A.

Short Title. This section may be referred to as the sign regulations of the city.

B.

Purpose. Recognizing that Coachella is a growing and dynamic city, the city council finds that proper sign control is necessary to create and maintain aesthetic values which will benefit both residents and merchants who operate in the city. A sign ordinance provides equitable standards for all businesses to identify the location of goods and services.

One main identification sign shall be allowed in conjunction with accessory/convenience signs as necessary. Therefore the purpose of this chapter is to provide standards to safeguard life, health, property and the public welfare and to provide the means for adequate identification of businesses and other sign users by regulating and controlling the design, location, and maintenance of all signs in the city.

All signs and sign programs shall be subject to review and approval pursuant to this section unless exempted by this chapter. Review and approval shall include but not be limited to the following:

1.

Sign placement;

2.

Color;

3.

Architectural integrity;

4.

Legibility;

5.

Size and scale; and

6.

Illumination.

C.

Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to this section unless another meaning is clearly apparent from the context. Definitions in Section 17.06.020 of the city zoning ordinance shall also apply.

"Abandoned sign" means a sign, along with its supports, which no longer directs, advertises or identifies a legal business establishment, product or activity on the premises where such sign is displayed.

"Abatement" means elimination and removal of any sign in violation of Coachella Sign Ordinance.

"Affixed" means to be attached in any manner, including, but not limited to, adhesive substances or suction, or to be touching in any way, especially leaning against.

"Amortization" as pertaining to the city sign ordinance, amortization means the gradual extinction of nonconforming signs.

"Animated sign" means any sign which is designed to give a message through a sequence of progressive changes of parts or lights or degree of lighting.

"Attraction board" means any sign which provides for changeable letters, numbers or symbols.

"Banners" means A sign composed of lightweight material either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame.

"Billboard." Please refer to of this code.

"Building frontage" means the linear length of a building facing a public street, pedestrian mall, or parking lot.

"Canopy" means a permanent roof-like shelter extending from part or all of a building face and constructed of some durable material which may or may not project over a public right-of-way.

"Center identification sign" means a sign identifying a center or complex. For purposes of this section a center or complex shall be defined as a group of two or more major retail, wholesale, industrial or professional uses utilizing common facilities including off-street parking, access, and landscaping, not necessarily under single ownership.

"Directory" means a sign identifying and locating residential, business or industrial uses within a building, subdivision, planned development, center or complex.

"Entertainment board" means any assemblage of verbiage, designed to advertise current or coming entertainment scheduled to occur on the premises. Also attraction board.

"Freestanding sign" means any sign supported by a structure other than a building or wall.

"Highway/freeway oriented uses" means any facility or group of facilities which as their primary purpose cater to the nonresident, traveling public, on Interstate 10 Freeway or Highway 111 and 86.

"Home occupations" means those occupations which may be conducted in a residential zone in such a manner as to be compatible with, and not disruptive in residential neighborhoods. (See Section 17.58.010 of the zoning ordinance)

"Main sign" means the largest single permitted sign on a property.

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

"Marquee sign" means any sign attached to, in any manner, or made a part of a marquee.

"Mobile sign" means any permanent or temporary painted sign or marquee sign mounted on a trailer or on portable supports.

"Monument sign" means a low-profile free-standing sign incorporating the design and materials accenting the architectural theme of the buildings on the same property. All such signs shall be subject to architectural and site plan review by the planning commission.

"Multi-tenanted building" means a building containing more than one individual business within a shopping, professional or industrial complex.

"Nightclub" means a place of entertainment serving food and beverages having a floor show and/or providing music for dancing. For the purposes of this section, cabarets and discotheques shall be considered night clubs.

"Nonconforming sign" means a sign lawfully erected and legally existing at the time of the effective date of an ordinance, but which does not conform to the new provisions of said code.

"Off-site sign" is also known as off-premises billboards and poster panels. Any sign which advertises goods, products, services or facilities not necessarily sold on the premises on which the sign is located.

"Political sign" means any sign whose content addresses a government issue or the name of a person seeking a government office. (Please refer to Section 2.08.060, Political sign regulations, of this code.)

"Portable sign" means any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A-or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons or umbrellas used as signs; signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless the vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operation of the business.

"Projecting sign" means an on-site sign other than a wall sign suspended from or supported by a building or structure and projecting out at any angle to the plane of the wall or structure.

"Real estate sign" means a temporary on-site sign placed upon property for the purpose of advertising to the public the sale, lease or rent of said property.

"Readerboard" means a sign having changeable copy used to announce a coming event or attraction or used to convey a specific message related to the building or use of the property on which the readerboard sign is located. Also see attraction board, entertainment board.

"Restricted/limited access residential complex" means any residential complex that controls vehicular/pedestrian entry to the complex by virtue of wall and/or gate design.

"Roof sign" means An on-site sign erected upon or above the roof or parapet of a building or structure.

"Sandwich, "A" frame signs" means a sign comprised of two sign panels joined at the top to form a freestanding temporary sign.

"Sign" means any identification, description, illustration or device illuminated or non-illuminated, which is visible from any public place or is located on private property and exposed to the public and which directs attention to a product, place, activity, person, institution, business, or solicitation with the exception of window display. Any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard, lighting or other item, designed to advertise, identify, or convey information shall be considered a sign. National flags and flags of political subdivisions shall not be construed as signs. An interior unlit sign or graphic, other than sale sign, with letters or numbers less than two inches high per foot of distance from the street front glass shall be exempt from provisions of the chapter. This chapter does not apply to signs located further than three feet from the street front glass.

