The following signs shall be permitted in the C-1, C-3, and M-1 Zones, subject to the standards specified herein:
(A) Building wall signs. Building wall signs, including attached can signs and channel letters and other permitted signs, shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Number. One wall sign for each tenant, separate use or occupancy of a building, unless:
(a) The tenant, separate use, or occupancy has frontage on more street, in which case one additional wall sign fronting on the side street will be permitted.
(b) The tenant, separate use, or occupancy has its principal entrance facing on a parking lot, in which case it is permitted to have a wall sign on the side of the building facing on the parking lot, provided the total area of all signs is within the maximum permitted in division (A)(2) of this section.
(c) The tenant, separate use, or occupancy has an entrance not facing on a parking lot or public thoroughfare, in which case one non-illuminated sign not to exceed three square feet in area shall be permitted, provided the total area of all signs is within the maximum permitted in division (A)(2) of this section.
(d) The single tenant, use, or occupancy has more than 50 linear feet of frontage on a street or parking lot, in which case a second wall sign may be permitted upon approval of the Design Review Committee, provided all other provisions of this subchapter are complied with.
(2) Area. Maximum of 1½ square feet of sign area per linear foot of building frontage. Only frontage facing on a major or secondary thoroughfare shall be considered in calculating permitted area.
(3) Location. Wall signs shall not exceed the height of the building roofline or parapet wall and shall not exceed 70% of the width of the building frontage.
(4) Projection. Maximum projection of an attached wall sign shall be 12 inches.
(5) Lighting. If illuminated, such illumination shall not exceed 300 foot lambert.
(6) Painted wall signs. Painted wall signs shall be permitted upon review and approval of the Design Review Committee. All applications for a painted wall sign shall include a rendering by a graphic or other professional artist. Application of a painted wall sign shall be by direct transfer from a 1:1 scale rendering of the approved advertising display copy.
(7) Can sign. Can signs shall be architecturally compatible with the building.
(B) Monument signs. Monument signs shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Number.
(a) One monument sign for each site with a minimum of 75 feet of frontage on a street, unless the property has such frontage on more than one street, in which case one additional monument sign fronting on said side street shall be permitted.
(b) For any site with less than 75 feet of frontage on a street, a monument sign may be permitted by the Planning Commission with a sign variance on recommendation of the Design Review Committee, when the configuration of the site or the location of the building or complex on the site does not allow adequate identification through the use of wall signs or other permitted signs. The maximum area for such monument sign shall be calculated together with all other permitted signs on the site, and the total area shall not exceed the total allowable area for the buildings or complex on the entire site.
(2) Area.
(a) The maximum square footage for a monument sign, including the base and support, is as follows:
Maximum Square Footage for Monument Sign | |
Street Frontage | Sign Area |
75 - 84 ft. | 30 sq. ft. |
85 - 99 ft. | 40 sq. ft. |
100 ft. or greater | 50 sq. ft. |
(b) Street address number attached to the advertising structure shall not be considered a part of the sign area.
(3) Height. Maximum of six feet.
(4) Location.
(a) All monument signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from interior side lot lines for parcels with up to 100 feet of street frontage, and at least 15 feet from interior side lot lines for parcels with more than 100 feet of street frontage. Criteria for determining the precise location of monument signs shall include, but not be limited to, visibility from the street, proximity to other signs and buildings, frontage and configuration of the site. When located on a corner lot, a monument sign shall not be placed so that it obstructs the view of oncoming traffic from any direction.
(b) All monument signs shall be located within a protective planter, the precise location of which shall be subject to approval of the Community Development Director. Planter areas shall be adjacent to and proportionally surround the base of the monument sign. The planter areas shall be a minimum of four times the area of the sign base or 25 square feet, whichever is greater.
(5) Street address. All monument signs shall contain a street address. Street address numbers, proportional in size to other copy, shall not be considered a part of the advertising display for purposes of calculating copy area.
