Clearlake City Zoning Code

18-21 SIGN

REGULATIONS

18-21.010 Purpose and Intent.

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of this article to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, aesthetics and public welfare and safety by regulating and controlling the type, size, number, design, quality of materials, construction, illumination, location and maintenance of all signs in the City of Clearlake.

b. Adoption of Sign Regulations. By adopting this article, the City intends to balance several competing interests, including:

1. To regulate signs in a constitutional manner, with rules that do not regulate protected noncommercial speech by content or favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech;

2. To provide adequate opportunity for persons to express themselves by displaying an image or message on a sign;

3. To preserve and enhance the aesthetic, traffic safety and environmental values of our community;

4. To minimize distraction, obstruction or other impediments to traffic circulation which would be caused by excessive or inappropriately placed signage;

5. To safeguard and preserve the health, property and public welfare of Clearlake residents by regulating the physical design, location and maintenance of signs;

6. To provide a method for abatement of illegal and abandoned signs; and

7. To implement the Clearlake General Plan. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

18-21.020 General Principles.

a. Regulatory Scope. This article regulates signs on City property, regulates signs, as defined herein, which are located on or displayed from private property located within the City, as well as signs located on public property owned by public agencies other than the City over which the City has land use regulatory authority.

b. Owner’s Consent. No sign may be displayed on private property without the consent of the property owner or person holding the present right of possession and control of the property, except that a landlord’s consent is not required for a tenant to display signs as specified in Civil Code Section 1940.4.

c. Noncommercial Messages. There is no location criterion for noncommercial messages that are protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and/or the corollary provisions of the California Constitution.

d. Message Substitution. Any constitutionally protected noncommercial message may be substituted for any duly permitted or allowed commercial message or any duly permitted or allowed noncommercial message; provided, that the sign structure or mounting device is legal without consideration of message content. Such substitution of message may be made without any additional approval or permitting.

e. Permit Generally Required. Unless exempted from the sign permit requirement, all signs shall be installed or displayed only pursuant to a sign permit issued by the City. It is unlawful for any person, association, corporation or other entity to erect in any manner within the City a sign, except in conformance with the provisions of this article and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations, and policies.

f. Discretionary Approvals. Whenever a sign or a proposed sign is subject to any discretionary review, permit or approval, such discretion may be exercised only as to the compatibility of the sign within its location and other structural, architectural and locational factors and consistency with the City’s Design Review Manual in accordance with Article 18-33.

g. Administrator Interpretations. All interpretations of this article shall be exercised in light of message neutrality and message substitution policies. Where a particular type of sign is proposed and the type is neither expressly allowed nor prohibited by this article or whenever a sign does not qualify as a “structure” as defined in the Building Code, as adopted by the City, then the Planning Commission or Director or his/her authorized representative, as applicable, shall approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the application based on the most similar sign type, using physical and structural similarity, that is expressly regulated by this article.

h. Compatibility Factors. In determining compatibility of a sign with its surrounding environment, the following criteria may be considered: (1) style or character of existing improvements upon the site and properties adjacent to the site; (2) visual elements such as construction materials, physical design details and the number and spacing of signs in the area; (3) the sign’s height, size and location, in relation to its proposed location and use; (4) potential effect of the proposed sign on driver and pedestrian safety; (5) potential blocking of view (whole or partial) of a structure or façade or public view of natural, historical or architectural significance; (6) potential obstruction of views of users of adjacent buildings to side yards, front yards, open space or parks; (7) potential negative impact on visual quality of public spaces, including but not limited to recreation facilities, public squares, plazas, courtyards and the like; (8) whether the sign structure will impose an aesthetically foreign or inharmonious element into the existing skyline or local viewscape. In addition, in accordance with Article 18-33, sign review must include evaluation for consistency with certain standards and guidelines contained in the City’s Design Review Manual.

i. Federally Registered Marks. The provisions of this article shall not require alteration of the display of any registered mark or any trademark, service mark, trade name or corporate name that may be associated with or incorporated into a registered mark, where such alteration would require the registered mark to be displayed in a manner differing from the mark as exhibited in the certificate of registration issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. However, the City does have discretion of the size of the display in relation to compatibility factors. It is the responsibility of the applicant to establish that a proposed sign includes a registered mark. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

18-21.030 Permit Application Process.

a. All sign permit applications shall be consistent with the provisions of this article. All signs that are not expressly exempted from the sign permit requirements may be installed, erected or displayed only pursuant to a sign permit. There are three (3) types of sign processes that require City review, including: (1) review of some exempt signs that do not require permits; (2) sign installation permits; and (3) comprehensive sign package permits. The following addresses sign installation and comprehensive sign package permits:

1. Sign Installation Permit and Fee. Application for a sign installation permit may be filed with the City upon forms furnished by the City. The application shall include working drawings and details as described in the City’s sign application checklist as provided and maintained by the Director. Fees commensurate with the costs of processing and reviewing applications and administering this article shall be collected at the time the application is filed in accordance with Article 18-37.

