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(A) Types of signs. The following signs are exempt from the permit requirements of this section and are not counted towards the allowable sign area or number of signs:
(1) Address and nameplate signs. Street, apartment, unit, suite numbers, and nameplates, not greater than four inches in height for residential uses, and not greater than six inches in height for commercial uses.
(2) Commemorative plaques. One commemorative plaque identifying a building name, date of construction, or similar information that is cut into, carved, or made of stone, concrete, metal, or other similar permanent material. Commemorative plaques may not be illuminated.
(3) Decorations. Holiday and cultural observance decorations on private property which do not include any commercial advertising.
(4) Sandwich board signs on private property. Non-digital sandwich board signs on private property, not to exceed a vertical or horizontal dimension of four feet. Sandwich board signs within the public right-of-way must comply with the requirement of § 155.340.070(F) (Sandwich Board Signs).
(5) Directional signs. On-site directional signs located entirely on the property to which they pertain, identifying direction to parking, restrooms, and similar public facilities, each not exceeding five feet in height and five square feet in area for non-residential uses, and two square feet for residential uses.
(6) Directory signs. One directory sign per street frontage as follows:
(a) Maximum area: one square foot per tenant.
(b) Maximum height: six feet if freestanding.
(c) Internal illumination prohibited.
(7) Home occupation. One single, non-illuminated, wall-mounted outdoor sign of not more than two square feet in area.
(8) Vacation rental. Each lot containing a vacation rental use may display one single, non-illuminated, wall-mounted outdoor sign of not more than two square feet.
(9) Flags. Flags bearing noncommercial messages or graphic symbols.
(10) Government signs. Signs installed or required by a governmental agency, including signs advertising community activities and local nonprofit, civic, or fraternal organizations.
(11) Informational signs. Signs with information for the safety and convenience of the public such as address, hours and days of operation, whether a business is open or closed, and no smoking notices, up to three square feet per sign and ten square feet in total. Excludes internally illuminated window signs.
(12) Internal signs. Signs within a building, or on the premises of a building, that are not visible from the public right-of-way and are intended for interior viewing only.
(13) Window signs. Window signs consistent with Table 340-2 (Window Signs, Non-Illuminated) and Table 340-3 (Window Signs, Internally Illuminated). Signs may not move or appear to move, change intensity, color, or pattern at any time, and may not create a public nuisance or hazard due to glare or halo effect.
(14) Equipment signage. Signs manufactured as a standard, integral part of a mass-produced product accessory to a commercial or public or semipublic use, including but not limited to telephone booths, restrooms, vending machines, automated teller machines, gasoline pumps, drive-thru restaurant menu boards, and other signs of an instructive nature.
(15) No trespassing signs. "No trespassing" signs, each not more than one square foot in size, placed at each corner and each entrance to a property, and at intervals of not less than 100 feet, or in compliance with the requirements of state or federal law.
(16) Non-commercial bulletin boards. One bulletin board on a parcel occupied by a non-commercial place of public assembly, with a maximum area of 12 square feet.
(17) Real estate listings. Real estate listings posted in the window of a real estate office, with a maximum area of 25% of the total window area.
(18) Restaurant menu signs. Restaurant menu signs attached to a building.
(19) Fuel price signs. Fuel price signs as required by state law. (See Cal. Business and Professions Code § 13530). Fuel price signs may include digital displays; however, the digital display may change no more than once a day. Digital displays must comply with brightness limitations in Table 340-9 (Digital Signs).
(B) Routine maintenance. The painting, cleaning, repair and normal maintenance of a legally-established sign in conformance with § 155.340.080(E) (Maintenance) is allowed by-right, without a zoning clearance or other form of Department approval.
(C) Murals and decorations. Murals, decorations and design elements on the exterior of a building that do not advertise a product, business or service are not considered signs and are not subject to the requirements of this section. Advertisement includes text displaying the name of a business, text displaying the name of a product, text publicizing a service, business-specific logos and product-specific logos. Murals do not require a permit.
(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)
(A) Prohibited sign types. The following types of signs are prohibited:
(1) Banner signs, feather banners, yard signs, and inflatable balloon signs, except when used as a temporary sign consistent with § 155.340.090 (Temporary Signs);
(2) Beacon signs and searchlights;
(3) Human directional and advertising signs;
(4) New off-premise signs established after June 20, 2019;
(5) Ticker signs; and
(6) Digital signs, except when allowed consistent with Table 340-9 in § 155.340.070 (Sign Standards).
