HomeMy Public PortalAboutOrdinance 856ORDINANCE NO. 856
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BEAUMONT, CALIFORNIA,
REPEALING CHAPTER 17.60 OF THE BEAUMONT MUNICIPAL CO
AND ADOPTING ORDINANCE CHAPTER 17.61
PERTAINING TO THE REGULATION OF SIGNS AND BILLBOA
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BEAUMONT, CALIFORNIA DOES 0
FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, the City Council has been informed and advised that illegal bill
been erected in the neighboring City of Riverside and the unincorporated area of the
Riverside without the benefit of permits and that legal challenges to the sign ordina
said City and County have been mounted by billboard companies challenging the
constitutionality of the said ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the City has experienced the construction of billboards contra
ordinance, and has experienced attempts to circumvent billboard regulation; and
WHEREAS, the City has been notified by billboard companies that they int
challenge the constitutionality of the City's sign ordinance and regulations, and the
been notified by billboard companies that they intend to build numerous additional
without complying with City sign regulations and zoning laws; and
WHEREAS, the lack of regulation of billboards could result in the prolifera ion of
billboards along Interstate 10 and Highways 60 and 79, and along Sixth Street, incl ding
neighborhoods which are primarily residential; and
WHEREAS, the visibility of billboards and other outdoor advertising struc
drivers thereby creating danger on affected roads and freeways, and creates a negat.
impression of the City in motorists traveling through the City, thereby rendering th
desirable as a place to visit or live, resulting in lower property values and other eco
to the community; and
WHEREAS, billboards and other such structures constructed in residential . ones or
inappropriate areas of other zones can destroy viewsheds and diminish the quality . f life; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has been further informed and advised, and it has been
found, that the aforementioned situation can be substantially diminished by repeali g Chapter
17.60 of the Beaumont Municipal Code and adopting Chapter 17.61 pertaining to t e regulation
of signs and billboards; and
WHEREAS, the purpose and intent of the new Chapter 17.61 is to establis the legal
framework for a comprehensive system of sign regulation to, among other things, ncourage
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signs that are attractive, discourage clutter and maintain a high quality visual image for the
community, promote the economic wellbeing of local businesses and the community, reduce
traffic and safety hazards, and ensure that signs are in keeping with the goals, objectives and
policies of the City's General Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City Council hereby finds and determines that Chapter 17.61 is
consistent with the General Plan and its goals, objectives, policies and programs; and
WHEREAS, the City Council hereby finds and determines that Chapter 17.61 provides
an internally -consistent set of regulations that is compatible with the purpose and intent of Title
17 of the Beaumont Municipal Code including the purpose of protecting the physical, social and
economic stability and vitality of residential, commercial, industrial, public, institutional and
open space uses within the City to ensure their orderly development; and
WHEREAS, the City Council hereby finds and determines that Chapter 17.61 will not
create any hazards to the public from inappropriate location or design of signs or otherwise
adversely affect the public health, safety or welfare.
Section 1: Amendment.
The Beaumont Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows:
1.1 Chapter 17.60 of the Beaumont Municipal Code, entitled "Sign
Regulations", is hereby repealed in its entirety; and
1.2 Chapter 17.61, entitled "Sign Regulations", is hereby added to the
Beaumont Municipal Code to read as specifically provided for in Exhibit "A", which Exhibit is
attached hereto and made a part hereof.
Section 2: Applicability.
This Ordinance shall not apply to the establishment of signs and billboards that have been
issued a building permit prior to the effective date of this Ordinance.
Section 3: Code Construction and Cross -References.
All references to Chapter 17.60 in other Chapters of the Beaumont Municipal Code shall
hereafter mean and include, and be deemed to refer to Chapter 17.61.
Section 4: Severability.
If any paragraph, section, sentence, clause or phrase contained in this Ordinance shall be
found by a final judgment of a court having jurisdiction to be illegal, null and void,', or against
public policy, for any reason, the remaining paragraphs, sections, sentences, clauses or phrases
contained in this Ordinance shall not be affected thereby. If any provision of this Ordinance, or
the application thereof to any person, party, transaction or circumstance is held invalid, the
2
remainder of this Ordinance, or the application of such provision to other persons, parties,
transactions or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby. It is the intention of the City
Council that if any provision of this Ordinance is capable of two constructions, one of which
would render the provision void and the other of which would render the provision valid, then
the provision shall have the meaning which renders it valid.
Section 5: Effective Date; Posting and Publication.
5.1 This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after the date of its
adoption.
5.2 The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Ordinance and cause it to
be posted in at least three public places within the City designated for such postings, and to be
published in a newspaper of general circulation in accordance with state law.
MOVED, PASSED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of March, 2004.
CITY OF BEAUMONT
CERTIFICATION
I, Shelby Hanvey, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Beaumont, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council held on March 2,
2004, and was duly adopted upon second reading on March 16, 2004, upon the following roll
call vote:
AYES: Mayor Dressel, Council Members Fox, Berg, DeForge, and Killough.
NOES: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
CITY OF BEAUMONT
By
(SEAL)
Deputy City Cl
3
ity of Beaumont
550 E. 6th Street
Beaumont, CA 92223
(909) 769-8520
FAX (909) 769-8526
Email: cityhaff@ci.beaumont.ca.us
www.ci.beaumont.ca.us
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Beaumont City Council conducted a public
hearing on Tuesday, Ma ch 2, 2004 at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the room 5 at the
Beaumont Civic Center, 550 E. 6th Street, Beaumont, California 92223, to receive
testimony and commentfrom all interested persons regarding the adoption of the
following matter(s):
Ordinance No. 856
AN OR ' INANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BEAUMONT, CALIFORNIA,
REPEALING CHA"TER 17.60 OF THE BEAUMONT MUNICIPAL CODE
AND A.OPTING ORDINANCE CHAPTER 17.61
PERTAINING TO THE REGULATION OF SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS
Date: February 11, 200
Shelby Hanvey
Deputy City Clerk
Published: Record G• zette — One Time on February 27, 2004
IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
NO. 60
Notice Is Hereby Given
Beaumont City Council
Ordinance No. 856 — SignS & Billboards
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
County of Riverside } SS
I am a citizen of the United States and a
resident of the County afor6aid; I am
over the age of eighteen ye rs, and not a
party to or interested in the above entitled
matter. I am the principal clerk of the
printer of
The Weekly Record Gazette
a newspaper of general circulation, printed
and published weekly in the City of Ban-
ning, County of Riverside and which
newspaper has been adjudged a newspa-
per of general circulation by the Superior
Court of the County of Riverside, State of
California, under date of
October 14, 1966 Case Number 54737
that the notice, of which the annexed is a
printed copy, has been published in each
regular and entire issue of Said newspaper
and not in any supplement thereof on the
following dates -to -wit.
2/20
all in the year 2004
I certify (or declare) under penalty of per-
jury that the foregoing is true and correct.
signature
Date 2/20/2004
at Riverside, California.
This space for County Clerk's Filing Stamp
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN, that the Beaumont
City Council conducted a
public hearing on Tuesday,
March 2, 2004 at approxi-
mately 6:00 p.m. in the
room 5 at the Beaumont
Civic Center, 550 E. 6th
Street, Beaumont,
California 92223, to
receive testimony and
comments from all inter-
ested persons regarding
the adoption of the follow-
ing matter(s):
Ordinance No. 856
AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BEAUMONT,
CALIFORNIA, REPEAL-
ING CHAPTER 17.60 OF
THE BEAUMONT MUNICI-
PAL CODE AND ADOPT-
ING ORDINANCE CHAP-
TER 17.61 PERTAINING
TO THE REGULATION OF
SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS
Date: February 11, 2004.
-s- Shelby Hanvey
Shelby Hanvey
Deputy City Clerk
Publish The Record
Gazette
No. 60
2./20, 2004
CHAPTER 17.61
SIGN REGULATIONS
Sections:
17.61.005 Purpose and Intent; Authority
17.61.007 Objectives
17.61.008 Basic Policies
17.61.010 Categorization of Signs
17.61.015 Definitions
17.61.020 Administration, Permits and Appeals
17.61.025 General Provisions
17.61.050 Signs Permitted in All Zones
17.61.100 Signs in Open Space, Residential and Agricultural Zones
17.61.105 Signs in Manufacturing Zones
17.61.110 Signs in General Commercial Zone
17.61.115 Signs in Special Commercial Areas
17.61.120 Sign Regulations for Planned Unit Development Zone
17.61.125 Sign Regulations for Specific Plan Area Zone
17.61.200 Design Standards for Signs
Chart Major Permitted Sign Types
17.61.005 PURPOSE, NEEDS AND GOALS, INTERESTS
SERVED.
A. Purpose.
It is the purpose of this Chapter to make the City attractive to residents, visitors and
commercial, industrial and professional businesses while maintaining economic stability
and vitality through an attractive signing program.
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B. Recognition of Needs; Goals.
The City recognizes the need for signs as a means to identify businesses and other
necessary and beneficial activities within the community. The City finds that signing 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 and other needs in the community. The City is striving to provide an
economically stable and visually attractive community through high quality site planning,
building designs, landscaping and signing. As a planned architectural feature, a sign
can be pleasing and can harmonize with the physical character of its environment.
Proper controls can achieve this goal and will make the City a more attractive place to
live, work and shop.
C. Interests Served.
The City enacts this chapter to serve many important governmental, city and community
interests, which include but are not limited to: community esthetics and the promotion of
the visual appeal of the city, promotion of economic activity, the promotion of safety for
motorists and pedestrians.
D. Authority.
The City enacts this Chapter pursuant to the authority granted by the State Legislature
and codified as Government Code section 65850.
17.61.007 OBJECTIVES.
The objectives of this chapter are:
A. To allow for signage which is effective to direct persons to various activities and
enterprises, in order to provide for public convenience;
B. To provide a reasonable system of controls for signs, to ensure the development
of a high quality visual and functional environment.
C. To encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing in appearance;
D. To encourage a desirable urban character which has a minimum of overhead
clutter;
E. To enhance the economic value of the community and each area thereof by
reasonably limiting the size, number, location, design and illumination of signs;
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F. To encourage signs which are compatible with on-site and adjacent land uses;
G. To help facilitate the establishment of identifiable special areas and enclaves in
the community and to enhance important historic elements in such areas;
H. To preclude potential traffic and safety hazards through good signing;
To protect the general public health, safety and welfare of the community.
J. To regulate signs in a manner consistent with the General Plan.
K. To regulate signs in a manner consistent with the free speech rights guaranteed
by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and the liberty of
speech and related provisions of the California Constitution.
17.61.008 BASIC POLICIES.
The policies stated in this section apply to all signs within the regulatory scope of this
Chapter, and to all provisions of this Chapter, notwithstanding any more specific
provisions to the contrary.
