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Commercial, Industrial, and other similar uses immediately adjacent to Highway 395 and Palmdale Road (Highway 18) with on-site freeway identification signs oriented to freeway traffic shall be permitted subject to the following criteria:
(a) Approval of a Sign Permit or Sign Program shall be obtained from the Planning Commission.
(b) Properties containing such signs shall be abutting a freeway or freeway ramp.
(c) Signs may advertise the name(s) and logo(s) of uses on the same parcel or in the same development as the sign. Advertisement of off-site uses, or the use of off-site signs for advertising, is prohibited.
(d) Wall signs may be permitted for properties facing the freeway subject to the same criteria allowed for frontages on a public right-of-way;
(e) Free-Standing Signs. Free-Standing signs may be permitted subject to the following criteria:
(1) Free-Standing pole signs are not permitted; only monument or Pylon style signs may be considered. Pylon signs shall have two supporting towers on either side of the sign with a minimum dimension of twelve inches by twelve inches (12" x 12").
(2) Developments of up to ten (10) gross acres may erect one (1) freeway-oriented sign. Developments of more than ten (>10) gross acres may erect a maximum of two (2) signs.
(3) Signs may be up to one hundred feet (100') in height, or as approved by the Planning Commission on a case-by-case basis.
(4) Maximum sign area for each sign face shall be four hundred (400) square feet, or as approved by the Planning Commission. Each sign shall have a maximum of two (2) faces.
(5) Highway/Freeway-oriented signs shall be spaced a minimum of five hundred (500) feet apart.
(7) Highway/Freeway-oriented signs may not rotate or be animated in any way.
(8) “Reader boards” or similar devices for showing changing text and/or graphic messages may be used, subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit by the Planning Commission.
(9) The address or address range of the property shall be incorporated on the sign visible from public right-of-way and no larger than one (1) square foot in area.
[Ord. No. 474, Section 5, 5/28/08; Ord. No. 528, Exhibit P, 9/10/14.]
(a) Sign Program Required
A sign program shall be developed for any business or shopping center or any group of business uses (three or more tenant spaces) with shared sign facilities, master planned communities or specific plans to ensure that all signs are in harmony with other on-site signs, buildings, and surrounding developments. The intent of a sign program is to integrate signs with building and landscape design into a unified architectural statement. Sign programs are also intended to provide a means of flexible application of sign regulations so as to encourage maximum creativity in the design and display of signs.
(b) Application Requirements
In addition to applicable application forms and fees, the following information is required for review of a sign program:
(1) Site plan, to scale, indicating the location of all existing and proposed signs with sign area dimensions, colors, materials, letter style, proposed copy, if available, letter height, and method of illumination.
(2) Building elevation(s), to scale, with sign location depicted and dimensioned.
(3) Sign details indicating sign area, dimensions, colors, materials, letter style, proposed copy, if available, letter height and method of illumination.
(4) Landlord, Property Owner or Manager review authority and maintenance responsibilities.
(c) Approval
A Sign Permit (Signs) shall be required for a sign program. The Director shall have authority to approve, conditionally approve, or deny a sign program based on findings that the proposed sign program is in compliance with the Design Guidelines of this Chapter.
(d) Design Guidelines
The following guidelines are encouraged in developing a sign program:
(1) A theme, styles, types, form, colors or placement of signs that will unify and identify the center and integrate the signs with the building and landscape design should be provided. Consideration should be given to different types of tenants (e.g., major and minor) and placement locations consistent with the architectural design.
(2) Sign color should be compatible with building color. In general, limit the number of primary colors on any sign to no more than two (2) with secondary colors used for accent or shadow detail. Variations in color may be used as long as the remaining components of the program remain consistent with the overall program.
(3) Use the same type of supports or method of mounting for signs of the same type.
(4) Use the same type of construction material for same components, such as monument bases, panels, cabinets, and supports.
(5) Use the same form of illumination for all signs of a given type, or by using varied forms of illumination that have been determined by the approving body to be compatible.
(6) Consideration should be provided for logos or trademarks.
(e) Revisions to Sign Programs
(1) Minor Revisions
A revision to a sign program may be approved by the Director if it is determined that the revision is minor in nature and that the intent of the original approval, and any conditions attached thereto, are not affected.
(2) Major Revisions
For any revisions which are determined to be major by the Director, a new application shall be filed in accordance with this Chapter.