(B) Prohibited location or placement. Signs with the following location and/or placement characteristics are prohibited:
(1) Signs attached to or placed adjacent to any utility pole, parking meter, traffic signpost, traffic signal or any other traffic-control device, except when installed by a governmental agency;
(2) Signs attached to trees;
(3) Signs erected or maintained with horizontal or vertical clearance from overhead utilities less than required by a governmental agency;
(4) Signs installed without permission of the property owner or the owner’s agent;
(5) Signs mounted or attached to a vehicle parked for the purpose of calling attention to or advertising a business establishment. This prohibition does not limit the use of business logos, identification or advertising on vehicles actively used for business purposes and/or personal transportation;
(6) Signs in the public right-of-way or projecting over a public street which have not received an encroachment permit;
(7) Signs that obstruct or interfere with a traffic- control sign or signal;
(8) Signs that obstruct or interfere with the free use of a fire escape, exit, stairway, door, ventilator or window in violation of the California Building or Fire Code; and
(9) Signs that conflict with § 155.308.040 (Vision Clearance Area) or signs that otherwise interfere with visibility at an intersection, public right-of-way, driveway or other point of ingress/egress. The city may require sign setbacks greater than specified in this section to maintain adequate visibility for motorists and pedestrians.
(C) Prohibited design features. Signs with the following design features and/or physical characteristics are prohibited:
(1) Signs containing mirrors and signs that constitute a traffic hazard due to highly reflective or fluorescent materials;
(2) Signs that simulate in size, color, lettering or design a traffic control sign or signal;
(3) Signs that blink, except chase lighting (see § 155.340.080(H));
(4) Signs that flash, strobe or change intensity;
(5) Signs emitting audible sounds, odor, fumes, smoke, flames or other visible matter; and
(6) Signs that feature a flag, pennant, whirligig or any devices that wave, flutter, rotate or display other movement under the influence of wind.
(D) Prohibited sign content.
(1) The following sign content is prohibited:
(a) Obscene or indecent text or graphics;
(b) Text or graphics that advertise unlawful activity under state or local laws;
(c) Text or graphics that constitute defamation, incitement to imminent lawless action or true threats; and
(d) Text or graphics that present a clear and present danger due to their potential confusion with signs that provide public safety information (for example, signs that use the words “Caution,” “Danger” or comparable words, phrases, symbols or characters in such a manner as to imply a safety hazard that does not exist).
(2) The content prohibited by division (D)(1) above is either not protected by the United States or California Constitutions or is offered limited protection that is outweighed by the substantial governmental interests in protecting the public safety and welfare. It is the intent of the City Council that each subparagraph of division (D)(1) above be individually severable in the event that a court of competent jurisdiction were to hold one or more of them to be inconsistent with the United States or California Constitutions.
(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)
(A) Calculating sign area.
(1) Sign area for digitally-printed signs is measured as the area within a single rectangle that completely enclose the sign copy and graphics, as well as any frame, material or color that is an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign’s contents from the background against which they are placed. See Figure 340-1.
(2) For all signs other than digitally-printed signs, sign area is measured as the area within up to eight rectangles that completely enclose the sign copy and graphics. See Figure 340-2.
(3) Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself is not calculated as sign area.
(4) For projecting and other double-faced (back-to-back) signs with identical faces, only one display face is counted in the sign area measurement if the distance between each sign face does not exceed 36 inches and the two faces are parallel with each other.
(5) The area of spherical, free-form, sculptural or other non-planar signs is measured as 50% of the sum of the area enclosed within the four vertical sides of the smallest four-sided polyhedron that will encompass the sign structure. See Figure 340-3.
(B) Tenant frontage.
(1) General. Tenant frontage is the linear measurement of a tenant's building wall that abuts and faces a street, a tenant's building wall that abuts and faces a parking lot, or a tenant's building wall that abuts and faces a pedestrian walkway or alley. See Figure 340-4.
(2) Corner and through lots.
(a) Where a tenant occupies a building that fronts on two streets (on a corner or through lot), allowed sign standards apply independently for each street frontage unless otherwise indicated in this section. See Figure 340-5.
(b) For example, a corner tenant in the DT Zoning District may install one wall sign on each street frontage. Allowed sign area applies individually to each frontage and may not be transferred between frontages.
(C) Building frontage. Building frontage is measured in the same manner as tenant frontage, except calculated for the entire building, not individual tenants. See Figure 340-6.
(D) Detached sign height measurement. The height of a freestanding, pole, monument or other type of detached sign is measured from the finished grade at the base of the sign to the top of the sign. See Figure 340-7.
(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)
(A) Types of sign permits. The Zoning Code establishes three types of sign permits: administrative sign permits, master sign permits, and creative sign permits.
(1) An administrative sign permit is a ministerial approval by the Department to confirm that a proposed sign complies with all applicable standards.
(2) A master sign permit is a discretionary permit reviewed by the Design Review Committee to allow for comprehensive and coordinated signs on large, complex, non-residential multi-tenant sites and to allow some deviation from sign standards where appropriate.
(3) A creative sign permit is a discretionary permit reviewed by the Design Review Committee to allow unique, high-quality signs that deviate from sign standards in this section.
(B) Administrative sign permits.
(1) When required. All new signs require an administrative sign permit except for:
(a) Signs exempt from permit requirements as identified in § 155.340.030 (Signs Allowed Without Permits);
(b) Signs that comply with the requirements of an approved master sign permit as identified in § 155.340.060(C) (Master Sign Permit); and
(c) Signs that comply with the requirements of an approved creative sign permit as identified in § 155.340.060(D) (Creative Sign Permit).
