Chapter 14.09.132
Supplemental Standards, Signs
Sections:
14.09.132.010 Purpose.
14.09.132.020 Definitions.
14.09.132.030 Applicability.
14.09.132.040 Permitting Authority.
14.09.132.050 Design Review Procedures.
14.09.132.060 Computation of Sign Area.
14.09.132.070 Commercial Districts.
14.09.132.080 Industrial Districts.
14.09.132.090 Professional Office Overlay District.
14.09.132.100 Residential Districts, Agricultural and Open Space Districts.
14.09.132.110 Public Facilities District.
14.09.132.120 Exempt signs.
14.09.132.130 Prohibited signs.
14.09.132.140 Construction Standards.
14.09.132.150 General Provisions.
14.09.132.160 Temporary Signs.
14.09.132.170 Non-conforming signs.
14.09.132.180 Illegal Signs.
14.09.132.010 Purpose.
This chapter provides the minimum standards for the regulation of signs. These standards control the height, area, location, type and quality of materials, method of construction, illumination and appearance. The provisions of this chapter are intended to achieve the following purposes:
A. To promote public safety by ensuring that signs are installed and maintained in a structurally sound condition and with proper electrical and mechanical equipment.
B. To promote the safety of pedestrian and vehicular traffic by avoiding visual clutter and ensuring that official traffic signs and signals are easily discernable.
C. To enhance property values and economic vitality by providing appropriate and adequate signs that provide communication without clutter.
D. To ensure that the number, location, and design of signs are compatible with on-site development and adjacent land uses.
E. To preserve and improve the aesthetic appearance of residential neighborhoods and business areas by prohibiting incompatible and intrusive signs.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.020 Definitions.
Animated sign means any sign, which is designed and constructed to convey its message through movement and/or a sequence of progressive changes of parts or lights or degree of lighting.
Building frontage means the length of the building that faces a public street.
Changeable copy sign means a non-temporary sign that changes letters or graphic displays through mechanical means. Messages displayed are limited to the products or services offered on-premises. Public event announcements regarding activities of a non-commercial nature are included within this definition.
Construction sign means a temporary, on-site sign installed during the construction of a commercial, industrial, public, or multi-family building or structure. The sign may list those parties involved with the construction, including but not limited to the architect, engineer, contractor, tenant and financial institution.
Directional sign means a sign designed to direct on-site, pedestrian or vehicular traffic. It may also include maps and directories for multi-tenant, commercial sites or multi-family developments. Such signs are not intended to be readable from a public right of way, street or highway.
Freestanding sign means a sign that is supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces or similar structural components that is not attached to a building or structure. This definition does not include portable signs.
Height of sign means the vertical distance from the top of the sign to the elevation of the existing or approved grade below.
Install means to build, construct, place, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix and shall also include the painting of wall signs.
Message center sign means a sign that has a changeable message that can be changed by electronic processes or remote control. Types of messages allowed consist of the following: (a) products produced or sold and services offered on-site, (b) time and temperature information, or (c) public information announcements of a non-commercial nature.
Nonconforming sign means a sign that was legally installed prior to the enactment of this chapter but which no longer conforms to the provisions of this chapter.
Off-site sign means a sign that advertises goods, products, services or facilities for sale or distribution at a site other than where the sign is located, or directs persons to a site other than where the sign is located. A billboard or outdoor advertising display, as defined in the California Business and Professional Code is included within this definition.
On-site sign means a sign that advertises goods, products, services or facilities available on the site where the sign is located. Any non-commercial message may be substituted for the copy on any commercial sign allowed by the ordinance.
Permanent sign means any sign for which a sign permit can be approved and issued with no time limit in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
Political sign means a sign designed for the purpose of advertising support of or opposition to a candidate or proposition at a public election.
Portable sign means a sign that is designed to be movable and is not permanently or structurally attached to the ground, a building, a structure or any other sign.
Projecting sign means a wall sign that projects more than 12 inches from the principal, exterior wall of a building or structure. A projecting sign includes signs attached to a building’s canopy, awning or marquee.
Real estate sign means a temporary sign pertaining to the sale, rent or lease of land or buildings.
Roof sign means a sign erected between the eave line and the roofline of a building or structure.
