HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinances_2552_CCv0001-1.pdf ORDINANCE NO. 2552
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REDLANDS AMENDING SECTION 15.36
OF THE REDLANDS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO SIGNS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDLANDS DOES ORDAIN AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Chapter 15.36 of the Redlands Municipal Code relating to signs is
hereby deleted in its entirety and rewritten to read as follows:
"CHAPTER 15.36
SIGN CODE
ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
15.36.010 Short Title
15.36.020 Intent and Purpose
15.36.030 Applicability
ARTICLE 11. SIGN DEFINITIONS AND MEASUREMENT
15.36.040 Definitions
15.36.050 Area Measurement
15.36.060 Height Measurement
ARTICLE III, GENERAL SIGN STANDARDS
15.36.070 General Standards
15.36.080 Permits and Fees
15.36.090 Permit Submittal Requirements
15.36.100 Sign Approval Required
15.36.110 Construction and Maintenance Standards
15.36.120 Standards for Monument and Pedestal Signs
15.36.130 Maximum Brightness
15.36.140 Prohibited Signs
15.36.150 Signs Under Canopies or Overhangs
15.36.160 Sign Programs
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ARTICLE IV. SIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
15.36.190 General Commercial Sign Standards
15.36.200 C-1 and C-2 Zoning Districts
15.36.210 C-3 Zoning District
15.36.220 C-4 Zoning District
15.36.230 C-M Zoning District
15.36.240 Signs in the Downtown Business District
15.36.250 C-D Overlay District
15.36.260 A-P, A-P-C, and M-F Zoning Districts
15.36.270 EV/AP Zoning District
ARTICLE V. SIGN STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
15.36.280 For Sale, For Lease, For Rent Signs
15.36.290 Identification Signs in Multiple-Family Residential Districts
15.36.300 Identification Signs for Single Family Residential Districts
15.36.305 Mobilehome Parks Zoning District
15.36.310 Signs for Non-Residential Uses in Residential Zoning Districts
ARTICLE VI. SIGN STANDARDS FOR OTHER ZONING DISTRICTS
15.36.330 M-F, M-P, M-1, I-P, and M-2 Zoning Districts
15.36.340 E Zoning District
15.36.350 T Zoning District
15.36.360 P Zoning District
15.36.370 O Zoning District
15.36.380 AD Zoning District
ARTICLE VII. SIGN STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC SIGN TYPES
15.36.390 Automobile and Watercraft Dealership Signs
15.36.400 Changeable Copy Signs
15.36.410 Freeway-Facing Signs
15.36.420 Freeway-Oriented Signs
15.36.430 Mandatory Signs
15.36.440 Movie Theater Signs
15.36.450 Multi-Tenant Signs
15.36.460 Neon On Buildings
15.36.470 Regional Shopping Center Signs
15.36.480 Regional Mall Signs
15.36.490 Service Station Signs
15.36.500 Main Identification Signs for Buildings over 100,OOOSquare Feet in Area
15.36.510 Signs for Buildings Exceeding Three Stories
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ARTICLE VIII. TEMPORARY SIGNS
15.36.520 General Regulations for Banner Signs
15.36.530 Banner Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
15.36.540 Banner Signs in Residential and Other
Non-Commercial and Non-Industrial Zoning Districts
15.36.550 Construction Signs
15.35.560 Open House Signs
15.36.570 Sale, Rent, and Lease Signs
15.36.580 Searchlights
15.36.590 Subdivision Signs
15.36.600 Window Signs
ARTICLE IX. SIGN CODE ENFORCEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
15.36.610 Abatement of Nan-permitted signs
15.36.620 Notice of Violation, Removal
15.36.630 Variance from Structural Requirements
15.36.640 Nonconforming signs
15.36.650 Violation - Penalty
15.36.660 Judicial Review
ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
15.36.010 Short Title
This Chapter shall be known as the "Sign Code."
15.36.020 Intent and Purpose
A. This Chapter establishes regulations for the erection, maintenance and use
of signs and other exterior advertising media within the City to:
1. Safeguard and enhance property values;
2. Protect public and private investment in buildings and open spaces;
3. Improve the appearance of the City as a place in which to live and
work, and as an attraction to nonresidents who come to visit or trade;
4. Encourage sound signing practices as an aid to business, and to
provide information to the traveling public;
5. Prevent excessive and confusing sign displays;
6. Reduce hazards to motorists and pedestrians; and
7. Promote the public health, safety, and general welfare.
B. The City has a reputation as a community of natural beauty rendering it
highly attractive to visitors and potential future residents. The City Council
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 3
has determined that the natural,traditional and manmade advantages of the
City substantially contribute to the residential character of the community and
to its aesthetic, cultural and economic values. The unregulated and
uncontrolled erection and maintenance of signs, billboards and advertising
structures results in a gaudy and garish atmosphere that would be out of
harmony with the fine attributes and excellent character of the City. The City
Council further determines that the lack of regulation and control of signs
results in costly and unfair competition for the public eye through the
proliferation, increased height, and size of signs, and that the safety of the
general public requires that the structural elements and location of signs be
regulated.
C. The reasonable and proper regulation of signs and advertising structures is
conducive to the fullest enjoyment by the people of the community of natural
and traditional advantages, and necessary to prevent depreciation of
property values, and the regulation of signs results in a more fair and
equitable public exposure of the advertising displays of all businesses, large
and small, and that the appearance of the commercial areas will be
protected.
D. It is also the intent of this Chapter to recognize that the eventual elimination
of existing signs that do not conform with the provisions of this Chapter is as
important as is prohibiting new signs that would violate these regulations.
15.36.030 Applicability.
A. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all zones established by Title 18
of this Code. Except as noted below, a sign, as defined in this Chapter, may be affixed,
erected, constructed, placed, established, mounted or maintained only in compliance with
the standards, procedures and other requirements of this Chapter. The standards
regarding number and size of signs regulated by this Chapter are maximum standards,
unless otherwise stated. In those areas of the City where specific plan sign standards or
sign programs have been adopted by ordinance or resolution,those sign standards or sign
programs shall apply; provided, however, the "substitution" provisions of this section shall
apply to such programs and plans. This Chapter shall not apply to the following signs:
1. Signs which are not visible from any public vehicular or pedestrian
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 4
right-of-way;
2. Signs required by federal or state law which do not exceed the
minimum number and dimensional requirements of such law;
3. Signs and advertising forthe California State Lottery as authorized by
Government Code Sections 8800 et. seq.
4. Signs containing a maximum area of two square feet or less;
5. Holiday decorations and lights.
6. Flags and any other insignia of any government that do not display a
commercial message and are attached to poles; provided that no more than three (3)
flags/poles are permitted on property containing less than one acre of land, and no more
than six (6) flags/poles are permitted on property containing more than one acre of land.
Poles for flags and insignia shall not exceed thirty (30) feet in height and flags shall not
exceed forty two (42) square feet in surface area. Such flags shall be maintained in good
condition and free of tattering or tearing. The City has a compelling interest in permitting
the identification of government facilities.
7. Street address signs. The City has a compelling interest in permitting
such signs to promote the identification of property to guide emergency response
personnel; provided such signs shall not exceed two square feet in area or the size
required by the City's Fire Department, whichever is greater.
8. Official traffic signs or other municipal directional signs, legal notices,
advertisements prescribed by law and placed by governmental entities, and signs
indicating the location of buried utility lines or any notices posted by a governmental officer
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 5
in the scope of the officer's duty. The City has a compelling interest in permitting such
signs to comply with State and local laws and to promote public safety.
9. Memorial tablets and identification plaques installed by a recognized
governmental historical agency. The City has a compelling interest in permitting such
signs to promote interest in historical structures and events and to promote public safety
and identification.
10. Time and temperature signs containing no advertising copy. The City
has a compelling interest in permitting such signs to promote awareness of local conditions
for individuals with medical problems.
11. Signs not exceeding two square feet and carried by individuals which
standing, sitting or traveling along any public sidewalk or other public property.
12. Signs located on City-owned property.
13. Signs located in the interior of a building or enclosed area.
14. Signs designated by the City as an historic resource, provided that the
original verbiage, symbols and structure of the sign are retained.
B. All sign programs that were approved prior to the effective date of the
ordinance adopting this Chapter are subject only to the "substitution" provisions of this
section; provided, however, that if any such sign program is proposed for amendment to
increase overall sign area allowed, then the sign program shall be amended to conform
with all development and design standards of this Chapter.
C. 1n each instance, and under the same conditions in which this Chapter
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 6
permits any sign, a sign containing an ideological, political or other noncommercial
message of the same dimensions shall be permitted. Noncommercial messages may be
placed on any sign otherwise permitted by this Chapter.
D. Real estate signs may be placed as authorized by Civil Code sections 713
et. seg., provided they shall comply with the type, number, area,height,special restrictions
and permitting requirements applicable to temporary signs in the zoning district in which
the real estate sign is located.
ARTICLE 11. SIGN DEFINITIONS AND MEASUREMENT
15.36.040 Definitions
For purposes of this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply. Terms used in
this Chapter which are not defined below shall be used as otherwise defined in this
Code.
"Area of a sign"refers to the area as measured in accordance with the requirements
of this Chapter.
"Awning" means either a appendage or shelter (which may be covered in fabric or
more durable materials) supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building. An
awning which does not contain words or symbols is not considered a sign (see
Section 15.36.040 of this Chapter). See also "Canopy"
"Banner" means any type of fabric, vinyl, or similar sign attached to a building or
other structure. Banners may be displayed only as provided in this Chapter.
"Billboard" means a sign which, except for signs located in unified centers,
advertises a business, commodity, industry or other activity which is sold, offered
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 7
or conducted elsewhere than on the premises upon which such sign is located. See
"Premises"
"Building line"means a line established by ordinance beyond which no building may
extend. Depending upon the zoning district or other applicable development
standards, a building line may be a property line.
"Canopy" means an awning which is supported from the exterior wall of a building
and from supports to the ground below. See
"Awning"
Changeable copy means copy containing,
F
rmine clear sight
displaying or having media or letters each of which ,extend right of
es(a),then
can be readily changed without tools, where allowede bne b. Te and
X' h line b. The Xion varies with
by this Chapter. See "Reader board" roaway type,as
determined by the Public
Works Department.
"Construction sign" means a sign available for
a construction project.
Figure 1: Corner Cutoff
"Corner cutoff area" means a triangle formed as shown in Figure 1. Note. The
dimensions of"corner cutoff areas"may vary, depending on roadway type, zoning,
and other features. Refer to Section 18.16.010 of this Code.
"Director" means the City's Community Development Director or his or her
designee.
"Elevation drawing" means a scale drawing of the side, front, or rear of a sign or
structure.
"Entity" means an independent, separate and individual business. Forthe purpose
SIGN CODE•Codified.wpd 8
of this Code, separately owned and operated businesses housed in a single building
shall not be considered separate entities unless all of the following apply:
1) The business is completely separated from the remainder of the building by
walls and ceilings, and
2) The business has at least one wall forming the exterior of the building, and
3) The business has a customer entrance through this exterior wall.
"Externally illuminated sign" shall mean any sign which is illuminated from a light
source which shines directly on the exterior of the sign.
"Fascia" refers to a vertical surface in the form of a flat horizontal band on the face
of a building.
"Fascia sign" is a sign applied to the fascia of a building. See also, "Fascia"
"Freestanding sign"means any sign supported by a structural element which
is not attached to any part of a building. This definition includes pole signs,
ground signs, pedestal signs, portable signs, and monument signs.
"Freeway" shall be as defined in the Streets and Highways Code of the State of
California.
"Freeway-oriented sign" means a pole-mounted sign for a motorist-serving
business. Freeway-oriented signs shall be regulated as provided in this Chapter.
See also, "Motorist-serving business"
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 9
"Frontage" for the purposes of this Chapter shall be defined as follows:
a. "Lot frontage" means that portion of a legal lot i
which abuts a public street. For the purposes
of determining sign area as defined in this
Chapter, only one frontage per lot may be
measured; corner lots or lots fronting on two or " ``ii„Frontage: ;; rc:
more streets may be credited with only one � tsr*, ropony>.'._`
frontage.