(2) Permit requirements.
(a) Administrative sign permit applications must be submitted using an official Department form accompanied by all fees, information, and materials required by the Department.
(b) Department staff will review the proposed sign to verify compliance with applicable standards. If the proposed sign complies with all applicable standards, the Department staff will approve the administrative sign permit. No public notice or hearing is required.
(C) Master sign permit.
(1) Purpose. The purpose of the master sign permit is to provide a coordinated approach to signage for large sites/buildings and non-residential multi-tenant developments, buildings, or adjacent/adjoining properties/parcels.
(2) When allowed. Any site greater than one acre, any site with tenant spaces above the first floor, or any non-residential development, building, or property with three or more tenants, may request approval of a master sign permit.
(3) Review authority. The Design Review Committee reviews and takes action on master sign permit applications.
(4) Application submittal and review.
(a) Master sign permit applications must be submitted and reviewed in compliance with § 155.408 (Permit Procedures).
(b) Master sign permit applications must be authorized by the property owner/agent.
(5) Master sign program. All master sign permit applications must include a proposed master sign program that identifies the placement, size, materials, type, and general design of signs located on a site, including both existing and proposed signs.
(6) Design standards.
(a) A master sign program may not allow prohibited signs as identified in § 155.340.040 (Prohibited Signs) or deviation from digital sign requirements in Table 340-9 (Digital Signs).
(b) A master sign program may allow deviation from the maximum size of signs through transfers of maximum sign areas in § 155.340.070 (Sign Standards) between tenants on a site. For example, on a site with ten tenants that each have 20-foot-wide frontages, each tenant would be allowed 20 square feet of pole signs. Through a standard administrative sign permit, the area of each sign cannot be transferred from one tenant to another. However, through Design Review Committee approval of a master sign permit, the collective total of 200 square feet of sign area for the entire site can be pooled and then re-allocated between tenants so that one tenant could have 101 square feet and the remaining tenants could each have 11 square feet of sign area.
(c) A master sign program may allow deviation from the total number of signs permitted per site in § 155.340.070 (Sign Standards). In the example in division (6)(b) above, the site would be limited to one pole sign 150 square feet or smaller with a standard administrative sign permit. However, through a master sign permit, the site could have two or more pole signs totaling 150 square feet of signage if specifically allowed by the master sign permit approval.
(d) Deviation from any other requirement in this section is not allowed.
(7) Public notice and hearing. The Design Review Committee will review and act on a master sign permit application at a noticed public hearing in compliance with § 155.408.080 (Notice of Public Hearing) and § 155.408.100 (Public Hearings).
(8) Findings for approval. To approve a master sign permit, the Design Review Committee must make all of the following findings:
(a) Allowed signs are consistent with the General Plan, Zoning Code, and any applicable specific plan or area plan adopted by the City Council;
(b) The master sign program features a unified and coordinated approach to the materials, size, type, placement, and general design of signs proposed for a project or property;
(c) If deviations from sign standards in § 155.340.070 (Sign Standards) are proposed, the deviations are necessary to accommodate the unique signage needs of the site;
(d) Allowed signs comply with all applicable standards in this section, unless specific deviations are allowed by the master sign program;
(e) The allowed signs will not adversely impact the public health, safety, or general welfare;
(f) The allowed sign sizes are proportionate and appropriate to the building and site where they are located; and
(g) The number, placement, design, and material of the allowed signs are compatible with the architectural design of buildings on the site.
(9) Limitations. As a part of the discretionary approval of a master sign permit, the Design Review Committee may require modifications to the proposed master sign program including limits on allowed sign types, height, area, dimensions, placement, materials, and other sign design features, in addition to the limitations set by the objective standards of the Zoning Code.
(10) Effect of master sign program.
(a) All tenants and land uses on the site are subject to the requirements of the approved master sign program.
(b) All subsequent signs proposed for a site subject to an approved master sign program must comply with the standards and specifications included in the master sign program.
(c) Subsequent signs consistent with an approved master sign program are allowed with an administrative sign permit.
(d) Signs inconsistent with an approved master sign program require either an amendment to the master sign program or modification of the inconsistent signs.
(e) Approval of a master sign program supersede the regulations of this section. Any aspect of the proposed signs not addressed by the master sign program must be in compliance with this section.
(D) Creative sign permits.
(1) Purpose. A creative sign permit allows for creative signs that deviate from sign standards in this section. Creative sign permits are intended to:
(a) Encourage signs of unique design, and that exhibit a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, inventiveness, and spirit; and
(b) Allow for creative signs that deviate from the standards in this section while minimizing adverse impacts on neighboring properties and the community at large.
(2) When allowed. A creative sign is allowed for any type of sign in any location in Eureka, except for digital signs, which are allowed only in locations specified in Table 340-9 (Digital Signs).
(3) Review authority. The Design Review Committee reviews and takes action on creative sign permit applications.
