Chapter 3-45 SIGNS

Chapter 3-45
SIGNS

Sections:

Article I. Purpose and Definitions

3-45-010 Purpose.

3-45-020 Definitions.

Article II. General Provisions for Signs

3-45-030 Permit required.

3-45-040 General requirements.

3-45-050 Exempt signs.

3-45-060 Signs on public property.

3-45-070 Prohibited signs.

3-45-080 Measurement of sign area and height.

3-45-090 Sign maintenance.

3-45-100 Legal nonconforming signs.

3-45-110 Removal of certain signs.

3-45-120 Enforcement.

3-45-130 Design review.

3-45-140 Master sign program.

Article III. Temporary Signs

3-45-150 Temporary signs in commercial and industrial zoning districts.

3-45-160 Temporary signs in residential zoning districts.

Article IV. Permanent Signs

3-45-180 Agricultural (A).

3-45-190 Central business (CB), general commercial (CG) and neighborhood commercial (CN).

3-45-200 Downtown specific plan (DSP).

3-45-210 Commercial office (CO) or professional office (CP).

3-45-220 Repealed.

3-45-230 Commercial service (CS).

3-45-240 Highway service commercial (CHS).

3-45-250 Education and institutions (E).

3-45-260 Highway combining (H).

3-45-270 Research and development (I-1), light industrial (I-2) and heavy industrial (I-3).

3-45-280 Planned development (PD).

3-45-290 Medium density residential (RM), residential high (RH) and suburban multiple residential (RG).

3-45-300 Suburban residential (RS), rural residential (R-R), low density residential (RL) and duplex residential (R2).

3-45-305 Permanent signs for neighborhood mixed use (NM).

Article V. Special Provisions

3-45-310 Area identification signs.

3-45-320 Motor fuel price signs.

3-45-330 Public and quasi-public use signs.

Article I. Purpose and Definitions

3-45-010 Purpose.

The intent of this chapter is to provide standards for the regulation of signs in order to safeguard and enhance property values; protect public and private investment in buildings and open space; preserve and improve the appearance of the city as a place in which to live, work and do business; create a more attractive economic and business climate; prevent excessive and confusing sign displays; reduce hazards to motorists and pedestrians; and promote the public health, safety and general welfare. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1404, 1993; Ord. 442 § 21.70.010)

3-45-020 Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

1. “Abandoned sign” means a sign in place for a period of at least 90 days which no longer advertises an ongoing business, lessor, owner or activity on the premises where the sign is displayed.

2. “Aggregate sign area” means the total area of all signs and/or all messages located on a parcel.

3. “Awning” means a roof or cover which projects from a wall of a building over a window or door, which is made of canvas, aluminum or similar material, and may be fixed in place or be retractable.

4. “Banner sign” means a sign made of a flexible material that projects from or hangs from a building, structure, pole or wire. A “banner sign” includes flags, but does not include pennants.

5. “Beacon” means a light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not on the same parcel as the light source; also, a light with one or more beams that move.

6. “Billboard sign” means an off-site sign which is supported by one or more uprights, poles, or braces in or upon the ground, other than a freestanding sign, monument sign, or pole sign.

7. “Building frontage” means:

a. The lineal length of a building facing a public street; or

b. The lineal length of a building facing an open area where all of the following circumstances exist:

i. The open area has a width (measured perpendicular from the wall to which the sign is to be affixed) of not less than 30 feet,

ii. The open area is improved and is in use for off-street parking,

iii. The open area is in the same ownership as the building to which signs are to be affixed; or

c. The lineal width of any alley, driveway, arcade, mall or similar open space which measures less than 30 feet and which provides public access to uses other than those fronting the public street; or

d. In the case of an open land use, other than off-street parking, driveways, alleys and similar areas, half the lineal distance of the open land use abutting the street; or

e. The width of a building exclusive of roof overhang and canopies, attached or unattached, or ornamental features which cause a protrusion from the walls of a building. Where the wall of a building is not vertical, the frontage shall be measured at ground level.

8. “Canopy sign” means a sign under an awning or arcade perpendicular to a pedestrian walkway.

9. “City” means the city of Livermore.

10. “Commercial complex” means a collection of three or more commercial uses.

11. “Commercial signage” means any sign sponsored by a commercial entity and whose prevailing message proposes a commercial transaction.

12. “Designated public right-of-way” means the area within 10 feet of the face of curb and any backing lot landscaped easement areas.

13. “Dilapidated sign” means a sign that is no longer in a good state of repair or constitutes a health or safety hazard.

14. “Display” means an item or arrangement of items indoors that is not attached to a window, door or wall.

15. “Electric sign” means a sign containing electrical circuits, but not including signs illuminated by an exterior light source.

16. “Freestanding sign” means a sign supported all or in part by the ground, including but not limited to a ground, monument, pole, or similar sign.

