A. Permit Required. There are three (3) types of sign permits in the City of Pinole as listed below:
1. Sign Permit. A sign permit is required for all permanent signs (building attached or freestanding) prior to erection, relocation, alteration, or replacement of a sign, unless otherwise exempted by this chapter. The process for application, review, and decision regarding a sign permit is established in Section 17.12.090 (Sign Permit). A sign permit is not required for general maintenance of existing signs or the replacement of the sign face (including message) when the area of the sign is not being changed and a building permit is not required (e.g., the replacement of a sign face on a wall sign). A sign permit is also not required for the establishment of temporary signs; however, such signs shall be consistent with the development standards and time duration limits established in this chapter.
2. Creative Sign Program.
a. A creative sign program provides a mechanism that is available for the benefit of property owners and businesses, yet is not a required permit type. It provides a way for property owners and business to propose and the city to consider special deviations from the regulations for on-site permanent signs provided in this chapter under certain circumstances. The intent of this process is to:
i. Encourage signs of unique design that exhibit a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness; and
ii. Provide a process for the application of sign regulations in ways that will allow creatively designed signs that make a positive visual contribution to the overall image of the city, while mitigating the impacts of large or unusually designed signs.
b. The process for application, review, and decision of the creative sign program shall be as established in Section 17.12.100 (Creative Sign Program). Upon approval of a creative sign program, a sign permit is required to erect said signs.
3. Sign Program.
a. To ensure compliance with the regulations of this chapter and except as otherwise exempted, a sign program shall be required for all new sites that:
i. Will have permanent signing requirements which exceed either five (5) signs or two hundred (200) square feet total aggregate sign area; or
ii. The site is a multi-tenant shopping center, office park, or other multi-tenant or mixed-use development of three (3) or more separate tenants/uses that share either the same parcel or structure and use common access and parking facilities.
b. The process for application, review, and decision of the sign program shall be as established in Section 17.12.110 (Sign Program). In addition, a sign program is optional for all new sites that
i. Consist of a lot or parcel, or a series of lots or parcels combined, which front on two (2) or more publicly dedicated street rights-of-way;
ii. Consist of five (5) or more separate business activities; or
iii. Consist of a lot or parcel, or a series of lots or parcels combined, to total a minimum of two (2) acres.
B. Application Procedures. An application for a sign permit, creative sign program, or sign program shall be made on the application materials as provided by the Community Development Director. The application shall be accompanied by any fees as specified by City Council resolution. Further, the application contents, processing, and review procedures for each type of application shall be as specified in Section 17.12.090 (Sign Permit), Section 17.12.100 (Creative Sign Program), or Section 17.12.110 (Sign Program).
C. Variances. Applications for a variance from the terms of this title shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission according to the variance procedures set forth in Section 17.12.130 (Variance).
D. Appeals. Decisions of the Community Development Director or Planning Commission may be appealed as specified in Section 17.10.070 (Appeals). (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)