Chapter 15.12
SIGN CONTROL*

Sections:

15.12.010    Purpose, objective and intent.

15.12.020    Definitions.

15.12.030    Sign permits required.

15.12.040    Permit application.

15.12.060    Permit fees.

15.12.070    Sign permit review process.

15.12.080    Criteria for sign approval.

15.12.090    Approving authority review.

15.12.100    Appeals.

15.12.110    Sign permit issuance.

15.12.120    Additional permits and limitations.

15.12.130    Expiration of sign permit.

15.12.140    Construction and maintenance.

15.12.150    General provisions.

15.12.160    Prohibited signs.

15.12.170    Exempt signs.

15.12.180    Temporary signs.

15.12.190    Public convenience signs.

15.12.200    Signs allowed for specific uses.

15.12.210    Enforcement.

15.12.220    Sign guidelines for specific developments.

*    Prior ordinance history: Ord. 349.

15.12.010 Purpose, objective and intent.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish standards for signage which help people find what they need without difficulty or confusion and to help preserve and improve the appearance of the city. Therefore, all signs shall be regulated to assure that they promote both the goals and objectives of the community and the public health, safety and general welfare.

This chapter establishes standards for the erection, display, safety and maintenance of signs which are intended to meet the following objectives:

Public Welfare. The city, as a unique planned community, has greatly avoided the influences of traditional community development where signing proliferated to a point detrimental to the value and quality of the community before being regulated. The opportunity to achieve an environment free from such circumstances exists in the city and therefore shall be pursued wherever possible in order to build a community of the highest value and quality in which all citizens may take pride and enjoyment.

Healthy Economy. An objective of this chapter is to allow businesses to identify themselves so that clients can find them with a minimum of confusion. This is achieved by effective signing which is necessary, concise, well designed and well executed. It is recognized that signs are an economical and effective means of communicating information and are thus an important asset to most businesses.

Freedom of Speech for Signs. The city recognizes the importance of signs in the exercise of free speech. The city finds it necessary to regulate the time, place and manner of the placement of certain signs for the following reasons:

1.    Prohibition of temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs on public street medians, bridges, public utility box or any poles used for public utility, traffic control signs, traffic signals, or street signs is necessary to: prevent visual distractions to motorists which create traffic hazards, prevent unsafe road conditions, and to prevent eyesores from proliferating along public streets.

2.    Regulation of the size of temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs is necessary for safety and aesthetic reasons, specifically, that the strong winds that are common in Foster City would remove the signs, creating hazards and accumulation of debris, and extremely large or illuminated signs would create a distraction to motorists. (Ord. 651 § 2, 2022)

15.12.020 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the terms set out below are defined to mean the following:

“Abandoned sign” means a sign which no longer directs, advertises or identifies a legal business establishment, product or activity on the premises where such sign is displayed.

“Advertising structure” means a structure erected or used for the purpose of supporting or displaying a message or sign.

“Affected wall surface area” means the solid wall surface area between the top story row of windows and the roof line running the length of the building elevation (or the subject portion of the building elevation) on which the sign is proposed to be placed or the surface area of any separate element of the building on which the sign is proposed to be placed, provided that the separate element is located at or near the top of the building.

“Aggregate total glass surface area” means the product of multiplying the length times the width of the storefront glass surface along a single building elevation with the proviso that window panel separations (mullions, grids, etc.) that are less than six inches wide shall be counted within the aggregate total glass surface area available for signage, and window panel separations or building structural elements separating windows that are greater than six inches shall not be included within the aggregate total glass surface area available for signage. In the case of stores with more than one building elevation with window glass, the aggregate total glass surface area available for the placement of signage shall be calculated based on the dimensions of each individual elevation. Unused amounts of aggregate total glass surface area from one elevation shall not be applied to any other elevation.

“Approving authority” means that person or body (planning director, planning commission or city council) which has authority pursuant to the provisions of this chapter to approve an application for a sign permit.

“Awning” means a shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of nonrigid materials except for the supporting framework.

“Banner” means a sign composed of flexible material either totally or partially secured to a structure and when partially secured is intended to be moved by the wind.

“Building face” means the outer surface of a building or portion of a building given to an individual business, including exposed foundation, windows, doors, parapet, fascia and wall area, but not including any overhanging fascia, canopy, marquee, awning, or roof surface.

“Building frontage” means the width of the face of a building abutting the public right-of-way or primary pedestrian access.

“Bulletin board” means a board, either in a freestanding kiosk or on a wall, on which temporary bulletins or notices are posted.

“Business frontage (primary)” means the width of the face of a business abutting, or if not abutting, exposed to a public right-of-way. In the case of multiple frontages abutting public rights-of-way, the longest frontage shall be considered the primary business frontage.

“Business frontage (secondary)” means the width of the face of a business abutting a secondary street, freeway, parking lot, or pedestrian access.

“Canopy” means a permanent, roof-like shelter extending from part or all of a building face and constructed of some durable material which may or may not project over a public right-of-way.

“Changeable copy sign” means a sign that is designed so that characters or letters can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign.

“Commercial center” means a group of five or more contiguous businesses which utilizes common off-street parking and access and which exhibit a common architectural design.

“Commercial uses” means a retail or similar use in a commercial center or on a property zoned C-1 (retail business), C-A (commercial automobile repair and service), C-2/PD (town center commercial/planned development), or CM/PD (commercial mix/planned development district).

“Construction sign” means any sign giving the name or names of principal contractors, architects, and lending institutions responsible for construction on the site where the sign is placed, together with other information included thereon. See Section 15.12.180(C) of this chapter.

“Directional sign” means an incidental sign designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

“Freestanding or monument sign” means a sign not attached to a building or other structure, but which is attached to the ground and which exhibits sign graphics on one or two faces, which, if two faces shall be the same on both faces.

“Freeway” means State Highway 92 or State Highway 101.

“Identification sign” means a permanent sign which identifies a building, occupant, or activity conducted on the premises.

Illegal Sign. See Section 15.12.210(B) of this chapter.

“Illumination (external)” means any light from a source outside a sign and which illuminates the sign by reflection. No directly or transparently exposed light source is included in this definition.

“Illumination (internal)” means any light from a source contained within a sign and which is seen translucently through the face of the sign. No directly or transparently exposed light source is included in this definition.

“Industrial center” means a group of industrial buildings which utilizes common off-street parking and access and which exhibits a common architectural design.

“Logo” means a symbol, picture, or other graphic representation used by an entity to consistently identify itself.

“Mural” means a picture or decoration which is painted on, or otherwise applied directly to an external wall.

“Neon” means illumination affected by a light source consisting of a neon or other gas tube which is bent to form letters, symbols or other shapes.

Nonconforming Sign. See Section 15.12.210(A) of this chapter.

“Office center” means a group of office buildings which utilizes common off-street parking and access and which exhibits a common architectural design.

“Parapet or parapet wall” means that portion of a building wall which rises above the roof.

“Pedestrian access (primary)” means the single doorway located and designed to be the major entry to a building.

“Pedestrian access (secondary)” means doorways, other than the primary pedestrian access, for gaining entry to a building.

“Portable sign” means a sign not permanently affixed to the ground or a structure on the premises it is intended to occupy.

“Projecting sign” means sign attached to a building wall or structure but which protrudes out from the wall or structure at an angle, as opposed to being attached flush against the wall or structure.

“Promotional sales sign” means a sign erected on a temporary basis to promote the sale of new products, new management, new hours of operation, a new service, to promote a special sale, or similar purpose.

“Property frontage” means the linear dimension of a parcel of property abutting a public street.