This definition shall not include official notices issued by any court or public body or officer or directional warning or information sign or structures required by or authorized by law or by federal, state, county or city authority.

"Sign, sale" means any sign, graphic or collage that indicates a sale, by virtue of a special reduction, or percentage reduction, in price of merchandise, including, but not limited to, a dose-out of merchandise, quitting business sale, lost-lease sale, moving sale or overstocked sale.

"Sign area" means the area of a sign without a border placed on the wall of a building shall be computed by enclosing the entire sign within sets of parallel lines touching the outer limits of the sign message and computing the area thus enclosed. Where two faces of a sign are parallel to each other, the sign area shall be one side only, unless otherwise specified.

"Sign program" means design criteria established to guide the design of all signs on a building or complex. Sign programs can, but need not mandate specific elements such as material, color, size, location, lighting, and uniformity. A sign program is intended to coordinate the design of all signs within a project.

"Special event sign" means signs used to promote events granted a temporary special permit by the city council, such as civic, patriotic, or special events of general public interest which take place within the city.

"Temporary sign" means any sign that is used only temporarily and is not permanently mounted.

"Wall sign" means an on-site sign attached to, erected against, or painted onto a wall or a building with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to said wall.

"Window sign" means any sign, pictures, symbol, or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service, that is placed inside a window or upon the window, so as to be visible from the outside.

D.

Exempt Signs.

1.

The following signs shall be exempt from review requirements and shall be permitted subject to the limitations contained in this chapter. A greater number of signs or signs of larger size than specified below shall be prohibited, unless elsewhere specifically permitted subject to the provisions of this section.

a.

Change of copy within an approved comprehensive sign program.

b.

Temporary holiday decorations.

c.

Official and legal notices.

d.

Public utility signs.

e.

Safety signs.

f.

Interior signs.

g.

Directional, warning, or informational signs as required or authorized by law or by any federal, state, county, special district or city authority.

2.

Reserved.

E.

Prohibited Signs. Any sign not specifically authorized by this chapter shall be prohibited unless required by law or utilized by a proper governmental agency. The following signs are expressly prohibited:

1.

Reflecting, Prismatic. Signs which reflect or appear to do any of the foregoing shall be prohibited. Exceptions: flags, banners, pennants, inflatable objects, balloon and time temperature modules are permitted subject to provisions in, subsection I of this section for temporary signs. Exceptions: electronic message board signs (reader boards) may be permitted in the CG zone, on properties with a minimum street frontage of 200 feet, as long as all messages are of a sufficient size and duration so as to be easily readable by the general public traveling by the site. Electronic message board signs shall not include flashing, blinking or scrolling images or messages. Electronic message board signs shall not be placed within 1,000 feet of any other existing electronic message board sign.

2.

Signs on Public Property or Right-of-Way or Attached to Any Public Property. Signs on public property or right-of-way, or attached to any utility pole, tree, traffic sign post, traffic signal, or any other official traffic control device in accordance with Section 21464 of the California Vehicle Code, and within or on any public structure, building or facility whether city hail, park, library, fire or police station or otherwise, except for any city-owned sign, shall be prohibited unless otherwise authorized in this chapter.

3.

Off-Premises Commercial Signs. Any sign which advertises a use not conducted on the premises, or which identifies a product, interest, shall be prohibited unless otherwise authorized herein. (See Chapter 5.48)

4.

Businesses Without Street Frontage. Signs other than those authorized on the multiple tenant identification sign or an approved sign program shall be prohibited for any business without street frontage.

5.

Signs Affixed to Windows or Doors. Any sign, merchandise, or graphic, otherwise affixed to windows or doors, interior or exterior, other than those permitted by this chapter shall be prohibited. Allowable signs affixed to windows shall in no case exceed twenty (20) percent of the occupancy frontage window area.

6.

Imitation of Traffic Signal. No person shall place, maintain or display in view of any street or highway, any sign, signal, or device, which resembles an official traffic sign or signal. Visual obstruction of any official traffic sign or signal is prohibited.

7.

Home Occupation Signs. Signs in residential zones identifying home occupations.

8.

Obscene or Unlawful Signs. Signs displaying obscene, indecent, immoral or unlawful matter are not permitted.

9.

Exterior Merchandise Signs. Signs attached, affixed to or from the interior or exterior of any merchandise or products displayed outside of permanent buildings.

10.

Vehicular Signs. Vehicles of any type or trailers displaying advertising for a business, services, merchandise or products may not be parked adjacent to or along a public right-of-way in such a way as to be used for advertising purposes.

11.

Roof Signs. Signs painted or mounted on a roof, including a mansard roof, are prohibited. Signs that extend above the peak of the roof or the parapet are prohibited. Signs that are mounted on a mansard or other roof type and are not integrated into the design of the building are also prohibited.

12.

Light Bulb Strings. External displays, other than temporary decorative holiday lighting or holiday displays, which consist of unshielded light bulbs, festoons, and/or strings of open light bulbs are prohibited.

13.

Sandwich or "A" Frame Signs. The use of sandwich or "A" frame type signs shall be prohibited.

14.

Residential Signs. Signs for residential uses, such as home occupations and garage sales, in a commercial zone are prohibited.