(6) Design guidelines. The exterior finish of a monument sign shall be architecturally compatible with the building design and materials. The advertising display area of all monument signs shall be surrounded with a decorative feature, e.g., molding, which is architecturally compatible with the sign and building design.
(7) Lighting. Illumination shall not exceed 300 foot lambert. If external floodlights are used, they shall be shielded so as to prevent excessive glare;
(C) Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs, other than monument signs, shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Number. One freestanding sign for each site with a minimum of 75 feet of frontage on a principal street, unless the property has more than 200 feet of street frontage, in which case an additional freestanding sign shall be permitted for each additional 100 feet of street frontage over the initial 100 feet.
(2) Area. The maximum square footage for sign area on a freestanding sign, excluding the supports, is as follows:
Maximum Square Footage for Freestanding Sign | |
Street Frontage | Sign Area |
75 - 99 ft. | 75 sq. ft. |
100 ft. or greater | 120 sq. ft. |
Each additional 100 ft. | 80 sq. ft. |
(3) Height. Maximum of 15 feet or the height of the tallest building on the site where it is located, whichever is less;
(4) Location. Freestanding signs shall be located a minimum of 15 feet from interior side lot lines, and in a landscaped planter with a minimum of 60 square feet of area in addition to other required landscape areas. Criteria for determining the precise location of freestanding signs shall include, but not be limited to, visibility from the street, proximity to other signs and buildings, frontage and configuration of the site. The minimum separation between freestanding signs on adjoining properties shall be 30 feet.
(5) Street address. All freestanding signs shall contain a street address. Street address numbers, proportional in size to other copy, shall not be considered a part of the advertising display for purposes of calculating copy area.
(6) Lighting. Illumination shall be internal and shall not exceed 300 foot lambert.
(7) Design review. The architectural features of all freestanding signs shall be reviewed by the Design Review Committee prior to final approval.
(D) Pole signs. Pole signs shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Number. One pole sign for each site with a minimum of 75 feet of frontage on a principal street.
(2) Area. The maximum square footage for sign area on a pole sign shall be 50 square feet per side.
(3) Height. Maximum of 20 feet or the height of the building, whichever is less.
(4) Location. Pole signs shall be located a minimum of 15 feet from interior side lot lines. Criteria for determining the precise location of pole signs shall include, but not be limited to, visibility from the street, proximity to other signs and buildings, frontage and configuration of the site. Each pole sign shall have a minimum of 60 square feet of landscaped planter area proportionally surrounding the sign pole, which shall be in addition to any other required landscape areas.
(5) Street address. All pole signs shall contain a street address. Street address numbers, proportional in size to other copy, shall not be considered a part of the advertising display for purposes of calculating copy area.
(6) Design guidelines. Signs permitted per this section shall comply with any sign design guidelines that may be adopted by the City Council or the Design Review Commission.
(7) Lighting. Illumination shall be internal and shall not exceed 300 foot lambert.
(8) Design review. All pole signs shall be reviewed and approved or conditionally approved by the Design Review Commission. Factors that the Commission will consider include but are not limited to the following:
(a) That the sign does not interfere with the ability of adjoining properties or uses to have visible signage;
(b) That the sign does not detract from the architectural features of the building; and
(c) That the sign does not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian movement or with visibility for vehicular or pedestrian movements.
(E) Window signs. Window signs shall comply with the following standards:
(1) Number. Three window signs shall be permitted for each occupancy which directly faces a dedicated street or alley, mall, or parking lot area. Information pertaining to hours of operation and credit cards shall be exempt from this provision;
(2) Area. A maximum of 25% of the total frontage glass area, whether on the ground or second level, may be covered. Doors consisting of glass shall be included in the computation of maximum sign area. A single sign indicating if a business is “Open” or “Closed” shall be exempt from the maximum area provision, provided the sign shall not exceed dimensions of 18 inches by 24 inches.