17. “Freeway-oriented use” means a use which is located within an I-580 quadrant, and is zoned highway service commercial (CHS).

18. “Good condition” means a state of sign condition where all electrical components are in working order (if an electrical sign), and sign copy is undamaged.

19. “Icon sign” means a nonelectric sign with a message exclusively conveyed by an image/ graphic form placed perpendicular to a pedestrian walkway, attached to a building or wall. Registered trademarks/logos are not considered an icon sign.

20. “Industrial complex” means a collection of three or more industrial uses.

21. “Illegal sign” means a sign constructed in violation of this chapter.

22. “Illuminated sign” means a nonelectric sign illuminated by an exterior light source provided specifically for the purpose of sign illumination.

23. “Joint sign program” means where two or more freeway-oriented uses utilize one sign structure for display of signs.

24. “Legal nonconforming sign” means a sign which was legally constructed under laws or regulations in effect at the time of construction, which does not conform with the provisions of this chapter.

25. “Major street” means a street identified as a major street in the Livermore community general plan.

26. “Master sign program” means a program which establishes the sign development regulations and specifies an integrated sign design concept for commercial and industrial complexes and/or establishes a special sign design criteria for a specific type of sign for a zoning district.

27. “Monument sign” means a sign whose supporting structure is 100 percent of the sign face, length and width, and whose supporting structure does not exceed the approved sign face area.

28. “Motor fuel price sign” means a sign as specified in California Business and Professions Code Section 13530 et seq., with a message limited to that required by state law.

29. “Multiple-use sign” means a sign used by two or more users.

30. “Noncommercial signage” means any message which is determined not to be commercial (i.e., campaign signs or nonprofit signs).

31. “Parcel” means a piece of land, the boundaries of which have been established by some legal instrument of record, that is recognized and intended as a unit for the purposes of transferring ownership.

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

33. “Permanent sign” means a sign for which a sign permit is required and may be issued with no time limit in accordance with this chapter.

34. “Pole sign” means a sign wholly supported by a sign structure consisting of poles or posts in the ground.

35. “Portable sign” means a temporary sign which is not fastened to its supporting surface, such as an “A-frame” or “sandwich board.”

36. “Projecting sign” means a sign, other than a wall sign, which projects from and is supported by a wall, building or structure.

37. “Public property” means any property publicly owned outside of the designated public right-of-way.

38. “Quadrant” means any of the four or fewer divisions which the area around an interchange of Interstate 580 is divided, where Interstate 580 is intersected by a cross street and connected by on- and/or off-ramps. The radius of a quadrant extends no further than 1,500 feet from the centerline of Interstate 580 and the interchange cross street.

39. “Readerboard” means a nonelectrical sign announcing events taking place on-site, the message of which is periodically changed, not including time-temperature devices.

40. “Roof sign” means a sign erected upon or above any part of a roof or parapet of a building or structure.

41. “Sign” means a device, fixture, placard, structure or painting that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public.

42. “Sign area” means the total area of any portion of a structure to which any message is affixed.

43. “Sign copy” means the actual area of any words, letters, numbers, designs, figures or other symbolic presentation incorporated into a sign with the purpose of attracting attention to the subject matter.

44. “Sign face” means the portion of a sign that is used for displaying sign copy, together with any frame, color, panel, ornamental molding, or condition which forms an integral part of the sign copy and which is used to differentiate such sign copy from any wall or background against which it may be placed. Those portions of the supports, uprights or base of a sign that do not function as a sign shall not be considered as part of a sign face.

45. “Site identification sign” means a sign, other than a readerboard, which serves to inform only of the name, address and lawful uses of the premises upon which the sign is located (and which may include a trademark or symbol of a business).

46. “Stake sign” means a sign constructed of paper or plastic mounted on a wood or metal stick.

47. “Street frontage” means the lineal length of that portion of a parcel abutting a street.

48. “Temporary sign” means a sign intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only.

49. “Wall sign” means a sign attached to or constructed against the wall of a building or structure, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of the wall. (Ord. 1752 § 2, 2005; Ord. 1668 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1453, 1995; Ord. 1413, 1993; Ord. 442 § 21.70.020)

Article II. General Provisions for Signs

3-45-030 Permit required.

A permit is required for all permanent signs. Any sign not expressly authorized pursuant to this chapter is not permitted. All signs must be in accordance with this chapter and the Uniform Sign Code as adopted by Chapter 15.32 LMC. In the event of conflict, the more restrictive regulation applies. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.030)

3-45-040 General requirements.

Unless otherwise specified, the following requirements apply to signs in all zoning districts:

A. Signage allowed on one building or frontage shall not be transferred to another building or frontage.

B. Each sign, including a sign located on a temporary or portable building, shall be subject to the requirements of this chapter.

C. No wall sign shall project more than one foot from a building. A sign which projects more than four inches from a building shall be placed no less than 10 feet above the ground.