2. Comprehensive Sign Package and Fees. Buildings or building complexes containing three (3) or more uses or separately leasable spaces shall be required to submit a comprehensive sign package to the City on forms furnished by the City prior to the issuance of the first sign permit for the building complex. Such sign package shall include a sign program and other information as described in the City’s comprehensive sign package application checklist as provided and maintained by the Director. Fees commensurate with the costs of processing and reviewing applications and administering this article shall be collected at the time the application is filed in accordance with Article 18-37.

b. Approving Authority. The following persons, departments, advisory or legislative bodies are entitled to approve or deny sign requests as follows:

1. Sign Installation Permit. The Director, or his/her authorized representative, is authorized to issue a sign installation permit if said application complies with the provisions of this article and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, procedures, design guidelines and standards and policies, including all applicable health and safety codes. In accordance with the City’s design review procedures, the sign installation permit may also be subject to review by the Design Review Committee and/or the Planning Commission. The Director or authorized representative may also refer sign installation permit to the Planning Commission if he/she finds that the proposal may conflict with the purposes and criteria set forth in this article. The Design Review Committee, Planning Commission or Director or authorized representative, as the case may be, may approve a sign installation permit if, on the basis of the application, plans, materials and testimony submitted, it finds:

(a) The proposed sign(s) conforms to the criteria set forth in this article;

(b) The proposed sign(s) is/are compatible with other signs on the site and in the vicinity;

(c) The proposed sign(s) will not adversely impact traffic circulation in adjacent right-of-way or create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic;

(d) The proposed sign(s) will not have an adverse visual impact on adjoining land uses; and

(e) The proposed sign(s) is consistent with the Design Review Manual in accordance with Article 18-33.

The Director or authorized representative may approve a sign installation permit application subject to such conditions, modifications or limitations as the Committee and/or Commission deems appropriate to carry out the purposes and goals of this article.

2. Comprehensive Sign Package. The Director or authorized representative shall consider and either approve or deny comprehensive sign packages according to the provisions of this article and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies, including all applicable health and safety codes. The Director or authorized representative may approve a comprehensive sign package application subject to such conditions, modifications or limitations as the Director or authorized representative deems appropriate to carry out the purposes and goals of this article. In accordance with the City’s design review procedures, the comprehensive sign package may be subject to review by the Design Review Committee and/or the Planning Commission. The Director or authorized representative may also refer comprehensive sign packages to the Design Review Committee and/or Planning Commission if he/she finds that the proposal may conflict with the purposes and criteria set forth in this article. The Design Review Committee, Planning Commission or Director or authorized representative, as the case may be, may approve a comprehensive sign package if, on the basis of the application, plans, materials and testimony submitted, it finds:

(a) The proposed sign(s) conforms with the criteria set forth in this article;

(b) The proposed sign(s) is/are compatible with other signs on the site and in the vicinity;

(c) The proposed sign(s) will not adversely impact traffic circulation in adjacent right-of-way or create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic;

(d) The proposed sign(s) will not have an adverse visual impact on adjoining land uses; and

(e) The proposed sign(s) is/are consistent with the Design Review Manual in accordance with Article 18-33.

3. Time Required Between Substantially Similar Applications. In accordance with Article 18-34, the City shall not accept any application that is substantially similar to an application that was denied within the six (6) months from the date the application is denied.

4. Public Hearing Process. Any application for a sign installation permit or comprehensive sign package which was denied is appealable in accordance with the provisions in Article 18-36.

5. Installation and Expiration. Signs shall be installed substantially consistent with the plans approved by the approval authority within six (6) months of the approval or the sign approval will be deemed to have expired and become null and void. Prior to sign installation, a sign building permit shall be obtained as required by the Uniform Sign Code and/or related City regulations. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

18-21.040 General Regulations.

a. Sign Installation and Maintenance. The installation of signs and their supports shall be in accordance with applicable provisions of the California Building Standards Code, as adopted and applied by the City pursuant to Section 9-1.4 and the California Electrical Code, as adopted, and other applicable codes, statutes, ordinances and regulations. The owner of any parcel on which a sign is located shall properly maintain, or cause to be maintained, in good condition and repair every sign and its parts, structure, supports and surrounding landscape areas, if any.

b. Exempt Signs. An exemption from a sign installation permit or comprehensive sign package shall not be deemed to grant authorization for the installation of any sign not in compliance with all requirements of this article or consistent with the Design Review Manual, nor any provisions of the codes of the City. All signs that have an electrical system shall require an electrical permit issued by the Building Department. Some signs that may qualify to be exempt from permit requirements may be subject to approval by the Director. However, if after initial review of a sign that may be listed as exempt, the sign is found not to be in compliance with this article and/or not consistent with the Design Review Manual, the Director may qualify the sign as subject to a sign installation permit. Signs that have been deemed subject to a sign installation permit are then subject to all provisions of Section 18-21.030. Sign types that are generally exempt from the sign permit requirement, but are still subject to all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and approvals are as shown below in Table 28:

Description of Sign			Subject to Director Approval	No Clearance Required
1.	Temporary signs (see Section 18-21.080)		X
2.	Window signs (see Section 18-21.060(a)(4))		X
3.	Feather banners (see Section 18-21.060(a)(8))		X
4.	Commercial mascots (see Section 18-21.060(a)(9))			X
5.	Address numerals and other such devices not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing only property numbers, post box number, names of occupants or other similar identification on a site.			X
6.	Official flags of national, state or local governments or nationally recognized fraternal, public service or religious organizations, provided the length of the flag shall not exceed one-fourth the height of the flagpole and the flag is not used for commercial advertising.			X
7.	Legal notices, identification, informational or directional/traffic controlling devices erected or required by government agencies.			X
8.	Decorative or architectural features of buildings, (not including lettering or trademarks or moving parts) which do not perform a communicative function (examples include color stripes around an office building or retail store).		X
9.	Holiday and cultural observance decorations displayed in season, including inflatable objects, on private residential property which are on display for no more than 45 calendar days per year (cumulative, per dwelling unit) and which do not include commercial messages.			X
10.	Aerial banners towed behind aircraft.			X
11.	Kiosks, including automated teller machines (ATMs), when not used for general advertising.		X
12.	Historical monuments, plaques and tablets.			X
13.	Signs or displays located entirely inside of a structure and not clearly visible from public view.			X
14.	California State Lottery signs, approved by the Lottery Commission for display by lottery game retailers, in accordance with the California Government Code.			X
15.	Symbols embedded in architecture: symbols of noncommercial organizations or concepts, including but not limited to religious or political symbols, when such are permanently integrated into the structure of a permanent building which is otherwise legal; by way of example and not limitation, such symbols include stained glass windows on churches, carved or bas-relief doors or walls, bells and religious statuary.			X
16.	Directional signs less than 4 square feet in size.			X
17.	Accessory signs not exceeding 4 square feet in area within non-residential zones.			X
18.	Real estate signs.			X
	a.	Residential Zones. One nonilluminated real estate sign not more than 8 square feet in area, including riders, advertising, the lease, rent or sale of a parcel or structure, may be located on the property it advertises.
	b.	Nonresidential Zones. One nonilluminated real estate sign not more than 32 square feet, with a maximum height for freestanding signs of 8 feet, for each parcel street frontage.
19.	Subject to the provisions of Section 18-21.120 regarding signs on public property, government signs posted by the City on City property to express its own message(s) to the public; traffic control and traffic directional signs erected by the City or other governmental entity; official notices required or authorized by law or court order; signs placed in furtherance of the City’s governmental functions.			X
20.	Grave markers, gravestones, headstones, mausoleums, shrines and other markers of the deceased.			X
21.	Subject to the provisions of Section 18-21.120 regarding signs on public property, “picketing,” the personal carrying of signs displaying protected noncommercial speech messages, is allowed in traditional public forum areas, except in the roadway when it is open to normal vehicular traffic; picketers may not interfere with public ingress or egress or free use of sidewalks or public rights-of-way. For safety reasons, picketing is allowed from sunrise until 10:00 p.m. In order to serve the City’s interests in traffic flow and safety, persons displaying signs under this section may not stand in any vehicular traffic lane when a roadway is open for use by vehicles and persons displaying signs on public sidewalks must give at least 3 feet width clearance for pedestrians to pass by. Persons holding signs may not block the view within the clear corner area.			X
22.	Fuel pump accessory signs that do not exceed 4 square feet for each side of a pump.			X
23.	Gas station island advertising signs that do not exceed 8 square feet for each side of a gas island.			X
24.	Menu signs that do not exceed 12 square feet for each drive-through lane.			X
25.	Gas station price signs required by State law, not exceeding the number and area required by State law and subject to review by the City.		X
26.	Wall or freestanding signs not exceeding 10 square feet each for sales of food sales from produce primarily grown on the same site.			X
27.	A-frame or T-frame signs in commercial zones that comply with Section 18-21.060(a)(7).			X
28.	Replacement or change of a changeable copy sign.		X
29.	Small off-site signs on vehicles in all nonresidential zones in the City, subject to the following conditions and regulations:			X
	a.	Signs shall be painted on, placed on or affixed to a vehicle. No more than one sign per location permitted.
	b.	Signs shall be placed only on operable vehicles with current California Department of Motor Vehicles registration.
	c.	No sign shall exceed 32 square feet in size. Double-sided signs shall be permitted, in which case each side shall not exceed 32 square feet in size.
	d.	All vehicles with signs parked in the City shall comply with all applicable State and City vehicle stopping and parking regulations.
	e.	No vehicle with a sign permitted by this section shall be parked in any manner that the vehicle or sign or both will or reasonably may be expected to: (a) obstruct the free flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic; (b) obstruct the view of motorists and/or pedestrians; (c) obstruct the view of or conflict with any traffic sign, signal or device; or (d) otherwise be detrimental to public safety.

1. Types of Prohibited Signs. All signs not expressly allowed by this article shall be prohibited.

2. Examples of Prohibited Signs. Examples of prohibited signs include the following:

(a) Flashing, rotating, moving, blinking, reflecting and/or fluorescent painted signs or signs which emit smoke, fumes, flashes, sparks or sound.

(b) Signs on trees, shrubs, stones, fences or utility poles.

(c) Any sign erected in such a manner that it will or reasonably may be expected to obstruct the view of or conflict with any traffic sign, signal or device, obstruct the view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic or otherwise be detrimental to public safety.

(d) Animated signs, including electronic message display signs and variable intensity, blinking or flashing signs, balloons, inflatable signs or other similar attention-getting devices or signs that emit a varying intensity of light or color (except for commercial mascot signs).

(e) Roof signs, excepting therefrom signs permitted explicitly in this chapter.

(f) Abandoned signs.

(g) Illegal signs.

(h) Signs displayed without permission of owner or lessee.

(i) Signs that are hazardous or unsafe by virtue of their physical condition.

(j) Search lights used for advertising or attention getting.

(k) Signs that are activated by air, forced air, forced gas or wind.

(l) Signs that interrupt or encroach into the corner clear zone.

(m) Private party signs placed on City property without consent.

(n) Digital display/electronic message signs, excepting therefrom signs permitted explicitly in this chapter.

(o) Flags, except as specifically allowed under Section 18-21.080.

(p) Inflatable or tethered signs or devices.

(q) Obscene signs, such as graphic images of human anatomical areas or specified sexual activities as more completely described in Section 18-19.160.

(r) Off-premises signs, except as permitted under the provisions of this section.