Public Convenience Sign. See Section 15.12.190 of this chapter.

Real Estate Sign. See Section 15.12.180(B) of this chapter.

“School” means a public or private elementary, junior high school or high school.

“Setback” means the distance measured to the property line.

“Sign” means a visual communications device used to convey a message to the viewer but does not include lighting or paint used to highlight the architectural features of a building which were approved pursuant to a use permit or architectural review application and also does not include such devices placed inside a building which are not defined as window signs pursuant to this section.

“Sign area” means the area of the background surface, and frame if present, on which the sign graphics are displayed. The area of a sign without a background surface, or where a significantly larger building element such as a wall or fascia serves as the background, shall be taken as the smallest geometric figure enclosing the graphics. The area of a freestanding sign shall be taken as the area of only one face even though sign graphics are exhibited on both faces if both faces are identical and not more than twelve inches apart.

“Sign base” means the post(s) or supporting structure between the ground and the background or frame (if present) of a freestanding or monument sign.

“Sign can” means the exterior covering or cabinet of a sign including the frame, face(s), and background.

“Sign copy” means any words, letters, numbers, figures, designs or other symbolic representations incorporated into a sign, but does not include color.

“Sign graphics” means all lettering, logos, pictures, symbols, patterns and depictions, including color, on a sign.

“Sign guidelines” means a set of criteria and a format approved by resolution of the planning commission pursuant to Section 15.12.220 of this chapter for all signs to be located in a specific development.

“Sign height of a freestanding sign” means the distance from the average surface grade surrounding the base of the sign to the top of its highest element, including any structural element. Where a sign is placed on a mound, the height of the mound shall be included.

“Temporary noncommercial right-of-way sign” means a temporary sign for noncommercial purposes located in the city’s right-of-way. Temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs shall not be subject to the provisions of Section 15.12.180.

Temporary Sign. See Section 15.12.180 of this chapter.

“Typical sign permit” means a sign permit which is not a use permit sign request or a variance sign permit.

“Under-canopy sign” means a sign suspended from an overhead element such as a canopy, marquee or roof.

“Use permit sign request” means an application to increase normally allowed sign area up to fifty percent more than otherwise allowed for such sign, or to allow additional numbers and types of signs, or to allow alternate locations of signs. See Section 15.12.040(B) of this chapter.

“Variance sign permit” means a sign permit which allows an increase in the maximum standards set forth in this chapter such as height, size and location of any sign, based on practical difficulties, unnecessary hardships, or results inconsistent with the general intent and purpose of this chapter. See Section 15.12.040(C) of this chapter.

“Vehicle display sign” means a sign attached to a motor vehicle which is parked on public or private property with the primary purpose of advertising to the public.

“Wall sign” means a sign attached to and flat against a building wall or structure.

“Window sign” means all signs in any nonresidential zoning district, visible from outside the building, and placed in any of the following locations (see Section 15.12.170 of this chapter for window signs exempt from sign permit requirements):

1.    Affixed to or placed within three feet of a window;

2.    Neon signs placed within ten feet of a window (see Section 15.12.160(G) of this chapter regarding prohibition of these neon signs);

3.    Neon signs placed ten feet or more from a window (see Section 15.12.200 of this chapter regarding sign permits required for these neon signs). (Ord. 651 § 3, 2022; Ord. 533 § 1 (part), 2006; Ord. 520 § 2 Exh. A (part), 2005; Ord. 517 § 2 Exh. A (A), 2005; Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.030 Sign permits required.

No sign shall be authorized, constructed, placed, altered, or moved except in conformity with these regulations and without first obtaining a sign permit where required, paying the fees prescribed therefor, and otherwise complying with all other applicable provisions of federal, state and local law, except as exempt pursuant to Section 15.12.170. (Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.040 Permit application.

To obtain a sign permit, the applicant shall first submit a permit application form, plans and/or specifications and the required fees to the community development director or his or her authorized representative. Depending on the sign proposal, one of the three following application types will apply:

A.    Typical Sign Permit. To obtain a permit for a typical sign, the applicant must submit an application, accompanied by plans, supporting information, and an application fee as established by city council resolution. The required content of the application, supporting information, and plans shall be as determined by the community development director.

B.    Use Permit Type Sign Permit. To obtain a use permit type sign permit which is allowed under Section 15.12.080 of this chapter, the application procedure and required submittals are the same as for a typical sign permit, except that the applicant must also submit information supporting the request for additional signage.

Examples of reasons for requesting additional signing may include parcel size, configuration or locations, location of the building(s) on the parcel or unique qualities of the use of the parcel, any of which must relate to the finding that the additional signing is in the public interest.

C.    Variance Type Sign Permit. To obtain a variance type sign permit which is allowed under Section 15.12.080 of this chapter, the application procedure and required submittal shall be the same as for a typical sign permit, except that the applicant must also submit information supporting the findings required by Section 15.12.080.

Examples which may be criteria to allow a variance type permit are: special circumstances applicable to the property, such as size, shape, topography, location or surroundings such that the strict application of the standards contained in this chapter deprives the property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under identical use classification, and that the variance does not constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with the limitation upon other properties in the vicinity with the same use classification as the subject property. (Ord. 432 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.060 Permit fees.

A permit fee shall be required and assessed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter or as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by resolution by the governing body per the following:

A.    Any sign requiring plan review and approval by the planning director and/or building official;

B.    Any sign requiring approval by the planning commission or city council;

C.    Any sign requiring a use permit or variance;

D.    Any sign installed illegally. This fee shall be double the normal fee, if the sign was installed prior to obtaining a sign permit;

E.    Appeals;

F.    Any sign, erected by nonprofit and community interest organizations such as schools, churches, organized youth groups, service clubs and organizations deemed similar by the planning director may be exempt from payment of the required fees. (Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.070 Sign permit review process.

All sign permit applications, plans, specifications and other required material shall be received by the planning/code enforcement division for distribution and review. Review and approval will be as follows:

A.    The community development director shall, within ten working days approve, approve with conditions, deny, or schedule the item for consideration by the planning commission. The community development director shall be required to approve all signs, except sign use permits or sign variances which must be approved by the planning commission and those signs exempt under Section 15.12.170 of this chapter.

B.    The planning commission shall be required to approve all sign use permits or sign variances.

C.    Signs requiring a use permit or variance shall require an advertised public hearing with public notice provided as required by Section 17.06.130 of Title 17, of the Foster City Municipal Code. The sign permit application shall be agendized for the first available planning commission meeting as determined by the community development director.

D.    The community development director shall have the authority to determine what application(s) are required for a given sign proposal; to administer the sign review process; to establish submittal and review requirements; and to determine the completeness of applications for any actions allowed or required under the provisions of this chapter.

E.    The community development director shall have the authority to administratively approve minor modifications to approved sign permits with respect to colors, materials, elevations, site plans, landscape plans, lighting, and other physical changes of a similar nature. Modifications to approved permits shall be minor in nature, shall not affect the basic character of the sign; nor shall such changes deviate from the intent of the planning commission as determined by the community development director, or from the requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 432 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.080 Criteria for sign approval.

A sign shall be approved if it is in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and if the sign complies with the following criteria:

A.    Typical Signs.

1.    Signs are restrained in character and are no larger than necessary for adequate identification.

2.    Signs shall serve primarily to identify the business, the establishment, or the type of activity conducted on the same premises, or the interest being exhibited or

offered for sale, rent or lease thereon; provided, however, that products and services may be identified if determined by the planning commission to be necessary to the premises or nature of the overall activity identified by the sign.