A. Enforcement Authority.
The Director of Planning is authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this
Chapter. The Director may designate one or more representatives of the department to
implement the provisions of this Chapter.
B. Permits - When Required.
No sign may be constructed, mounted, or displayed in the City unless the same is duly
permitted pursuant to this Chapter, or is exempt from permitting, either pursuant to this
Chapter or by other applicable law. In addition to the requirements of this Chapter, all
signs constructed, mounted or displayed within the City must also satisfy all applicable
safety codes (building, electrical, plumbing, grading, etc.) and all applicable
requirements of other bodies of law.
C. Message Neutrality.
It is the City's policy to regulate signs in a constitutional manner, which is content
neutral as to noncommercial signs and viewpoint neutral as to commercial signs.
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D. Message Substitution Policy.
Subject to the land owner's consent, any noncommercial message may be substituted,
in whole or in part, for any duly permitted or allowed commercial message or any duly
permitted or allowed noncommercial message, provided that the sign structure or
mounting device is legal without consideration of message content. Such substitution of
message may be made without any additional approval or permitting. This provision
prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary within this Chapter. The
purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech
over noncommercial speech, or any favoring of any particular noncommercial message
over any other noncommercial message. This provision does not create a right to
increase the total amount of signage on a parcel; it does not allow the substitution of an
offsite commercial message in place of an onsite commercial message, and it does not
affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be properly permitted.
E. Regulatory Interpretations.
All regulatory interpretations of this Chapter are to be exercised in light of the City's
message neutrality policy and message substitution policy. Where a particular type of
sign is proposed in a permit application, and the type is neither expressly allowed nor
prohibited by this Chapter, or whenever a sign does not qualify as a "structure" as
defined in the California Building Code, then the Director shall approve, conditionally
approve or disapprove the application based on the most similar sign type that is
expressly regulated by this Chapter.
F. Rules for Non -Communicative Aspects of Signs.
All rules and regulations concerning the non -communicative aspects of signs, such as
location, size, height, illumination, spacing, orientation, etc., stand enforceable
independently of any permit or approval process.
G. Billboard Policy.
The City Council finds that the City already has a sufficient number of billboards to
satisfy the community's needs for offsite commercial messages, and that any new or
additional billboards, which by their very nature cause serious esthetic harm, would
negatively impact the appearance of the City. For these reasons, the City completely
prohibits the construction, erection or use of any billboards, other than those which
legally exist in the City, or for which a valid permit has been issued and has not expired,
as of the date on which this provision is first adopted. The City adopts this policy
pursuant to California Government Code section 65850, and California Business and
Professions Code sections 5354(a) and 5408.3 (both effective January 1, 2003). No
permit shall be issued for any billboard which violates this policy, and the City will take
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immediate abatement action against any billboard constructed or maintained in violation
of this policy. The City Council affirmatively declares that it would have adopted this
billboard policy even if it were the only provision in this Chapter. The City Council
intends for this billboard policy to be severable and separately enforceable even if other
provision(s) of this Chapter may be declared, by a court of competent jurisdiction, to be
unconstitutional, invalid or unenforceable. This provision does not prohibit agreements
to relocate presently existing, legal billboards, as encouraged by California Business
and Professions Code section 5412.
H. Mixed or Multiple Use Zones.
In any zone where both residential and non-residential uses are allowed, whether such
zones are now existing or created in the future, the signage rights and responsibilities
applicable to any particular use shall be determined as follows: residential uses shall be
treated as if they were located in the residential use where that type of use would be
allowed as a matter of right, and nonresidential uses shall be treated as if they were
located in a zone where that particular use would be allowed, either as a matter of right
or subject to a conditional use permit or similar discretionary process.
Owner's Consent.
No sign may be displayed without the consent of the legal owner of the property on
which the sign is mounted or displayed. For purposes of this policy, `owner" means the
holder of the legal title to the property and all parties and persons holding a present right
to possession, control or use of the property.
J. Legal Nature of Signage Rights and Duties.
As to all signs attached to property, real or personal, the signage rights, duties and
obligations arising from this Chapter attach to and travel with the land or other property
on which a sign is mounted or displayed. This provision does not modify or affect the
law of fixtures, sign -related provisions in private leases regarding signs (so long as they
are not in conflict with this Chapter), or the ownership of sign structures.
K. Preservation of Existing Rights and Duties.
This Chapter does not abrogate any easements, covenants, or other existing
agreements which are more restrictive than the provisions of this Chapter.
L. Sign Programs.
Sign programs for specific developments, as well as special sign districts or special sign
overlay zones, or in specific plans of land uses, when approved as required by
applicable law, may modify the rules stated herein as to sign size, height, illumination,
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spacing, orientation or other noncommunicative aspects of signs, but may not override
or modify any of these Basic Policies. All the provisions of this section shall
automatically apply to and be deemed a part of any sign program approved after the
date on which this provision is initially adopted.
M. Severance.
If any section, sentence, clause, phrase, word, portion or provision of this Chapter is
held invalid or, unconstitutional, or unenforceable, by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect, impair, or invalidate any other section,
sentence, clause, phrase, word, portion, or provision of this Chapter which can be given
effect without the invalid portion. In adopting this Chapter, the City Council affirmatively
declares that it would have approved and adopted the Chapter even without any portion
which may be held invalid or unenforceable.
17.61.010 CATEGORIZATION OF SIGNS.
For purposes of this Chapter, signs within the City shall be classified in one or more of
the following categories:
A. Animated Sign. A sign designed to attract attention through movement or the
semblance of movement of the whole or any part including, but not limited to,
signs which swing, twirl, move back and forth or up and down; or signs which
change color or shades of color or any other method or device which suggests
movement.
B. Announcement or Bulletin Board Sign. Signs, permanent in character, designed
and constructed to accept changeable copy, handbills, posters and other
temporary materials of a similar nature.
C. Awning Sign. A sign painted or printed on the exterior surface of and awning. An
alternative to a wall sign, permitted as same.
D. Banner. A fabric or fabric -like material on which an advertising message is
painted or otherwise affixed.
E. Billboard. A permanent structure sign used for the display of offsite commercial
messages.
F. Construction Sign. A sign mounted on the site of a construction or remodeling
project, for which a building permit is required and has been issued, displayed
during the time period beginning with the issuance of the building permit and
ending with the earliest of any of the following: expiration of the building permit,
issuance of a certificate of occupancy, certificate of completion, final inspection,
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or the functional equivalent of any of them.
G. Directional Sign. A sign which provides directional information for drivers,
pedestrians, and travelers.
H. Electronic Message Sign. A sign with the capability of presenting variable
message displays by projecting an electronically controlled light pattern against a
contrasting background and which can be programmed to change the message
display periodically.
Flag. A device, generally made of fabric or flexible materials, (usually cloth,
paper or plastic), which displays visual images or symbols, typically those of
governments, religions, causes, or organizations.
J. Flashing Signs. Lighted signs which disappear and reappear at periodic intervals,
or are intermittently on and off, and which are placed so as to attract vehicular
traffic with emphasis on the recurrence of lights. This definition includes beacons,
searchlights, and klieg lights only when they are used for commercial purposes.
K. Monument Sign. A sign with an overall height of six (6) feet or less, standing
directly on the ground or on a base where the supporting poles or structures, if
any, are covered from public view.
L. Nameplate. Signs identifying the occupant of the premises, the business and/or
address.
M. Off-site sign. A sign which advertises or informs in any manner businesses,
services, goods, persons or events at some location other than that upon which
the sign is located. The onsite / offsite distinction applies only to commercial
messages.
N. Painted sign. A sign painted or mounted on the exterior surface of a building or
structure.
O. Pennant. A display device, usually triangular in shape and made of flexible
materials, such as cloth, paper or plastic, used primarily to attract attention of
passersby.
P. Pole or Pylon Sign. A sign with an overall height exceeding six feet and
supported by one or more poles or pylons attached directly into or upon the
ground.
Q. Portable Sign. A sign designed and constructed so as to be easily moved. Such
signs are usually not to a building or anchored to the ground. Common types
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include "A" frame signs, sandwich board signs, and sidewalk signs.
R. Poster Sign. Any sign attached to the ground in a manner approved by the
building official, which may be visible from adjacent streets or highways.
S. Projecting Sign. A sign which is suspended from or supported by a building or
wall and which projects outward from such building or wall a distance of twelve
inches or more. Contrast: wall sign.
T. Real Estate Sign. A sign which displays information regarding an economic
exchange of which land or improvements thereon is the subject. Such signs are
usually temporary in physical structure and display messages such as "for sale,"
"for rent," etc. A sign which announces vacancies at hotels, motels, and other
places of short term accommodation are not within this definition.
U. Revolving Sign. A sign or a portion thereof, which rotates or revolves.
V. Roof Sign. A sign supported by or attached to or projecting through the roof of
a building or structure, or projecting above the eave line or parapet wall of the
building or structure.
W. Temporary Sign. A sign which, by virtue of its lightweight or flimsy
construction, is not suitable for long term display. Common temporary signs
include banners, pennant valances, streamers, advertising balloon, inflated or air
activated advertising devices, search lights, beacons, moving stuffed animals, or
advertising displays constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, plastic, paper,
cardboard, wallboard, wood or other light or similar materials used for advertising
purposes attached to or pinned on or from any structure, staff, pole, line, framing,
vehicle or other object.
X. Under Canopy Sign. A sign attached to the underside of a projecting canopy
perpendicular to the building frontage, commonly used for identifying the land
use at that location.
Y. Vehicle Signs. Signs on or affixed to trucks, vans, automobiles, trailers, or other
vehicles which advertise or provide direction to a use or activity not related to its
lawful making of deliveries or sales of merchandise or rendering of service from
such vehicles.
Z. Wall Sign. A sign which is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall of a
building or structure, the exposed face of which is in a plane approximately
parallel to the plane of the wall and which projects not more than twelve inches
from the building or structure wall. Contrast: projecting sign.
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AA. Window Sian. A sign painted, attached, glued or otherwise affixed to a window,
which is easily visible from the exterior of the building.
17.61.015 DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Chapter, the following words and phrases have the meanings
stated in this section.
A. Administrator. Same as Director.
B. Advertising Structure. A structure of any kind or character, erected or
maintained for outdoor advertising purposes, upon which any poster bill, printing,
painting or other advertisement of any kind whatsoever may be placed for
advertising purposes.
