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Publisher's Note: This Section has been AMENDED by new legislation (Ord. 2564, adopted 4-26-2021). The text of the amendment will be incorporated below when the ordinance is codified.
The following are definitions of specialized terms and phrases used in this chapter. The definitions are organized in alphabetical order.
Abandoned Sign. Any sign (a) located on property that becomes vacant or unoccupied, (b) which pertains to any occupant or business unrelated to the premises' present occupant or business, or (c) which pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies or exists.
Alteration. Any change of copy, sign face, color, size, shape, illumination, position, location, construction, or supporting structure of any sign.
Anchor tenant. Within a multi-tenant development, up to three tenants that occupy the greatest amount of floor area.
Animated or Moving Sign. Any sign which uses movement, lighting, or special materials to depict action or create a special effect to imitate movement.
Area of a Sign. See "Sign Area."
Awning Sign. Any sign copy or logo attached to or painted on an awning.
Banner, Flag, or Pennant. Any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar non-rigid material used for signage.
Bench Sign. Copy painted on any portion of a bench.
Blade Sign. A sign oriented perpendicular to the face of the building, typically hung beneath an awning or canopy.
Building/Structure Frontage. That building elevation which fronts on a public street, public parking lot, private parking lot available to the general public, or pedestrian walk where customer access to a structure is available.
Business Frontage. That portion of a building frontage occupied by a single business tenant having a public entrance within the building frontage.
Business Identification Sign. A commercial sign, either wall-mounted or ground- mounted, identifying a use, facility, service, or product which is located, sold, or manufactured on the same premises as the sign. Typically used to identify the name, address, and use of the premises.
Cabinet Sign (Can Sign). A sign which contains all the text and/or logo symbols within a single enclosed cabinet and which may or may not be internally illuminated.
Center Identification Sign. A wall or ground-mounted sign, typically larger and in addition to smaller monument signs, located on a multi-tenant commercial or industrial property. Typically used to identify the name of the center and anchor tenants.
Changeable Copy Sign. A sign designed to allow the changing of copy through manual, mechanical, or electrical means, including time and temperature.
Channel Letters. Three-dimensional, individually cut letters or figures, illuminated or unilluminated, affixed to a structure.
Commercial Sign. Any sign containing a commercial message. Includes all signs not classified as noncommercial signs.
Construction Sign. A temporary sign on real property on which construction of new improvements is occurring. Typically used to identify the developer, contractor, architect, and other parties involved in the construction.
Directional Sign. An on-site sign designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic to uses on the same site.
Directory Sign. A sign listing the persons, activities or tenants located on-site.
Double-Faced Sign. A sign constructed to display its message on the outer surfaces of two identical and/or opposite parallel planes.
Edge of Roof. On a pitched roof, the lowest portion of the fascia board covering the roof rafters or, if no fascia board exists, the lowest point of the roof rafters. On a flat roof, the top of the parapet wall.
Electronic Reader Board Sign. A sign with a fixed or changing display composed of a series of lights, including LEDs and LCDs, but not including time and temperature displays. An Informational Sign Kiosk is not considered an electronic reader board sign (see "Informational Sign Kiosk" definition).
Flashing Sign. A sign that contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source.
Future Tenant Identification Sign. A temporary sign on a nonresidential construction site. Typically used to identify the future tenant of a property.
Governmental Sign. Any sign approved by the City Council to be installed or erected in the public right-of-way or on City property, including an informational sign kiosk or other signage intended to inform the public.
Ground-Mounted Sign. A sign fixed in an upright position on the ground, not attached to any structure other than a framework, pole, or device erected primarily to support the sign. Includes monument signs and pole signs.
Height of Sign. The vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the area of a sign to the average grade immediately below the sign, including its base or the top of the nearest curb of the street on which the sign fronts, whichever measurement is the greatest.
Illegal Sign. Any sign which does not comply with these Regulations.
Indirectly Illuminated Sign. A sign whose light source is external to the sign and which casts its light onto the sign from some distance. Also includes reverse channel letter signs with opaque faces.
Informational Sign Kiosk. A small structure (less than 8 feet in height, 3 feet in width, and 2 feet in depth) located on a public sidewalk or on public property with an electronic or e-ink display screen or screens intended to provide pedestrians with information on city resources, meetings, programming, community events and attractions, wayfinding directions to parking lots, and a directory of nearby shopping and dining establishments.
Internally Illuminated Sign. A sign whose light source is located in the interior of the sign so the rays go through the face of the sign, or a light source which is attached to the face of the sign and is perceived as a design element of the sign.