Figure 2: Lot Frontage
b. "Building frontage” the portion(s) of a building
which face a public street, alleyway or public I
parking lot, even if there is no entrance or exit
Building
for use by the general public. No store or i
lease space shall be credited with more than l -F—�
one building frontage. F'= Frontage
(Count 1 Frontage Only}
"Grade" means the elevation of the nearest public Figure 3: Building Frontage
sidewalk or paved area adjoining the property upon
which a sign or building is erected or the natural surface of the ground supporting
a sign or building, whichever is the lower surface.
"Height of sign" means the height of a sign measured as defined in this Chapter.
"Historic sign" means a sign that has been designated by the Historic and Scenic
Preservation Commission to be of historic,architectural or cultural importance to the
City.
"Illuminated sign" means a sign which is lighted in any way. See also, "Externally
illuminated sign" and "Internally illuminated sign."
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 10
"Indirectly lighted or shadow-lighted sign" means an illuminated sign constructed so
that the immediate source of the illumination is not visible when the sign is lighted,
and which does not exceed ten candlepower per square foot, measured at ten feet
from the sign.
"Interior sign" In the context of a Regional Mall, an interior sign is any sign which
is located entirely within the interior portion of the Mall.
"Internally illuminated sign" means any sign in which the source of illumination is
located within the sign structure and shines through a translucent surface (such as
plastic), through holes in an opaque surface, or directly from the illumination source
(as with a "reader board" sign). See also, "Reader board"
"Main Identification Sign" means a sign with an area greater than twenty-four (24)
square feet and located on any building or parcel.
"Major regional mall entry sign"is a sign used within a major mall vehicle entry. See
also, "Regional mall'
"Major regional mall entry" is a combination of a landscaped area and a Major mall
entry sign. Major mall entries must be located within the boundary of the regional
mall. See also, "Regional mall'
"Major tenant" In a regional mall, a major tenant is defined as a single store
containing at least 100,000 square feet of gross floor area. In all other cases, a
major tenant is a single store containing at least 50,000 square feet of gross floor
area. See also "Regional mall'
"Major tenant entry" The pedestrian entry into a major tenant at a regional mall.
See also "Regional mall'
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 1
"Minortenant" In a regional mall, a minor tenant is defined as any store which is not
large enough to be considered a major tenant. See also, "Major tenant" and
"Regional mall"
"Monument sign"means a freestanding sign not more Sign Face
than four feet in height which is detached from a
building, and the support structure of which is a solid
base constructed of a permanent material such as 4' Sign Area
concrete block or brick.
Max.
�� tZI Mr-1104
rrwee t •" arrr=+
"Motorist-serving business" means a business Decorative Base
especially oriented to provide services to the Figure 4: Monument Sign
freeway-traveling public. Motorist-serving businesses
shall be limited to those whose primary products or services are food, lodging, or
motor vehicle fuel. A motorist-serving business shall be open to the public a
minimum of twelve hours per day, seven days per week.
"Obsolete sign" means a sign relating to a business, product or service no longer
available on the premises
"Off-Site" refers to a sign which is not located on the same parcel as the business,
product, or activity it identifies or advertises.
"Outparcel" In the context of a regional mail project, an outparcel is any individual
parcel of land on which a single building not physically connected to the mall itself
will be constructed. See also, `Regional mall"
"Painted sign" means a sign which is comprised only of paint applied on a building
or structure.
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 12
"Pedestal sign" means a freestanding sign in excess
of four feet in height. The support structure of a Sign
Area
Pedestal sign and the sign face itself shall be 12,
designed as one architecturally unified and Max.
proportional element. The combined width of the
supports of pedestal sign shall be at least one-fourth
(%) the width of the sign face. Pedestal signs may Decorative Base
not exceed twelve feet (12') in height. See also, Figure 3: Pedestal Sign
"Monument sign"and "Pole sign"
"Permanent sign" means a sign which is permanently affixed to a support or
structure and comprised of durable materials such as wood, metal, or fiberglass.
"Pale sign" means a freestanding sign which is
supported by one or more structural elements that Sign Sign
are either a) architecturally dissimilar to the design of 1 supessport than
Area
the sign or b) which are less than one-fourth ('/) the 4 the
Width of
width of the sign face. the sign
face.
"Portable sign" means any freestanding sign which is
not permanently attached to the ground or a building. Figure 6: Pole Sign
"Premises" for the purposes of this Chapter shall include the parcel or lot upon
which a building is located or to any unified center. See "Unified center"
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 13
"Projecting sign" means a sign mounted on the face Jilt IIIIJI91I 11
or vertical surfaces of a building or structure, the
'in
display surfaces of which are not parallel to the Area
supporting structures.
"Projection" means the distance by which a sign
extends beyond the vertical surface of the building. f = d'
Figure 7: Projecting Sign
"Reader board" as used in this Chapter is a sign in
which automated electric lights or other animated devices are used to form letters
and/or symbols, generally in an animated or changing display. See "Changeable
copy"
"Real estate sign" means a sign indicating that the premises on which the sign is
located, or any portion thereof, is for sale, lease, or rent.
"Regional mall" is a master-planned retail development in which at least three (3)
major tenants and other, minor tenants are arranged around an enclosed, interior
courtyard. Regional malls are typified by a pedestrian orientation, in which a
customer will drive to the mall, enter the mall, and visit individual stores on foot.
Regional malls shall have a minimum gross land area of seventy five acres (75)
acres. See also, "Major tenant," "Minor tenant"
"Regional mall directional sign" is a sign within the parking area of a regional mall
which provides information to motorists. See also, "Regional mall"
"Regional Shopping Center" is a master planned retail development with a
land area of at least 35 acres and a building area of at least 350,000 square
feet.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 14
"Retail center entry, Primary" In a regional mall, a Primary retail center entry shall
be the main pedestrian entrance(s) into the interior mall area. Primary retail center
entries shall be distinguished by enhanced architecture or landscaping, or both.
The number of Primary retail center entries shall not exceed one-and-one-half(1 Y2)
times the number of Major tenants (e.g., a mall with four major tenants could be
provided with six primary retail center entries). An entry directly into a retail store
is not considered a Retail center entry. See also, "Major tenant entry"
"Retail center entry, Secondary" Ina regional mall, a Secondary retail center entry
shall be any pedestrian entry into the interior mall area which is not a Primary retail
center entry. An entry directly into a retail store is not considered a Retail center
entry. See also, "Major tenant entry"
"Roof sign" or "Roof-mounted sign" means a sign erected or painted wholly on or
above the roof covering any portion of a building.
"SF" is an abbreviation for"square foot" or"square feet," depending on the context
in which it is used.
"Searchlight" means an apparatus containing a light source and a reflector for
projecting a high-intensity beam of approximately parallel rays of light.
"Secondary Sign" means a sign with an area less than or equal to twenty-four (24)
square feet and located on any building or parcel. An interior tenant qualifies for a
secondary sign if that tenant has frontage on City right-of-way or any other public
area.
"Sign" means any writing, pictorial presentation, emblem, banner, or any other
device, figure or similar character, including a physical structure or paint placed on
another structure,containing words and/or illustrations in any combination which are
SIGN CODE•Codifiedmpd 15
intended to advertise, notify, inform, or otherwise impart information about any
business, special event, or other public or private purpose. For the purposes of this
Chapter, any frame or background which is an integral part of a sign is considered
part of the sign.
"Sign structure" shall be defined as follows: 1) for a freestanding sign or a sign
which projectsfrom another structure,the"sign structure"shall be physical structure
upon which letters or symbols are placed; 2)for a sign placed parallel to the surface
of a building, the sign structure shall consist of all elements placed directly upon the
building, including individually mounted letters.
"Unified center" for the purposes of this Chapter shall mean a commercial or
industrial center designed for occupancy by two (2) or more tenants and in which
access to parking and/or the parking area itself is shared by two or more tenants,
either physically or formally (as through easements or agreements). Buildings in a
unified center may share a common architectural theme, but may also have differing
exterior treatments.
"Wall sign" means a sign attached parallel to the exterior wall of a building,
not projecting more than eighteen inches therefrom.
"Wind sign or device" means any sign or device in the nature of a banner, flags or
other object, designed and installed in such a manner as to move upon being
subject to pressure by wind or breeze. Banner signs permitted by this Chapter
which are not designed to be moved by wind shall not be considered wind signs.
"Window sign" is any sign painted or hung on either the inside or outside surface of
a window, not including merchandise displayed inside a window. Any sign hung
more than twelve inches (12") from the inside surface of a window shall not be
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 16
considered a window sign and shall not be counted toward maximum permitted
window sign area.
15.36.050 Area Measurement
A. Sign area shall be measured as defined and illustrated below.
1. For signs whose shape is a regular geometric figure (square,
rectangle, circle, oval, etc.), the area shall be calculated using
standard formulas (H x W, p x R2, etc.).
Note:Shaded
area is the"Sign
structure."
See text for
definition of
"Sign structure"
and"Structural
change" _
- Area Measured
Figure 9: Sign Measurement for Regular Shapes
2. For signs whose shape is irregular (such as individual letters placed
on a wall or a monument sign), the area shall be measured by
enclosing the sign elements within up to eight straight, intersecting
lines.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 17
For irregularly
shaped signs,
k22 ,
3area is
8 measured as
enclosed by up
4 to 8 straight,
intersecting
7 lines.
6 5
Figure 10: Sign Measurement for Irregular Shapes
B. Where a sign has two faces, the area of the largest sign face shall be
included in determining the area of the sign, so long as the two sides are
within 5 degrees of parallel.
Where a sign has two or more faces which are more than 5 degrees from
parallel, the sign area shall be computed as the sum of the area of each sign
face.
C. The area of spherical, cylindrical, or other three-dimensional signs shall be
measured by calculating the area of an elevation drawing of the sign.
D. Where a sign contains a frame, background, or other material used to
differentiate the sign from the background on which it is placed, the sign area
shall be measured to include the entire frame, background, or other material.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 18
E. The area of a monument sign which is
supported by a base which is IN
architecturally distinct from the sign A
face itself shall not include the area of H Sign
the base. See Figure 11.
Sign area for a monument sign
F. The supports of a pedestal sign shall shall not include base,if the base is
architecturally distinct.
not be included in the area of a sign,
unless they form an integral part of the Figure 11: Sign Area for Monument
sign face. Sign with Base
G. The following standards shall be used to determine the area of signs
containing multiple elements. Figure 12 illustrates these measurement
methods.
X
Elements above are considered one sign
r------i
} .
2X N--N
WK AX K
Elements above are considered two signs
Figure 12: Signs with Multiple Elements
1. Regardless of their spacing, the letters forming a word or name shall
be considered a single sign.
SIGN CODE-Codifiecimpd 19
2. When two or more separate items in a sign (such as a word and a
logo) are separated horizontally or vertically by less than twice the
width or height of the largest item, the items shall be considered a
single sign, and the area shall be determined by measuring the area
enclosed by a perimeter enclosing all of the items.
3. When two or more separate items (such as a word and a logo) are
separated horizontally or vertically by more than twice the width or
height of the largest item, the items shall be considered two signs,
and the area of each item shall be determined individually.
H. For signs placed on an awning or other translucent surface lighted from
below or behind (other than a window), the sign area shall be calculated to
include the entire lighted area of the awning.
15.36.060 Height Measurement
A. The height of all signs shall be measured from the top edge of the sign
and/or support structure to the average finished grade of the ground below
the sign and/or support structure, as shown below. If the sign is adjacent to
a sidewalk or curb, the height shall be measured from the average top of
sidewalk or curb.
SIGN COPE-Codified.wpd 20
H
fig,
H
H
.. geof
grade below
sign
Monument Sign Pedestal Sign
Figure 13: Sign Height Measurement
B. The following shall apply to signs located within ten (10) feet of a sidewalk
or curb:
1. If the sign is located on a mound or other raised area, any mounding
more than one(1)foot in height will be added to the height of the sign.
