A.   Purpose: The purpose of this Section is to establish uniform sign regulations that are intended to:

      1.   Protect the general public health, safety, welfare and aesthetics of the community;

      2.   Reduce possible traffic and safety hazards through good signage;

      3.   Promote signs that identify uses and premises without confusion;

      4.   Implement community design standards, consistent with the General Plan; and

      5.   Promote the community's appearance by regulating the design, character, location, type, quality of materials, scale, color, illumination and maintenance of signs.

   B.   Application: Signs shall only be constructed, displayed or altered consistent with Chapter 20 of this Title site plan review approvals as required. A sign program shall be required as part of the site plan review process for all multi-family, commercial, professional, and industrial uses, or as deemed necessary by the Planning Director to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Section. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

Signs shall only be erected or maintained in any zoning district as established by this Title, except those signs specifically enumerated in this Chapter. The number and area of signs as outlined in this Section are intended to be maximum standards which do not necessarily ensure architectural compatibility. Therefore, in addition to the enumerated standards, consideration shall be given to a sign's relationship to the overall appearance of the subject property as well as the surrounding community. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

The following signs shall not require approval nor shall the area of the signs be included in the maximum sign area permitted for any site or use:

   A.   Open/Closed Sign: One "open" or "closed" window sign less than two (2) square feet.

   B.   Flag: An American, Californian, or City flag.

   C.   Open House Sign: One "open house" sign not exceeding three (3) square feet in area on the particular premises which is for sale, lease or rent, and posted only when a salesperson is present.

   D.   Political Sign: Limited to forty (40) square feet in total area. Political signs may not be posted more than sixty (60) days preceding the election, and shall be removed within ten (10) days after the election. Political signs shall not be posted on trees, fence posts or public utility poles, or located within any public right of way. No political sign erected on private property shall be placed within the traffic safety visibility area. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

The following signs are inconsistent with the sign standards outlined in this Section, and are therefore prohibited:

   A.   Abandoned signs;

   B.   Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, or any other similar moving or simulated moving sign, except: signs owned by public agencies or that provide a public service message:

      1.   A sign changing so as to show time and temperature;

      2.   An on premises barber pole operated during business hours;

   C.   Bench signs; (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

   D.   Off site signs (except having first obtained a conditional use permit):

      1.   Shall be limited to one per lot up to one acre;

      2.   Larger lots shall be limited to one sign per acre and the signs must be at least one hundred feet (100') apart; (Ord. 549, 8-20-2002)

   E.   Outdoor advertising structures with the exception of informational structures approved by the commission;

   F.   Roof signs;

   G.   Signs on public property or in a public right of way, except for traffic and street identification signs;

   H.   Signs painted on fences or roofs;

   I.   Signs that simulate in color or design a traffic sign or signal, or which make use of words, symbols or characters in a manner to interfere with, mislead or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic; or

   J.   Windblown devices. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

The planning director may approve and/or modify a sign program application in whole or in part, with or without conditions, only if the following findings are made:

   A.   The proposed sign is permitted within the zoning district and complies with all of the applicable provisions of this section;

   B.   The sign primarily identifies the business name and does not list multiple products or services;

   C.   The sign is in proper proportion to the building or site on which it is located and as an identification device, does not excessively compete for the public's attention;

   D.   The sign materials, color, texture, size, shape, height, and placement are harmonious with the design of the structure, property and neighborhood of which it is a part;

   E.   The illumination of the sign is at the lowest possible level, which ensures adequate identification and readability, and is directed solely at the sign or is internal to it;

   F.   The sign is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare; and

   G.   The sign is in compliance with the sign design standards in section 11-16-7 of this chapter. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

Each sign shall complement the architectural style and setting of the structure or use represented.

   A.   Relationship To Structures: Building wall and facade signs shall be compatible with the predominant visual elements of the structure(s), including, but not limited to, construction materials, color, or other design feature consistent with Section 11-16-5 of this Chapter. Commercial centers, offices, industrial complexes, and other similar facilities shall be part of a sign program in compliance with the provisions of this Section, and shall provide a compatible visual design common in theme to all applicable structures and uses.

   B.   Relationship To Other Signs: Where there is more than one sign, all signs should be complementary to each other in the following ways:

      1.   Letter size and style of copy;

      2.   Shape of total sign and related components;

      3.   Type of construction materials (cabinet, sign, copy, supports, etc.); and

      4.   Method used for supporting sign (wall or ground base).

   C.   Landscaping: Each freestanding/monument sign shall be designed to complement the architectural character of the structure(s), and shall be located within a planted landscaped area which is of a shape and design that will provide a compatible setting and ground definition to the sign.

