(A) Purpose. The purpose of a comprehensive sign program is to integrate all of a nonresidential or mixed-use project's signs with the overall site design and the structures' design into a unified architectural statement. A comprehensive sign program provides a means for the flexible application of sign regulations in order to provide incentive and latitude in the design and display of multiple signs and to achieve, not circumvent, the purpose of this subchapter. Approval of a comprehensive sign program may modify the standards provided in this subchapter as to the sign number, size, height, illumination, location, orientation, or other aspects or signs within the limits of this section.
(B) Applicability. The approval of a comprehensive sign program shall be required whenever any of the following circumstances exist:
(1) Whenever the floor area is in excess of 25,000 square feet;
(2) Whenever five or more separate commercial or industrial tenant spaces are present on the same site; or
(3) Whenever the City Planner determines that a comprehensive sign program is needed because of special project characteristics (e.g., the size of the proposed signs, limited site visibility, the location of the site relative to other lots, buildings, or streets, etc.).
(C) Approval authority and limitation. The Planning Commission shall be the review authority for a comprehensive sign program.
(D) Application requirements. A sign program application for a comprehensive sign program shall include all information and materials required by the Planning Division for a sign program review including a filing fee. Said fee shall be established by resolution of the city. The applicant shall still be required to obtain applicable sign permits and pay the related fee.
(E) Standards. A comprehensive sign program shall comply with the following standards:
(1) The proposed sign program shall comply with the purpose and intent of this subchapter;
(2) The proposed signs shall enhance the overall development, be in harmony with, and relate visually to other signs included in the comprehensive sign program, to the structures and/or developments they identify, and to surrounding development when applicable;
(3) The sign program shall address all signs, including permanent, temporary, and exempt signs;
(4) The sign program shall accommodate future revisions that may be required because of changes in use or commercial tenants;
(5) The sign program shall comply with the standards of the §§ 153.170 et seq., except that deviations are allowed with regard to sign area, total number, location, and/or height of signs to the extent that the comprehensive sign program will enhance the overall development and will more fully accomplish the purposes and intent of this subchapter;
(6) Approval of a comprehensive sign program shall not authorize the use of signs prohibited by this subchapter; and
(7) Review and approval of a comprehensive sign program shall not consider the signs' proposed message content.
(F) Findings. In order to approve a comprehensive sign program the following findings shall be made:
(1) The comprehensive sign program complies with the purpose of this subchapter, and the Baldwin Park Design Guidelines;
(2) Proposed signs enhance the overall development and are in harmony with other signs included in the plan with the structures they identify and with surrounding development;
(3) The comprehensive sign program contains provisions to accommodate future revisions that may be required because of changes in use or tenants; and
(4) The comprehensive sign program complies with the standards of this subchapter, except that flexibility is allowed with regard to sign area, number, location, and/or height to the extent that the signs proposed under the comprehensive sign program will enhance the overall development, achieve superior quality design, and will more fully accomplish the purposes of this subchapter.
(G) Revisions to comprehensive sign programs. The Community Development Director may approve revisions to the comprehensive sign program if the intent of the original approval is not affected. Revisions that would substantially deviate from the original approval shall require the approval of a new/revised comprehensive sign program by the Planning Commission.
(Ord. 1510, passed 6-19-24)