several sites or destinations on one sign, there should be only a single palette of colors. Off-premises directional signs should be inspected for maintenance not less than once each year. The community development director shall have authority to require the owners to maintain signs including repainting. If maintenance is not performed, city shall remove signs at owner’s expense.

4. Written authorization to erect signs from real property owners shall be obtained prior to planning commission approval. The planning commission shall have authority to condition the use of directional signs including, but not limited to, the length of time such signs may be erected.

5. The planning commission shall not approve any off-premises directional signs in violation of state statutes. (Ord. 2016-07 § 3 (part): Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6005 (C))

17.80.035 Signs permitted in downtown districts.

Each sign in this section shall comply with architectural and design standards in Section 17.58.070(D).

A. Freestanding Sign. One freestanding identification sign per site may be permitted not exceeding twenty (20) square feet and six feet in height on a site where all buildings are set back at least ten (10) feet from the street curb or street pavement edge on which the use fronts. Where the subject property exceeds one acre in size, the maximum sign area may be increased to forty (40) square feet and ten (10) feet in height.

B. Wall Sign. One wall sign per building frontage. Maximum wall sign area is determined as follows, not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet:

For buildings with only a single building frontage: one-quarter square foot of sign area for each ground-level linear foot of building frontage.

For buildings with multiple building frontages: one-quarter square foot of sign area for each linear foot of additional frontage. The basic sign area in a multitenant center/building may be reallocated between businesses by the center manager/building owner based on an overall sign plan for the center.

C. Marquee Sign. One marquee sign per building occupant which does not exceed five square feet and is located eight feet or higher above the grade level below it. No sign may be placed upon the roof of a marquee.

D. Projecting Sign. One projecting sign per building, not exceeding four-tenths square foot for every linear foot of main entrance facade frontage, not exceeding a maximum of six square feet per side. A projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above grade directly below the sign.

E. Multistory Building Directory Sign. One directory wall sign for each primary building entry to identify occupants in a multistory building. The sign may not exceed five square feet.

F. A-Frame Sign. One freestanding A-frame sign not exceeding four square feet in area and three feet in height shall be permitted in front of each business establishment subject to securing a sign permit from the community development department for the operator’s safe placement of the sign along a sidewalk under the terms prescribed in this chapter. A-frame signs must be removed from the sidewalk and placed inside when the business is closed.

G. Awning Sign. One awning sign per building/store frontage may be permitted subject to the following requirements:

1. Maximum height of lettering shall not exceed eight inches in height.

2. Shall be located on the front face or any valance.

3. Shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the total awning area.

4. May include a logo not exceeding fifteen (15) inches in height and not exceeding ten (10) percent of the total awning area.

5. Lettering shall be sewn, painted or self-adhered onto the awning.

6. Area of awning sign(s) shall not be applied to the allowable wall sign area.

H. Digital Signs. One sign may be permitted not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area with a static message that does not change more frequently than every eight seconds, does not pulse or significantly change in luminosity, which is formed by the selective illumination of an array light emitting diodes (LEDs), or liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that can be changed electronically. These signs may display text and/or graphic images, and may be programmable. (Ord. 2016-07 § 3 (part))

17.80.040 Signs permitted in a highway service commercial district.

A. Freestanding Oriented Business Sign. One freestanding oriented business sign may be permitted per parcel of land subject to obtaining a use permit from the planning commission pursuant to Chapter 17.20 and subject to the following:

1. Located more than three hundred (300) feet from another freestanding sign.

2. Advertises only businesses located within the highway commercial service zone.

3. Contains space for identification of at least four businesses or centers directly served by the nearest off-ramp.

4. Where applicable, may be required to include either the name of the center or the city of Winters on the sign.

5. Area of each business sign shall be determined as part of the use permit. Subdivision of leasable sign space, other than as approved as part of the use permit, is not allowed.

6. Shall not exceed forty (40) feet in height. The planning commission may approve sign heights up to sixty-five (65) feet if supported by detailed line-of-sight study.

7. Businesses identified on a freestanding sign may have one on-site freestanding sign not exceeding eight feet in height.

8. Square footage of the sign for any business identified on a freestanding sign shall not be counted towards the business’s allowable sign area.

9. Shall be designed to include architectural elements, colors and materials of the buildings and structures located on the same site or sites of the businesses identified on the sign.

B. Wall Sign. One wall sign per building frontage. Maximum wall sign area is determined as follows, not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet:

For buildings with only a single building frontage: one-half square foot for each ground-level linear foot of building frontage.

For buildings with multiple building frontages: one-half square foot for each ground-level linear foot of primary building frontage and one-quarter square foot of sign area for each linear foot of additional frontage. The basic sign area in a multitenant center/building may be reallocated between businesses by the center manager/building owner based on an overall sign plan for the center.

