Chapter 17.40 COMPREHENSIVE SIGN REGULATIONS

Chapter 17.40
COMPREHENSIVE SIGN REGULATIONS

Sections:

Article I. General Provisions

17.40.010 Purpose.

Article II. Definitions

17.40.015 Definitions.

Article III. Permit Requirements and Review Procedures

17.40.020 Major review – Minor review – Building permits required.

17.40.030 Method of application.

17.40.040 Method of review.

Article IV. Administration

17.40.050 Enforcement – Referral – Rehearing.

17.40.060 Interpretation of provisions.

17.40.070 Variance.

Article V. General Requirements

17.40.090 Exempt signs.

17.40.100 Prohibited signs.

17.40.110 Signs relating to inoperative activities.

17.40.120 Enforcement, legal procedures and penalties.

17.40.130 Construction and maintenance.

Article VI. Sign Regulations

17.40.140 Sign permits.

17.40.150 Signs permitted in all zoning districts.

17.40.160 Convenience signs.

17.40.170 Directional kiosks.

17.40.180 Comprehensive sign program for commercial and industrial zones.

17.40.190 Temporary signs.

17.40.200 On-site subdivision signs.

17.40.210 Real estate kiosks.

17.40.220 Signs permitted in single-family residential zones.

17.40.230 Signs permitted in the multifamily and mobile home park zones.

17.40.240 Signs permitted in commercial zones.

17.40.250 Repealed.

Article VII. Design Standards

17.40.260 Design standards designated.

Article VIII. Nonconforming Signs

17.40.270 Intent.

17.40.280 General requirements.

17.40.290 Amortization requirements.

17.40.300 Historical signs.

17.40.310 Severability.

Article I. General Provisions

17.40.010 Purpose.

A. The provisions of this chapter shall be known as the comprehensive sign regulations. It is the purpose of these provisions to establish a comprehensive system for the regulation of on-site and off-site signs.

B. The City recognizes the need for signs as a means to identify businesses within the community. However, the City also recognizes that signing is an important design element of the physical environment. Regulations consistent with the goals and objectives of the community are necessary to ensure that the rural character and image the community is striving for, can be attained.

C. It is the purpose of this chapter to make the City attractive to residents, visitors and commercial, industrial and professional businesses while maintaining economic stability through an attractive signing program. Specifically, the purposes of this chapter are to:

1. Protect the general public health, safety and welfare of the community;

2. Reduce possible traffic and safety hazards through good signing;

3. Direct persons to various activities and uses, in order to provide for maximum public convenience;

4. Provide a reasonable system of sign regulations, to ensure the development of a high-quality visual environment;

5. Encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing in appearance and to provide incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationship to the business or use it identifies, and spacing between signs and buildings;

6. Encourage a desirable rural character which has a minimum of clutter;

7. Enhance the economic value of the community and each area, business and use thereof, through the regulation of such elements as size, number, location, design and illumination of signs; and

8. Encourage signs which are well located, and take into account the service and usage of adjacent areas.

D. By the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, the City recognizes its legal and constitutional obligations to allow noncommercial signage wherever commercial signage is permitted, not to discriminate among noncommercial messages, and not to discriminate among commercial messages, except for the distinction between on-site and off-site signs.

E. Traffic control signs and kiosk signage located upon the public right-of-way or other public property and erected at public expense are intended to control traffic movement and to direct the public to an area of the City; to the availability and location of a public or semipublic facility or event; or to the sale of real estate in a manner which enhances the safe and orderly flow of traffic along and upon primary and secondary thoroughfares instead of narrower or more congested streets. The City Council finds that kiosk signs serve the same compelling interest as traffic control signs in that such signs reduce traffic congestion and are indispensable to the safe vehicular use of City streets. (Ord. 525 § 2, 2000; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.0), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

Article II. Definitions

17.40.015 Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

“Animated sign” means any sign that uses movement or change of lighting, either natural or artificial, to depict action or create a special effect or scene.

“Area identification sign” means a sign to identify an area of the City such as a residential neighborhood or a business park, located at the entrance or entrances to the area, and consisting of a fence or wall with letters or symbols affixed thereto.

“Area of the sign” means the net geometric area enclosed by the display surface of the sign, including the outer extremities of all letters, characters and delineations. If a sign is painted directly onto the surface of the wall, the “area of the sign” shall be the geometric area within the boundaries of the border or background area containing the sign message. In the case of individual letters applied to, or painted directly onto, a surface, without border or background, the “area of the sign” shall be the total area of the smallest rectangles encompassing each letter. In the case of a two-sided freestanding sign, the “area of the sign” shall be the area of one side.

“Banner” means any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to a pole or a building at one or more edges. National flags, State or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered banners.

“Canopy sign” means any sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy. Canopy signs shall be regulated as wall signs.

