A. Purpose and intent. The purpose and intent of this Section is to provide reasonable regulations pertaining to freeway-oriented electronic billboards, recognizing that community appearance is an important factor in ensuring general community welfare. The intent of this section is to ensure that freeway-oriented electronic billboards do not have a negative impact on the City’s visual environment or contribute to visual blight conditions where they are located.
B. General Requirements. Freeway-oriented electronic billboards shall be allowed subject to compliance with the Fullerton Municipal Code, State and Federal regulations and Caltrans permit.
C. Entitlements Required. In addition to any Federal or Caltrans permits, freeway-oriented electronic billboards shall be subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit and a Development Agreement.
1. The Conditional Use Permit shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission as a recommended action to the City Council subject to the required findings contained in Chapter 15.70.
2. No installation or construction of a new freeway oriented electronic billboard shall occur until after the City Council approval of a Development Agreement authorizing such installation or construction. The Development Agreement shall include the following:
a. Architectural features and design elements related to the billboard and/or support structure; and
b. Compensation to be paid to the City as a result of the installation and operation of the billboard; and
c. Access by the City to a portion of the total available display time to allow the City to present messages of community interest and information, and public safety; and
d. Quality and maintenance standards.
e. Any other applicable provisions which the City Council requires related to the installation, operation, advertising content and maintenance of a freeway-oriented electronic billboard.
D. No freeway-oriented electronic billboard will be approved without the applicant first providing proof of lease, easement or other document demonstrating the right to install the billboard on the subject property, including the written consent of the property owner.
E. No freeway-oriented electronic billboard will be approved unless a designated maintenance service is available at all times to respond in the event it becomes damaged, inoperable or dilapidated.
F. Physical / Site Requirements.
1. Zones Permitted. A Freeway-oriented electronic billboard may be permitted in the General Commercial (G-C), Commercial Manufacturing (C-M), Manufacturing Park (M-P) or Manufacturing, General (M-G) zones provided it meets all of the other requirements of this Chapter. Freeway-oriented electronic billboards are prohibited in all other zones.
2. Freeway-oriented electronic billboards are prohibited in any location which would result in violation of any applicable federal, state or local laws.
3. Minimum distances. The minimum distance between two freeway-oriented electronic billboards on the same side of the freeway shall be 1,000 feet. Distance shall be measured from the nearest point of the display face or supporting structure on each billboard.
4. Freeway adjacency. Freeway-oriented electronic billboards must be within 200 feet of either the SR-57 or SR-91 freeway right-of-way. Distance shall be measured from the vertical centerline of the billboard display face to the nearest point of the freeway right-of-way property line.
5. Display face orientation. No billboard shall have more than one display face oriented in the same vertical plane and no more than two total display faces. Display faces may be mounted back-to-back or in a V-shape configuration.
6. Static display face. For freeway-oriented electronic billboards which have more than one (1) display face, a minimum of one (1) display face shall be electronic (digital).
7. Name of owner. All billboards shall plainly display the name of the person or company owning or maintaining it and the billboard identification number.
8. Screening. Freeway-oriented electronic billboard structures shall be free of any visible bracing (except for decorative purposes), angle iron, guy wires, cable, and/or similar supporting elements. All exposed portions of billboards, including backs, sides, structural support members and support poles, shall be adequately designed and screened.
9. Setbacks. No billboard support structure shall be placed within road right-of-way limits or future road right-of-way lines as shown on any City or Caltrans plan of streets or highways.
10. Maintenance. All billboards shall be maintained in good structural condition, in compliance with all building and electrical codes, and in conformance with this code, at all times, and shall maintain and/or repair the sign structures in accordance with the standards of the outdoor-advertising industry.
11. Utilities. All utilities for the billboard shall be underground to the extent feasible.
12. Future technologies. The technology currently deployed for freeway-oriented electronic billboards is LED (light emitting diode), but there may be alternate, preferred or superior technology available in the future. Owners of freeway-oriented electronic billboards are authorized to change the display faces to any other technology that operates under the same brightness standards. Prior to installing any new display face technology, the billboard operator shall notify the City in writing and obtain any required permits / approvals.