D. Each sign shall be faced parallel to the street (or frontage if the building does not face a street) on which the sign is located, except that:

1. A freestanding sign may be faced perpendicular to the street on which the sign is located.

2. A freeway-oriented sign may be perpendicular to the freeway.

3. A projecting wall or icon sign may be faced perpendicular to the street on which the sign is located.

4. In the case of a corner lot, freestanding signs may be diagonal at the corner.

E. A freeway, freestanding or temporary sign is permitted within a required setback area; provided, it is:

1. Located within a permanently maintained landscaped planter area having an area at least twice that of the sign area;

2. Not closer than 10 feet from any property line and 10 feet from any access driveway; and

3. Not within a radius of 20 feet of the intersection of the rights-of-way of two intersecting streets.

F. The area of a freestanding sign is deducted from the allowable area on the nearest comparable building frontage.

G. A freestanding sign up to eight feet in height shall be a monument style sign. A freestanding pole sign is only permitted for a sign in excess of eight feet in height.

H. Each sign containing commercial sign copy must be located on-site, except for a sign authorized pursuant to Civil Code Section 713, which advertises that a property is for sale, lease or exchange by the owner or his agent, and gives directions to the property and the owner’s or agent’s name, address and telephone number.

I. The area of a supporting structure of a monument sign may not exceed the area of its approved sign face. (Ord. 1709 § 17, 2004; Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.040)

3-45-050 Exempt signs.

The following signs are exempt from regulation under this chapter:

A. A public notice or warning required by a federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.

B. A nonelectrical nameplate, displaying only the name and/or address of the occupant, and which is one square foot or less.

C. A traffic control or directional sign on private property which does not exceed four square feet.

D. A clock, thermometer, barbershop pole, or similar device where not part of a permanent sign.

E. A flag of any nation, state or city if displayed in a manner conforming to the flag code (36 USCA, Section 173 et seq.).

F. A display.

G. A sculpture, statue, relief, mosaic or mural which is a work of art or otherwise decorative and does not contain a commercial message or symbol.

H. A property address number consisting of numerals or letters 12 inches or less in height. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.050)

3-45-060 Signs on public property.

No signs are allowed on public property, except for the following:

A. A public sign erected by or on behalf of the city or other public entity to post legal notices, identify public property, convey public information, or direct or regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

B. An informational sign of a public utility or transit company regarding its poles, lines, pipes, facilities, or routes.

C. An emergency warning sign erected by the city or other public entity, a public utility company, or contractor doing authorized or permitted work on public property.

D. A temporary sign in a residential zoning district as authorized under LPZC 3-45-160(B) and (C).

E. Signs constructed by the city to direct persons to specific districts, regions, or public facilities.

F. A single banner sign over Fourth Street between South J Street and South K Street and over North Livermore Avenue between Chestnut Street and Railroad Avenue. All such signs are subject to the following regulations:

1. The permitted sign shall be:

a. Noncommercial; or

b. Associated with a civic, community, educational, or cultural event.

2. The sign applicant must apply for an encroachment permit with the city engineer or his or her designee.

3. The city engineer upon review and approval by the planning division shall allow such signs on a first-come, first-served basis for a period not to exceed 14 days per sign.

4. A reservation for installation of a sign is not transferable. The sign locations shall be reserved for use by the city of Livermore during the three weeks prior to any local election.

5. The sign must be installed by the city.

6. The city may charge a reasonable fee to cover the cost of installing the sign, as determined by a resolution of the city council. Livermore Unified School District and the Livermore area recreation and park district shall each be granted two free banner installations in a calendar year.

G. A sign constructed by a public agency on its property, which is permitted in the zoning district in which the property is located.

H. Repealed by Ord. 1709. (Ord. 1817 § 1, 2007; Ord. 1752 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1709 § 18, 2004; Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.060)

3-45-070 Prohibited signs.

The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:

A. A sign in conjunction with a home occupation.

B. A flashing, moving, animated, blinking or rotating sign whose illumination changes with time, or which is designed in a manner to simulate motion.

C. A sign constructed in such a manner as to create a traffic hazard by creation of glare, obstruction of vision, or at a location where it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign.

D. A sign which includes noise making devices.

E. A billboard or roof sign. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.070)

3-45-080 Measurement of sign area and height.

A. The area of a sign shall be measured by enclosing the shape in the simplest regularly shaped geometric figure, such as a circle, triangle, diamond, square, rectangle, or other figure having not more than six sides. Where one or more messages consist of letters, panels, or symbols attached to a surface, then the sign area shall be the sum of the areas of each message.

B. The area of a sphere shall be computed as 50 percent of its surface.

C. The area of a multi-sided sign shall be the total of each exposed sign face, except where signs are parallel back-to-back and attached to opposite sides of a supporting structure. The area of a motor fuel price sign shall be the total of each exposed face, regardless of the orientation of each face.