The submittal materials required to accompany the application for a revision to a sign program shall be the same as those required in subsection 17.70.100(b) of this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 474, Section 5, 5/28/08; Ord. No. 528, Exhibit P, 9/10/14.]
No temporary sign, or display of any kind shall be permitted, except as specifically allowed by this ordinance. A temporary sign permit, on forms provided by the Planning Division, must be obtained prior to installation of a temporary sign.
(a) Temporary Banner Signs
A temporary banner sign may be approved for a period of time, as specified in this section, for commercial and industrial uses. The signs may be used to promote the sale of new products, new tenant, new management, new hours of operation, a new service, or to promote a special sale. Any business or property owner desiring to use a temporary advertising sign must file an application with a drawing or photograph demonstrating the sign appearance with the Planning Division for review and approval. The use of such signs is subject to the following limitations:
(1) No more than one sign shall be permitted per activity or business.
(2) The sign shall be a temporary sign designed either as a wall sign, window sign or ground sign. The sign can be in the form of a banner or pennant.
(3) The sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet and shall be posted below the roof. In the case of a ground sign, the height of the sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet.
(4) The sign shall be limited to a maximum display period of thirty (30) days. Four (4) such periods shall be permitted for each calendar year, not to exceed a total of 120 days per year. A maximum of four (4) periods may be approved consecutively to allow a single sign to be displayed for up to 120 days; otherwise, a minimum of 30 days shall be required between display periods.
(5) The following temporary banner display criteria shall apply:
(A) All temporary banners shall be constructed of durable material that will not deteriorate during the time period in which the banner is displayed. Temporary banners which become frayed, torn, faded, or showing similar signs of fatigue or failure shall be deemed to be in violation of these provisions.
(B) All temporary banners shall be securely affixed to the face of the facade of the building housing the business where the business is located.
(C) Temporary banners shall not be affixed to fences, light poles, trees, extended over parking and/or landscaped areas or other similar techniques.
(D) No temporary banners shall be affixed on, within, or over any public right-of-way.
(b) Grand Opening Signs
A grand opening sign may be approved for a period of time in any zoning district to advertise a new business or a change of business name following a closure. Any business or property owner desiring to use a grand opening sign must file an application together with a drawing or photograph to the Planning Division for review and approval. An application must be made either prior to opening or within the first sixty (60) days of operation. The use of such signs is subject to the following limitations:
(1) No more than one sign shall be permitted per grand opening.
(2) The sign shall be a temporary sign designed either as a wall, window or ground sign. The sign can be in the form of a banner or pennant.
(3) The sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet and shall be posted below the roof. In the case of a ground sign, the height of the sign shall not exceed eight (8) feet.
(4) The sign shall be limited to a display period not to exceed thirty (30) days prior to opening and sixty (60) days after opening, for a total display period of ninety (90) days.
(5) Grand Opening Sign display criteria shall comply with the Temporary Sign criteria in Section 17.70.110
(a)(5) above.
(c) Special Event Signs
Special event signs may be approved for a limited period of time in any zoning district as a means of publicizing special events such as carnivals, festivals, pumpkin patches, charitable events and Christmas tree lots, in conjunction with a Temporary Use Permit. To apply for approval of special event signs, any business or property owner must submit an application with the city planning division which describes the proposed sign by means of a sketch and the display dates for review and approval. Such special event signs shall be limited to the following provisions:
(1) No more than one special event sign shall be permitted per activity and shall be either a wall, window or ground sign, and use of flags, banners and pennants.
(2) All special event signs shall be a maximum of fifty (50) square feet and shall be posted below the roof or shall be no higher than eight (8) feet in the case of a ground sign.
(3) Special event signs shall be limited to forty-five (45) days per calendar year.
(4) Special Event Sign display criteria shall comply with the Temporary Sign criteria in Section 17.70.110
(a)(5) above.
(d) Permitted Signs - On-site Subdivision Signs
The following signs shall be allowed in any zoning district subject to the provisions listed:
(1) One temporary on-site subdivision sign not to exceed sixty-four (64) square feet total for two sides or thirty- two (32) square feet for one side, with a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet.
(2) One on-site subdivision sign may be permitted on each main street frontage of the property being subdivided not to exceed two such signs for all phases of any subdivision (interior streets of the subdivision are not recognized as main street frontage).