(s) Except for cannabis dispensaries and cannabis microbusinesses, which shall have a sign program approved as a component of a use permit for the microbusiness, there shall be no signage or markings on the premises or off site which in any way evidence that commercial cannabis operations are occurring on the property. Interior building signage is permissible provided the signage is not visible outside of the building.

d. Illumination of Signs. Sign illumination shall be from an interior light source contained within the sign cabinet. Indirect exterior illumination shall be permitted provided the light source is entirely shielded from view. Such signs shall comply with the following provisions:

1. No sign shall be illuminated by an exposed light source visible from any public street or residential property. Neon tubing shall be allowed on a limited basis, subject to Director or authorized representative approval, if it is made an integral part of the sign design and computed within the sign area.

2. No sign shall employ the use of mirrors or any other highly reflective surfaces so as to direct or reflect any natural or artificial light onto any public right-of-way or adjoining property.

3. Halo or back lighting shall not count toward the total sign area.

4. The light illuminating a sign shall not be of a brightness or intensity that will interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of residential properties. Refer to Section 18-20.120 for specific sign illumination requirements.

5. Sign illumination shall not blink, flash, flutter or change light brightness, color or intensity.

6. Permanently installed illuminated panels, visible tubing and strings of lights outlining all or a portion of a structure, other than lighting that is primarily for indirectly illuminating architectural features, signs or landscaping, shall be deemed “signs” subject to this article and shall be counted as part of the allowed maximum sign area. Each line of tubing or lights shall be deemed to have a minimum width of at least six (6") inches for the purpose of calculating sign area.

7. Neon lighting tubing for signs or architectural elements shall be allowed in commercial zones only.

8. Neon tubing shall not exceed one-half (1/2") inch in diameter.

9. Neon signs and linear tubing shall be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed with a maximum thirty (30) milliamps per circuit and be designed to accommodate a dimmer in order to reduce the brightness of the neon.

1. Each sign and supporting hardware, including temporary signs, shall be maintained in good repair and functioning properly at all times.

2. A repair to a sign shall be of equal or better quality of materials and design as the original sign.

3. A sign that is not properly maintained and is dilapidated and has been deemed a public nuisance and may be abated in compliance with this Code.

4. When an existing sign is removed or replaced, all brackets, poles and other supports that are no longer required shall be removed.

5. Unpainted areas of a sign and supporting structure and hardware shall be painted to match the adjacent portion of the structure or the sign support structure.

f. Sign Relocation. A permanent sign may be relocated only pursuant to a new permit. Relocated signs must comply with all rules that apply to the new location.

g. Flags. Flags are considered signage meeting the definition of “flag” in Article 18-45. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

18-21.050 Signs in Residential and Agricultural Zones.

a. Signage for Residential Uses. Signage for residential uses is allowed, unless specifically prohibited by this chapter, if complying with the following standards:

1. Signs on Single- and Multifamily Residences (Individual Dwelling Units). Single-family residential units may display signs as stated in this section, subject to the rules stated in this section.

(a) Sign Area. At all times, the total display area of all signs shall not exceed five (5) square feet; in the case of freestanding signs, area shall be measured on all sides and shall count separately. However, during the pre-election period, this allowable display area may be increased by eight (8) square feet.

(b) Height. Signs in the corner clear zone shall not exceed thirty (30") inches in height and shall not create a traffic sight obstruction or other traffic or pedestrian hazard.

(d) Location. Not on public property or public right-of-way or mounted on utility structures or poles or trees or vegetation.

(e) Prohibited Signs. A-frame signs, digital displays, interior illuminated signs, feather banners and roof signs are prohibited in residential zones.

2. Project Entrance Signs. New housing developments may display signs as authorized by this section, subject to the rules stated in this section. The signs authorized by this section are in addition to those authorized for individual dwelling units.

(a) Number of Signs. Two (2) signs per each main vehicular traffic entrance. The signs must be placed within a maintained landscaped area within an acceptable easement or open space lot authorized for signage.

(b) Location. Near the main entrance to the project, on private land. The signs must be placed at the main street intersection of the major entrances to the project in such a location as to not obstruct sight distance. Signs may not be located within a public right-of-way. Signs located in the corner clear zone shall not exceed thirty (30") inches in height, nor create a traffic sight obstruction or other pedestrian or traffic hazard.

3. Tourist-oriented directional signs in compliance with Section 18-21.060(a)(10).

4. Bed and Breakfast Establishment Signs. One (1) noninternally illuminated sign may be erected on the property not to exceed ten (10) square feet in size per street frontage. Lighting level shall comply with City sign regulations for the zoning district. The sign shall complement the nature of the use and shall be architecturally integrated into the architecture of the main building; the sign shall contain no information other than identification of the premises as the named bed and breakfast establishment.

b. Agricultural or Open Space Signs. The following signs are allowed in agricultural or open space zones or easements:

1. Wall Signs. Wall sign area shall not exceed forty (40) square feet.

2. Monument Signs. Monument signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet or five (5') feet in height. Monument signs shall be placed within a landscaped area.

3. Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs. Tourist-oriented directional signs in compliance with Section 18-21.060(a)(10). (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

18-21.060 Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zones.

a. Permanent Signs. The following types of signs may be mounted, erected, installed and displayed on commercial, institutional and industrial uses in the DC, GC, MUX and IN Zones, subject to the rules stated in this section. All commercial messages shall be on site only.

1. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding sign types include pole signs, ground signs or monument signs.

(a) Pole or Ground Signs. A pole or a ground sign may be permitted if all of the following design standards are met:

(1) Frontage Requirement. The site shall have a street frontage of at least two hundred (200') feet.

(2) Number of Signs. The identification of a single use not located within a building complex will be limited to one (1) freestanding pole or ground sign. The identification of uses located within a building complex will be limited to one (1) freestanding pole or ground sign per each one thousand (1,000') feet of street frontage; provided, that complexes with multiple street frontages may be allowed one (1) secondary ground sign with a maximum height of fifteen (15') feet provided the total allowable sign area is not exceeded. No individual use located within a building complex will be permitted to have its own freestanding pole or ground sign. Off-site retail center signs may exceed this requirement.

(3) Sign Area. The total sign area of all freestanding pole or ground signs for a single building or a building complex shall not exceed that shown in Table 29. Off-site retail center signs may exceed this requirement.

Total Building(s) Area (s.f.)	Total Sign Area (s.f.)
0 – 10,000	50
10,001 – 20,000	100
20,001 – 50,000	150
50,001 – 100,000	200
100,001 – 200,000	250
Over 200,000	300 max.

(4) Sign Height. The height of a freestanding pole or ground sign shall not exceed that shown in Table 30.

Total Building(s) Area (s.f.)	Maximum Allowable Height (feet)
0 – 20,000	20
20,001 – 75,000	25
Over 75,000	30
Height Exception	25% increase in height for signs incorporating City logo or City reference on the top section of sign – design subject to approval by the Planning Commission.

(5) Location. Freestanding pole or ground signs shall not be placed within a corner clear zone and shall be located so as to not create a pedestrian or traffic hazard.

(6) Setback. Freestanding pole or ground signs shall be set back a minimum five (5') feet from a street or interior property line and a minimum ten (10') feet from the edge of a driveway.

(7) Readability. Freestanding pole or ground signs shall have a minimum letter size of four (4") inches. Sign copy shall not be located closer than one-half (1/2) of the letter height to the sign edge or other line of copy.

(8) Landscaping. Landscaping with automatic irrigation shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one (1) face of the sign or seventy-five (75) square feet, whichever is greater. For example, a forty (40) square foot sign will need to provide at least eighty (80) square feet of landscaped area. The review authority may waive or modify this requirement on a case-by-case basis to take into account existing site conditions.

(9) Address. Freestanding pole or ground signs shall incorporate the street address to assist emergency response personnel in locating the site.

(b) Monument Signs. Freestanding monument signs may be permitted subject to the following design standards:

(1) Building Complexes. Limited to one (1) monument sign per each one hundred fifty (150') feet of street frontage.

(2) Frontage Requirement. No more than one (1) monument sign shall be allowed per street frontage.

(3) Sign Area. For the purposes of computing the area of a monument sign and to encourage better design, a border or frame shall not be counted as sign area provided such border or frame does not exceed an additional twenty-five (25%) percent of the sign area. The sign area of a monument sign shall not exceed that shown in Table 31:

Total Building(s) Area (s.f.)	Total Sign Area (s.f.)
0 – 10,000	20
10,001 – 25,000	30
Over 25,000	40 max.

(4) Sign Height. No monument sign including a frame, border or base shall exceed six (6') feet in height as measured from existing grade.

(5) Sign Location. A minimum distance of seventy-five (75') feet must be maintained between monument signs. The sign shall be set back a minimum of five (5') feet from a street or interior property line and a minimum of ten (10') feet from the edge of a driveway. The sign shall not be placed within a corner clear zone and shall be located as to not create a pedestrian or traffic hazard. No portion of the sign shall project over public property, vehicular easements or rights-of-way.

(6) Sign Structure. The base of a monument sign shall be designed to be an integral part of the sign design, not merely a support. The base of a monument sign shall be solid.

(7) Address. To assist emergency personnel, monument signs shall incorporate the street address. Numbers shall be a minimum of six (6") inches in height, but may not be included in the calculations for allowed maximum sign area.

(8) Readability. To ensure the readability of the sign, the minimum letter size allowed shall be four (4") inches. Sign copy shall not be located closer than half-letter height to the sign edge or other line of copy.

(9) Landscaping. Landscaping with automatic irrigation shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one (1) face of the monument style sign or seventy-five (75) square feet, whichever is greater. For example, a forty (40) square foot monument sign would need to have at least eighty (80) square feet of landscaping area. The review authority may waive or modify this requirement on a case-by-case basis to take into account existing site conditions.

2. Wall Signs. The following specific design standards shall apply to wall signs:

(a) Sign Area. The maximum size of a wall sign, including a logo, shall be two (2) square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of primary tenant frontage and one-half (1/2) additional square foot for each linear foot of secondary tenant frontage or ten (10%) percent of the area of the building façade on which the sign is mounted or painted, including the area of windows, doors and recesses, whichever is less. The total area of all signs on a primary frontage shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet and total area of all signs on a secondary frontage shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet. Wall signs for second story tenants shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet. Frontage is computed on an individual basis in multitenant buildings. Building frontage shall be measured along that side of the building for which the sign is proposed.

(b) Sign Copy and Readability. Wall signs shall be limited to a maximum of two (2) lines of copy. The maximum letter height and/or sign face height shall be measured as the combination of both lines of copy, including the space between or the distance between the top of the sign face and the bottom of the sign face. To ensure the readability of the sign, the minimum letter size allowed shall be four (4") inches. Sign copy shall not be located closer than one-half (1/2) of the letter height to the sign edge or other line of copy.