Sign means any letter, word, symbol, drawing, picture, design, lighting, electronic images, or object that advertises, calls attention to or indicates any premises, persons, products, businesses or activities whatever the nature of the material and manner of composition or construction. A sign does not include the official flag of any government or public agency.
Sign Plan means a coordinated plan for signage for a site that may include multiple buildings, structures and parcels. A Sign Plan shall include, but is not limited to, the following elements of signage: (a) number of signs, (b) letter size, (c) sign height, (d) location of signs on a site, structure or building, (e) materials, and (f) color.
Street means a public or private highway, road or common access way that affords the principal means of vehicular access to adjacent properties.
Temporary sign means a sign intended to be displayed for a limited period of time, both by the nature of its construction materials, or design or the restrictions of this chapter. Examples include but are not limited to: real estate rental and sale signs, construction project signs, political signs, subdivision directional signs and signs depicting special events.
Vehicle sign means a sign that is attached to or painted on a motor vehicle or trailer that is designed for the purpose of providing advertisement for goods, products or services or directing people to specific sites or locations. Signs less than 4 square feet in area that are painted on or attached to commercial vehicles are not included in this definition.
Wall sign means any sign attached to, erected against, painted on, or otherwise adhered to the wall of a building or structure.
Window sign means a sign placed in or painted upon a window.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.030 Applicability.
A. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all public and private signs that are installed within the city limits.
B. The standards established by this chapter are minimum requirements and shall not be construed to prevent the City Council, Planning Commission or Director from imposing, as part of a project approval, specific requirements that may be more restrictive, in order to meet the intent of these regulations.
C. The provisions of this chapter shall apply only to signs installed after the effective date of this ordinance. Signs lawfully installed prior to the effective date of this chapter may remain indefinitely, subject to the provisions specified in this chapter.
D. The City Council may adopt sign standards that vary from this chapter for certain geographic areas within the City through the approval of any of the following: policy plan, specific plan, special standards overlay zone district, and the historic preservation overlay district.
E. A planned signing program approved by the city prior to the enactment of this chapter shall continue to remain in full force and effect, regardless of whether it is consistent with the provisions of this chapter. An application to modify such a planned signing program shall be consistent with the provisions of this chapter.
F. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to signs within a building or structure that are not visible from a public street, right of way or place.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.040 Permitting Authority.
A. Subject to the provisions of Division 14.01, Administration, of this Title, the Planning Commission or the Director is authorized to approve, approve with modifications, or to deny a Design Review application for a sign or a Sign Plan.
B. Subject to the provisions of Division 14.01, Administration, of this Title, the Planning Commission is authorized to approve, approve with modifications, or to deny a Design Review application for a sign or a Sign Plan that varies from the standards of this chapter.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.050 Design Review Procedures.
A. Design Review Required. Design Review approval is required for all new signs and Sign Plans. Design review approval is not required for change of copy on an existing sign or for exempt signs. An alteration or relocation of an existing sign is subject to the provisions of Chapter 14.09.119, Modifications to Approved Projects.
B. Any Conditional Use Permit, Planned Development, Design Review, Modification or other land use permit or entitlement shall include a Sign Plan. The Sign Plan shall include signs proposed for the whole of the area subject to the land use permit or entitlement.
C. The purpose of a Sign Plan is to coordinate all signs with building and landscaping design to form a unified design or architectural statement or theme.
D. A Sign Plan will determine the number, height, area, location, design, color and materials of all proposed signs. Depending on the level of detail contained in the applicable application, the decision-maker may defer approval of certain aspects of a Sign Plan until issuance of a building permit.
E. Through Design Review approval, the Planning Commission may allow signs that vary from the provisions of this chapter in order to encourage higher quality and creativity in sign design and to address unique site and building design constraints. For example, variation from the standards of this chapter may be approved for a shopping center where all buildings do not have frontage on a public street or right of way.
F. A variation from the standards may be approved only when the Planning Commission finds that the variation is offset by aspects of the Sign Plan that exceed the minimum standards of this chapter. The intent of a variation is not to reduce standards but to approve alternate standards that are appropriate for a particular development and that results in an equivalent or superior design quality.
