The following regulations apply to signs in the C-4 zoning district:
A. Architectural Compatibility: All signs shall be harmonious with the character and architectural style of the structure upon which they are placed.
B. Sign Approval Required:
1. The location, size and architectural design of all freestanding signs and support structures shall be approved by the planning commission. Replacement of a sign without any structural change, such as replacement of sign elements including, but limited to, individual channel letters or increase in sign area, on existing freestanding sign structures shall be approved by the director.
2. The location, size, and architectural design of all building mounted signs shall be approved by the director. Replacement of a sign without any structural change, such as replacement of sign elements including, but limited to, individual channel letters or increase in sign area, on existing building mounted signs shall be approved by the director.
C. Size: The maximum size of signs is shown in section 15.36.190 of this article (unless further restricted by an approved sign program).
D. Location: All signs shall be placed parallel to the vertical surface of the building, and shall not protrude from the farthest surface of the building, marquee or canopy more than twelve inches (12"), except that one under canopy area sign containing less than three (3) square feet in area is permitted for each street that the building faces.
E. Freestanding Signs: The following regulations apply to freestanding signs:
1. Types Of Freestanding Signs: The following freestanding signs are permitted:
a. Monument signs with a height not exceeding four feet (4').
b. Pedestal signs with a height not exceeding twelve feet (12').
2. Exceptions To Allotment: One freestanding sign per street frontage per parcel or unified center is permitted, except as follows:
a. Each freestanding sign for an individual tenant shall count toward the allowable signage for that tenant. Shopping center signage shall not count towards maximum signage and shall not exceed the requirements of subsection E7 of this section.
b. For commercial centers in excess of thirty five (35) acres, two (2) freestanding signs identifying the center are permitted. One of the signs may be oriented to the freeway if located on land designated as freeway oriented property (see figure 16 in section 15.36.420 of this chapter) and shall meet the design criteria for freeway oriented signs. If not considered a sign oriented to the freeway, the maximum height of the sign shall be twenty feet (20').
3. Obstruction Of Other Signs Prohibited: No freestanding sign shall be placed in such a manner that it obstructs signs on adjacent properties from public view.
4. Main Identification Sign: A freestanding sign in excess of twenty four (24) square feet shall be considered a main identification sign.
5. Proximity To Other Freestanding Signs: No freestanding sign may be placed closer than forty feet (40') to another freestanding sign.
6. Extension Of Public Right Of Way: No portion of a freestanding sign shall extend over existing or future public right of way.
7. Size Criteria: The following size criteria apply to freestanding signs:
Size Of Parcel Or Unified Center | Maximum Size Of Freestanding Sign |
Up to 5 acres | 24 square feet |
>5 to 10 acres | 50 square feet |
>10 to 35 acres | 75 square feet (unless sign is freeway oriented as defined by this chapter) |
Greater than 35 acres | 120 square feet (unless sign is freeway oriented as defined by this chapter) |
The area of a sign identifying a unified center shall not be counted toward the maximum sign area for any tenant.
F. Miscellaneous Provisions:
1. One sign is permitted for each forty feet (40') of frontage of the structure or building.
2. Directional signs of two (2) square feet or less are exempt from this chapter.
3. Sign standards for specific types of businesses are contained in article VII of this chapter.
4. Standards and regulations for multi-tenant freestanding signs are contained in article VII of this chapter.
5. Portable A-frame signs are permitted within a unified center if included within an approved sign program.
6. The planning commission, as a part of its review of a sign program, may exempt certain signs or areas from the requirements of this section if the following criteria are met:
a. The signs cannot be seen from the public rights of way, parking areas or other public areas.
b. The signs are oriented to the interior of a pedestrian retail or recreation area.
7. Monument signs in historic districts or for designated structures may have a base which is not solid in order to be consistent with the historic integrity of the property. The sign shall be approved by the planning commission and the historic and scenic preservation commission. (Ord. 2552 § 1, 2004)