“Changeable copy/reader board” means a sign or portion thereof with characters, letters or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign. A sign on which the message changes more than eight times per day shall be considered an animated sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this chapter. A sign on which the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature shall be considered a “time and temperature” portion of a sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this chapter.

“Commercial message” means any sign wording, logo or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises or calls attention to a business, product, service, sale or sales event, or other commercial activity.

“Curbline” means the line at the face of the curb nearest to the street or roadway. In the absence of a curb, the curbline shall be established by the City Engineer.

“Erect” means to build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix, and shall also include the painting of wall signs.

“Flag” means any fabric, banner or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision or other entity.

“Flashing sign” means an illuminated sign on which artificial or reflected light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use.

“Freestanding sign” means a sign which is attached to or a part of a completely self-supporting structure. The supporting structure shall be set firmly in or below the ground surface and shall not be attached to any building or other structure whether portable or stationary.

“Grand opening” means the first time opening of a new business or the reopening after a major remodel which required closing the business for at least 30 days during construction.

“Height of a sign” means the greatest vertical distance measured from the finished grade of the sidewalk when located within the required setback area or the greatest vertical distance measured from the grade at which the sign supports intersect the ground when located beyond the required setback area, including any accompanying architectural features of the sign.

“Incidental sign” means a sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as “no parking,” “entrance,” “loading only,” “telephone,” and other similar directives. No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.

“Mansard roof” means any roof that has an angle greater than 45 degrees and which derives part of its support from the building wall and is attached to (but not necessarily a part of) a low-slope roof and which extends along the full length of the front building wall or three-quarters of the length of a side building wall. For purposes of this chapter, a low-slope roof shall mean any roof with a pitch less than three inches rise per 12 inches horizontal.

“Marquee” means any permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed to provided protection from the weather.

“Menu board” means an outdoor sign, associated with restaurants with drive-thru windows, which gives a detailed list of foods served that are available at a restaurant.

“Off-site sign” means a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or attraction sold, offered or existing elsewhere than upon the same lot where such sign is displayed. The term “off-site sign” shall include an outdoor advertising sign (billboard) on which space is leased or rented by the owner thereof to others for the purposes of conveying a commercial or noncommercial message.

“On-site sign” means a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or attraction sold, offered or existing on the same lot where such sign is displayed; provided, an on-site sign may also display a noncommercial message.

“Pennant” means any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.

“Portable sign” means any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; “sandwich board” signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles.

“Real estate sign” means a temporary sign placed upon property for the purpose of advertising to the public the sale or lease of said property.

“Roof sign” means any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof or roof eave, or on top or above the parapet, or on a functional architectural appendage above the roof or roof eave.

“Shopping center” means two or more retail stores and/or service establishments, or one retail store and one service establishment, sharing customer parking areas, regardless of whether said stores and/or establishments occupy separate structures or are under separate ownerships.

“Sign” means and includes every device, frame, letter, figure, character, mark, plane, point, design, picture, logo, stroke, stripe, trademark or reading matter, which is used or intended to be used to attract attention or convey information when the same is placed out of doors in view of the general public, or, the above, when displayed near the inside surface of a window in such a way as to be in view of the general public and used or intended to be used to attract attention or convey information to motorists.

“Wall sign” means any sign that shall be affixed parallel to the wall or printed on the wall of any building in such a manner as to read parallel to the wall on which it is mounted; provided, however, said wall sign shall not project above the top of the wall or beyond the end of the building. For the purpose of this chapter, any sign display surface that is affixed parallel to a wall but in or against the sloping surface of a mansard roof shall be considered a wall sign. Any sign that is affixed to the building marquee, building awning or a building canopy shall be considered a wall sign.

“Window sign” means any sign, picture, symbol or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service, that is placed inside a window or upon a window. (Ord. 443, 1995; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993)

Article III. Permit Requirements and Review Procedures

17.40.020 Major review – Minor review – Building permits required.

A. Major review shall be required for all new freestanding signs, greater than eight feet in height, and for new comprehensive sign programs and amendments thereof. Signs requiring major review shall comply with the provisions of this chapter and all other applicable laws and ordinances. Building permits may be required.

B. Minor review shall be required prior to the placing, erecting, moving, repair or reconstructing of any sign in the City, if subsection A of this section does not apply or is expressly exempted by this chapter. Signs requiring minor review shall comply with the provisions of this chapter and all other applicable laws and ordinances. Building permits may be required. (Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.1(A)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.030 Method of application.

An application for major review, or minor review and building permits shall be made on forms as prescribed by the Director of Development Services. Such an application shall be filed with the Development Services Department with applicable plans as required. Said application shall be accompanied by any fees or bonds as specified by City Council resolution. (Ord. 518, 1999; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 1), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.040 Method of review.