D. The height of a freestanding or temporary sign shall be measured from the top of curb of the nearest street to the uppermost part of the sign or its supporting structure.

E. The height of a freestanding freeway sign shall be measured from the basic grade of the lot on which the sign is placed to the uppermost part of the sign or its supporting structure. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.080)

3-45-090 Sign maintenance.

Each sign, including a nonconforming sign, shall be maintained in good condition. A dilapidated sign shall be subject to abatement in accordance with LPZC 3-45-120. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.090)

3-45-100 Legal nonconforming signs.

A previously existing legal permanent sign made nonconforming by the adoption of this chapter is permitted to continue. However, a modification to such a sign (other than a change of copy or normal maintenance and repair) is not permitted unless the sign is brought into conformance with this chapter. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.100)

3-45-110 Removal of certain signs.

A. A sign constructed before the adoption of this chapter, and which is unsafe, abandoned, destroyed, or was constructed illegally, may be removed under state law without payment of compensation in accordance with the provisions below:

1. A sign which meets any of the criteria specified in Business and Professions Code Section 5497, or all of the requirements of Business and Professions Code Section 5495, or their successor provisions, shall be removed without payment by the city of just compensation in accordance with those provisions.

2. A sign which meets the requirements of Business and Professions Code Sections 5412.1 or 5412.2 shall be removed in accordance with those provisions, or their successor provisions.

3. A sign which was constructed unlawfully shall be removed without payment of compensation.

B. A sign owner has the burden of proving conformance with all ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of construction of the sign, and shall provide proof of conformance upon request of the city. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.110)

3-45-120 Enforcement.

In addition to the other remedies provided by this zoning code and the Livermore Municipal Code for violations of this chapter, the city may declare as a public nuisance and abate at the owner’s expense any sign maintained in violation of this chapter. Abatement of illegal signs shall be in accordance with Business and Professions Code Sections 5499.1 through 5499.16, or their successor provisions. The planning director or his or her designee shall serve as the enforcement officer for the purposes of this chapter. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.120)

3-45-130 Design review.

A. Each permanent sign is subject to design review.

B. All signs in the DSP, downtown specific plan zoning district shall be consistent with the sign standards and guidelines set forth in the 2003 downtown specific plan.

C. Each sign shall manifest balanced scale and proportions in its design and in its visual relationship to nearby buildings, its site, and surrounding land uses.

D. Each permanent sign shall complement the architecture of the building with which it is principally associated, by incorporating compatible materials, colors, and shapes of the building. In addition, each permanent sign shall generally display restrained and harmonious colors, type, styles, and lighting, and shall be constructed of durable materials.

E. Each sign shall be compatible with the general appearance of other signs visible from its site, and shall not compete for attention in a manner taking advantage of extreme, disharmonious, or clashing colors, shapes, locations, or materials. (Ord. 1709 § 19, 2004; Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.130)

3-45-140 Master sign program.

A. The owners of a commercial or industrial complex shall submit a master sign program for review and approval of the planning commission. The owners of any joint freeway sign shall submit a master sign program for approval by the planning commission.

B. A master sign program shall include the sign locations, sign types, colors, designs, faces, materials, restrictions, prohibitions, and other general criteria for signs. A sign which is consistent with an approved master sign program is not subject to further design review.

C. Repealed by Ord. 1709. (Ord. 1861 § 1, 2009; Ord. 1709 § 20, 2004; Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.140)

Article III. Temporary Signs

3-45-150 Temporary signs in commercial and industrial zoning districts.

In addition to the permanent signs allowed under Article IV of this chapter, temporary signs are permitted in the following zoning districts designated as central business (CB), downtown commercial core (DCC), outer core area (OCA), neighborhood commercial (CN), commercial service (CS), highway service commercial (CHS), commercial office (CO), professional office (CP), industrial (I) and neighborhood mixed use (NM), subject to the following:

A. Only the following types of temporary signs are permitted:

1. A freestanding A-frame sign;

2. A window painting;

3. A banner sign;

4. A beacon;

5. A stake sign constructed of paper or plastic mounted on a wood or metal stick.

B. Prior to displaying a temporary sign which contains commercial sign copy, the owner of such a sign shall register the sign with the planning division by completing a form provided by the city. The form shall include the owner’s name, address and telephone number, as well as dates the owner intends on displaying the sign. The city may charge a reasonable registration fee to cover the cost of inspection and enforcement, as determined by resolution of the city council.

C. A freestanding A-frame sign, window painting or banner sign shall be displayed no more than 35 days in any three-month period on private property.