(3) Such signs shall be for the identification of a subdivision, price information and the developer’s name, address, and telephone number.
(4) Such signs shall be removed within ten days from the date of the final sale of the land and/or residences or within two years, whichever comes first. Extensions of the two-year time limit can be approved by the Director in cases of hardship.
(5) Signs shall be maintained in good repair at all times.
(6) If the City is forced to remove any signs, then the developer shall be subject to the cost of removal.
[Ord. No. 474, Section 5, 5/28/08; Ord. No. 528, Exhibit P, 9/10/14.]
(a) Purpose
Billboards are recognized as a legitimate form of commercial use in the city. However, the size, number, location and illumination of billboards can have significant influence on the city’s visual environment, and can, without adequate control, create or contribute to visual blight conditions. The purpose of this section is to provide reasonable billboard control, recognizing that community appearance is an important factor in ensuring the general community welfare. This section contains the entirety of the city’s zoning regulations with respect to billboards in the Billboard Overlay Zone. Nothing herein shall affect the right of any billboard or digital billboard in the Billboard Overlay Zone in existence as of the date of this ordinance pursuant to a development agreement to continue to legally exist and be maintained pursuant to such agreement (including any amendments or extensions thereof).
(b) Billboard Overlay Zone Established
A new Billboard Overlay Zone is hereby established in the following areas:
(1) Air Expressway B-O Zone
On the east line of Highway 395, the length of the BOZ begins at the intersection of the east line of Highway 395 and the north line of Air Expressway and extends north along the east line of Highway 395 for 650 feet and has a depth of 200 feet from the east line of the right of way edge of Highway 395 and said depth is measured along a line that begins perpendicular to the centerline Highway 395 and extends out from the east edge of the right of way 200 feet.
(2) Adelanto Stadium B-O Zone
On the east line of Highway 395, the length of the BOZ begins at the north/western edge of San Bernardino County Assessor parcel number 3128-221-25-0000 where it abuts Highway 395 and then extends south to the south/western corner of San Bernardino County Assessor parcel number 3128-221-23-0000 were it abuts Highway 395 and said depth is measured along a line that begins perpendicular to the centerline of Highway 395 and extends out from the east edge of the right of way 200 feet.
(3) Bellflower Street B-O Zone
On the north line of Highway 18 (Palmdale Road), the length of the BOZ begins at the intersection of the north line of Highway 18 and the east line of Bellflower Street and extends west along the north line of Highway 18 for 300 feet and has a depth of 200 feet from the north line of the right of way edge of Highway 18 and said depth is measured along a line that begins perpendicular to the centerline of Highway 18 and extends out from the edge of the right of way 200 feet.
(4) Holly Road B-O Zone
On the east line of Highway 395, the length of the BOZ begins at intersection of the north line of Holly Road and the east line of Highway 395 and then extends north along the east line of the right-of-way of 395 for 1,400 feet and said depth is measured along a line that begins perpendicular to the centerline of Highway 395 and extends out from the east edge of the right of way 200 feet.
(c) General Criteria
Notwithstanding any other provision of the zoning code, off-site outdoor advertising displays shall be allowed in all B-O Zones, on any size parcel, whether public or private property, or in the right-of-way, subject to the following criteria:
(1) City Agreement
The advertising display shall be included as part of a disposition and development agreement, owner participation agreement, lease agreement or other agreement ("City Agreement") with the city and the City Agreement contains: locations, site plans, elevations, renderings, performance, onetime fee, ongoing revenue provisions, relocation of off-site outdoor advertising signs, or other benefits that allow the city to undertake projects, programs, or other activities that improve the visual environment.
(2) Location Allowed
The advertising display shall be placed in any commercial, mixed use, business park, or industrial district that is within the specified B-O Zone and within two hundred feet (200') from the edge of the right of way of a freeway or highway whether on private or public property, including public areas that have been approved by a City Agreement to be placed in a sidewalk or curb or park strip.
(3) Conflict Between Provisions
In the event of any conflict between any provision contained in this section and any other provisions contained elsewhere in this code, the provisions of this section shall govern.
(4) Spacing
(A) Spacing Between Two Digital Off-Site Signs
No digital off-site advertising display shall be placed within one thousand feet (1,000') from another digital off-site advertising display on the same side of any portion of a freeway or highway.