(Forexample,a four-foot-high sign structure located atop a three-foot-
high mound will be considered to be six feet in height.)
2. If the sign is located in a depression or similar lowered area, up to one
(1) foot in elevation will be deducted from the height of the sign. (For
example, a four-foot-high sign located in a depression two feet lower
than the adjacent sidewalk will considered to be three feet high.)
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 21
ARTICLE III. GENERAL SIGN STANDARDS
15.36.070 General Standards
A. Temporary signs are for sales, special events, business promotions, and
other events which occur over a limited time.
B. Both faces of a dual-faced sign (except as otherwise specifically permitted
by this Chapter) shall contain the same words, artwork and logo.
15.36.080 Permits and Fees
A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, reconstruct, install, place,
build, hang, paint, draw, affix, fasten, alter, relocate, or maintain a sign, as
defined in this Chapter, without first obtaining all required approvals and
permits, and making payment of fees as required by the City, except as
noted in Sections B below and for specific sign types in this Chapter.
Permits may include planning, building and/or electrical permits or sign
permits.
B. No sign permit shall be required for the following types of signs. Building or
electrical permits may be required.
1. Open house signs.
2. Sale, Rent, and Lease signs.
3. Window signs.
4. Exempt signs.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 22
15.36.090 Permit Submittal Requirements
All applications for sign approvals and/or permits shall be made on forms provided
by the Community Development Department. The Director shall determine the
required information to be specified on these forms.
15.36.100 Sign Approval Required
A. Sign Approval required. All signs, except as specifically noted in this
Chapter, require approval by the City. The following sections describe
required sign-related approvals.
B. Freestanding Signs. The location size and architectural design of all free-
standing signs and support structures (except construction and temporary
signs) shall be approved by the Planning Commission. Replacement of a
sign without any structural change, such as replacement of sign elements
including but limited to individual channel letters or increase in sign area, on
existing freestanding sign structures shall be approved by the Director.
C. Roof Signs. Roof signs or roof-mounted signs are discouraged. However,
such signs may be permitted upon the finding that (1)the sign is an integral
part of the design of a building, such as signs incorporated into roof screens
or parapet walls; (2) the sign is compatible with the design of the building;
and (3)the location of the sign is aesthetically consistent with the project and
nearby building and architecture.
D. Building-Mounted Signs. Unless specified otherwise in a Specific Plan, Sign
Program, or other regulation, the location, size, and architectural design of
all building-mounted signs may be approved by the Director. Replacement
SIGN CODE-CodifiedmIad 23
of a sign on existing building-mounted signs may be approved by the Director
with reasonable conditions to ensure compliance with this Chapter.
E. Sign Programs. The Planning Commission shall approve all Sign Programs
and amendments to Sign Programs.
F. Signs larger than 120 square feet in area. All signs and sign programs that
have signs larger than 120 square feet shall be permitted upon approval of
a Conditional Use Permit application. The City Council shall approve the
sign or sign program by a four fifths (4/5) vote of the entire authorized
membership of the City Council.
1. Approval of application, findings. The City Council in approving a
Conditional Use Permit, shall find as follows:
a. That the size of the sign is compatible with the design,
architecture, and scale of the building(s) and or project.
b. That the size of the sign is aesthetically consistent with the
project, adjacent areas, and the City.
C. That the size of the sign is needed to provide necessary
project identity for the benefit of the general public.
2. Public Hearing by City Council. A public hearing shall be held by the
City Council after a complete application has been filed and legally
required notice given for the hearing.
a. Notice shall be published in a newspaper of general
circulation, not less than ten days before the date set for the
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 24
Council hearing. The notice shall contain all data related to the
case.
b. Notices shall be mailed not less than ten days prior to the date
of the meeting to owners of property within a radius of three
hundred feet of the external boundaries of the property
described in the application, using for this purpose the name
and address of such owners as are shown on the latest official
tax roll of the County. Such notice shall contain all data related
to the case.
G. Permit issuance does not prevent stop work orders. The granting of a permit
shall not prevent the City from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in
the work, or from preventing further operations being carried on thereunder
when in violation of the provisions of this Chapter or any other ordinance of
the City.
15.36.110 Construction and Maintenance Standards
All signs shall comply with the following criteria:
A. All transformers, equipment, programmers and other related items shall be
screened, painted to match the building, or concealed within the sign
structure.
B. To reduce energy use, all sign illumination systems shall incorporate
contemporary energy saving techniques and materials.
C. All permanent signs shall be constructed of quality, low-maintenance
materials such as metal, concrete, natural stone, glass or acrylics.
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 25
Techniques shall be incorporated during construction to reduce fading and
damage caused by exposure to sunlight.
D. All signs shall be constructed in compliance with all applicable building,
electrical and other codes in effect at the time of construction or
maintenance, with particular respect to wind and seismic loads and
overturning moment.
E. All freestanding signs which incorporate lighting shall have underground
utility service.
F. Signs shall be cleaned, updated and/or repaired as necessary to maintain an
attractive appearance and to ensure safe operation of the sign.
Unacceptable sign conditions include: broken or missing sign faces, broken
or missing letters, chipped or peeling paint, missing or inoperative lights,
exposed mechanical or electrical components and missing or broken
fasteners. Failure to respond to a written request from the City to perform
maintenance work shall result in revocation of the sign's permit.
G. All temporary signs and banners shall be made of a material designed to
maintain an attractive appearance for as long as the sign is displayed.
H. No sign support shall be attached to, or supported by, a fire escape.
I. All illuminated signs shall be of such an intensity or arranged in such a
manner so as not to create glare for abutting properties or vehicular traffic.
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 26
15.36.120 Standards for Monument and Pedestal Signs
A. No monument or pedestal sign within one hundred feet of a residential
zoning district shall be lighted unless the illumination is concentrated upon
the area of the sign and does not cast glare upon any dwelling.
B. Monument or pedestal signs shall not extend over public property or right of
way.
C. Monument or pedestal signs in a corner cutoff area shall not extend higher
than three feet above the adjacent curb top (or road centerline if there is no
curb).
15.36.130 Maximum Brightness
Internally illuminated signs shall be limited to the following maximum brightness:
Neon signs: Shall not exceed 30 mA (milliamps)
Exposed incandescent bulbs: Shall not exceed fifteen (15) watts
15.36.140 Prohibited Signs
The following sign types are not permitted:
A. Any sign not specifically identified in this Chapter as permitted shall be
prohibited.
B. No person, except a public officer or employee in performance of a public
duty ora contractorfora public agency, shall place orfasten any type of sign
or advertising on public property or on any public structure(including, but not
27
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd
limited to: pavement, sidewalk, parking place, step, curb stone, lamppost,
pole, signpost, hydrant, bridge, wall or tree) except as may be required by
ordinance or law or as authorized in the Downtown Business District in
compliance with the requirements of this Chapter.
C. The following types of signs are prohibited:
1. Any sign, any portion of which (including its supports) may obstruct
any fire escape, stairway or standpipe.
2. A sign that may interfere with human exit through any window or any
room located above the first floor of any building.
3. A sign where the sign or its supports may obstruct any exterior door
or required exit of any building.
4. A sign that may obstruct any legally required light and ventilation.
5. A sign that, as a result of the intensity, direction or color of its lighting
or illumination, may interfere with the proper operation of, or cause
confusion to the operator of a motor vehicle on the public streets.
6. Billboard signs, reader boards, bench signs, or wind signs or devices.
7. Combination signs.
8. A sign with outline tubing or neon used on the sign-support structures
or running from the sign across the building and thereby invalidating
the sign area limitations. (Vote: The use of neon on a building is
permitted, as provided in this Chapter.
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 28
9. Obsolete signs unless designated as historic.
10. Pennants, streamers, or other similar signs including those which are
suspended from ropes, strings, or similar devices, except as provided
in Section 15.36.390, Automobile Dealership Signs
11. Portable signs not permanently attached to the ground or a building,
except for banner signs which are regulated by this Chapter and
portable and projecting signs as permitted within the downtown
business district in accordance with this Chapter, and portable signs
regulated by Chapter 12.55 of this Code.
12. Projecting signs, except as permitted in Section 15.36.240 of this
Chapter.
13. Pole signs, except as freeway signs and Automobile Dealership signs
in accordance with this Chapter.
14. Balloons of any shape or size, except as permitted in section
15.36.390.
15.36.150 Signs Under Canopies or Overhangs
Signs located under canopies or overhangs shall meet the following requirements:
A. The sign may have a double face;the area of one face may not exceed three
(3) square feet.
B. The sign shall be perpendicular to the wall of the building or property line.
SIGN CODE•Codifiedmpd 29
C. A clearance of eight(8) feet shall be maintained over the pavement or grade
directly below.
D. The sign area shall be considered part of the maximum allowable for the
entity concerned.
E. Only one under canopy or under-marquee sign shall be permitted for each
entity.
15.36.160 Sign Programs
Sign Programs are encouraged as a means to provide consistency among signs.
A Sign Program shall include the following elements:
A. A Sign Program may specify standards more restrictive or specific than this
Chapter or another applicable regulation, but may not contain standards less
restrictive or less specific.
B. All unified centers, as defined in this Chapter, shall prepare a Sign Program.
C. A Sign Program shall contain the following information for all signs, including
on-site directional and informational signs:
1. The design, materials of construction, colors, (graphically shown),
lighting and dimensions shall be clearly illustrated.
2. A plot plan illustrating all improved areas, including landscaping, and
signs drawn to scale to show the location of each sign.
3. Elevations. All signs are to be illustrated and dimensioned in
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 30
elevation drawings. When a sign is attached to a building, the
illustration shall be a composite of the sign and the building, rendered
to scale.
4. Side view and any other illustration(s) required for clarity.
D. A Sign Program may also contain other information as necessary to establish
regulations to ensure that signs are consistent and attractive, including:
1. Size standards, if different from the standards for the underlying
zoning district, specific plan, or other approval.
2. Sign colors
3. Letter style
4. Sign materials
5. Types of signs permitted
6. Sign review and approval procedures, if different from the standards
for the underlying zoning district, specific plan, or other approval.
7. Transfer of unused sign area from one business to another.
ARTICLE IV. SIGN STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
15.36.190 General Commercial Sign Standards
A. Except as provided elsewhere in this Chapter, each business is permitted to
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 31
install one (1) main identification sign; all other signs shall be considered
secondary signs and shall conform to the size criteria established in the
following table.
B. Permitted sign areas for commercial zoning districts are shown below:
Maximum Permitted Maximum Size of maximum Size of
Zoning District Sign Area Main Identification Secondary Sign(s)
Sign
C-1 and C-2 '/Z SF of sign area for 50 SF* 24 SF
each linear foot of Each business is
building frontage limited to one (1) main
identification sign.
*For exception see
Section 15.36.210 C
32
SIGN CODE-Codifted.wPd
Maximum Size of
Maximum Permitted Maximum Size of
Zoning District Main Identification
Sign Area Secondary Sign(s)
Sign
C-3 and C-4 The greater of the 1 SF of sign area for 24 SF
Zoning Districts following: each linear foot of
and a. 1 SF of sign area for building frontage up to
Other Zoning Districts each linear foot of 120 linear feet plus 1/4
Referencing C-4 building frontage up to SF of sign area for
Standards 120 linear feetILus_ each foot of frontage in
(Except as noted in this '/2 SF of sign area for excess of 120 linear
Chapter) each foot of frontage in feet up to a maximum
excess of 120 linear of 300 SF$
feet
or Each business is
b. '/ SF of sign area for limited to one(1) main
each linear foot of lot identification sign.
frontage See also specific
standards for Regional
Mail signs.