The purpose of major review and minor review is to help ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

A. Major Review. Within 15 working days after receipt of all required materials of a sign application, the Director of Development Services, or a designated representative, shall prepare and place on the agenda of the City Council for consideration within 18 days a report to the City Council recommending approval, approval with modifications, or denial of such sign application. Consideration by the City Council shall be delayed only with the consent of the applicant. Authority to approve or deny a major review shall rest with the City Council. The standards of review shall be the requirements set forth in this chapter and the Uniform Building Code.

B. Minor Review. Within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required materials of a sign application, the Director of Development Services, or a designated representative, shall render a decision to approve, approve with modifications, or deny such sign request. Review shall ensure that any sign proposal is in conformance with this chapter, is consistent with its title and purpose, and conforms to current Uniform Building Code requirements. In cases where the placing, erecting, moving, or reconstructing of a sign does not require the issuance of a building permit, the Director of Development Services, or a designated representative, shall render a decision to approve, approve with modifications, or deny such sign request within 10 working days. For sign permits that meet all the requirements of an approved comprehensive sign program, the permit shall be issued within five full working days from the date of complete application. The decision of the Director may be appealed to the City Council by filing with the Director a written notice of appeal within 15 working days of receipt of the decision. The appeal shall be placed on the agenda of the City Council for consideration by the City Council within 18 days of City’s receipt of the notice of appeal. Consideration by the City Council shall be delayed only with the consent of the applicant. (Ord. 525 § 3, 2000; Ord. 518, 1999; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.1(C)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A, 1983)

Article IV. Administration

17.40.050 Enforcement – Referral – Rehearing.

A. It shall be the responsibility of the Director of Development Services or his designee to enforce all provisions of this chapter. At the discretion of the Director, any sign request may be referred to the City Council for its review and approval.

B. In cases where a request for a permit has been referred to the City Council for decision, its action is final and effective within 10 calendar days unless a request for a rehearing is filed in accordance with Chapter 2.21 PMC.

C. Any interested party may appeal the decision of the Director of Development Services according to procedures set out in Chapter 2.20 PMC. (Ord. 518, 1999; Ord. 492 § 6, 1998; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.2(A)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.060 Interpretation of provisions.

A. The provisions of this chapter are not intended to abrogate any easements, covenants or other existing agreements which are more restrictive than the provisions of this chapter.

B. Whenever the application of this chapter is uncertain due to ambiguity of its provisions, the question shall be referred to the City Council for determination. The City Council shall establish an interpretation that best fulfills the intent of this chapter. (Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.2(B)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.070 Variance.

Applications for a variance from the terms of this chapter shall be reviewed by the City Council according to the variance procedures as set forth in the zoning ordinance. Variances may be granted only for sign location and other similar performance standards, except area and height, when the City Council finds that the granting of such a variance will not be contrary to the title and purpose of this chapter, in addition to the other required findings for granting a variance. All variances may be conditioned to expire with the change of copy for the use, be reviewed on a periodic basis or be required to conform to this chapter upon change of ownership, and/or shall automatically expire upon any designated period of time. (Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.2(C)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

Article V. General Requirements

17.40.090 Exempt signs.

The following signs shall be exempt from the application, permit and fee requirements of this chapter; an electrical and/or building permit may be required. Any signage in excess of the specific exemptions listed in this section is prohibited.

1. Permanent window signage not exceeding 12 square feet per business frontage and limited to the name of the business, service or use, hours of operation, address and emergency information, except exposed neon tubing signs advertising products for sale on the premises;

2. Temporary advertising signage painted on the window or constructed of paper, cloth or similar expendable material affixed on the window, wall or building surface; provided, that the total area of such signs shall not exceed 25 percent of the window area; however, in all cases a minimum of 12 square feet per business frontage is permitted;

3. Real estate signs for residential sales, one sign per street frontage not exceeding four square feet in area and five feet in height, provided it is unlit and is removed within 15 days after the close of escrow or the rental or lease has been accomplished. Signs placed on the rear street frontage are prohibited. Open house signs not exceeding four square feet in area and five feet in height are permitted for directing prospective buyers to property offered for sale;

4. Temporary signs shall be permitted on private property and in the public street rights-of-way behind the curb as hereinafter provided.

a. Such signs shall be placed, erected, or constructed, not sooner than the earliest date of legal registration of candidacy or proposition acceptance for an election by the appropriate City, County, State or Federal official, and shall be removed no later than 10 calendar days following the date of the election.

b. Such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in total area for one side; double-faced signs shall not exceed 32 square feet per side.

c. Such signs shall not exceed an overall height of eight feet from the finished grade immediately around the sign.

d. No such signs shall be lighted either directly or indirectly unless said sign is erected, painted or constructed on an authorized structure already providing illumination.

