16.38.085 Illegal Signs.

   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)

16.38.090 Nonconforming Signs.

A non-conforming sign is any permanent sign or temporary sign that was legally established and maintained in compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws in effect at the time of original installation but that does not now comply with the provisions of this development code.

It is the intent of this chapter to recognize that the eventual elimination of signs that do not comply with the provisions of this chapter is as important as the prohibition of new signs that would violate these standards. This section shall not apply to billboards subject to a relocation agreement pursuant to Section 16.38.150.

   A.   General Requirements. A non-conforming sign may not be:

      1.   Changed to another non-conforming sign;

      2.   Structurally altered to extend its useful life;

      3.   Expanded;

      4.   Re-established after a business discontinued for sixty (60) days; or

      5.   Re-established after damage or destruction of more than fifty (50) percent of its value, as determined by the building official.

   B.   Abatement. After the expiration of the time period applicable to a particular type of sign, as provided in subsection C below, signs not conforming to the provisions of this chapter shall be brought into compliance.

   C.   Amortization. After the date of enactment of this chapter, the following signs located within any zoning district shall be brought into compliance with the provisions applicable to the zoning district within the following time periods:

      1.   Temporary Signs.

         a.   Ninety (90) Days. Paper, cloth and cardboard signs, board signs, banners, flags or pennants, balloons, bunting, portable signs and mobile signs, animated or moving signs, flashing and scintillating signs, and other similar signs; or

         b.   Twelve (12) Months. Unlighted wood and metal signs and signs painted on structures, walls, windows, fences, and similar temporary signs.

      2.   Permanent Signs-Fifteen (15) Years. Any sign, regardless of material, that is designed and constructed to have a useful life greater the fifteen (15) years.

   D.   Annexed Areas. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, signs in areas annexed to the city after the date of adoption of this chapter that do not conform to the provisions of this chapter, shall be regarded as non-conforming signs which may remain for the remaining amortization period as provided above, or for a period of three (3) years from the date of annexation, whichever is longer.

   E.   Exception. If a non-conforming sign has historical significance, (i.e., on city's local inventory) apart from its main purpose of advertising, the sign may be granted a minor conditional use permit for continued use in compliance with Chapter 16.52 (Minor Conditional Use Permits).

   F.   Maintenance and Repair. Non-conforming signs and sign structures may be maintained and repaired in compliance with Section 16.32.030 (Restrictions on Non-conforming Structures and Uses).

(Ord. 587 Exhibit B, (part), 2022; Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)

16.38.100 Abandoned Signs.

A sign shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business that it advertises is no longer conducted on the premises. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the director shall give the owner thirty (30) days written notice to remove it. Upon failure to comply with the notice, the director may have the sign removed at the owner's expense.

(Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)

16.38.110 General Provisions for All Signs.

   A.   Maintenance of Signs. Signs and supporting hardware, including temporary signs, shall be maintained in good repair and functioning properly at all times. Repairs to signs shall be of equal or better in quality of materials and design as the original sign. Signs which are not properly maintained and are dilapidated shall be deemed to be a public nuisance.

   When existing signs are removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other supports that are no longer required shall.be removed. Unpainted areas shall be painted to match the adjacent portion of the building or sign support structure.

   B.   Measurement of Sign Area.

      1.   The surface area of a sign shall be calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of all writing, logo, representation, emblem, or other display within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles with no more than eight (8) lines.

FIGURE 3-12
MEASUREMENT OF SIGN AREA

      2.    Supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself shall not be computed as sign area.

      3.   Double-faced signs shall be regarded as a single sign if the distance between each sign face does not exceed two (2) feet.

      4.   Where a sign consists of one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture or statue-like trademarks), the sign area shall be measured as their maximum projection upon a vertical plane.

      5.   For signs that incorporate time and temperature devices, the area of these devices shall not be included in the total sign area.

   C.   Measurement of Sign Height. Sign height shall be measure as the vertical distance from the finished grade adjacent to the base of the sign structure to the highest point of the structure.

   D.   Illumination of Signs. The artificial illumination of signs, either from an internal or external source, shall be designed to eliminate negative impacts on surrounding rights-of-way and properties.

      1.   External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of any object other than the sign.

      2.   The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness that will interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of surrounding residential properties.