(4) Application submittal and review. Creative sign permit applications must be submitted and reviewed in compliance with § 155.408 (Permit Procedures). To allow the Design Review Committee to understand the context of proposed creative signs, creative sign permit applications may identify the placement, size, materials, type, and general design of all existing and proposed signs located on the same site, including signs not requiring a creative sign permit. If proposed signs meeting all applicable standards are considered and approved by the Design Review Committee as part of a creative sign permit application, the creative sign permit serves as an equivalent of an administrative sign permit and no separate administrative sign permit is required.
(5) Eligible adjustments. A creative sign permit may allow deviation from standards in § 155.340.070 (Sign Standards), excluding standards for digital signs (see Table 340-9) and marquee signs (see § 155.340.070(E)(3)). Deviation from any other requirement in this section is not allowed. One creative sign permit may cover multiple deviations from standards and multiple signs on the same site.
(6) Design features requiring a creative sign permit. The following sign design features are allowed only with a creative sign permit:
(a) Signs which change color at a frequency of more than one color change per 15 seconds, except for digital signs consistent with Table 340-9 (Digital Signs);
(b) Chase lighting; and
(c) Neon signs that change color or are animated. Neon signs that do not change color or utilize animation are allowed without a creative sign permit.
(7) Digitally-printed signs. A digitally-printed sign may constitute no more than 40% of the total sign area of a sign approved with a creative sign permit.
(8) Public notice and hearing. The Design Review Committee will review and act on a creative sign permit application at a noticed public hearing in compliance with § 155.408.080 (Notice of Public Hearing) and § 155.408.100 (Public Hearings).
(9) Approval criteria. To approve a creative sign permit, the Design Review Committee must find that the sign meets all of the general design criteria and incorporates three or more of the sign features, materials, and contextual criteria, as provided below.
(a) General design. The sign meets all of the following general design criteria:
1. The sign constitutes a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and has a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;
2. The sign is of unique design, and exhibits a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, inventiveness, and spirit;
3. The sign is of a higher creative, artistic, and/or sculptural nature than the average sign typically found in Eureka; and
4. The sign provides strong graphic character through the imaginative use of graphics, color, texture, quality materials, scale, and proportion.
(b) Sign features, materials, and contextual criteria. The sign incorporates three or more of the following:
1. Materials of a higher quality than typically used for signs in Eureka (e.g., stone, sculptural steel, sandblasted wood, gold leaf, hand-painted content with an artistic mural-like component);
2. Projecting, recessed, or cut-out text (e.g., push-through illuminated acrylic letters, routed letters, routed metal);
3. Creative and unique use of clearly-visible high-quality landscaping with an area greater than the minimum required for the sign or site, whichever is more;
4. Creative and unique use of lighting (e.g., chase, neon lighting, LED faux neon, a well-coordinated combination of at least three different types of site-appropriate illumination);
5. Clearly visible three-dimensionality where a notable proportion of the structure or form of the sign includes multiple deviations from a parallel plane (e.g., a sphere, a half-sphere, sculptural elements, a fully three-dimensional beer mug);
6. Sign design successfully emulates the architecture of the building (e.g., a sign with roof-like covering that matches the general design of the roof of the building it serves);
7. Highly irregular multi-dimensional sign shape (e.g., a sign that has at least five or more straight sides, a sign that has a few straight sides and multiple variable rounded sides, a sign with an unusually disproportionate height-to-width ratio);
8. At least 50% of the sign area includes custom artistic illustrations;
9. Sign shape includes inventive representation of the use, name, or logo of the structure or business (e.g., a fish-shaped sign for a fishing store);
10. Neon and/or LED faux neon signs that emulate movement but do not include chase lighting;
11. Mechanically-animated element(s); and
12. Symbols or imagery relating to timber, commercial fishing, coastal land uses, arts/culture, other factors inherent to Eureka's identity, or to Eureka's current or historic character.
(10) Limitations. As a part of the discretionary approval of a creative sign permit, the Design Review Committee may require modifications to the proposed signage including limits on allowed sign types, area, dimensions, placement, materials, and other sign design features, in addition to the limitations set by the objective standards of the Zoning Code.
(E) Encroachment permit. Any sign which projects into the public right-of-way requires approval of an encroachment permit.
(F) City-installed or required signs. Signs installed or required by the city do not require a permit.
(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)
(A) Sign type standards.
(1) All signs must comply with the sign type standards in Tables 340-1 through 340-9 unless deviations are allowed through a master sign permit (§ 155.340.060(C)) or creative sign permit (§ 155.340.060(D)).
(2) Maximum sign standards in Tables 340-1 through 340-9 apply to individual signs, not all signs combined on a property, unless otherwise noted in the tables.
(3) If a proposed sign type is not specifically listed in Tables 340-1 through 340-9, the sign will be regulated in the same manner as the most similar listed sign type as determined by the Director.