C. Area of Sign. The area of a sign shall include the entire area within a series of
rectangles (maximum four per visual plane) whose outermost borders are
defined by the outermost extent of any writing, representation, emblem, figure,
character or separate sign surface. When letters comprising a sign message are
placed on a background or field which is different in color or materials from the
architectural features of the building on which the sign is mounted, the sign area
shall be calculated as the entire area comprising the overall sign feature. In the
case of a two-sided sign, the area shall be computed as including only the
maximum single display surface which is visible from any ground position at one
time. The supports or uprights on which any sign is supported should not be
included in determining the sign area unless such supports or uprights are
designed in such a manner as to form an integral background of the sign. In the
case of any cylindrical or spherical sign, the total area shall be computed on the
total area of the surface of the sign.
D. Awning. Either a fabric covered appendage or a temporary collapsible shelter of
noncombustible materials supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building
and used to create shade. Such a device is considered a sign only when it is also
used to display an image or message.
E. Canopy. A fixed overhead shelter used as a roof, which may or may not be
attached to a building. Such a device is also a sign only when it is also used to
display an image or message.
F. Changeable Copy. Sign display copy which may be changed without altering the
physical structure or mounting device of the sign itself.
G. Commercial Complex. Any group of three (3) or more commercial uses on a
parcel or combination of contiguous parcels which are generally served either by
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common access or common parking, or a large single commercial us
at least two and one-half
(2 YZ) acres with a minimum of 200 feet of street frontage.
H. Commercial message. A message displayed on a sign which primaril
business, commercial or economic interests, or which proposes an e
transaction. Commercial messages may be onsite or offsite; howeve
/ offsite distinction applies only to commercial messages.
Development. A building wherein two or more separate independentl
operated establishments are located.
J. Director. The City's Planning Director.
K. Establishment. Any non-residential use of land involving permanent
buildings.
L.
M.
N. Frontage of the Parcel. On a lot with more than one frontage on a pu
the front footage of the parcel shall be determined by the measurem:
larger or largest frontage on a public street.
O. Height of a sign. The distance from the average ground level immedi
surrounding the base of the sign to the top of its highest element, inc
structural or architectural element. Landscape mounding shall not be
artificially alter the height of a sign.
occupying
concerns
onomic
, the onsite
owned or
tructures or
Face of Building. The wall of a building, excluding any appurtenance., such as
projecting fins, columns, pilasters, canopies, marquees, showcases .f
decorations, but including any required parapet wall.
Frontage. The length of a lot along a street or other principal public t
but not including such length along an alley, railroad or freeway.
P. Hospital or Medical Center Complex. Any group of medical or hospit.
under single ownership on a parcel or combination of parcels that co
minimum of twenty (20) acres or more.
Q. Industrial Complex. Any group of three (3) or more industrial uses on
combination of parcels which are generally served either by common
common parking, or single industrial use occupying at least one hun
thousand (100,000) square feet of floor area.
R. Landscaped Planter. An area specifically designated for plant mater
may be at, below or above grade.
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oroughfare,
lic street,
nt of the
tely
uding any
used to
I buildings
tain a
a parcel or
access or
red
als which
S. Line of Sight. The point of visibility from the street to an object, e.g., sign. The
longer the line of sight, the further the sign is visible from the street.
T. Luminous sign. A sign that emits light.
U. Mansard Roof. A sloped, decorative roof element attached to the face of a
building wall.
V. Noncommercial message. A message or image displayed on a sign which
concerns matters not included within the definition of commercial message.
Noncommercial messages typically consist of expressions on the topics of
politics, religion, philosophy, morals, and public controversies. The onsite / offsite
distinction applies only to commercial messages.
W. Offsite or off -premises sign. A sign whose message does not pertain or relate to
the premises upon which the sign structure is mounted or constructed. The
onsite / offsite distinction applies only to commercial messages.
X. Onsite or on -premise. As pertaining to signs, a message which concerns or
relates to the same premises as that upon which the sign is mounted or
displayed. The onsite / offsite distinction applies only to commercial messages.
Y. Office Complex. Any group of three or more office uses on a parcel or
combination of parcels which are generally served either by common access or
common parking.
Z. Primary Street Frontage. The street frontage from which the majority of the
pedestrian or vehicular traffic is drawn or toward which the building or buildings
are oriented for primary visual impact. Each commercial complex or shopping
center shall be allowed to designate only one primary street frontage. Where no
single street frontage can be identified as the primary street frontage, or in cases
of dispute as to which street frontage is the primary street frontage, the Planning
Director shall designate the primary street frontage in conjunction with the review
of proposed signs.
AA. Secondary Street Frontage. A street frontage other than a primary street
frontage.
BB. Shopping Center. Same as commercial complex.
CC. Sign. Any device, fixture, placard or structure, including its component parts,
which draws attention to an object, product, place, activity, opinion, person,
institution, organization, or place of business, or which identifies or promotes the
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interests of any person and which is to be viewed from any public street, road,
highway, right-of-way or parking area. However, the following are not within the
definition of "sign" for regulatory purposes of this Chapter:
1. Interior signs: Signs or other visual communicative devices that are
located entirely within a building or other enclosed structure and are not
visible from the exterior thereof, provided the building or enclosed
structure is otherwise legal;
2. Architectural features: Decorative or architectural features of buildings (not
including lettering, trademarks or moving parts);
3. Symbols embedded in architecture: Symbols of noncommercial
organizations or concepts including, but not limited to, religious or political
symbols, when such are permanently integrated into the structure of a
permanent building which is otherwise legal;
4. Personal appearance: Items or devices of personal apparel, decoration or
appearance, including tattoos, makeup, costumes (but not including
commercial mascots);
5. Manufacturers' marks: Marks on tangible products, which identify the
maker, seller, provider or product, and which customarily remain attached
to the product even after sale;
6. Fireworks, etc.: the legal use of fireworks, candles and artificial lighting not
otherwise regulated by this Chapter;
7. Mass transit signage: Advertisements or banners mounted on trains or
duly licensed mass transit vehicles that legally pass through the City;
8. Certain insignia on vehicles and vessels: On street legal vehicles and
properly licensed watercraft: license plates, license plate frames,
registration insignia, noncommercial messages, messages relating to the
business of which the vehicle or vessel is an instrument or tool (not
including general advertising) and messages relating to the proposed sale,
lease or exchange of the vehicle or vessel;
9. Gravestones or grave markers.
10. Newsracks and newsstands
DD. Sian Structure. The supports, uprights, bracings, guy rods, cables and other
structural framework of a sign or outdoor display.
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EE. Window Area. The total area of a window upon which signs, images or messages
may be mounted. A group of window panes or panels can be considered one
window if they are adjoining on the building face and are less than six (6) inches
apart.
17.61.020 ADMINISTRATION, PERMITS AND APPEALS
A. Sign Permit Required. A sign permit shall be required prior to the placing,
erecting, moving or reconstructing of any sign in the City, unless the subject sign
is expressly exempted from the permit requirement by this Chapter or other
applicable law. Signs requiring a permit shall comply with the provisions of this
Chapter and all other applicable laws and ordinances.
B. Permit - Method of Application. An application for a sign permit shall be made on
forms as prescribed by the Director. Such an application shall be filed with the
Planning Department. The application shall be accompanied by any fees or
bonds as specified by City Council resolution.
C. Permit Application - Contents. A sign permit application shall contain the location
by street and number of the proposed sign structure, as well as the name and
address of the owner and the sign contractor or erector. Three copies of the
plans, fully dimensioned, shall be filed with the application, including:
Plot plan, fully dimensioned, showing location of all buildings and
improvements and the location of each proposed sign together with the location,
size and height of all existing signs on the premises/site. The street frontage shall
be clearly indicated on the plan.
2. Elevation plan, fully dimensioned, showing height and size of each
proposed sign, colors, method of illumination and materials of construction, and if
a wall sign, the exact location on the face of the building.
3. Structural details and circulations prepared and signed by an engineer or
architect registered in the State. Such details shall be required when the area of
the sign exceeds five square feet and the height of the sign exceeds six feet.
4. A statement by the owner of the proposed sign as to whether the sign is to
display commercial or noncommercial messages, or both, and whether the
display face will be permanent, changeable, or a permanent structure with
changeable elements. If the proposed sign is to be used to display commercial
messages, then the applicant shall also state whether the message is to be
onsite or offsite.
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D. Purpose and Method of Review. The purpose of a permit is to ensure compliance
with the provisions of this Chapter. After receipt of a complete sign application,
the Director shall render a decision to approve, approve with modifications or
conditions, or deny the sign request within fifteen working days. Unless the
applicant waives time, failure of the Director to issue a written decision within
fifteen working days shall constitute denial of the application. Such a review shall
ensure that any sign proposal is in conformance with this Chapter and is
consistent with its intent and purpose. In the event that the application is
approved with modifications or conditions, those requirements shall not be based
upon the proposed message content, sign copy, or design of the visual display of
the sign.
E. Appeals. All sign permit applications shall be initially reviewed by the Director.
When the Director issues a decision on a sign permit application, or when the
time for doing so has expired without a written decision, then the applicant or any
concerned person may appeal first to the Planning Commission and then to the
City Council. Appeal is effected by filing a written notice thereof with the City
Clerk, and paying the applicable appeal fee as set by Resolution of the City
Council. In each case, written notice of appeal must be filed with the City Clerk
within ten days of when the decision was delivered or sent to applicant and all
known concerned persons, or the last day on which a decision should have been
timely rendered. In each case, the appellate body must conduct a hearing and
consider evidence, and render a written decision within thirty days. In the cases
of appeal to the Planning Commission and the City Council, the hearing must
follow normal procedures for agendizing and giving public notice. Unless time is
waived by the applicant, any permit or approval on which the city does not render
a definite decision within the required time shall be deemed denied, and the time
for appeal or filing judicial review shall commence on the last date on which the
city could have issued a decision.
F. Judicial Review. Following final decision by the City Council, any concerned
person may seek judicial review of the final decision on a sign permit application
pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.8.
G. Multiple Sign Applications. When an application proposes two or more signs, the
application may be granted either in whole or in part, with separate decisions as
to each proposed sign. When an application is denied in whole or in part, the
Director's written notice of determination shall specify the grounds for such
denial.
H. Revocation or Cancellation. The Director shall revoke any approval upon refusal
of the holder thereof to comply with the provisions of this Chapter and / or the
terms or conditions of any permit, after written notice of noncompliance and at
least fifteen (15) days opportunity to cure.
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Permits Issued in Error. Any approval or permit issued in error may be summarily
revoked at any time before substantial work in reliance upon the permit has been
accomplished, by the City upon written notice to the holder of the reason for the
revocation.
J. Interpretation of Provisions. Whenever the application of this Chapter is
uncertain, the Director may refer the matter to the Planning Commission for
determination. All interpretations are to be made in light of the Basic Policies
section of this Chapter.