e. No such sign shall be placed or affixed to a traffic signal, fire hydrant, street light, tree, fence, utility pole, or existing sign. No such sign shall be placed upon any sidewalk or overhang any sidewalk or be placed in any raised planter or tree well. No such sign shall be placed in a manner which, in the professional judgment of the City Traffic Engineer or designee, impedes or renders dangerous access to any public improvement or obstructs the visibility of any sign designed to regulate, control or assist public or private transportation or obstructs the vision of any pedestrian or vehicular user of a public street right-of-way. No such sign shall be placed in any median or any traffic island in the public street right-of-way, in or upon any public building, or within or upon any public park, square, public landscaped area or other publicly owned property other than public street rights-of-way as provided in this chapter.

f. The number of such signs is not limited.

g. Such signs may carry any noncommercial message, including but not limited to political messages.

h. No such sign shall be posted in violation of any provision of this chapter. The Director of Development Services or his designee shall have the right to remove any sign placed contrary to any provision of this section. Removed signs shall be stored by the City. Notice of removal shall be promptly provided to the owner of such sign or the apparent owner or candidate, within one working day of removal whenever possible. Such person shall have the right to recover the sign forthwith, without charge.

i. Such signs not removed within the period during which such signs are permitted may be removed by the Director of Development Services or his designee at the end of such period. All signs removed by the City shall be stored by the City for at least 20 days and whenever possible the owner, apparent owner, or candidate shall be notified of the date upon which such signs shall be destroyed or discarded. Notice shall provide at least 10 days for recovery of such signs prior to destruction or discard. In no event shall the City be liable in damages for destruction or discard of such signs;

5. Contractor or Construction Signs. For residential projects greater than four dwelling units, commercial, and industrial projects, two signs shall be permitted on the construction site for all contractors (may include financial institutions, real estate agents, subcontractors, etc.) not exceeding 32 square feet each, unless legally required by government contracts to be larger. No sign shall exceed eight feet in overall height and shall be located no closer than 10 feet to any property line. Such sign shall be removed upon the granting of occupancy by the City. For all other projects, a total of two signs per development site may be installed with a maximum of four square feet in area and five feet in height for each sign. Such sign(s) shall be removed upon finalization of building permits;

6. Future Tenant Identification Sign. Future tenant identification signs may be placed on vacant or developing property to advertise the future use of an approved project on the property and where information may be obtained. Such sign shall be limited to one per parcel and to a maximum of 32 square feet in area and eight feet in overall height. Further, such signs shall be placed no closer than 10 feet to any property line. Any such sign shall be removed upon finalization of building permits. Where a project has in excess of 600 lineal feet of frontage, one additional sign for each 600 lineal feet is allowed;

7. Real Estate Signs for Sale of Commercial or Industrial Property. Real estate signs for sale of commercial or industrial property, one sign per street frontage not to exceed 32 square feet in area to advertise the sale, lease, or rent of such property. No such sign shall exceed eight feet in overall height and shall not be located within the public right-of-way. Where a property has in excess of 600 lineal feet of frontage, one additional sign for each 600 lineal feet is allowed;

8. Interior signs within a structure or building when not visible or readable or intended to be read from off-site or from outside of the structure or building;

9. Signs identifying a business, service or use no greater than four square feet in area may be permitted. Said signs shall not be visible from the public right-of-way, shall be attached to the main building, shall be for pedestrian traffic, and shall not otherwise require a building permit;

10. Memorial tablets, plaques or directional signs for community historical resources, installed by a City-recognized Historical Society or civic organization;

11. Convenience signs and directional signs not exceeding four square feet in area;

12. Residential building identification signs used to identify individual residences and not exceeding four square feet in area;

13. One name plate per parcel not exceeding four square feet in area for single-family residential uses and agricultural uses;

14. Official and legal notices issued by any court, public body, person or officer or in furtherance of any nonjudicial process approved by State or local law;

15. Signs providing direction, warning or informational signs or structures required or authorized by law or by Federal, State, County or City authority;

16. A single official flag of the United States of America and/or two flags of either the State of California, or other states of the United States, counties, municipalities or official flags for nations, and flags of internationally and nationally recognized organizations or the company flag. Flags shall be a maximum of five feet by eight feet and shall be displayed in a manner consistent with official flag etiquette;

17. Signs of public utility companies, indicating danger or which serve as an aid to public safety, or which show locations of underground facilities or public telephones;

18. Safety signs on construction sites;

19. One freestanding time and temperature sign that conveys time and temperature only and not exceeding 12 square feet in area nor 15 feet in height, or not higher than the roofline, whichever is less, when combined with business identification in accordance with PMC 17.40.140 through 17.40.250, and counted toward sign area for the freestanding sign;

20. One wall-mounted time and temperature sign that conveys time and temperature only not exceeding 12 square feet in area when combined with business identification in accordance with PMC 17.40.140 through 17.40.250, and counted toward sign area for the wall sign;