Table 340-1: Wall Signs | |
Definition: a wall sign is a sign attached to, or painted on, the exterior wall of a structure, with the display surface of the sign approximately parallel to the building wall. Wall signs include signs attached to, but not extending above, a fascia, parapet or mansard roof. | |
Where allowed: all zoning districts. | |
Materials: Unless painted on a wall, wall signs must be constructed of durable, rigid material such as wood, plastic or metal. Permanent walls signs constructed of flexible, non-rigid material (e.g., cloth, flexible vinyl) are not permitted. Wall signs may be painted directly on a building wall. |  |
Illumination: In non-residential zoning districts: both external and internal illumination is allowed. In residential zoning districts and multi-family residential uses: only external illumination is allowed. Digital signs: Digital signs are not allowed as a wall sign. | |
Standards [1] | Zoning District | ||
DT, DW, HC, WA, NC, OR, HM, H | SC, LI, HI | Non-Residenti al Uses in All Residential Zones and Multi-Family Residential Uses | |
Max. number | 2 per tenant frontage | 1 per building frontage | |
Max. area [2] | 1.0 sq. ft. per linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of 32 sq. ft. per tenant frontage | 1.0 sq. ft. per linear foot of tenant frontage (no maximum) | 24 sq. ft. |
Max. height | Roof line or parapet of building to which sign is attached. | ||
Max. projection from building wall | 12 inches | ||
NOTES TO TABLE: [1] Standards apply only to ground-floor tenants and uses. See § 155.340.070(B) (Multi-Story Buildings). [2] Maximum area applies to all wall signs combined on a tenant frontage. | |||
Definition: a sign posted, painted, placed or affixed in or on a window exposed to public view (including windows on upper floors). Any sign attached to a window, within two feet of a window, or attached to a display located within two feet of a window is considered a window sign. | |
Where allowed: all zoning districts. | |
Window transparency: for each individual window, a minimum of 50% of the total window area must be transparent and free of signage features. Window area is measured from interior of trim to interior of trim, including mullions, muntins and other separations of panes of glass. |  |
Standard [1] | Zoning District | ||
DT, DW, HC, WA, NC, OR, HM, H | SC, LI, HI | Non-Residential Uses in All Residential Zones | |
Max. number | No max. | ||
Max. area [2] | 25% of total tenant frontage window area | 50% of total tenant frontage window area | 25% of the total window area of each individual window |
Max. height | No max. | ||
NOTES TO TABLE: [1] Standards apply only to ground-floor tenants and uses. See § 155.340.070(B) (Multi-Story Buildings). [2] Maximum area applies to all window signs combined on a tenant frontage. | |||
Definition: a sign placed in a window with individually illuminated letters, numbers or graphics not exceeding 12 square feet. Includes illuminated “open” signs and signs illuminated with LEDs, neon or other fluorescing gas. | |
Where allowed: allowed in all non-residential zoning districts, except for the Office Residential (OR) Zoning District. |  |
Additional requirements: animated window signs require a creative sign permit. | |
Digital signs: digital signs are not allowed as a window sign. | |
Window transparency: for each individual window, a minimum of 50% of the total window area must be transparent and free of signage features. Window area is measured from interior of trim to interior of trim, including mullions, muntins, and other separations of panes of glass. | |
Standard [1] | Zoning District | |
DT, DW, HC, WA, NC, HM, HN | SC, LI, HI | |
Max. number | 2 per tenant frontage | |
Max. area [2] | 25% of total tenant frontage window area | 50% of total tenant frontage window area |
Max. height | No max. | |
NOTES TO TABLE: [1] Standards apply only to ground-floor tenants and uses. See § 155.340.070(B) (Multi-Story Buildings). [2] Maximum area applies to all window signs combined on a tenant frontage. | ||
Definition: a sign permanently attached to a building or wall such that the sign face or faces are perpendicular to the building or wall. Includes blade signs suspended under a bracket, armature or other mounting device. | |
Where allowed: • Allowed in all non-residential zoning districts. • Prohibited in all residential zoning districts. |  |
Digital signs: Digital signs are not allowed as a projecting or suspended sign. | |
Standard [1] | Zoning District | |
DT, DW, HC, WA, NC, OR, HM, HN | SC, LI, HI | |
Max. number | 1 per tenant frontage | |
Max. area | 18 sq. ft. per tenant frontage | 24 sq. ft. per tenant frontage |
Max. height | Height of building to which it is attached | |
Maximum projection from building wall | 8 ft. | |
NOTES TO TABLE: [1] Standards apply only to ground-floor tenants and uses. See § 155.340.070(B) (Multi-Story Buildings). [2] The Building Code may require a projection less than eight feet. | ||
Definition: an awning sign is incorporated into, attached to or painted on the face or valance of an awning. A canopy sign is attached to a fixed overhead shelter used as a roof. | |
 |  |
Where allowed: • Allowed in all non-residential zoning districts. • Prohibited in all residential zoning districts except for multi-family residential uses. | |
Placement: awnings and canopies with signs may only be mounted on the wall area below the second floor. | |
Materials: awnings must be constructed of durable, long-lasting fabric. Plastic or vinyl material is not permitted. | |
Awnings/canopies without sign copy: awnings and canopies without lettering or sign copy are not regulated as signs. | |