$ For maximum sizes
in industrial zoning
districts, see specific
zoning district
standards
C-M The greater of the 120 SFt 24 SF
following: Each business is
a. 1 SF of sign area for limited to one(1) main
each 1 linear foot of identification sign.
building frontage $Signs in industrial
or zoning districts which
b. '/SF of sign area for face a residential
each 1 linear foot of lot zoning district may not
frontage exceed seventy-five
(75) square feet in size.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 33
Maximum Size of
Maximum Permitted Maximum Size of
Zoning District Main Identification
Sign Area Secondary Sign(s)
Sign
A-P, A-P-C, Maximum main identification sign of 20 SF, See A-PIA-P-CIM-F
and M-F regardless of frontage regulations for specific
See A-PIA-P-C regulations for specific criteria for criteria for other signs
other signs
EV/AP '/z SF of sign area for 50 SF 24 SF
each lineal foot of
building frontage
15.36.200 C-1 and C-2 Zoning Districts
The following standards apply within the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts.
A. Sign Approval Required. The location, size and architectural design of all
freestanding signs and roof signs shall be approved by the Planning
Commission. Replacement of a sign without any structural change, such as
replacement of sign elements including but limited to individual channel
letters or increase in sign area, on existing freestanding sign structures shall
be approved by the Director.
The location, size, and architectural design of all building-mounted signs
shall be approved by the Director. Replacement of a sign without any
structural change,such as replacement of sign elements including but limited
to individual channel letters or increase in sign area, on existing building-
mounted signs shall be approved by the Director.
B. Size. The permitted size of signs in the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts is as
shown in §15.36.190 of this Chapter. Major tenant signs may be increased
in area up to a maximum of 75 square feet in area if approved as part of a
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 34
complete sign program approved for the shopping center upon the
determination that the increased area is appropriate to improve the
aesthetics of the project.
C. Location. The following regulations apply to the location of permanent and
temporary signs in the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts.
1. Signs may only be erected on the side of a building where a street
right-of-way or public entryway to the store is located. One unlighted
sign not to exceed two square feet in area may be placed on the rear
of the building for service and delivery identification.
2. All signs shall be placed parallel to the vertical surface of the structure
occupied by the use to which a sign pertains, and may not extend out
from such surface more that twelve inches.
3. No sign shall be placed within any required yard or setback area.
D. Special Signs
1. One overall identification sign for a unified shopping center may be
approved for each street frontage,subject to the following regulations:
• This sign shall be placed parallel to the vertical surface and
below the top of the required three-foot-high wall adjacent to
the required front yard area.
• The dimensions of each letter shall not exceed ten inches, and
the maximum area of each sign shall not exceed twenty square
feet.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 35
• If more than one identification sign is provided for a center,
each identification sign shall be identical in size and color.
• Center identification signs shall not be included in the sign
area for any individual use.
2. Directional signs of two (2) square feet or less are exempt from this
Chapter.
E. Specific Limitations
1. All illuminated signs shall be of such an intensity or arranged in such
a manner so as not to create glare for abutting properties or vehicular
traffic. Signs shall not be lighted between the hours of ten p.m. and
six a.m.
2. No freestanding signs are permitted in the C-1 and C-2 zoning
districts, except center identification signs as described in Section E,
above.
F. Portable A-Frame signs are permitted within a unified center if included
within an approved Sign Program.
15.36.210 C-3 Zoning District
The sign provisions of the C-4 zone apply to all signs located in the C-3 zoning
district. In addition, the following requirements shall apply:
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 36
A. Second Floor Windows. Signs permanently painted on second floor
windows facing the street are permitted by the Director.
B. Individual businesses having public access on more than one side of a
building are permitted to have a second main identification sign.
C. Multiple-tenant buildings containing storefronts having no direct access or
street frontage are permitted to install a directory-type sign. This directory
sign shall conform to the following standards:
1. The directory sign shall be a secondary sign, as defined in this
Chapter.
2. The size of the sign shall be limited to two (2) square feet for each
tenant in the building.
D. Portable A-Frame signs are permitted within a unified center if included
within an approved Sign Program.
15.36.220 C-4 Zoning District
The following regulations apply to signs in the C-4 zoning district:
A. Architectural Compatibility. All signs shall be harmonious with the character
and architectural style of the structure upon which they are placed.
B. Sign Approval Required.
1. The location, size and architectural design of all freestanding signs
and support structures shall be approved by the Planning
Commission. Replacement of a sign without any structural change,
such as replacement of sign elements including but limited to
SIGN CODE-Codiried.wpd 37
individual channel letters or increase in sign area, on existing
freestanding sign structures shall be approved by the Director.
2. The location, size, and architectural design of all building-mounted
signs shall be approved by the Director. Replacement of a sign
without any structural change, such as replacement of sign elements
including but limited to individual channel letters or increase in sign
area, on existing building-mounted signs shall be approved by the
Director.
C. Size. The maximum size of signs is shown in §15.36.196 of this Chapter
(Unless further restricted by an approved Sign Program).
D. Location. All signs shall be placed parallel to the vertical surface of the
building, and shall not protrude from the furthest surface of the building,
marquee or canopy more than twelve inches, except that one under canopy
area sign containing less than three square feet in area is permitted for each
street that the building faces.
E. Freestanding Signs. The following regulations apply to freestanding signs..
1. Types of Freestanding Signs. The following freestanding signs are
permitted:
• Monument signs with a height not exceeding four feet.
• Pedestal signs with a height not to exceeding twelve feet.
2. One freestanding sign per street frontage per parcel or unified center
is permitted, except as follows:
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 38
• Each freestanding sign for an individual tenant shall count
toward the allowable signage for that tenant. Shopping Center
signage shall not count towards maximum signage and shall
not exceed the requirements of section 15.36.220(E)(7) of this
Chapter.
• For commercial centers in excess of thirty-five (35) acres, two
(2) freestanding signs identifying the center are permitted.
One (1) of the signs may be oriented to the freeway if located
on land designated as freeway oriented property (See figure
16) and shall meet the design criteria for freeway oriented
signs. If not considered a sign oriented to the freeway, the
maximum height of the sign shall be twenty feet.
3. No freestanding sign shall be placed in such. a manner that it
obstructs signs on adjacent properties from public view.
4. A freestanding sign in excess of twenty-four square feet shall be
considered a main identification sign.
5. No freestanding sign may be placed closer than forty feet to another
freestanding sign.
6. No portion of a freestanding sign shall extend over existing or future
public right-of-way.
7. The following size criteria apply to freestanding signs:
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 39
Size of Parcel or Unified Maximum Size of
Center Freestanding Sign
Up to 5 Acres Twenty-four (24) SF
> 5 to 10 Acres Fifty (50) SF
>10 - 35 Acres Seventy-five (75) SF
(unless sign is freeway-
oriented as defined by
this Chapter).
Greater than 35 Acres 120 SF (unless sign is
freeway-oriented as
defined by this Chapter).
The area of a sign identifying a unified center shall not be counted
toward the maximum sign area for any tenant.
F. Miscellaneous Provisions
1. One sign is permitted for each forty feet of frontage of the structure of
building.
2. Directional signs of two (2) square feet or less are exempt from this
Chapter.
3. Sign standards for specific types of businesses are contained in
Article VII of this Chapter.
4. Standards and regulations for multi-tenant freestanding signs are
contained in Article VII of this Chapter.
SIGN CODE-CodifiedmIad 40
5. Portable A-Frame signs are permitted within a unified center if
included within an approved Sign Program.
6. The Planning Commission, as a part of its review of a Sign Program,
may exempt certain signs or areas from the requirements of this
Section if the following criteria are met:
a. The signs cannot be seen from the public rights of way,
parking areas or other public areas.
b. The signs are oriented to the interior of a pedestrian retail or
recreation area.
7. Monument signs in historic districts or for designated structures may
have a base which is not solid in order to be consistent with the
historic integrity of the property. The sign shall be approved by the
Planning Commission and the Historic and Scenic Preservation
Commission.
15.36.236 C-M Zoning District
The sign provisions of the C-4 zoning district shall apply to all properties in the C-M
zoning district.
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 41
15.36.240 Signs in the Downtown Business District
The Downtown Business District is a unique commercial area within the City. Due
to the pedestrian orientation and historic nature of the district, signage which is
unique and separate from other uses within the City is warranted. The following
sign regulations shall apply only to businesses within the boundaries of the
Downtown Business District.
A. Downtown Business District. The boundaries of the Downtown Business
District are described and illustrated in Figure 14.
1
I-t0
h
snwtr
AVE.
RUM=
5-1
0 w
AK,
� QQ
Subarea A: La Farge Plaza and West State Street between Eureka and First Streets.
Subarea B: The Fox Theater:east side of Cajon Street between Vine Street and the Masonic Lodge;
Vine Street between Cajon and Sixth Streets:Sixth Street between Citrus Avenue and
Vine Street.
Figure 14: Downtown Business District Boundaries
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 42
B. General Limitations
1. A maximum of one portable or projecting sign shall be permitted per
business. The sign shall be directly related to the business frontage
and shall be located at the main entrance to the business.
Businesses with a main entrance facing an alley shall place the sign
at the alley entrance.
2. Multiple-tenancy buildings shall be allowed one portable or projecting
sign.
3. Buildings/businesses with freestanding signs shall not be permitted to
have portable or projecting signs.
4. No objects shall be attached to portable or projecting signs. This
includes balloons, banners, merchandise and electrical devices.
5. Portable signs shall be removed at the daily close of business.
6. Portable signs shall comply with all maintenance criteria fortemporary
signs contained in this Chapter.
C. Design. To ensure uniformity of design, portable and projecting signs shall
be designed so as to be aesthetically pleasing and consistent with the
"theme" of the business (where such a "theme" exists).
1. All portable and projecting signs visible from both sides shall be
double-sided.
2. Projecting signs should function as visual enhancements and should
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 43
be graphically oriented.
D. Size. It is intended that the area of all signs shall be maintained at the
minimum determined adequate to advertise a particular business.
1. The maximum allowable sign area for portable and projecting signs
shall not exceed six square feet.
2. The sign shall not exceed three feet in height and two feet in width,
including all structural elements.
E. Location. The figures below show permitted sign locations.
---s `.� _...y... may... •i..,.,d.•...,.�...,..� ,:...�...... y 3-,....
0 : 2 .� .
3
I.Portable signs perpendicular to the curb.in line with streetscaping.
Z.Portable signs on private property.
Figure 15: Downtown Business District Portable Sign Locations
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 44
1 All portable signs located in the public right-of-way shall conform with
Chapter 12.55 of Code.
2. Projecting signs shall be secured to the building and cannot extend
into the public right-of-way more than two feet. The lowest portion of
the projecting sign shall not be less that eight feet from the ground.
3. Portable signs may be placed on private property as long as they are
oriented to the main entrance.
4. No sign shall be placed in such a manner that it obstructs pedestrian
or vehicular traffic orvisibility. Signs shall not be placed in crosswalks
and all corner cutoffs shall be maintained.
5. Portable signs shall not be located within eight feet of permanent
pedestrian seating areas.
6. Portable signs shall not be placed in parkways.
7. Portable signs shall be self-standing and shall not lean against or be
attached to any public tree, pole or other fixture. Signs shall not be
placed over grates, planters, etc.
F. Sign Approval Required. The type, size, location and design of signs and
support structures allowed under Section 15.36.240 shall be approved by the
Director.
I Decisions made by the Director may be appealed to the Planning
Commission.
45
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd
2. If approved by the Director, a permit shall be issued.
15.36.250 C-D Overlay District
All commercial signs located in the C-D civic design district shall be approved as
provided in this Code.
15.36.260 A-P, A-P-C, and MF Zoning Districts
The following regulations shall apply in the A-P, A-P-C, and M-F zoning districts:
A. Residential Uses. When signs are used for residential purposes, the
regulations of the residential districts shall apply.
B. For Nonresidential Uses.
1. Signs Permitted. Only one main identification sign per street frontage
will be permitted for each property. No other signs will be permitted
with buildings having one main entrance. On buildings with more than
one public entrance, a supplementary directional sign indicating the
names of the occupants and suite numbers may be located as near
as practical to the public entrance.