21. “No trespassing,” “no parking” and similar warning signs not exceeding four square feet;

22. Signs on public transportation vehicles regulated by a political subdivision, including but not limited to buses and taxicabs;

23. Signs on licensed commercial vehicles, provided such vehicles are not used or intended for use as portable signs or as may be prohibited in PMC 17.40.100;

24. A change of copy conforming to an approved comprehensive sign program. All other changes of copy shall comply with PMC 17.40.020 through 17.40.040;

25. Incidental signs for automobile repair stores, gasoline service stations, automobile dealers with service repairs, motels and hotels, showing notices of services provided or required by law, trade affiliations, credit cards accepted, and the like, attached to a freestanding sign, structure or building; provided, that all of the following conditions exist:

a. The signs number no more than four,

b. No such sign projects beyond any property line,

c. No such sign shall exceed an area per face of four square feet;

26. Copy applied to fuel pumps or dispensers by the manufacturer such as fuel identification, station logo and other signs required by law;

27. Agricultural signs, either wall or freestanding types, nonilluminated, and not exceeding four square feet for lots two acres or less and 16 square feet for lots greater than two acres, identifying only the agricultural products grown on the premises. The number of such signs shall be one per street frontage or a maximum of two, with wall signs to be located below the roofline and freestanding signs to be no higher than eight feet;

28. Address numbers for buildings shall be exempt provided they meet the following height limits. The minimum height is also specified in Chapter 15.24 PMC.


	Minimum Height	Maximum Height
a. Residential
i. Single-family	Four inches	Six inches
ii. Multifamily	Six inches	Six inches
b. Commercial	Six inches	18 inches
c. Industrial	18 inches	24 inches

(Ord. 674 § 42, 2008; Ord. 539 § 2, 2001; Ord. 525 § 4, 2000; Ord. 482 § 2(C), (D), 1997; Ord. 443, 1995; Ord. 433, 1994; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.3(A)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.100 Prohibited signs.

A. All signs not expressly permitted are prohibited in all zones, including but not limited to the following:

1. Roof signs;

2. Flashing signs, except time and temperature signs;

3. Animated signs, conveying the illusion of motion;

4. Revolving or rotating signs;

5. Vehicle signs, when parked or stored on property to identify a business or advertise a product;

6. Portable signs, except where permitted in this chapter;

7. Off-site signs, except as expressly otherwise provided by this chapter for directional purposes;

8. Signs within the public right-of-way, except those required by a governmental agency or authorized by PMC 17.40.090 and 17.40.170. No sign which is permitted in the public right-of-way shall be placed, erected or constructed on a utility pole, traffic device, traffic sign, warning sign, or so as to impede access to any public improvement, or to obstruct the vision of any such traffic, warning, or directional signs;

9. Signs located on public property except as may be permitted in PMC 17.40.090(21) or those required by a governmental agency;

10. Signs within the public right-of-way prohibited by the Streets and Highways Code (Section 101 et seq. and Section 1460 et seq.), the Vehicle Code (Section 21400 et seq.) and the Public Utilities Code (Section 7538 et seq.);

11. Signs blocking doors or fire escapes;

12. Light bulb strings outside of the building, except as part of special event signage approved under PMC 17.40.190 or as permanently installed lighting accentuating architectural features of the building;

13. Banners, flags, pennants, and balloons, except for special events as provided for in PMC 17.40.190. Pennants are allowed only in association with a grand opening pursuant to PMC 17.40.190(B)(10) or in association with temporary signage for a motor vehicle dealership pursuant to PMC 17.10.190(C)(5).

14. Inflatable advertising devices of a temporary nature, including hot air balloons, except for special events as provided for in PMC 17.40.190(B)(10);

15. Advertising structures, except as otherwise permitted in this chapter;

16. Statuary (statues or sculptures) advertising products or logos of the business that are located outside of the structure that houses the business;

17. The use of decals, stick-on or transfer letters, or tape on the walls or parapets of buildings, fences, walls or other structures, not suitable;

18. Reader board/changeable copy signs, either electric or nonelectric except as permitted in this chapter;

19. Signs which purport to be or are an imitation of or resemble official traffic warning devices or signs, that by color, location or lighting may confuse or disorient vehicular or pedestrian traffic; this does not include traffic or directional signs installed on private property to control on-site traffic;

20. Exposed neon tubing except in limited amounts used as a design element of a permitted sign.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, whenever a commercial message is permitted on a sign, a noncommercial message shall be permitted. Whenever one commercial message is permitted on an on-site sign, any on-site commercial message shall be permitted. Whenever one commercial message is permitted on an off-site sign, any off-site commercial message shall be permitted. And whenever a noncommercial message is permitted on a sign, any noncommercial message shall be permitted. All such signage shall be subject to the same standards and size requirements set forth in this chapter. Signs providing direction for traffic control purposes shall be limited to the directional message. (Ord. 674 § 43, 2008; Ord. 525 §§ 5, 6, 2000; Ord. 482 § 2(E), 1997; Ord. 433, 1994; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.3(B)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.110 Signs relating to inoperative activities.