G. Operational requirements.
1. No freeway-oriented electronic billboard shall display any statement or words of an ‘obscene, indecent, or immoral character’, as that phrase is used in Business and Professions Code Section 5402 and judicial decisions interpreting the same.
2. Each freeway-oriented electronic billboard shall be connected to the National Emergency Network and provide emergency information, including child abduction alerts (i.e., “Amber Alerts”), in accordance with local and regional first responder protocols.
3. Freeway-oriented electronic billboards shall contain static messages only, and shall not have movement, or the appearance or optical illusion of movement during the static display period, of any part of the sign structure, design, or pictorial segment of the sign, including the movement or appearance of movement. Each static message shall not include flashing lighting or the varying of light intensity.
4. Freeway-oriented electronic billboards shall contain a light sensing device that will adjust the brightness as ambient light conditions change in accordance with the Outdoor Advertising Act.
5. Each freeway-oriented electronic billboard shall be designed to freeze the display in one static position, display a full black screen, or turn off, in the event of a malfunction.
6. No freeway-oriented electronic billboard shall simulate or imitate any directional, warning, danger or any display likely to be mistaken for any permitted sign intended or likely to be construed as giving warning to traffic, by, for example, the use of the words “stop” or “slow down.”
7. No freeway-oriented electronic billboard shall involve any red or blinking or intermittent light likely to be mistaken for warning or danger signals nor shall its illumination impair the vision of travelers on the adjacent freeway and/or roadways.
H. Application. An application for a freeway-oriented electronic billboard shall be made upon a form to be provided by the Community and Economic Development Department, and shall be accompanied by the following information in either written or graphic form:
1. Name, address, and telephone number of the freeway-oriented electronic billboard owner and, if different, the owner of the property on which the billboard will be erected.
2. Address of the property where the freeway-oriented electronic billboard will be erected.
3. Signature(s) of the freeway-oriented electronic billboard owner and, if different, the owner of the property/parcel on which the billboard will be displayed authorizing the application for a freeway-oriented electronic billboard on the property.
4. Scaled drawing(s) of the location of the freeway-oriented electronic billboard on the property in relation to public rights of way, lot lines, buildings, sidewalks, streets, and intersections.
5. Scaled drawing(s) of the proposed freeway-oriented electronic billboard which shall contain specifications indicating height, size, and area dimensions, means of support, methods of illumination, and any other significant design or architectural aspects of the proposed billboard.
6. A boundary and vicinity map indicating the location of the proposed freeway-oriented electronic billboard in relation to the nearest other freeway-oriented electronic billboard, or other electronic message sign along the same side of the freeway.
7. Certification(s) from licensed professional engineers that the soil surface is capable of sustaining the proposed load and that the electrical and structural strength of the proposed/actual sign is satisfactory.
8. Any other information requested by the City in order to carry out the purpose and intent of these regulations.
9. Permit Fees. Each application for a freeway-oriented electronic billboard permit shall be accompanied by the applicable Conditional Use Permit and Development Agreement application fees, established by the City Council by Resolution and may be amended from time to time.
I. Public Hearing. The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing to consider the Conditional Use Permit application and make a recommendation to the City Council in accordance Chapter 15.70 and Chapter 15.76 of the Fullerton Municipal Code.
J. Severability. In the event of any conflict between any provisions contained in this section and any other provisions contained elsewhere in this code, the provisions of this section shall govern. (Ord. 3287 (part), 2020).