F.

Permitted Signs. Commercial and industrial business.

1.

Main Signs. The number and area of signs as outlined in this section are intended to be maximum standards and do not necessarily insure architectural compatibility. In addition to the enumerated standards, consideration shall be given to a signs relationship to the overall design of the subject property and the surrounding community.

a.

Sign Area. Each separate business shall have a united sign area. The total sign area shall not exceed two square feet for every linear foot of building frontage on any one side of the business. Frontage may be considered as any one side facing a street or parking lot. As an alternative, the total sign area shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of lot frontage facing one street. The sign area of the main sign and all secondary signs shall not exceed the total allowable sign area. The area of accessory and convenience signs identified in subsection (F)(2) of this section is not counted toward the total sign area.

b.

Number of Signs. Any business with less than one hundred (100) feet of building frontage shall be permitted to have only one sign larger than thirty-two (32) square feet; this sign shall be called the main sign. Other secondary signs may be on the front, sides, or rear of the building so long as no signs are closer than ten (10) feet from each other, with the exception of accessory and convenience signs identified in subsection (F)(2) of this section.

c.

Size of Main Building Signs for Individual Commercial and Industrial Uses. Except as otherwise provided in this section, each separate business shall be limited to one main building sign. Relative thereto, the following provisions shall apply:

i.

Buildings Within One Hundred (100) Feet of Right-of-Way. The maximum area of a main building sign for any business in a building located within one hundred (100) feet of the right-of-way upon which it faces shall be one and one-half square foot of sign area per lineal foot of frontage which the business has facing on a right-of-way, plaza, promenade, arcade, or parking lot (in the case of shopping centers). Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, such signs shall have a surface area not greater than fifty (50) square feet. No such sign shall be closer than ten (10) feet from any other sign permitted herewith. The main sign must be located on the building facing the right-of-way or parking lot from which its maximum allowable size is determined.

ii.

Buildings One Hundred (100) Feet or More From the Right-of-Way. The total aggregate area for a main building sign for any business in a building located one hundred (100) feet or more from any right-of-way upon which it faces shall be the equivalent of one and one-half square feet of sign area per lineal foot of frontage which the building has facing on a right-of-way or parking lot. Except as provided herein, such signs shall have a surface area no greater than seventy-five (75) square feet. No main sign shall be closer than ten (10) feet from any other sign permitted hereunder. The main sign must be located adjacent to the right-of-way or on the building or parking lot from which its maximum allowable size is determined.

iii.

Additional Sign Area For a Single Business in a Building Having Over Fifty (50) Feet of Frontage. A single business having a lineal frontage on any right-of-way in excess of fifty (50) feet shall be entitled to in addition to subsection (F)(1)(c)(i) and (F)(1)(c)(ii) of this section, an additional one square foot of sign area for each four feet of frontage in excess of fifty (50) feet.

iv.

Businesses Not On the Ground Floor. Businesses fronting on a main thoroughfare maintained exclusively on the second floor of a multiple story building shall be entitled to forty (40) percent of the sign area authorized for businesses conducted on the ground floor of the building.

d.

Sign Program for Multi-Tenant Buildings, Parks and Centers. Sign programs, established and approved by the planning commission through the architectural review process, shall be required for all buildings with more than one tenant and for all multi-tenant commercial or industrial parcels, parks or centers. Sign programs shall remain in force until a new program is submitted and approved by the planning commission. Signs within approved sign programs shall be required to obtain permits, submit applicable fees and shall be in conformance with the approved sign program. Sign programs shall integrate with the architecture of the building complex, including such elements as size, color, location, and construction material.

e.

Identification Signs for a Building, Business, or Complex Less Than One Acre. In addition to main building signs allowed under this chapter for individual businesses, a separate sign identifying a building, business, or complex of businesses on less than two and one-half acres of land shall be allowed as part of an approved sign program. This sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet unless no individual tenant signs are included in the sign, in which case the sign area may be based on the frontage formula. Such a sign may be a monument sign or as approved by the planning commission. Such a sign shall not extend beyond the property line, shall not exceed a maximum height of six feet for a monument sign or twelve (12) feet for a freestanding sign, and shall be subject to architectural review and approval by the planning commission.

f.

Main Signs for Commercial and Industrial Centers (More Than One Acre). In addition to the main identification signs allowed under this chapter for individual businesses, shopping centers in excess of two and one-half acres of land shall be allowed one identification sign on each street frontage as part of an approved sign program. Such signs shall not extend beyond the property line or into the right-of-way and shall be used solely to identify the commercial or industrial center. The allowable sign area shall be based on ten (10) square feet of sign per acre to a maximum area of seventy-five (75) square feet per face. Signs shall not exceed a maximum height of six feet for a monument sign or twenty-five (25) feet for a free-standing sign subject to architectural review and planning commission approval.

g.

Major Stores not Having Street Frontage. Retail establishments which have a floor area in excess of forty thousand (40,000) square feet and are so located within a shopping complex that they are not afforded street frontage shall be allowed signs as follows:

(A)

One single face sign per major or secondary street frontage, not to exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in area per store affected. Such sign shall be allowed for no more than two street frontages.

(B)

The location of said signs shall be determined by the planning commission and shall be located in an area which is in accordance with the provisions and intent of this chapter and, in the opinion of the planning commission, in keeping with the architectural design of the shopping center and consistent with the approved sign program for the project.