      3.   Signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness, or color.

      4.   Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner so as to be confused or construed as traffic control devices.

      5.   Neither the direct nor reflected light from primary light sources shall create a hazard to operators of motor vehicles.

      6.   Reflective- type bulbs and incandescent lamps that exceed fifteen (15) watts shall not be used on the exterior surface of signs so as to expose the face of the bulb or lamp to a public right-of-way or adjacent property.

      7.   Light sources shall utilize energy efficient fixtures to the greatest extent possible.

   E.   Sign Copy. Except as provided pursuant to Section 16.38.020 (C) (Message Substitution), the copy of permanent signs shall relate only to the name and/or nature of the business. Permanent "come-on" signs that advertise continuous sales, special prices, etc. are not allowed. Sign copy shall include minimal information only. The name of the use or business shall be the dominant message on the sign. Monument signs shall contain the street address of the use(s) in compliance with Section 16.38.020(G) below.

(Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)

16.38.120 Standards for Specific Types of Signs.

   A.   Awning Signs.

      1.   Awning signs shall only be located on building frontages, including those fronting a parking lot or pedestrian way.

      2.   Awning signs on awnings are limited to ground level and second story occupancies only.

      3.   Awning signs shall not be internally illuminated. Lighting directed downwards that does not illuminate the awning is allowed.

   B.   Canopy Signs for Fueling Stations.

      1.   Canopy signs are allowed on two sides of the canopy.

      2.   Canopy signs can have a max sign area of 10 square feet.

   C.   Digital Display.

      1.   Where permitted the digital display on a sign shall be limited to twenty (20) percent of the total sign area of said sign.

      2.   Digital display shall be allowed only on one (1) sign per development.

      3.   The provisions of this Section 16.38.120(C) shall not apply to billboards with digital displays developed subject to a relocation agreement.

   D.   Drive-thru Signs.

      1.    Wall and freestanding signs shall be permitted in accordance with Chapter 16.38. In addition, up to two (2) eight (8)-foot-high menu ordering signs with a total combined square footage of up to 60 square feet in sign area, shall be permitted for drive-thru restaurants.

   E.   Freeway Signs.

      1.   Freeway signs shall be allowed on properties/development with freeway frontage or within 150 feet of freeway right of way. When a freeway frontage street separates the project site from the freeway right of way, the 150 feet should be measured from the centerline of the street.

      2.   Freeway signs shall be spaced 1000 feet apart if they included digital display or within 500 feet apart from other freeway signs if located on the same side of the street, including freeway signs on different parcels.

      3.   Freeway signs shall incorporate a decorative stone base consistent with the overall design/architecture of the center/development proportionate to the height of the sign but not less than five (5) feet or more than thirty (30) percent of the sign height.

      4.   The city's logo or other city symbol shall be included on the structure subject to the approval of the director.

   F.   Marquee Signs.

      1.   Marquee signs shall be mounted only on the front or sides of a marquee, or suspended below.

      2.   Marquee signs shall not project more than six inches from the face of a marquee.

      3.   Marquee signs shall not extend above the top of a marquee.

      4.   A clear distance of eight (8) feet shall be maintained from the lowest part of a suspended sign to the ground below.

   G.   Monument Signs.

      1.   Monument Signs are allowed only for frontages adjoining a public street.

      2.   Monument signs shall not be located closer than five feet from a property line.

      3.   There shall be a minimum of two-hundred (200) feet between any two monument signs (includingpylon signs) on adjoining sites to ensure adequate visibility for all signs. The director may waive this requirement in situations where its enactment would be impractical due to the locations of existing signs on adjacent properties.

      4.   Monument Signs shall not project over public property, vehicular easements, or rights-of-way. Signs shall not obstruct traffic safety sight areas.

      5.   Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one face of the sign. For example, thirty (30) sq. ft. o£sign area = sixty (60) sq. ft. of landscaped area.

      6.   Monument signs shall contain an address plate identifying the project or use by specific street address. The address plate shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area. Numbers shall be a minimum of six (6) inches in height. Address plates shall not be calculated against the allowed sign area.

   H.   Pylon Signs.

      1.   Pylon signs are allowed only for frontages adjoining a public right of way.

      2.   Pylon signs shall not be located closer than five (5) feet from a property line.

      3.   There shall be a minimum of two-hundred (200) feet between any two pylon signs (including monument signs) on adjoining sites to ensure adequate visibility for all signs.