Commercial and Industrial Zone Classifications – Service Station Signs | ||||||
Type | Location | Number | Maximum Size | Height Restrictions | Other Limitations | |
STEP #1: SELECT EITHER A POLE OR MONUMENT IDENTIFICATION SIGN | ||||||
A | Pole Identification Sign | Within the corner radius landscaped area | One | 50 square feet Two faces maximum | 20’ from street grade | See Notes 1-7 below |
A | Monument Identification Sign | Within the corner radius landscaped area | One | 50 square feet Two faces maximum | 6’ from average grade at base but no higher than 8’ from street grade | See Notes 1-7 below |
STEP #2: SELECT UP TO 200 SQUARE FEET OF THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL SIGNAGE: | ||||||
B | CANOPY SIGN | On canopy fascia or awning | N/A | 50 sq. ft. per canopy | N/A | |
C | PUMP ISLAND SIGN | On canopy fascia or gas pumps | N/A | 50 sq. ft. per pump island | N/A | |
D | FUEL PRICING SIGN | Along street frontage in approved landscape area | One per street frontage | 20 sq. ft. Two faces maximum | 6 feet if monument- type; unspecified if pole-mounted | See Notes 8-15 below |
E | POLE-MOUNTED SIGN | Along street frontage in approved landscape area | One per street frontage | 12 sq. ft. Two faces maximum | See Notes 8-15 below | |
F | OTHER SIGNS | Other signs are allowed, but they are counted toward the maximum allowance of two hundred square feet. | ||||
Notes | ||||||
GENERAL 1. All signage must be architecturally consistent with the overall building theme, and, if lighted, shall be internally illuminated. 2. All service station signage shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of the California State Business and Professions Code Sections 13530 through 13536, inclusive, including any amendments hereafter passed. 3. Directional signs are permitted. Such signs shall have a maximum height of 3 feet. 4. No portable freestanding signs are permitted on site. POLE AND MONUMENT IDENTIFICATION SIGNS 5. Identification signs may only bear the name and/or logo of the on-site business(es) and integrally incorporated gasoline pricing information. 6. No other signage may be displayed on or from the identification sign structure. 7. Identification signs may be internally illuminated. Identification signs shall not be externally illuminated. FUEL PRICING SIGNS 8. Select either a monument or pole pricing sign for each frontage. Only one pricing sign (monument or pole) is permitted per street frontage. 9. A monument type pricing sign must be permanently affixed to the ground and located in an approved landscape area. 10. Fuel pricing signs may have up to two faces. POLE-MOUNTED SIGNS 11. Select either a monument or pole pricing sign for each frontage. Only one pricing sign (monument or pole) is permitted per street frontage. 12. Sign must be integral with on-site lighting standards. 13. Pole-mounted signs may be used for either fuel pricing or other advertising purposes relevant to the operation(s) of the site. 14. If fuel pricing is displayed on a pole-mounted sign, monument signs may not be used for other advertising. 15. Pole-mounted signs may have up to two faces. | ||||||
Table 15.49.020 (Cont'd)
Design Standards for Allowable Signs by Zone Classification
Design Standards for Allowable Signs by Zone Classification
Commercial and Industrial Zone Classifications | ||
Sign Type | Standards | |
POLE SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | One pole sign for every 300 feet of property frontage along an Arterial Highway as defined by the General Plan. A property along an Arterial Highway, as defined by the General Plan, with less than 300' lineal feet is allowed one pole sign. 1/2 square foot of sign area for every lineal foot of property frontage along an Arterial Highway, but not to exceed 100 square feet PLUS 2 square feet for each lineal foot that the sign is set back from property line, but not to exceed100 additional square feet. No higher than 20 feet at property line PLUS 1/3 lineal foot of height for each lineal foot sign is set back from the property line up to a maximum of 37 feet. Note: Height is measured from average grade at sign base to top of sign. The minimum distance between a pole sign and another pole or monument sign on the same property is 50 feet. |
MONUMENT SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | One monument sign for every 300 feet of property frontage along a public street. A property with less than 300’ lineal feet along a public street is allowed one monument sign. 1/2 square foot of sign area for every lineal foot of property frontage along a public street, but not to exceed 100 square feet PLUS 2 square feet for each lineal foot that a sign is set back from the property line, but not to exceed 100 additional square feet. 8 feet from average grade at sign base. The minimum distance between a monument sign and another pole or monument sign on the same property is 50 feet. |