Logo. A trademark or symbol of an organization, belief system, or concept.
Marquee Sign. A tall roof-like structure projecting over the entrance of an assembly building or hotel and typically containing changeable copy letters.
Monument Sign. An independent, freestanding structure supported on the ground, having a solid base as opposed to being supported by poles or open braces.
Multi-face sign. A sign displaying information on at least two surfaces, each having a different orientation, or on a curved surface so that the copy or image is different when viewed from different angles.
Multiple Tenant Site/Center. A commercial or industrial development consisting of two or more separate businesses that share either the same parcel or structure and use common access and parking facilities.
Nonconforming Sign. Any sign which was legally established in conformance with all applicable laws in effect at the time of original installation but which does not conform to the requirements of this chapter or these Regulations.
Noncommercial Sign. Any sign which is intended to convey a noncommercial message including, by way of example and not limitation, commentary on social, political, educational, religious, scientific, artistic, philosophical or charitable subjects. This definition also includes signs regarding fund raising or membership drive activities for noncommercial or nonprofit concerns, entities or groups.
Off-Site Directional Sign. Off-premise directional signs are intended to provide identification for access to property that does not abut a public or private street and relies on an easement over adjacent property for access.
Off-Site Sign. Any sign identifying a use, facility, service, or product which is not located, sold, or manufactured on the same premises as the sign.
On-Site Sign. Any sign identifying a use, facility, service, or product which is located, sold, or manufactured on the same premises as the sign.
Permanent Sign. A sign constructed of durable materials and intended to exist for the duration of time that the use or occupant is located on the premises.
Portable Sign. Any sign that is designed to be transported, including but not limited to signs with wheels removed; with chassis or support constructed without wheels; designed to be transported by trailer or wheels; converted to an A- or T-frame signs; attached temporarily or permanently to the ground, structure, or other signs; and menu and sandwich boards.
Projecting Sign. A sign, other than a wall sign, suspended from, or supported by, a structure and projecting outward.
Property Frontage. The front or frontage is that side of a parcel or development site abutting a public or private street.
Reader Board. A sign designed to allow the changing of copy through manual, mechanical, electronic, or electrical means including time and temperature.
Real Estate Sign. A temporary on-site commercial sign, placed on either residential or nonresidential property, during the time period that some or all of that property is being offered for sale, lease, or rent. Typically used to advertise that a property is for sale, lease, or rent, and provide contact information to inquiring parties.
Roof Sign. A sign constructed upon or over a roof, or placed so as to extend above the edge of the roof.
Sign. All signs as defined in the Uniform Sign Code.
Sign Area. The entire area within a perimeter defined by a continuous line composed of right angles using no more than eight lines which enclose the extreme limits of lettering, logo, trademark, or other graphic representation.
Temporary Sign. Any sign fabricated of paper, plywood, fabric, window whitewash, or other light, impermanent material and intended to be displayed unchanged for a temporary period of time.
Vehicle Sign. A sign which is attached to or painted on a vehicle or trailer 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 the property.
Wall Sign. A sign which is attached to or painted on the exterior wall of a structure with the display surface of the sign approximately parallel to the building wall.
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 feet of the window.
(Ord. 2564 §1)
A. Review Required. To ensure compliance with the regulations of this chapter, sign review and approval by the Department shall be required to erect, move, alter, apply, paint, or reconstruct any sign except for signs that are exempt from permits in compliance with Section 19.74.060. Sign approvals are subject to the administrative review provisions of Chapter 19.18 (Site Design and Architectural Review). In most instances, a building permit will be required to erect a sign. In these instances, the permit will be issued by the Public Works Department after review and approval by the Director.
B. Approval of Sign. A sign application shall be approved by the Director, or the architectural review authority for a related project in accordance with Chapter 19.18, provided that the proposed sign is consistent with the provisions of this chapter.
Review of the sign shall include consideration of size, color, material, illumination, location, and other elements of design in compliance with this chapter, including applicable sign design guidelines noted in the City of Chico Design Guidelines Manual and any conditions of approval adopted by the Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board, Commission, or City Council as part of any approval process.
(Ord. 2443, Ord. 2494 §46)
Sign permits shall not be required for the signs listed in this section. Exempt signs shall not be included in the determination of the total allowable number of signs or total allowable sign area for a site. Such signs, however, may require compliance with building permit regulations.