D. Projecting Sign. One projecting sign per building not exceeding four-tenths square foot for every linear foot of main entrance facade frontage, not exceeding a maximum of twenty (20) square feet. A projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above grade directly below the sign.

E. Multistory Building Directory Sign. One directory wall sign for each primary building entry to identify occupants in a multistory building. The sign may not exceed five square feet.

G. Awning Sign. One awning sign per building/store frontage may be permitted subject to the following requirements:

1. Maximum height of lettering shall not exceed eight inches in height.

2. Shall be located on the front face or any valance.

3. Shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of the total awning area.

4. May include a logo not exceeding fifteen (15) inches in height and not exceeding ten (10) percent of the total awning area.

5. Lettering shall be sewn, painted or self-adhered onto the awning.

6. Area of awning sign(s) shall not be applied to the allowable wall sign area.

17.80.045 Signs permitted in commercial, office and industrial districts.

A. Freestanding Sign. One freestanding identification sign per site allowing one-quarter foot of sign area per foot of lot frontage on which the sign is to be located, not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area nor six feet in height on a site where all buildings are set back at least ten (10) feet from the street curb or street pavement edge on which the use fronts. Where the subject property exceeds one acre in size, the maximum sign area may be increased to forty (40) square feet and ten (10) feet in height.

B. Wall Sign. One wall sign per building frontage. Maximum wall sign area is determined as follows, not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet:

For buildings with only a single building frontage: one-half square foot of sign area for each ground-level linear foot of building frontage.

For buildings with multiple building frontages: one-half square foot of sign area for each ground-level linear foot of primary building frontage and one-quarter square foot of sign area for each linear foot of additional frontage. The basic sign area in a multitenant center may be reallocated between businesses by the center manager based on an overall sign plan for the center.

C. Marquee Sign. One marquee sign per building occupant which does not exceed five square feet in area or is located lower than seven feet, six inches above the grade level below it. No sign may be placed upon the roof of a marquee.

D. Projecting Sign. One projecting sign per building, not exceeding four-tenths square foot for every linear foot of main entrance facade frontage, not exceeding a maximum of twenty (20) square feet. A projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above grade directly below the sign.

E. Multistory Building Directory Sign. One directory wall sign for each primary building entry to identify occupants in a multistory building. The sign may not exceed five square feet in area.

F. A-Frame Sign. One freestanding A-frame sign not exceeding four square feet in area and three feet in height shall be permitted in front of each business establishment subject to securing a sign permit from the community development department for the operator’s safe placement of the sign along a sidewalk under the terms prescribed in this chapter. A-frame signs shall be removed from the sidewalk and placed inside when the business is closed.

G. Awning Sign. One awning sign per building/store frontage may be permitted subject to the following requirements:

1. Maximum height of lettering shall not exceed fourteen (14) inches in height.

2. Shall be located on the front face or any valance.

3. Shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of the total awning area.

4. May include a logo not exceeding twenty (20) inches in height and not exceeding ten (10) percent of the total awning area.

5. Lettering shall be sewn, painted or self-adhered onto the awning.

6. Area of awning sign(s) shall not be applied to the allowable wall sign area.

17.80.050 Signs permitted in planned districts.

Each sign in a planned district shall comply with regulations in this section applicable to each use permitted by the planned district development plan. (Ord. 2016-07 § 3 (part): Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6005 (E))

17.80.060 Signs permitted in all other districts.

A. Freestanding Signs. One freestanding identification sign not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area nor a height of five feet if all on-site buildings are set back at least twenty (20) feet from the street curb or street pavement edge on which the use fronts.

B. Wall Signs. One wall sign per occupant not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area for each building frontage on the site.

C. Residential Use. No freestanding or wall signs other than as prescribed elsewhere in this chapter may be permitted for any residential uses of property. (Ord. 2016-07 § 3 (part): Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6005 (F))

17.80.070 Prohibited signs.

Unless otherwise authorized by this chapter, it is unlawful to erect, reconstruct, alter, maintain, or place, and no permit shall be issued for, the following types of signs:

A. Off-Premises Signs Advertising a Specific Location, Business, Product, Use.

1. No new off-premises signs shall be allowed which advertise a specific business, product, use, etc., except as permitted herein for freeway information signs.

2. Existing off-premises signs advertising specific businesses, products, uses, etc., shall be allowed to remain, pursuant to the nonconforming sign criteria of this section.

B. Roof Signs. Signs attached to the roof of a building or projecting over the roof or parapet of a building.

C. Wind Activated and Balloon Signs. Including pennants, streamers, bunting, banners, including freestanding vertical banners/flags, balloons or inflatable signs or figures, kites and similar devices designed to attract attention, except as authorized for a special event temporary sign.

