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This section describes requirements for temporary promotional on-site signs. These signs do not require the issuance of a sign permit. Temporary signs may include, but are not limited to, commercial signs for grand openings or special product, sale, or event advertising, but exclude any temporary signs pertaining to subdivisions, which are governed through the requirements of Section 17.52.080 (Temporary Subdivision Signs). The development standards for temporary subdivision signs are listed in Table 17.52.080-1 (Temporary Subdivision Signs). The following general requirements apply to temporary promotional signs:
A. Time Duration. Display periods for temporary promotional signs shall be limited to a maximum of sixty (60) days per calendar year, or as provided below. Longer time periods may be permitted with issuance of a temporary use permit (see Section 17.12.070 (Temporary Use Permit).
B. Illumination. Temporary signs may not be illuminated.
C. Message. Temporary signs displaying a commercial message shall be limited to on-site signage only. Temporary off-site signage displaying a commercial message is prohibited.
D. Encroachment. Temporary promotional signs shall not encroach on or above the public right-of-way or be attached to utility poles, except as provided below for A frame signs. See Table 17.52.070-1 (Placement of A-Frames in the right-of-way).
E. Temporary Signs Allowed. As established in Section 17.52.050 (Prohibited Signs), pennants, balloons, and other temporary signs are prohibited; temporary signs displayed outdoors that are composed of paper or other lightweight material that could not be securely anchored, would easily degrade, or could not withstand limited exposure to the elements (e.g., a paper sign whose writing would become illegible if exposed to water, or a cardboard sign taped to a building exterior that could easily blow away) are also prohibited. Temporary signs may be constructed of non-rigid material, provided it is displayed in a window or adequately anchored and able to withstand exposure to the elements.
Use Type | Maximum Temporary Number | Maximum Area | Maximum Height | Minimum Setback from ROW (1) |
Multiple-family Residential, Apartment Rental | 1 per complex | 4 sq. ft. | 5 ft. freestanding; Roofline wall | 10 ft. |
Nonresidential, Building-Attached | 1 per establishment | 12 sq. ft.; 20% of total window space if located in a window (2) | Roofline | n/a |
Nonresidential, A-frames | 1 per establishment | 8 sq. ft. | 4 ft. |
Notes:
(1) Must be located outside of the clear vision triangle.
(2) Window includes any area of window glazing located within a glass door.
(Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)
A. Applicability. The requirements of this section shall apply to all temporary subdivision signs. All permanent subdivision identification signs shall be as provided for in Section 17.52.060 (Permanent On-Site Sign Requirements). Temporary subdivision signs shall be allowed in addition to the real estate signs allowed pursuant to Section 17.52.040 (Exempt Signs).
B. Sign Permit Required. Prior to the erection of any temporary subdivision signs pursuant to this section, approval of a sign permit is required pursuant to Section 17.12.090 (Sign Permit).
C. Deposit and Permission Required. In addition to the conditions that the designated approving authority may impose through the sign permit, prior to the erection of any temporary subdivision signs, the sign applicant shall provide the following:
1. A deposit as determined by the Community Development Director for each sign guaranteeing the maintenance and removal of all such signage upon expiration of the sign permit.
2. Permission to remove and dispose of all signs should the sign not be removed as required by the creative sign program, and a covenant to reimburse the city for any costs of any such removal and disposal.
D. Display Period and Sign Removal. All such signs approved pursuant to this section shall be displayed for no more than six (6) months, or as otherwise required by the sign permit. Upon completion of the approved display period, all such signage shall be completely removed and the sites returned to their original, pre-sign conditions.
E. Display within Public Right-of-Way. All such signs are allowed in the public right-of-way provided they do not extend into the clear vision triangle, do not obstruct pedestrian and wheelchair access, and when located on a sidewalk are within six (6) inches of the curb. Further, a-frames must remain portable and shall not be attached or anchored to trees or any public property.