(B) Spacing Between Two Static Off-Site Signs.
No static off-site advertising display shall be placed within five hundred feet (500') from another static off-site advertising display on the same side of any portion of a freeway or highway.
(C) Spacing Between One Static Off-Site Sign and One Digital Off-Site Sign
No static off-site advertising display shall be placed within five hundred feet (500') from a digital off-site advertising display on the same side of any portion of a freeway or highway.
(5) Sign Height
Notwithstanding any other way to measure the sign height per the zoning code, the advertising structure shall not exceed the height of sixty feet (60') as measured from either the finished grade under the sign or from the freeway or highway grade, whichever is higher.
(6) Sign Face Size
No advertising structure shall have a facing that exceeds six-hundred and seventy-two (672') square feet, but it shall allow extensions of up to two (2') on the sides and five and one-half feet (5.5') on the top, excluding base or apron supports and other structural members. This subsection shall apply to each facing on an outdoor advertising structure. The area shall be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle, or combination thereof, which will encompass the entire advertisement and is made based on the height and the length but not the depth of the advertising copy.
(7) Illumination & Traffic Signs
No advertising display may be placed that is so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of, or obscures any official traffic sign, device, or signal; nor shall any advertising display include or be illuminated by flashing, intermittent, or moving light; nor shall any advertising display cause beams or rays of light to be directed at the traveled ways if the light is of an intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or to impair the vision of any driver, or to interfere with any driver's operation of a motor vehicle. This section does not prohibit properly maintained off-premise digital billboards that comply with State and Federal law.
(8) No Setbacks
Existing setback and yard requirements of the underlying commercial or industrial zone shall not be applicable to placement of any advertising structure. No minimum setback or yard requirements shall be applied to placement of an advertising display.
(9) Compliance with Federal, State and Local Laws
No advertising display shall be placed or maintained in violation of the California Outdoor Advertising Act, Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 5200) of Division 3 of the California Business and Professions Code, or any other applicable state, federal, or local law. Unless otherwise specified in this section, the general sign requirements set forth in the Business and Professions Code shall apply to plans and materials for and to design, construction, street address numbers, identification and maintenance of outdoor advertising displays approved under this section.
(10) Permits Required
No person shall place an off-site outdoor advertising structure without first having secured a building permit and a State (Caltrans) permit.
(A) Building Permit
A separate building permit shall be required for each advertising structure whether or not the advertising structure is proposed alone or as one of any number of advertising structures proposed to be placed on the same parcel, contiguous parcels, or any set of related or unrelated parcels that are the subject of a single development proposal.
(B) Application
No permit of any kind shall be issued for an advertising display without prior approval of the City Council.
(C) Application Filing
An application for approval of an off-site advertising structure shall be filed with the City Council in accordance with the following provisions:
1. Any person who has an ownership, license or leasehold interest in the land parcel may file an application for approval of a building permit for an off-site advertising structure. If submitted by the holder of a license or leasehold interest, the application must include a statement of consent to proceed with the proposed development executed by the holder of an ownership interest and acknowledged before a notary public for the state of California.
2. The application may request review of one or multiple advertising structures.
3. The application shall be accompanied by photos of all existing signage and accurate architectural renderings and elevations of proposed advertising structures, as well as a scaled plot plan and elevations showing the locations of all existing structures and improvements on the property, and the proposed advertising structure(s), within one-hundred (100') feet of the proposed advertising structure.
4. At the time of filing the application for permits, the applicant shall pay a filing fee in accordance with a City Council approved resolution. This fee shall be in addition to any other required fees for permits relative to development of the property and shall be for the purpose of defraying the costs associated with city review and action on the application.
(d) City Council Can Refer to Planning Commission.
The City Council may act on the application directly or refer the application to the planning commission for review, recommendations or determination.
(e) Determinations.
Before approving any off-site advertising display permit application, the City Council, or the Planning Commission upon City Council referral, shall make the following determinations concerning the parcel(s) for which permits are sought:
(1) All existing and proposed advertising displays are appropriately scaled to the architectural character of all buildings and structures on the parcels that are within one-hundred (100') feet of the proposed advertising structure;
(2) All existing and proposed advertising displays result in a complementary enhancement to the architecture on the parcel;
(3) All existing and proposed advertising displays result in a visually uncluttered appearance;
(4) All existing and proposed advertising displays enhance commercial corridors and properties and do not obscure street views of public art, council designated historical buildings, or City Council designated projects;
(5) All existing and proposed advertising displays minimize potential traffic hazards;
(6) All existing and proposed advertising displays are compliant with all applicable provisions of this zoning code, and federal, state and local law relevant thereto.