      4.   Pylon signs shall not project over public property, vehicular easements, or rights-of-way. Pylon signs shall not obstruct traffic safety sight areas.

      5.   Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one face of the sign. For example, thirty (30) sq. ft. of sign area = sixty (60) sq. ft. of landscaped area.

   I.   Site Directory Signs. Freestanding signs located at vehicular entrances of a development to direct visitors and emergency vehicles to buildings.

      1.   Site Directory Signs located within Commercial Zones with multi-tenant developments are allowed at 24 square feet in sign area and 6 feet in height.

      2.   Site Directory Signs located within all other non-residential zones with multi-tenant development are allowed at 12 square feet in sign are and 4 feet in height.

   J.   Wall Signs.

      1.   Wall signs may be located on any building face subject to the review by the director.

      2.   Wall signs shall not project from the surface upon which they are attached more than required for construction purposes and in no case more than twelve (12) inches.

      3.   Wall signs shall not project above the roof edge of a structure.

      4.   Wall signs shall not be placed to obstruct any portion of a window.

   K.   Window Signs.

      1.   Window signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground level and second story of a building front-age.

      2.   Window signs shall be permanently painted or mounted on the inside of windows and doors.

      3.   Window signs shall not occupy more than twenty-five (25) percent of the window area of any one window including permanent signs and temporary signs.

   L.   Off-site Subdivision Signs. Off-site subdivision signs are intended to help direct the public to new residential subdivision projects, apartment complexes, and community facilities on a temporary basis during the initial sales/rental period.

      1.   Authority to Grant Contract. The council may grant, through special agreement, the exclusive right to design, erect, and maintain off-site subdivision signs within the entire city, or any designated portion thereof. The contract shall include provisions for administering and managing the off-site subdivision sign program. The agreement shall provide for the following minimum conditions:

         a.   Sign panels shall be made available to all entitled persons, firms, associations, or corporations on a first-come, first-served basis;

         b.   Signs shall not be placed until the applicant has obtained all applicable city permits; and

         c.   Pennants, lights, flags, or other devices for visual attention shall not be placed on the sign structures.

      2.   Permitted Locations. Off-site subdivision signs shall be located within the street right-of-way provided that an Encroachment Permit is issued by the city engineer, and provided that the signs do not obstruct the use of sidewalks, walkways, bike, or hiking trails, and do not obstruct or impair the visibility of drivers, pedestrians, or traffic control signs.

      3.   Design Standards. The design of off-site subdivision signs shall comply with the following minimum standards:

         a.   Structures. Sign structures shall be ladder-type with individual sign panels of uniform design, color, and lettering, and shall include break-away design features where appropriate;

         b.   Structure Height and Width. Sign structures shall not exceed eight feet in height from finished grade, unless otherwise allowed by the director, due to a topographical constraint. Sign structures shall not exceed six feet in width;

         c.   Sign Panels. The sign panels shall not exceed five feet in width. Sign panels shall only contain the name of the new development or community facility and indicate by an arrow the direction it is in;

         d.   Materials. Sign structures shall be made of wood poles unless otherwise expressly allowed by the director;

         e.   Lighting. Signs shall not be illuminated;

         f.   Uniformity. All sign structures and sign panels shall be uniform and consistent in terms of overall design, size, color, materials, and lettering style; and

         g.   City Logo. The city's logo or other city symbol shall be included on the uppermost panel of the structure subject to the approval of the director.

(Ord. 587 Exhibit B, (part), 2022; Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)

16.38.130 Standards for Community Entry Monument Signs.

New commercial and industrial development should contribute to providing a sense of place for the community. The city requires that commercial and industrial developments on corners of major arterial s help strengthen the community's design character by providing consistently designed monument signs as part of their projects.

   A.   Applicability. Any project over ten acres that has a general plan designation of community commercial, regional commercial, or business park shall provide a community entry monument sign as outlined in the following standards. Whenever practical, the sign shall be placed at the intersection of arterial streets.

   B.   Standards. Each community entry monument sign shall be designed within the standards provided below and the following illustrations: (See figures on the following pages).