(3) Changeable copy signs. Changeable copy signs shall be permitted provided that they are within the maximum sign area provided for in division (E)(2) above.
(F) Awning signs. The following standards shall apply to awning signs:
(1) Number. One awning sign is permitted for each ground floor occupancy. If a single occupancy has more than one awning, the total allowable signage may be divided among more than one awning. More than one awning sign may be permitted on the side of building if the adjoining grade deviates substantially along the length of the side of the building.
(2) Area. Signage on the awning shall be limited to ½ square feet for each linear foot of building frontage if the awning sign is the only signage on the building; otherwise signage shall be limited to ½ square foot for each linear foot of building frontage;
(3) Projection. Maximum of ½ the street parkway width;
(4) Height. Minimum of eight feet above ground level.
(5) Lighting. Lighting of awning signs may be internal or external, and shall not exceed 300 foot lambert.
(6) Approval. All awnings shall be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department according to the standards contained in divisions (F)(1) through (F)(5) above, regardless of whether such awnings have signage.
(G) Under canopy signs. The following standards shall apply to signs attached or suspended below a canopy:
(1) Number. One per public entrance.
(2) Area. Maximum of six square feet.
(3) Height. The height of the sign face shall not exceed two feet and the minimum vertical clearance shall be eight feet above adjoining grade.
(H) Changeable copy signs. Changeable copy signs shall be permitted for facilities used primarily for the presentation of theatrical, cultural, religious, educational or athletic events. Such sign may be either a monument or wall-mounted sign and shall comply with all applicable requirements of this subchapter.
(I) Banners.
(1) Except as otherwise provided for in this subchapter, a banner shall only be permitted pursuant to the issuance of a banner permit. Banners issued under a permit may be displayed for a period of either 30 or 60 consecutive calendar days, with a maximum display period of 180 calendar days per calendar year. Multiple display periods are permitted on a banner permit, provided that the total amount of display days shall not exceed 180 per calendar year. Only one banner sign shall be allowed to be displayed at any given time per business, except where a single business occupies a building located at the intersection of two major streets, in which case one banner sign may be displayed on each side of the building facing on the major street. Banners shall be flame retardant, securely fastened and shall pose no public safety hazard.
(2) A minimum of 30 calendar days shall transpire between each banner display. Failure to comply with the requirements herein shall be a basis on which to deny additional banner permits within the calendar year of the violation.
(J) Open for business sign. A temporary sign may be issued for a business when first open to the public at its location. The temporary sign shall be no greater in area than that permitted for a wall sign under § 153.325(A)(2). A permit for a temporary “open for business” sign may be approved by the Community Development Director for a period of not more than 60 consecutive days from the time an occupancy permit has first been approved by the city. The permit period may be extended at the discretion of the Community Development Director.
(K) Total sign area permitted. Total sign area, including all signs listed above (i.e., wall signs, monument signs, freestanding signs, window signs, awning signs, under canopy signs, and changeable copy signs) for each site or occupancy shall not exceed 2½ square feet per linear foot for the first 50 linear feet of building frontage and two square feet per linear foot for each linear foot of building frontage thereafter. The sign area shall be calculated as the area within a single square or rectangular box enclosing the extreme exterior of the advertising display, including any generic advertising, logos or other designations. If a sign is curved, the area shall be calculated as if the sign were in a straight line.
(L) Limitations on sign types. A maximum of three different types of signs (i.e., wall signs, monument signs, freestanding signs, window signs, awning signs, under canopy signs, and changeable copy signs) as listed above may be permitted for each business or separate occupancy with a minimum of 75 feet of frontage on a street. A maximum of two different types of signs as listed above may be permitted for each business or separate occupancy with less than 75 feet of frontage on a street.