2.

Accesssory and Convenience Signs for Commercial and Industrial Uses.

a.

Sign for Pedestrian Traffic. Where the principal sign for a business is located so that it cannot be seen by pedestrian traffic, a sign in addition to that otherwise allowed in this section shall be permitted. Such a sign shall be no larger than three square feet and it shall be designed and located so as to not distract from the appearance of the building or violate the intent of this chapter. Signs may be divided on either side of fascia or architectural element.

i.

Tenant spaces on commercial sites located within the boundaries of the Pueblo Viejo Revitalization Plan, may install a 3 square foot accessory projecting sign on a non-occupancy building frontage adjoining a street, subject to an administrative architectural review by the planning director and written approval by the city engineer. A maximum of three (3) projecting signs per site may be allowed on a non-occupancy building frontage. Projecting signs shall have a minimum vertical clearance of ten (10) feet above finished grade at the sidewalk, unless otherwise approved by the planning director and city engineer provided that in no case shall a projecting sign be less than eight (8) feet above sidewalk grade. Accessory projecting signs shall not be internally illuminated. A minimum distance of eight (8) feet shall be required between an accessory projecting sign and any other accessory or main projecting sign.

b.

Customer Convenience Signs. Each individual business shall be permitted the following signs on the entry door, on the building adjacent to the entry door, or inside the glass window nearest to the entry. No permits are required.

i.

Open/Closed Sign. One square foot sign per street entrance. For buildings with multiple entrances on one street, two signs may be permitted if the entrances are no closer than thirty-five (35) linear feet apart.

ii.

Menu/Services, Etc. One sign not more than two square feet in size shall be allowed. Menu boards up to five square feet may be allowed in outdoor: seating area. Drive through menu boards are subject to planning commission approval.

iii.

Hours/Days. Two-inch letter/number height per line.

iv.

Credit Cards/Service Decals. Credit card and other service decals may be displayed in a contiguous one square foot area located behind the glass line.

c.

Pedestrian Sign Directory for Shops within Arcades or Malls. Where a pedestrian arcade or mall has been developed with shops, a sign directory may be allowed which will identify the arcade or mail and each of the shops which do not have frontage on the public right-of-way. The sign complex may be attached to the building or may be free standing. The arcade or mall identification sign shall not be larger than six square feet per side, and the sign for the individual tenants shall be no larger than one and one-half square foot per side.

d.

Listing of Business Associates and/or Sublessees. In addition to the other sign usage authorized herein, each separate business shall be allowed lettering on or behind windows facing the public view indicating the owners, operators or business associates exercising the use, provided that such lettering shall be enclosed within a single area and shall not exceed a total of three square feet. Not more than one such sign shall be permitted per entrance.

e.

Interior Real Estate Office Signs. In addition to the other sign usage authorized in this chapter, real estate offices may use internal display boards not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the window area and not to exceed six feet in height above the sidewalk.

f.

Use of Attraction Boards by Theaters and Entertainment Centers. In addition to the other sign usage authorized in this chapter, businesses which offer entertainment to the public shall be allowed one attraction board to advertise such entertainment. The maximum allowable size for an attraction board shall be twenty-five (25) square feet if it faces the street; and fifteen (15) square feet per face if the sign is at right angles to the street. Multiple theaters may have multiple attraction boards, if the design is compatible with the overall design of the building and/or complex. Showcases may be allowed in addition to an attraction board, if approved as part of the overall design.

3.

Special Provisions.

a.

Freeway and Expressway Signs for Commercial and Industrial Uses. Any commercial or industrial property which is located within one thousand (1,000) feet of the centerline of a freeway or expressway right-of-way may, as part of an approved sign program for the property, erect one freeway-oriented freestanding sign on the property in addition to those signs allowed under subsection F(1) and (2) of this section, under the following conditions:

i.

A freestanding advertising sign is permitted with a maximum height of twenty-five (25) feet and a maximum size of one hundred seventy-five (175) square feet. (For freeway-oriented businesses, defined as those selling food, lodging, and automobile services, and for auto sales businesses, the maximum height is fifty-five (55) feet.)

ii.

A larger or higher freestanding sign is permitted for freeway-oriented businesses based on a flag test and the following conditions:

(A)

The minimum size letter in the test of a sign shall be one foot in vertical or horizontal dimension, and the maximum size letter shall be three feet vertical or horizontal in dimension.

(B)

The text of the sign shall be limited to the name of the owner, name of the business, type of business, and hours and days of operation.

(C)

Signs shall be visible a minimum of three-tenths mile from the point where the off-ramp leaves the freeway to serve the business concerned.

iii.

No signs shall be erected that will obscure another sign when viewed from the freeway;

iv.

No freeway-oriented sign shall be erected that will be closer than one hundred (100) feet from another freeway-oriented sign.

v.

All freestanding signs shall have underground utility service.

vi.

The flag test shall be observed by a member of the community development department and the required fee shall be paid prior to the test.

b.

Gasoline Service Stations.

i.

Gasoline service stations shall be limited to one double-faced sign of an area not to exceed seventy (70) square feet on each side face. A freestanding sign, if approved, shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in height. In addition, one ten-square foot sign fixed flat on the surface of the building shall be allowed. The height of this sign shall not exceed twelve (12) feet.

