The following requirements apply to any building sign including wall, awning, window, marquees, and murals in commercial and industrial zones or as otherwise specified in this chapter. Wall signs should be compatible with the predominant visual elements of the building. The maximum sign height and areas of the signs shall be subject to the provisions of § 17.74.150.
(A) Wall signs.
(1) Unless expressly provided for in this chapter, no sign shall be erected or used on any property other than the one on which the business identified is located.
(2) Wall signs shall be located on no more than three sides of the building and shall not extend above an eave or parapet, or above or below a fascia on which they are located. Wall signs on frontages adjacent to residential uses or zones shall not be illuminated.
(3) Signs shall be placed flat against the wall and shall not project from the wall more than required for normal construction purposes and in no case more than 12 inches. The Planning Director may waive this requirement in special circumstances where a projection greater than 12 inches may be desirable to allow the creation of an especially creative and unique sign design.
(4) In the event that an electrical raceway is required for sign installation, the electrical raceway shall be kept as small as possible, shall not extend beyond the outside edges of the sign copy, and shall be painted to match the color of the background on which they are placed.
(5) Signs shall not be placed to obstruct any portion of a window or cover architectural elements (such as vertical piers, cornices, and similar elements). Exceptions to this requirement with the approval of the Planning Director.
(6) For sign proposals associated with new commercial construction, the proposal shall be submitted as part of the precise plan review process. Signs must be complementary to the architectural design of the building. Sign proposals shall include color scheme, types of materials, typeface, and a general maintenance schedule.
(7) All commercial or office centers consisting of two or more tenant spaces shall submit a comprehensive sign proposal including both parcel and building identification signs. The proposal shall integrate the signs with building design by:
(a) Using not more than three colors for signs;
(b) Using the same method of mounting signs;
(c) Using the same type of materials for sign components (such as sign copy, supports).
(B) Awning signs.
(1) Lettering shall be allowed only on the awning flap or valance only.
(2) Only permanent signs that are an integral part of the awning or architectural projection shall be allowed. Temporary signs shall not be placed on awnings.
(3) Awning signs shall only be allowed for first and second story occupancies.
(4) Awnings shall be regularly cleaned and kept free of dust and visible defects.
(5) No portion of the awning shall be permitted to overhang or encroach into the public right-of-way.
(6) The color of an awning sign should be compatible with and complementary to the color and material of the building to which it is attached.
(C) Window sign regulations. Sign permits are not required for window signs; however, they are subject to the following restrictions:
(1) Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground floor and second story of a building frontage.
(2) Signs shall be placed on the interior side of the window, except that holiday or seasonal window displays and temporary messages may be placed on the exterior side of the window.
(3) A temporary window sign shall not be displayed for more than 90 days.
(4) Not more than 25% of the window area may be covered.
(D) Bulletin board or marquee sign regulations. Bulletin board signs are prohibited. Theatres having permanent seating for at least 100 persons shall be permitted one marquee per street frontage, provided that:
(1) Is located on the premises of the theatre center; and
(2) Is proportional in size to the number of theatre screens and the area of building frontage as determined through the Precise Plan process.
(E) Blade or under canopy signs.
(1) The sign shall provide a clearance of 7’-6” from the underlying walkway.
(2) The maximum square footage is eight square feet for each side; and no more than 3’-0” in height.
(3) The signs may be illuminated or non-illuminated. Illuminated signs may have an internal or external light source.
(4) Blade signs shall project no more than 3’-6” from the building face.
(F) Wall murals. The city has a compelling interest in permitting such signs to promote the culture, history, and scenery of the city. The size of a mural shall be proportional to the building elevation where it is proposed. Applicants shall work with the City of Corona to ensure proposed murals meet the intent of this chapter.
(Ord. 2770 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2729 § 4, 2004.)