A. Permanent Signs With No Size Limitation.
1. Signs located within shopping malls or similar areas, where the signs are not visible from any point on the boundary of the premises, shall not be regulated as to size or location or similar provisions contained in this chapter; however, such signs require compliance with building permit requirements;
2. Any sign erected and maintained as required by law;
3. Signs on licensed commercial vehicles, including trailers; provided, however, such vehicles and/or trailers shall not be used as parked or stationary outdoor display signs;
4. Signs attached to bicycles or pedicabs;
5. Bench, bus shelter, and other signs located at designated public transit locations which comply with the criteria established by the relevant transit authority and are internally illuminated only in locations where such illumination is not prohibited by the sign regulations for the underlying zoning district;
6. Change of copy within an approved Comprehensive Sign Program that conform to the provisions of the Comprehensive Sign Program (Section 19.74.070); and
7. Governmental signs in the public right-of-way or on City property that are approved by the City Council.
B. Permanent Signs Limited by Maximum Areas. The following signs are exempt from the requirements of sign permits, subject to the following limitations:
1. Occupant name, street number, and street name signs not exceeding two square feet in area per single-family or multi-family unit;
2. On-site commercial signs on nonresidential property not exceeding two square feet in area located on or immediately adjacent to a primary entrance, typically used to post the name of the business, hours of operation, and other pertinent information;
3. Vehicle and pedestrian-oriented safety and directional signs solely for the purpose of guiding traffic, parking, and loading on private property, and not bearing advertising materials. Maximum sign area shall be four square feet in residential and office residential zoning districts and six square feet in other zoning districts. Maximum height for freestanding signs shall be four feet. Taller signs may be approved by the Director, if visibility and safety will not be impaired;
4. Noncommercial signs located on residential property not exceeding four square feet in area. Such signs shall be limited to a maximum of three feet in height when located in any required setback or sight distance area, or six feet in height if located outside any required setback or sight distance area;
5. On-site commercial signs up to four square feet in area located on gasoline pumps, typically used to identify the brand, type of fuel, and octane rating;
6. Any flag with a noncommercial message, provided that the pole height shall not exceed 25 feet and the length of the flag shall be not more than one-quarter of the height of the pole; and
7. The display of air-filled, rubber latex balloons with an inflated diameter of 12 inches or less by a balloon, florist, or other retail establishment regularly offering balloons for sale to the general public. Such balloons shall contain no commercial message and be securely attached to the structure, including an awning if any, from which sales are offered; and
8. Non-illuminated informational wall signs up to five square feet in area, containing historical information, such as photos and narrative, pertaining to the premises upon which they are located.
C. Temporary Signs Limited by Size and Period of Display.
1. Small Temporary Commercial Signs on Nonresidential Property. Small temporary commercial signs painted on a window or constructed of paper, cloth, or similar disposable materials and affixed on a window, wall, building surface, or structure on nonresidential property subject to the following limitations:
a. Signs may be displayed for a maximum of 30 days within a 90-day period;
b. The total area of all temporary commercial signs shall not exceed 25 square feet per tenant;
c. The area of temporary commercial signs attached to or painted on windows shall not exceed 33 percent of the window area, except in the DN and DS zoning districts where signs shall not exceed 10 percent of the window area;
d. Signs shall not be attached to the exterior of windows or doors except painted-on signs; and
e. Signs shall not be located above the edge of the roof or above the sill of the second-story windows on a multi-story structure.
Temporary commercial signs not meeting these limitations are considered Large Temporary Commercial Signs/Banners and may be approved for a limited period of time, subject to permit approval and the limitations set forth in Section 19.74.120(A).
2. Temporary Business Identification Signs. A maximum of two temporary business identification signs may be displayed until permanent signs can be erected, or when existing permanent signs are obscured due to road construction or other similar conditions, for a period not to exceed 90 days. Maximum sign area is limited to 50 square feet.
3. Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs are allowed on private property in any zoning district subject to the following limitations:
a. For single-family dwellings and duplexes, one double-faced sign per street frontage not to exceed 4 square feet in area per sign face and seven feet in height;
b. For multi-family dwellings with three or more units, one double-faced sign per street frontage not to exceed 24 square feet in area per sign face and eight feet in height;
c. For single-tenant sites on nonresidential property, one double-faced sign per street frontage not to exceed 16 square feet in area per sign face and eight feet in height;
d. For multi-tenant sites on nonresidential property, one double-faced sign per street frontage not to exceed 32 square feet in area per sign face and eight feet in height. In addition, one sign for each tenant space available not to exceed six square feet in area to be located at the individual tenant space for rent or lease; and
e. For five or more single-family dwellings or vacant lots on residential property, two single-faced or double faced signs not to exceed 32 square feet in area per sign face and eight feet in height.