D. Each parcel shall have no more than one freestanding A-frame sign, window painting or banner sign.

E. For commercial and noncommercial signs on developed parcels, the maximum sign area of a freestanding A-frame sign, stake, or banner sign is one-half of the sign area permitted for a permanent sign in the district in which the parcel is located. For vacant parcels, no commercial signs are permitted. Noncommercial signs are permitted as long as the signs do not exceed four square feet per sign and no two signs with the same copy are located closer than 50 feet from each other.

F. A temporary sign may not be illuminated.

G. A window painting may cover only up to 50 percent of the window area.

H. A temporary freestanding A-frame sign is subject to the following requirements:

1. Maximum size of temporary freestanding A-frame signs is 30 inches wide by 48 inches tall; and

2. A temporary freestanding A-frame sign must be placed on private property or in a landscaped area.

I. Each parcel shall have no more than one beacon, subject to the following requirements:

1. A beacon may be displayed no more than 10 days per year;

2. A beacon must be located on-site;

3. A beacon may not create a hazard to pedestrians, vehicles, or aircraft due to its location or movement; and

4. A beacon may only operate during the business hours of the use being identified.

J. Public property and public right-of-way signs located on public property or the designated public right-of-way are subject to the following regulations:

1. No commercial or noncommercial signs are permitted on public property; and

2. No commercial signs are permitted on the designated public right-of-way. Noncommercial signs are permitted in all zoning districts except the DCC and OCA; provided, signs do not exceed four square feet per sign and no two signs with the same copy are located closer than 50 feet from each other, per street frontage. Corner properties may have two of the same sign at the corner. (Ord. 1736 § 4, 2004; Ord. 1709 § 21, 2004; Ord. 1668 § 2, 2002; Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1413, 1993; Ord. 442 § 21.70.150)

3-45-160 Temporary signs in residential zoning districts.

In addition to permanent signs allowed under Article IV of this chapter, temporary signs are permitted in zoning districts designated as downtown specific plan (DSP), suburban multiple residential (RG), medium density residential (RM), residential high (RH), suburban residential (RS), low density residential (RL), rural residential (R-R) and duplex (R2), subject to the following:

A. A temporary sign may be placed on private property subject to the following:

1. Noncommercial Signs.

a. Maximum four square feet per sign;

b. No limit on the number of signs permitted; and

c. Signs must be a stake sign.

2. Commercial Signs.

a. Signage pursuant to Civil Code Section 713 may be freestanding or wall-mounted; and

b. Signs pursuant to a master sign program associated with a residential development are exempt; except they may not exceed 32 square feet and may not exceed one per parcel.

B. A temporary sign may be placed in the designated public right-of-way subject to the following:

1. Noncommercial Signs.

a. Signs must be stake signs with a maximum size of four square feet;

b. No two signs with the same copy shall be placed closer than 50 feet from each other per street frontage;

c. Corner properties may have two of the same sign at the corner;

d. All temporary noncommercial signs shall be removed within five days after the event to which they pertain.

2. Commercial Signs (Including Garage Sale Signs and Real Estate Signs).

a. Signs must relate to an activity permitted within a residential zoning district;

b. Signs are only allowed on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays;

c. Signs are limited to four square feet;

d. Only one sign per each advertised activity (e.g., a house for sale, etc.) may be placed at each street intersection leading from the two nearest major streets (reflecting two independent access routes) to the site of the advertised activity.

e. Only one sign per each advertised activity, up to a maximum of three signs, may be placed at any street intersection corner; and

f. The sign must be placed so that a minimum of four and one-half feet remains clear on the sidewalk for pedestrians.

C. All temporary commercial signs are permitted for a total of 35 days per a calendar quarter.

D. No temporary commercial or noncommercial signs are permitted on public property or to be placed in the street or median areas. (Ord. 1709 § 22, 2004; Ord. 1668 § 3, 2002; Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.160)

Article IV. Permanent Signs

3-45-180 Agricultural (A).

In an agricultural (A) zoning district which is combined with an open space (OS) zoning district, permanent signs are permitted as follows:

A. The maximum sign area is 32 square feet per use.

B. Permitted Signs. Only the following types of signs are permitted:

1. Freestanding. A freestanding sign which does not exceed eight feet in height.

2. Wall. A wall sign. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.180)

3-45-190 Central business (CB), general commercial (CG) and neighborhood commercial (CN).

In addition to the temporary signs allowed under LPZC 3-45-150, permanent signs are permitted in a central business (CB), general commercial (CG) or neighborhood commercial (CN) zoning district as follows:

A. The maximum aggregate sign area for all signs except freestanding signs and motor fuel price signs is as follows:

1. For primary building frontage, the allowable sign area is 10 square feet for each parcel, plus one square foot for each lineal foot of the first 50 feet of building frontage, plus one square foot for each two lineal feet of building frontage in excess of 50 feet, to a maximum of 150 square feet. The sign owner may choose which one frontage is primary building frontage and which one frontage is secondary building frontage.