K. Variances. Applications for a variance from the terms of this Chapter shall be
reviewed by the Planning Commission according to the variance procedures set
forth in the Zoning Ordinance; however, variances shall be considered without
reference to the proposed content, copy, or message of the proposed sign (other
than the onsite / offsite distinction for commercial messages).
L. Uniform Sign Program. All applications for approval of signs in a shopping center,
commercial, industrial or office complex, a group of three (3) or more businesses
on a parcel or project site or for commercial recreation uses shall be submitted in
the form of Uniform Sign Program accompanied by sketches and drawings to
scale and dimensions showing details of construction, including connections and
electrical plans, if any, and shall delineate the typical size, shape, design,
material, coloring, lettering, lighting and position of the signage in relationship to
the building form or place where it will be displayed. Scaled sketches of existing
signs on the premises shall accompany the application.
(1) Motorists' line of sight. All sign locations shall be safe for traffic sight
purposes. A sight distance study may be required with each monument or
pylon sign being proposed in the Uniform Sign Program when located next
to any right-of-way, sidewalk, driveway, or as designated by the Planning
Director.
(2) Program approval. All sign programs shall be filed and reviewed as
provided in this Chapter. Such Uniform Sign Programs shall be developed
in full compliance with the requirements of this Chapter. No sign shall be
installed which does not conform to the approved Uniform Sign Program.
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17.61.025 GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. Exempt signs.
Subject to the qualifications and conditions stated in this section, the following signs are
exempt from the application, permit and fee requirements of this Chapter. However, the
exemption from the sign permit requirement does not exempt the proposed sign from
safety code permitting, such as building, electrical, plumbing, grading permits, etc.
(1) Permanent window signs not exceeding four (4) square feet and limited to
business identification, hours of -operation, address and emergency
information only;
(2) Real estate signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in area of five (5) feet
in height, maximum one sign per parcel or lot, provided it is unlit and is
removed within fifteen (15) days after the close of escrow or the rental or
lease has been accomplished;
Contractor or construction signs: One sign shall be permitted on a
construction or remodeling site. The sign may not exceed thirty-two (32)
square feet unless a larger sign is required by another body of law, in
which case the smallest sign conforming to the law shall be used. The
construction sign may not exceed eight (8) feet in overall height, and shall
be set back from the property line by at least (10) feet. Construction signs
must be removed at the earliest of: issuance of certificate of occupancy,
certificate of completion, or final inspection checkoff, or their functional
equivalent.
(4) Future tenant identification sign: Future tenant identification signs may be
placed on vacant or developing property to advertise the future use of the
property and where this information may be obtained. Such sign shall be
limited to one per street frontage and to a maximum of thirty-two (32)
square feet in area and eight (8) feet in overall height for parcels
containing ten (10) acres or less. For parcels greater than ten acres, one
sign is permitted for every six hundred (600) feet of street frontage and is
limited to sixty-four (64) square feet in area per side and fifteen (15) feet in
overall height. Such signs may also be placed along the freeway at one
thousand (1000) foot intervals, not to exceed one hundred fifty (150)
square feet in area per side and twenty (20) feet in overall height. Further,
such signs shall be placed no less than en (10) feet from any property line.
Any such sign shall be removed upon completion of such project;
(3)
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(5)
Real estate signs on industrial, commercial or agricultural property: One
sign per street frontage not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet; no such
sign shall exceed eight (8) feet in overall height and shall be set back from
the property line at least ten (10) feet. Where a property has in excess of
six hundred (600) lineal feet of frontage, one additional sign is permitted
for each six hundred (600) lineal feet of street frontage.
(6) Real estate signs on residential properties: one sign not exceeding 8
square feet in area per display face, not more than two display faces,
maximum height five feet, setback from the property line - at least five
feet.
(7) Memorial tablets, plaques, or directional signs for community historical
resources, installed by a recognized historical society or civic organization;
(8) Directional signs not exceeding three (3) square feet in area;
(9) Residential building identification signs used to identify individual
residences and not exceeding two (2) square feet;
(10) Official and legal notices issued by the court, public body, person or officer
in performance of his public duty or in giving any legal notice;
(11) Directional, warning, identification, or informational signs or structures
required or authorized by law or by federal, State, County or City authority;
(12) Flags. Flags on commercial, industrial or agricultural properties: maximum
number of flags: four; maximum number of flag poles: two; maximum
height of flag poles: 25 feet; maximum area of all flags combined: 100
square feet (measured one side only). Flags on residential properties:
maximum number of flags: four; maximum number of flag poles: one;
maximum height of flag pole: not higher than the top of the roof of the
residential structure; maximum area of all flags combined: 60 square feet.
No flags displaying commercial messages, images or symbols may be
displayed in residential zones.
(13) Signs of public utility companies, indicating danger or which serve as an
aid to public safety or which show location of underground facilities or
public telephones;
(14) Safety signs on construction sites;
(15) Political etc. Signs displaying political or other noncommercial messages
may be displayed on private property in any zone at any time under the
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message substitution policy of this Chapter. In residential zones and on
legal residential uses, in addition to the flag allowance, temporary or
permanent signs displaying political or other noncommercial messages
may be displayed at any time, subject to: maximum number of signs: not
limited; maximum size of any one size (measured one side only): eight
square feet; maximum area of all signs combined: sixteen square feet;
however, these limits on size, number and total area (but not height) may
be doubled during the time period which commences 45 days before and
ends 10 days after any general or special election.
(16) Temporary window signs for any establishment in a commercial zone, and
for commercial uses in industrial or industrial / business park zones when
approved as part of a Uniform Sign Program, are allowed without permit
subject to:
(a) Maximum window sign: thirty (30) percent of the window area (on
multi -story buildings, only the windows on the first floor may be
counted), but in no event may window signs exceed one hundred
fifty (150) square feet per street frontage.
(b) The placement of the sign shall be located on the first floor only on
multi -story buildings, and shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height
above finished grade on one- story buildings.
(c) No temporary window sign shall be displayed continuously for more
than thirty (30) days.
(d) Paper signs which advertise "weekly specials" and similar signs
which are rotated on a regular basis, shall have a fastening device
for a more permanent look.
(17) Residential garage or yard sale signs are allowed without permit subject to
the following requirements:
(a) A permit for the garage and yard sale shall be obtained prior to the
erection of any signs for such event.
(b) A maximum of three (3) signs are permitted.
(c) Signs shall be limited to a maximum size of three (3) square feet
each.
(d) Signs shall only be placed on private property, and not in the public
right-of-way or on utility poles.
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B.
C.
(e) Signs shall only be erected on the day of the event as permitted
and shall be removed at sunset each day.
Prohibited Signs. The signs described in this subsection are prohibited,
unless some other more specific provision in this Chapter or other applicable law
makes them allowable, either by permit or exemption from the permit
requirement.
(1) Roof signs;
(2) Flashing signs, except time and temperature signs;
(3) Animated signs;
(4) Revolving signs;
(5) Portable signs;
(6) Off-site commercial signs on permanent structures;
(7) Signs on the public right-of-way, except where required by a governmental
agency;
(8) Signs blocking doors or fire escapes;
(9) Light bulb strings and exposed tubing, except for temporary uses such as
Christmas tree lots;
(10) Banners, flags, pennants and balloons, except for special events as
provided for in this Chapter
(11) Inflatable signs or signs designed to be air activated, floated or flown,
including balloons used for commercial advertising purposes, kites or
other serial signs that are made of any electrically conducive material.
(12) Signs, posters, advertisements, etc., attached to utility poles, shall be
prohibited.
Roof Signs. Roof signs may be used only in the event no other signing
alternatives are available. Roof signs may be permitted if architecturally designed
and built into the roof structure. Such design shall be compatible in design and
materials with the building.
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D.
E.
Signs Related to Inoperative Establishments. Signs promoting activities or
establishments which are no longer in operation shall be removed from the
premises or the sign copy shall be removed or obliterated within sixty (60) days
after the premises has been vacated. Any such sign not removed within the
specified time shall constitute a nuisance and shall be subject to removal under
the provisions of this Chapter.
Enforcement, Penalties and Abatement.
(1) Any violation of this Chapter shall be deemed to be a continuing violation
until the violation has been corrected.
(2) Violation of any of the provisions of this section shall constitute a nuisance
and a Zoning ordinance violation.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, the City Attorney,
upon the direction of the City Council, may commence an action in a court
of competent jurisdiction to obtain an injunction prohibiting the
construction, erection, maintenance or display, or requiring the removal, of
any sign which is in violation of any of the provisions of this section. In
any such action, the City shall be entitled to recover its costs and its
reasonable attorney's fees.
(4) The owner or other person entitled to possession of a sign which is
removed, stored and/or destroyed pursuant to any provision of this section
shall be liable to the City for the cost of the removal, storage and/or
destruction and the City may recover the same through an action
commenced in a court of competent jurisdiction together with the City's
court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.
(5)
Any illegal sign within the public right-of-way is found and declared to be a
public nuisance, and such sign may be abated by the City as follows:
(a) If the address of the owner or other person entitled to possession of
the sign is known, notice of the City's intention to remove and
destroy the sign, stating the date after which sign will be removed
and destroyed, shall be mailed to the owner or other person entitled
to possession by certified mail, return receipt requested at least ten
days before the date. If the address of the owner or other person
entitled to possession is not known, the notice shall be affixed in a
conspicuous place on said sign at least ten days before the date.
The notice shall also set forth the provisions of this section.
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(b) The owner or other person entitled to possession of the sign may,
before the removal date stated in the notice, file a written request
for hearing with the Planning Department. The request shall identify
the sign and its location, state the name and address of the owner
or other person entitled to possession and set forth in detail the
contentions why the sign should not be removed and destroyed.
(c) If a request for hearing is filed, the Planning Commission shall hear
the matter at a regularly scheduled meeting held not more than
thirty (30) days thereafter. After the hearing, the Planning
Commission shall determine whether or not the sign is an illegal
sign within the public right-of-way. The written decision of the
Planning Commission shall be rendered within ten days after the
hearing and a copy of the decision shall be mailed to the owner or
other person entitled to possession within seven days thereafter.
Unless a notice of appeal is filed as provided for in this Chapter, the
decision of the Planning Commission shall become final ten (10)
days after mailing.
(d) The owner or other person entitled to possession may file a notice
of appeal with the City Clerk within ten (10) days after the date of
mailing of the Planning Commission's decision. If a timely notice of
appeal is filed, the matter shall be heard by the City Council at a
regular meeting scheduled not more than thirty (30) days thereafter.
After hearing, the City Council shall determine whether or not the
sign is an illegal sign within the public right-of-way. The written
decision of the City Council shall be rendered within ten (10) days
after the hearing and a copy of the decision shall be mailed to the
owner or other person entitled to possession within seven days
thereafter. The decision of the City Council becomes final ten (10)
days after mailing.