4. Future Tenant Identification Signs. Future tenant identification signs may be displayed on a nonresidential construction site, subject to compliance with the following limitations:
a. One sign per street frontage except where a project has in excess of 600 lineal feet of street frontage, one additional sign may be allowed;
b. Signs shall be limited to a maximum of 32 square feet in area and 10 feet in height, or a maximum of 50 square feet in area if combined with a construction sign; and
c. Signs shall be removed upon completion of construction.
5. Construction Signs. Construction signs may be displayed on construction sites, subject to compliance with the following limitations:
a. One sign per street frontage not to exceed 32 square feet in area with a maximum height of 10 feet. Maximum size of 50 square feet in area if combined with a future tenant identification sign; and
b. Signs shall be removed upon completion of construction.
6. Temporary Noncommercial Signs. Temporary signs with noncommercial messages may be displayed on private property, with the property owner’s permission, subject to compliance with the following limitations:
a. On residential property, up to four single-faced or double-faced signs not exceeding four square feet of surface area per sign face may be displayed for up to 120 days in any calendar year. Such signs shall be limited to a maximum of three feet in height if located in any required setback or sight distance area, or six feet in height if located outside any required setback or sight distance area.
b. On nonresidential property, an unlimited number of single-faced or double-faced signs not exceeding 32 square feet per sign face may be displayed for up to 120 days in any calendar year. Such signs shall be limited to a maximum of three feet in height if located in any required setback or sight distance area, or six feet in height if located outside any required setback or sight distance area. These signs are allowed in addition to the substitution of noncommercial messages for commercial messages as established in Section 19.74.030(C).
7. Small Temporary Commercial Signs on Residential Property. Small temporary commercial signs may be displayed during an allowed temporary commercial use of residential property, including uses authorized in Section 19.22.020(F) (Garage and Yard Sales in Residential Zones), subject to compliance with the following limitations:
a. One single-faced or double-faced sign up to four square feet in surface area per sign face shall be allowed;
b. The sign shall be limited to a maximum of three feet in height if located in any required setback or sight distance area, or six feet in height if located outside any required setback or sight distance area;
c. The sign shall be located onsite; and
d. The sign shall only be displayed for the duration of the allowed temporary commercial use of the property.
8. Other Similar Temporary Signs. Other similar temporary signs may be displayed on private property, if the Director makes the following findings:
a. The signs are substantially similar to other signs allowed in the zoning district in terms of area, height, location, illumination, and other objective characteristics;
b. The signs do not obstruct any required sight distance area, block any required path of travel, or otherwise create a safety hazard;
c. The signs are not otherwise prohibited, such as off-site signs, signs in the public right-of-way, or commercial signs on residential property;
d. The signs are displayed for a limited period of time consistent with other similar allowed temporary signs in the zoning district; and
e. The signs are consistent with the purpose and general provisions of this chapter.
If there is any dispute as to whether a particular sign falls within this category, the Director shall document these findings in writing.
(Ord. 2443; Ord. 2564 §2; Ord. 2600)
A. Purpose. The purpose of a Comprehensive Sign Program (“CSP”) is to integrate a project's signs with the design of its structures into a unified architectural statement. Additionally, a CSP is intended to provide a means for flexible application of these sign regulations for multi-tenant projects in order to encourage maximum incentives and latitude in the design and display of signs and to achieve, not circumvent, the intent of this chapter.
B. Applicability. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, a Comprehensive Sign Program may be approved by the Board for the following project types:
1. Multiple commercial tenants, or mixed-use projects, developed as a unit on adjacent parcels and located in a commercial zoning district;
2. A multi-tenant industrial or office project developed as a unit on adjacent parcels and located in an industrial zoning district; and
3. Multiple commercial tenants, or mixed-use projects, located on adjacent parcels within the same city block and under common ownership within the DN (Downtown North) and DS (Downtown South) zoning districts.
A Comprehensive Sign Program may authorize deviations from the development standards for signs for the zoning district in which the project is located, except that the total maximum sign area allowed by this chapter shall not otherwise be exceeded. Standards for signs provided in this chapter shall serve as a reference along with any design guidelines adopted by the City.
C. Application Requirements. The following information is required for submittal of an application to the Board for a Comprehensive Sign Program:
1. Plans, to scale, to include the following:
a. Sign details indicating sign area, dimensions, colors, materials, letter style, proposed copy, letter height, and method of illumination for all signs;
b. Site plan indicating the location of all existing and proposed signs with sign area dimensions;
c. Building elevations with sign location depicted and dimensioned; and
d. A summary table showing the complete sign program and total square foot area of all signs.
