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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/use. This section is not intended to exempt signs from building permits or electrical permits.
A. Permanent Signs with no Size Limitation:
1. Signs located within shopping centers or similar areas where the signs are not visible from any point on the boundary of the premises;
2. Official and legal notices required by a court or governmental agency;
3. Signs erected and maintained in compliance with and in discharge of a governmental function or required by a law, ordinance or governmental regulation, including signs erected by a public utility; 1
4. Signs on licensed commercial vehicles, including trailers; provided, however, that vehicles/trailers shall not be used as parked/stationary outdoor display signs;
5. Bench signs and other signs located at designated public transit locations;
6. Change of copy within an approved comprehensive sign program that conforms to the provisions of the comprehensive sign program (16.38.060): and
7. Change of copy on existing structures.
B. Permanent Signs Limited by Maximum Size:
1. Occupant name, street number, and street name signs not exceeding two square feet in area per single-family or multi-family unit;
2. Signs for commercial, office, and industrial uses not exceeding two square feet and limited to business identification, hours of operation, Address, and emergency contact information;
3. Convenience 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. Maximum height for freestanding signs shall be four feet. Taller signs may be approved by the director, if visibility will not be impaired;
4. Affiliation signs for auto-related uses, motels, and hotels that show notices of services provided or required by law, trade affiliations, credit cards accepted, and the like provided the signs are attached to an otherwise approved sign, or structure. Signs or notices shall not exceed one-half (1/2) square foot in area per sign, and no more than six signs are allowed per business;
5. Gasoline pump signs identifying the brand, types, and octane rating provided the signs do not exceed two square feet per pump face;
6. Names of structures, commemorative plaques, tables, dates of construction, and the like when carved in stone, concrete, or similar materials or made of bronze, aluminum, or other similar permanent material and mounted permanently on a structure. These signs shall not exceed four square feet and six feet in height; and
7. Official flags of a nation, the state of California and other states of the nation, municipalities, and fraternal or religious organizations, provided that the pole height shall not exceed twenty-five feet in residential zones and 50 feet in non-residential zones, and the length of the flag shall not be more than one-quarter (1/4) of the height of the pole. Increase in pole height may be granted by the director when a special circumstance is applicable to the property, such as height of surrounding structures.
C. Temporary Signs Limited by Size and Period of Display:
1. Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs subject to the owner's permission and the following limitations:
a. For single-family dwellings, one (1) sign per street frontage not to exceed four square feet in area and seven feet in height in addition, "open house" signs are allowed when a sales agent or owner is present at the site;
b. For multi-family dwellings, one sign per street frontage not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet and eight feet in height; i
c. Individual commercial, office, and industrial properties not located in a commercial center or industrial/business park, one sign per street frontage not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per side and eight feet in height;
d. Individual tenant spaces within multi-tenant commercial centers, office structures, and industrial subdivisions offered for sale, rent, or lease, one sign per street frontage not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet and eight feet in height. In addition, one sign for each tenant space available not to exceed six square feet to be located at the individual tenant space for rent or lease; and
e. For non-residential freeway fronting properties, one sign along freeway frontage not to exceed three hundred and twenty (320) square feet per side and twenty-four (24) feet in height.
2. Noncommercial Signs. Temporary noncommercial signs shall be permitted in any zoning district and in any circumstance where a commercial sign is permitted whether on-site or off-site subject to the following provisions:
a. Temporary noncommercial signs shall not exceed 120 days per calendar year;
b. Temporary noncommercial signs which relate to a specific event (including elections) shall be removed not later than fourteen (14) days following the date of the event (including an election). In commercial zones, the fourteen (14) days are included in the overall 120-day allowance per calendar year;
c. Temporary noncommercial signs in commercial zones are subject to the same size and location regulations as permitted commercial signs. Noncommercial signs are additionally permitted in residential zones subject only to the limitations contained in this Section 16.38.050 C. 2., subsections b, d, e, f, and g;
d. The subject matter, content or specific language of a temporary noncommercial sign is not subject to review or approval by the city, subject to Section 16.38.080(H);
e. In a residential zone, temporary noncommercial signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in total area per side. No sign shall be placed in a manner that would obstruct visibility of pedestrian or vehicle traffic;
f. In a residential zone, temporary noncommercial signs shall not exceed an overall height of eight (8) feet from finished grade; and
g. Temporary noncommercial signs in any zone, shall not be within the public right-of-way.
3. Business Identification Signs. A maximum of two temporary signs for the identification of a new business until permanent signs can be erected are allowed for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days. One time extension may be granted by the director. Total sign area for two signs is limited to fifty (50) square feet.