3.    Signs used as identification devices, shall not excessively compete for the citizen’s attention.

4.    Signs shall be harmonious with the materials, color, texture, size, shape, height, location and design of the building, landscaping, property or environment of which it is a part. Signs attached to buildings shall be incorporated into the architectural features of the building in placement, style, proportions, materials and finish.

5.    Sign designs shall be consistent with professional graphic standards.

6.    Freestanding or monument signs as defined in Section 15.12.020, shall require a landscape planter around the base of the sign, containing shrubs and/or groundcover and flowering annual and/or perennial flowers. The size of such landscape planter shall be approved as part of the sign permit. Planting plans shall be submitted and shall include the size, species, location and spacing of plant materials, and method of separation between planter and adjacent area.

7.    Sign illumination, where allowed by provisions of this chapter, shall be at the lowest level consistent with adequate identification and readability.

8.    Sign illumination shall be as defined in Sections 15.12.020 Definitions, and shall comply with the provisions of Section 15.12.160.

9.    Internally illuminated signs, where the entire face of the sign is illuminated rather than just the graphics, are not in keeping with the desired character of signing within the city and shall, unless otherwise allowed by provisions of this chapter, be prohibited.

10.    No sign shall be illuminated except where expressly allowed in the provisions of this chapter.

B.    Signs Requiring a Use Permit.

1.    The planning commission may, upon approval of a use permit, allow additional sign types, amounts and locations over and above those set forth in any section of this chapter.

2.    Under such use permit sign request approval, the planning commission may increase normally allowed sign area by up to fifty percent for any sign, and may allow such additional numbers and types of signs as may be deemed appropriate.

3.    The intent of this section is to facilitate creation of thorough and integrated signing systems for multi-tenant developments, to allow additional, larger, or different types of signs where conditions warrant, and to encourage expressive, high quality sign designs which will enhance the character or value of the community.

4.    Prior to approving a use permit sign request, the planning commission shall find that the additional signing is in the public interest and that the signs will not, under the circumstances of the particular case, be detrimental to the health, safety, morals, comfort and general welfare of the persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such proposed use, or injurious or detrimental to property or improvements in the neighborhood or the general welfare of the city.

C.    Signs Requiring a Variance.

1.    When practical difficulties, unnecessary hardships, or results inconsistent with the general intent and purpose of this chapter occur by reason of the maximum standards set forth in this chapter such as height, size and location of any sign, a sign variance may be granted.

2.    The planning commission may, upon approval of a variance sign permit, allow an increase in allowed height, an increase in size more than fifty percent or a reduction in required setbacks.

3.    Prior to approving a variance sign permit, the planning commission shall make the following findings:

Because of special circumstances applicable to the property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of the standards contained in this chapter deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under identical use classification.

The variance does not constitute a grant of special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity with the same use classification as the subject property. (Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.090 Approving authority review.

The appropriate approving authority shall either approve, approve with modifications, or deny the application in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and any other applicable requirements of federal, state, or local law.

In the event an application is denied, written notice of the denial shall be provided to the applicant within five calendar days after the decision is rendered. (Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.100 Appeals.

In case the applicant or any other person is not satisfied with any decision to approve or deny a sign permit, they may appeal such decision as follows:

A.    An appeal letter must be submitted specifying the following:

1.    The person making the appeal;

2.    The specific item of appeal, and all supporting documentation;

3.    The basis for such appeal and information substantiating the basis for appeal (e.g. failure to comply with the city’s general plan, state or local laws; or stating reasons why the action of the planning director or planning commission would adversely affect surrounding property, the neighborhood, and/or the city);

4.    The relief or action sought.

B.    Decisions of the planning director may be appealed to the planning commission, and decisions of the planning commission may be appealed to the city council.

Any appeal must be submitted in writing within ten calendar days of the decision and shall be accompanied by an appeal filing fee. Appeals of decisions of the planning director shall be submitted to the planning division. Appeals of decisions of the planning commission shall be submitted to the city clerk. The appeal shall be agendized for consideration on the earliest available meeting date as determined by the city, but no later than thirty days from receipt of the appeal and filing fee. The appellant shall be notified in writing of the meeting date. In any appeal, the burden of proof is upon the appellant. (Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.110 Sign permit issuance.

A.    For sign permits issued by the community development director or planning commission, such approval shall not be effective until the following occurs:

1.    The permittee acknowledges acceptance of any conditions of approval; and

2.    The appeal period expires, or the applicant agrees in writing that any work undertaken during the appeal period or while any appeal is being processed is at risk and further agrees to modify or remove such sign if so required by a decision on an appeal.

B.    If, upon appeal, a sign permit is modified or denied which was previously granted by the community development director or planning commission, the sign shall be modified or removed as directed by the body granting the appeal. (Ord. 432 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.120 Additional permits and limitations.

In addition to the sign permit, other permits may be required, such as a mechanical and/or electrical permit. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to obtain such additional permits, if required, from the building official.

The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans and specifications shall not be construed to be a permit for, or approval of, any violation of the provisions of this chapter. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this chapter shall be valid, except insofar as the work or use which it authorizes is lawful. (Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.130 Expiration of sign permit.

A.    Every permit issued under the provisions of this chapter shall expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within one hundred twenty days from the date of such permit, or if the work authorized is suspended or abandoned at any time after the work is commenced, for a period of one hundred twenty days.

B.    The building official may extend the time limit for reasonable cause and if no changes are made in the plans and specifications. Denial of a request for time extension may be appealed as provided in Section 15.12.100. (Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.140 Construction and maintenance.

A.    Construction-installation. All permanent and temporary signs shall be construed and installed in a professional manner and appearance.

B.    Maintenance. Every sign, including but not limited to those signs for which permits are required, shall be maintained in a safe, presentable, and good structural condition at all times, including replacement of defective parts, painting, cleaning and other acts required to maintain the sign, advertising structure, canopy or awning in its originally permitted and installed condition in accordance with the following criteria and with the other applicable provisions of city regulations:

1.    Paint. To prevent rust, peeling, flaking, fading or rotting, the permittee of any sign or advertising structure shall, as required, paint all parts and supports thereof unless the same are galvanized or otherwise treated.

2.    Repairs. Broken panels, missing letters, defective illumination, torn fabric, flaking or peeling paint and other damage to a sign, advertising structure, awning, canopy or support structure shall be repaired.

3.    Clean and Sanitary. All signs or advertising structures and the area surrounding same shall be maintained by the owner thereof in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition, and free and clear of all debris, rubbish and obnoxious substances, and any related planted area or landscaping shall be kept trimmed and in a healthy condition.

4.    Vacancies. Any sign which advertises a business, commodity, service, entertainment, activity, or event which has been discontinued, or is located on property which has been vacant and unoccupied shall be removed; provided, however, that a blank face (containing no sign graphics) may be substituted. (Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.150 General provisions.

The planning director shall determine the character of the use of any property or premises in relation to its surroundings, no matter what zoning district it may be located in, or what sign permit requests may be submitted for that use. For example, the director shall determine whether a commercial building or tenant located in an industrial zone shall be restricted to an amount and type of signing allowed surrounding industrial uses. (Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.160 Prohibited signs.

