Cudahy City Zoning Code
20.72 Sign
Regulations
20.72.010 Intent and purpose.
The objectives, justification, and basis for the various regulations relative to signs as contained in this chapter include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. To direct persons to various activities and enterprises in order to provide for public convenience.
B. To provide a responsible system of controls of signs, integrated within and a part of the comprehensive zoning plan set forth by this title and not as a distinct police power exercise separate and apart from the zoning power.
C. To encourage signs which are well designed.
D. To minimize overhead visual clutter.
E. To enhance the economic value of the community and each area thereof through the regulation of size, location, and illumination of signs.
F. To encourage signs which are compatible with adjacent land uses.
G. To reduce possible traffic and safety hazards.
H. To relate sign area and height to viewing distance and optical characteristics of the eye. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.72.020 Applicability.
A. No sign or advertising structure which in any way endangers the safety of any person shall be permitted.
B. All signs and advertising structures shall be maintained in a neat and orderly condition.
C. No person shall place, erect, construct, or otherwise maintain any sign which is not established in compliance with this chapter, and except when otherwise indicated in this chapter, no outdoor advertising sign shall be established without such license and permits as are required by applicable state statutes and the municipal code.
D. Commercial signs shall identify at least the name and address of the business or activity to which they refer using Roman letters and Arabic numerals so as to enable the city and the public to identify an establishment for public safety purposes. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.72.030 General requirements.
A. Interpretations by director. Interpretations of the requirements of this chapter shall be exercised in light of the city’s content-neutrality policy. Where a particular type of sign is proposed in a permit application, and the type is neither expressly allowed nor prohibited by this chapter, or whenever a sign does not qualify as a “structure” as defined in the California Building Code, then the director of community development shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application based on the most similar sign type that is expressly regulated by this chapter.
B. Content Neutrality. It is the city’s policy to regulate signs in a constitutional manner that is content neutral with respect to both noncommercial and commercial messages. For the purposes of this chapter, a content-neutral regulation is a so-called “time, place, or manner” regulation, which, as the name suggests, does no more than place limits on when, where, and how a message may be displayed or conveyed.
C. Message Substitution. Signs authorized by this chapter are allowed to carry noncommercial messages in lieu of any other commercial or noncommercial messages. Substitution of messages may be made without an additional permitting process unless a building permit is required. This provision prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary within this chapter. The purpose of this provision is to prevent an inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message. This provision does not create a right to increase the total amount of signs or cumulative sign area on a parcel, nor does it affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be properly constructed.
D. Rules for Noncommunicative Aspects of Signs. Rules and regulations concerning the noncommunicative aspects of signs (e.g., number, type, location, size, height, illumination, spacing, orientation, etc.) stand enforceable independently of any permit or review process. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.72.040 Permit requirements.
A. Sign Permit Required. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to the installation, construction, or alteration of any sign, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. Building permits and/or electrical permits shall also be obtained in accordance with the building and electrical codes. Any change in color, message, copy design, or size of a sign shall require a permit and shall comply with any applicable sign program.
B. Applications. Applications for sign permits shall be submitted to the director of community development in the same manner as a minor development review permit per Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 2, except when a conditional use permit is required pursuant to subsection (C)(2) of this section, and shall be accompanied by the following materials:
1. Three copies of the sign proposal showing the proposed height, size, shape, color, and design of each sign and supporting structure.
2. A site plan illustrating the placement of the sign in relation to buildings and other structures on the property on which the sign is to be located.
3. An elevation drawing showing the position of each sign as it will appear on a building or, for a freestanding sign, as it will appear in relation to adjacent buildings or structures.
4. The name and address of the applicant and the property owner.
5. The endorsement of either the owner of the site or an authorized representative of the owner.
6. Such additional information as the director of community development may require to determine compliance with this chapter and all other regulations of the city.
7. Any application for a sign permit shall not be complete unless accompanied by an application fee in an amount established by resolution of the city council.
8. All sign applications shall be reviewed by the director of community development, unless planning commission approval is required. The director shall approve, approve with modifications or conditions, or deny an application in accordance with the standards established by this chapter and other applicable requirements and standards of the city.