2. A statement explaining how revisions, modifications, or replacement of tenant signs will be implemented to limit the possibility of holes being left in the structure's exterior by mounting brackets, electrical connections, or similar items; and
3. Any supplemental information required by the Director.
D. Lessees to be Made Aware of the Comprehensive Sign Program. Lessees within developments governed by an approved Comprehensive Sign Program shall be made aware of the program in their lease and their responsibility to follow the approved Comprehensive Sign Program.
E. Findings. In approving a Comprehensive Sign Program, the Board shall make all of the following findings in addition to those required by Chapter 19.18:
1. The proposed Comprehensive Sign Program is consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter;
2. The signs are visually related to other signs included in the Comprehensive Sign Program and to the structure and/or developments they identify and to surrounding development;
3. The Comprehensive Sign Program accommodates future revisions which may be required due to changes in use or tenants; and
4. The Comprehensive Sign Program complies with all of the standards of this chapter, including the maximum overall sign area allowable, except that flexibility is allowed with regard to individual sign area, number, location, and/or height to the extent that the Comprehensive Sign Program will enhance the overall development and will more fully accomplish the purposes of this chapter.
F. Revisions to Comprehensive Sign Programs. Revisions to a Comprehensive Sign Program may be approved by the Director if it is determined that the revision is minor and that the intent of the original approval, and any conditions attached thereto, are not affected. For revisions that would substantially deviate from the original approval, an application to modify the Comprehensive Sign Program shall be required.
Ord. 2443
The following signs are inconsistent with the purposes and standards of this chapter and are, therefore, prohibited in all zoning districts:
A. Any sign not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter;
B. Abandoned and/or dilapidated signs and sign structures;
C. Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, or any other similar signs;
D. Banners, streamers, and pennants, except as specifically allowed by the provisions of Section 19.74.060 (Exemptions from sign approval);
E. Bench signs, except at approved bus passenger loading areas;
F. Changeable copy signs, including reader boards, except when on the same property as an assembly use or when specifically allowed by state or federal law;
G. Electronic reader board signs, except as provided by Section 19.74.120(K) (Changeable Copy Signs, Reader Boards, and Digital Reader Boards);
H. Inflated signs, balloons, and figures, except as provided in Section 19.74.060 (Exemptions from sign approval);
I. Signs which are obscene, defamatory, or contain fighting words;
J. Off-site signs not specifically allowed by the provisions of this chapter, including billboards, digital billboard displays, and outdoor advertising, except signs located at designated public transit locations;
K. Painted signs on fences or roofs;
L. Roof signs extending above the edge of the roof of a structure;
M. Signs erected in a manner that any portion of their surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit, or standpipe or obstruct any required ventilator, door, stairway, or window above the first story;
N. Signs emitting audible sounds, odors, or visible matter;
O. Vehicle signs attached to or painted on motor vehicles that are parked on or adjacent to property for more than 48 consecutive hours;
P. Signs erected in a location or manner which obstructs a required sight distance area or otherwise creates a traffic hazard as determined by the Public Works Director; and
Q. Signs on which resemble official traffic control signs.
(Ord. 2443, Ord. 2494 §47; Ord. 2503 §1)
A nonconforming sign is any permanent or temporary sign which was legally established and maintained in compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws in effect at the time of original installation but which does not now comply with the provisions of these Regulations. Nonconforming signs shall comply with Chapter 19.08 (Nonconforming Structures, Uses, and Parcels) and Section 19.74.100 (Abandoned signs).
A. Annexed areas. Except as otherwise provided in this section, all signs in areas annexed to the City after the date of adoption of this chapter which do not conform to the provisions of this chapter shall be regarded as nonconforming signs which may remain under the provisions of Chapter 19.08 (Nonconforming Structures, Uses and Parcels) and Section 19.74.100 (Abandoned signs).
B. Historic Signs, Exception. Historic signs, including those no longer advertising a product or service available onsite, may remain and may be protected pursuant to Chapter 19.37 (Historic Preservation).
C. Maintenance and Repair. Nonconforming signs and sign structures may be maintained and repaired in compliance with Section 19.08.030 (Restrictions on nonconforming structures and uses).
Ord. 2443
A sign, including the structural support, shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located if the premises are vacant for more than one year. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the Building Official shall give the owner 30 days' written notice to remove it.
Ord. 2443
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