   D.   Relationship To Street/Public Right Of Way: Signs shall be designed and located such that they do not obstruct any pedestrian, bicyclist, or driver's view of the public right of way.

      1.   No sign shall be located in or project into the present or future right of way of any public street unless specifically authorized by other provisions of this Section.

      2.   No sign shall interfere with the sight distance of motorists/cyclists proceeding on or approaching adjacent streets, alleys, driveways, or parking area(s), or of pedestrians proceeding on or approaching adjacent sidewalks or pedestrianways.

      3.   No sign suspended over or projecting into the area above a driveway located on private property shall be situated at a height of less than fifteen feet (15') above the surface of the driveway.

      4.   No sign suspended over, or projecting into, the area above a pedestrianway shall be situated at a height of less than seven feet six inches (7'6") above the ground surface. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

Any additional development of a site, or change of use, occupancy, tenant, or sign copy (with the exception of window signs) shall require that nonconforming signs be brought into conformance with this Chapter. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

   A.   Permanent/Fixed Signs: The Planning Director or designee shall remove or cause the removal of any fixed, permanent sign constructed, placed or maintained in violation of this Chapter, after fifteen (15) days following the date of mailing of registered or certified written notice to the owner of the property as shown on the latest assessment roll. The notice shall describe the sign and specify the violation, and indicate that the sign will be removed if the violation is not corrected within ten (10) days. If the owner disagrees with the determination of the Planning Director, the owner may, within the ten (10) day period request a hearing before the Planning Director to determine the existence of a violation.

   B.   Temporary Signs: The Planning Director or designee shall have the authority to remove illegal temporary signs without any notice requirements.

   C.   Storage Of Removed Signs: Signs removed by the Planning Director or designee in compliance with this Section shall be stored for a period of 10 days, during which time they may be recovered by the owner upon payment to the City of costs of removal and storage. If not recovered prior to expiration of the ten (10) day period, the sign and supporting structures shall be declared abandoned and title thereto shall vest to the City, and the cost of removal shall be billed to the owner.

   D.   Alteration And Removal Of Dangerous, Obsolete And Nonconforming Signs And Advertising Structures: For the purpose of this Section, certain signs and advertising structures are hereby declared dangerous, obsolete or nonconforming and shall be removed or altered to conform as follows:

      1.   Dangerous Signs: A dangerous sign is defined as any sign which is an immediate peril or a potential menace to the safety of persons or property. The Building Inspector shall give a written order for the repair or removal of any dangerous sign to the owner of the property upon which such sign is located. If such owner fails to remove or repair such sign within the period of time specified by the Building Inspector, the Building Inspector may cause the removal of such sign and may enter upon such property for such purpose. Any cost accrued by the City in the removal of such sign shall be charged to the owner of the property upon which sign is located at a rate established by resolution of the City Council to cover the costs of such removal.

      2.   Obsolete Signs: Any accessory sign hereafter existing which no longer advertises a bona fide business conducted or product sold on the premises where such sign exists shall be removed or made to conform by the owner of the building, structure, or property upon which such sign is located within ninety (90) days after written notification by the Building Inspector, or the Building Inspector may cause the removal of such sign. Any cost accrued by the City shall be treated in the same manner as provided for dangerous signs.

      3.   Nonconforming Signs: For the purposes of this Section, the following time schedule for the permitted continuance of nonconforming signs shall apply:

         a.   Signs which are nonconforming because of their lighting, movement, or animation shall be made to conform or be removed within ninety (90) days after written notification by the Building Inspector.

         b.   When such nonconforming signs are removed at or before the end of the required amortization period, every future sign shall be in conformance with the provisions of this Section. Repairs and alterations necessary to maintain a nonconforming sign shall not be construed as lengthening the amortization period set forth by this Section.

   E.   Replacement Of Signs Upon Change Of Use: When a use within a building, a part of a building, or a site is changed to another use, the sign relating to the new use shall be made to conform to the provisions of this Section. (Ord. 527, 8-4-1997)

Figure 2: Signs Permitted In Commercial Zones:

Note:

Total sign area shall not exceed 2 percent of gross ground floor area or one square foot per foot of frontage, whichever is greater.

Figure 3: Signs Permitted In Industrial Zones:

Figure 4: Signs Permitted In Special Purposes Zones: