For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms as used herein are defined as herein set out, unless a different meaning is clearly indicated from the context of the section in which the term is used.

"Advertising statuary" means a representation of a person or things which is sculptured, molded, fabricated or cast and used for commercial purposes.

"Alteration" means any change of copy, color, size, shape, illumination, position, location, construction or supporting structure.

"Area of sign" means the area included within the outer dimensions of a sign. The area of multiple-face signs means one-half the total surface area. In the case of skeleton letters or other signs placed on a wall without any border, the area of the smallest rectilinear drawn to contain all such skeleton letters or other signs shall be the area.

"Attraction board," "reader board" and "digital display signs" equivalent terms which means a changeable copy:

1.

"Attraction boards" or "digital display signs" means signs which use technologies such as LCD, LED and projection to display content such as digital images, and information. Any displays shall display unanimated images and/or copy. For the purpose of this section, unanimated images and/or copy shall be defined as those which are changed no more than once per twenty-four hours.

2.

Digital displays shall not be brighter than the illumination limit recommended by the International Sign Association (ISA) for Electronic Message Center signs, or 0.3 footcandles above ambient light when measured at the recommended distance as set forth by the ISA. Digital display signs shall be equipped with a photocell, timer, or other similar device which automatically dims the display during nighttime hours ten p.m. to six a.m. to prevent glare impacts to motorists.

"Awning sign" means any sign attached to the underside or constructed upon a projecting awning, protruding over a sidewalk (see Figure 17440(1) below).

FIGURE 1744(1) Awning Signs

"Banner," "flag" or "pennant" means any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper or similar material for advertising purposes attached to, or appended on or from, any structure, staff, pole, line, framing or vehicle. Flags referred to in this chapter, when the flag is of a nation or of the state of California and is displayed as such in an appropriate manner, shall be exempted from these regulations.

"Billboard" means an off-premises sign (see off-premises sign).

"Canopy sign" means a sign attached to the valence on an overhead roof that can provide shade or shelter from weather conditions such as sun, hail, snow, and rain (see Figure 1744(2) below).

FIGURE 1744(2) Canopy Signs

"Commercial district" includes the zoning districts of general commercial (C-1), highway commercial (C-2) and heavy commercial (C-3).

"Grade" means the lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground directly below or at the sign location.

"Ground sign," "pole sign," "pylon sign," "freestanding sign," or "monument sign" means a sign supported by one or more poles or braces or resting in or upon the ground.

"Illegal sign" means any sign placed or erected after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter without property approval and/or permits as required by this code, and any sign that was placed or erected prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter which was in violation of a city ordinance or code at the time it was placed or erected.

"Illuminated sign" means any sign in which an artificial source of light is used.

1.

"Directly illuminated sign" means a sign which has light cast on the surface from an interior source.

2.

"Indirectly illuminated sign" means a sign which has light cast on the surface from an exterior source.

"Industrial districts" includes zoning districts of light industrial (M-1) and heavy industrial (M-2).

"Item of information" means a word, design, symbolic representation or figure.

"Nonconforming sign" means a sign which was validly installed under laws or ordinances in effect prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter or subsequent revisions, but which is in conflict with the provisions of this chapter.

"Off-premises sign" means signs which advertise any business, goods, products, or services not conducted, sold, manufactured or distributed from the premises or facilities on which the sign is located.

"Pole sign." (See ground sign).

"Political sign" means a sign intended to draw attention to any issue, candidate or measure in any national, state or local election.

"Portable sign" means any sign set upon the ground in such a manner that it would be considered moveable or temporary.

"Projecting sign" means a sign attached to and projecting outward from a building face or wall, generally at a right angle to the building.

"Real estate sign" means a temporary sign indicating that the premises on which the sign is located, or any portion thereof, is for sale, lease or rent.

"Residential districts" means those zoning classifications or uses consistent with the high, medium and low density residential classifications of this title.

"Roof sign" means-a sign erected between the eave line and the ridge line.

"Sign" means any medium for visual communication, including its structure and component parts, which is used or intended to be used to attract attention to an activity for identification or advertising purposes.

"Sign height" shall be measured from average ground level at the base of the supporting structure to the top of the sign.

"Signable area" means that portion of a building wall less the area of windows, doors or other architectural features; except signable area for window signs means forty percent of the total window area.

"Site" means one or more parcels of land identified by the assessor's records and for which an integrated building development exists or has been proposed.

"Street frontage" means the distance in feet of a lot measured along a street right-of-way. (See Figure 1744(3) below).

FIGURE 1744(3) Street Frontage

"Murals" or "super graphic" means a painted design which covers all or a major portion of a wall, building facade or other structure. A super graphic is a sign if promoting a use or business.

"Window sign" means any sign attached to a window or hung with the intent of being viewed through a window.

"Wall sign" means any sign posted or painted on, suspended from or otherwise affixed to the wall or any building or structure in an essentially flat position and with the exposed face of the sign in a plane approximately parallel to the plane of such wall.

FIGURE 1744(4) General Sign Types

(Ord. No. 860, § 1, 7-2-2024)