(M) Master sign plan. All master sign plans for new commercial or industrial centers, complexes or parks which contain two or more individual establishments on a single parcel or group of parcels with a single common development or under single ownership or a single tax parcel; or for existing commercial industrial centers, complexes or parks as of November 9, 1993 which contain six or more individual establishments on a single parcel or group of parcels with a single common development or under single ownership or a single tax parcel shall be submitted to the Community Development Department for review and approval according to the following application and review processes:
(1) Approving body.
(a) The master sign plan shall be approved by the Community Development Director for developments over which the director has approval for the Precise Plan of Design pursuant to § 153.354(A) of this Code.
(b) The master sign plan shall be approved by the Design Review Commission for developments over which the Commission has approval for the Precise Plan of Design pursuant to § 153.354(B) of this Code.
(2) Criteria. The following criteria shall be applied in determining whether the master sign plan should be approved:
(a) Compatibility with the design motif of buildings in the complex, center, park, lot or parcel;
(b) Incorporation of common design elements such as type of sign, materials, letter style, colors, illumination, size location and/or shape;
(c) Promotion of unity and continuity and prevention of unsightly clutter and disarray within the complex, center, park, lot or parcel;
(d) Compliance with the requirements of the Zoning Code and the General Plan; and
(e) Consideration of whether the plan constitutes a hazard to the public health and safety and a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian circulation.
(3) Applications for master sign plans shall contain the information set forth below. No master sign plan application shall be accepted as complete until all of the application contents are filed with the Community Development Department.
(a) Detailed, scaled drawings of all of the proposed signs for the lot or parcel, including elevations. At least one set of the drawings shall be in full color, depicting the actual colors to be utilized.
(b) Specification of the materials, colors, letter height and style, illumination and method of attachment for each sign which shall be accompanied by a board containing examples of the materials and colors to be utilized.
(c) A color photograph of the existing building facade shall also accompany applications for existing buildings.
(N) Service station signs. In addition to signage allowed in previous applicable sections of this subchapter, the following signage shall be allowed for service stations:
(1) One permanently affixed price sign or changeable copy sign (or combination thereof), not exceeding an area of 18 square feet shall be allowed on each street frontage, provided said sign shall not be less than two feet in height. Said signs shall comply with all requirements set forth by the state, and shall be visible from all public rights-of-way.
(2) Small signs comprised of convenience signs, bank and credit card signs, tire signs and/or price signs, with the size and location of such signs to be approved by the Community Development Director, provided the aggregate area of such signs does not exceed 24 square feet.
(O) Signs for factory franchised new motor vehicle dealers. In addition to signage allowed in previously applicable sections of this subchapter, factory franchised new motor vehicle dealers shall be allowed to have one pole sign for each major franchise with a minimum of 150 feet of frontage on a street, unless the property has such frontage on more than one street, in which case one additional pole sign fronting on said side street shall be allowed. Such pole signs may be used in lieu of monument signs which are permitted by division (B) of this section. Such pole signs shall be subject to the following standards:
(1) Height. Maximum of 50 feet;
(2) Area. The minimum square footage for a pole sign shall be as follows:
Maximum Square Footage for a Pole Sign | |
Height of Sign | Area per Side |
8 - 15 ft. | 50 sq. ft. |
16 - 30 ft. | 100 sq. ft. |
31 - 40 ft. | 150 sq. ft. |
41 - 50 ft. | 200 sq. ft. |
(3) Minimum clearance. Eight feet from the bottom of the sign to grade;
(4) Projection. No part of a pole sign shall project over public property;
(5) Copy. Copy shall not exceed 75% of the sign's area;
(6) Lighting. If illuminated, such illumination shall be internal and shall not exceed 300 foot lambert;
(7) Architectural compatibility. Such signs, including the pole, shall be architecturally compatible with the building(s) on the site;
(8) Design review. All pole signs shall be reviewed by the Design Review Committee for its recommendation prior to final approval.
(P) Balloon signs for factory franchised new motor vehicle dealers. In addition to the signage allowed in previously applicable sections of this subchapter, a factory franchised new motor vehicle dealer shall be permitted one balloon sign to be installed on the property, provided that balloon signs shall not be used for more than 120 calendar days per calendar year, and that a minimum of 30 calendar days intervene between any two balloon sign installations.