(A)

Service stations with freeway visibility, refer to subsection (F)(3) of this section.

(B)

Reserved.

ii.

In addition to the signs for public safety and convenience authorized by subsection (F)(2)(b) of this section, the director of community development may authorize and approve instructional or directional signs not to exceed two square feet or directional signs not to exceed two square feet per face when deemed necessary for the convenience of patrons of gasoline service stations.

c.

Gasoline Price Signs.

i.

Nothing in subsection F of this section or in any other provision of this sign chapter relating to rates or prices shall be construed as prohibiting compliance with Section 13531 of the Business and Professions Code of the state of California which relates to the posting of gasoline prices. Any sign, statement or other advertising medium posted or displayed shall conform to all of the requirements of this section. The maximum height of price numerals shall be fourteen (14) inches, except for freeway signs, which may be twenty-four (24) inches. If the height of the price numerals exceeds eight inches, the total area of price information shall be no greater than the business identification on the same sign.

ii.

Reserved.

d.

Special Sign Districts. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the city council from adopting special sign districts as part of a specific plan, redevelopment plan, planned development district or the like when special sign provisions are necessary or appropriate to implement general plan provisions and goals.

G.

Permitted Signs—Apartments, Residential Mobilehome Parks and Other Allowable Uses in Residential Zones. This section shall be applicable to apartments, and residential mobilehome parks in residential zones.

1.

Main Signs.

a.

Single-Family Subdivision. Identification monument sign not exceeding twenty (20) square feet (four feet x five feet maximum) with a five-foot maximum height shall be permitted at the entry way to a single-family subdivision. Such signs shall be subject to all other applicable restrictions of this section.

b.

Apartments and Residential Mobilehome Parks. Identification monument sign of twenty (20) square feet (four feet x five feet maximum) with a five-foot maximum height. Such signs shall be subject to all other applicable restrictions of this section.

c.

Other Uses Allowed in a Residential Zone. Identification monument sign not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area and five feet in height shall be permitted for an authorized use (such as schools, public buildings, parks and playgrounds, licensed commercial day care centers, hospitals, and boarding houses), except that no signs or advertising shall be allowed for home occupations in a residential zone. Such signs shall be subject to all other applicable restrictions of this section.

2.

Special Provisions.

a.

Garage/Yard Sale Signs. All garage/yard sale signs shall conform to the requirements of Chapter 3 of the Coachella Municipal Code.

b.

Reserved.

3.

Prohibited Signs.

a.

Home Occupations in a Residential Zone. No signs or advertising devices shall be displayed on the premises.

No merchandise or articles shall be displayed for advertising purpose, and no merchandise or articles shall be stored other than in the dwelling.

H.

Permitted Signs—Real Estate.

1.

Main Signs.

a.

Sale, Lease or Exchange Signs for a Single-Family Property One Acre or Less in Size. During the period of time when realty is offered for sale, lease, or exchange, and until the close of escrow, one sign so indicating may be located on the property by the owner or his or her authorized agent, subject to the following provisions:

i.

The size of the sign shall not exceed six square feet.

ii.

The overall height of the installed sign shall not exceed four feet from the ground.

iii.

The information displayed on the sign shall include only the following:

(A)

That the property is for sale, lease, or exchange by the owner or his or her agent;

(B)

The owner's or agent's name;

(C)

The owners or agent's address and telephone number;

(D)

Description of the property, including zoning and uses permitted.

b.

Sale, Lease or Exchange Signs. All Properties Except Single-Family Property of One Acre or Less. During the period of time when realty is offered for sale, lease, or exchange, and until the close of escrow, one sign so indicating may be located on the property by the owner or his or her authorized agent, subject to the following provisions:

i.

For properties up to one acre in size one single-or double-faced sign shall be allowed. The sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet including riders, and a maximum height of six feet.

ii.

For properties in excess of one acre in size one single-or double-faced sign shall be allowed. The sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet including riders, and a maximum height of eight feet.

iii.

Properties which front on more than one public right-of-way, and are more than four acres in size, shall be allowed no more than one double-faced sign, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per side and eight feet in height, per right-of-way frontage, as described in subsection (b)(ii) of this section. In no case shall the total number of sale, lease or exchange signs on a single property exceed four double-faced signs.

iv.

When the property abuts a freeway, the height of the sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) feet above the freeway elevation, and the size of the sign shall not exceed one hundred twenty-eight (128) square feet.

v.

Placement of signs larger than thirty-two (32) square feet under this section shall be approved by the community development director or his or her designee.

vi.

Such signs shall not be illuminated.

vii.

The information displayed on the sign shall include only the following:

(A)

That the property is for sale, lease, or exchange by the owner or his or her agent;

(B)

The owner's or agent's name;

(C)

The owner's or agent's address and telephone number;

(D)

Description of the property, including zoning and uses permitted.

c.

Multi-Tenanted Buildings. In addition to the signage allowed under subsection (G)(1)(b) of this section, one sale, lease, or exchange sign shall be permitted for each space or unit in a multi-tenanted building subject to the following provisions:

i.

Such sign shall be placed in a window of the space or if there is no window, adjacent to the door. The sign shall not exceed four square feet.

ii.

The information displayed on the sign shall include only the following:

(A)

That the property is for sale, lease, or exchange by the owner or his or her agent;

(B)

The owner's or agent's name;

(C)

The owner's or address and telephone number; and

(D)

Description of the property, including zoning and uses permitted.

d.