BUILDING SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | Unlimited. The sign allowance for each face of the building may be divided into multiple signs. Main entrance side: Three square feet for each lineal foot of building face where the main entrance is located. Sides other than main entrance: One square foot for each lineal foot of building face where sign is located. A building sign cannot extend above the roof line of the building. 1. Unused allowance may not be used on other sides of the building. 2. More restrictive standards may be specified by a Sign Program for a property. 3. Signs painted on building walls must comply with standards. |
PROJECTING SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: | Unlimited. The sign allowance is calculated in the same manner as a building sign. The sign may not extend above the roof line of the building. The minimum height above a public sidewalk is 8 feet; however, if the sign extends more than 2/3 the distance from the property line to the curb line, or if there is no public sidewalk, the minimum height above the grade is 12 feet. |
FREEWAY SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | One per property. The property must have frontage along right-of-way of a freeway. 250 square feet. 50 square feet. Note: Height is measured from average grade at sign base to top of sign. 1. Additional size or height requires the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. 2. A flashing readerboard sign requires the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. |
ROOF SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: |
One per building.
Sign allowance is calculated in the same manner as a building sign. 10 feet above highest point of roof line PLUS one foot for every foot of building height over 10 feet, with a maximum of 20 feet. 1. Roof signs are not allowed in conjunction with pole or monument signs on the same property. 2. To determine from which side of the building the roof sign allowance will be calculated, draw two imaginary lines through opposite corners of the building. The wall that forms the base of the triangle of the quadrant where the roof sign would be located determines the allowance for the roof sign. |
TEMPORARY SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | Unlimited. Not to exceed 33% of pane of window glass where sign is to be placed. Not applicable. Sign allowed for a maximum of 30 days in any six-month period. |
PORTABLE A-FRAME SIGN  |
Not allowed unless the property is within the Central Business District. A property within the Central Business District may be issued a permit for an A-frame sign only if the City Council has adopted guidelines for this type of sign.
| |
ON-SITE DIRECTIONAL | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | Unlimited. 15 square feet. 10 feet. No advertising copy is allowed. |
OFF-SITE DIRECTIONAL |
No standards specified. Requires approval of a Conditional Use Permit.
| |
BANNERS, PENNANTS AND FLAGS | These advertising devices are allowed once for 30 consecutive days within a six-month period. A banner must be attached to a building and may not be hung from a tree or trees, fencing or other structures. | |
REAL ESTATE: FOR SALE OR LEASE | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: | One per street frontage. Unspecified 15 feet. |
Office - Professional Zone Classification | ||
POLE SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | One pole sign for every 300 feet of property frontage along an Arterial Highway as defined by the General Plan. A property along an Arterial Highway as defined by the General Plan with less than 300’ lineal feet is allowed one pole sign. 1/2 square foot of sign area for every lineal foot of property frontage along an Arterial Highway, but not to exceed 50 square feet. 10 feet from average grade at sign base. Note: Height is measured from average grade at sign base to top of sign. 1. The minimum distance between a pole sign and another pole or monument sign on the same property is 50 feet. 2. The sign must be set back at least 3 feet from the property line. |
MONUMENT SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | One monument sign for every 300 feet of property frontage along a public street. A property with less than 300’ lineal feet along a public street is allowed one monument sign. 1/2 square foot of sign area for every lineal foot of property frontage along a public street, but not to exceed 50 square feet. 8 feet from average grade at sign base. 1. The minimum distance between a monument sign and another pole or monument sign on the same property is 50 feet. 2. The sign must be set back at least 3 feet from the property line. |