Signs pertaining to activities or businesses which are no longer in operation, except for temporary closures for repairs, alteration or similar situations, shall be removed from the premises or the sign copy shall be removed within 30 days after the premises has been vacated including copy from the business director. Any such sign not removed within the specified time shall constitute a nuisance and shall be subject to removal under the provisions of this chapter and local ordinance. (Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.3(C)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.120 Enforcement, legal procedures and penalties.

A. Enforcement, legal procedures and penalties shall be in accordance with the enforcement procedures established by the local ordinance.

B. Unauthorized illegal signs may be abated by the City in accordance with local ordinance.

C. If said sign is stored by the City, the owner may recover said sign from the City upon payment of any storage and/or removal charge incurred by the City.

D. The minimum charge shall be no less than $3.00 per sign. All signs removed by the City may be destroyed 30 calendar days following removal.

E. If any sign, in the opinion of the Director of Development Services, is an immediate threat to the public health and safety, said sign shall be immediately and summarily removed with the cost of said removal charged to the property owner in accordance with local ordinances. (Ord. 518, 1999; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.3(D)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.130 Construction and maintenance.

A. Construction. Every sign and all parts, portions and materials shall be manufactured, assembled, and erected in compliance with all applicable State, Federal and City regulations and the Uniform Building Code.

B. Maintenance. Every sign and all parts, portions, and materials shall be maintained and kept in proper repair. The display surface of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted and free from rust and corrosion. Any cracked, or broken surfaces, and malfunctioning or damaged portions of a sign shall be repaired or replaced within 30 calendar days following notification of the business by the City. Noncompliance with such a request will constitute a nuisance and will be abated in accordance with Chapters 1.08 and/or 8.72 PMC. Any maintenance, except a change of copy, which does not involve structural changes is permitted. (Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 § 1 (Exh. A 7.3(E)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

Article VI. Sign Regulations

17.40.140 Sign permits.

Sign permits may be issued for signs included under this article provided the signs are in compliance with all other applicable laws and ordinances. (Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.4(A)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.150 Signs permitted in all zoning districts.

The signs mentioned in PMC 17.40.160 through 17.40.210 may be permitted in any zoning district. These signs are in addition to those signs expressly permitted in each zoning district and are subject to the provisions listed in PMC 17.40.160 through 17.40.210. (Ord. 482 § 2(F), 1997; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.4(A)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.160 Convenience signs.

On-site signs no greater than six square feet nor higher than five feet necessary for public convenience or safety may be approved by the Director of Development Services or his designee. Signs containing information such as “entrance,” “exit” or directional arrows shall be designed to be viewed from on-site or from an area adjacent to the site by pedestrians or motorists. Signs that convey advertising or products shall not be considered convenience signs. (Ord. 518, 1999; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.4), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A(1)), 1983)

17.40.170 Directional kiosks.

The City may install, or cause to be installed upon public right-of-way or other public property, kiosks which provide traffic direction to public or semipublic facilities or events and/or areas of the City or which identify public or semipublic transportation services. Kiosk inserts directing the public to the South Poway area, the downtown business area, civic center area, Lake Poway area, Performing Arts Center, Old Poway area, rodeo area or other public or semipublic areas or events are specifically permitted. All kiosks, including those permitted under this section, under PMC 17.40.190(A) for community special events and under PMC 17.40.210 concerning off-site real estate signage, shall be of consistent design and shall be installed and maintained under the direct supervision of the City. (Ord. 525 § 7, 2000; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993)

17.40.180 Comprehensive sign program for commercial and industrial zones.

A comprehensive sign program shall be developed for all commercial and industrial centers consisting of four or more tenant spaces. The purpose of the program shall be to integrate signs with building and landscaping design into a unified architectural unit. This shall be achieved by:

A. Using the same background color on all signs;

B. Using not more than three different colors for sign lettering;

C. Using the same type of cabinet supports, or method of mounting for signs of the same type, or by using the same type of construction material for components, such as sign copy, cabinets and supports, or by using dissimilar signing determined compatible by the Director of Development Services;

D. Using the same form of illumination for all signs, or by using varied forms of illumination determined compatible by the Director of Development Services;

E. Allowing the use of different colors for logos. (Ord. 518, 1999; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.4), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A(2)), 1983)

17.40.190 Temporary signs.

Temporary signs may be approved for a limited period of time as a means of publicizing special events such as grand openings, new management, sales, Christmas tree lots, parades, rodeos and fairs that are to take place within the City.