2. For secondary building frontage, the allowable sign area is 10 square feet for each parcel, plus one square foot for each two lineal feet of building frontage, to a maximum of 32 square feet.

3. If more than one use exists on a parcel, in addition to the allowable sign area under subsections (A)(1) and (2) of this section, each additional use is permitted 10 square feet of sign area, which must be placed on the premises occupied by that use.

B. Permitted Signs. Only the following types of signs are permitted:

1. Awning. A single awning sign which does not exceed 32 square feet in area or eight inches in height for the sign copy.

2. Canopy. A single canopy sign which does not exceed 12 inches in height or four feet in length.

3. Freestanding. A parcel is entitled to signs under either subsections (B)(3)(a), (b) or (c) of this section:

a. A freestanding sign which may be electrical and which does not exceed eight feet in height or 20 square feet in area; or

b. Commercial Complex. For a commercial complex exceeding five acres in size, freestanding signs are permitted under either subsection (B)(3)(b)(i) or (ii) of this section, but not both:

i. A freestanding sign which may be electrical may be placed on up to two frontages of the complex. Each sign may not exceed 25 square feet in area or eight feet in height, and

ii. A freestanding sign which may be electrical and which does not exceed 40 square feet in area or 25 feet in height;

c. Multiple Street Frontage Commercial Complex. A commercial complex exceeding 10 acres in size, and providing public street access to three or more separate public streets, is authorized three electrical freestanding signs. Each sign may not exceed 30 square feet of sign area or eight feet in height.

4. Motor Fuel Price. A motor fuel price sign, as permitted under LPZC 3-45-320.

5. Wall. A wall sign.

C. In a neighborhood commercial (CN) zoning district, no sign shall be illuminated after normal business hours. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1433, 1994; Ord. 442 § 21.70.190)

3-45-200 Downtown specific plan (DSP).

The design standards and guidelines for permanent signs contained in the 2003 downtown specific plan (Chapter 6 of the plan) apply in this zoning district. (Ord. 1709 § 23, 2004; Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.200)

3-45-210 Commercial office (CO) or professional office (CP).

In addition to the temporary signs allowed under LPZC 3-45-150, permanent signs are permitted in a commercial office (CO) or professional office (CP) zoning district as follows:

A. The maximum aggregate sign area is as follows. For parcels in a commercial office (CO) or professional office (CP) zoning district, the maximum sign area is 10 square feet, plus one square foot for each two lineal square feet of building frontage, to a maximum of 50 square feet. Each occupant of a building may also have a nameplate sign which does not exceed two square feet in area.

B. Permitted Signs. Only the following types of signs are permitted:

1. Awning. A single awning sign which does not exceed 32 square feet in area or eight inches in height for the sign copy;

2. Canopy. A single canopy sign which does not exceed eight inches in height or three feet in length;

3. Nameplate. A nameplate sign;

4. Wall. A wall sign; and

5. Freestanding. A freestanding sign, which may be illuminated and which does not exceed 20 square feet in area or eight feet in height, is permitted on each of not more than two frontages of a building. (Ord. 1709 § 24, 2004; Ord. 1702 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1668 § 4, 2002; Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.210)

3-45-220 Professional office (CP).

Repealed by Ord. 1668. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.220)

3-45-230 Commercial service (CS).

In addition to the temporary signs permitted under LPZC 3-45-150, permanent signs are permitted in a commercial service (CS) zoning district as follows:

A. The maximum aggregate sign area for all signs except freestanding signs, freeway freestanding joint use signs and motor fuel price signs is as follows:

2. For secondary building frontage, the allowable sign area is 10 square feet for each parcel, plus one square foot for each two lineal feet of building frontage, to a maximum of 32 square feet.

B. Permitted Signs. Only the following types of signs are permitted:

1. Awning. An awning sign which does not exceed 32 square feet in area or eight inches in height for the sign copy.

2. Canopy. A single canopy sign which does not exceed 12 inches in height or four feet in length.

3. Freestanding. Each parcel which is one acre or smaller may have one freestanding sign. The sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area or eight feet in height. Each parcel larger than one acre and having a street frontage of 300 feet or more may have one additional electrical freestanding sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area or eight feet in height. A minimum separation of 150 feet is required between signs. Freestanding signs permitted under this section may be electrical.

4. Motor Fuel Price. A motor fuel price sign, as permitted under LPZC 3-45-320.

5. Wall. A wall sign which may be electrical. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.230)

3-45-240 Highway service commercial (CHS).

In addition to the temporary signs permitted under LPZC 3-45-150, permanent signs are permitted in a highway service commercial (CHS) zoning district as follows:

A. The maximum aggregate sign area for all signs except freestanding signs, freeway freestanding joint use signs and motor fuel price signs is as follows:

2. For secondary building frontage, the allowable sign area is 10 square feet for each parcel, plus one square foot for each two lineal feet of building frontage, to a maximum of 32 square feet.

