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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
A. Maintenance of Signs. All signs and supporting hardware, including temporary signs, shall be maintained in good repair and function properly at all times. Signs which are not properly maintained and are dilapidated shall be deemed to be a public nuisance.
When existing signs are removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other supports that are no longer required shall be removed. Any unpainted areas shall be painted to match the adjacent portion of the building or sign support structure.
B. Measurement of Sign Area.
1. The surface area of a sign shall be calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of any writing, logo, representation, emblem, or other display within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles with no more than eight lines.
2. Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself shall not be computed as sign area.
3. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all of the area, including the area between the sections or modules, shall be included in the computation of sign area.
4. Double-faced (back-to-back) freestanding signs shall be regarded as a single sign only if the distance between each sign face does not exceed two feet. However, each sign face shall be considered a separate sign for the purpose of calculating sign area.
5. Where a sign consists of one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculptures, or statue-like trademarks), the sign area shall be measured as their maximum projection upon a vertical plane.
C. Illumination of Signs. The artificial illumination of signs, either from an internal or external source, shall be designed to eliminate any negative impacts on surrounding rights-of-way and properties. The following standards apply to all illuminated signs:
1. External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of any object other than the sign;
2. The light from any illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness which will interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of residential properties in direct visual proximity to the sign;
3. No sign shall have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or any other illuminating device which has a changing light intensity, brightness, or color;
4. No colored lights shall be used at any location or in any manner so as to be confused or construed as traffic control devices;
5. Neither the direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a hazard to operators of motor vehicles;
6. No reflective-type bulb or lamp which exceeds 125 lumens shall be used on the exterior surface of any sign so as to expose the face of the bulb or lamp to any public rights-of-way or adjacent property; and
7. Light sources shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures to the greatest extent possible.
Ord. 2443
A. Large Temporary Commercial Signs/Banners. Large temporary commercial signs and/or banners not meeting the exemption criteria in Section 19.74.060(C) may be displayed on nonresidential property for a limited period of time, subject to approval of a permit from the Department. Such signage may consist of balloons, buntings, portable or mobile signs, banners, flags, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, and similar articles, and are subject to the following conditions:
1. Such signage shall only be permitted on nonresidential properties;
2. Such signage shall only be permitted for a maximum of four time periods in any calendar year with such signage permitted for no more than 10 consecutive days per time period. Provided, however, that each time period shall be separated by a minimum of 30 days and that such signage may be permitted for no more than a total of 20 days in any calendar year;
3. Such signage shall be installed or displayed on-site;
4. Such signage shall not be installed or displayed so as to obstruct any required sight distance area, block any required path of travel, or otherwise create a safety hazard;
5. Balloons and other inflatable devices authorized by this section shall not exceed three feet in any single dimension;
6. No part of the signage shall exceed the maximum height of buildings on the site; and
7. Prior to installation or display of such signage, a permit shall be obtained from the Department. Up to four time periods may be authorized by a single permit.
B. Awning signs. Awning signs may be placed on the face of an awning in a flat position, in a plane approximately parallel to the plane of the building wall to which the awning is attached. Awning signs may project over the public right-of-way to the same extent that the awning projects over the public right-of-way.
1. Signs on awnings shall only be located on building frontages, including those fronting a parking lot or pedestrian way.
2. Signs on awnings are limited to ground-level occupancies only.
3. All internal illumination for awnings shall only be directed downward.
C. Freestanding Signs.
1. Signs are allowed only for frontages adjoining a public or private street.
2. There shall be a minimum of 75 feet between any two freestanding signs on adjoining sites to ensure adequate visibility for all signs. The Director may waive this requirement in situations where its enactment would be impractical due to the locations of existing signs on adjacent properties.
3. Signs shall not project over public property, vehicular easements, or rights-of-way. Signs shall not obstruct traffic safety sight areas.
4. Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one face of the sign. For example, 30 square feet of sign area equates to 60 square feet of required landscaped area.