C. Master Sign Programs.
1. Master Sign Program – Staff Level. A master sign program shall be adopted for all commercial or industrial developments in the city that contain two or more uses when signs are in compliance with this chapter. A sign program shall govern the maximum allowable sign area, colors, type of sign, and size of letters for each individual sign that is proposed, subject to a coordinated program that provides a harmonious design treatment among all signs in the program and that is compatible with and integrated into the architectural design of the buildings, landscaping, and lighting of the development. Each sign program shall be submitted to the director of community development for review and approval in the same manner as a minor development review permit per Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 2.
2. Master Sign Program – Planning Commission. To allow flexibility for creative project identification for unique multi-tenant sites, signage may vary from the standards in this chapter subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit pursuant to Chapter 20.84 CMC, Part 2. This master sign program may allow freestanding signs other than monument-style signs, such as pylon/pole signs, and signs that vary from the standards in terms of number of signs, height, sign area, and setbacks. In no case shall prohibited signs be permitted with the master sign program. The master sign program must establish a coordinated project theme of design elements, and signs shall be proportional to the scale of the project.
3. No permit shall be issued for any sign in or for a multiple-tenant development that is not in conformance with an approved sign program. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.72.050 Exempt signs.
A. Signs Allowed without a Permit in Any Zone. The following signs are permitted in any zone without a permit:
1. Governmental or other legally authorized posters, notices, or signs.
2. Traffic, directional, warning, or informational signs, or advertising structures required or authorized by a public body.
3. Permanent memorial or historical signs, plaques, or markers erected with the authorization of a public entity.
4. One building directory sign of up to 10 square feet for a multiple occupancy building. The sign shall be mounted flat on a wall near the primary entrance to the building.
5. National, state, or municipal flags when displayed in compliance with the Flag Code (36 U.S.C. 173 et seq.).
6. Signs erected for the purpose of advertising a property for sale, rent, or lease, are subject to the following:
a. Only one such sign shall be displayed per street frontage of the property to which it refers;
b. No such sign shall exceed 10 square feet in sign area; and
c. Any such sign shall be placed at least five feet from any property line.
7. Temporary signs not more than 20 square feet in area established upon the site of any building or structure under construction or alteration, provided such sign shall be removed immediately upon issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
8. Window signs subject to restrictions in CMC 20.72.070.
9. One temporary on-site sign erected for the purpose of identifying a garage sale; provided, that:
a. The sign area does not exceed six square feet in area and four feet in height.
b. All such signs are only displayed during the time of the sale.
10. Street numbers identifying the address of a residence or building are permitted; provided, that the sign area shall not exceed two square feet, including those painted on curbs.
11. Noncommercial signs on private property; provided, that such signs are not located within or over a public right-of-way or within any required clear vision triangle, and do not exceed 20 square feet in size or four feet in height, and subject to the restrictions in CMC 20.72.070. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.72.060 Prohibited signs.
The followings signs and sign structures are prohibited:
A. Signs painted directly on an exterior wall, fence, freestanding sign face, parapet, or facia except murals, paintings, and similar works approved pursuant to this chapter.
B. Signs which are hazards to pedestrians or motorists or in any other way pose a threat to public safety.
C. Abandoned signs.
D. Billboards.
E. Signs that display “obscene matter,” as that term is defined in Section 311 of the California Penal Code.
F. Inflatable signs, banners, and pennants, except as provided in CMC 20.72.070.
G. Animated signs that rotate, move, glare, flash, change, reflect, blink, or appear to do so.
H. Signs on public property, except when authorized by the appropriate public agency.
I. Portable signs and A-frame signs.
J. Signs which utilize two or more light bulbs suspended from a wire or cord.
K. Roof signs.
L. There shall be no additions, tag signs, display boards, appurtenances, or cutouts added to a sign as originally approved except as permitted by the director of community development. Any such unauthorized addition shall be deemed a violation. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.72.070 Temporary signs.