(c) Location. The top of the sign shall not project above the intersection of the wall and roof or parapet line. Wall signs shall be limited to two (2) sides of a building.

(d) Projection. A wall sign shall not project more than twelve (12") inches from the surface to which it is attached.

3. Projecting, Canopy or Suspended Signs. The following specific design standards shall apply to projecting, overhead and suspended signs:

(a) Sign Area. A projecting sign shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet. Signs that are suspended from a canopy or other roof structure over the sidewalk or building entrance shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet. Projecting, canopy, and/or suspended signs shall count towards the maximum allowable sign area.

(b) Number of Signs. Only one (1) sign per use is allowed and shall only be allowed if the wall it is projecting from does not have any wall signs. (Exception: If a canopy is over the entrance to a use, a projecting sign may be allowed under the canopy at each entrance provided such sign does not exceed eight (8) square feet and the total projecting signage for the use does not exceed thirty (30) square feet).

(d) Horizontal Distance. The minimum horizontal clearance between a sign and the curb line shall be two (2') feet. The maximum projection over a public sidewalk shall be two-thirds (2/3) of the width of a public sidewalk below or six (6') feet, whichever is less. Any projection over a public right-of-way shall require an encroachment permit.

4. Window Signs. The following specific design standards shall apply to window signs:

(a) Sign Area. Permanent window signs shall not occupy more than fifteen (15%) percent of the total window area. Window sign area shall count towards the maximum allowable sign area.

(b) Sign Location. Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground level and second story of a structure frontage.

(c) Sign Materials. Signs shall consist of individual letters, logos or symbols applied on, stenciled on or etched into the glass surface; however, neon signs with transparent backgrounds may be hung inside the window glass.

5. Directional Signs. Directional signs shall be no more than three (3') feet high and three (3) square feet. They are not limited by number or location.

6. Awning Signs. The following specific design standards apply to awning signs:

(a) Signs on awnings are limited to ground level or second story occupancies only.

(b) Awnings or awning signs shall not be internally illuminated. Direct exterior lighting may be allowed.

7. A-Frame Signs (also T-Frame Type Signs). The following specific standards apply to A-frame and other portable signs:

(a) Sign Area. An A-frame sign must not exceed six (6) square feet in area on each side.

(b) Timing. A-frame signs must be removed at the end of each business day.

(c) Location. A-frame signs must be located at ground level on site of the business and located as closely as possible to the building face so as to leave the maximum available clear area for pedestrian traffic. Signs may not be located in the City street right-of-way, they cannot block the sidewalk or interfere with traffic, either pedestrian or vehicular, and they must be anchored or weighted to keep them safely in place.

(d) Number of Signs. One (1) per business.

8. Feather Banners. Feather banners authorized by this section are in addition to the maximum allowable signage which is otherwise permitted. Feather banners shall be maintained in good condition at all times, without faded, frayed or torn fabric. The following specific standards apply to feather banners:

(a) Location. Feather banners may only be installed on private property and shall not extend over the public right-of-way. Minimum spacing between feather banners shall be eight (8') feet. Signs shall not create a traffic sight obstruction or other pedestrian or traffic hazard and shall comply with applicable engineering design standards.

(b) Height. Maximum height for feather banners shall be the lesser of fifteen (15') feet or the height of the building.

(d) Illumination. Feather banners may not be illuminated.

9. Commercial Mascots. Commercial mascots authorized by this section are in addition to the maximum allowable signage which is otherwise permitted. The following specific standards apply to commercial mascots:

(a) Private Property. No more than one (1) commercial mascot may be allowed on private property per business location only within commercial zones.

(b) Public Property. On public sidewalk areas during the daytime hours between sunrise and sunset, as specified by the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) data. Commercial mascots may not interfere with public ingress or egress or free use of sidewalks or public right-of-way. In order to serve the City’s interests in traffic flow and safety, persons displaying signs on public sidewalks must give at least three (3') feet width clearance for pedestrians to pass by. Persons holding signs may not block the view within the clear corner area. No more than one (1) commercial mascot shall be allowed to occupy a street intersection corner area. No more than one (1) commercial mascot shall be allowed for each business and the business must be within three hundred (300') feet from the location where the commercial mascot is performing. A ten (10') foot minimum separation shall be maintained between commercial mascots. The total sign area displayed shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet. Sign display exhibits involving airborne signage shall not be permitted.

10. Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs. Tourist-oriented directional signs are allowed in all zones subject to a use permit from the Planning Commission and subject to the following requirements:

(a) The signs shall be smaller in size, each not exceeding five (5) square feet in area.

(b) The signs shall be nonilluminated in order to be compatible with their generally rural surroundings.

(d) The signs shall be subject to the issuance of an encroachment permit.

11. Off-Site Retail Center Signs. Additional off-site freestanding signs for providing improved visibility for retail centers located within five hundred (500') feet of the retail center premises off site may be allowed in all zones subject to a use permit from the Planning Commission and subject to the following requirements:

(a) Maximum size, height and design of signs shall comply with Tables 29 and 30 of this article.

(b) Property owner shall approve of the sign. This shall include a covenant on the property, that includes the City, that can transfer ownership and long term maintenance of the sign. An agreement or other system shall be provided to ensure proper maintenance of the sign and any accompanying landscaping.

(c) Prior to installation, a bond or other financial security approved by the Director shall be posted with the City for the total cost of removal and disposal of the sign if it becomes nonconforming in accordance with Section 18-21.110.

(d) The sign may only identify the retail center and related businesses that occupy the retail center which it is intended to identify except for minor identification of events to be held at the retail center or to identify City and other public events that may be approved by the Director.