      1.   Forty -foot (40') radius corner cutoff for landscape and sign installation;

      2.   Two formal curvilinear planting rows of trees (silk oak, tulip tree, London plane, California pepper, American sweetgum) set behind theme wall/fence;

      3.   Theme wall/fence, placed at forty-five (45') foot diagonal corner cutoff, maximum five feet high, with corner pilasters of decorative stone consistent with the overall design/architecture of the center/development;

      4.   Turf grass in front of sign;

      5.   Formal shrub hedgerow at base of wall/fence, maximum of thirty (30) inches in height;

      6.   Annual or perennial flower bed, four feet wide in front of hedgerow;

      7.   Incorporation of official Murrieta text/logo/slogan (see figure on following pages) on sign. Letters shall be a minimum of six inches high, three dimensional bronze with brushed finish, antiqued dark color up-per case;

      8.   Lighting shall be indirect. The light shall wash up onto the sign; and

      9.   Corner pilasters shall be of decorative stone consistent with the overall design/architecture of the center/development. The pilaster shall not exceed six feet in height. The minimum dimension of a pilaster shall be two feet by two feet.

(Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017; Ord. 343 § 5, 2005; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)

16.38.140 Sign Standards by Zoning District.

The sign standards provided in this chapter are intended to apply to signs in all zoning districts. Only signs authorized by this chapter shall be allowed unless otherwise expressly provided in this chapter. The standards provided herein do not apply to billboards subject to a relocation agreement.

   TABLE 16.38.140-1
   SIGN STANDARDS - RESIDENTIAL

CLASS	SIGN TYPE	NUMBER	SIGN AREA	HEIGHT	REMARKS
Neighborh ood identificat ion	Wall or monument	Two per entry (one at each corner)	Twenty-four (24) square feet	Six feet for wall sign and four feet for monume nt sign.	1.   Copy shall be limited to the name of the development.
Multi-fam ily identificat ion	Wall	One per street frontage with a maximum of two per development.	Twenty-four (24) square feet	Sign shall not project above the edge of roof	1.   Signs shall harmonize with the scale and design of the development. 2.   Indirect lighting only. 3.   Monument signs shall be placed no closer than five feet from the property line. Corner locations shall be approved by city engineer. 4.   Refer to the Objective Design Guidelines (ODS) for additional criteria.
	Monument	One per street frontage with a maximum of two per development.	Twenty- four (24) square feet	Six feet
Multi-fam ily site directory	Monument	One per vehicular entrance	Twelve (12) square feet	Six feet	1.   To direct visitors and emergency vehicles to buildings. 2.   Sign shall be conveniently located and shall not be located within the entry throat in a manner that could block access. 3.   Illuminated for legibility twenty-four (24) hours a day. 4.   Sign shall locate building, driveway locations, and address of each building. Fire hydrant or knox box locations may also be shown as required by the fire department. 5.   Copy shall be minimum one inch in height and legible from twenty (20) feet. 6.   Refer to the Objective Design Guidelines (ODS) for additional criteria.
Model home complex	Temporary sign on-site	Two on-site temporary signs permitted. One each main street of project.	One hundred (100) square feet	Fifteen (15) feet	1.   Signs shall be removed within ten days from the date of the final sale of the land and/or residences. 2.   Signs shall be for identification of subdivision, price information, and the developers name, address, and telephone number.
	Flags, banners, pennants	Per director	Per director	Per director
	Real estate signs	One per lot	Four square feet	Seven feet	1.   See Section 16.38.050(C).
Non-resid ential uses					1.   Subject to the Civic/Institutional sign allowances.

 

   TABLE 16.38.140-2
   WALL SIGN STANDARDS - NON-RESIDENTIAL

 

PRIMARY FRONTAGE	NON-PRIMARY FRONTAGE
1.5 square feet per 1 lineal foot of frontage not to exceed 250 square feet of sign area	1 square feet per 1 lineal foot of frontage not to exceed 150 square feet of sign area

 

   TABLE 16.38.140-3
   FREESTANDING SIGN STANDARDS - COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL,
   OFFICE, BUSINESS PARK, AND INNOVATION

 