(f) Additional Conditions of Approval.
The City Council, or the Planning Commission upon City Council referral, may impose additional conditions of approval as are reasonably necessary to ensure the development is consistent with the general plan, compatible with surrounding land use, meets the provisions and intent of this zoning code, minimizes potential traffic hazards, and otherwise protects the public health, safety and welfare. In making such determinations, findings shall be made that the proposed use is in general accord with the principles and standards set forth in section 25-130-5 of this chapter.
(g) Express Conditions & Reservations.
Without exception, every outdoor advertising display approved under this section shall be subject to the following express conditions and reservations:
(1) If an advertising display is illuminated, any illumination shall not impair the vision of travelers on any adjacent highway, including the freeway or highway. Digital billboards shall not operate at brightness levels, of more than 0.3 foot candles above ambient light, as measured using a foot candle meter at a pre-set distance. Each digital billboard must have a light sensing device that will adjust the brightness as ambient light conditions change. Pre-set distances to measure the foot candles impact vary with the expected viewing distances of each size sign. Measurement distance criteria:
Nominal Distance to
Face Size be measured from:
Face Size be measured from:
12'x25' 150'
10'6"x36' 200'
14'x48' 250'
20'x 60' or 25'x 48' 350'
(2) Each digital billboard shall be designed to freeze the display in one static position, display a full black screen, or turn off, in the event of a malfunction.
(3) When an advertising display is defaced with graffiti, the display owner shall remove the graffiti within seventy-two (72) hours after telephonic notice by city.
(4) No billboard shall display any statement or words of an 'obscene, indecent, or immoral character', as that phrase is used in Business and Professions Code Section 5402 and judicial decisions interpreting the same.
(h) Final Decision.
The decision of the City Council shall be final and conclusive. If the City Council refers the application to the planning commission for determination, the decision of the planning commission shall be final, subject to applicant's right to appeal any decision of the planning commission, to the City Council.
(i) Variance.
Any proposed variance to this subsection shall be deemed a major variance and may be approved only if the City Council determines that each of the required findings set forth in this zoning code are met.
(j) Nonconforming.
All existing off-site outdoor advertising displays that have previously obtained required permits, and which remain in compliance with the terms and conditions of those permits but that are not in conformance with the provisions of this section shall become nonconforming uses. The owner of a nonconforming outdoor advertising display may perform normal repairs and customary maintenance to such existing nonconforming advertising displays, including, but not limited to, changing the advertising message and adding an extension to the outside dimension of a facing.
(k) Relocations.
All off-site outdoor advertising displays approved under this section and existing nonconforming advertising displays may be relocated by mutual agreement between the display owner and the City Council on whatever terms are agreeable to both parties under the authority of California Business and Professions Code Section 5412.
(1) "Relocation" as used in this section, includes removal of an advertising structure and construction of a new advertising structure to substitute for the advertising structure removed.
(2) The purpose of this subsection is to allow the city to continue to develop in a planned manner without expenditure of public funds while allowing the continued maintenance of private investment and a medium of public communication established in outdoor advertising.
[Ord. No. 611, §3, 4/22/20.]
A-frame Sign. A sign with two (2) sign faces which are not parallel, with a side profile in the shape of an “A”.
Abandoned Sign. A sign pertaining to, or located on, a property, building suite or premises which is vacant and unoccupied for a period of ninety (90) days, or a sign which is damaged, in disrepair, or vandalized and not repaired within ninety (90) days of the date of the damaging event.
Advertising Display. Shall refer to advertising structures and to signs placed for off-site outdoor advertising purposes on advertising structures.
Advertising Structure. Shall mean a structure of any kind or character erected, used, or maintained for off-site outdoor advertising purposes, upon which any poster, bill, printing, painting, digital, or other advertisement of any kind whatsoever may be placed.
Architectural Sign. A sign incorporated into architectural elements such as an archway, fountain, or sculptured garden which is integrated with, but subordinate to, the overall architectural element.