B. Permitted Signs. Only the following types of signs are permitted:

1. Awning. A single awning sign which does not exceed 32 square feet in area or eight inches in height for the sign copy.

2. Canopy. A single canopy sign which does not exceed 12 inches in height or four feet in length.

3. Freestanding. Each parcel which is one acre or smaller may have one freestanding sign. Each parcel larger than one acre, and having a street frontage of 300 feet or more, may have one additional freestanding sign. Each sign shall not exceed 30 square feet in area or eight feet in height. A minimum separation of 150 feet is required between signs. Freestanding signs permitted under this section may be electrical.

4. Motor Fuel Price. A motor fuel price sign, as permitted under LPZC 3-45-320.

5. Wall. A wall sign which may be electrical.

6. Freestanding Freeway. A freestanding freeway joint use sign shall be granted a conditional use permit upon meeting the criteria listed below. Off-site advertising is permitted for qualifying participants in a joint freeway sign. The sign is subject to the following requirements:

a. One joint sign is permitted per quadrant.

b. A qualifying use must be located within a freeway quadrant and zoned CHS, highway service commercial district.

c. A maximum of eight acres of CHS zoning per quadrant is permitted.

d. A joint use sign shall be designed to be used by one or more freeway-oriented uses within a quadrant of a freeway interchange.

e. Freeway sign shall not exceed 300 square feet of total sign area.

f. The joint sign and qualifying use must be located within the quadrant of the site of one of the participating uses.

g. A qualifying use is authorized 37.5 square feet of sign area per qualifying acre, with a minimum of 37.5 square feet to qualify for a sign and a maximum 100 square feet per user. Sign area or “sign credits” may be transferred and sold within the same quadrant.

h. One-half of the area of the freeway sign shall be deducted from the total sign area allowed for the parcel or participating use.

i. Maximum height of a freeway sign is 50 feet, but in no case may the maximum height of a freeway sign exceed 40 feet above the freeway median.

j. The architectural design for the sign shall be “monumental-style” (the supporting structure a minimum width of the message area) and well proportioned (height versus width), with a minimum of 50 percent of the supporting structure enclosed.

k. The initial sign developer shall design the sign to allow subsequent users access to the sign. Overall sign design shall be set with the initial builder and subsequent users shall conform.

l. Participants on the joint sign shall reimburse the original developer on a justifiable pro rata share basis for construction cost and maintenance.

m. Any qualified use not participating on a joint freeway sign shall be entitled to an additional 32 square feet of wall sign.

n. Conditional use permit approval is contingent upon the decisionmaking body determination through acceptable photo studies that the sign is optimally located within the quadrant, based on visibility from Interstate 580. Should the optimal location not be available, alternative locations shall be considered. (Ord. 1633 § 22, 2001; Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1453, 1995; Ord. 442 § 21.70.240)

3-45-250 Education and institutions (E).

In an education and institutions (E) zoning district, permanent signs are permitted as follows:

A. The maximum sign area is 50 square feet per use.

B. Permitted Signs. Only the following types of signs are permitted:

1. Freestanding. A freestanding sign which does not exceed 32 square feet of sign area and a height of eight feet.

2. Wall. A wall sign which may be electrical. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.250)

3-45-260 Highway combining (H).

In a highway combining (H) zoning district, permanent signs are permitted as allowed in the zoning district with which combined. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.260)

3-45-270 Research and development (I-1), light industrial (I-2) and heavy industrial (I-3).

In addition to the temporary signs allowed under LPZC 3-45-150, permanent signs are permitted in a research and development (I-1), light industrial (I-2), or heavy industrial (I-3) zoning district as follows:

A. The maximum aggregate sign area for all signs, except area signs and industrial park identification signs, is 32 square feet per parcel plus one square foot for each two feet of building frontage in excess of 50 feet, up to a maximum of 100 square feet. In addition, if more than one use exists on a parcel, there is allowed 12 additional square feet for each use, which is to be placed on the premises occupied by the use.

B. Permitted Signs. Only the following types of signs are permitted:

1. Area Identification. An area identification sign as permitted under LPZC 3-45-310.

2. Motor Fuel Price. A motor fuel price sign as permitted under LPZC 3-45-320.

3. Freestanding. Each parcel which is one acre or smaller may have one freestanding sign. Each parcel larger than one acre, and having a street frontage of 300 feet or more, may have one additional freestanding sign. Each sign shall be a maximum of 32 square feet in area and eight feet in height. A minimum separation of 150 feet is required between signs. Freestanding signs permitted under this section may be electrical.