Digital signs: Digital signs are not allowed as an awning or canopy sign. | |
Standard | Zoning District | ||
DT, DW, HC, WA, NC, OR, HM, HN | SC, LI, HI | Multi-family residential uses | |
Standard | Zoning District | ||
DT, DW, HC, WA, NC, OR, HM, HN | SC, LI, HI | Multi-family residential uses | |
Max. number | No max. | 1 per frontage | |
Max. area | 25 sq. ft. or area of awning or canopy fascia, whichever is less | 35 sq. ft. or area of awning or canopy fascia, whichever is less | 25 sq. ft. or area of awning or canopy fascia, whichever is less |
Max. height (awning signs) | Height of awning area | ||
Max. height (canopy signs) | Height of canopy fascia; 3 ft. for signs atop canopy | Height of canopy fascia; 4 ft. for signs atop canopy | Height of canopy fascia; 3 ft. for signs atop canopy |
Max. width | The building wall to which it is attached or the tenant space it identifies | ||
Maximum projection from building wall | No max. | ||
NOTES TO TABLE: Standards apply only to ground-floor tenants and uses. See § 155.340.070(B) (Multi-Story Buildings). | |||
Definition: a sign erected above a roof and/or the parapet of a building. Signs attached to the side of a mansard roof are not considered roof signs. The definition of roof signs does not include signs attached to a building wall or other horizontal building element. | |
Where allowed: Allowed in all non-residential zoning districts except for Office Residential (OR) and Hospital Medical (HM). Prohibited in Office Residential (OR), Hospital Medical (HM) and all residential zoning districts. |  |
Design: roof signs must consist of individually-formed letters and associated graphics without a solid background. A box sign is not allowed as a roof sign. | |
Illumination: internal or external illumination allowed. Internally illuminated signs are permitted only when the portion of the sign that appears illuminated is primarily the sign lettering, registered trademark or logo. | |
Digital signs: digital signs are not allowed as a roof sign. | |
Standards | Zoning District | |
DT, DW, HC, WA, NC, HN | SC, LI, HI | |
Max. number | 1 roof sign per building | |
Max. area | 1.0 sq. ft. per linear foot of total building frontage to a maximum of 50 sq. ft. | 1.0 sq. ft. per linear foot of total tenant frontage to a maximum of 100 sq. ft. |
Max. height | 10 ft. above top of building | 16 ft. above top of building |
NOTES TO TABLE: Standards apply only to ground-floor tenants and uses. See § 155.340.070(B) (Multi-Story Buildings). | ||
Definition: a monument sign is a sign detached from a building and supported on the ground by one or more structural elements that are one-quarter or more of the width of the sign face. Internal supports, poles or pylons, if any, are enclosed by decorative covers or otherwise not exposed to view. Includes signs where supporting structural elements are architecturally dissimilar to the design of the sign. Excludes “pole signs.” | |
Where allowed: allowed in all mixed-use and industrial zoning districts and multi-family residential uses. | Figure 340-15 Monument Signs  |
Monument and pole signs: a monument sign is not allowed on a site that also contains a pole sign. | |
Ground support and placement: see § 155.340.080(J) (Detached Sign Ground Support and Placement). | |
Digital signs: Digital signs are not allowed as a monument sign. | |
Standard | Zoning District | ||
DT, DW, HC, WA, NC, OR, HM, HN | SC, LI, HI | Multi-Family Residential Uses | |
Max. number | 1 per site | ||
Max. area | 1.0 sq. ft. per linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of 32 sq. ft. per tenant; maximum of 64 sq. ft. for multi-tenant signs | 1.0 sq. ft. per linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of 50 sq. ft. per tenant; maximum of 150 sq. ft. for multi-tenant signs for 3 or more tenants | 1.0 sq. ft. per linear foot of street-facing building frontage to a maximum of 32 sq. ft. |
Max. height | 8 ft. | 12 ft. | 8 ft. |
Max. width | No max. | ||
NOTES TO TABLE: Standards apply only to ground-floor tenants and uses. See § 155.340.070(B) (Multi-Story Buildings). | |||
Definition: a sign detached from a building and supported on the ground by one or more structural elements that are less than one-quarter the width of the sign face. | |
Where allowed: New pole signs are allowed in the SC, LI and GI Zoning Districts. New pole signs are prohibited in all other zoning districts. Pole signs existing as of June 20, 2019, may remain. |  |
Pole and monument signs: a pole sign is not allowed on a tenant frontage that also contains a monument sign. | |
Ground support and placement: see § 155.340.080(J) (Detached Sign Ground Support and Placement). | |
Landscaping: pole signs must be placed in a planter box or other landscaped area, with the area of the landscaping a minimum of 15 square feet or one-half of the surface area of the sign, whichever is greater. | |
Digital signs: Digital signs are not allowed as a pole sign. | |
Standard | SC, LI, HI Zoning Districts |
Max. number | 1 per site |
Max. area | 1.0 sq. ft. per linear foot of tenant frontage to a maximum of 50 sq. ft. per tenant; maximum of 150 sq. ft. for multi-tenant signs for 3 or more tenants |
Max. height | 24 ft. |
Horizontal clearance | |
Max. width | No max. |
NOTES TO TABLE: Standards apply only to ground-floor tenants and uses. See § 155.340.070(B) (Multi-Story Buildings). | |
Definition: a sign that displays a visual image using liquid crystal cells or other types of light emitting diodes (LEDs), or their functional equivalent, where the image can be easily changed, typically by remote control or computer programming. Also known as electronic message center (EMC) signs. Excludes fuel price signs, as provided in § 155.340.030(A)(19), and marquee signs, as provided in § 155.340.070(E). | |