2. Area of Sign.
a. Any size sign may be used, to a maximum of twenty (20)
square feet or total sign area per building or site. The
maximum area shall include any directory-type listings
incorporated in the sign. If a directory-type listing is used to
designate individual businesses, the maximum area provided
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 46
for each business shall be one (1) square foot, which shall be
counted toward the total sign area.
b. For the supplementary directional signs for buildings having
more than one public entrance, the maximum area of the sign
shall be three (3)square feet or one-half('/)foot per business,
whichever provides the lesser area. If this sign is less than
two (2) square feet or less, it shall not count toward total sign
area.
3. Wall Signs. if the sign is to be attached to the building, it shall be
placed parallel to the surface of the building, and may not extend out
from the building more than twelve inches.
4. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs shall be constructed as
monument signs, and shall be parallel with the street and located not
closer than ten feet from the street property fine or future right-of-way
line.
5. Freestanding Signs on Corner Lots. A monument sign may be placed
on a corner lot with a setback of ten feet from each of the streets.
The sign may have two faces, each parallel with a street and a
maximum area of ten square feet for each face.
6. Illumination of Sign. The sign illumination shall be of such intensity or
arranged in such a manner so as not to create glare for abutting
properties or vehicular travelers.
SIGN CODE-CodiBed.wpd 47
15.36.270 EV/AP Zoning District
The purpose of the regulations in this section is to acknowledge the larger-scale
administrative professional development occurring in the East Valley Corridor
Specific Plan area and to provide adequate signage that is architecturally
compatible with the development.
A. Sign Approval Required. The location, size and architectural design of all
signs and support structures shall be reviewed and approved bythe Planning
Commission. Replacement of a sign that entails structural change, such as
replacement of sign elements including but limited to individual channel
letters or increase in sign area, on existing sign structures shall be reviewed
and approved by the Director.
B. Area of Signage. Total allowable signage is calculated at a ratio of one-half
square foot in area for each foot of the structure or portion thereof wherein
the pertaining use is conducted. Buildings on corner lots or lots fronting on
two or more streets may be credited with only one frontage. No office shall
be credited with more than one frontage. One main identification sign will be
permitted for each property. The main identification sign shall not exceed
fifty square feet. Auxiliary signs shall not exceed twenty-four square feet.
C. Signs Permitted. The following sign types are permitted in the EV/AP land
use district:
1. Monument Sign. One freestanding monument sign per parcel or
unified complex shall be permitted, maximum of four feet in height.
If illuminated, only the letters are to be illuminated. No translucent
backgrounds permitted.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 48
2. Wall Signs. If the sign is to be attached to the building, it shall be
placed parallel to the surface of the building, and may not extend out
from the building more than twelve inches. No sign shall be permitted
on the roof or project above the roofline.
3. Directional Signs. Directional signs containing a maximum area of
two square feet each may be permitted as necessary to facilitate
on-site vehicular circulation. An "EMERGENCY"directional sign may
be a maximum of eight square feet.
4. Supplementary Directory Signs. A maximum of one directory sign
may be placed near the pedestrian entrance to the building. The
maximum area of the sign shall be three square feet or one-half foot
per business, whichever provides the lesser area.
D. Location. Signage may only be erected on the side of a building where a
street right-of-way or public entryway to the business is located. One
unlighted sign not to exceed two square feet in area may be placed on the
rear of the building for service and delivery identification.
E. General Limitations.
1 . All illuminated signs shall be of such an intensity or arranged in such
a manner so as not to create glare for abutting properties or vehicular
traffic.
2. Developments designed for occupancy by more than one tenant shall
comply with Section 15.36.160.
SIGN CODE-Codifiecimpd 49
ARTICLE V. SIGN STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
15.36.280 For Sale, For Lease, For Rent Signs
For sale, for rent, lease or exchange signs may be used in accordance with the
regulations contained in the "Temporary Signs" section of this Chapter.
15.36.290 Identification Signs in Multiple--Family Residential Districts
Signs in the Multiple-Family Residential Districts are subject to the following
provisions:
A. Multiple residential developments located on lots less than one hundred feet
in width may be permitted one sign containing a maximum area of five
square feet.
B. Multiple residential developments located on lots exceeding one hundred
feet in width may be permitted to have one sign with a maximum area of
fifteen square feet.
C. Signs may be externally illuminated only. All lighting shall be directed away
from the street and adjacent properties.
D. The sign may be fastened parallel to the surface of the building, or be
constructed as a ground sign parallel with the main building,with a maximum
of four feet in height, and shall not project further than five feet from the
building. No sign shall be permitted on the roof, eave vents, or on the wall
above the first floor.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 50
15.36.300 Identification Signs for Single-family Residential Districts.
Single-family residential subdivisions may be permitted the use of subdivision identification
signs, subject to the following provisions:
A. Single-family residential subdivisions containing a minimum of fifty units may
be permitted subdivision identification signs at primary entrances to the
development with a maximum sign area of twenty square feet per face. The
proposed signs at primary entrances may be located on both sides of the
street.Any one development may have a maximum of two primary entrances
with subdivision identification signs.
B. The identification signs adjacent to each primary entrance shall be
incorporated into a monumentation style structure, constructed of decorative
block/brick and or similar material, be located behind the corner cut-off area,
and have a maximum height of six feet. Signs with a maximum height of
three feet may be located within the corner cut-off area.
C. Additional subdivision identification signs with a maximum height of six feet
may be permitted adjacent to all secondary entrances to the development
provided they are located behind the corner cut-off area, and have a
maximum height of six feet.The actual sign face shall not exceed five square
feet. Signs with a maximum height of three feet may be located within the
corner cut-off area.
D. All subdivision signs, if lighted, shall be externally illuminated and all lighting
shall be directed away from the street and adjacent properties.
E. Height of all signs shall be measured from the adjacent grade elevation.
SIGN CODE-CDdified.wpd 51
F. An entity, such as a homeowner's association or a landscape and lighting
district, shall be formed, empowered, and required to maintain all permitted
subdivision identification signs.
15.36.305 Mobile Home Parks Zoning District
The standards for multiple family residential zoning districts shall apply in the Mobile
Home Parks zoning district.
15.36.310 Signs for Non-Residential Uses in Residential Zoning Districts
A. The sign provisions for the A-P zoning district shall apply to non-residential
uses within any residential district where permitted by a conditional use
permit.
B. Institutional uses in residential zoning districts may display banners as
permitted by this Chapter.
ARTICLE VI. SIGN STANDARDS FOR OTHER ZONING DISTRICTS
15.36.330 M-F, M-P, M-1, 1-P, and M-2 Zoning Districts
The provisions of the C-4 zoning district shall apply.
15.36.340 E Zoning District
The following standards shall apply to all educational uses in the E zoning district.
Residential uses in the E zoning district shall be subject to the standards for Single
Family or Multiple Family zones, as contained in this Chapter.
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 52
A. Entry Walls. Signs of up to twenty-four (24) square feet may be placed on
entry walls at roadway intersections leading to educational institutions in the
E zoning district.
B. Banner Program. Within the E zoning district,temporary banners advertising
activities which benefit the public may be installed consistent with the time
limits for banner signs established in this Chapter.
C. Building Identification Monument Signs. Two (2) building identification
monument signs may be installed for each building, up to a maximum of
twenty-four(24) square feet in size, only if identification signs are not placed
on the building itself.
D. Building-Mounted Identification Signs. Two (2) building-mounted
identification signs may be installed on each building, up to a maximum of
twenty-four (24) square feet per sign, and only if freestanding building
identification signs are not used.
E. Signs for stadiums, ball fields, and other large recreational/entertainment
facilities shall be permitted up to one sign per street frontage, up to a
maximum of Y2 SF per linear foot of frontage and in accordance with an
approved sign program.
F. Vehicle Directional Signs. Directional signs of up to ten (10) square feet in
size may be installed in the E zoning district to direct motorists to buildings
within an educational facility. These signs may be double faced.
G. Each use in the E zoning district which proposes to construct signs visible
from a public right of way should be required to submit a Sign Program for
approval by the Planning Commission. This Sign Program must include at
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 53
least the following:
1. Specific designs for each sign type (size, height, letter style, etc.).
2. Locations of all proposed signs by sign type.
H. Signs in the E zoning district may have external illumination only.
15.36.350 T Zoning District
The following regulations shall apply to properties in the T, Transitional zoning
district:
A. When used for residential purposes, the sign regulations for single family
residential uses shall apply.
B. When used for off-street parking in conjunction with a commercial, industrial
or administrative and professional use, the total area of signs permitted at
any entry or exit shall not exceed one square foot for each one thousand
square feet of lot area. The maximum area of any one sign shall not exceed
24 square feet. Illumination of all such signs shall not adversely affect
abutting residential properties or vehicular traffic.
15.36.360 P Zoning District
All signs in the P parking district are subject to the provisions of the T transitional
district.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 54
15.36.370 O Zoning District
The following signs are permitted in the O open district:
A. Signs related to a public use or purpose.
B. Private signs subject to review and approval by the Director.
C. Signs for commercial/industrial uses, subject to the C-4 zoning district
regulations contained in this Chapter.
15.36.380 A-D Zoning District
Signs in the A-D zoning district shall be subject to the requirements of the C-3
zoning district, with the addition of the following regulation:
A. All signs located in the A-D airport district are subject to flight-safety
considerations, and must be approved by the Director.
B. The following sign types are permitted:
1. For rent, sale, or lease signs.
2. Directional signs to direct motorists to destinations within the airport.
3. One (1) freestanding sign per airport, which may include a directory-
type listing of tenants at the airport.
4. Signs painted in accordance with FAA regulations, for the use of air
navigation and ground traffic.
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 55
C. Sign sizes shall be as specified in the C-4 zoning district standards.
D. Sign Locations. With the exception of the freestanding airport identification
sign, all signs shall be painted or mounted parallel to the fascia of a building.
ARTICLE VII. SIGN STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC SIGN TYPES
15.36.390 Automobile and Watercraft Dealership Signs
Automobile and watercraft dealerships, due to the nature of their operations which
include large outdoor sales areas, the need for site identification to compete on a
regional basis, and importance as significant economic resources to the City,
warrant and require signs which is unique and separate from other uses within the
City. The following regulations shall apply only to automobile and watercraft
dealerships where the principal use is the sale of new cars, motor cycles, motor
homes or watercraft.
A. Sign Area and Sizes. Total sign area and sign sizes shall be within the total
allowed for the zoning district in which it is located. Except as provided in
this section,the provisions of the zone district in which the automobile dealer
is located shall govern signs for the site.
B. Number and Height of Main Identification Signs. One (1) main identification
sign shall be permitted for each street frontage of the site up to a maximum
of four (4) main identification signs. Main identification signs shall have a
maximum height of(20) twenty feet.
C. Auto Center Sign. Where more than one auto dealership is located adjacent
or directly across the street from another and the area is identified as an auto
center or unified complex, an additional main identification sign up to one
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 56
hundred twenty (120) square feet in area may be permitted. The sign may
be located on a building or be a freestanding sign. An auto center sign shall
not count toward the total sign area or number for any individual dealership.
D. Multi-ten ant Auto Center Sign. One multi tenant auto center sign is permitted
for all automobile dealerships in the City. The multi-tenant auto center sign
shall not count toward the sign area or number of signs for any individual
dealership. The location, size, height and architectural design shall be
approved by the Planning Commission under the provisions of Section
15.36.100. Signs larger than one hundred twenty (120) square feet in area
or over (20) feet in height shall be considered by the City Council under a
Sign Conditional Use Permit as described in Section 15.36.100 F.
E. Uniformity of Design. Signs shall be uniform throughout the project and shall
be designed so as to be compatible with the architecture and scale of the
structures on the site.
F. Temporary Signs, Pennants, streamers, banners on poles, or similar signs
shall be permitted provided they are maintained in accordance with this
code, are located on-site, do not obstruct the visibility of adjacent
businesses, or obstruct traffic.
G. Balloons of any shape with a maximum diameter of two (2) feet, shall be
permitted for automobile dealerships on Saturday (s), Sunday(s), and/or
holidays.
15.36.400 Changeable Copy Signs
Changeable copy signs are permitted subject to the following regulations:
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 57
A. Changeable copy signs are permitted for the following types of uses:
1. Places of worship.
2. Movie theaters and similar entertainment venues at which shows,
performers, or entertainers change on a regular basis.