A. Temporary signage for special events in commercial, industrial, and mixed-use zones shall be subject to the following requirements:
1. Temporary signs for special events including, without limitation, grand openings, inventory sales, and end-of-the-year sales may be displayed up to four times per calendar year; provided that the total cumulative period during which the signs are displayed does not exceed 60 days in any calendar year. If a business generates gross revenue receipts of three-fourths of a million dollars or more per year, temporary signs may be displayed for a maximum cumulative period of six months per calendar year; provided, that individual periods of display do not exceed 60 days.
2. Signs for special events may include balloons, pennants, and banners.
3. All special event signs require a sign permit for each special event, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
4. Only one banner sign shall be displayed per building elevation. No sign shall be permitted on any elevation of a building that is adjacent to residentially zoned or occupied property which is not separated from the residential property by a street or parking area of the same width as a public street.
5. No banner sign shall exceed three feet from top to bottom, nor 12 feet from side to side, nor 36 square feet in area.
6. Upon the expiration of a permit for a temporary sign, the applicant shall cause the sign to be removed within 24 hours.
B. Window Signs. Temporary signs displayed behind a window or within a building and visible from the sidewalk which occupy up to 25 percent of the window area of the building façade on which they appear.
C. Noncommercial message signs associated with a particular vote in a scheduled election may be erected as temporary signs, provided such signs are placed no sooner than 90 days prior to the scheduled election and removed within 10 days after that election. Such signs shall be no larger than 32 square feet. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.72.080 General sign design standards.
In addition to the development regulations contained in CMC 20.72.090, the following design standards shall apply:
A. Compatibility. The design of all permanent signs located within any zone shall be compatible with the architectural character of buildings on the site.
B. Illumination. Signs may be externally or internally illuminated. If internally illuminated, the background of a cabinet sign must be opaque with only the cut-out text and characters of the copy being illuminated, and illumination of individual letters and logos each in a separate cabinet is preferred. No electrical conduits or raceways shall be visible on the exterior of the building façade.
C. Monument (Freestanding) Signs.
1. All freestanding signs shall be a monument style, meaning at least 50 percent of the base shall be solid. No pole signs are permitted. The base shall use decorative materials that are architecturally compatible with the sign cabinet and the architectural character of building(s) on the site.
2. Landscaping with automatic irrigation shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure and shall extend a minimum distance of three feet in all directions from the sign base for new signs located in the mixed-use and entertainment zones. As part of the development review permit, the director of community development or planning commission may waive this requirement if site conditions make installation of landscaping infeasible.
3. Monument signs shall be encased with materials compatible with the base materials. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.72.090 Sign regulations in the commercial, industrial, and mixed-use zones.
A. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the following signs are permitted in the commercial, industrial, and mixed-use zones:
Table 20.72-1. Sign Regulations in Commercial, Industrial, and Mixed-Use Zones
Sign Type | Maximum Number | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wall | 1 or more | 1.5 sf of sign area per linear foot of primary building frontage for each tenant | May not be located on any story except first and top stories | 1. Signs may be mounted on the side or rear elevation of a building but such signs shall not exceed 1 sf of sign area per linear foot of primary building frontage. 2. For commercial buildings of three or more stories and for occupancies with an unusually small proportion of building frontage to square footage, the director of Community Development may approve larger sign area if the additional sign area is necessary for identification of signs. 3. No signs shall be permitted on any elevation of a building that is adjacent to residentially zoned or occupied property which is not separated by a street or substantial parking area. 4. Signs in industrial zones may not exceed 100 sf in size. 5. The measurement of sign area shall include the background and the copy of any sign face or cabinet. |
Monument (freestanding) | 1 per street frontage | Based on frontage on public street: Less than 100 feet: 32 sf 100 – 500 feet: 40 sf Over 500 feet: 60 sf | Based on frontage on public street: Less than 100 feet: 6 feet 100 – 500 feet: 12 feet Over 500 feet: 18 feet | 1. If an office building or an integrated shopping complex comprised of five or more stores has frontage on two or more commercial streets, two monument signs are permitted, provided the premises has at least 100 lineal feet of frontage on each street and the two signs are not located on the same street. 2. The measurement of sign area shall include the background and the copy of any sign face or cabinet. 3. No portion of any freestanding sign shall project into or over a public right-of-way. The nearest part of the sign shall be located at least 10 feet from any property line or any right-of-way. |
Other freestanding signs | See master sign program, CMC 20.72.040(C)(2) |
B. Special Provision for Canopy, Projecting or Hanging Signs. The allowable wall signage may be satisfied through the use of canopy/awning signs, projecting signs, or hanging signs, with the following limitations:
1. For canopy/awning signs, no more than 50 percent of the shed (slope) portion of the awning or canopy and valance portion may be used for signage. The uppermost part of an awning or canopy shall not be located more than two feet above a window or door and a minimum of eight feet of clearance shall be provided between the lowest part of an awning or canopy and the grade below.