(e) If the sign is located near Highway 53, within Caltrans jurisdictional area, the sign review and installation shall be subject to the provisions of the Outdoor Advertising Act (Business and Professions Code Sections 5200 through 5486), and no sign permit shall be issued until after any necessary permit has been issued by the Director of Transportation of the State of California or his/her authorized agent.

12. Message Center Signs. Message center signs may be approved in all mixed-use and nonresidential zones subject to design review approval and subject to certain performance standards. Message center signs may also be approved with a use permit issued by the Planning Commission in any residential zone, also subject to the certain performance standards as provided as follows:

(a) If the sign includes any illuminated features it shall comply with the following standards:

(1) The lighting shall not shine onto a street in such a way as to threaten to cause distractions or glare for passing motorists.

(2) All light sources shall be directed or covered with a translucent cover or other suitable measure to prevent the actual source of the lighting (such as the filament of an incandescent bulb) from being visible from another lot or a street.

(3) In residential zones, the sign shall incorporate measures to minimize the production of glare that is perceptible beyond the property line of the lot on which the operation is situated, through the use of shielding, luminaire reflectors or other suitable measures minimizing the intensity of lighting. No more than one-half (1/2) footcandle of light from lighting or signs shall fall upon any residentially used lot between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(b) If the sign contains any digital display it shall comply with the following standards:

(1) The message displayed shall be static and nonanimated and shall remain fixed for a minimum of ten (10) seconds. Fading or dissolving images are permitted.

(2) It shall not display any message that moves, appears to move, scrolls, or changes in intensity during the fixed display period.

(3) The transition time between changes in the sign face or message shall be less than one (1) second.

(4) It must be equipped with brightness controls which shall be used to reduce the intensity of the light based on outside ambient light levels.

(5) It shall include an automatic shut-off system in case of failure.

(6) The digital LED display shall not have lighting that would compete with or distract from traffic signal lighting. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

18-21.070 Highway-Oriented Signs.

Off-site signs other than tourist-oriented directional, retail center, and City entry signs are prohibited. Highway-oriented signs may only be allowed with a sign installation permit subject to approval of a use permit by the Planning Commission. If the highway-oriented sign is subject to the provisions of the Outdoor Advertising Act (Business and Professions Code Sections 5200 through 5486), no sign permit shall be issued until after any necessary permit has been issued by the Director of Transportation of the State of California or his/her authorized agent. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

18-21.080 Temporary Signs.

Temporary signs authorized by this section are in addition to the maximum allowable signage which is otherwise allowed for signage on a site or residential lot and are subject to the following requirements:

a. Height. Maximum height for freestanding temporary signs is five (5') feet.

b. Number of Signs. Unless otherwise stated, the maximum number of separate temporary signs is four (4) within commercial, institutional or industrial zones and two (2) within residential, agricultural or open space zones.

c. Location. Signs shall not be located on public property. Signs in the corner clear zone shall not exceed thirty (30") inches in height and shall not create a traffic sight obstruction hazard. Temporary signs shall not be posted on any tree, bush or other vegetation.

1. Nonresidential Zones. Temporary commercial message signs may be displayed for up to three (3) separate periods per calendar year from one (1) to fifteen (15) days each period, per use. For building complexes, the combined number of temporary sign display periods shall not exceed five (5) per calendar year. Temporary sign display time periods may be combined consecutively on a site to allow for a total of up to forty-five (45) consecutive days of temporary sign display (up to seventy-five (75) consecutive days for building complexes).

2. Residential, Agricultural, Open Space Zones. Temporary commercial message signs may be displayed for up to three (3) separate periods per calendar year from one (1) to fifteen (15) days each period, per each lot. Temporary sign display time periods may be combined consecutively on a lot to allow for a total of up to forty-five (45) consecutive days of temporary sign display.

3. Temporary Signs Displaying Protected Noncommercial Speech. Temporary signage used to display protected noncommercial speech is allowed at all times; however, the sum of commercial and noncommercial speech temporary sign display area(s) at any given point shall not exceed the maximum area permitted within the zone it is located. During the election period, temporary noncommercial display area allowances may be increased to permit an unlimited number of signs. Sign area for these signs shall be limited to sixteen (16) square feet per sign for commercial and industrial zones and eight (8) square feet per sign within residential, agricultural or open space zones.

(a) Exceeding Time Allowance. If the duration of temporary sign display of commercial messages exceeds the applicable maximum time period for temporary signs, then the sign shall be deemed permanent and the area thereof shall be counted against the allowable area for permanent signage for the site or lot. A sign permit must be obtained or the sign must be removed.

1. Commercial, Institutional or Industrial Uses. The maximum allowable temporary sign area for a site, per time period, is the same as the allowable wall sign area. For the purposes of temporary sign area computation, the area of pennants, flags, streamers, whirligigs and similar attention-getting devices not displaying written messages shall not be included.

2. Residential, Agricultural and Open Space Zones. The maximum allowable temporary sign area is eight (8) square feet. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

18-21.090 Murals.

Murals shall be reviewed by the Director. The Director may refer mural applications to the Planning Commission for consideration. The application shall include a detailed drawing or sketch of the mural plus other details as prescribed on the application.

a. In approving or denying the proposed mural, the Director shall consider the extent to which the proposal fulfills the following standards:

1. The mural shall demonstrate superior artistic quality or theme as opposed to direct or indirect illustrative advertising.

2. The mural or graphic shall be designed to enhance or distinguish the architectural features of the structure on which it is placed.