3. Schools, universities, and other public or private educational
establishments.
4. Motels and Hotels.
B. Changeable copy signs shall be approved by the Planning Commission.
C. The area of a changeable copy sign shall include the entire area in which
changeable letters may be placed.
15.36.410 Freeway-Facing Signs
The following regulations shall apply to signs in a unified center directly adjacent to
a freeway or freeway right of way (including on- and off-ramps) which are located
on the rear of a building or tenant space which 1)faces the freeway or freeway right
of way and 2) does not have a public entrance:
A. Signs meeting the criteria defined above shall be limited to a maximum of 24
square feet in size.
B. A Sign Program shall be required for all freeway-facing signs as defined
above. This Sign Program shall contain the following mandatory standards:
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 58
1 . All freeway-facing signs shall be of a consistent font and letter style.
This font and letter style need not match other signs in the unified
center which are not freeway facing.
2. All freeway-facing signs in a unified center shall use the same color.
Only one color may be used per unified center.
3. All freeway-facing signs in a unified center shall use a consistent letter
height. In no case may letters exceed three (3) feet in height.
The Sign Program may also contain other standards as determined
necessary by the City.
15.36.420 Freeway-Oriented Signs
Motorist-serving businesses and regional shopping centers and new automobile
dealerships which are within the areas identified in Figure 16 of this Chapter may
install freeway-oriented signs,subjectto the regulations and standards of this Code.
The following regulations and standards shall apply to freeway-oriented signs:
A. Only regional shopping centers, new automobile dealerships in accordance
with Section 15.36.390D, and businesses which are "motorist serving" as
defined in this Chapter may install freeway-oriented signs. In no case may
a regional mall or any use within a regional mall (as defined in this Chapter)
install a freeway oriented sign.
B. The maximum height of freeway-oriented signs shall be twenty-five feet,
unless a taller sign is necessary to achieve visibility a minimum of three-
tenths (3110) of one mile from at least one (1) approach to an off-ramp
serving the business. If determined necessary by a Flag Test as described
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 59
below, a sign higher than 25 feet may be constructed.
C. The maximum size of a freeway-oriented sign shall be one hundred twenty
(120) square feet. The area of a freeway-oriented sign shall not be counted
toward the maximum sign area for the business.
D. Flag Tests for freeway-oriented signs shall be conducted as follows:
1 . A flag or object no smaller than 32 SF shall be lifted vertically in the
location of the proposed freeway-oriented sign, starting at a height of
25 feet (measured from the bottom of the object).
2. City personnel shall be stationed at locations 3/10 of one mile from
the beginning of the offramps directly serving the business for which
the sign will be installed.
3. City personnel shall observe whether the object is visible at a height
of 25 feet. If the object is not visible, it shall be raised in ten-foot (10')
increments until it is visible from one(1) direction at a distance of 3/10
of one mile from the start of the offramp approach. If a greater height
is needed for visibility from one of the two offramp approaches, the
Planning Commission may permit the greater height to be used if it is
determined that visibility from that direction is needed.
4. The height established in step 3 (or by the Planning Commission, as
noted in Step 3) shall be maximum height for the sign.
E. No freeway-oriented sign shall be erected which would obscure another sign
when viewed from the freeway.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 60
F. No freeway-oriented sign shall be erected that will be closer than one
hundred feet from another freeway-oriented sign.
G. The minimum size letter in the text of a freeway oriented sign shall be one
foot in vertical or horizontal dimension. The maximum size letter shall be
three feet, vertical or horizontal dimension.
H. No more than one freeway-oriented sign is permitted per property; provided,
however, that a freeway-oriented property which is located within a
freeway-oriented unified shopping center may be permitted an additional
freeway-oriented sign if it is located on a separate parcel and the sign would
meet all other standards in this section.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 61
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15.36.430 Mandatory Signs
Mandatory signs (such as signs for street names and signs for traffic safety) shall
be installed per the requirements of the City or other public agency (such as
Caltrans) having jurisdiction.
15.36.440 Movie Theater Signs
The following standards shall apply to signs for movie theaters in any zoning district
in which they are permitted.
A. All movie theater signs—including building-mounted signs and
marquees—shall be subject to review and approval by the City.
B. Movie theaters may use any or all of the following types of signs:
1. Building-mounted marquee to identify the movie theater and any or all
of the movies showing in the theater.
2. t=ree-standing marquee to identify the movie theater and any or all of
the movies showing in the theater.
3. Building-mounted signs to identify the movie theater.
4. A marquee directly over the ticket window(s) for the convenience of
ticket buyers to identify movies and show times.
5. Movie posters to display current and coming attractions.
C. Sign Sizes. The following size limits shall apply to signs for movie theaters:
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 63
1. Building-mounted marquee signs shall be limited to the larger of either
two hundred (200) square feet or twenty (20) square feet per screen
in a multi-screen theater. All screens in a multi-screen theater may be
used to calculate the marquee size.
2. Freestanding marquee signs shall be limited to the larger of either a)
two hundred (200) square feet or b) twenty (20) square feet per
screen in a multi-screen theater. Freestanding marquee signs may be
increased to a maximum of twenty-five (25) square feet per screen,
subject to approval by the Planning Commission, if it is determined
that the sign's architectural design is of such a quality and/or
character as to warrant the increase in marquee size. All screens in
a multi-screen may be used to calculate the marquee size.
3. The size of a building-mounted marquee shall be calculated
separately from a freestanding marquee. Allowable sign area in
excess of the amount used may not be transferred from a building
marquee to freestanding marquee or from a freestanding marquee to
a building marquee.
4. Building-mounted signs (exclusive of marquees) shall be limited to a
maximum of two hundred (200) square feet. One sign may be
increased in size in excess of two hundred (200) square feet, subject
to approval by the Planning Commission, if it is determined that the
sign's architectural design is of such a quality and/or character as to
warrant the increase in size. Up to two (2) square feet of sign per foot
of building frontage may be permitted, subject to approval by the
Planning Commission, if it is determined that the design of proposed
signs is of such a quality and/or character as to warrant the increase
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 64
of total area.
D. No maximum size for box office marquees is established, other than the limit
on letter height contained in this section. The size of a box office marquee
shall not be counted toward the total sign area on a theater.
E. Exterior poster cases shall be limited to a maximum size of thirty-nine inches
(39") wide by fifty-two inches (52") high. The size of poster cases shall not
be counted toward the total sign area on a theater.
F. No maximum letter height shall be established for movie theaters, with the
exception that letters on box office marquee signs identifying the movies
and/or show times shall be no more than three inches (3") high.
G. Sign Height.
1. Freestanding theater marquee: 20 feet to the top of the marquee
area. The overall height of the sign structure may exceed 20 feet (up
to the maximum height limit in the land use district), subject to
approval by the Planning Commission, if it is determined that the
sign's architectural design is of such quality and/or character as to
warrant the increase in height. In no case shall the top of the marquee
area exceed 20 feet in height above the ground.
2. These height limits shall not apply to signs located on a movie theater
building.
H. Number of Signs. The following limits shall apply to the number of signs at
a movie theater:
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 65
1. Building-mounted marquee: Maximum of one (1) sign.
2. Freestanding marquee: Maximum of one (1) sign.
3. Exterior poster cases: Maximum of one (1) poster case for every two
(2) screens. Poster cases must be located within forty (40) feet of an
entrance into the theater lobby. Poster cases may be located in a
freestanding structure more than forty feet(40')from a lobby entrance
if approved by the Planning Commission. Poster cases on a
freestanding structure shall be limited to a maximum of one (1) for
every four (4) screens.
15.36.450 Multi-Tenant Signs
Multi-tenant signs may be permitted only subject to the following standards and
regulations:
A. Multi-tenant signs are permitted for unified centers that meet the following
criteria:
1 . This criteria only applies to the C-3 and C-4 Districts or in a specific
plan land use district which references the sign criteria for these
zoning districts.
2. Two-hundred twenty-five feet of frontage on a dedicated right-of-way.
3. Lot Frontage shall have a ten (10) foot minimum setback area,
inclusive of buildings and driveways, of landscaping from the street
rig ht-of-way.
SIGN CODE•Codified.wpd 66
4. The Multi-tenant sign shall be located in a minimum fifty (50) foot
linear landscape setback area.
B. Multi-tenant signs are permitted for unified centers that do not meet the
criteria in Section A when the Planning Commission determines: (1)That one
or more businesses within the center are not visible from the roadway
fronting the property; (2) That no other alternatives exists within the center
to provide reasonable business identification for those businesses; and (3)
That the shape or location of the unified center, the orientation of the
buildings, or other unique conditions lead to the finding that it is in the public
interest for the center to be permitted a multi-tenant sign. Multi-tenant signs
shall be freestanding.
C. Standards for Multi-Tenant Signs
1. The number of multi-tenant signs permitted in a unified center shall
comply with Section 15.36.220(E)(2) of this Chapter.
2. All multi-tenant signs shall be within unified centers having a Sign
Program that allows multi-tenant signs and complies with thefollowing
standards and incorporates the architectural design of the center or
surrounding neighborhood area into the sign:
a. The size of any freestanding sign is governed by the criteria of
section 15.36.220(E)(7) of this Chapter.
b. The size of each tenant panel shall be calculated within the
allowable signage for that tenant based on the store frontage.
SIGN CODE•Codifiedmpd 67
C. Decorative walls may be used as a background for multi-tenant
panel signage with up to a total of three (3) tenant panels.
Each tenant panel sign shall be composed of individual
channel letters and the area of the sign shall be determined by
the area within the eight (8) straight lines around the content
as described in Section 15.36.050(A)(2) of this Chapter.
3. In unified centers that meet the criteria in Section B, up to four (4)
tenant panels for tenants are permitted on each face of the multi-
tenant sign. For all other unified centers, the maximum number of
tenant panels is three (3) on each face of the multi-tenant sign.
4. All tenant panels shall have the same size and height.
5. Standards for multi-tenant signs affecting buildings in the C-3 zoning
district are contained in Article IV of this Chapter.
6. All multi-tenant freestanding signs shall be approved by the Planning
Commission pursuant to section 15.36.220 of this Chapter and shall
be architecturally consistent with the surrounding area or unified
center.
15.36.460 Neon On Buildings
Neon tubing may be installed on a building (unless prohibited by a Specific Plan or
other site-specific design standard or regulation), subject to the following:
A. Installation of neon on a building shall require a Commission Review and
Approval, or a revision to an existing Commission Review and Approval or
Conditional Use Permit for the building.
SIGN CODE-CodiBed.wpd 68
B. Neon tubing which is physically or visually connected to a sign shall be
considered part of the sign and its area included in the total area of the sign.
C. Neon may only be installed on a building within an architectural feature
designed and intended for neon tubing.
D. All transformers, ballast, etc., shall be contained within the building or
otherwise shielded from view.
E. Neon tubing shall conform with the maximum brightness standards contained
in Section 15.36.130 of this Chapter.
15.36.470 Regional Shopping Center Signs.
The following standards shall apply to regional shopping centers as defined in this
Chapter.
A. Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the provisions of the C-4
Zoning District (15.36.220) shall apply.
B. Sign Program - Each regional shopping center shall be required to prepare
a sign program, which shall be subject to review and approval by the
Planning Commission. The sign program shall address each of the types of
signs which are proposed to be constructed as part of the regional shopping
center project.
C. The Planning Commission may allow secondary signs to be increased in
area up to a maximum size of 50% of that permitted for the main
identification sign if it is determined by the Planning Commission that the
architectural design of the building(s) and the design of the proposed signs
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 69
is of such a quality and/or character as to warrant the increase in the sign
area.
D. The Planning Commission may allow an increase in the maximum sign area
to be increased from a maximum of 1 square foot per linear foot of building
frontage to 1.25 square feet per lineal feet of building frontage for the first
200 feet plus 1 square foot per lineal foot of building frontage in excess of
200 lineal feet if it is determined by the Planning Commission that the
architectural design of the building(s) and the design of the proposed signs
is of such a quality and/or character as to warrant the increase in the sign
area.