(e) Unless the owner or other person entitled to possession of the sign,
on or before the removal date stated in the notice described in this
section, files a written request for hearing with the Planning
Department, the City may, at any time after said date, remove and
destroy the sign. If a written request for hearing is filed then upon
any final decision of the Planning Commission or the City Council
determining that the sign is an illegal sign within the public right-of-
way, the City may remove and destroy the sign.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Chapter to the contrary, any
illegal sign within the public right-of-way which constitutes a hazard
to pedestrian or vehicular traffic may be removed immediately and
(f)
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stored by the City, at the expense of the owner, or other person
entitled to possession, pending completion of the notification and
hearing procedures set forth in this section.
F. Construction and Maintenance of Signs.
G.
(1) Every sign and all parts, portions, and materials shall be manufactured,
assembled and erected in compliance with all applicable State, federal,
and City regulations, the Uniform Building Code and the National Electrical
Code.
(2) 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
unmentioned or damaged portion of a sign shall be repaired or replaced
within thirty days following notification by the City. Noncompliance with
such a request will constitute a zoning violation and will be enforced as
such.
Flags. Commercial flags and banners are permitted in conjunction with an
approved residential subdivision sales office or a commercial office, or an
industrial leasing office. Such flags shall conform to the following provisions:
(1) A maximum of six (6) may be used.
(2) The flags or banners shall be no higher than fifteen (18) feet.
(3) The flags or banners shall be displayed in the immediate vicinity of the
sales/leasing office. In no case shall the flags be allowed within the public
right-of-way.
(4) In the case of a residential subdivision office, the flags may be maintained
as long as a valid operating permit for the sales office remains in effect.
(5)
In the case of a commercial office, or industrial leasing office, the flags
may be maintained until seventy-five percent (75%) of the spaces have
been leased.
(6) The maximum size of any one flag shall not exceed three fifteen square
feet. All flags shall be maintained in good condition; torn or worn flags
shall be replaced.
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H. Roof signs may be used only in the event no other signing alternatives are
available. Roof signs may be permitted if architecturally designed and built into the roof
structure. Such design shall be compatible in design and materials with the building.
Inoperative establishments. Signs pertaining to activities or businesses which
are no longer in operation shall be removed from the premises or the sign copy shall be
removed or obliterated within sixty (60) days after the premises has been vacated. Any
such sign not removed within the specified time shall constitute a nuisance and shall be
subject to removal under the provisions of this chapter.
J. Enforcement, penalties and abatement.
(1) any violation of the provisions of this section shall be deemed to be a continuing
violation until the violation has been corrected.
(2) violation of any of the provisions of this section shall constitute a nuisance and a
zoning ordinance violation.
notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the city attorney, upon the
order of the city council, may commence an action in a court of competent
jurisdiction to obtain an injunction prohibiting the construction, erection,
maintenance or display, or requiring the removal, of any sign which is in violation
of any of the provisions of this section. In any such action, the city shall be
entitled to recover its costs and its reasonable attorney's fees.
(3)
(4) the owner or other person entitled to possession of a sign which is removed,
stored and/or destroyed pursuant to any provision of this section shall be liable to
the city for the cost of the removal, storage and/or destruction and the city may
recover the same through an action commenced in a court of competent
jurisdiction together with the city's court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.
any illegal sign within the public right-of-way is found and declared to be a public
nuisance, and such sign may be abated by the city as follows:
(a) if the address of the owner or other person entitled to possession of the
sign is known, notice of the city's intention to remove and destroy the sign,
stating the date after which sign will be removed and destroyed, shall be
mailed to the owner or other person entitled to possession by certified
mail, return receipt requested at least ten days before the date. If the
address of the owner or other person entitled to possession is not known,
the notice shall be affixed in a conspicuous place on said sign at least ten
days before the date. The notice shall also set forth the provisions of this
section.
(5)
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(b) the owner or other person entitled to possession of the sign may, before
the removal date stated in the notice, file a written request for hearing with
the planning department. The request shall identify the sign and its
location, state the name and address of the owner or other person entitled
to possession and set forth in detail the contentions why the sign should
not be removed and destroyed.
(c) if a request for hearing is filed, the planning commission shall hear the
matter at a regularly scheduled meeting held not more than thirty (30)
days thereafter. After the hearing, the planning commission shall
determine whether or not the sign is an illegal sign within the public right-
of-way. The written decision of the planning commission shall be rendered
within ten days after the hearing and a copy of the decision shall be
mailed to the owner or other person entitled to possession within seven
days thereafter. Unless a notice of appeal is filed as provided for in this
chapter, the decision of the planning commission shall become final ten
(10) days after mailing.
(d) the owner or other person entitled to possession may file a notice of
appeal with the city clerk within ten (10) days after the date of mailing of
the planning commission's decision. If a timely notice of appeal is filed, the
matter shall be heard by the city council at a regular meeting scheduled
not more than thirty (30) days thereafter. After hearing, the city council
shall determine whether or not the sign is an illegal sign within the public
right-of-way. The written decision of the city council shall be rendered
within ten (10) days after the hearing and a copy of the decision shall be
mailed to the owner or other person entitled to possession within seven
days thereafter. The decision of the city council becomes final ten (10)
days after mailing.
(e) unless the owner or other person entitled to possession of the sign, on or
before the removal date stated in the notice described in this section, files
a written request for hearing with the planning department, the city may, at
any time after said date, remove and destroy the sign. If a written request
for hearing is filed then upon any final decision of the planning commission
or the city council determining that the sign is an illegal sign within the
public right-of-way, the city may remove and destroy the sign.
notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, any illegal
sign within the public right-of-way which constitutes a hazard to pedestrian
or vehicular traffic may be removed immediately and stored by the city, at
the expense of the owner, or other person entitled to possession, pending
completion of the notification and hearing procedures set forth in this
section.
(f)
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K. Construction and maintenance of signs.
(1) Code compliance. Every sign and all parts, portions, and materials shall be
manufactured, assembled and erected in compliance with all applicable state, federal,
and city regulations, the uniform building code and the national electrical code.
(2) Maintenance. 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 unmentioned or damaged portion of a sign shall be
repaired or replaced within thirty days following notification by the city. Noncompliance
with such a request will constitute a zoning violation and will be enforced as such.
L. Flags and banners on subdivision sales officers, etc. Flags and banners are
permitted in conjunction with approved residential subdivision sales office or a
commercial office, or an industrial leasing office. Such flags shall conform to the
following provisions:
(1) A maximum of six (6) may be used;
(2) The flags or banners shall be no higher than fifteen (15) feet;
(3) The flags shall be displayed in the immediate vicinity of the sales/leasing office.
In no case shall the flags be allowed within the public right-of-way;
(4) In the case of a residential subdivision office, the flags can be maintained as long
as a valid operating permit for the sales office has been granted.
In the case of a commercial office, or industrial leasing office, the flags may be
maintained until seventy-five percent (75%) of the spaces have been leased;
(6) The maximum size of each flag or banner shall not exceed three (3) feet by five
(5) feet and all shall be maintained in good condition. Torn or worn flags shall be
replaced.
17.61.050 SIGNS PERMITTED IN ALL ZONES
A. Permitted Signs—Generally.
Sign permits shall be issued for signs included under this section, provided the signs
are in compliance with the qualifications stated in this section, and all other applicable
laws and ordinances.
(5)
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B. Directional Signs.
(1) Private party directional signs shall be designed, constructed and mounted so as
to be viewed from on-site or from an area adjacent to the site by pedestrians or
motorists while parking their automobile.
(2) Private party directional signs may not contain commercial advertising material.
(3) Private party directional signs are not be allowed within the public right-of-way.
(4) private party directional signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area, per
side. In the case of a ground sign, the overall height shall not exceed four (4)
feet.
C. Special Event Signs.
Special event signs shall be permitted when they comply with the provisions of this
subsection. Such signs are permitted for a limited period of time in any zoning district in
connection with a special temporary event, such as (by way of example and not
limitation), grand openings, parades, marches, demonstrations, carnivals, festivals,
charitable events, special holiday season displays, etc., when such events comply with
all applicable laws. Applicants for a special event signs shall submit a letter to the
director which describes the proposed event by location, area and time duration. The
application shall be processed in the same manner, and subject to the same appellate
procedures, as an application for a sign permit. Special event sign permits shall be
limited to the following provisions:
(1) No more than one special event sign shall be permitted per special event; such
sign shall be either a wall, window or ground sign, or may be in the form of a
banner or pennant.
(2) The special event sign shall be a maximum of fifty (50) square feet in area
(measured one side) and shall be posted below the roof or shall be no higher
than eight (8) feet in the case of a ground sign.
Special event signs shall be limited to cumulative total of forty-five (45) days per
calendar year. As to any one special event, the sign may be on display not more
than fourteen calendar days preceding the event, and not more than three
calendar days after the conclusion of the event. However, in the case of special
commercial events and promotional sales, the maximum display time for any
single event is fifteen calendar days.
(3)
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E. Permitted Signs—On-site Subdivision Signs. Onsite subdivisions may display
signs which conform to the following:
(1) One temporary on-site subdivision sign not to exceed sixty-four (64) square feet
total for two (2) sides or thirty-two (32) square feet for one side and a total overall
height of fifteen (15) feet may be permitted on each primary street frontage of the
property being subdivided, not to exceed two (2) such signs for all phases of any
subdivision (interior streets of the subdivision are not recognized as a main street
frontage).
(2) Such signs shall be removed within ten (10) days from the date of the final sale
of the land and/or residences.
(3) Signs shall be maintained in good repair at all times.
(4) A cash deposit of five hundred dollars ($500.00) per sign shall be deposited with
the sign application to ensure compliance with this section and removal of such
sign. The deposit shall be refunded to the applicant upon sign removal by the
applicant. If the city is forced to remove any signs, then the cost of removal shall
be deducted from the deposit.
F. Permitted Signs— Temporary Subdivision Directional Signs. The following signs
may be permitted in any zoning district subject to the provisions listed:
(1) A maximum of six (6) signs may be used to lead customers to the site.
(2) Signs shall be no larger than 600 square inches and shall be grouped on a two-
sided sign structure as shown in exhibit a. the city may, from time to time,
develop or amend the design details for this sign structure.
(3) A sign structure shall be located not less than six hundred (600) feet from an
existing or previously approved sign site. Further, each sign may only contain the
name of the subdivision, and a directional arrow as shown on exhibit b.
(4) The placement of each sign structure shall be reviewed and approved by the
Director, who shall base the decision on non -communicative aspects of the sign.