Where allowed: prohibited in all zoning districts. |  |
Existing legal non-conforming digital signs: existing legally-established digital signs must comply with all listed digital sign standards, and must be removed when removal is triggered by § 155.424.050 (Non-conforming Signs). | |
Off-premises signs prohibited: digital signs may not be used as an off-premises sign, or for any form of off-site advertising. | |
Message display: Digital signs may contain static messages only. Signs may not display text which flashes, pulsates, moves or scrolls. Each complete message must fit on one screen. Digital signs may not change message more than once every 15 seconds. The content of a digital sign must transition by changing instantly (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in). Ticker signs are prohibited. |
Brightness: During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, luminance is limited to 10,000 nits. At all other times, luminance is limited to 160 nits. Digital signs may produce no more than 0.3 foot-candle of light when measured from the distance using the following formula: Measurement Distance=  (Area of Sign Sq. Ft. × 100)Each sign must have a light sensing device that will automatically adjust the brightness of the display as the natural ambient light conditions change. |
(B) Multi-story buildings. Standards for signs in Tables 340-1 through 340-9 apply only to ground floor tenants and uses. Signs for tenants and uses located above the ground floor are allowed only with a master sign permit that establishes sign standards for the site. See § 155.340.060(C) (Master Sign Permits).
(C) Hospital signs. Hospitals are exempt from all building-attached sign regulations, except for digital sign regulations. Hospitals must comply with detached sign regulations. Non-hospital uses in the HM Zoning District must comply with all sign regulations.
(D) Public facilities and parks and recreation zoning districts. In the Public Facilities (PF) and Parks and Recreation (PR) Zoning Districts, the Director will determine the allowed sign types and size based on the signage needs of the associated uses.
(E) Marquee signs.
(1) A marquee sign is allowed with a creative sign permit and must satisfy all of the requirements of that permit. The Design Review Committee will determine the maximum allowed sign area, height, dimensions and other standards as part of the design review approval process.
(2) Marquee signs are limited to theaters, auditoriums, indoor amusement/entertainment facilities and similar facilities. A maximum of one marquee sign is allowed per use.
(3) Digital display is allowed only for marquee sign copy that advertises films, performances and other events. Use of digital display to advertise goods and services is not allowed. Digital display may change no more than once a day. Digital display must comply with the brightness limitation in Table 340-9 (Digital Signs).
(F) Sandwich board signs.
(1) Sandwich board signs on private property are exempt from the requirements of this section. (See § 155.340.030.A.4.)
(2) Sandwich board signs within the public right-of-way must comply with the following standards.
(a) Signs may only be located in mixed use zones.
(b) Signs must be constructed of durable materials and in such a manner as not to present a hazard to pedestrian movement.
(c) A sign may not exceed 30 inches in width and 48 inches in height.
(d) Signs must be weighted at the base so as to provide a stable and secure sign.
(e) Signs must be placed so as to allow for a minimum of 48 inches pedestrian path of travel clearance between obstacles.
(f) Signs may not conflict with utilities or parking meters, public parking or traffic sight distance at street or alley intersections, and may not block entrances or exits.
(g) Signs are limited to one sign per business, and must be placed on the sidewalk that fronts the business.
(h) Digital signs are not allowed as a sandwich board sign. See Table 340-9 (Digital Signs).
(i) Signs in the public right-of-way must acquire an encroachment permit.
(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)
(A) Message neutrality.
(1) It is the city’s policy to regulate signs in a constitutional manner that does not favor commercial speech over non- commercial speech, and is content neutral as to non-commercial messages which are within the protections of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the corollary provisions of the California Constitution.
(2) Where necessary, the Director will interpret the meaning and applicability of this section in light of this message neutrality policy. Under no circumstances will this message neutrality policy be interpreted to allow off-premises signs. See division (J) below.
(B) Message substitution.
(1) Subject to the property owner’s consent, a message of any type may be substituted, in whole or in part, for the message displayed on any legally established sign without consideration of message content.
(2) Message substitutions require a zoning clearance.
(3) This message substitution provision does not:
(a) Create a right to increase the total amount of signage beyond that otherwise allowed or existing;
(b) Affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be properly permitted, when a permit requirement applies;
(c) Allow a change in the physical structure of a sign or its mounting device;
(d) Allow the establishment of a prohibited sign as identified in § 155.340.040 (Prohibited Signs); or
(e) Nullify or eliminate any contractual obligation through a development agreement or similar agreement that specifies the allowable content of a sign.