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the following signs and circumstances are prohibited:

A.    Signs which rotate, move mechanically or by the wind (except as allowed by Section 15.12.180 of this chapter), flash, blink or reflect light by means of a glossy, polished, or mirrored surface;

B.    Searchlights, open flames, balloons, banners (except as allowed by Section 15.12.180 of this chapter), pennants and loudspeakers used to call attention to a product, service or property;

C.    Signs placed on, affixed to, or erected on or over public property, rights-of-way, or waterways, except signs which are exempt pursuant to Section 15.12.170 of this chapter;

D.    Signs which identify or advertise a product or service not available on the premises, except off-site real estate signs and construction signs allowed pursuant to Sections 15.12.170 and 15.12.180 of this chapter, and off-site freestanding signs for commercial properties without street frontages, pursuant to Section 15.12.200(B)(2)(a)(ii);

E.    Signs erected on roofs or above the first story of multistory buildings, except signs allowed on office buildings six or more stories in height pursuant to Section 15.12.200(C)(2)(e) of this chapter and, with planning commission approval of a sign use permit, on hotels pursuant to Section 15.12.200(B)(2)(a)(i);

F.    Signs of nonresidential uses facing directly on residential property;

G.    Internally illuminated signs with a directly exposed neon tube, except as may be allowed pursuant to Section 15.12.200 of this chapter;

H.    Externally illuminated signs where the source of light is directly visible to pedestrians or vehicular traffic;

I.    Signs which emit or reflect light by means of direct fluorescence, phosphorescence or “day-glow” colors;

J.    Signs facing on a freeway except secondary frontage commercial business identification signs allowed pursuant to Section 15.12.200 of this chapter to advertise the sale or lease of the property or premises as provided in this chapter, or to designate the name of the owner or tenant of the premises;

K.    Signs which obstruct the visual lines of sight at corners or intersections for drivers of motor vehicles;

L.    Signs which may obstruct the free use of any exit, entrance, window vent, emergency access, fire lane or standpipe;

M.    Signs which may interfere with, obstruct, confuse or mislead traffic;

N.    Any sign illumination which, in the opinion of the community development director, exhibits undue glare;

O.    Any sign placed or displayed on vehicles parked primarily for the purpose of displaying the sign;

P.    Any sandwich board “A” frame sign or other portable sign, except those signs allowed pursuant to Section 15.12.170 of this chapter;

Q.    Any sign that utilizes visible guy wires, angle irons or iron frame structures;

R.    Changeable copy signs except those specifically allowed by Section 15.12.170(I) (exempt window signs), Section 15.12.220(B)(2)(b) (commercial business signs), Section 15.12.200(B)(3) (gasoline price signs) and Section 15.12.200(E) (quasi-public signs) of this chapter;

S.    Any sign indicating a home occupation;

T.    Any sign nailed, tacked or otherwise affixed to trees or other vegetation;

U.    Any sign consisting of several sheets of paper connected together by perforations, tape, staples or any other means;

V.    With the exception of signs as provided in subsections A, B and C of Section 15.12.170, the placement of signs in any portion of a city park is prohibited; signs placed in violation of this subsection are subject to immediate removal by a representative of the city authorized to do so by the city manager. If information is provided to the city or included on the sign indicating whom to contact regarding the sign, the city shall provide notice to the contact following removal of the sign;

W.    Any other signs not specifically allowed by provisions of this chapter; however, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit any sign, notice or advertisement required by law. (Ord. 605 § 2, 2016; Ord. 553 § 2 Exh. B, 2010; Ord. 520 § 2 Exh. A (part), 2005; Ord. 517 § 2 Exh. A (B), 2005: Ord. 454 § 1, 1998; Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.170 Exempt signs.

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the following signs are declared to be exempt from the requirements of sign permit application, review, approval and fees, but must adhere to all other regulations of federal, state and local laws:

A.    Traffic signs or pavement markings required by state law, city district regulations, or the city engineer.

B.    Signs erected by the city of Foster City, Estero Municipal Improvement District, county of San Mateo, state of California and United States of America.

C.    Signs erected by public utility companies with the permission of the planning director which serve the public safety or welfare.

D.    Changeable sign copy on changeable copy signs, including, but not limited to, gasoline price signs.

E.    Signs placed on the interior of a property not intended to be seen by the general public, such as signs inside buildings which are not window signs.

F.    Signs for sale, rent, or lease signs used to advertise residential property (“real estate signs”), shall not be illuminated, shall be mounted on a post or “A” frame, and shall not exceed four square feet in area and may be used subject to the following restrictions:

1.    One such real estate sign shall be allowed on the property for sale, rent or lease at all times.

2.    Up to four additional “open house” signs, which may also exhibit directional arrows and instructions, shall be allowed on weekends, holidays and on one weekday per week (multiple listing service tour day) on other private property with the owner’s permission.

3.    No more than three such “open house” directional real estate signs (aggregate for on or more sales) shall be located on a single property nor shall more than six such signs located within forty feet of an intersection.

4.    Real estate signs shall not be allowed on sidewalks, streets, medians, public rights-of-way, or where they interfere with vehicular sight distance, nor shall they be allowed to be taped, wired, glued, tied or in any way affixed to light poles, street signs, or any public property.

G.    Garage/yard sale signs used to advertise such a sale on residential property, shall not be illuminated, shall be mounted on a post or “A” frame, and shall not exceed four square feet in area and may be used subject to the following restrictions:

1.    One such garage/yard sale sign shall be allowed on the property where the sale is to take place.

2.    Up to four additional signs, which may also exhibit directional arrows and instructions, shall be allowed on weekends and holidays on other private property with the owner’s permission.

3.    No more than three such garage/yard sale signs shall be located on a single property nor shall more than six such signs be located within forty feet of an intersection.

4.    Garage/yard sale signs shall not be allowed on sidewalks, streets, medians, public rights-of-way, or where they interfere with vehicular sight distance, nor shall they be allowed to be taped, wired, glued, tied or in any way affixed to light poles, street signs, or any public property.

H.    Residential street address signs, including name of occupant, or nonresidential street address signs, not exceeding one square foot in area, which may be internally or externally illuminated.

I.    Window signs subject to the following restrictions:

1.    Window signage shall not be evaluated, regulated or limited as to duration based on whether the signage is intended to be permanently or temporarily placed on storefront windows.

2.    Window signage shall not be subject to time limitations, including grand openings, special events, promotional events or sales. (See Section 15.12.180(E) and (F) of this chapter for other types of temporary signs that are subject to time restrictions, such as grand opening or promotional sales banners that are not window signs.)

3.    The total amount of all window signage (including illuminated and non-illuminated window signage) allowed shall be limited to forty percent of the aggregate total glass surface area of the store, as defined in Section 15.12.020 of this chapter.

4.    All window signage placed on or within three feet of the aggregate total glass surface area of the store shall be of professional quality with respect to installation, materials, and design.

5.    All lighting intended to illuminate window signage (if any) shall be approved by the city prior to installation.

6.    The city shall not regulate the content/message, materials (except directly exposed neon tubing), logo, font or color of the sign background or any portion of the illuminated window signage.

7.    The message on exempt non-illuminated changeable copy window signage may be changed as frequently as the owner desires.

8.    Any combination of illuminated, poster, vinyl or painted letters or other signage may be included within the total amount of window signage allowed on or within three feet of the aggregate total glass surface area of the store.

9.    All window signage shall be maintained in a clean and safe manner, shall be fully operational and wholly intact at all times (no missing, broken, torn, ripped, stained, dirty, or unlit areas, parts, corners, or letters) and shall be immediately repaired or replaced as often as necessary.

10.    Non-illuminated signs or graphics shall not require review by or a permit from the city.

11.    Individual window letters, designs and logos that are applied by paint, vinyl or other approved materials directly to the surface of the window are subject to the following restrictions:

a.    Window signs may be placed only on first-floor storefront windows except for second-floor windows visible only from parking lots and not visible from public streets.

b.    Allowable materials for window letters include paint, vinyl, or other similar materials.

c.    Individual window letters shall not be greater than six inches in height.

d.    Window letters or other designs that are applied by paint, vinyl, or other approved materials directly to the surface of the window shall be white only but may be of any font style.

e.    Window letters, designs, and logos applied directly to the surface of the window shall be surrounded with a minimum border (untreated glass) of two inches on all sides.