G. A variation in standards, as described in sub section F above, shall not be permitted for of a sign listed as a prohibited sign in Section 14.09.132.130.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.060 Computation of Sign Area.
A. “Area of a sign” means that area determined by circumscribing the exterior limits of the mass of each display with a rectangle, parallelogram, or other acceptable geometric figure connecting all extreme points. For purposes of computation of sign area, a distinctive background surrounding letters, logos or symbols shall be considered part of the sign.
B. When a sign consists of individual letters or logo types on an opaque surface and without a distinctive background, the sign area shall be computed by multiplying the height of the letters by the length of each line and irrespective of whether the individual letters or logo types are internally illuminated.
C. When a sign is internally illuminated through a transparent or translucent surface, the entire area that is illuminated shall be considered the sign area.
D. Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign. However, when two such faces are parallel, placed back to back, and are at no point more than two feet apart, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of one face if the two faces are of equal area or, if the two faces are of unequal area, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of the larger face.
E. Point-of-sales information adjacent to drive-thru lanes including menu boards and banners shall not be included in the computation of sign area provided such signs are not visible from a street.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.070 Commercial Districts.
A. Wall Signs
1. Maximum sign area shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of building frontage on a public street. If a building has frontage on more than one public street, the sign area for the lesser length frontage shall one half square foot of sign area per lineal foot of frontage.
2. Each parcel with a building shall be allowed one wall sign with a minimum area of 20 square feet regardless of length of frontage.
3. Each business shall be allowed at least one wall sign per street frontage; additional signs may be approved through Design Review.
B. Other Building Signs
1. Other signs attached to a building or structure that are not wall signs may be allowed through an approved Design Review application.
2. Minimum ground clearance of a sign that projects from a building shall be eight feet, as measured from the bottom of a sign to the grade level below.
C. Freestanding signs.
1. Each site with frontage on a public street shall be allowed one freestanding sign, provided the site has off-street parking. The maximum sign area and height allowed shall be in accordance with the table below.
|
Street Classification & Frontage Length |
Maximum Sign Area |
Maximum Sign Height |
|
Less than 100 ft. of frontage, regardless of street classification |
25 sq. ft. |
10 ft. |
|
100 ft. or more of frontage: |
|
|
|
Local or collector street |
40 sq. ft. |
15 ft. |
|
4-lane, undivided arterial street |
50 sq. ft |
20 ft. |
|
4-lane, divided arterial street |
90 sq. ft |
25 ft. |
2. When a site has frontage on more than one public street or right of way, each frontage shall be allowed one freestanding sign, provided each additional frontage is at least 100 feet in length.
3. When the public street frontage of a site exceeds 300 feet in length, one additional freestanding sign may be placed for each additional 300 feet of frontage on a public street. Any additional freestanding sign on the same street frontage shall not exceed 25 square feet in area and 10 feet in height.
4. No freestanding sign may obstruct the view of a sign on an abutting site within one hundred feet. The minimum distance between two signs on the same site is 250 feet.
5. For multi-tenant sites, the names of up to three tenants may be identified on each freestanding sign.
6. A parcel that has no frontage on a public street shall be allowed to advertise on an existing, legal freestanding sign that is located on an adjacent parcel that fronts on a public street. The maximum area of such signs shall not exceed 20 square feet and shall be in addition to the sign area allowed for the parcel having public street frontage. This provision shall not apply to a shopping center or similar development where there is a coordinated and integrated plan for signage, access and parking.
7. For purposes of this section, contiguous parcels that function as an integrated development, with reciprocal parking and/or access shall be considered one site.
8. The size, height and number of menu boards for a business with a drive-thru lane shall be determined through approval of a Design Review application. The area of such signs shall not be considered in the allowable sign area for a site unless it is visible from an adjacent street.
D. Freeway Signs
1. Each property that meets the use criteria and site criteria listed within this section shall be allowed one freeway sign. The area of such sign shall be in addition to that area otherwise allowed by this chapter.
2. The following uses shall be eligible for a freeway sign:
a. restaurants and eating establishments;
b. service stations;
c. automobiles and other vehicles, sales and service, new;
d. hotels and motels;
e. bars and lounges;
f. recreation centers and outdoor commercial recreation;
g. retail shopping centers that contains a minimum of 80,000 square feet of floor area and a tenant within that shopping center that has a minimum floor area of 20,000 square feet.