(C) Maximum number of sign types. No more than three different types of signs are allowed.
(D) Changes to sign face. Changes to a sign face that do not structurally alter or enlarge a legally-established sign do not require an administrative sign permit but do require a zoning clearance.
(E) Maintenance.
(1) All signs and supporting hardware, including temporary signs, must be maintained in a state of good repair at all times.
(2) Any repair to a sign must be of equal or better quality of materials and design as the original sign.
(a) Signs with rust covering 25% or more of a pole or other support structures;
(b) Signs with peeling paint visible on 25% or more of the sign or support structure;
(c) Signs and support structures with visible physical damage that significantly alters the sign’s appearance;
(d) Signs with malfunctioning or damaged lighting;
(e) Illegible sign copy resulting from damage to the sign;
(f) Signs and supporting elements that no longer contain a sign face or copy. Includes box signs without a slide-in sign copy panel, projecting sign brackets without an attached sign face and stand-alone poles without an attached sign face; and
(g) Other similar conditions as determined by the Director.
(F) Building surface repair. When an existing sign is replaced, removed or modified, any newly exposed portions of a building surface on which the sign is or was displayed must be repaired and repainted to restore a uniform appearance to the surface. Compliance with this requirement includes the removal of any excess conduit and supports, and the patching or filling of any exposed holes.
(G) Materials. Except for interior window signs, all permanent signs must be constructed of wood, metal, plastic, glass or similar durable and weatherproof material.
(H) Illumination.
(1) Signs in non-residential zoning districts may be internally or externally illuminated, except where specifically prohibited.
(2) Signs in residential zoning districts may only be externally illuminated.
(3) Light sources must be steady, stationary and static in color, except for neon signs and chase lighting when allowed with a creative sign permit.
(4) Lighting may not produce glare that creates a public nuisance or hazard for motorists or pedestrian.
(5) The light source for externally illuminated signs must be positioned so that light does not shine directly on adjoining properties.
(6) Exposed bulbs, with or without chase lighting, are permitted with a creative sign permit.
(7) Design features consisting of neon or other small diameter tubing illuminated by fluorescing gas is allowed as part of any type of sign.
(I) Vertical and horizontal clearance.
(1) Signs that project over any public walkway or walk area must have an overhead clearance of at least eight feet and require an encroachment permit. See Figure 340-17.
(2) Signs must maintain a minimum two-foot horizontal clearance from a driveway or street curb. See Figure 340-15.
(J) Detached sign ground support and placement.
(1) Ground support. Detached signs must be supported and permanently placed by embedding, anchoring, or connecting the sign in such a manner as to incorporate it into the landscape or architectural design scheme.
(2) Placement. A detached sign may not occupy an area designated for parking, loading, walkways, driveways, fire lane, easement, traffic portion of the right-of-way, vision clearance areas (if greater than 36 inches tall), or other areas required to remain unobstructed.
(K) Off-premises signs.
(1) New off-premises signs. New off-premises signs established on or after June 20, 2019, are prohibited.
(2) Existing off-premises signs. Legally-established off-premises signs established prior to June 20, 2019, may remain and must comply with all applicable regulations in this section.
(M) Violations and enforcement. See § 155.428.090 (Signs) for the procedure to remove hazardous and illegal signs.
(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22; Am. Ord. 951-C.S., passed 10-17-23)
Temporary signs are allowed in all zoning districts subject to this section.
(A) “Temporary sign” defined. A TEMPORARY SIGN means a sign intended to be displayed for a limited period of time. The following types of signs are always considered temporary and allowed only as a temporary sign:
(1) Banner signs;
(2) Feather banners;
(3) Yard signs;
(4) Inflatable balloon signs; and
(5) Post signs on a residential property (e.g., for-sale signs).
(B) Allowed by-right. Temporary signs that comply with this section are allowed by-right without a zoning clearance or other form of Department approval.
(D) Maximum area. Temporary signs may not exceed the maximum sign area shown in Table 340-10.
Table 340-10: Maximum Temporary Sign Area | |
Zoning District | Maximum Area |
DT, DW, HC, NC, OR | 25 sq. ft. per tenant, business or land use |
SC, HM, HN, LI, GI | |
Tenants with less than 50 ft. of tenant frontage | 25 sq. ft. per tenant, business or land use |
Tenants with 50 ft. or more of tenant frontage | 0.5 sq. ft. per linear foot of building frontage to a maximum of 100 sq. ft. |
All other zoning districts | 25 sq. ft. per site |
(E) Illumination. Illumination of temporary signs is prohibited.
(F) Duration.
(1) Temporary signs may be displayed for the maximum duration shown in Table 340-11.
(2) A sign displayed longer than allowed by Table 340-11 is considered a permanent sign subject to all applicable requirements in this section.
Table 340-11: Temporary Sign Duration | |
Type of Temporary Sign | Maximum Duration |
Yard signs | 90 days |
Post signs | 180 days |
All other temporary signs | 30 days per occurrence not to exceed a total of 60 calendar days per year |
(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21)
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