Advertising Devices. A commercial temporary device other than signs, used for grand openings and special promotions. Advertising devices could consist of, but not be limited to, balloons, flags, search lights, clowns, etc.
Area of Sign. “Sign area” means the entire area within the outside border of the sign. The area of a sign having no continuous border or lacking a border shall mean the entire area within a single continuous perimeter formed by no more than eight straight lines enclosing the extreme limits of writing, representations, emblem, or any fixture or similar character, integral part of the display or used as a border, excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which such sign is placed. Where a sign has two (2) or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign, except that where two (2) such faces are placed back-to-back and are at no point more than three feet (3') from one another, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of one face if the two faces are of equal area, or as the area of the larger face if the two faces are of unequal area.
Awning/Canopy Sign. Signs which are placed on or integrated into fabric awnings, or other material canopies, which are mounted on the exterior of a building which extend from the wall of a building to provide shielding of windows and entrances from inclement weather and the sun.
Balloon. Any mobile, portable, temporary structure that is inflated with gaseous material and is used for the purpose of attracting attention whether or not it contains a written or graphic message.
Banner, Flag, Pennant or Streamers. Any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar material, used for advertising purposes, attached to any structure, staff, pole, line, framing, vehicle, but not including official flags of the United States, the State of California, and other states of the nation, counties, municipalities, and official flags of foreign nations.
Berm. A mound or embankment of earth.
Billboard Sign. Shall mean a sign, static or digital, excluding a supergraphic sign, which advertises goods, products, services or facilities not sold, produced, manufactured or furnished on the premises on which the sign is located (also known as outdoor advertising, off-premise sign or off-site sign).
A. Digital Billboard. Shall mean a changeable off-premise message sign (digital sign) consisting of a matrix of lamps or diodes or other electronic light source which are computer controlled (excluding time/temperature signs). A Digital Billboard shall not change more often than once every four (4) seconds.
B. Static Billboard. Shall mean a conventional off-premise sign that is painted or have a vinyl that is stretched over the face of the sign or has another means of displaying the advertising that is not using a digital billboard display.
Building Facade. The exterior wall of a building exposed to public view or that wall viewed by persons not within the building.
Building Wall. The individual sides of a building.
Business Entrance Identification. A sign adjacent to, or on the entrance door of a business which names, gives the address and other appropriate information as store hours and telephone numbers.
Cabinet. A three dimensional structure which includes a frame, borders, and sign face panel and may include internal lighting upon which the sign letters and logos are placed or etched, and is architecturally integrated with the building.
Center. A center contains businesses and buildings designed as an integrated and interrelated development sharing such elements as architecture, access, and parking. Such design is independent of the number of structures, lots, or parcels making up the center.
Channel Letter Sign. Three dimensional individually cut letters or figures, illuminated or unilluminated, affixed to a building or sign structure.
Channel Letter Sign, Reverse. A type of sign utilizing opaque channel lettering with an open back containing a light source which throws light onto the sign field (background) against which the channel letters are silhouetted.
Directional Sign. Signs limited to directional messages, principally to direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic, such as “one way”, “entrance”, or “exit.” These signs provide information which will assist the operators of vehicles and the flow of traffic. Such signs may use names, logos, or symbols of buildings, businesses, activities, uses or places as a means of providing directions.
Directory Sign. A sign which provides a listing of the names of businesses, tenants, activities, addresses, locations, uses, or places within a building, complex of buildings, or multi-use project.
Double-Faced Sign. A single sign structure designed with the intent of providing copy on both sides in which the sides are not separated by more than three (3) feet.
Eave. That part of a roof that overhangs the side walls or the lowest part of the roof extending over an arcade.
Eaveline. The eaveline is the bottom of the eave.
Entryway Sign. A sign which is placed on the perimeter of a recorded subdivision, townhouse project, commercial development, master planned community, hotel, motel, or guest ranch at a major street or driveway entrance to identify the name of the interior project. Such signs may flank both sides of the entrance and may include monument or landscape wall sign types.
Fascia Sign. A sign placed on a parapet-type wall used as part of the face of a flat roofed building and projecting not more than one (1) foot from the building face immediately adjacent thereto.
Flag. A fabric sheet or square, rectangular or triangular shape which is mounted on a pole, cable, or rope at one end.
Flag, Decorative. A flag which contains no text or graphics. Also known as pennants.