Use Type | Maximum Number | Maximum Area | Maximum Height | Minimum Setback from ROW (1) |
On- and Off-Site, Subdivision Identification Signs (2) | 4 per subdivision (3) | 32 sq. ft. | 10 ft. | 10 ft. |
On-Site Subdivision, Directional Signs | 1 per subdivision entrance, max 6 | 32 sq. ft. | 10 ft. | |
On-Site Subdivision, Flags | 10 poles per subdivision | 15 sq. ft. of flag per pole | 20 ft. |
Notes:
(1) Must be located outside of the clear vision triangle.
(2) Such signs shall not be located within fifty (50) feet of an occupied residence unless the designated approving authority finds pursuant to approval of the creative sign program that such distance is not feasible. Illumination of such signs is prohibited.
(3) No more than two (2) of which shall be off-site.
(Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)
This section describes the requirements applied to the construction, maintenance, and removal of signs within the city.
A. Construction of Signs. Every sign and all parts, portions, and materials thereof shall be manufactured, assembled, and erected in compliance with all applicable state, federal, and city laws and regulations, including the locally adopted Building Code. All signs shall comply with the following criteria:
1. All transformers, equipment, programmers, and other related items shall be screened and/or painted to match the building or shall be concealed within the sign.
2. All permanent signs shall be constructed of quality, low-maintenance materials such as metal, concrete, natural stone, glass, and acrylics. Techniques shall be incorporated during construction to reduce fading and damage caused by exposure to sunlight or degradation due to other elements.
3. All freestanding signs that incorporate lighting shall have underground utility service.
4. All temporary signs and banners shall be made of a material designed to maintain an attractive appearance for as long as the sign is displayed.
B. Maintenance of Signs. Every sign and all parts, portions, and materials thereof shall be maintained and kept in proper repair. The display surface of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from rust and corrosion. Any cracked, broken surfaces, malfunctioning lights, missing sign copy, or other non-maintained or damaged portions of a sign shall be repaired or replaced within thirty (30) days following notification by the city. Noncompliance with such a request will constitute a nuisance condition and zoning violation and will be enforced as such.
C. Interference with Motorist's or Pedestrian's Vision.
1. No sign shall be located in a manner which may obstruct or interfere with the view of a traffic signal or other traffic regulatory signs. No sign shall, as determined by the Public Works Director, be so located as to create a hazard to the life or property of any person using the public right-of-way.
2. Any required landscaping may be trimmed as needed to provide maximum visibility of the sign or signs.
3. Signs shall not be located within the clear vision triangle.
D. Clearance from Public Utility Facilities. The person erecting a sign and the owner of the premises shall maintain any legally required clearance from communications and electric facilities. A sign may not be constructed, erected, installed, maintained, or repaired in any manner that conflicts with a rule, regulation, or order of the California Public Utilities Commission pertaining to the construction, operation, and maintenance of public utilities facilities.
E. Determination and Measurement of Sign Area.
2. General area calculation. Generally, the area of a sign shall be measured as the overall length of the sign multiplied by the overall height of each segment of copy or logo exclusive of background.
3. Void Rule. When the sign is composed of individual letters applied to the building without a distinctive background (e.g., channel letters), the area of the sign shall be measured as seventy-five percent (75%) of the area of the sign copy (height of the letters multiplied by the length of each line of letters, e.g., length x height x seventy-five percent (75%)). This practice of taking seventy-five percent (75%) of the area shall be known as the void rule. See Figure 17.52.090-1 (Sign Area).
4. Awning or canopy signs. Sign copy which is applied to an awning or canopy shall be computed at one hundred percent (100%) of the area within a single rectangle enveloping the sign copy. See Figure 17.52.090-2 (Awning or Canopy Sign Area).
5. Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs are to be computed as total height by the total length of the sign for one (1) side for double-faced signs, excluding framework of separate single wood post or masonry column and single wood or masonry beam. The base of a monument sign is not part of the sign when made of wood, stucco, or masonry. See Figure 17.52.090-3 (Freestanding Sign Area).
a. Freestanding signs that are spread with two (2) faces (e.g., marquee sign) shall be computed as the greater of the area of one (1) side or the projected area of two (2) sides.
b. Freestanding signs that are spread with three (3) faces shall be computed as the greater of the area of one (1) side or the projected area of two (2) sides or three (3) sides.
c. Freestanding signs that are four (4)-sided shall be computed as the greater of the area of two (2) sides or the projected area of two (2) sides.