3. Site Criteria. A parcel shall be not less than five acres in size and shall be located within three hundred feet of a freeway right of way. Contiguous parcels may be considered one site, for the purpose of satisfying the site area criteria, provided that:
a. the total area of all parcels is a minimum of five acres;
b. all parcels are encumbered with a recorded easement, restricting the minimum, five-acre site to a single freeway sign; and
c. all parcels are developed with a use eligible for a freeway sign in accordance with subsection 2 above
4. Area Limitations. A sign identifying a single business shall be allowed a maximum area of one hundred seventy-five square feet. A sign identifying more than one business shall be allowed a maximum area of three hundred twenty-five square feet.
5. Height.
a. The maximum height shall not exceed twenty-five feet above the elevation of the freeway or thirty-five feet above the site of the sign, whichever is greater.
b. For each additional business identified on a freeway sign, the maximum height of the sign may increase five feet, up to a maximum of sixty feet.
c. The Director is authorized to approve a sign that exceeds the height limitations prescribed in this section up to a maximum sign height of sixty feet if the Director determines that a proposed sign’s visibility is obscured by a freeway overcrossing or other obstruction from a viewing distance of one-quarter mile.
6. When more than one sign is placed on a single freeway sign structure, the following standards shall apply:
a. Each sign shall consist of individual letters or logos placed on a solid, opaque surface.
b. The display surface of each sign shall consist of the same materials and colors.
c. The overall shape of the multiple signs shall have a simple geometric shape.
E. Special Sign Regulations
1. Movie Theaters. The total sign area for a movie theater may be in excess of the limits established by this chapter, by an approval of a Design Review application.
2. Gasoline Service Stations. Gasoline service stations, because of their unique merchandising methods and easily recognizable design, are subject to the following requirements:
a. Freestanding Signs. One freestanding sign per street frontages shall be allowed, with a maximum sign area of forty square feet and a maximum height of fifteen feet.
b. Wall Signs. The aggregate area of all wall signs shall not exceed forty square feet.
c. Price Sign. One price sign not to exceed fifteen square feet in area shall be allowed. The area of a price sign is in addition to the area allowed for freestanding and wall signs. Credit card logos may be attached.
3. Outdoor Commercial Recreation or Recreation Center. The total sign area for a major highway commercial recreational facility may be in excess of the limits established by this chapter, through approval of a policy plan or special standards overlay district. Any such outdoor commercial recreation or recreation center must have a developed area in excess of fifteen acres.
4. Major Commercial Areas. The height and area of a freeway sign identifying businesses within a major commercial area may exceed the limits established by this chapter, through approval of policy plan or special standards overlay district. In order to grant such an approval, a major commercial area must meet the following standards:
a. the developable area is in excess of thirty acres;
b. recordation of a deed restriction limiting the number of freeway signs that otherwise might be allowed by this chapter; and
c. the area is in a commercial zone district and is located within 300 feet of a freeway.
5. Portable Signs in the Downtown Commercial District.
a. Portable signs may be allowed in the Downtown Commercial Zone District, by an approved Design Review application. Any such Design Review approval shall regulate the design, area, height, location, duration, and number of such portable signs.
b. Portable signs proposed to be placed on a public sidewalk are also subject to approval by the Director of Public Works. The sign owner shall first execute a written agreement, holding the City harmless for any injuries or damages that may occur as a result of placement of the sign on public property and providing proof of insurance naming the City as an additional insured. This agreement shall be executed prior to the placement of a sign on public property and shall be subject to the prior approval of the City Attorney.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.080 Industrial Districts.
A. Sign Area. The total area of all signs on a site shall not exceed one square foot of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage, up to a maximum of three hundred square feet.
B. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs shall meet the following specifications:
1. Maximum sign area shall not exceed forty square feet.
2. Maximum height shall not exceed 15 feet.
3. The minimum distance between freestanding signs on the same site is two hundred fifty feet.
4. One freestanding sign per public street frontage shall be allowed. If the public street frontage of a site exceeds 300 feet in length, one additional freestanding sign may be placed for each additional 300 feet of frontage on a public street. Any additional freestanding sign on the same street frontage shall not exceed 25 square feet in area and 10 feet in height
C. Wall Signs. The area of a wall sign shall not exceed two hundred square feet.
D. Industrial Parks. One entrance to an industrial park may have a freestanding sign identifying the name of the park, with a maximum height of ten feet and a maximum area of sixty-four square feet. Any other entrance to the industrial park may have a freestanding sign with a maximum height of ten feet and a maximum area of thirty-two square feet.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.090 Professional Office Overlay District.
A. Complex Identification Sign. One identification sign shall be allowed for each major entrance or street frontage for the purpose of identifying complex and occupants.
1. Letters identifying the name of the complex shall not exceed one foot in height.
2. Letters identifying the names of the occupant(s) shall not exceed three inches in height.
3. Where a site abuts property in a commercial zone district, the Director may allow additional signage, consistent with the size and type allowed in the adjoining commercial district.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.100 Residential Districts, Agricultural and Open Space Districts.
A. No signs shall be allowed in a residential, agricultural or open space district except exempt signs, temporary signs and as provided in this section.
B. Neighborhood identification signs may be authorized for residential areas that include at least five acres. Such signs are subject to Design Review approval.
C. Each non-residential use and each multi-family residential development with more than four dwelling units is allowed one identification sign for each street frontage. Each such sign shall not exceed thirty-two square feet in total area, or six feet in height.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.110 Public Facilities District.
A. Wall Signs
1. Maximum sign area shall not exceed one square foot of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage on a public street. If a building has more than one frontage on a public street, the sign area for the lesser length frontage shall be one-half square foot of sign area per lineal foot of frontage.
2. The total area of all wall signs shall not exceed 150 square feet, regardless of the length of frontage.
B. Freestanding Signs
1. One freestanding sign shall be allowed on each street frontage.
2. Maximum sign area shall be 50 square feet and maximum sign height shall be 10 feet.
3. The Director may approve additional signs not oriented to a public street including, but not limited to, directory signs and athletic field scoreboards.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.120 Exempt signs.
The following signs shall not be subject to Design Review approval but are otherwise subject to the provisions of this chapter.
A. Posters for nonprofit, cultural, religious, charitable, educational organizations not exceeding six square feet in area and temporary (thirty days) in nature;
B. Official signs and notices posted by a public agency; official flags of federal, state, local or foreign governments;
C. Real estate signs
1. On-premise real estate signs that comply with the standards below:
|
Zone District |
Maximum Area |
Maximum Height |
|
Industrial (individual site) |
32 sq. ft. |
10 feet |
|
Industrial Park |
128 sq. ft. |
15 feet |
|
Commercial |
32 sq. ft. |
10 feet |
|
Professional Office |
32 sq. ft. |
10 feet |
|
Single family |
8 sq. ft. |
6 feet |
|
Multi-family |
16 sq. ft. |
8 feet |
2. On or off-site real estate signs for a single family home indicating “open house” provided that such signs comply with the following standards:
a. Maximum area of six square feet and a maximum height of three feet;
b. Maximum of one, on-site sign and three off-site signs; and
c. All signs shall be removed when the house is not open for inspection.
D. Political signs and posters. Political signs may be posted on private property only, and subject to other provisions of law, and may be placed no earlier than thirty days prior to the election to which they pertain. Political signs must be removed within seven days after election day.
E. Window signs that cover less than 25% of the window area.
F. Seasonal and holiday, decorations and displays, related to holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, etc., but not including commercial advertising signs disguised as seasonal decorations;
G. Commemorative plaques, memorial signs, tablets, building name and/or erection date, when cut into a permanent surface or constructed of noncombustible materials and not exceeding six square feet in area;
H. Signs placed by public utilities to show the location of facilities not exceed four square feet in area.
I. One nameplate not to exceed one square foot in area at the location of each business tenant or resident.
J. One vacancy sign per street frontage for each commercial, industrial, professional office or multi-family site during which time a vacancy exists, provided the maximum area does not 6 square feet.