D. Marquee Signs.
1. Signs shall be mounted only on the front and sides of a marquee, or suspended below.
2. Signs shall not project more than 6 inches from the face of the marquee.
3. Signs shall not extend more than 18 inches above the top of the marquee.
4. A clear distance of 8 feet shall be maintained from the lowest part of a suspended sign to the ground below.
E. Off-Site Directional Signs. Off-site 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. In these cases, one off-site directional sign may be allowed subject to the approval of a sign permit and the following limitations:
1. Signs shall not exceed four square feet per face and not more than two sign faces where the access serves a single parcel or occupant;
2. Signs shall not exceed six square feet per face and not more than two sign faces where the access serves two or more parcels or occupants;
3. Signs shall not exceed three feet in height;
4. Signs shall be placed within the limits of the access easement serving the property and only if authorized by the easement or underlying property owners;
5. Any illumination of off-premises directional signs shall be indirect;
6. Signs shall contain only the property address, project name (if any) or name of occupants, and directional symbols; and
7. Signs shall be located so as to not interfere with clear sight distances required for safe access.
F. Projecting Signs and Three-Dimensional Expressions.
1. Signs shall only be located on ground-level building frontages with customer access.
2. Signs shall be double-faced or otherwise detailed on all sides visible to the public.
3. Consideration shall be given to existing signs on adjoining businesses so that visibility is not blocked.
4. No sign shall project above the edge of the roof of a structure or a sill of a second-story window.
5. All signs shall have a minimum vertical clearance of eight feet from the ground to the bottom of the sign or sign structure.
6. No sign shall project within two feet of a curb line.
7. The maximum thickness of a projecting sign shall not exceed that required for construction purposes.
8. Signs may be illuminated by indirect light sources only which shall be shielded to limit the spread of light only to the sign surface.
9. Three-dimensional, sculptural, or similar artistic structures that express a theme or message may be approved by the Board in addition to or in lieu of other signage in compliance with size and lighting regulations of the underlying zoning district.
G. Theater Signs.
1. Theater Identification Signs. Theaters and other approved assembly uses may be provided with identification signs of the same type, design, height, and size as the identification signs authorized by this chapter for the particular zoning district in which the theater is located.
2. Cases For Temporary Signs. Theaters and other approved assembly uses may also display temporary signs in permanently-mounted glass cases or other similar enclosures. Such cases shall count as part of the maximum allowed permanent sign area as established for that zoning district.
H. Wall Signs.
1. Signs shall be located only on building frontages unless specifically approved by the Director.
2. Signs shall not project from the surface upon which they are attached more than required for construction purposes and in no case more than 12 inches.
3. Signs shall not project above the edge of the roof of a structure.
I. Window Signs.
1. Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground level and second story of a building frontage.
2. Signs shall be permanently painted or mounted on the inside of windows and doors.
3. Signs shall not occupy more than 25 percent of the window area of any one window including permanent and temporary signs. In the DN and DS zoning districts, signs may not occupy more than 10 percent of the area of any one window.
J. Automobile Dealership Business Identification Signs.
1. One ground-mounted business identification sign not exceeding 20 feet in height is permitted per automobile dealership, subject to compliance with all other design standards in Section 19.74.120(C).
2. The sign area shall not exceed 100 square feet for one face, or 200 square feet for two or more faces. This sign area shall count against the maximum sign area for the dealership as established in 19.74.140.
K. Changeable Copy Signs, Reader Boards, and Digital Reader Boards.
1. Such signs shall only be allowed on nonresidential property which contains an approved assembly use, when specifically allowed by state or federal law, or in the CS zoning district.
2. The area of such signs shall count towards the maximum allowed sign area for the site, and meet other applicable sign standards provided in Table 5-8 (Sign Standards by Zoning District).
3. Any digital reader boards shall display static (unanimated) images and/or copy. For the purposes of this section, static images and/or copy shall be defined as those which are changed no more than once per ten seconds.
4. Digital reader boards shall not be brighter than the illumination limit recommended by the International Sign Association (ISA) for Electronic Message Center signs, or 0.3 footcandles above ambient light when measured at the recommended distance as set forth by the ISA. Digital reader boards shall be equipped with a photocell, timer, or other similar device which automatically dims the display during nighttime hours to prevent glare impacts to motorists.
(Ord. 2443; Ord. 2503 §2)
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