Freestanding sign area (shaded region only)
6. Three (3)-dimensional objects. Where a sign consists of one (1) or more three (3)-dimensional objects (e.g., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculptures, or statue-like trademarks), the sign area shall be measured at its maximum projection upon a vertical plane, as viewed from a position in the public right-of-way which produces the largest visual projection. See Figure 17.52.090-4 (Area of Three (3)-Dimensional Objects).
F. Measurement of Sign Height. Sign height shall be measured from the uppermost part of the sign used in determining the area of the sign to the lowest elevation at the base of the sign.
G. Setback and Spacing of Freestanding Signs.
1. The minimum setback distance for freestanding signs shall be measured from the back of the public right-of-way or side of a driveway, unless an encroachment permit is granted. All freestanding signs shall be located outside of the public right-of-way and any required clear vision triangle.
2. The minimum spacing distance between permanent freestanding signs, excluding on-site directory signs, shall be fifty (50) feet. The designated approving authority will review a proposed sign location on a case-by-case basis to ensure the sign is located outside the required clear vision triangle and does not otherwise inhibit motorist safety.
H. Sign Removal or Replacement. An owner of property on which a sign was constructed, painted, installed or maintained in conformance with a permit under this chapter, but for which the permit has lapsed or become void, shall forthwith remove the sign without additional notice or action from the city. When a sign is removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other structural elements that support the sign shall also be removed. Affected building surfaces shall be restored to match the adjacent portion of the structure. This requirement does not apply to routine maintenance. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)
The following criteria shall be utilized for permanent advertising displays and signs. Signs shall comply with general design standards as provided here in addition to design standards applicable only to unique sign types are provided in Section 17.52.110 (Special Sign Requirements).
A. Sign type. Signs shall be compatible with the architectural style of the main building or building upon the site where such sign is located. The applicant shall consider construction materials, color, letter style, and other design details in designing an architecturally compatible sign. Multiple signs on any building, or on buildings within the same development, shall have the same primary type of building-attached sign. Signs located on commercial sites but in a predominantly residential area shall be unobtrusive and designed to be compatible with such residential area.
B. Sign illumination. The artificial illumination of signs, either from an internal or external source, shall be designed so as not to cast stray light on surrounding rights-of-way and properties. The following requirements shall apply to all illuminated signs:
1. External light sources shall be directed and shielded to limit direct illumination of an object other than the sign;
2. The light from an illuminated sign shall not be of an intensity or brightness that will create glare or other negative impacts on residential properties in direct line of sight to the sign;
3. Unless otherwise permitted by another requirement of this chapter, signs shall not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or other illumination 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 constructed as traffic control devices;
5. Reflective type bulbs and incandescent lamps that exceed fifteen (15) watts shall not be used on the exterior surface of signs so that the face of the bulb or lamp is exposed to a public right-of-way or adjacent property; and
6. Light sources shall utilize energy-efficient fixtures to the greatest extent possible and shall comply with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (California Building Standards Code).
C. Sign copy. The maximum coverage of copy allowed on a sign shall be eighty percent (80%) of the sign face.
D. Sign structure. The sign's supporting structure shall be simple, yet adequate for supporting the sign face. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)
In addition to the general design requirements in Section 17.52.100, the following requirements shall apply to special sign types as listed.
A. Wall Signs.
1. Wall signs shall be compatible with the predominant visual architectural elements of the building façade.
2. Wall signs shall not project more than twelve (12) inches from the building façade.
3. Wall signs shall utilize a consistent proportion of signage to building scale, such as 1/3 text to 2/3 wall area or one-forth (1/4) text to three-fourths (3/4) wall area. See Figure 17.52.110-1 (Text Scale).
4. Wall sign raceways shall be concealed from public view (e.g., within the building wall or otherwise integrated with the design of the sign and building so as to not detract from the architectural character of the building.