4. Wall. A wall sign which may be electrical.

5. Industrial Park Identification. A single industrial park identification sign is permitted with a conditional use permit for parcels directly adjacent to Interstate 580 consisting of 100 acres or more, and is subject to the following requirements:

a. The sign must be visible from at least one direction of Interstate 580.

b. The sign must have a maximum height of 25 feet and a maximum sign area of 100 square feet.

c. The width of the sign structure shall be 100 percent of the width of the sign face.

d. The sign shall be located on-site.

e. The sign shall be located within a landscaped area of at least 2,000 square feet.

f. The sign shall be located within 200 feet of the edge of the freeway right-of-way of Interstate 580. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.270)

3-45-280 Planned development (PD).

Unless otherwise specified in a planned unit development permit, in a planned development (PD) zoning district, permanent signs are permitted as follows:

A. The maximum sign area is 32 square feet per use.

B. Permitted Signs. Only the following types of signs are permitted:

1. Freestanding. A freestanding sign which does not exceed eight feet in height.

2. Wall. A wall sign.

C. However, in no case shall a planned development district or planned unit development be authorized a freestanding freeway sign. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 1453, 1995; Ord. 442 § 21.70.280)

3-45-290 Medium density residential (RM), residential high (RH) and suburban multiple residential (RG).

In addition to the temporary signs allowed under LPZC 3-45-160, permanent signs are permitted in a medium density residential (RM), residential high (RH) or suburban multiple residential (RG) zoning district as follows:

A. The maximum aggregate sign area for all signs, except for area identification signs and freestanding signs, is 12 square feet per use.

B. Permitted Signs. Only the following types of signs are permitted:

1. Area Identification. An area identification sign as permitted under LPZC 3-45-310.

2. Wall. A wall sign.

3. Freestanding. A freestanding sign which does not exceed 12 square feet in area or six feet in height. For uses having a street frontage in excess of 300 feet, an additional freestanding sign containing 12 square feet in area is permitted. Freestanding signs must be separated a minimum distance of 150 feet. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.290)

3-45-300 Suburban residential (RS), rural residential (R-R), low density residential (RL) and duplex residential (R2).

In addition to the temporary signs allowed under LPZC 3-45-160, permanent signs are permitted in a suburban residential (RS), rural residential (R-R), low density residential (RL) or duplex residential (R2) zoning district as follows:

A. The maximum aggregate sign area, except for area identification signs, is one square foot per parcel.

B. Permitted Signs. Only the following types of signs are permitted:

1. Area Identification. An area identification sign, as permitted under LPZC 3-45-310.

2. Wall. A wall sign. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.300)

3-45-305 Permanent signs for neighborhood mixed use (NM).

In addition to the temporary signs allowed under LPZC 3-45-150, permanent signs are permitted in the neighborhood mixed use zoning district as follows:

A. The maximum aggregate sign area for all signs is as follows:

1. For primary building frontage, the allowable sign area is one square foot for each lineal foot of ground-floor tenant primary street frontage to a maximum of 50 square feet. The sign owner may choose which one frontage is the primary building frontage and which one frontage is the secondary building frontage.

2. For secondary building frontages, the allowable sign area is one square foot for each two linear feet of ground-floor tenant secondary street frontage to a maximum of 25 square feet.

3. Upper-Floor Uses. For each upper-floor use that is unrelated to a ground-floor use, a maximum of ten square feet of sign area shall be permitted for each street frontage, and shall be placed on the building frontage occupied by that use. (Ord. 1736 § 5, 2004)

Article V. Special Provisions

3-45-310 Area identification signs.

Where permitted under Article IV of this chapter, area identification signs serving to identify an area, neighborhood or district are permitted as follows:

A. The sign may be on each of two corners of streets entering an area, neighborhood, or district.

B. The sign shall be architecturally part of an otherwise permitted permanent fence, wall, or similar structure defining the entrance.

C. Aggregate area of sign copy shall not exceed 15 square feet.

D. The sign copy shall be noncommercial.

E. Where dedication of the sign is proposed, the dedication shall include the structure and land on which the sign is located, together with access to the nearest public right-of-way. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.310)

3-45-320 Motor fuel price signs.

Where permitted under Article IV of this chapter, motor fuel price signs are permitted as follows:

A. The maximum aggregate sign area for sign copy is 40 square feet per use; however, the area of sign copy on an individual sign may not exceed 20 square feet.

B. When a sign is freestanding, its maximum height is six feet.

C. A sign may be electrical.

D. A sign permitted under this section is in addition to, but may be combined with, a freestanding sign which is regulated under Article IV of this chapter. (Ord. 1518 § 1, 1998; Ord. 442 § 21.70.320)

3-45-330 Public and quasi-public use signs.

Where permitted under Article IV of this chapter, signs for public and quasi-public uses are permitted as follows:

A. Public and quasi-public uses located in a residential zoning district shall be subject to the sign standards of the commercial office (CO) zoning district.

B. Public and quasi-public uses located in any nonresidential zoning district shall be subject to the regulations of the district the use is located in. (Ord. 1667 § 1, 2002)