Flashing Sign. A sign that contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source.
Free-Standing Sign. A sign that is not attached to any building.
Flashing, Intermittent or Moving Light. Shall mean a light or message that changes more often than once every four (4) seconds. The illumination or the appearance of illumination resulting in a change of message or advertising copy is not the use of flashing, intermittent, or moving light, unless it changes more often than once every four (4) seconds.
Freeway. A major highway which carries high speed traffic without interruption by traffic signals.
Frontage. Linear measurement of a lot or building facade or portion of the facade which encloses an individual tenant or business which fronts on either a street, freeway, parking lot, or pedestrian mall, not including loading or service areas, and is used as the basis for determining the maximum sign area and number of signs allowed for individual activities. For wall signs, building frontage may also include linear footage of the building facing an adjacent commercial or industrial designated use, which is not adjacent to another building.
Height, Sign. The distance from ground level to the highest point of the structure, providing, however that where the structure is on a berm, mound or slope, the slope shall not exceed a four to one (4:1) horizontal to vertical ratio. If the slope exceeds this ratio, then height shall be measured from the toe (or bottom) of the slope, or a point where the slope does not exceed four to one (4:1).
Highway. A major highway which carries high speed traffic which may be continuous without interruption by traffic signals or may have frequent interruption by traffic signals. Within the City of Adelanto, Highway 395 and Palmdale Road (Highway 18) are classified as Highways.
Identification Sign. A sign on a building wall or landscape wall, a ground sign or temporary sign used to present the name of a major residential project or master planned community information center.
Illegal Sign. Any sign erected without first obtaining a sign permit, or a sign for which the permit has expired or been revoked.
Illuminated Sign. A sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs or outline backlit or internally illuminated by electric lights or luminous tubes as a part of the sign proper.
Indirect Lighting. Illumination so arranged that the light is reflected from the sign to the eyes of the viewer. Indirect lighting is typically external illumination located away from the sign, which lights the sign, but which is itself not visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk, or adjacent property.
Individual Letters. A cut-out or etched letter or logo which is individually placed on a landscape, screen wall, building wall, or ground sign.
Institutional Sign. A sign identifying the premises of a church, school, hospital, rest home, or similar institutional facility.
Internal Lighting. A source of illumination entirely within the sign which makes the contents of the sign visible at night by means of the light being transmitted through a translucent material but wherein the source of illumination is not visible.
Internal Backlighting. A source of illumination entirely within the individual letter, cabinet, or structure which makes the sign visible at night by means of lighting the background upon which the individual letter is mounted. The letters are opaque, and thus are silhouetted against the background. The source of illumination is not visible.
Kiosk Sign. An off-premises sign used for directing people to the sales office or models of a residential subdivision project.
Logo. A graphic symbol representing an activity, use, or business. Permitted logos shall be registered trademarks or symbols commonly used by the applicant, and may include graphic designs. The applicant shall provide stationery or other supporting documents illustrating use of logo.
Main Traveled Way. Shall mean in the case of a freeway or highway, the traveled way of each of the separate roadways for traffic in opposite directions is the main traveled way.
Menu Board. An outdoor sign listing food and beverage items available at restaurants with drive-through windows for take-out service.
Monument Sign. A free-standing cabinet or panel sign mounted on, or within, a base (above grade) which is detached from any building.
Multiple Tenant Commercial Building. A commercial development in which there exists two or more tenant spaces, and which is designed to provide a single area in which the public can obtain a variety of products and services. Distinguishing characteristics of a multiple tenant commercial building may, but need not, include common ownership of the real property upon which the center is located, common-wall construction and multiple occupant commercial use of a single structure.
Name Plate. A small sign which identifies a resident’s or home’s name and address or the name of a farm, ranch, or commercial stable. Such sign may be shingle, building wall, or archway-mounted.
Off-Site Subdivision Directional Sign. A sign located off the subject property providing direction to a residential land development project.
On-Site Subdivision and Model Home Directional Sign. A sign providing direction to a residential land development project located within the boundaries of the subdivision.
Panel. A two dimensional visual background behind the sign letters and logos which is visually separated from the mounting upon which the sign letters and logos are placed by the presence of a border, different colors, different materials, or other technique of visual framing around the letters or logo.
Pennant. See “Flag, Decorative.”