D. Flashing, Moving or Animated Signs. Includes any sign that uses movement, whether electrically or wind driven (except clocks, thermometers and traditional-type barber poles that rotate), to depict action or motion. Does not include digital signs with static copy.

E. Exposed Bulb Signs. Any signs with exposed fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs or LED lights (not including neon).

F. Damaged Signs. Any sign with cracked or broken panels, peeling paint, missing letters, or other signs of poor maintenance shall be repaired within sixty (60) days.

Any sign which has been more than fifty (50) percent damaged or destroyed by any cause, and the damage or destruction is other than facial copy replacement, and the display is not repaired within thirty (30) days of the date of its damage or destruction, shall be removed.

G. Unauthorized Signs. No sign may be placed on a private property without the permission of the owners of the property.

H. Nonconforming Signs. See Section 17.80.100.

I. Hazardous Signs. No sign may be erected in such a manner as to interfere with, obstruct, confuse or mislead traffic or create a pedestrian or vehicular safety hazard. A-frame signs permitted under Section 17.80.040(F) may only be placed on a sidewalk where there is minimum width of four feet for both pedestrians, including persons in wheelchairs, and vehicle overhang from the street.

J. Signs Near Street Intersections. No freestanding advertising sign may be erected at a street intersection within a triangular area formed by the street curb lines and their projection and a line connecting them at points forty (40) feet from the intersection of the projected curb lines. In cases where curbs do not exist, the edge of street pavement shall be used for measuring purposes.

K. Mobile Signs. No sign may be placed upon a vehicle or trailer which is parked for the purpose of advertising to the passing public, except a sign painted directly on or magnetically affixed to or permanently affixed to the body or other integral part of the vehicle. The primary use of the vehicle shall be in the operation of the business and not in advertising or identifying the business premises. The vehicle shall not be parked for the sole purpose of advertising.

L. Signs on Public Property. No sign may be placed on a public property, which includes telephone poles, light standards, stop signs, or other structures located within the public right-of-way, unless otherwise permitted in this chapter. (Ord. 2016-07 § 3 (part): Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6005(G))

17.80.080 Abandoned signs.

Any signage, sign face, or sign structure which ceases, for a period in excess of ninety (90) days, to advertise a bona fide business, product, service, or entity presently in operation shall be entirely removed by the owner of said signage, sign face, or sign structure or by the owner of the property upon which signage is located, and shall not be reestablished or reconstructed or replaced without being subject to the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 2016-07 § 3 (part))

17.80.090 Administration.

A. Sign Permit Required. No person may erect, enlarge, or maintain a sign or modify the design or location of any existing sign without the issuance of a sign permit, unless the sign is exempt under Section 17.80.030.

B. Application. An applicant for a sign permit shall submit a completed application form, processing fee (as applicable), and plan as required by the community development director.

C. Reviewing Body. Signs shall be reviewed according to the following Table 7:

TABLE 7: SIGN REVIEW
Planning Commission Action	Community Development Director Action	No Sign Permit Required
Freeway oriented business sign	Illuminated sign, special event temporary signs	Permitted signs (per Section 17.80.030, unless otherwise noted)
Off-premises directional sign	Multi-lot real estate or master directional signs
Any freestanding, wall or marquee sign in downtown zones	Any wall or marquee sign in a commercial, office or industrial zone
Any freestanding signs in commercial, office or industrial zone	Signs in all other zones (per Section 17.80.060)
Digital signs	A-frame sidewalk sign
All projecting signs
Any sign variance

D. Findings Required. The reviewing body or person may approve a sign permit (where required) only when it finds that all the following conditions exist:

1. The sign conforms to city ordinance requirements;

2. The design conforms to the Winters design guidelines or the Grant Avenue design guidelines;

3. The design is compatible with the character and design of the exterior architecture of the building(s) on the property where the sign is to be located;

4. The sign will not create a visual or safety hazard; and

5. The sign location will not impair use of the subject property, adjacent property or public right-of-way.

E. Variance. A variance from the regulations set forth in this chapter may be granted under the procedure set forth in Chapter 17.24. (Ord. 2016-07 § 3 (part): Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6005(H). Formerly 17.80.080)

17.80.100 Nonconforming signs.

A. No sign which is made nonconforming by the provisions of this title may be modified in any manner which is inconsistent with this chapter, except by the replacement of sign faces within existing sign frames or by minor maintenance activities required to repair or prevent damage to signs.

B. Nonconforming signs damaged or modified more than fifty (50) percent of their replacement value, including major repairs or structural modifications, shall be brought into full compliance with this title. (Ord. 2016-07 § 3 (part): Ord. 97-03 § 2 (part): prior code § 8-1.6005 (I). Formerly 17.80.090)