E. Multi-tenant sign(s)may be permitted within a regional shopping center upon
the finding that the consolidation of tenants on the same freestanding sign
is architecturally and aesthetically superiorto allowing a freestanding sign for
each tenant otherwise permitted such a sign within this Code. No more than
four (4) tenant panels shall be permitted for any multi-tenant sign.
F. The Planning Commission may allow an increase in the height of
freestanding sign(s) up to a maximum of thirty feet(30')high within a regional
shopping center when it is determined by the Planning Commission that the
height of the sign(s) are proportionate and aesthetically superior to warrant
an increase in height.
G. Sign area from one tenant to another upon the finding that the transfer will
complement the architectural design of the building(s) and/or the design of
the proposed signs for the project.
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 70
15.36.480 Regional Mall Signs
The following standards shall apply to regional malls, as defined in this Chapter.
A. Sign Program — Each Regional Mall project shall be required to prepare a
Sign Program, which shall be subject to review and approval by the Planning
Commission. The Sign Program shall address each of the following types
of signs which is proposed to be constructed as part of the Regional Mall
project.
B. Interior Signs. All signs located inside the Regional Mall building(s) shall be
exempt from City review or approval.
C. Regional malls may not install freeway-oriented signs, as defined in this
Chapter.
D. Regional malls may install the following types of signs, subject to the
regulations and requirements noted below:
1. Major Entry Signs
Location(s)— Major Entry Signs shall be located on a MajorArterial roadway
at either an intersection with another public street or at vehicle entrances to
the Regional Mall. Major Entry sign locations shall be identified in the Sign
Program for the Regional Mall. For the purposes of measuring sign area,
each corner of an intersection shall be considered a separate sign, subject
to the area criteria below.
Major Entry Sign Height— Maximum height of twenty (20) feet.
SIGN CODE-Codifred.wpd 71
Major Entry Sign Area — Maximum of 200 SF per sign face. Up to three (3)
sign faces per sign. For signs placed on another structure, only the area of
the sign shall be measured.
Tenant Identification on Major Entry Sign — Up to five (5) tenant panels may
be identified on a Major Entry Sign, along with overall site identification.
Major Entry: Minimum Area Required — Each Major Entry Sign shall be
located in a landscaped area of at least 2,000 SF in size.
Design of each Major Entry Sign shall be approved by Planning Commission
as part of the Sign Program for the Regional Mall.
2. Major Tenant Signs Two types of signs shall be permitted to identify
major tenants within a regional mall: Primary and Secondary.
Standards for these sign types are as follows:
Number of signs — Primary Signs: One (1) building-mounted sign per
parking lot frontage.
Secondary Signs: One (1) building-mounted sign per
customer entrance.
Size— Primary Signs: Maximum size based on location of sign on building:
• 0.75 SF per linearfoot of building facing a parking lot for signs located
forty (40) feet or less from adjacent ground level
• 1.0 SF per linear foot of building facing a parking lot for signs located
more than forty (40) feet above adjacent ground level
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 72
Transfer of allowable square footage from one building frontage to another
is not permitted
Size — Secondary Signs: Maximum of twenty-four (24) SF.
Overall Height— No maximum.
Letter Height-- No maximum.
Logo Height — No maximum.
Location — Signs to be mounted to the Major Tenant's building; not to be
placed on any mall building not occupied by the Major Tenant.
Illumination — Signs may be internally or externally illuminated or backlit.
Sign design and placement for Major Tenant Identification signs shall be
approved by Planning Commission as part of the Sign Program for the
Regional Mall.
3. Minor Tenant Signs,
Type and Number of Signs Permitted—The"C4"standards contained in this
Chapter shall apply to all minor tenants. Exterior signs for Minor Tenants
within an enclosed mall may be permitted only for tenants with customer
entrances on the exterior of the mall.
Size, Overall Height, Letter Height, Logo Height, Location, Illumination—Per
"C-4" standards contained in this Chapter.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 73
4. Prima Retail Center Ent Signs
Type and Number of Signs Permitted — Primary Retail Center Entry sign
locations shall be defined as part of the Sign Program for the Regional Mall.
No specific limit is placed on the number of signs.
Size--Maximum of 150 SF of total text area per Primary Retail Center Entry,
as follows:
• Mall identification and/or logo: Up to 150 SF
• Secondary signs: Up to 24 SF (to be considered part of overall
maximum 150 SF)
Overall Height — No maximum height.
Letter Height-- No maximum height.
Logo Height-- No maximum height.
Location -- To be located at major pedestrian entrances into the interior of
the mall, not including entrances through a tenant space. Exact locations
shall be determined as part of the Sign Program for the Regional Mall.
Illumination — May be internally or externally illuminated or backlit.
5. Secondary_Retail Center Entry Signs
Type and Number of Signs Permitted —Secondary Retail Center Entry sign
locations shall be designated in the Sign Program prepared for the Regional
SIGN CODE-Codifiedmpd 74
Mall. No specific limit is placed on the number of signs.
Size — Fifty (50) SF maximum per Secondary Entry.
Overall Height— No maximum height.
Letter Height— No maximum height.
Logo Height — No maximum height.
Location—To be located at secondary pedestrian entrances into the interior
of the mall. Exact locations to be determined by Planning Commission at the
time of architectural/design approval.
Illumination -- May be internally or externally illuminated or backlit.
6. Directional Signs at Regional Malls
Type and Number of Signs Permitted—Allow use of monument signs, street
signs, directional/information signs, and decorative semi-permanent
banners/flags. Banners or flags used as directional signs shall not be
subject to regulations affecting temporary advertising signs.
Size -- Sign sizes to be limited as follows:
• Monument signs: Maximum of 24 SF
• Street/Directional signs: Maximum of 2 SF per sign
• Banners/Flags: Maximum of 8 SF per banner or flag
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Overall Height— Sign heights to be limited as follows:
• Monument signs: Maximum of 4 feet
• Street/Directional signs: Maximum of 8 feet
• Banners/Flags: Maximum 20 feet
Letter/Logo Height-- No maximum
Location — Locations to be determined by Planning Commission as part of
the Sign Program for the Regional Mall. Directional signs maybe located on
private property only.
Illumination—Directional signs may incorporate decorative or safety lighting,
but may not be internally lit.
Materials/Maintenance — Materials and construction used in
Directional/Decorative signs shall be capable of sustaining an attractive
appearance throughout the projected lifetime of the sign.
Materials/construction specifications to be approved as part of the Sign
Program for the Regional Mall.
15.36.490 Service Station Signs
The following regulations address the specific sign needs of service stations:
1. Temporary signs shall be permitted in accordance with the regulations
contained in this Chapter.
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2. Changeable price signs are permitted as required by state law, but must
comply with all requirements of this Chapter. One (1)freestanding price sign
per street frontage is permitted, up to a maximum of two (2) signs.
3. The Planning Commission may allow a second freestanding identification
sign if such signs incorporate price signs as required by state law, if the
service station is located on a corner lot, if both signs are monument signs,
and if the Planning Commission determines thattwo signs are architecturally
and aesthetically superior to allowing a single freestanding sign.
4. Signs required by State law or to indicate required inspection services shall
be allowed with no permit. Signs shall not exceed two square feet, and may
not be placed on the supports of other signs.
15.36.500 Main Identification Signs for Buildings over 100,00OSquare feet in Area
A. Buildings in the C-3, General Commercial District;C-4, Highway Commercial
District and in other zoning districts that apply these two zoning districts'sign
standards are permitted two main identification signs provided the following
criteria is satisfied:
1. The building upon which the sign will be located exceeds 100,000
square feet in floor area.
2. The building has lot frontage as defined in Section 15.36.040 of this
Code, on two major arterials or a freeway.
3. The two main identification signs do not exceed seventy-five (75)
percent of the otherwise allowable signage for the building.
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15.36.510 Signs for Buildings Exceeding Three (3) Stories in Height
The following standards shall apply to signs for all buildings exceeding three stories
in height, including the ground floor, which are hereinafter referred to as "Multiple
Story Buildings."
A. Approval required. Any sign with an area in excess of 120 square feet shall
be approved by the City Council in accordance with the requirements of the
City's General Plan.
B. Multiple Story Buildings may use any or all of the following types of signs:
1. "Main Identification Sign" means a sign greater than twenty-
four (24) square feet in area.
a. "Main Identification Upper Fascia Sign," means a main
identification sign located on the uppermost fascia of
the building which does not extend beyond the roof line
of the building. A total of four (4) Main Identification
Upper Fascia Signs (one per each side of the building)
are permitted per building.
b. "Main Identification Ground Level Sign" means a main
identification sign located at the ground level at the
building site. Each building shall be allowed one (1)
main identification ground level sign. Said sign shall be
in compliance with section 15.36.19OB.
2. "Freestanding Signs". A total of four (4) Freestanding Signs
shall be permitted per building site. A Freestanding Sign is
SIGN CODE-Codified.wgd 78
one of the following:
a. Monument Sign(s) which shall comply with Section
15.36.040 herein.
b. Pedestal Sign(s) which shall comply with Section
15.36.040.
C. Corner Sign(s) which shall be located on a wall at the
corner of a lot. There can be a maximum of two (2)
corner signs for any one building, but not located on the
same corner.
3. One (1) "multiple business sign" with letters measuring a
minimum size of four (4) inches with a maximum of twenty-
four (24) square feet of sign area on each side.
4. "Entry Sign" means a sign located over a pedestrian entry of
a building A maximum of four (4) entry signs, one on each
side of the building, is permitted per building.
C. Sign Sizes. The following size limits shall apply to signs for multiple story
buildings:
1. "Main Identification Upper Fascia Signs" shall be limited to a
baseline size for each fascia sign in accordance with the size
limitations of section 15.36.1908 of this Chapter, provided,
however, that the baseline size of the sign may be increased
by the product of ten (10) percent multiplied by the number of
floors constituting the building. For example, a six (6) story
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 79
building may have a fascia sign with an increase of sixty (60)
percent over the limitations of section 15.36.190B.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Chapter, the
square footage of Main Identification Upper Fascia Signs shall
be computed separately and shall not count towards any
square footage sign limitation imposed upon any other signage
on the building or premises.
2. The total maximum area for all signage other than Main
Identification Upper Fascia Signs shall be calculated pursuant
to Section 15.36.190B.
3. All signs placed on a wall shall comply with Section 15.36.050.
ARTICLE Vlll. TEMPORARY SIGNS
The regulations contained in this section shall apply to all temporary signs,
regardless of their content.
15.36.520 General Regulations for Banner Signs
The following regulations apply to the display of banner signs in all zoning districts:
A. Banners shall be attached flat against the wall or fascia of a building.
Banners shall not be hung from poles, trees, awnings, eaves or similar
structures.
B. Banners shall be hung with permanent attachments, such as bolts or screws.
Banners shall not be tied to a structure with rope, string, twine, or similar
materials.
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C. All banners require a permit issued by the Community Development Director.
D. All banners shall be maintained and replaced when necessary as defined in
Section 15.36.110 of this Chapter. Banners that are faded and/or torn are
not considered to be maintained.
15.36.530 Banner Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
The following regulations apply to the display of banner signs in all commercial and
industrial zoning districts:
A. Each business may display a banner signs for not more than 120 days in a
calendar year.
B. There is no minimum display period for any one business. However, no
more than ten (10) display periods per calender year are permitted and no
"waiting period" exists between display periods.
C. The maximum size of a bannershall be equivalenttothe maximum permitted
area for a permanent sign.
D. The area of bannershall not be counted toward the maximum permitted area
of a permanent sign.
15.36.540 Banner Signs in Residential and Other Non-Commercial and Non-Industrial
Zoning Districts
The following regulations apply to banner signs in all zoning districts other than
commercial and industrial districts:
SIGN CODE-Codifled.wpd 81
A. Institutional uses only may display one banner sign. Commercial uses and
residential uses may not display banner signs.