K. One construction sign per site with a maximum area of 64 square feet.
L. Banners and pennants and similar non-illuminated temporary signs to advertise business openings and special sales and promotions, which comply with the following standards:
1. Each site shall be allowed such signs a maximum of 60 days per year.
2. Signs shall advertise only on-site events.
3. The location of a banner shall not obstruct any door or vent or the operation of mechanical equipment.
4. Lettering and design shall be comparable in quality to permanent signs found within the city.
5. One banner with a maximum of 100 square feet in area.
6. Site is located in a commercial or industrial zone district.
M. Signs placed on fuel pumps or dispensers, such as fuel identification signs, provided such signs are the minimum size required by law.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.130 Prohibited signs.
The following signs shall not be permitted in the city.
A. Signs which incorporate any of the following characteristics:
1. flashing, moving, intermittent lighting, or open flame;
2. signs that revolve, move or are in any manner animated or appear to do such;
3. any inflatable device designed to attract attention; or
4. emit audible sound, odor or visible objects.
These prohibitions do not include any special event signs, as may be approved in accordance with Section 14.09.132.160.
B. Signs that by color, wording, design, location or illumination resemble or conflict with any traffic-control device or with safe and efficient flow of traffic.
C. Signs that create a safety hazard by obstructing clear view of pedestrian and vehicular traffic or that obstruct the view of a traffic control device, traffic signal or street name;
D. Flags, banners and pennants, except as authorized in this chapter
E. Signs located in or projecting over a public right-of-way except for:
1. official signs installed by a public agency;
2. signs projecting into the public right-of-way in the Downtown Commercial Zone District, in accordance with Section 14.09.132.070; and
3. temporary signs advertising non-profit, community events, with the prior written consent of the Director of Public Works.
F. Portable signs, except as provided in this chapter.
G. Off-site signs, except for those specifically allowed by the provisions of this chapter.
H. Vehicle signs.
I. Obscene Signs.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.140 Construction Standards.
A. Illumination.
1. The amount of illumination shall be established through a Design Review approval. The amount of illumination allowed shall be sufficient to allow visibility of the sign but shall not produce excessive glare on adjacent properties or create a traffic hazard.
2. Illuminated signs facing a residential zone district may be prohibited or their number and amount of illumination may be reduced, through Design Review approval.
3. The illumination of a message center sign shall not include the use of a flashing, intermittent, or moving light or any illumination that is in motion or appears to be in motion or changes in light intensity. Any message shall be displayed for a minimum of four seconds and the interval between messages shall be not less than one second.
B. Uniform Building Code and Uniform Sign Code. All signs installed shall be in accordance with the Uniform Building Code and other construction codes specified in Division 14.20.
C. Utility Lines and Easements. No sign shall be installed within a utility easement, or in a manner that will reduce the vertical or horizontal clearance from communication lines or energized power lines as required by the laws and rules of the State of California.
D. Traffic Hazards.
1. Signs shall be installed in accordance with the sight distance provisions of Chapter 14.09.129.
2. No signs shall be placed in such a manner that they could reasonably be expected to be confused with or interfere with any official traffic control device, traffic signal or official directional sign.
E. A sign shall not project into a public right-of-way, except in the Downtown Commercial Zone District where a projection of up to five feet will be permitted. The minimum clearance from the grade of the adjacent sidewalk to the bottom of the sign shall be eight feet.
F. A wall sign shall be installed in an essentially flat position, with the exposed face of the sign approximately parallel to the plane of such wall, and not extending more than twelve inches beyond the face of the building or structural part thereof.
G. All signs shall conform to the provisions of Chapter 14.09.134, Airport Land Use Compatibility including, but not limited, to height and lighting.
H. Wall signs shall not extend above the height of the roof or the height of a parapet wall.
I. A freestanding sign shall be installed in a landscaped planter.
J. No sign shall be cut, burnt, limed, painted or otherwise marked on a cliff, hillside, field or tree, nor shall any sign be attached to a tree;
K. Signs shall not be located on a site so as to be visible from beyond the property line after removal, prior to installation, or while in storage.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.150 General Provisions.