(Q) Signs for major appliance/electronic retailers. In addition to the signage allowed in previous applicable sections of this subchapter, major appliance/electronic retailers having more than 25,000 square feet of gross retail floor area, and 150 feet of street frontage on a major thoroughfare in the city may be permitted the following signage upon approval of a master sign plan:
(1) One and one-half square feet of signage for each linear foot of frontage on a street.
(2) One wall sign for each 25 feet of street frontage to be used exclusively to advertise brand product names.
(R) Architectural lighting.
(1) Up to two parallel gas-filled lighting tubes around the upper perimeter of a parapet roof, and architecturally compatible with the building and neighboring buildings, may be approved by the Community Development Director and shall not be considered a part of a building's signage, provided the following conditions are met:
(a) The elevation of the building on which the lighting is to be placed is a minimum of 50 feet from any residential zoned property; and
(b) For a stand-alone building, the building elevation is a minimum of 50 feet in length; and
(c) For contiguous buildings, the building elevation is a minimum of 75 feet in length, and further provided that all contiguous buildings shall concurrently install identical architectural lighting regardless of separate ownership or leasehold interest; and
(d) No reflectorized materials are used behind the exposed tubes.
(2) Any additional gas-filled lighting tubes or any string of lights shall require review and approval by the Design Review Committee.
(S) Portable signs. Each business in the commercial zone shall be allowed to display one portable sidewalk sign in compliance with the standards set forth in this section. Portable signs shall not count toward the limitations set forth in subsections (K) and (L) above.
(1) Signs in the public right-of-way/permit required. A sign permit shall be obtained before any sign is placed in the public right-of-way. Notwithstanding § 153.323(B), the applicant shall only be required to provide: a scaled drawing of the proposed sign showing colors, materials and proposed finishes of the proposed portable sign; and color photographs of the building where the sign is proposed to be located. As part of the permit application, the applicant shall submit to the city and maintain a public liability insurance policy from a company authorized to do business in the State of California and having a rating approved by the city which names the City of San Gabriel and its officers, agents, employees and volunteers as additional insured prior to the issuance of a sign permit for a portable sign. When a permit application is approved, an official city tag shall be placed on the sign showing permit approval. No portable sign may be considered compliant with the requirements of subsection (S) without said tag.
(2) Sign size. Signs may not exceed a width of 2' 6". Sign height shall be limited to four feet as measured perpendicular from the sidewalk surface to the highest point of the sign.
(3) Sign placement. Unless a permit has been obtained pursuant to subsection (1) above, portable sidewalk signs shall be placed only within the boundaries of the applicable business’ street frontage and shall be positioned so that it will not:
(a) Reduce the sidewalk clearance below a width of 36 inches;
(b) Impede any line of sight for motorists at vehicular public right-of-way intersections, as determined by the City Engineer; or
(c) Interfere with persons entering or exiting parked cars.
(4) Portable signs may not be displayed from vehicles parked in front of or adjacent to the businesses, whether on public or private property. For purposes pf this subsection,
PORTABLE SIGNS specifically includes banners affixed to a vehicle.
(5) Stabilization. The sign shall be stabilized so as to withstand wind gusts or shall be removed during windy conditions.
(6) Sign elements. Signs shall be designed to incorporate the colors, textures, and features of the building in front of which they are to be placed. Signs made of plywood, pressboard, or paper products shall not be permitted; signs made of metal, burnished wood, or other materials having a natural appearance shall be permitted. Finishes shall be of high quality and durable.
(7) Removal. Portable signs shall be removed from the sidewalk at the close of each business day.
('65 Code, § 9-3.2406) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95; Am. Ord. 468-C.S., passed 8-20-96; Am. Ord. 526-C.S., passed 7-16-02; Am. Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04)