A. Community special events such as attractions at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, Poway Days, the rodeo and street fairs may be advertised on the community events kiosks provided by the City and/or by use of street banners approved and installed by the City. One sign advertising the Poway Rodeo not exceeding 32 square feet in size or eight feet in height may be installed at each major entrance to the City. No commercial advertising may be included on the signs nor may the name or logo of any commercial sponsor or co-sponsor be displayed. Said signs may be installed not more than 30 days before the scheduled beginning of the rodeo and shall be removed within seven days after the conclusion of the rodeo.

B. Temporary Signage for Retail Businesses Other than Motor Vehicle Dealerships.

1. Approval. To apply for approval of temporary signs, the applicant shall submit a letter to the Director of Development Services which describes the size, appearance and location of the proposed signage by means of a sketch and written description and which indicates the display dates. The Director of Development Services shall review the request within two working days after receipt and approve, approve with modification or deny the request.

2. Log of Usage. The Development Services Department shall maintain a log of temporary signage approved for each business. If the Development Services Department is notified, prior to installation of the temporary signs, that the signage will not be used, the application will be canceled and the signage not deducted from the total number of days of temporary signage available. If signage is installed without approval of the Development Services Department it shall be deducted from the total number of days available at a rate of two days for every one weekday unapproved signs are displayed and at a rate of four days for every one weekend day unapproved signs are displayed.

3. Enforcement. Signs which are installed or displayed without approval of the Director of Development Services are in violation of this section and are subject to issuance of a citation or other enforcement action as described in Chapter 17.54 PMC.

4. Appearance and Mounting. Fabric, ink or other materials used on banners may not be in fluorescent colors. Banners shall be attached to the building, parallel to the walls of the business they are advertising. Banners may not be installed on a wall which is on the property line. In all cases, banners shall be mounted with all four corners secure and so that they are level, do not sag, and are pulled taut into a straight line across the top with the top and bottom edges of the banner parallel to each other.

5. Advertising Kiosks. As part of a comprehensive sign program, the City Council may

approve a structure designated for the display of a limited number of temporary signs by businesses in the center. The following regulations shall apply to advertising kiosks, in addition to any specific conditions called out in the comprehensive sign program:

a. The design of the kiosk must be consistent with the design of the other freestanding signs in the center and with the applicable design standards in the Poway Road specific plan.

b. Kiosks may not exceed eight feet in height nor 40 square feet in area.

c. The range of street addresses to be found within the center shall be prominently displayed on the top of each kiosk.

d. No more than three signs may be displayed per kiosk. Signs shall be in the form of rigid panels which slide into the sign structure.

e. Advertisement on the kiosk is an alternative to, not an addition to, the display of a banner on the storefront.

6. Number. No more than one banner may be displayed by a business at one time except that the City Council may approve the display of a second banner for businesses in freestanding buildings located at the intersection of two circulation element streets.

7. Maintenance. Temporary signage shall be maintained in good condition and shall not be frayed, faded or dirty.

8. Size. The maximum size banner that may be displayed will depend on the width of the store front on which it is to be displayed and shall be according to the following table:


Maximum Size Banner Allowed (square feet)	Store Width (feet)
20	£ 15
25	> 15 and £ 20
30	> 20 and £ 35
35	> 35 and £ 50
45	> 50 and £ 75
50	> 75 and £ 100
55	> 100 and £ 150
60	> 150 and £ 250
65	> 250

9. Days Allowed. Each business may display temporary signage for up to 52 days per year in addition to signage permitted for a “grand opening” as defined in PMC 17.40.015.

10. Type of Signage Allowed. The type of signage that may be displayed by a business shall be as follows:


	Grand Opening	Promotional Sales	Christmas Tree Lots and Pumpkin Patches
Consecutive days	30	N/A	40
Frequency	1 time	N/A	1 per season
One banner, and balloons on strings under 3 feet in length	yes	yes	yes
Pennants	yes	no	no
Strings of outdoor lights	yes	no	yes
One on-site, freestanding special event sign (£ 32 square feet and £ 8 feet high)	yes	no	yes
Ground-mounted inflatable advertising devices	yes	no	no
Roof-mounted inflatable advertising devices	no	no	no
Strings of balloons	no	no	no
[Search] lights	yes	no	no

C. Temporary Signage for Motor Vehicle Dealerships.

1. Enforcement. Signs which are installed or displayed in violation of this section are subject to issuance of a citation or other enforcement action as described in Chapter 17.54 PMC.

2. Appearance and Mounting. Fabric, ink or other materials used on banners may not be in fluorescent colors. Banners shall be attached to the building, parallel to the walls of the business they are advertising. Banners may not be installed on a wall which is on the property line. In all cases, banners shall be mounted with all four corners secure and so that they are level, do not sag, and are pulled taut into a straight line across the top with the top and bottom edges of the banner parallel to each other.