J.    Temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs which meet the following criteria:

1.    Temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs shall not be placed in any public street median, or on any bridge, public utility box, or any pole used for public utility, traffic control signs, traffic signals, or street signs. These signs are deemed to create a hazardous condition and shall be subject to immediate removal by a representative of the city authorized to do so by the city manager. If information is provided to the city or included on the sign indicating whom to contact regarding the sign, the city shall provide notice to the contact following removal of the sign.

2.    Temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs shall not be placed in or along public rights-of-way such that they are considered by the city to be a sight distance problem for the drivers of vehicles, or which interfere or distract from the traffic control devices in place, or which interfere with safe bicycle or pedestrian circulation. These temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs are deemed to create a hazardous condition and shall be subject to immediate removal by a representative of the city authorized to do so by the city manager. If information is provided to the city or included on the sign indicating whom to contact regarding the sign, the city shall provide notice to the contact following removal of the sign.

3.    Temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs shall not be placed in any public parks and shall be subject to immediate removal by a representative of the city authorized to do so by the city manager. If information is provided to the city or included on the sign indicating whom to contact regarding the sign, the city shall provide notice to the contact following removal of the sign.

4.    With the exception of public parks, temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs may be placed on public property within the first ten feet from the back of the sidewalk or ten feet from the curb, when no sidewalk is present. Temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs shall not interfere with pedestrian circulation along sidewalks, pathways or the levee/pedway; shall not obstruct bicycle circulation along bicycle paths; shall not obstruct the sight distance of drivers of vehicles; and/or shall not cause unsafe conditions as determined by the city. Signs deemed to create a hazardous condition shall be subject to immediate removal by a representative of the city authorized to do so by the city manager. If information is provided to the city or included on the sign indicating whom to contact regarding the sign, the city shall provide notice to the contact following removal of the sign.

5.    Temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs placed in residential zoning districts shall be no larger than four square feet.

6.    Temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs placed in zoning districts other than residential shall be no larger than eight square feet.

7.    Temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs shall not be illuminated.

8.    Temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs may be placed ninety days prior to an election and shall be removed no later than ten days after an election.

9.    Any temporary noncommercial right-of-way signs deemed to have damaged public property shall be subject to immediate removal by the city. If information is provided to the city or included on the sign indicating whom to contact regarding the sign, the city shall provide notice to the contact following removal of the sign.

K.    Copy changes on existing legally established signs using the same materials, colors, and typeface size and style.

L.    Temporary noncommercial signs placed on private property may only be allowed with the owner’s consent, and in residential zoning districts shall be no larger than four square feet, and if placed in any other zoning district, no larger than eight square feet. Any such signs may be placed ninety days prior to an election and shall be removed no later than ten days after the election, and may not be placed on any roof. (Ord. 651 §§ 4, 5, 2022; Ord. 533 § 1 (part), 2006; Ord. 517 § 2 Exh. A (C), 2005: Ord. 454 § 2, 1998; Ord. 432 § 1 (part), 1996; Ord. 409 § 1, 1994; Ord. 396 § 1, 1992; Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.180 Temporary signs.

Temporary signs shall be allowed for a specific duration as stipulated in the provisions of this section or as set by the approving authority in approving the sign permit. Unless specifically exempted from sign permit by Section 15.12.170 of this chapter, all temporary signs not otherwise exempt shall require approval by the community development director and a permit.

Nothing in this section shall prohibit the community development director from approving a prototypical real estate sign to be used by a real estate company in several locations. The prototypical sign approval shall include height, text, square footage, colors, materials, and criteria for location such as setbacks from streets and corners. Notwithstanding approval of a prototypical real estate sign, the specific location of each such sign shall be approved by the community development director prior to installation.

A.    Temporary window signs which are exempt pursuant to Section 15.12.170 of this chapter;

B.    Real estate signs as indicated in Table 1 and as exempt pursuant to Section 15.12.170 of this chapter;

C.    Construction signs as indicated in Table 1;

D.    Temporary noncommercial right-of-way and temporary noncommercial signs which are exempt pursuant to Section 15.12.170 of this chapter;

E.    Grand Opening Signs. One banner, not illuminated and not to exceed fifty square feet in area for retail commercial uses or twenty-five square feet in area for office or industrial uses, shall be allowed to identify a use, its nature and the opening date. Such banner shall not be displayed longer than thirty days total which shall be before, during and after the opening, or for a period to be approved by the community development director. The use of such signs is subject to the following limitations:

1.    No more than one sign shall be permitted per activity or business.

2.    The sign shall be temporary, designed either as a wall sign or a window sign. The sign can be in the form of a banner.

3.    The sign shall be located below the roof eaves, and at no time shall any portion of the sign be higher than twenty feet above ground level.

4.    The sign shall not exceed the length of the store/business frontage, nor shall it block ingress/egress to any of the business entrances.

5.    Grand opening signs shall be placed on the primary business frontage of the commercial or industrial business which is the subject of the sign.

6.    The community development director may require special design criteria for grand opening signs that he/she determines require special treatment beyond what is contained in subsections (E)(1) through (5) of this section.

7.    Signs shall be kept clean and in good repair at all times that they are in use.

F.    Promotional Sales Signs. A promotional sales sign which is not otherwise exempt as a window sign pursuant to Section 15.12.170 of this chapter, may be approved for a temporary period of time, as specified under commercial and industrial uses. The use of such signs is subject to the following limitations:

1.    No more than one sign shall be permitted per activity or business.

2.    The sign shall be temporary, designed either as a wall sign or a window sign. The sign can be in the form of a banner.

3.    The sign shall not exceed fifty square feet, shall be located below the roof eaves, and at no time shall any portion of the sign be higher than twenty feet above ground level.

4.    The sign shall not exceed the length of the store/business frontage, nor shall it block ingress/egress to any of the business entrances.

5.    Promotional sales signs shall be placed on the primary business frontage of the commercial or industrial business which is the subject of the sign.

6.    Promotional sales signs shall be limited to a display period not to exceed fifteen days. Four promotional periods shall be permitted for each calendar year, not to exceed a total of sixty days per year. Two periods may be combined for a maximum of thirty consecutive days.

7.    The community development director may require special design criteria for promotional sales signs that he/she determines require special treatment beyond what is contained in subsections (E)(1) through (6) of this section.

8.    Signs shall be kept clean and in good repair at all times that they are in use.

G.    Special Events. Sidewalk or parking lot sales, carnivals, exhibits and parades.

1.    Merchants, charitable or community interest organizations may be allowed such signing in any zoning district as deemed appropriate to announce, locate, identify or advertise the event and the products or services offered or exhibited.

2.    The necessity for submittal of plans and specifications for any or all of the signs associated with the event shall be as determined by the community development director.

H.    Recurring Events. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the planning director from approving sign permit applications for the use of any sign to announce, locate, identify or advertise a paper drive, school activity or event, blood drive, holiday event or similar recurring events.