(5) Signs placed on private property shall require the written consent of the property
owner, to be filed with the planning director prior to issuance of a permit. Signs in
the public right-of-way shall be reviewed and approved by the public works
director prior to issuance of the sign permit, and shall require approval of an
encroachment permit.
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(6) A sign location plan shall be prepared showing the site of each directional sign
and shall be submitted to the planning department prior to the issuance of a sign
permit.
(7) Any such sign approved for a particular subdivision within the city shall not be
changed to advertise another subdivision.
(8) There shall be no additions, tag signs, streamers, devices, display boards, or
appurtenance added to the sign as originally approved. Further, no other
directional signing may be used, such as posters or trailer signs.
(9) All nonconforming subdivision signs associated with the subdivision in question
must be removed prior to the issuance of a new sign permit.
(10) A five hundred dollar ($500.00) cash deposit shall be placed with the city to
ensure compliance with this subsection. Any sign placed contrary to the
provisions of this section may be removed by the city and the cost of removal
shall be deducted from the deposit. Additional costs incurred by the city resulting
from the removal of illegal signs shall be charged to the developer.
(11) The sign(s) may remain on display only until the subdivision is sold out.
17.61.100 SIGN REGULATIONS -OPEN SPACE, RESIDENTIAL AND
AGRICULTURAL ZONES
A. 0-S (Open Space. Conservation and Recreation) Zone.
Signs in the O -S Zone shall be limited to "for sale" signs in accordance with Section
17.61.025 of this Chapter and the following signs for commercial recreation uses,
subject to approval of a Uniform Sign Program as described in Section 17.61.020.
(1) One monument sign for each street frontage, limited to five (5) feet in height and
thirty-two (32) square feet in size.
(2) Building -mounted signage not exceeding ten percent (10%) for any building wall.
B. Residential Zones. The following signs shall be permitted in residential zoning
districts:
(1)
Single -Family Residential Zones (R -SF, R -A and R- PD). Real estate for sale
signs, and identification signs in accordance with Section 17.61.025.A (2) of this
Chapter, and noncommercial signs per section 17.61.025.A(15).
(2) Multi -Family Residential Zones (R -MF and R -HD).
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(a) Real estate for sale signs in accordance with Section 17.61.025.A(2) of
this Chapter.
(b) A maximum of two signs indicating the name of the multiple -family
dwelling, apartment or dwelling group shall be permitted. Such signs may
include monument signs not exceeding six (6) feet in height and/or wall -
mounted signs. The total area of each sign shall not exceed four (4)
square feet for less than twelve (12) units, or twelve (12) square feet for
twelve (12) or more units. Signs attached to the wall of the building shall
not extend above the roof or eave line. Such sign may project twelve (12)
inches maximum from the building face. Identification signs may be
illuminated, either internally or externally; provided, that all lights are
directed away from public rights-of-way and adjacent properties.
(c) An illuminated directory sign shall be provided at each entrance of all
multi -family complexes with more than twelve (12) dwelling units. Directory
signs shall provide a diagrammatic representation of the complex in
accordance with the requirements of the Fire Department
(d) Noncommercial signs per section 17.61.025.A(15) of this Chapter.
C. Agricultural (A-1) Zones.
(1) Real estate for sales signs and identification signs in accordance with
Section 17.61.025.A(2) of this Chapter.
(2) Signs for produce sales, subject to approval of a Uniform Sign Program in
accordance with Section 17.61.020.L of this Chapter.
(3) Noncommercial signs per section 17.61.025.A(15) of this Chapter.
17.61.105 - Sign Regulations - Manufacturing Zones
A. M -L (Light Manufacturing) Zone.
(1)
Permitted Signs. The following signs are specifically permitted for
industrial complexes, subject to the approval of a Uniformed Sign Program
in accordance with Section 17.61.020 B. of this Chapter:
(a)
Wall Signs. One wall sign is permitted for each wall face of the
establishment, up to a maximum of four wall signs. If said signs
display commercial images or messages, they shall qualify as
"onsite" commercial messages. In no case shall the total sign area
of any unit or building exceed one square foot of sign area for each
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linear foot of the unit's or building's primary frontage. In no event
shall the area of any one wall sign exceed one hundred (100)
square feet. Wall signs shall not occupy more than seventy percent
(70%) of the storefront or unit width. A wall sign may not project any
of its height above the roof, eave line or parapet of the wall upon
which it is mounted. In no case shall it be more than thirty (30)
inches above the roof line.
(b) Monument Signs. One monument sign not to exceed thirty (30)
square feet in sign area may be permitted to identify separate
businesses or uses in the industrial complex. The monument sign
structure shall not exceed six (6) feet in height. Additional
monument signs may be permitted on parcels having more than
one frontage if the signs are located at least three hundred (300)
feet apart. Monument signs shall be placed in a landscaped area or
planter of not less than two hundred fifty (250) square feet and shall
be located a minimum of five (5) feet from any right-of-way,
sidewalk or driveway.
(c) Pylon Sign. One pylon sign not to exceed one hundred (100)
square feet in sign area will be permitted to identify separate
business or uses in the industrial complex. The pylon sign structure
shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height. Pylon signs shall be
placed in a landscaped area or planter of not less than two hundred
fifty (250) square feet. Pylon signs shall be a minimum of five (5)
feet from any right -of- way, sidewalk or driveway.
(d) Directional Signs. A maximum of two on-site directional signs per
drive approach each not to exceed a total of ten (10) square feet in
area and four (4) feet in height.
(2) Signs Permitted for Uses Not in an Industrial Complex.
a) Wall Signs: One wall sign is permit for each wall face
of the establishment, provided: There are not more
than for (4) wall signs for any one establishment; if the
display is used for a commercial message, then it
must be onsite commercial; in no case shall the total
sign area of any unit or building exceed one square
foot of sign area for each linear foot of the unit's or
building's primary frontage and shall not exceed one
hundred (100) square feet per sign. A wall sign shall
not occupy more than seventy percent (70%) of the
storefront or unit width. A wall sign may not project
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any of its height above the roof, eave line or parapet
of the wall upon which it is mounted. In no case shall
it be more than thirty (30) inches above the roof line.
(b) Monument Signs: One monument sign not to exceed
thirty (30) square feet in sign area which may be
permitted to identify a business. The monument sign
structure shall not exceed sign (6) feet in height.
Monument signs shall be placed in a landscaped area
or planter of not less than two hundred fifty (250)
square feet and shall be a minimum of five (5) feet
from any right-of-way, sidewalk or driveway.
(c) Pylon Signs: One pylon sign not to exceed seventy-
five (75) square feet in sign area will be permitted.
The pylon sign structure shall not exceed twenty (20)
feet in height. Pylon signs for individual
establishments which are not located within an
industrial complex shall be subject to the approval of
a sign permit by the Planning Commission, and shall
require the applicant to demonstrate that the specific
land use necessitates a pylon sign for visibility; in
considering such an application, the Planning
Commission shall consider only the non-
communicative aspects of the sign. Pylon signs shall
be placed in a landscaped area or planter of not less
than two hundred fifty (250) square feet and shall be a
minimum of five (5) feet from any right-of-way,
sidewalk or driveway.
(d) Directional Signs: A maximum of two on-site
directional signs per drive approach each not to
exceed a total of ten (10) square feet in area and four
(4) feet in height.
B. M -IP (Industrial Park) and M -C (Commercial Light
Manufacturing) Zones
(1) Permitted Signs: The following signs are permitted for
industrial complexes, subject to the approval of a Uniform
Sign Program in accordance with this Chapter:
(a) Wall Signs: One wall sign is permitted for each wall
face of the establishment provided there are not more
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than four (4) wall signs for any one establishment. All
commercial messages on such signs must qualify as
onsite. In no case hall the total sign area of any unit or
building exceed one square foot of sign area for each
linear foot of the unit's or building's primary frontage
and shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet
per sign. Wall signs shall not occupy more than
seventy percent (70%) of the storefront or unit width.
Sign copy for all wall signs shall be individual channel
letters of a maximum of twenty-four (24) inches in
height. If the sign contains a logo, said logo shall be a
maximum of thirty- six (36) inches in height. A wall
sign may not project any of its height above the roof,
eave line or parapet of the wall upon which it is
mounted. In no case shall it be more than thirty (30)
inches above the roof line.
(b) Monument Signs: One monument sign not to exceed
thirty (30) square feet in sign area is permitted to
identify separate establishments or uses in the
industrial complex, or to display noncommercial
messages. The monument sign structure shall not
exceed six (6) feet in height. Additional monument
signs may be permitted on parcels having more than
one frontage and if the signs are located at least three
hundred (300) feet apart. Monument signs shall be
placed in a landscaped area or planter of not less
than two hundred fifty (250) square feet and shall be a
minimum of five (5) feet from any right- of -way,
sidewalk or driveway.
(c) Pylon Signs: One pylon sign not to exceed one
hundred (100) square feet in sign area which may be
permitted to identify a separate business or uses in
the industrial complex. The pylon sign structure shall
not exceed twenty (20) feet in height. Pylon Signs
shall be placed in a landscaped are or planter of not
less than two hundred fifty (250) square feet and shall
be a minimum of five (5) feet from any right-of-way,
sidewalk or driveway.
(d) Under Canopy Signs: For each use occupancy, one
under canopy sign not exceeding four (4) square foot
shall be permitted.
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(e) Directional Signs: A maximum of two on-site
directional signs per drive approach each not to
exceed a total of ten (10) square feet in area and four
(4) feet in height
(2) Signs Specifically Permitted for Uses Not in an Industrial Complex:
(a) Wall Signs: One wall sign is permitted for each wall face of the
establishment provided there are not more than four (4) wail signs
for any one business. Any commercial messages on such signs
must qualify as onsite. In no case shall the total sign area of any
unit or building exceed one square foot of sign area for each linear
foot of the unit's or building's primary frontage and shall not exceed
one hundred (100) square feet per sign. Wall signs shall not occupy
more than seventy percent (70%) of the storefront or unit width.
Sign copy for all wall signs shall be individual channel letters of a
maximum of twenty-four (24) inches in height. If the sign contains a
logo, said logo shall be a maximum f thirty- six (36) inches in
height. A wall sign may not project any of its height above .the roof,
eave line or parapet of the wall upon which it is mounted. In no
case shall it be more than thirty (30) inches above the roof line.
(b) Monument Signs: One monument sign not to exceed thirty (30)
square feet in sign area. The monument sign structural shall not
exceed six (6) feet in height. Monument signs shall be placed in a
landscaped area or planter of not less than two hundred fifty (250)
square feet and shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from any right-
of-way, sidewalk or driveway. If such sign displays a commercial
message, it must qualify as onsite.