	MONUMENT	PYLON	FREEWAY SIGNS	REMARKS
All Commercial zones (NC, CC, RC) Single tenant	One sign; 24 sq.ft.in sign area per side; 8' max height.	If more than 300 lineal feet of street frontage one Pylon sign; 60 sq.ft.max sign area and 12' max height.	Up to 25 acres in size - 1 sign, 225 sq.ft.max sign area; 40' max height. >25 acres - 1 sign, 500 sq.ft max sign area; 60' max height. *1000 ft. from other freeway signs with digital display or 500 feet from any other freeway signs on the same side of the street, includes signs of different parcels/development . Within 150 ft. of freeway right-of-way. All freeway signs shall include the City’s name and logo.	1. Digital display is permitted on one freestanding sign per center and shall occupy a max of 20% of that sign’s area. 2. One monument and/or pylon sign per development shall include the center’s name. This sign area will not count towards the overall allowed signage area of said sign. 3. If project site is located on corners of major arterials it is subject to section 16.38.130.
Multi-tenant	One per street frontage; 50 sq. ft. in sign area per side; 10' max height. If more than 300 lineal feet of frontage one additional sign is allowed along one frontage. Signs shall have a 200 foot separation from any other signs.	>2.5 up to 6 acres - 1 max; 60 sq. ft. max sign area and 12' max height >6acres<10 - 2 max; one per street frontage; 200-foot separation from all other signs; 60 sq.ft. max sign area; 12' max height. >10acres<25 - 3 max; at 100 sq. ft. max sign area; 20' max height; 200-foot separation from all other signs. >25 acres - 4 max; 200 sq. ft. max sign area; 25' max height; 200-foot separation from all other signs. If project site has more than 1,200 lineal feet of street frontage one additional pylon is allowed.	Up to 25 acres in size - 1 sign, 225 sq.ft. sign area; 40' max height. >25 acres - 1 sign, 500 sq.ft. max sign area; 60' max height. *1000 ft. from other freeway signs with digital display or 500 feet from any other freeway signs on the same side of the street, includes signs of different parcels/development . Within 150 ft. of freeway right-of-way. All freeway signs shall include the City’s name and logo.	1. Digital display is permitted on one freestanding sign per center and shall occupy a max of 20% of that sign’s area. 2. One monument and/or pylon sign per development shall include the center’s name. This sign area will not count towards the overall allowed signage area of said sign. 3. If project site is located on corners of major arterials it is subject to section 16.38.130.
Office (O and ORP) Business Park, Industrial (BP, GI, and GIA), Innovation (INN) Single tenant	One sign; 24 sq.ft.in sign area per side; 6' max height.	Not Allowed	Not Allowed	1. Digital display is permitted on one freestanding sign per center and shall occupy a max of 20% of that sign’s area. 2. One monument and/or pylon sign per development shall include the center’s name. This sign area will not count towards the overall allowed signage area of said sign. 3. If project site is located on corners of major arterials it is subject to section 16.38.130.
Multi-tenant	One per street frontage; 50 sq. ft. in sign area per side; 10' max height. If more than 300 lineal feet of frontage one additional sign is allowed along one frontage. Max of 3 monument signs allowed. Signs shall have a 200 foot separation from any other signs.	>2.5 acres up to 25 acres - 1 max; 60 sq. ft. max sign area; 12 ft. max height. >25 acres - 2 max; one per street frontage with 100 sq. ft. max sign area; 20 ft. max height Signs shall have a 200 foot of separation from any other signs	1 max 225 sq.ft. in sign area; 40' max height * 1000 ft. from other freeway signs with digital display or 500 feet from any other freeway signs on the same side of the street, includes signs of different parcels/developme nt. Within 150 ft. of freeway right-of-way. All freeway signs shall include the City’s name and logo.	1. Digital display is permitted on one freestanding sign per center and shall occupy a max of 20% of that sign’s area. 2. One monument and/or pylon sign per development shall include the center’s name. This sign area will not count towards the overall allowed signage area of said sign. 3. If project site is located on corners of major arterials it is subject to section 16.38.130.

 

   TABLE 16.38.140-4
   SIGN STANDARDS - CIVIC/INSTITUTIONAL

 

	WALL	MONUMENT	PYLON	FREEWAY	REMARKS
Civic/Institutional	1 per building frontage facing a public street; max 2 wall signs; with a max sign area of 200 square feet.	One sign per street frontage; 24 sq.ft.in sign area per side; 6' max height.

(Ord. 610-24 § 9, 2024; Ord. 587 Exhibit B, (part), 2022; Ord. 524 Exhibit A, 2017)