I.    Urgently Needed Signs. Any signs deemed by the planning director to be urgently needed may be allowed temporarily by the community development director with the submittal of an application for sign permit for the sign, until such time as the approving authority approves or denies the sign permit application or the community development director determines that the sign is no longer urgently needed. (Ord. 651 § 6, 2022; Ord. 517 § 2 Exh. A (D), 2005: Ord. 432 § 1 (part), 1996; Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

 

TABLE 1

REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION SIGNS

Land Use	Purpose	Property Size	Maximum Size	Signs Per Frontage	Minimum Setback	Removal Required
Construction signs	Identify construction or project underway	All residential zoned properties, unless otherwise allowed by sign use permit	4 sq. ft.	One*		60 days, subject to a permit issued prior to placement of sign
		All nonresidential zoned properties: Up to 1 acre More than 1 acre	16 sq. ft. 32 sq. ft.	One	15 ft.	Upon completion of construction
Commercial and industrial real estate signs	Identify vacant land for sale or development	Up to 1 acre 1 to 5 acres	16 sq. ft. 32 sq. ft.			60 days of sale of property or erection of signs allowed for soliciting tenants, or upon initiation of construction; whichever occurs first
		More than 5 acres	32 sq. ft.	One plus one for each addl. 500 ft. of frontage
	Soliciting tenants in a future project for which plans have been approved or offering an entire existing developed properly for sale or lease	Up to 1 acre More than 1 acre	16 sq. ft. 32 sq. ft.	One	5 ft.	One year following installation. No new temporary signs soliciting tenants shall be allowed for one year following the date of expiration except that a new application may be submitted for a permanent sign. (See No. 6, below)
	Soliciting tenants in an existing developed property	Any size	16 sq. ft.
Other than commercial and industrial real estate signs	Offering an entire existing developed multi-family project for sale	Up to 1 acre More than 1 acre	16 sq. ft. 32 sq. ft.			Upon sale of property
	Announce, locate, identify or advertise a development of new residences	Any size	4 sq. ft.	As allowed by sign permit approved by the community development director (See No. 3, below)

*    For residential construction signs, one sign per construction project only.

Additional requirements:

1.    All signs shall be freestanding and not illuminated.

2.    Signs shall be not more than eight feet in height.

3.    The intent of this section is to encourage the submittal of a complete signing program for model homes, including identification signs, directional signs and any necessary supplemental signs, which will complement the character of the development, the neighborhood and the community.

4.    Conditions of approval may be added by the approving authority.

5.    All signs described on this table are subject to the approval of the community development director pursuant to Section 15.12.180.

6.    A permanent real estate sign shall be designed to be architecturally consistent with the other permanent signs and any sign program for the site.

(Ord. 553 § 2 Exh. A, 2010: Ord. 432 § 1 (part), 1996)

15.12.190 Public convenience signs.

Signs which in the opinion of the community development director serve the public safety or convenience, such as entrance, exit, parking, no parking, no trespassing, office, manager, street address, bulletin boards, directional signs, instructional/direction signs at recycling centers, and civic and cultural promotion signs, may be allowed in any zoning district of the city.

Such signs may be wall signs, freestanding signs or monument signs and may be of any size, number and illumination determined by the approving authority to be necessary and adequate to their intended purpose.

Such signs twenty square feet or less in area and not illuminated may be approved by the community development director. Signs larger than twenty square feet or illuminated shall require approval by the planning commission. (Ord. 432 § 1 (part), 1996: Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.200 Signs allowed for specific uses.

A.    Residential Uses.

1.    Individual Residence Identification. One street address sign per residence is an exempt sign as stipulated in Section 15.12.170 of this chapter.

2.    Grouped Residences Identification.

a.    A residential development, such as a subdivision of single-family homes, townhouses, or condominiums, shall be allowed one freestanding sign to identify the development. Such sign shall not exceed twenty square feet in area or four feet in height and shall not be illuminated.

b.    Apartment Identification. An apartment development shall be allowed one freestanding sign not to exceed four feet in height or one wall sign, per property frontage plus one additional sign for each additional five hundred linear feet of property frontage. Each such sign shall not exceed twenty square feet in area and shall be so designed to temporarily or permanently incorporate rental availability information. Rental availability information shall be restricted to identification of the manager’s or agent’s location and/or telephone number. Rental or lease terms, apartment sizes and description of amenities shall not be included. Such signs may be externally illuminated.

B.    Commercial Uses.

1.    Commercial Center Identification.

a.    Each commercial center shall be allowed one freestanding identification sign if the center is smaller than five acres, or two such signs if between five and ten acres. Centers larger than ten acres shall be allowed the number of signs deemed adequate by the planning commission by approval of a sign request use permit as stipulated in Section 15.12.080 of this chapter.

b.    The allowable sign area for each such sign shall be ten square feet of sign area per acre for identification of the center and ten square feet of sign area per acre for identification of the tenants; provided that no such sign shall exceed one hundred square feet in area or sixteen feet in height.

c.    Unless otherwise approved by a sign request use permit, such signs shall be restricted to identification of the name and address of the center and tenants and may be externally illuminated.

2.    Commercial Business Signs.

a.    Identification Signs.

i.    One wall sign shall be allowed to be located on the primary business frontage of each business, to identify that business. Businesses located on a corner of a public street intersection or with frontage on a freeway shall be also allowed one additional wall sign on the secondary business frontage, unless such signs are prohibited pursuant to sign regulations for a specific development.

ii.    For businesses not a part of a commercial center or where site design warrants as determined by the community development director, a freestanding sign not to exceed six feet in height, or a projecting sign, or an under-canopy sign, may be allowed in lieu of a wall sign, except on a secondary frontage facing a freeway.

iii.    The sign area allowed for the primary business frontage identification sign shall be one-half square foot of sign area per one linear foot of business frontage or twenty square feet, whichever is greater; except that no sign shall exceed fifty square feet or fifteen percent of the building face, whichever is greater. The sign area allowed for the secondary business frontage identification sign shall not exceed fifty percent of that allowed for the primary business frontage sign.

iv.    Identification signs on the primary and secondary business frontages may be internally or externally illuminated.

v.    In addition to the identification signing allowed in subsections A and B of this section, additional identification signing may be allowed to identify a primary pedestrian access if such is not located on the primary business frontage, or to identify a secondary pedestrian access or loading area, pursuant to a sign permit approved by the community development director. The number of such additional identification signs shall be as determined by the community development director to be adequate, the sign area of each shall not exceed five square feet and the signs may be wall signs, projecting signs or under-canopy signs. Such additional signs may be externally illuminated.

b.    Window Signs. In addition to the identification signing allowed in subsection (2)(a) of this section, window signs as defined in Section 15.12.020 of this chapter, may be allowed, subject to the provisions of this section. The sign area allowed for window signs shall be the aggregate square footage of all window signs, temporary and permanent, illuminated and non-illuminated, displayed in or behind a window, which aggregate square footage shall not exceed forty percent of the surface area of the window. The following types of window signs are allowed:

i.    Window signs which are exempt pursuant to Section 15.12.170 of this chapter.

ii.    One illuminated window sign, subject to the following restrictions:

(a)    Illuminated window signs shall not include signs with directly exposed neon tubing.

(b)    Illuminated window signs shall be set back a minimum of three feet from the interior surface of the window.

(c)    Illuminated window signs shall require a sign permit issued by the planning/code enforcement division and an electrical permit issued by the building inspection division. Planning/code enforcement division staff will evaluate only the following features related to window signage: aggregate glass surface area of the store and proposed sign dimensions (length times width).

(d)    The message on approved illuminated changeable copy window signage may be changed as frequently as the owner desires.

(e)    The total amount of all illuminated window signage allowed shall be limited to ten percent of the aggregate total glass surface area of the storefront elevation on which it is placed but shall not exceed three square feet, and shall be limited to one approved sign per store.

iii.    Neon signs more than ten feet from a window which are visible from outside the window shall be subject to a sign permit approved by the planning commission.