Open House Signs. In addition to the above real estate sale/exchange signs in subsections (H)(1)(a) and (b) of this section, one "open house" sign may be permitted only during the time an owner or owner's agent is on the premises, subject to the following provisions:

i.

Such signs shall be permitted only during the hours from eight a.m. until sunset.

ii.

The size of the sign shall not exceed four square feet.

iii.

The overall height of the installed sign shall not exceed four feet from the ground.

iv.

In addition to the sign on the premises, one additional sign may be placed off-site, with the same size and height restrictions.

e.

Land Subdivision Signs. In lieu of, but not in addition to any other sale, lease, or exchange sign permitted under this chapter, signs advertising land subdivisions shall be permitted upon recordation of the final subdivision map subject to the following provisions:

i.

One double-faced sign as follows:

(A)

The size of the sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per side and eight feet in height.

(B)

Reserved.

ii.

Two single-faced signs as follows:

(A)

The size of each sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet and eight feet in height, and the signs shall be parallel to the street.

(B)

Such signs shall be a minimum of two hundred (200) feet apart and no closer than fifty (50) feet from any street intersection.

iii.

Properties which front on more than one public right-of-way, and are more than four acres in size, shall be allowed no more than one double-faced sign, not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per side and eight feet in height, per right-of-way frontage, as described in subsection (e)(i) of this section. In no case shall the total number of land subdivision signs on a single property exceed four double-faced signs.

iv.

When the property abuts a freeway, the height of the sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) feet, and the size of the sign shall not exceed one hundred twenty-eight (128) square feet.

v.

Placement of signs under this section shall be approved by the community development director.

vi.

Such signs shall not be illuminated.

vii.

Such signs shall be removed when ninety-eight (98) percent of the subdivision is sold.

2.

Special Provisions.

a.

Off-Site Subdivision Sales Signs. Only off-site directional signs which are in conformance with this section may be erected or maintained within the city. Off-site directional signs shall only be permitted for residential subdivisions, public and quasipublic uses or facilities. The following standards shall apply to the construction and installation of off-site directional signs:

i.

The city shall designate an organization for administration of the terms of this section except that the organization shall have no enforcement powers hereunder. The duties of the organization under this section include, but are not limited to, the following:

(A)

Timely, equitable and nondiscriminatory processing of applications to install a directional sign on a kiosk;

(B)

Obtaining sites and approvals for kiosk locations;

(C)

Timely construction and installation of kiosks and directional signs; and

(D)

Maintenance of kiosks, kiosk sites and directional signs in a neat, clean and orderly condition.

ii.

The duties imposed upon the organization pursuant to this section may be exercised by a third party, subject to prior approval of such third party by the planning commission.

iii.

The design of kiosks and directional signs shall be prepared by the organization and submitted to the city for written approval by the planning commission.

iv.

Kiosks and directional signs shall conform to the following general standards:

(A)

Kiosks shall contain no more than eight directional signs per face;

(B)

No kiosk shall have more than one face, except that additional faces, not to exceed three in number, shall be approved for specific locations by the planning commission;

(C)

No kiosk shall exceed six feet in height or four feet in width;

(D)

Directional signs may contain the following information: name of development; applicant logo; and a directional arrow; and

(E)

No tag sign, streamer, device, display board, or other appurtenance shall be added to or placed upon any kiosk. All such additions shall be prohibited.

(F)

Kiosks will be permitted in all land use districts and on private or public property subject in each case to written permission of the owner of such property and subject to written approval of the city. Permission of the property owner for each kiosk site shall be filed with the sign permit application. Approval of the city may be obtained in the following manner:

(1)

By designation as an approved site by the director of planning;

(2)

For kiosks of one face, by the director of planning;

(3)

For kiosks of two or more faces, by the planning commission; and

(4)

For each kiosk location an application for a sign permit shall be submitted along with a site plan showing the proposed location. The kiosk may be installed only following approval of the location, payment of fees, and issuance of a permit.

(G)

All liabilities, costs and expenses arising out of the siting, installation and construction of kiosks and directional signs, and out of administering the provisions of this section, other than enforcement expenses related to violations of this section, shall be borne by the organization. The organization shall enter into an agreement with the city, under which it indemnifies, defends and holds harmless the city, in such form as approved by the director of community development and city attorney, and shall provide public liability insurance in the minimum amount of three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) naming the city as additional insured and in such form and with a company or companies approved by the director of community development and city attorney; and the city . shall have no liability therefore.

(H)

In addition to other penalties provided by law, including those set forth in this section, any directional sign erected, constructed, installed or maintained in violation of this section shall be deemed a public nuisance and may be summarily abated as such by the city.

b.

Bus Stops. Any bus stop established by the regional transit authority may have advertising on the bus stop shelters under an agreement approval by the city council.

I.

Permitted Signs—Temporary.

1.

Construction Signs for Future Buildings.

a.

Projects that have been approved by planning commission but have not been issued building permits, may erect one sign per street frontage advertising their project. The maximum size of the sign is thirty-two (32) square feet. These signs shall be continually maintained in a neat and orderly fashion.

b.

In-lieu of, but not in addition to any other sale, lease or exchange sign permitted under this chapter, sign(s) advertising future buildings may be erected only after a building permit has been issued and shall be subject to the following provisions:

i.