BUILDING SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | Unlimited. The sign allowance for each face of the building may be divided into multiple signs. Main entrance side: Three square feet for each lineal foot of building face where the main entrance is located. Sides other than main entrance: One square foot for each lineal foot of building face where sign is located. A building sign cannot extend above the roof line of the building. 1. Unused allowance may not be used on other sides of the building. 2. More restrictive standards may be specified by a Sign Program for a property. 3. Signs painted on building walls must comply with standards. |
PROJECTING SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: | Unlimited. The sign allowance is calculated in the same manner as a building sign. The sign may not extend above the roof line of the building. The minimum height above a public sidewalk is 8 feet; however, if the sign extends more than 2/3 the distance from the property line to the curb line, or if there is no public sidewalk, the minimum height above the grade is 12 feet. |
FREEWAY SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | One per property. The property must have frontage along right-of-way of a freeway. 250 square feet. 50 square feet. Note: Height is measured from average grade at sign base to top of sign. 1. Additional size or height requires the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. 2. A flashing readerboard sign requires the approval of a Conditional Use Permit. |
ROOF SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | One per building. Sign allowance is calculated in the same manner as a building sign. 10 feet above highest point of roof line PLUS one foot for every foot of building height over 10 feet, with a maximum of 20 feet. 1. Roof signs are not allowed in conjunction with pole or monument signs on the same property. 2. To determine from which side of the building the roof sign allowance will be calculated, draw two imaginary lines through opposite corners of the building. The wall that forms the base of the triangle of the quadrant where the roof sign would be located determines the allowance for the roof sign. |
TEMPORARY SIGN  | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | Unlimited. Not to exceed 33% of pane of window glass where sign is to be placed. Not applicable. Sign allowed for a maximum of 30 days in any six-month period. |
PORTABLE A-FRAME SIGN  |
Not allowed unless the property is within the Central Business District. A property within the Central Business District may be issued a permit for an A-frame sign only if the City Council has adopted guidelines for this type of sign.
| |
ON-SITE DIRECTIONAL SIGN | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | Unlimited. 15 square feet. 10 feet. No advertising copy is allowed. |
OFF-SITE DIRECTIONAL SIGN |
No standards specified. Requires approval of a Conditional Use Permit.
| |
BANNERS, PENNANTS AND FLAGS | These advertising devices are allowed once for 30 consecutive days within a six-month period. A banner must be attached to a building and may not be hung from a tree or trees, fencing or other structures. | |
REAL ESTATE: FOR SALE OR LEASE SIGN | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: | One per street frontage. Unspecified 15 feet. |
Residential Zone Classification | ||
IDENTIFICATION SIGN | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: | Two, with the choice of pole, monument or building type signs. Total area for all signs may not exceed 30 square feet. 6 feet for a pole or monument sign. |
ON-SITE DIRECTIONAL SIGN | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: | Unlimited. 12 square feet. 5 feet. |
ON-SITE AND OFF-SITE DIRECTIONAL SIGN FOR SUBDIVISION | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Requirements: | 5 located within 5 miles of subdivision. 50 sq. ft. per sign, with a total of 200 square feet. 15 feet. 1. A cash bond of $100 shall be posted to ensure removal. 2. The sign shall be removed after two years or when last unit is sold, whichever occurs first. 3. Off-site directional signs shall be located at the intersection of two arterial streets or where local street entering tract intersects with an arterial street. |
REAL ESTATE: FOR SALE OR LEASE SIGN | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: | One per street frontage. 12 square feet. 6 feet. |
REAL ESTATE: FLAGS AND PENNANTS | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Other Limitations: | Three, each no higher than 6 feet OR four, each no higher than 4 feet. 8 square feet. See above. Allowed for a maximum of 6 months. |
REAL ESTATE: OFF-SITE OPEN HOUSE SIGN | Maximum Number: Maximum Size and Allowance of Sign: Maximum Height: Allowable Location: Other Limitations: | Four per open house. 3 square feet. 4 feet. Placed on private property with permission of property owner or placed within parkway of public right-of-way. Allowed for a maximum of 10 hours within a 24-hour period. |