5. Channel letters, reverse channel letters, and push pin letters are preferred in place of can signs. Letters may not utilize gold-colored (or a shade of gold) trim cap.
6. Signage containing multiple elements (e.g., logo and text) on one (1) façade shall be designed so that the multiple elements are located and scaled with relationship to each other.
B. Awning and Canopy Signs. Awning and canopy signs may be permitted only as an integral part of the awning or canopy to which they are attached or applied and shall be considered wall signs for signage area calculation purposes. The following requirements shall apply:
1. Lettering shall be allowed on awning valances only and shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches in height. Logos, symbols, and graphics that do not include text may be allowed on the shed (slope) portion of an awning and shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area for each awning. All awning signage, text and/or other graphics, whether located on the shed or valance, shall count towards the total sign area, pursuant with the measurement rules provided in Subsection 17.52.090.E (Determination and Measurement of Sign Area). See Figure 17.52.110-2 (Awning and Canopy Sign).
2. Lettering shall be located within the middle seventy percent (70%) of the valance area.
3. Only permanent signs that are an integral part of the awning or architectural projection shall be allowed. Temporary signs shall not be placed on awnings.
4. Awning signs shall only be allowed for first and second story occupancies.
5. Awnings shall not be lighted from under the awning (backlit) so that the awning appears internally illuminated. Lighting directed downwards that does not illuminate the awning is allowed.
C. Projecting Signs. Projecting signs, including, but not limited to, blade signs, bracket signs, and marquee signs, and shall be considered wall signs for the purposes of sign area calculations. Projecting signs shall only be permitted as follows:
1. Location. Projecting signs shall be placed only on ground-floor facades, except for businesses located above the ground level with direct exterior pedestrian access. In the case of a one (1)-story building, the top of the sign shall, exclusive of the suspension structure, be no higher than the roof eave line.
2. Angle of Projection. Projecting signs shall either be located at right angles to the building front along the building façade, or, when located on the corner of a building, at a forty-five (45) degree angle to the corner of the building.
3. Height. The lowest point of a blade or bracket sign shall be a minimum of seven and a half (7 1/2) feet above grade.
4. Projection. The sign may project a maximum of five and a half (5 1/2) feet from the building.
5. Suspension. The sign shall be suspended with a clear space of at least six (6) inches between the sign and the building.
6. Sign structure. Sign supports and brackets shall be compatible with the design and scale of the sign.
7. Encroachment. Blade, bracket, or marquee signs may not encroach into the public right-of-way or be located above it, or into city-owned property except with an encroachment permit.
8. Spacing. Projecting signs shall be spaced to maximize the visibility of signage.
D. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs, including monument signs, pole signs, and pylon signs, shall only be permitted as follows:
1. Pole Signs. The bottom of the pole sign (excluding the sign structure) shall be no lower than seven and one-half (7.5) feet above ground level. The pole sign shall have no exposed connecting, or supporting wires.
2. In an effort to promote full architectural integration of signs, voids between the sign face and the sign structure are prohibited. Either the sign face shall utilize the full width of the sign structure or coverings that are architecturally consistent with the rest of the sign shall be used to fill any voids.
3. Materials and design for freestanding signs shall be complementary to the materials and design of the buildings for the related development. For example, if the façade of the building is made of brick or brick veneer, a complementary freestanding sign would also include brick.
4. Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the sign equal to the area of the sign. Landscaping shall be complementary to and designed in concert with the landscaping for the overall site. The design of the landscaping shall be such that natural growth will not obscure the sign from the public right-of-way.
5. The minimum letter height on a freestanding sign shall be twelve (12) inches. The intent is to limit the clutter of text on the sign and increase readability for the public, thereby providing for public safety.
6. The maximum letter height on a freestanding sign shall be thirty-six (36) inches. The intent is to limit the visual impact of large text size. For applicants requesting signage visible to freeway motorists, the maximum letter height for a freestanding sign shall be forty-eight (48) inches. For any further deviations from this requirement, the applicant may apply for a creative sign program or variance.