4. Future Tenant Signs. Future tenant identification signs that provide information about the future use of a property subject to compliance with the following limitations:
a. One sign per street frontage. One additional sign is allowed if a project has in excess of five hundred (500) lineal feet of street frontage;
b. Signs shall be limited to a maximum of thirty (30) square feet and ten feet in height. Maximum fifty (50) square feet if combined with a construction sign; and
c. Signs shall be removed upon occupancy of the site.
5. Construction Signs. Construction signs are subject to compliance with the following limitations: .
a. One (1) sign per street frontage not to exceed twenty (20) square feet with a maximum height of ten feet. Maximum size of fifty (50) square feet if combined with a future tenant sign; and
b. Signs shall be removed upon first occupancy of the site.
6. On-site Subdivision Signs. The placement of on-site subdivision signs shall comply with the following standards:
a. Signs may contain only the name of the subdivision, name of the developer and/or agent, an identification emblem, sales price, illustrative graphics, and directional message;
b. A maximum of two (2) on-site signs may be located within the project;
c. The total area of each sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet;
d. The height of each sign shall not exceed ten feet;
e. Signs shall not be illuminated;
f. Signs may be displayed one (1) year after the last building permit has been issued or as long as there is an active building permit; and
g. Apartment and group housing complexes of thirty (30) units or more shall be considered within the definition of a subdivision for the purpose of this subsection. Small apartment complexes (twenty-nine (29) units or fewer) may display rental/sales signs during construction and for a period of one (1) year following the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. One sign per street frontage not to exceed sixteen (16) square feet with a maximum height of six (6) feet.
7. Short-Term Vacation Rental Temporary Signs. The placement of on-site short-term vacation rental temporary signs shall comply with the following standards:
a. Each short-term vacation rental shall be equipped with no more than one (1) temporary identification sign, not-to-exceed two (2) square feet in area. No other advertising signs promoting or identifying short-term vacation rentals shall be permitted on-site or off-site. The required temporary identification sign shall be posted in a conspicuous location in front of a single-family residential dwelling, or attached to a condominium in a location clearly visible from the street or internal common area. The sign shall be posted for a minimum six (6) hours, and not more than twelve (12) hours, prior to periods of occupancy, and removed within twelve (12) hours of checkout of the unit. The sign shall clearly state the following information in lettering of sufficient size to be easily read:
i. The twenty-four (24) hour city short-term vacation rental telephone hotline number;
ii. The city’s short-term vacation rental website address;
iii. The name of the owner’s authorized agent or representative, or owner of the unit, and the designated local contact person and a telephone number at which that party may be reached on a twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) day per week basis;
iv. The maximum number of occupants permitted to stay in the unit; and
v. The maximum number of vehicles allowed to be parked on the property.
(Ord. 561-20, Exhibit B (part), 2020; Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)
A business or commercial center may be allowed to display temporary signs subject to the following standards:
A. Temporary commercial signs are subject to a temporary commercial sign application.
1. Five (5) applications allowed per year per tenant space;
2. A maximum of thirty (30) days of display per application;
3. A maximum of 120 days of display per calendar year per tenant space.
B. Temporary commercial signs are allowed at one sign not exceeding 25 square feet in max sign area and a max height not to exceed the edge of roof per commercial sign permit application.
C. Temporary commercial signs may be affixed to a window, building frontage or building face of the tenant space for which the application is made.
(Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017)
A. Purpose. The purpose of a comprehensive sign program is to integrate a project's signs with the design of the structures to achieve a unified architectural statement. A comprehensive sign program provides a means for the flexible application of sign regulations for multi-tenant projects and projects with more than five (5) permanent signs in order to encourage creativity and provide incentive and latitude in the provision of multiple signs and to achieve, not circumvent, the intent of this chapter.
B. Development Plan Permit Required. The director shall approve a development plan permit for a comprehensive sign program for a multi-tenant nonresidential project and individual tenant projects with five (5) or more signs. Standards and guidelines provided in this chapter shall serve as a reference for evaluating comprehensive sign programs.
C. Application Requirements. An application for a development plan permit shall be accompanied by plans and information as provided in department handouts for comprehensive sign programs and the following:
1. A statement explaining how revisions/modifications/replacement of tenant signs will be carried out to limit the possibility of holes being left in the structure's exterior by mounting brackets, electrical connections, or similar items; and
2. A statement of how the use of temporary signs, Including banners, flags and pennants and similar advertising devices will be monitored by the applicant to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter. Failure of the applicant to adequately monitor and control the use of temporary signs shall be grounds for revocation of the development plan permit in compliance with Chapter 16.82 (Revocations and Modifications).
D. Design Standards. The following design standards are applicable to all signs being proposed under a comprehensive sign program:
1. Signs, colors, and materials shall be compatible with the building's colors and materials. Limit the number of primary colors on signs to no more than three (3) with a secondary color used for accent or shadow detail;
2. Use the same type of cabinet, cabinet supports, or method of mounting for signs of the same type;
3. Use the same form of illumination for signs of similar types:
4. If exposed raceways are proposed they shall be an integral part of the design.
E. Lessees to be Informed of Comprehensive Sign Program. Lessees within developments subject to the requirements of 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.