3.    Gasoline Service Station Signs.

a.    Identification Signs.

i.    Gasoline service stations shall be limited to one freestanding sign of an area not to exceed twenty-five square feet and a height not to exceed eight feet; and in addition for each property frontage, one wall sign not to exceed ten square feet in area shall be allowed.

ii.    Gasoline service station signs may be internally or externally illuminated and, Section 15.12.080(A)(9) of this chapter withstanding, internally illuminated signs need not be reduced in area.

b.    Price Signs.

i.    For each business frontage, one freestanding sign not to exceed eight feet in height shall be allowed to indicate the prices and types of gasoline for sale. This information shall not be repeated on the same frontage.

ii.    The sign area for each such sign shall not exceed twenty square feet.

iii.    Such signs may be designed to use replaceable, interchangeable numerals and the replacement or rearrangement of the numerals shall not require review or approval as such is exempt as stipulated in Section 15.12.170 of this chapter.

iv.    Such signs may be externally illuminated.

c.    Window Signs. In addition to the signing allowed above, window signs as defined in Section 15.12.020 of this chapter, may be allowed, subject to the provisions of this section. The sign area allowed for window signs shall be the aggregate square footage of all window signs, temporary and permanent, displayed in or behind a window, which aggregate square footage shall not exceed forty percent of the aggregate total glass surface area of the window. The following types of window signs are allowed

i.    Window signs which are exempt pursuant to Section 15.12.170 of this chapter.

ii.    One illuminated window sign, subject to the following restrictions:

(a)    Illuminated window signs shall not include signs with directly exposed neon tubing.

(b)    Illuminated window signs shall be set back a minimum of three feet from the interior surface of the window.

(c)    Illuminated window signs shall require a sign permit issued by the planning code enforcement division and an electrical permit issued by the building inspection division. Planning/code enforcement division staff will evaluate only the following features related to window signage: aggregate glass surface area of the store and proposed sign dimensions (length times width).

(d)    The message on approved illuminated changeable copy window signage may be changed as frequently as the owner desires.

(e)    The total amount of all illuminated window signage allowed shall be limited to ten percent of the aggregate total glass surface area of the store or three square feet, whichever is less, and shall be limited to one approved sign per store.

C.    Office Uses.

1.    Office Center Identification.

a.    Each office center shall be allowed one freestanding identification sign if the center is smaller than five acres, or two such signs if between five and ten acres. Centers larger than ten acres shall be allowed the number of signs deemed adequate by the planning commission by approval of a use permit sign request as stipulated in Section 15.12.080 of this chapter.

b.    The allowable sign area for each such sign shall be ten square feet of sign area per acre but no such sign shall exceed fifty square feet in area or four feet in height.

c.    Unless otherwise approved by a sign request use permit, such signs shall be restricted to identification of the name and address of the center and may be externally illuminated.

2.    Office Building or Major Tenant Identification (Wall Identification Sign).

a.    One wall identification sign shall be allowed to be located on the primary business frontage of each building, to identify that building or major tenant. Buildings located on a corner of a public street intersection and not a part of an office center shall be also allowed one additional wall identification sign on the secondary business frontage.

b.    For buildings not a part of an office center or where site design warrants as determined by the planning director, a freestanding sign not to exceed eight feet in height may be allowed in lieu of a wall identification sign.

c.    The sign area allowed for the primary business frontage wall identification sign shall be one-quarter square foot of sign area for each one linear foot of business frontage or twenty-five square feet, whichever is less. The sign area allowed for the secondary business frontage wall identification sign shall not exceed fifty percent of that allowed for the primary business frontage sign.

d.    Identification signs on primary and secondary business frontages may be internally or externally illuminated if a wall identification sign, or externally illuminated if a freestanding sign.

e.     In addition to the sign(s) allowed pursuant to subsections (C)(2)(a), (b), (c) and (d) of this section, on office buildings four stories or more in height, additional wall identification signs may be allowed, pursuant to a sign use permit, subject to the following:

i.    Wall identification signs shall be located on the affected wall surface as defined in Section 15.12.020.

ii.    Wall identification signs shall be limited to federally registered corporate logos.

iii.    For office buildings four or five stories in height, one additional nonilluminated wall identification sign may be allowed.

iv.    For office buildings six stories or more, two additional wall identification signs may be allowed. Only one wall identification sign in addition to any identification sign(s) approved pursuant to subsections (C)(2)(a), (b), (c) and (d) of this section shall be allowed per building elevation. If two wall identification signs are permitted, they shall be located on opposite corners of their respective elevations or at least fifty feet apart on their respective elevations and the two permitted wall identification signs may display the same or two different federally registered corporate logos.

v.    Wall identification signage must be proportionate to the wall size, shall not be placed or located within seventy-five feet of a residential zoning district measured both horizontally and vertically and may have halo back-lighting only.

vi.    Wall identification signs shall be in balance in both dimension and placement within the affected wall surface area and shall not exceed twelve percent of the total square footage of the affected wall surface area.

vii.    Submittal requirements for wall identification signage shall include a complete city application and a sign use permit, time and materials deposit/fees, a colors and materials board, and ten sets of information containing all of the following: (A) a letter from the owner of the subject building authorizing the proposed wall identification sign to be placed on the building as depicted on the plans submitted to the city; (B) architectural elevation plans of the subject building, drawn at not less than one-inch scale for the affected wall surface area on which the sign is proposed to be placed, that includes the subject wall identification sign drawn to scale; (C) a scaled eleven- by fourteen-inch color photomontage that includes the proposed subject wall identification sign.

3.    Office Building—Remaining Tenant Identification.

a.    In addition to any building or major tenant identification signing, the remaining tenants shall be identified in aggregate, their identities being incorporated onto a common freestanding or wall sign, except that tenants in an office center may be allowed individual identification signs where deemed appropriate by the planning director.

b.    One wall sign shall be allowed to be located on the primary business frontage of each building, to identify the remaining tenants.

c.    For buildings not a part of an office center or where site design warrants as determined by the planning director, a freestanding sign not to exceed six feet in height may be allowed in lieu of a wall sign, to exhibit the aggregated identities of the remaining tenants.

d.    Where the planning director determines that individual identification of the remaining tenants is appropriate, such identification may be by a projecting sign, under-canopy sign, wall sign, or freestanding sign not to exceed four feet in height.

e.    The sign area allowed for the primary business frontage identification sign of the aggregated remaining tenants shall be one-eighth square foot of sign area for each one linear foot of business frontage or ten square feet, whichever is greater; except that no such sign shall exceed twenty-five square feet.

f.    When individual tenant identification signs are allowed, the sign area of each such sign shall not exceed one-eighth square foot of sign area for each one linear foot of business frontage or ten square feet, whichever is less.

g.    A sign aggregating the identifications of the various tenants may be so designed to use identically designed, replaceable nameplates for the various tenants, so that the nameplates may be easily removed or rearranged. The removal, rearrangement, or replacement of the nameplates shall not require review or approval as such is exempt as stipulated in Section 15.12.170 of this chapter.

h.    Identification signs of remaining tenants may be externally illuminated.

D.    Industrial Uses.

1.    Industrial Center Identification.

a.    Each industrial center shall be allowed one freestanding identification sign if the center is smaller than five acres, or two such signs if between five and ten acres. Centers larger than ten acres shall be allowed the number of signs deemed adequate by the planning commission by approval of a sign request use permit as stipulated in Section 15.12.080 of this chapter.

b.    The allowable sign area for each such sign shall be ten square feet of sign area per acre, but no such sign shall exceed fifty square feet in area or four feet in height.

c.    Unless otherwise approved by a sign request use permit, such signs shall be restricted to identification of the name and address of the center and may be externally illuminated.