B. Banner signs shall be limited to sixteen (16) square feet in size.
C. Each business is permitted to display a banner sign for a total of 120 days
in a calendar year.
D. There is no minimum display period for any business. However, no more
than ten (10) display periods per calender year are permitted and there is no
"waiting period" between display periods.
E. The area of a banner shall not be counted toward the maximum permitted
area of a permanent sign.
15.36.550 Construction Signs
One construction sign may be installed on a building site, subject to the following
conditions:
A. The maximum area of the sign shall be thirty-two square feet;
B. The sign shall not be installed until the project has been approved by the
Planning Commission;
C. The sign shall be removed if there is no building permit or construction work
commenced within one (1) year of project approval, unless an extension is
approved by the Director;
D. The sign shall be removed prior to final inspection and approval of the
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 82
project;
E. All freestanding construction signs shall require a Staff Sign Review and a
building permit.
15.35.560 Open House Signs
A. For the purpose of this Chapter, an "open house" is defined as a period of
time during which a house or an apartment for sale is held open for public
viewing.
B. The temporary sign, including any framework or supporting member, shall be
displayed only during such time as the model house or houses are open and
available for inspection by any person. No such sign shall be displayed
unless the owner or his representative is at the house or building when such
signs are on display. No sign permit shall be required for temporary open
house directional signs as described in this section.
C. Open house signs shall not require review by the City or the issuance of a
building permit.
15.36.570 Sale, Rent, and Lease Signs
The following regulations shall apply to real estate signs advertising property for
sale, rent, lease, or trade:
A. All Residential Zoning Districts.
1. Maximum size shall be three (3) square feet.
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2. Maximum height shall be six (6) feet.
3. Location/Number: One (1) such sign may be placed on the
property per street frontage, up to a maximum of two(2) signs.
4. Attachments: Sign attachments, such as "sold" signs, may be
used. No limitations are placed on the materials or design of
these attachments.
5. Signs shall be limited to the lot for sale except for lots not
located directly on a public street where an off-site directional
sign may be allowed when granted permission to do so by the
owner of the off-site property.
B. AP and A-P-C Zoning Districts. The standards for Single Family Residential
Districts shall apply.
C. Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts. For sale, rent, or lease signs
shall be limited to the following sizes (except in the AP and A-P-C zoning
districts, as noted above):
1. Size: Maximum size shall be thirty-two square feet.
2. Height: Maximum overall height shall be six feet, except in
corner cutoff areas, where height is limited to three feet.
3. Location: Signs shall not be located closer than five feet from
street right-of-way lines nor closer than three hundred feet
from any other for sale, for rent or for lease sign on the
property.
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D. Sale, rent, or lease signs shall not require review by the City or the issuance
of a building permit.
See also "Open Nouse Signs"and "Subdivision Signs"in this Chapter.
15.36.580 Searchlights
The following regulations shall apply to the use of any type of searchlight:
A. Searchlights must be operated in a manner which does not introduce fight or
glare onto a street or other right of way or into any residential area.
B. Each business is limited to displaying searchlights a maximum of two (2)
display periods per calendar year of seven (7) days each.
C. Searchlights may be operated in commercial zoning districts only.
D. Searchlights may not be operated after 12 p.m. (midnight) if all adjacent
zoning districts are commercial and/or industrial. When used adjacent to a
residential zoning district, the searchlight may not be operated after 10 p.m.
E. Searchlights shall require a City permit. Items submitted to the City with an
application for such a permit shall include, but not be limited to:
1. The address of the proposed searchlight use.
2. A site plan of the proposed location of the searchlight.
3. The type of searchlight, including its power source.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 85
15.36.590 Subdivision Signs
Signs may erected for the purpose of advertising the sale of land or new dwellings
in subdivisions. Such subdivision signs must conform with the following criteria:
A. These signs may be located only within the boundaries of the subdivision.
No other directional signs, such as posters or trailer-mounted signs, may be
used outside the boundaries of the subdivision.
B. Installation and Removal. Subdivision signs shall not be installed until a
building permit has been issued for one or more residential unit(s) in the
subdivision. Such subdivision signs shall be removed when eighty percent
of the dwelling units have been said, or by the time six months have elapsed
after the final inspection by the City of the last residential unit in the
subdivision.
C. Size. Subdivision signs shall not have an area exceeding fifty square feet,
nor shall the sign exceed ten feet in length. The overall height of the sign
shall not exceed ten feet.
D. Location. Subdivision signs shall not be placed closer than six hundred feet
to another subdivision sign, nor within three feet from the street right-of-way.
Subdivision signs placed in a corner cutoff area may not exceed three feet
in overall height.
E. Lighting. Illumination of any sign, sales office or model home shall be
concentrated only upon the area of the sign, office or model home, and shall
not project glare upon any street or adjacent property.
SIGN COOS-Codifiedmpd 86
15.36.600 Window Signs
Businesses in commercial zoning districts shall be permitted to display window
signs, subject to the following regulations:
A. No time limit is placed on the display of window signs.
B. The area of a window sign shall be calculated as the gross window area for
all the windows on the same floor, building frontage or facing the same
direction. Buildings with setbacks facing the same direction shall be
considered one side for the purposes of calculating window sign area.
C. Window signs may cover no more than twenty-five percent(25%) of the total
window area of the business, as defined in Section 15.36.600(B).
D. Between November 15 and January 10, window signs may cover up to fifty
percent (50%) of the total window area of the business.
E. Public service fliers or posters shall be exempt from the area limits specified
above.
F. No permit is required for window signs.
G. Window signs shall be repaired as necessary to maintain an attractive
appearance. Unacceptable sign conditions include but are not limited to:
broken, faded or missing letters, broken, faded or missing sign faces or any
other portion of the sign, chipped or peeling paint, missing or inoperative
lights, exposed mechanical or electrical components. Failure to respond to
a written request from the City to perform maintenance work shall result in
removal of the sign.
SIGN CODE-Codifiiedmpd 87
ARTICLE IX. CHAPTER ENFORCEMENT
15.36.610 Abatement of nonconforming signs
A. Abatement of Non permitted Signs. Any sign erected without permits or
without compliance with all provisions of this chapter, as amended, and in
effect at the time of its construction, erection or use, shall immediately be
removed from the site by the owner, without compensation.
B. Amortization of Nonconforming Signs. All signs rendered nonconforming by
the provisions of this chapter, or any other provision of this code, as
amended, shall be removed twenty years after the date of becoming
nonconforming.
C. Abatement of Nonconforming Signs. Any sign made nonconforming by the
provisions of this chapter, as amended, shall immediately be removed from
the site, without compensation, under any of the criteria as follows:
1. Any sign whose use has ceased, or the structure upon which
the sign is located has been abandoned by its owner for ninety
consecutive days.
2. Any sign which has been more than fifty percent destroyed or
damaged (other than destruction of the facial copy).
3. Any sign whose owner remodels the sign, except for the
change of copy.
4. Any sign whose owner relocates the sign.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 88
5. Any sign which is or may become a danger to the public or is
unsafe.
6. Any sign which constitutes a traffic hazard (not created by the
relocation of any street or highway or by any other act of the
city).
7. Any sign where there is a change in type of business that the
sign advertises. For example, if the sign is for a florist and a
shoe store moves into the space,the sign must be brought into
compliance.
8. Any sign where there is a change in the name of the person
licensed to operate the business.
D. Non-conforming Signs for Automobile Dealerships. Existing Automobile
Dealership legal, non-conforming signs may continue as long as the
automobile dealership continues operation of the same parcel. A legal, non-
con forming sign may be modified as follows, subject to the area and height
of the sign remaining equal to or less than the existing sign:
1. The sign may be remodeled including, but not limited to,
change of copy, sign face design, and structural
improvements.
2. The sign may be relocated within the boundaries of the parcel
which the dealership is located.
3. Any modification or relocation of a non-conforming sign shall
be subject to review and approval by the Planning
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 89
Commission.
15.36.620 Notice of Violation, Removal.
A. No citation will be issued until the Director has issued a notice of violation to
the owner, agent or person having a beneficial interest in the building or the
premises on which a prohibited sign or any other sign which violates any
provision of this chapter is located. The person having a beneficial interest
in the sign shall remove or alter the sign to comply with the provisions of this
chapter within seventy-two hours of the date of the notice. The notice shall
also state that if the sign is not removed or brought into compliance within
seventy-two hours of the date of the notice the Director may cause it to be
removed.
B. If the Director causes the sign to be removed, the sign must be retained for
fifteen days, during which the owner, agent or person having a beneficial
interest may protest the action and reclaim the sign. At the expiration of
fifteen days, any unclaimed sign shall be deemed abandoned and may be
discarded.
C. The cost of removal, alteration and/or storage of any sign erected or
maintained in violation of this Chapter shall be paid by a permittee, sign
owner, agent or person having a beneficial interest in the sign. The cost of
removal and storage shall be determined by resolution of the City Council.
The cost of removal and storage or alteration shall become a debt owing the
city for the collection of which the City may maintain a civil action in its name.'
D. The Director may summarily and without notice cause the removal of any
sign which is an immediate safety threat to person or property.
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 90
15.36.630 VARIANCE FROM STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS
In cases where the strict application of the provisions of this Chapter would deprive
a property of privileges commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same zone, a
variance may be requested in accordance with Chapter 18.196 of this Code.
15.36.640 Nonconforming signs.
A. Except for normal repair and maintenance, and any modification required for
National Electrical Code compliance, no non-conforming sign shall be expanded,
structurally or electronically altered (not including a change in sign face or sign copy),
moved or relocated unless the sign is brought into compliance with all provisions of this
Chapter. Nonconforming signs shall be permitted to remain until such time as any of the
events listed in subsection B of this section occurs. At such time, the sign must be
removed or brought into conformance with this Chapter.
B. A nonconforming sign shall lose its status as a nonconforming sign if any of
the following occurs:
1. The sign is relocated or replaced;
2. The structure, height or size of the sign is altered in any way
except toward compliance with this Chapter. Face changes and normal maintenance are
allowed;
3. The sign structure is damaged or destroyed by more than fifty
percent of its value at the time of damage or destruction.
C. The City shall comply with California Business and Professions Code
sections 5490 et. seq. in connection with the enforcement and removal of off-premise
SIGN CODE-Codifledmpd 91
advertising displays and signs.
15.36.650 Violation--Penalty.
A. It is illegal to use, occupy or maintain property in violation of this Chapter.
B. Violation of this Chapter shall be a misdemeanor, but may be prosecuted as
either a misdemeanor or an infraction in the discretion of the City Attorney.
C. Any person who violates the provisions of this Chapter is guilty of a separate
offense for each day, or portion thereof, during which the violation continues.
D. Violation of this Chapterwhich threatens to be continuing in nature is a public
nuisance which may be abated or enjoined in accordance with law.
15.36.660 Judicial Review
An applicantwho has been denied a permit under this Chapter for a sign that
is not a prohibited sign may seek immediate judicial review of the denial or within 10 days
of the denial may request in writing to the City Clerk or the City Attorney that the City
commence a judicial action to review the permit denied. If so requested, the City will
commence an action within 10 days of the written request if the request is to judicially
review matters that are protected by the First Amendment. The burden of proof shall be
on the City where required by law and shall otherwise be upon the applicant."
SIGN CODE-Codified.wpd 92
Section 2. The Mayor shall sign this ordinance and the City Clerk shall certify to
the adoption of this ordinance and shall cause it, or a summary of it, to be published once
in the Redlands Daily Facts, a newspaper of general circulation within the City, and
thereafter, this ordinance shall take effect in accordance with law.
4Maorf the City df Wedlands
Attest:
City C rk C
SIGN CODE-CodifiedmIad 93
I, Lorrie Poyzer, City Clerk of the City of Redlands, hereby certify that the foregoing
ordinance was duly adopted by the City Council at a regular meeting thereof held on the
61" day of January, 2004, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Gil, Gilbreath, George, Harrison; Mayor Peppier
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
• F`
Lorrie. oyzer, Ci rk
DASIGN CODE-Codifed.wpd 94