3. The design and colors used shall be harmonious with the surrounding environment and shall not be used for the exclusive purpose of calling attention to the mural or graphic.

4. The mural shall not have an adverse impact on the safe and efficient movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

5. The proposed mural, by its design, construction and location, will not have a substantial adverse effect on abutting property or the permitted use thereof and will contribute to the City’s unique character and quality of life.

6. The paint to be used and applied shall be appropriate for use in an outdoor locale, for an artistic rendition and shall be of a permanent, long-lasting variety. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

18-21.100 Enforcement.

a. Any sign installed contrary to the provisions of this article shall be unlawful and a public nuisance, which nuisance may be abated by the City and the cost of abatement shall be made a lien or special assessment against the property upon which the sign is located. The City may order a sign removed from the public right-of-way at any time at no cost to the City for purposes of utilizing the right-of-way for any public purpose. In the event of emergencies or urgent circumstances, the Code Enforcement Officer may summarily remove a sign located in the public right-of-way without notice.

b. With the consent of the owner or occupier of any building, structure or premises or under an inspection warrant and upon prior notice to the owner of the subject property, the Code Enforcement Officer may enter at all reasonable times any building, structure or premises in the City to investigate all purported violations of this chapter and to otherwise take such measures as are necessary and expedient to enforce and secure compliance with the provisions of this chapter and to perform any duty imposed by this chapter.

c. Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to the penalties provided in Article 18-44 (Enforcement). Such person, firm or corporation shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person, firm or corporation and shall be punishable as provided in this section.

d. The remedies provided for in this article shall be cumulative and not exclusive. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

18-21.110 Nonconforming Signs.

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of this section to encourage and promote compliance of existing signs with the provisions of this article and the eventual elimination of nonconforming signs. The achievement of full compliance of all signs with the provisions of this article is as important as the prohibition of new signs that would violate these regulations. If the sign is one defined by the Outdoor Advertising Act, Section 5499.1, it shall be abated following notice and hearing procedures required by Section 5499.1 et seq. of the Business and Professions Code.

b. Legal Nonconforming Signs. Every on-site sign becoming nonconforming as a result of this article shall not be required to be removed, except as provided for in California Business and Professions Code Sections 5492, 5493, 5495 and 5497. An existing sign which was constructed in accordance with the ordinances and other applicable laws in effect on the date of construction and has a current and valid sign permit but becomes nonconforming by adoption of this article or other regulation will be allowed to remain unless any of the following occurs:

1. The sign structure is altered which makes the sign less in compliance with the requirements of this Code than it was before the alteration;

2. The sign structure is relocated to a different location on the site or lot, making it less in compliance with the requirements of this Code; or

3. The sign or sign structure is replaced (excluding change of copy).

Upon the occurrence of any one (1) of subsection (b)(1), (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section, the sign shall be immediately brought into compliance with this Code with a new permit secured or shall be removed in accordance with the City’s nuisance abatement procedures.

c. Sign Removal. Every legal off-site sign becoming nonconforming as a result of this article may be removed in accordance with the provisions of California Business and Professions Code Sections 5412, 5412.1, 5412.2 and 5412.3. All illegal signs listed below shall be removed in accordance with the City’s nuisance abatement procedures:

1. A sign which was legal but nonconforming that becomes illegal and nonconforming by the occurrence of subsection (b)(1), (b)(2) or (b)(3) of this section.

2. Any illegal sign.

3. An abandoned sign.

4. A display existing without permission of owner or lessee.

d. Identification and Inventory. As often as may be desirable, but no less frequently than required by State law, the Director or authorized representative shall authorize an identification and inventory of all illegal and abandoned signs within the City in accordance with the requirements of State law. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

18-21.120 Signs on Public Property.

a. In adopting this section, the City Council acts in its proprietary capacity as to City property. This section states City policies and rules for the display of signs on City property.

b. Intent as to Public Forum. The City declares its intent that all public property shall not function as a designated public forum for sign display, unless some specific portion of public property is designated herein as a public forum of one (1) particular type; in such case the declaration as to public forum type shall apply strictly and only to the specified area and the specified time period.

c. General Prohibition. Unless a specified sign type is exempt from the permit requirement, private persons may display signs on public property only after obtaining a sign permit. Any permit application which is denied may be appealed in the same manner as described in Article 18-36.

d. Temporary Inanimate Signs in the Public Right-of-Way. Temporary signs displaying any type or variety of constitutionally protected noncommercial speech may be displayed by private persons up to thirty (30) days prior and five (5) days after any official local, state, regional or national authorized election. Such sign display by private persons is subject to a sign permit and the following rules:

1. Sign Area. The maximum allowable sign area is six (6) square feet per sign (measured on both sides).

2. Height. Maximum height of freestanding signs is five (5') feet.

3. Posting on Structures. All signage within the public right-of- way shall be self-supporting and freestanding. No temporary sign shall be posted on any streetlight, utility pole, post, pole or structure supporting a traffic control sign or signal, fire hydrant or similar structures in the public right-of-way.

4. Safety of Placement. Temporary signs posted in the public right-of-way shall meet the following criteria:

(a) When located in the corner clear zone, the sign shall not exceed thirty (30") inches in height.

(b) Signs shall not obstruct a motorist’s view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, traffic-control signs or signals or otherwise represent a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

(d) Signs shall be securely affixed to the property on which they are placed.

(e) Signs shall not be placed in the center of public roadway or medians.

5. Sign Removal. Temporary signs shall be removed from the public right-of-way not later than the removal date indicated in the sign permit application. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))