2.    Industrial Building—Building or Major Tenant Identification.

a.    One wall sign shall be allowed to be located on the primary business frontage of each building, to identify that building or major tenant. Buildings located on a corner of a public street intersection and not a part of an industrial center shall be also allowed one additional wall sign on the secondary business frontage.

b.    For buildings not a part of an industrial center or where site design warrants as determined by the planning director, a freestanding sign not to exceed four feet in height may be allowed in lieu of a wall sign.

c.    The sign area allowed for the primary business frontage identification sign shall be one-quarter square foot of sign area for each one linear foot of business frontage or twenty-five square feet, whichever is less. The sign area allowed for the secondary business frontage identification sign shall not exceed fifty percent of that allowed for the primary business frontage sign.

d.    Identification signs on primary and secondary business frontages may be internally or externally illuminated if a wall sign, or externally illuminated if a freestanding sign.

3.    Industrial Building—Remaining Tenant Identification.

a.    In addition to any building or major tenant identification signing, each remaining tenant shall be allowed one wall sign to identify tenant.

b.    Where site design warrants as determined by the planning director, a freestanding sign not to exceed four feet in height may be allowed in lieu of a wall sign.

c.    The sign area allowed for each tenant identification sign shall be one-eighth square foot of sign area for each one linear foot of business frontage or ten square feet, whichever is less.

d.    Identification signs of remaining tenants may be internally or externally illuminated if a wall sign, or externally illuminated if a freestanding sign.

E.    Quasi-Public Uses.

1.    Identification Signs. Churches, schools, hospitals and other uses of a quasi-public nature as determined by the planning director shall be allowed one freestanding sign not to exceed four feet in height or one wall sign. Such signs shall not exceed twenty square feet in area and may be externally illuminated.

2.    Changeable Copy Signs.

a.    In addition to any other allowed signing, the planning commission may, by approval of a sign request use permit with such restrictions as may be set by conditions of the use permit and upon a finding that the additional signing is in the public interest, allow changeable copy signing for those uses, such as churches, schools, entertainment and cultural uses, where it deems such to be appropriate.

b.    Such signs may be wall signs or freestanding signs and generally shall be limited to fifty square feet in area and external illumination. (Ord. 558 § 2 (Exh. A), 2010; Ord. 520 § 2 Exh. A (part), 2005; Ord. 517 § 2 Exh. A (E)(F), 2005; Ord. 432 § 1 (part), 1996; Ord. 376 § 1, 1990; Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.210 Enforcement.

A.    Nonconforming Signs. Every sign in existence on the effective date of this chapter, and for which a sign permit was granted after May 1, 1972, pursuant to Ordinance 51 or Ordinance 176, or which did not require a sign permit at the time it was erected, and which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, is a legal nonconforming sign. A legal nonconforming sign must be removed or brought into conformance with the provisions of this chapter if such sign meets any of the following criteria:

1.    The sign’s use has ceased, or the structure upon which the sign has been erected or which the sign identifies has been abandoned by its owner, for a period of ninety days or more.

2.    The sign has been more than fifty percent destroyed, and the destruction is other than facial sign copy replacement, and the sign cannot be repaired within thirty days of the date of its destruction.

3.    The sign is remodeled or otherwise altered, and such remodeling or alteration is other than solely a change in sign copy.

4.    The sign is affected by expansion, enlargement, or remodeling of the building or land use upon which the sign is located.

5.    The sign is relocated.

6.    The sign is temporary.

7.    The sign is or may become a danger to the public or is unsafe as determined by the planning director.

8.    The sign constitutes a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts of the city, state or federal government.

B.    Illegal Signs.

1.    The following signs shall be considered illegal:

a.    Signs in existence on the effective date of this chapter and which are considered nonconforming pursuant to Ordinance 51, and whose abatement period pursuant to such ordinance has expired.

b.    Signs which were not in conformance with the sign regulations in effect at the time they were erected.

c.    Signs which are unsafe or insecure, or are a menace to the public, or are being maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter.

2.    Illegal signs shall be removed or altered to conform to the provisions of this chapter by the owner, agent or person having beneficial use of the same or of the building, structure, or land upon which such sign may be found, as directed by the planning director or his/her designated representative. Illegal signs may be removed by the property owner, or in the case of illegal signs on public property, may be removed by the planning director or his/her designated representative.

C.    Violations. Any person who violates any provision, or fails to comply with any of the requirements of this chapter, is guilty of an infraction, punishable by:

1.    A fine not exceeding one hundred dollars for a first violation;

2.    A fine not exceeding two hundred dollars for a second violation of the same provision within one year;

3.    A fine not exceeding five hundred dollars for a third or subsequent violation of the same provision within one year.

For purposes of this section each day in which an illegal condition continues is a single violation and each subsequent day such illegal condition continues is a new and separate offense.

D.    Violations Constitute Public Nuisance. In addition to the penalties otherwise provided in this chapter, any violation of this chapter is a public nuisance. The city attorney, upon order of the city council, shall commence the necessary action or proceedings for the abatement, removal and enjoinment thereof in the manner prescribed by law in the courts which may have jurisdiction to grant such relief as will accomplish such abatement and restraint. The remedies provided for in this section shall be in addition to any other remedy or remedies or penalties provided in this title or other law or ordinance.

E.    Duties. It shall be the duty of the planning director or his/her designated representative to enforce this chapter. A sign erected upon public property in violation of the provisions of this chapter may be removed by the planning director or his/her designated representative. It is unlawful for any person not authorized by the planning director to remove signs from public property. The cost of the removal or alteration of any sign and any expense incident thereto, which by the terms of this section shall be paid by a permittee, sign owner, property owner or any other persons, shall become a debt owning the city for the collection of which the city may maintain civil action in its name. The planning director or his/her designated representative may summarily and without notice cause the removal of any sign which is an immediate peril to person or property. (Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)

15.12.220 Sign guidelines for specific developments.

A.    General. The city may adopt sign guidelines for specific developments which are consistent with the intent and purpose of this chapter as contained in Section 15.12.010 of this chapter and generally consistent with the criteria for sign approval contained in Section 15.12.080 of this chapter. Such sign guidelines may include different regulations for signs and, where they differ, such guidelines shall supersede the provisions of this chapter. For items not specifically mentioned in such guidelines, the provisions of this chapter shall otherwise apply. Notwithstanding any requirements for window signs that are contained in sign guidelines for specific developments, if there is a conflict between the specific guidelines and the regulations in this chapter, the regulations for window signs contained in this chapter shall apply.

B.    Method of Adoption. Such guidelines for specific developments shall be adopted by resolution of the planning commission.

C.    Contents. Sign guidelines shall include a format for all signs to be used in the development, including their maximum size, color, location, illumination details, lettering type, mounting details, and (if any) landscaping details.

D.    Approving Authority. Unless otherwise provided in the sign guidelines for a specific development, the community development director shall have the authority to approve typical sign permits for signs in conformance with the adopted sign regulations for that development.

E.    Sign Guidelines Required for Commercial Centers. No permit shall be issued for a sign to be located in a commercial center until sign guidelines have been approved pursuant to this section for the center and the sign complies with the provisions thereof. The review of retail center capsule signs shall be limited to placement, size, number, minimum border, frame color, and background color but shall not include text or logo color, message, or font, other than to preclude “dayglow” or fluorescent colors. (Ord. 517 § 2 Exh. A (G), 2005: Ord. 432 § 1 (part), 1996; Ord. 364 § 2 (part), 1989)