The size of the sign shall not exceed a maximum of thirty-two (32) square feet per street frontage.

ii.

Sign(s) shall be located within subject property lines and shall be parallel to the street.

iii.

All construction or lease potential signs shall be removed at the end of one year from the date of the certificate of occupancy, or when ninety (90) percent of the development is leased, whichever occurs first.

2.

Identification Signs. A temporary identification sign may be permitted for a period of up to thirty (30) days if an application for a permanent sign has been submitted. An extension of time may be granted for an additional thirty (30) days. The size of the sign shall be consistent with the limitations for permanent signs.

3.

Sale Signs. While a sale of goods or services is being conducted, one sale sign is permitted per street frontage. Said sign shall not exceed five square feet per sign per street front. Sale signs shall not require a permit. Notwithstanding the regulations in this subsection, the planning director may allow one temporary promotional sign, attached flat against a building wall, up to twenty (20) square feet in size, subject to obtaining a temporary sign permit, for seasonal sales, promotional sales/service events, and similar advertisements, for a duration not to exceed forty-five (45) consecutive days per quarter, between the period from October 1, 2013 to October 1, 2015.

4.

Grand Opening Signs. A grand opening sign shall be permitted for a new or relocated business within the city. Such signs shall be permitted for twenty-one (21) consecutive days, and shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in size. A permit for such signs shall be required. A banner, balloons, or a paper sign affixed to the inside of the window, may be allowed for this purpose. Notwithstanding the regulations in this section, the planning director may allow one grand opening banner affixed flat against a building wall up to twenty (20) square feet in size, subject to obtaining a temporary sign permit, for up to forty-five (45) days between the period from October 1, 2013 to October 1, 2015.

5.

Balloons and Flags. Balloons and flags are permitted on a temporary basis not to exceed any of the following time limits.

a.

Not more than twenty-one (21) consecutive days (e.g., for grand openings and sales).

b.

Not more than one hundred four (104) days per year (e.g., on Saturdays and Sundays).

c.

Not more than four periods per year that exceed three consecutive days (e.g., sales events).

d.

Portable Signs in Commercial Districts. Notwithstanding the regulations in this subsection, the planning director may allow one feather sign, A-frame sign, single-pole metal sign, or other portable sign per business, up to twenty (20) square feet in size and no more than twelve (12) feet in height. All portable signs shall be designed by a sign professional or contractor and shall provide adequate wind load resistance to the satisfaction of the director. The director reserves the right to consider the total number of signs for any given center. Portable signs are prohibited in the public right-of-way unless an encroachment permit is obtained. All portable signs allowed pursuant to this subsection may be permitted only between the period from October 1, 2013 to October 1, 2015.

6.

Interim Outdoor Display of Merchandise. The planning director may allow one outdoor display of merchandise per business up to ten (10) days per quarter, subject to a written authorization by the director. Outdoor displays shall be limited to an area equal to three feet by twenty-five (25) percent of the business occupancy frontage, or a maximum of fifteen (15) square feet, whichever is less. Outdoor displays shall be no more than five feet in height, and must be removed whenever the business offering the merchandise is closed for business. Outdoor displays shall not obstruct required American Disabilities Act path-of-travel areas. The director reserves the right to restrict outdoor displays in any given center. Outdoor displays proposed in the public right-of-way require an encroachment permit. All outdoor displays allowed pursuant to this subsection may be permitted only between the period from October 1, 2013 to October 1, 2015.

J.

General Provisions. The following general sign usage provisions and regulations shall apply. The additional sign usage authorized hereunder shall be strictly construed in its application.

1.

Procedures.

a.

Compliance with Section—Nuisance—Abatement. The city council hereby determines that the public peace, safety, morals, health, and welfare, require that all signs and advertising structures heretofore constructed or erected in violation of any ordinance of the city in effect at the time such sign was constructed or erected, be and are made subject to the provisions of this section. Such signs shall be made to conform and comply with this chapter as soon as reasonably possible after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. All signs and advertising structures which are not made to conform and comply within a reasonable time shall be and are hereby declared to be public nuisances and may be abate in the manner provided.

b.

Removal and Amortization Schedule. Any sign which is nonconforming to the requirements of this chapter, either by variance previously granted or by conformance to the existing sign regulations at the time the initial permit for said sign was issued, shall either be removed or brought up to code requirements within the period of time prescribed herein dating from the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. Such nonconforming signs shall be abated according to the following schedule. Value of signs shall be determined by the building official after consultation with the sign owner and/or sign manufacturer. Sign valuation and period for removal and/or compliance shall be determined as the effective date of Ordinance 723 (October 1, 1993), or such later date that said sign did or does become nonconforming. Such nonconforming signs shall be abated according to the following schedule:

Abatement Schedule

If an owner believes that additional time is necessary to fairly amortize a sign, the owner may apply to the planning commission for a conditional use permit to extend the life of a sign in accordance with the procedures of Section 17.74.010 of this title.

c.

Notification. Any owner of a sign that is illegal, abandoned, nonmaintained, or is not in compliance with the requirements of this chapter shall be notified by the director of community development. Such notification must be by registered or certified mail and list the specific areas of noncompliance.

d.

Appeal. Any applicant or aggrieved person denied approval of a sign by the director of community development shall be advised that said application may be placed on the planning commission agenda for reconsideration of denial. The decision of the planning commission may be further appealed to the city council pursuant to Section 17.82.040 of this title.

e.