A. Sign Maintenance.
1. All signs shall be maintained in a structurally sound and operational condition, including lighting and electrical systems. The appearance of all signs shall also be maintained, including but not limited to, paint, free from corrosion or rust, free from cracks or tears, missing sign copy, and malfunctioning lighting.
2. Upon notice by the City that a sign has become unsightly, dangerous or defective, the property owner shall perform all necessary maintenance and repairs within 30 calendar days.
3. Noncompliance with the above-cited notice shall constitute a nuisance that may be abated in accordance with Chapter 8.1 of this code.
B. All signs pertaining to closed or abandoned activities shall be removed within sixty days of closure or abandonment.
C. Directional signs. The Director may authorize the placement of minor signs that assist or direct on-site pedestrian or vehicular traffic. Directory signs shall not exceed four square feet in area, except for multi-tenant directory signs and maps for sites with multiple buildings. Directional signs that include the name of a business shall not be readable from off-site.
D. Community Identification Signs. Signs that identify Vacaville as a community or identify special community events such as “Fiesta Days” are permitted. Such signs must be owned and/or operated by the city and approved by the city council in accordance with the following:
1. Freeway-oriented signs shall be limited to a maximum size of three hundred sixty square feet and thirty feet in height. No more than one such sign shall be placed at each major freeway entry to the City.
2. Signs shall not identify any individual or business enterprise.
3. Signs may have either a fixed message or changeable copy. Illumination may be internal or indirect.
E. Community Service Identification Signs. Signs that identify local community service organizations are permitted in accordance the following criteria:
1. Signs are limited to a maximum area of fifty square feet and ten feet in height.
2. Signs shall only be located at major entrance points into the city or the downtown area on arterial streets, as designated by the general plan, and that are located within an agricultural, commercial or industrial zone district. Only one community service sign shall be located per major entrance.
3. Signs shall be used only for the identification of community service organizations and shall not be used to advertise special events or any business enterprise.
F. A building permit for a sign shall not be issued unless the Building Official finds Design Review application has been approved, if required, and that the building permit complies with that approval.
G. Any wall sign or freestanding sign may be a changeable copy sign.
H. A message center sign is not allowed by this chapter except as may be approved by the Planning Commission through their adoption of a Sign Plan, as a variation from the standards, and provided that no message center sign shall be installed within 1,000 feet of another message center sign on the same street frontage.
I. Street address name and numerals installed on a freestanding sign or on a building shall be considered a sign, when their area exceeds the minimum established by the Fire Department.
J. Vehicle Signs. Any vehicle or trailer with a sign attached there to shall not be parked on a public right-of-way or on private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way for the principal purpose of advertising or promoting the sale of on-site or off-site goods, services and facilities. This section is not intended to prohibit:
1. a sign painted on an operable vehicle that is currently licensed and registered, when the principal purpose of the vehicle is not for advertising purpose; and
2. signs attached to a bus or taxicab providing public transportation.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.160 Temporary Signs.
Design review approval is required for the following types of temporary signs.
A. An on-site real estate sign that identifies only the name of the industrial park. One sign shall be allowed on each frontage of a freeway or roadway at the boundary of the industrial park. A sign may not exceed one hundred twenty-eight square feet in area or fifteen feet in height.
B. Residential Subdivision Signs. Each residential subdivision shall be allowed real estate signs subject to the following standards. Signs permitted under this section shall not be installed until and unless a final map has been recorded for the subdivision.
1. Off-site Subdivision Signs.
a. A maximum of two off-site directional signs shall be allowed.
b. The signs shall indicate only travel directions, the name and address of the subdivision, the developer and the typical price range of housing units.
c. The area of each sign shall not exceed thirty-two square feet.
d. Each sign shall not exceed ten feet in height and 10 feet in horizontal length.
e. No additions, tag signs, streamers or appurtenances shall be added to such signs.
2. On-Site Subdivision Signs
a. Two on-site identification signs not exceeding thirty-two square feet in total area for each sign nor more than six feet in height nor ten feet in horizontal length shall be allowed.
b. One identification sign per model home not exceeding eight square feet in area or three and one-half feet in height shall be allowed. In addition to the above, one flag or banner will be permitted per model home to identify the model home area and the sales complex area.
3. All subdivision signs and sign structures shall be removed within 10 days of the sale of the final residential lot within the subdivision.