F. Findings. In approving an application for a development plan permit authorizing a comprehensive sign program, the Director shall make the following findings in addition to those required for a development plan permit in compliance with Chapter 16.56:
1. The comprehensive sign program satisfies the purpose and the intent of this chapter;
2. The signs enhance the overall development, are in harmony with, and are visually related to other signs included in the comprehensive sign program and to the structure and/or uses they identify and to surrounding development;
3. The comprehensive sign program accommodates future revisions which may be required due to changes in uses or tenants; and
4. The comprehensive sign program complies with the standards of this chapter 16.38, except that flexibility is allowed with regard to sign area, number of signs, 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.
G. 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, the director may require that a modification to the development plan permit application be filed.
(Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)
In determining the consistency of each proposed sign with the purposes of this chapter, the following guidelines shall be applied:
A. That the proposed sign will be legible to the intended audience under normal viewing conditions, based on its proposed location, and the design of its visual element;
B. That the proposed sign will not obscure from view or detract from existing signs, based on its location, shape, color, and other similar considerations. Signs colors should be compatible with the architecture. The use of garish or fluorescent colors is considered inappropriate;
C. That the proposed sign shall be designed as an integral design element of a building's architecture and shall be architecturally compatible, including color and scale, with any building to which the sign is to be attached and with surrounding structure and will be in harmony with adjacent properties and surroundings, based on the size, shape, height, color, placement, and the proximity of the proposed signs to adjacent properties and surroundings;
D. That the proposed structure, sign, or display will be designed, constructed, and located so that it will not constitute a hazard to the public; and
E. If exposed raceways are proposed they shall be an integral part of the design.
(Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)
The following signs are inconsistent with the purposes and standards of this chapter and are, therefore, prohibited in all zoning districts:
A. Abandoned and/or dilapidated signs and sign structures;
B. Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, or other similar signs, except time/temperature devices;
C. Banners, flags, and pennants, except as specifically allowed by the provisions of Section 16.38.055 (Temporary Commercial Signs);
D. Bench signs, except at approved bus passenger loading areas in areas other than single-family residential districts;
E. Changeable copy signs, except as approved for a civic organization/institution, movie theater, regional mall, auto center, or unless otherwise approved by a sign program, or as allowed pursuant to Section 16.38.020.C (Message Substitution);
F. Inflated signs, balloons, and figures;
G. Light bulb strings except for temporary uses (e.g., Christmas tree lots), exposed tubing (neon), and light-emitting diode (LED) or similar lighting technology, except as allowed by a comprehensive sign program;
H. Obscene or offensive signs containing statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character which appeal to the prurient interest in sex, or which are patently offensive and do not have serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value;
I. Off-site signs not specifically allowed by the provisions of this chapter, including billboards and outdoor advertising not specifically authorized pursuant to Section 16.38.150;
J. Painted signs on fences, walls or roofs;
K. Portable signs, this provision does not apply to noncommercial signs;
L. Pole signs;
M. Projecting signs:
N. Roof signs;
O. Signs erected in a manner that a portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of a fire escape, exit, or standpipe or obstruct a required ventilator, door, stairway, or window above the first story;
P. Signs not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter;
Q. Signs emitting audible sounds, odors, or visible matter;
R. Signs that conflict with or imitate traffic control devices due to color, wording, design, location or illumination, or that interfere with the safe and efficient flow of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic;
S. Signs on public property or projecting within the public right-of-way, except with an encroachment permit issued by the city;
T. Signs which are a danger to the public or are unsafe;
U. Signs which are a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts of the city;
V. Vehicle signs; or
W. Illegal Signs pursuant to Section 16.38.085.
(Ord. 610-24 § 8, 2024; Ord. 587 Exhibit B, (part), 2022; Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)
Illegal Sign. A sign which includes any of the following:
A. A sign erected without first complying with all regulations in effect at the time of its construction or use;
B. A sign that was legally erected, but whose use has ceased, the structure upon which the display is placed has been abandoned by its owner, or the sign is not being used to identify or advertise an ongoing business for a period of not less than ninety (90) days;
C. A sign that was legally erected which later became non-conforming as a result of the adoption of an ordinance, the amortization period for the display provided by the ordinance rending the display conforming has expired and conformance has not been accomplished;
D. A sign that was legally erected which later became non-conforming and then was damaged to the extent of fifty (50) percent or more of its current replacement value;
E. A sign which is a danger to the public or is unsafe;
F. A sign which is a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts of the city; or
G. A temporary commercial sign (Section 16.38.055) for which the display period has expired.
(Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017)
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