Permanent Sign. Any sign which is intended to be and is so constructed as to be a lasting and enduring condition remaining unchanged in character, condition (except normal wear) and position, and in a permanent manner affixed to the ground, wall, or building, provided the sign is listed as a permanent sign in the Ordinance.
Pole Signs. Pole signs are signs that are supported by a pole or post and otherwise separated from the ground by air. Pole signs are almost always separated from buildings and other structures.
Portable Sign. A sign that is not permanently affixed to a structure or the ground.
Projecting Sign. A wall sign suspended from, or supported by, a building or structure and projecting outward.
Raceway. A metal conduit or channel containing the electrical power lines for illuminated signs.
Reader Board Sign. A on-premise sign designed to allow the changing of copy through manual, mechanical, or electrical means, including time and temperature. The changeable copy of a “Reader Board Sign” shall not change at a frequency in excess of one alteration per four (4) seconds, shall not use scrolling or animated characterization nor be located within the direct line-of-sight of any residential used or zoned property within 150 feet of said sign.
Reverse Channel Lettering. See “Channel Letter Sign, Reverse.”
Roof Sign. A sign that extends above the roof line.
Shingle Sign (Canopy Sign). A sign suspended from a roof overhang of a covered porch or walkway which identifies the tenant of the adjoining space (see “Under Canopy Sign”).
Sign. Any words, letters, numerals, emblems, designs, or other marks shown on any flag, card, cloth, paper, metal, painted surface, glass, wood, plaster, stone or other device of any kind or character by which anything is made known and used to attract attention. “Sign” does not include:
A. Official notices issued by any court or public body or officer;
B. Notices posted by any public officer in performance of a public duty or by any person in giving any legal notice;
C. Directional, warning or information signs or structures required by or authorized by law or federal or state authority.
Sign Copy. Letters or figures that make up the sign’s message.
Sign Program. A specific set of design standards established for the purpose of unifying a variety of signs associated with a multi-tenant or multi-use project (three or more tenant spaces), building or complex of buildings. The design standards shall include, but are not limited to, letter and logo sizes, letter style, colors, texture, lighting methods, sign type (individual letters, cabinet, etc.) and architectural features. The purpose of the program is to provide design compatibility for all signs and to integrate the signs with the architectural features of the project or building(s) being signed. Upon approval of the master sign program by the Director, all signage contained within the limits of the project, regardless of ownership, shall comply with the design standards established by the program.
Sign Structure. Any structure which supports any sign.
Snipe Sign. Temporary signs made of any material, including paper, cardboard, wood and metal which is fastened to fences, trees, utility poles, or other nonsign structures.
Special Event Sign/Banner. A temporary sign or banner that is intended to inform the public of a unique happening, action, purpose, or occasion, such as a grand opening or community event (see Banner).
Special Service Sign. Small signs associated with gasoline or service stations such as “full service”, “water and air”, “cashier”, “smog certificates”, etc.
Temporary Sign. A sign usually constructed of cloth or fabric, cardboard, wallboard, wood or other light material intended to be displayed for a short period of time as set forth in this Chapter.
Time/Temperature Sign. Shall mean a sign which communicates time and temperature information in digital or analog fashion, frequently in connection with business logo or identification copy.
Traffic Directional Sign. Signs used at driveways to improve public safety and to enhance public access to the site from public streets. These signs provide information which will assist the operators of vehicles and the flow of traffic. Such signs may use names, logos, or symbols of buildings, businesses, activities, uses or places as a means of providing directions.
Two Hundred Feet from the Edge of the Right Of Way. Shall mean two hundred feet (200') measured from the edge of the right of way horizontally along a line perpendicular to the centerline of the highway.
Under Canopy Sign. Any sign attached to the underside of a projecting canopy protruding over a private or public sidewalk or right-of-way.
Vehicle Sign. A sign which is attached to or painted on a vehicle which is parked on or adjacent to any property, the principal purpose of which is to attract attention to a product sold or business located on such property.
Wall Sign. A sign that is affixed to the wall or fascia of a building.
Window Sign. Any sign posted, painted, placed, or affixed in or on any window exposed to public view. Any interior sign which faces any window exposed to public view and is located within three (3) feet of the window.
[Ord. No. 474, Section 5, 5/28/08; Ord. No. 528, Exhibit P, 9/10/14; Ord. No. 611, 4/22/20.]