2. For projecting or hanging signs, the maximum size shall be eight square feet, and the bottom of the sign shall maintain at least eight feet of pedestrian clearance from the sidewalk level. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.72.100 Special requirements.
A. Service Station Signs. In addition to the sign area allowed for identification signs, service stations will be permitted an additional 50 square feet of sign area for any signage required by state or federal laws, subject to the provisions of CMC 20.72.080(B). The display and placement of all signs is subject to the approval of the director of community development.
B. Changeable Copy Signs. A changeable copy sign shall be permitted; provided, that the sign meets the requirements and standards of this chapter, as well as the following:
1. Changeable copy shall be allowed on the face of freestanding signs only. Changeable copy shall not be allowed on wall-mounted signs.
2. The changeable copy portion of a sign face shall not exceed 33 percent of the area of that sign face.
3. Changeable letters shall be subject to the approval of the director of community development.
4. Changeable copy signs shall not be internally illuminated.
C. Murals. Murals may only be installed and maintained through approval by the director of community development. Murals may only be located in nonresidential zones.
D. Menu/Order Board Signs. Up to two menu/order board signs for each drive-in or drive-through business are permitted; provided, that:
1. The sign area does not exceed 40 square feet and the sign height does not exceed eight feet. Notwithstanding the provisions of CMC 20.72.080(B), the background areas of the sign face may be illuminated subject to approval by the director of community development.
2. All such signs are located adjacent to the driveway. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.72.110 Maintenance.
All signs and advertising structures shall be maintained in a clean and attractive condition. All signs shall be cleaned, repaired, or replaced within 30 days following notification by the city that such action is necessary. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).
20.72.120 Legal nonconforming signs.
A. Continuance of Nonconforming Signs. Except as provided in subsection (D) of this section, a legal nonconforming sign may be continued and shall be maintained in good condition as required by CMC 20.72.110, but it shall not be:
1. Structurally changed to another nonconforming sign, although its copy and pictorial content may be changed;
2. Structurally altered to prolong the life of the sign, except to meet safety requirements; or
3. Expanded or altered in any manner that increases the degree of nonconformity.
B. Repair and Maintenance. Nonconforming signs shall only be painted and repaired in place and shall not be removed from their existing location unless removal of the sign for painting or repair is part of the sign’s customary maintenance and repair.
C. Change of Business Type or Ownership. Upon a change of ownership or business type, the new owner of a nonconforming sign may change the name(s) on the sign so long as there is no change in the structure or configuration of the sign.
D. Removal of Nonconforming Signs. Nonconforming signs shall be removed if:
1. The nonconforming sign is more than 50 percent destroyed and the destruction is other than facial copy replacement. A nonconforming sign shall be deemed to be more than 50 percent destroyed if the estimated cost of reconstruction and repair exceeds 50 percent of the replacement cost, as determined by the building official.
2. The nonconforming sign is remodeled, unless the sign is remodeled to comply with the provisions of this section.
3. Nonconforming signs shall be removed when a property is further developed in compliance with this zoning code.
4. Nonconforming signs shall be removed before the installation of new signs advertising the same business or any new business on the site.
5. The nonconforming sign is located on a structure that is to be enlarged or expanded, if the nonconforming sign is affected by the construction, enlargement, remodel, or expansion. An enlargement, remodel, or expansion of the portion of the structure upon which the nonconforming sign is located or that is more than 50 percent of the structure area shall be deemed to affect the nonconforming sign.
6. The nonconforming sign is temporary. (Ord. 690 § 4 (Exh. A), 2018).