(c) Pylon Signs: One pylon sign not to exceed seventy five (75) square
feet in sign area. The pylon sign structure shall not exceed twenty
(20) feet in height. Pylon signs for individual establishments which
are not located within an industrial complex shall be subject to the
approval of a sign permit by the Planning Commission, and shall
require the applicant to demonstrate that the specific land use
necessitates a pylon sign for visibility; in considering such an
application, the Planning Commission shall consider only the non-
communicative aspects of the proposed sign. Pylon signs shall be
placed in a landscaped area or planter of not less than two hundred
fifty (250) square feet and shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from
any right-of-way, sidewalk or driveway.
(d) Directional Signs: A maximum of two on-site directional signs per
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drive approach each not to exceed a total of ten (10) square feet in
area and four feet in height.
17.61.110 SIGNS IN THE GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONE
The standards and provisions contained in this section shall be applicable to the C -N
(Commercial Neighborhood), C -G, (Commercial General) and C -HS (Commercial
Highway Service) Zones, but not including properties with these zoning designations,
which are located in the "Special Commercial Areas" as set forth in Section 17.61.115
of this Chapter.
A. Permitted Signs in the C -N, C -G and C -HS Zones Within a Commercial Complex
Shall Include:
(1) Wall Signs: One wall sign is permitted for each wall face of the establishment
provided there are not more than four (4) wall signs for any one establishment. If
used to display a commercial message, the sign must qualify as onsite. In no
case shall the total sign area of any unit or building exceed one square foot of
sign area for each linear foot of the unit's or building's primary frontage and shall
not exceed one hundred (100) square feet per sign. Wall signs shall not occupy
more than seventy percent (70%) of the storefront or unit width. If the sign
contains a logo, said logo shall be a maximum of thirty-six (36) Inches in height a
wall sign may not project any of its height above the roof eave line or parapet of
the wall upon which is mounted. In no case shall it be more than thirty (30)
inches above the roof line.
(2) Monument Signs: One monument sign not to exceed thirty (30) square feet in
sign area which may be permitted to identify separate establishments or uses in
the commercial complex. The monument sign structure shall not exceed six (6)
feet in height. Additional monument signs may be permitted on parcels having
more than one frontage and the signs are located at least three hundred (300)
feet apart. Monument signs shall be placed in a landscaped area or planter of not
less than two -hundred fifty (250) square feet. Monument signs shall be located a
minimum of five (5) feet from any right-of-way, sidewalk or driveway.
Pylon Signs: One pylon sign not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign
area will be permitted to identify a separate business or uses in the commercial
complex. The pylon sign structure shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height. For
each secondary street frontage with at least three hundred (300) feet of length,
one additional pylon sign may be permitted not to exceed one hundred (100)
square feet in sign area and shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height. When
such a sign is used to display a commercial message, it must qualify as onsite.
(3)
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(a) Where pylon signs are placed on both major and secondary street
frontages, each such sign shall be placed as near to the middle of the
street frontage as practical or at a major driveway entrance to the
commercial complex from the street frontage.
(b) Pylon signs shall be placed in a landscaped area or planter of not less
than two hundred fifty (250) square feet. Pylon signs shall be a minimum
of five (5) feet from any right-of-way, sidewalk or driveway.
A maximum of three (3) signs may be used to identify any one
establishment pursuant o the criteria outlined in this section.
(4) Service and Delivery Signs: One unlighted sign per occupancy not to exceed two
(2) square feet may be placed on the rear of the building for service and delivery
purposes.
(5) Directional Signs: A maximum of two on-site directional signs per drive approach,
each not to exceed a total of ten (10) square feet in area and four (4) feet in
height.
(6) Window Signs: Window signs conforming to the provisions of Section
17.61.025.A(1), (16).
(0)
(7) Under Canopy Signs: For each use or occupancy, one maximum four (4)
foot under canopy sign per frontage.
B. Permitted Signs in the C -N, C -G and C -HS Zones for Uses Not Part of a
Commercial Complex Shall Include:
(1) Wall Signs: One wall sign is permitted for each wall face of the establishment
provided there are not more than four (4) wall signs for any one establishment. If
such sign is used for a commercial message, it must qualify as onsite. In no case
shall the total sign area of any unit or building exceed one square foot of sign
area for each linear foot of the unit's or building's primary frontage and shall not
exceed one hundred (100) square feet per sign. Wall signs shall not occupy more
Ran seventy percent (70%) of the storefront or unit width. A wall sign may of
project any of its height above the roof eave line or parapet of the wall upon
which is mounted. In no case shall it be more than thirty (30) inches above the
roof line.
(2) Service and Delivery Signs: One unlighted sign per occupancy not to exceed two
(2) square feet may be placed on the rear of the building for service and delivery
purposes.
(3) Directional Signs: A maximum of two on-site directional signs per drive approach
each not to exceed a total of ten (10) square feet in area and four (4) feet in
height.
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(4) Window Signs: Window signs conforming to the provisions of Section
17.61.025.A(1), (16)
(5) Under Canopy Signs: For each use or occupancy, one maximum four (4)
foot under canopy sign per frontage.
(6) Exceptions: Certain exceptions to the sign standards applicable to commercial
uses not located within a commercial complex may be approved by the Planning
Commission including the election of freestanding sign(s) when the following
findings can be made by the Planning Commission, without consideration of
proposed message content (other than the onsite / offsite distinction in the case
of commercial messages):
(a) The site is subject to limited visibility and additional signing is necessary
for a reasonable level of advertising exposure;
(b) The type of establishment or the configuration of the site necessitates
additional signage.
(c) Exceptions shall be processed through the sign permit and minor variance
process provided for in the Zoning Ordinance.
C. Freeway -Facing Signs - Permitted in the C -N, C -G and C -HS Zones Subject to
the Following Requirements.
(1) The maximum allowable sign face area of any freeway -facing sign for a shopping
center or commercial complex which totals more than 250,000 square feet of
gross floor area shall be three hundred (300) square feet and shall not exceed
sixty (60) feet in height. When such display area is used for commercial speech,
the copy must qualify as onsite as to the shopping center or commercial
complex.
(2) The maximum allowable sign face area of any freeway -facing sign for a shopping
center or commercial complex which totals less than 250,000 square feet of
gross floor area shall be one hundred fifty (150) square feet and shall not exceed
sixty (60) feet in height.
(3)
Freeway -facing signs, including freeway -facing electronic message signs, may
only be permitted subject to the approval of a sign permit by the Planning
Commission. Freeway -facing signs will be permitted when they satisfy all of
these criteria:
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(a) The proposed sign is located upon the property upon which the use
identified is located;
(b) The proposed sign is is located in the vicinity of a freeway interchange and
within three hundred (300) feet of the freeway right-of-way and six
hundred (600) feet of the intersecting street right-of-way;
(c) The following findings must be made, without consideration of message
content of the proposed sign:
(i) The elevation of the freeway in relation to the elevation of the
abutting properties justifies the height requested, and is the
minimum necessary.
(ii) The number and spacing of freeway signs will not cause
unnecessary confusion, clutter or other unsightliness in the general
location.
(Hi) The use identified, as well as its type, size and intensity, justifies
the size, design and location of the sign requested.
(iv) The needs of the traveling public for identification and directional
information justifies the sign requested.
D. Automobile Service Station Signs.
Automobile service station signs shall be permitted subject to the following
requirements:
(1) Identification/Price Monument Sign: For each service station, one monument,
combination price and identification sign, maximum thirty (30) square feet in size
and maximum six (6) feet in overall height shall be permitted, and must include
all price advertising as required by State law. Elevated signs may be used
subject to approval of the Planning Commission (without consideration of
message content) where vision impairments exists, however elevated signs shall
be designed with appropriate vision spaces. Such signs shall not exceed fifteen
(15) feet in overall height.
(2) Identification Pylon Sign: For service stations located contiguous to a freeway,
where a freeway exit serves the street from which the service station takes direct
access, in addition to the identification/price monument sign allowed by
paragraph (1) above, one pylon sign, maximum one hundred (100) square feet in
size and forty (40) feet in overall height, situated so as to be directed toward and
permanently viewable from the freeway, shall be permitted.
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(3)
Special Service Signs: Each service station may display two special service
signs per pump island. Special service signs shall be limited to such items as self
serve, full serve, air, water, cashier, and shall be non -illuminated. Such signs
must be permanently affixed to the pump island they identify. Each sign may not
exceed four (4) square feet in overall size.
(4) Wall Signs: Wall signs for automobile service stations shall be permitted subject
to the provisions set forth in Section 17.61.110.A (1) and (16).
(5)
Directional Signs: maximum of two on-site directional signs per drive approach,
each not to exceed a total of ten (10) square feet in area and four (4) feet in
height.
(6) Window Signs: window signs conforming to the provisions of Section
17.61.025.A(1) and (16).
E. Theater Marquee Signs.
Theater marquee signs shall be permitted subject to the following requirements:
(1) The size of a theater marquee sign shall be determined by the number of
screens. Each screen shall be permitted a maximum of ten (10) square feet for
each sign face area. A theater marquee sign may not total more than one
hundred (100) square feet of sign face area.
(2) A maximum of one theater marquee sign, not to exceed twenty-five (25) feet in
height, is permitted per street frontage exclusive of freeway; provided, however,
that the theater is part of an integrated shopping center.
(3)
A maximum of one theater marquee sign, not to exceed twenty-five (25) feet in
height, shall be permitted for theaters not considered to be part of an integrated
shopping center.
(4) A maximum of one wall -mounted theater marquee sign shall be permitted at the
main entrance to the theater.
F. Electronic Message Signs.
Electronic message signs shall be permitted subject to the following requirements:
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(1) One electronic message sign may be permitted in a commercial complex with a
minimum of 25,000 square feet of floor area. No electronic message sign shall be
located closer than 2,500 feet to another electronic message sign. A conditional
use permit shall be required whereby the Planning Commission will determine
the size and height of the sign.
(2) Each display shall appear for a period of at least eight seconds. Displays shall
not be animated, appear in incremental stages or move across the changeable
copy sign face. The sign shall remain blank (no message or display) for at least
one second between separate images.
(3)
The sign may display only noncommercial messages or onsite commercial
messages, related to those establishments which are part of the complex or the
merchandise or activities available on the parcels which are part of the
commercial complex. The sign shall not be used as a billboard.
(4) The sign shall be reviewed for traffic safety purposes by the City's Public Works
Director and shall comply with any and all safety standards as prescribed by the
State of California. Such reviews shall not consider message content.
17.61.115 - SIGN REGULATIONS - SPECIAL COMMERCIAL AREAS
Certain commercial areas within Beaumont are of a unique character due to historic,
land use, parcelization and circulation considerations. These areas, which contain C -G
(Commercial -General), C -N (Commercial -Neighborhood) and C -HS (Commercial -
Highway Service) Zoning Districts, shall be subject to differing criteria as compared to
other commercial areas in the City, as set forth within this section.