4. A Design Review approval for on and off-site subdivision signs shall include a condition that the developer may not request final inspection of the last housing unit to be completed within the subdivision until all such signs and sign structures have been removed.
5. No sign shall be located within 100 feet of an occupied residence or building.
C. Special Event Signs. Temporary signs that do not meet the criteria established by this chapter may be permitted through the approval of a Design Review application for a limited period of time as a means of publicizing special events such as “grand opening”, “new model year”, or “inventory sale”. Design Review approval shall be consistent with the following:
1. Duration of the approval shall not exceed sixty continuous or non-continuous days per year.
2. Off-site signs for non-profit, community events may be allowed. Signs may be located within the public right-of-way subject to the prior written approval of the Director of Public Works. All other such signs shall be on-site and shall be limited to non-residential uses.
D. Not withstanding any other provisions of this chapter, a drive-in business may install banners on a continuous basis, subject to the following:
1. the banner shall be installed such that it is visible only from the drive-thru lane and is not visible from a public street or parking lot;
2. maximum area of a banner shall not exceed 24 square feet and maximum height shall not exceed six feet; and
3. no other temporary signs shall be installed.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.170 Non-conforming signs.
A. Any sign lawfully installed and in compliance with any prior ordinance or law that does not conform to the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to be nonconforming and subject to the provisions of this section. This section does not apply to illegal or abandoned signs, which shall be abated or removed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
B. A nonconforming sign may continue in use indefinitely, subject to the provisions set forth in this section. A property owner shall have the right to maintain and repair a nonconforming sign. Maintenance and repair may include structural alterations, but shall not include any change that would increase its degree of non-conformity with the provisions of this chapter or that would move the sign to a different location.
C. The Director may allow an on-site, nonconforming sign to be replaced by a new, nonconforming sign provided that the replacement sign complies substantially with the provisions of this chapter. Approval of a replacement sign is subject to Design Review approval.
D. A nonconforming sign that is destroyed or which is damaged to an extent in excess of fifty percent of its fair market value shall not be replaced except by a sign that conforms to the provisions of this chapter.
E. Nonconforming Off-site Signs. Relocation agreements. The City Council may approve an off- site sign relocation agreement to permit the relocation or replacement of nonconforming signs subject to provisions of this section.
1. An application for an off-site relocation agreement shall comply with the application and review procedures set forth in Chapter 14.09.072, Development Review Process of this code, except as otherwise provided below.
2. The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing to consider an application for an off-site sign relocation agreement. Following the completion of the public hearing, the Commission shall recommend approval, approval with modifications or denial of the subject applications to the City Council.
3. The City Council shall hold a public hearing to consider the application the recommendation of the Planning Commission. Following the completion of the public hearing, the Council shall approve, approve with modifications or deny the subject application. Should the City Council approve the application with modifications to the sign relocation agreement, such modifications shall require the concurrence of the applicant.
4. In order to approve an off-site relocation agreement application, the City Council shall make the following findings of fact
a. That approval of the application will result in a decreased number of off-site signs and a decreased number of sign faces.
b. That approval of the agreement will result in a decrease in the total amount of sign area.
c. That the relocated off-site signs will be located on sites within the IP Industrial Park zone district adjoining Interstate 80 between a line that is the prolongation of the Willow Road alignment and the Midway Road overcrossing.
d. That there is a net public benefit which accrues as a result of the proposed off- site sign
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)
14.09.132.180 Illegal Signs.
A. Any sign installed in violation of any ordinance or law in effect at the time of its installation is an illegal sign and shall be removed forthwith.
B. The city shall have the right to remove a sign without notice to the sign owner under any of the following circumstances:
1. Any sign installed within a public right-of-way, public easement, or on public property, without the prior written consent of the city.
2. Any sign installed on private property that, in the opinion of the Director, constitutes an immediate danger to public health or safety.
C. The city shall use its best efforts to notify the sign owner of its removal and shall give the owner 30 calendar days to retrieve the sign from city possession. In the event a sign is not retrieved by its owner within the prescribed period, the city may deem the sign abandoned and may dispose of it.
(Ord. 1637, Added, 04/13/2000)