E. Marquee or Changeable Copy Sign. These types of signs shall be considered to be the same as any other type of sign and shall be regulated based on their location; i.e., if located on a wall, they shall be deemed wall signs.
F. Electronic Message Signs.
1. Off-site electronic message signs. Off-site electronic message signs shall only be allowed in conjunction with pylon signs along Interstate 80 pursuant to the requirements provided in Table 17.52.110-1 (Electronic Message Signs).
2. Sign area and height. Maximum sign area for all electronic messages shall be one hundred (100) square feet and maximum height of sign structure containing electronic message shall be one hundred (100) feet.
3. Sign brightness. The electronic message sign (including both graphic and video displays) must not exceed a maximum illumination of six thousand (6,000) nits (candelas per square meter) during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of one thousand (1,000) nits (candelas per square meter) between dusk to dawn as measured from the sign's face at maximum brightness. All electronic message centers shall be designed and operated with automatic dimming features and have the capability for the owner/operator of the sign to reduce the illumination and/or brightness to adjust to background and ambient light conditions. These controls may include an auxiliary photocell on or near the sign.
4. If an electronic message sign displays more than one (1) type of electronic message as categorized by Table 17.52.110-1 (Electronic Message Signs) (e.g., time and temperature message and electronic display), each type of electronic message shall be subject to the relevant regulations for such message type when that message type is displayed. For instance, when a time and temperature message is displayed, it may only be displayed pursuant to the requirements for time and temperature signs; when an electronic graphic display message is displayed, it may only be displayed pursuant to the requirements for electronic graphic displays; even if multiple message types are displayed on one (1) sign, each message type shall be governed by the relevant regulations for that message type. Electronic displays or electronic graphic displays shall not be allowed to use the text and message limits established for time and temperature messages, even if a time and temperature message is displayed on the sign in addition to other electronic message types. The regulations provided below shall apply to the specified message type whenever such message type is displayed, regardless of alterations between message types.
Description/ Requirement | Message Type | |||
Electronic Display | Electronic Graphic Display | Video Display | Time and Temperature | |
Description | Text Only - No Picture | Images and Text | Moving Pictures | Informational Only |
Allowed | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Text Limit (1) | 10 words | No Limit | n/a | Time and Temperature Only |
Minimum Message Duration | 1 minute | 1 minute | 4 ft. | 5 seconds |
Brightness (NITSs) (2) - Day/Night | 7,000/2,500 | 7,000/2,500 | n/a | 7,000/2,500 |
Notes:
(1) Scrolling messages are prohibited.
(2) NITs are a unit of intensity (candelas/square meter).
(Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)
A. Nonconforming Signs. Except as otherwise provided by this section, all existing signs which do not meet the requirements of this chapter shall be deemed nonconforming signs and shall either be removed or brought into compliance with the city's Municipal Code when a substantial alteration to the sign is made. Change of copy shall not be deemed a substantial alteration. For purposes of this section, a “substantial alteration” shall be defined as repair or refurbishing of any sign that alters its physical dimensions or height, or replaces any integral component of the sign including, but not limited to, alterations to exterior cabinets, bases, or poles. In addition, substantial alteration shall also include any repair or refurbishing of a sign that exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the depreciated value of the sign and structure, but excepting customary maintenance. “Customary maintenance” shall be defined as any activity or work performed for the purpose of actively maintaining the sign in its existing approved physical configuration and size dimensions at the specific location approved by the city and includes the following:
1. Repainting the sign text, cabinet, or other component of the sign without changing the advertising message; or
2. Routine replacement of border and trim with substantially the same colors and materials.
a. A nonconforming sign may remain in use provided no additions or enlargements are made thereto and no structural alterations are made therein, except as permitted for customary maintenance in subsection 17.52.090.B of this chapter. If said nonconforming sign is destroyed or removed, or ceases to be used for the use in existence as of the effective date of the title codified in this chapter, every future sign at the same location must be in conformance with the requirements of this chapter.
b. Abandoned Signs. Abandoned signs may be abated by the city. For regulatory purposes, any factors indicating abandonment shall not begin occurring until one hundred and twenty (120) days after this chapter first goes into effect. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)