A. Antique Village District Area.
This area consists of properties fronting on the north side of Sixth Street between
Magnolia Avenue and Veile Avenue, on the south side of Sixth Street Between Euclid
Avenue and Veile Avenue, and on the east and west sides of Beaumont Avenue
between Sixth Street and Seventh Street.
(1) Within this special district, signs are permitted for commercial complexes
as follows:
(a) Wall Signs: One wall sign is permitted for each wall face of the
establishment provided there are not more than four (4) wall signs
for any one establishment. If used for commercial messages, the
message must qualify as onsite. In no case shall the total sign area
of any unit or building exceed three quarters (3/4) square foot of
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sign area for each linear foot of the unit's or building's primary
frontage and shall not exceed seventy-five (75) square feet per
sign. Wall signs shall not occupy more than sixty percent (60%) of
the storefront or unit width. Painted wall signs are permitted when
determined to be compatible with the architectural character of the
building and area. If the sign contains a logo, said logo shall be a
maximum of thirty-six (36) inches in height. A wall sign may not
project any of its height above the roof, eave line or parapet of the
wall upon which it is mounted. In no case shall it be more than thirty
(30) inches above the roof line.
(b) Monument Signs: One monument sign not to exceed thirty (30)
square feet in sign area which may be permitted to identify
separate establishments or uses in the commercial complex, or for
noncommercial messages. The monument sign structure shall not
exceed six (6) feet in height. One additional monument sign may be
permitted on parcels having more than one frontage and the signs
are located at least two hundred (200) feet apart.
(c) Pylon Signs: Pylon signs not to exceed seventy-five (75) square
feet in sign area which may be permitted to identify separate
establishments or uses in the commercial complex, subject to
approval of a sign permit by the Planning Commission. In
consideration of pylon signs in this area the Planning Commission
shall consider the need for compatibility and appropriateness of
such signage at the proposed location, but shall not consider the
message content of the proposed sign, other than the onsite /
offsite distinction for commercial messages.
(d) Monument and pylon signs shall be placed in a landscaped area or
planter of not less than two hundred fifty (250) square feet.
Monument and pylon signs shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from
any right-of-way, sidewalk or driveway.
Service and delivery signs, limited to one unlighted sign per
occupancy not to exceed two (2) square feet, may be placed on the
rear of the building for service and delivery purposes.
Directional signs: a maximum of two on-site directional signs per
drive approach each not to exceed a total of ten (10) square feet in
area and four (4) feet in height.
Window signs: window signs conforming to the provisions of
Section 17.61.025.A(1) and (16).
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(h) Under canopy signs: For each use or occupancy, one maximum
four (4) square foot identification under canopy sign per frontage.
Internally or back -lit fluorescent signs shall not be permitted in the
Antique Village District Area.
(i)
(2) Permitted signs for uses not part of a commercial complex shall include:
(a) Wall signs: One wall sign is permitted for each wall face of the
establishment provided there are not more than four (4) wall signs for any
one establishment. Any such sign used for commercial messages must
qualify as onsite. In no case shall the total sign area of any unit or building
exceed three quarters (3/4) square foot of sign area for each linear foot of
the unit's or building's primary frontage and shall not exceed seventy-five
(75) square feet per sign. Wall signs shall not occupy more than sixty
percent (60%) of the storefront or unit width. Painted wall signs are
permitted when determined by the Director, without consideration of
message content, to be compatible with the architectural character of the
building and area. A wall sign may not project any of its height above the
roof, eave line or parapet of the wall upon which it is mounted. In no case
shall it be more than thirty (30) inches above the roof line.
(b) Service and delivery signs: one unlighted sign per occupancy not to
exceed two (2) square feet may be placed on the rear of the building for
service and delivery purposes.
(c) Directional signs: a maximum of two on-site directional signs per drive
approach each not to exceed a total of ten (10) square feet in area and
four (4) feet in height.
(d) Window signs conforming to the provisions of Section 17.61.025.A(1) and
(16).
(e) Under canopy signs: For each use or occupancy, one maximum four (4)
foot identification under canopy sign per frontage.
(3) Automobile service stations signs shall be permitted subject to the following
requirements:
(a) Identification / price monument sign: for each service station, one
monument, combination price and identification sign, maximum thirty (30)
square feet in size and maximum six (6) feet in overall height shall be
permitted, and must include all price advertising as required by State law.
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(b) Special service signs: each service station may display two special service
signs per pump island. Special service signs shall be limited to such items
as self serve, full serve, air, water, cashier, and shall be non- illuminated.
Such signs must be permanently affixed to the pump island they identify.
Each sign may not exceed four (4) square feet in overall size.
(c) Wall signs for automobile service stations shall be permitted subject to the
provisions set forth in Section 17.61.110.B.(1) and (16).
(4) Directional Signs: A maximum of two on-site directional signs per drive approach
each not to exceed a total of ten (10) square feet in area and four (4) feet in
height.
(5)
Window Signs: Window signs conforming to the provisions of Section
17.61.025.A.(1) and (16).
B. Beaumont Avenue Corridor
Properties fronting on both sides of Beaumont Avenue between Seventh Street and
Fourteenth Street are allowed signs as follows:
(1) Permitted signs for commercial complexes shall include:
(a) Wall Signs: One wall sign is permitted for each wall face of the
establishment provided there are not more than four (4) wall signs for any
one business. If used to display a commercial message, the sign must
qualify as onsite. In no case shall the total sign area of any unit or building
exceed three quarters (3/4) square foot of sign area for each linear foot of
the unit's or building's primary frontage and shall not exceed seventy-five
(75) square feet per sign. Wall signs shall not occupy more than sixty
percent (60%) of the storefront or unit width. A wall sign may not project
any of its height above the roof, eave line or parapet of the wall upon
which it is mounted. In no case shall it be more than thirty (30) inches
above the roof line.
(b) Monument Signs: One monument sign not to exceed thirty (30) square
feet in sign area which may be permitted to identify separate businesses
or uses in the commercial complex. The monument sign structure shall not
exceed six (6) feet in height. Additional monument signs may be permitted
on parcels having more than one frontage and the signs are located at
least two hundred (200) feet apart. Monument signs shall be located in a
landscaped planter of not less than two hundred fifty (250) square feet
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and shall be a minimum of five (5) feet from any right -of- way, sidewalk or
driveway.
(c) Service and Delivery Signs: One unlighted sign per occupancy not to
exceed two (2) square feet may be placed on the rear of the building for
service and delivery purposes.
(d) Directional Signs: A maximum of two on-site directional signs per drive
approach each not to exceed a total of ten (10) square feet in area and
four (4) feet in height.
(e) Window Signs conforming to the provisions of Section
17.61.025.A.(1)(16).
(f) Under Canopy Signs: For each use or occupancy, one maximum four
(4) square foot under canopy sign per frontage.
(2) Permitted signs for uses not part of a commercial complex shall include:
(a) Wall Signs: One wall sign is permitted for each wall face of the
establishment provided there are not more than four (4) wall signs for any
one business. If used to display a commercial message, the sign must
qualify as onsite. In no case shall the total sign area of any unit or building
exceed three-quarters (3/4) of one square foot of sign area for each linear
foot of the unit's or building's primary frontage and shall not exceed
seventy-five (75) square feet per sign. Wall signs shall not occupy more
than sixty percent (60%) of the storefront or unit width. A wall sign may not
project any of its height above the roof, eave line or parapet of the wall
upon which it is mounted. In no case shall it be more than thirty (30)
inches above the roof line.
(b) Monument Sign: One monument sign not to exceed thirty (30) square
feet in sign area which may be permitted to identify an establishment. The
monument sign structure shall not exceed six (6) feet in height. Additional
monument signs shall be located in a landscaped area or planter of not
less than two hundred fifty (250) feet and shall be located a minimum of
five (5) feet from any right-of-way, sidewalk or driveway.
(c) Service and Delivery Signs: One unlighted sign per occupancy not to
exceed two (2) square feet may be placed on the rear of the building for
service and delivery purposes.
(d) Directional Signs: A maximum of two on-site directional signs per drive
approach each not to exceed a total of ten (10) square feet in area and
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four feet in height.
(e) Window Signs conforming to the provisions of Section 17.61.025.A.(1) and
(16).
Under Canopy Signs: For each use or occupancy, one maximum four
(4) square foot identification under canopy sign per frontage.
(f)
17.61.125 SIGN REGULATIONS - SPECIFIC PLAN AREA ZONE
A. Permitted Signs in the Specific Plan Area (SP) Zone — Exempt Signs.
The SPA Zone permits a variety of residential and supporting commercial and other
supporting land uses. Signs which may be erected without permits as provided for in
Section 17.61.025 of this Chapter are permitted in the SPA Zone consistent with the
respective land use.
B. Signs Subject to Permits: Provisions and standards for signs shall be established
within a specific plan for land uses contained therein. The specific plan shall establish a
project -wide sign program and shall make provisions for the development and review of
Uniform Sign Programs consistent with Section 17.61.020.L of this Chapter for each
non-residential land use component of the specific plan.
17.61.200 SIGN DESIGN STANDARDS.
The design standards set forth in this section apply to all signs in the City of Beaumont.
A. Relationship to Other Signs. Where there is more than one monument sign
located upon a lot, all such signs shall have designs which are well related to
each other by the similar treatment or incorporated of not less than four of the
following six design elements:
Type of construction materials as used in the several sign components (such as
cabinet, sign copy, supports);
Letter style of sign copy;
Illumination;
Type or method used for supports, uprights or structure on which sign is
supported;
Sign cabinet or other configuration of sign area;
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(6) Shape of entire sign and its several components.
B. Landscaping: Each monument sign shall be located in a planted landscaped area
which is of a shape, design and size (equal to at least the sign area) that will
provide a compatible setting and ground definition to the sign. The planted
landscaped area shall be maintained on a reasonable and regular basis.
C. Illumination and Motion. Monument signs shall be non- moving stationary
structures (in all components) and illumination, if any, shall be maintained by
artificial light which is stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times
(non- flashing).
D. Sign Color. Sign colors should be compatible with the building architecture.
Within shopping centers, sign color should complement the color scheme for the
center. This provision does not apply to noncommercial messages displayed on
signs.
E. Special Commercial Areas. Signs proposed within the special commercial
areas identified in this Chapter shall be subject to detailed design review by the
Planning Director and/or Planning Commission for the purpose of ensuring
consistency and compatibility with the respective area. Such review shall be
performed in conjunction with the processing of permit applications as set forth in
this Chapter. However, such analysis shall not consider the message content of
the proposed sign.
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