3. Maintenance. Temporary signage shall be maintained in good condition and shall not be frayed, faded or dirty.

4. Days Allowed. Temporary signage may be displayed each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. No temporary signage shall be allowed Monday through Thursday unless otherwise allowed for a special promotional parking lot sales event pursuant to PMC 17.26.030(E).

5. Type of Signage Allowed. One banner, not to exceed 65 square feet in area, may be displayed and each vehicle may have either an antenna sleeve, with a flag or pennant on the sleeve not exceeding 12 inches by 17 inches, or a balloon on a string under three feet in length tied from the base of the antenna.

D. Temporary Signage for Off-Site Sales Events. For off-site motor vehicle, recreational vehicle and/or boat sales events, inflatables (either tethered or mounted on the ground) may be displayed at the off-site location, in addition to normal temporary signage. This special event signage may not be displayed for more than four days per event. (Ord. 661 § 8, 2007; Ord. 482 § 2(G), 1997; Ord. 443, 1995; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.4), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.200 On-site subdivision signs.

A. One temporary on-site subdivision sign not to exceed 64 square feet total for two sides or 32 square feet for one side and a total overall height of 12 feet may be permitted on each circulation element street frontage of the property being subdivided, not to exceed two such signs for all phases of any subdivision; otherwise a maximum of one sign is permitted.

B. Such sign shall be for the identification of a subdivision, price information and the developer’s name, address and telephone number.

C. Such signs shall be removed within 10 calendar days from the date of the final sale of the land and/or residences or within 24 months, whichever comes first. Extensions of 12 months may be approved by the Director of Development Services.

D. Signs shall be maintained in good repair at all times.

E. A cash deposit of $300.00 per sign shall be deposited with the sign application to ensure compliance with the chapter and removal of such sign. The deposit shall be refunded to the applicant upon sign removal by the applicant. If the City is forced to remove any signs, then the cost of removal shall be deducted from the deposit. (Ord. 518, 1999; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.4(4)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.210 Real estate kiosks.

A. Off-site direction signage to real estate subdivisions may be provided through participation in the kiosk program established by the City.

B. All off-site subdivision signs not conforming to this chapter shall be deemed a public nuisance and removed.

C. Participation in the kiosk program shall be allowed until the units within the subdivision are sold out, or for a period of 24 months, whichever comes first. Extensions of 12 months may be approved by the Director of Development Services. (Ord. 518, 1999; Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.4(5)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.220 Signs permitted in single-family residential zones.

The following performance standards shall be met in all cases in the single-family zones:


Class	Sign Type	Maximum Number	Maximum Sign Area in Sq. Ft.	Maximum Height	Other Standards
1. Institutional signs for private schools, churches and other similar uses	Wall Freestanding	1 per street frontage with a maximum of 2	20 24 for identification; 36 with changeable copy	Below roofline 6 feet from finished grade	Name and address of institution only. May incorporate electric or nonelectric changeable copy for events and time of events.
2. Area identification	Wall Freestanding	1 per development entrance, maximum of 2	36	6 feet for wall sign 4 feet for freestanding sign	Copy shall be limited to the name and address of development.
3. School identification	Wall Freestanding	1 per street frontage with a maximum of 2	20 50	Below roofline 20 feet from finished grade	Name and address of school. To be located no closer than 5 feet from the property line. May incorporate electric or nonelectric changeable copy for events and time of events.
4. Nonconforming commercial uses	Wall Freestanding	1 1	18 square feet 18 square feet	Below roofline 6 feet from finished grade

(Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.4(B)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.230 Signs permitted in the multifamily and mobile home park zones.

The following performance standards shall be met in all cases in the multifamily and mobile home park zones:


Class	Sign Type	Maximum Number	Maximum Sign Area in Sq. Ft.	Maximum Height	Other Standards
1. Multifamily					Signs shall be in harmony with the scale and design of the development. Street address shall be incorporated into the face or structure of the sign.
1. Multifamily	Wall Freestanding	1 per street frontage with a maximum of 2 per development	12 for 12 units or less; 24 for more than 12 units	A wall sign shall not project above the roofline and in no case shall exceed 20 feet. A freestanding sign shall not exceed 8 feet in height.	Freestanding signs shall be placed no closer than 5 feet to the property line.
2. Mobile home park	Wall Freestanding	1 per development entrance	36	6 feet 4 feet	Copy shall be limited to name and address of development.

(Ord. 427 (Exh. A), 1993; Ord. 113 §§ 1 (Exh. A 7.4(C)), 3, 1983; Ord. 82 § 1 (Exh. A), 1983)

17.40.240 Signs permitted in commercial zones.

The following performance standards shall be met in all cases in the commercial zones:


Class	Sign Type	Maximum Number