A. Purpose. The purpose of a creative sign program is to provide a process for property owners and businesses to propose special deviations from the regulations for on-site permanent signs provided in this title under certain limited circumstances. The creative sign program also provides a process for the city to review special signage types prior to issuance of a sign permit. The intent of the creative sign program is to:
1. Encourage signs of unique design that exhibit a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness; and
2. 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. Applicability. An applicant may request approval of a creative sign program in order to allow a sign that may require standards that differ from the signage provisions of this title, but comply with the purpose and findings for a creative sign program. Establishments that are eligible for creative sign programs include any commercial, office, or industrial use in the city.
C. Approving Authority. The Community Development Director shall be the designated approving authority for creative sign programs.
D. Application Contents. The application for creative sign program shall be made on a form as prescribed by the Community Development Director and shall be accompanied by the information identified on the form. The information shall include the following:
1. The name, address, contact information, and signature of the applicant, as well as the name, address, and contact information for the contractor or installer and property owner. If the applicant is someone other than the sign owner, then the sign owner's signature is also required on the application form.
2. Proof of consent of the property owner or other person(s) having the immediate right to possession and control of the property.
3. Preliminary information indicating how the sign will be constructed and/or mounted to a building or structure.
4. Location, size, structure, and other descriptive information required by the Community Development Director.
5. Such other on site or environmental conditions as the Community Development Director may reasonably request to determine that the proposed application is in full compliance with the provisions of this title, the city municipal code, and other applicable law. The message proposed to be displayed on the sign is not required but may be shown at the option of the applicant.
E. Procedures. The procedures for creative sign program shall be as provided in Chapter 17.10 (General Application Processing Procedures) except as provided below:
1. Multiple signs. One (1) creative sign program may be submitted for multiple signs, provided all signs are on the same property or contiguous parcels within the same zoning district and/or as part of the same tenant. In such instances, the application may be granted in whole or in part, with separate decisions as to each proposed sign. When an application is denied in whole or in part, a written notice or the action shall be provided to the applicant and shall specify the ground(s) for such denial.
2. Public hearing. No public hearing shall be required for a creative sign program, except as set forth below:
a. Notice of the filing of an application for a creative sign program shall be mailed to persons owning property within three hundred (300) feet of the project site and posted on the property where the sign or signs are proposed to be located. The mailed notice of application shall advise persons that plans for the project are available for public review at City Hall. The notice shall also indicate that the approving authority will take final action on the application unless a written request for hearing is received by the Community Development Director on or before the date specified in the notice, which shall be at least ten (10) working days from the date of mailing.
b. If no timely written request for hearing is filed, the application shall be decided by the designated approving authority.
c. If a timely written request for hearing is filed, the application shall no longer be administratively processed and shall instead be decided at a public hearing of the Planning Commission.
d. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the approving authority may elevate any project to a Planning Commission decision if, in the opinion of the approving authority, such project is not in substantial conformance with the intent of the creative sign permit or if the approving authority determines that the location, size, or design of the project warrants a hearing before the Planning Commission.
3. Revocation or cancellation. The Community Development Director shall revoke any creative sign program upon refusal by the permit holder to comply with the provisions of the creative sign program after written notice of noncompliance and at least thirty (30) days opportunity to correct. In the event that the sign, by nature of its physical condition, poses an imminent or significant threat to public safety, the Community Development Director shall revoke the creative sign program and order immediate correction of the safety hazard.
4. Timing. An application for a creative sign program shall be submitted to the Community Development Director prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit.
F. Deviations. The following types of deviations from the signage standards of this title may be requested by the applicant for a creative sign program and may, upon written findings, be approved by the approving authority:
1. Increases in maximum allowed area for permanent signs on the subject site;
2. Allowances for types of lighting not otherwise permitted by this title;
3. Allowances for types of signs not specifically permitted by this title; and
4. Allowances for signs to exceed the maximum height requirement(s).
G. Criteria for Deviations. In approving an application for a creative sign permit and any deviations from the signage standards of this title, the designated approving authority shall ensure that the proposed sign meets the following criteria:
1. Design quality. The sign shall:
a. Have a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;
b. Be of unique design and exhibit a high degree of imagination, inventiveness, spirit, and thoughtfulness; and
c. Provide strong graphic character through the imaginative use of color, graphics, proportion, quality materials, scale, and texture.
d. Complement and enhance architectural elements.
2. Contextual criteria. The sign shall contain at least one (1) of the following elements:
a. Creative image reflecting current or historic character of the city; or
b. Inventive representation of the logo, name, or use of the structure or business.
3. Architectural criteria. The sign shall:
a. Utilize or enhance the architectural elements of the building; and
b. Be placed in a logical location in relation to the overall composition of the building's facade and not cover any key architectural features and details of the facade.
4. Impacts on surrounding uses. The sign shall be located and designed so as not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses.
H. Approval Findings. A creative sign program shall be granted only when the designated approving authority makes all of the following findings:
1. The proposed creative sign permit is consistent with the objectives of the general plan;
2. The proposed signage is consistent with the purposes of the creative sign program; and
3. The proposed deviations from the signage standards of this section are consistent with the deviations allowed and the considerations and basis for deviations listed in this section.
I. Appeal. Appeal of the approving authority's action on the request for a creative sign program shall be made in accordance with the procedures specified in Section 17.10.070 (Appeals).
J. Expiration. All approved creative sign programs are subject to the provisions set forth in Section 17.10.100 (Revocation Permit Time Limits, Extensions, and Expirations). (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)