Special Permits. Nothing contained in this chapter shall prevent the city council from granting a temporary special permit or otherwise permitting, on such terms as it may deem proper, signs advertising or pertaining to any civic, patriotic or special events of general public interest which takes place within the city when it can be found that such signs will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare, interest or safety, nor injurious to adjacent property.

f.

Approval and Permits Required. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to authorize, erect, construct, maintain, move, alter, change, place, suspend, or attach any sign within the city without first obtaining the necessary permits. Review and approval by the planning commission shall be required for the design and location of signs in excess of twenty (20) square feet, except temporary signs described in subsection (I) of this section. All other signs shall be approved by the director of planning, except that either the applicant or the director of planning may request review by the planning commission. Sign permit fees shall be established by resolution of the city council. A double permit fee shall be assessed if the installation of a sign is commenced before obtaining a permit. Permits shall be required for the installation of all signs except real estate signs of twelve (12) square feet or less, sale signs and political signs.

g.

Variances. The provisions of this chapter shall apply. The planning commission may grant a sign variance based on findings which establish unusual or unique architectural or site plan features which are present and limit the applicability of the provisions of this section to a particular property, building, or store and where the intent of this section is fulfilled.

2.

Safety.

a.

Signs for Public Safety and Convenience. When deemed necessary, the director of community development may authorize and approve signs not to exceed five square feet per face to serve the public safety or convenience, such as "entrance" signs, "exit" signs, and "parking" signs.

b.

Proper Maintenance of Signs. The user, owner or lessee of a sign authorized hereunder shall maintain it as approved in a safe, neat, attractive condition and in adequate repair.

c.

Obstruction of Passage. Signs shall not be constructed so as to obstruct any door, window, or fire escape of any building.

d.

"No Trespassing" Signs. A "no trespassing" or "no dumping" sign not exceeding four square feet shall be authorized for each parcel of property in addition to . other authorized signs and shall be designed and located thereon in a manner satisfactory to the director of community development.

e.

Glare From Signs. Illuminated signs shall be designed in such a manner as to avoid undue glare or reflection of light onto private property in the surrounding area or right-of-way and shall be erected and located in a manner satisfactory to the director of community development. The intensity of lighting of sign may be reviewed in the field by the director of community development who may require the reduction of intensity.

f.

Location of Right Angle Signs. Right angle signs on faces of buildings shall not extend over eighteen (18) inches beyond the face of the building where located unless supported on a marquee. Right angle signs shall be seven feet or higher above the sidewalk or the right-of-way. Right angle signs supported by posts or standards shall not extend beyond the property line or into the public right-of-way.

g.

Location of Other Signs. Sign shall not be located in such a way as to present hazards to drivers of trucks or motor vehicles or pedestrians. Freestanding signs shall be surrounded by a landscaped planter with a curb for safety and aesthetic purposes.

h.

Street Address Numbers/Letters. A street address is required and shall conform to the requirements of Sections 15.44.010—15.44.040 of this code. When address or other numbers are used as an identification name, they shall conform to all applicable provisions of this section. Street address numbers in excess of eight inches in height shall be considered a sign.

i.

Exceptions. Nothing contained in this chapter shall prevent the erection, construction or maintenance of official traffic, fire and police signs, signals, devices and markings of the California Transportation Department, the city council or of other competent public authorities, or the posting of the notices required by law. All signs located in any public right-of-way shall require approval by the director of planning.

3.

Other:

a.

Signs for Public and Quasipublic Uses. Directional and public convenience signs for public and quasipublic uses may be permitted on public property. The design must conform to standard directional sign specifications promulgated by the director of planning and approved by the planning commission. The total number of signs allowed shall be based on the minimum number necessary for adequate public identification as determined by the director of planning.

b.

Color of Signs. All signs regulated by this section shall contain no more than four colors. Black and white shall not be considered as colors.

c.

Signs on Awnings, Etc. Painted, nonilluminated or indirectly lighted signs may be permitted on the borders of marquees, canopies, awnings, umbrellas or similar structures or attachments if located and erected in a manner satisfactory to the director of planning. Such signs shall be included in the total authorized sign area.

d.

Signs on Vehicles. No person shall drive, operate, move in and along, or park on any street or on public or private property, any truck, trailer, carriage, wagon, sled or other vehicle on which is attached or maintained any sign displaying any commercial or noncommercial advertising matter for the sole or primary purpose of displaying said advertising matter, which is declared to be a nuisance and a violation of this section, except for the following:

i.

The driving, operation and movement of vehicles displaying political campaign advertisements for candidates for public office and ballot measures, provided the same is not otherwise prohibited by this section.

ii.

The identification of a business enterprise upon a vehicle used primarily for the purpose of and in the usual business of the owner for transporting or servicing goods or persons for commercial or other business purposes, provided that the identification is painted on or otherwise affixed so as not to project from the usual profile of the vehicle.

iii.

The incidental display of noncommercial stickers, plates, license plate brackets, and the like; or of customary small identifications on license plate brackets or elsewhere, of vehicle manufacturers, models or types of vehicles, or dealers or entities from whom vehicles bearing the same where purchased or otherwise obtained.

iv.

A single isolated movement of a sign or sign equipment or materials from one place to another within the city.

(Prior code § 070.04)

(Ord. No. 1055, § 1, 9-25-13)