Folsom City Zoning Code

Encourage a desirable urban character consistent with the General Plan;

Preserve and improve the appearance of the city as a place to live, work and visit;

Promote commerce;

Balance the needs of the business and development community to advertise their goods and services with the community and planning goals related to streetscape aesthetics and traffic safety;

Establish regulatory distinction between permanent and temporary signs;

Promote ease of administration of sign regulations;

Provide for eventual elimination of preexisting nonconforming signs on a fair and equitable basis;

Prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this chapter;

Enable the fair and equitable enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.

Any nonexempt sign which is not authorized by a valid permit;

Abandoned signs;

Any sign located in a required clear-vision triangle;

Signs within the public right-of-way. The only type of signs permitted in the public right-of-way are governmental or city-sponsored civic signs, or those which comply with Section 17.59.030(D), Special Provisions;

Signs erected without the permission of the owner (or his/her agent) of the property on which the sign is located;

Billboard signs and off-site directional or off-site identification signs except government, civic, real estate and other signage as provided in this chapter;

Portable signs except those approved in the historic district zone or as otherwise provided in this chapter;

Vehicle signs where the primary purpose of the motor vehicle relates to its use as a sign;

Animated signs unless a special event sign permit is granted by the planning director or as otherwise provided for in this chapter;

Roof signs erected and constructed on and/or over the roof line of a building and supported by the roof structure;

Any sign which simulates or imitates in size, color, lettering or design any traffic sign or signal, or which makes use of words, symbols or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Any public notice or warning required by a federal, state, or local law or regulation;

Governmental signs;

Flags (civic);

Incidental signs;

City-sponsored civic signs for community entrance, identification, direction and information, located off-premises on private property or in the public right-of-way, with approval of an encroachment permit by the public works department; provided, that the sign(s) not exceed a 150 square foot sign area and a height limit of 15 feet;

Commemorative wall signs, wall signs indicating the historical significance of a site or building, and building markers, not exceeding 4 square feet;

House numbers identifying the address of a residence or building, less than 2 square feet;

Name plates identifying the occupants of dwelling units, less than 2 square feet;

Home occupation signs at the residence of currently permitted and licensed home occupations provided that the signage is less than 1 square foot;

Signs prohibiting trespassing and advertising, as well as neighborhood watch and alarm signs;

Garage/yard sale signs; provided, that there are no off-site signs, that only 1 sign shall be displayed on site with a maximum sign area of 6 square feet and a 4-foot height limit, and that such sign be displayed only during the time of the sale. Signs in the public right-of-way may be authorized pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D);

Real estate signs for sale or lease of property; provided, that signs are located on private property, set back 5 feet from the public right-of-way unless authorized pursuant to Section 17.59.030(D), and out of any required clear vision triangle, with the following limitations:

Noncommercial sign(s) on private property, not within or over a public right-of-way unless authorized pursuant to subsection D of this section, or over the roofline of any building and outside of any clear vision triangle as follows:

Signs that are displayed during the course of and at the site of a political event or demonstration;

Construction Signs. One on-site temporary sign identifying the names of individuals and/or firms connected with the construction of a project. The maximum sign area is 40 square feet and shall not exceed 10 feet in height, removed prior to issuance of occupancy permit;

Project identification signs of current and pending development applications with a sign area of 40 square feet sign and a 10-foot height limit;

Holiday decorations that do not contain any commercial message. Such noncommercial signage must be removed within 7 days following the holiday or event;

Temporary community activity signs in designated banner sign locations throughout the city or as approved by the planning director, for a period not exceeding 30 days in duration;

Vehicle signs attached to and an integral part of a motorized vehicle or bicycle which is used directly for the purpose of a particular business. This exemption includes authorized commercial signage on public transit vehicles such as buses and light rail cars as determined by the public works director. The total amount of signage shall not exceed 30 square feet on any 1 side of a vehicle and shall not exceed 12 square feet on the rear of a vehicle. Signage shall be located within designated areas as determined by the public works director;

One under-canopy sign for each commercial business with a maximum sign area of 4 square feet, located perpendicular to the building face with an 8-foot vertical clearance above sidewalks and walkways. An encroachment permit issued by the public works department may be necessary if a sign projects into a public right-of-way;

Window signs; provided, that all such commercial and incidental signs (both temporary and permanent) do not exceed a combined maximum of 25 percent of the total window area for each window. Total signage placed on any window may not include unused signage amounts allowable for other windows;

Signs located in the interior of a building, mall, court, stadium, or enclosed lobby intended for interior viewing only;

Directory signs internal to the site within an integrated development for commercial, business or industrial uses with a maximum sign area of 24 square feet and a 6-foot height limit;

Time and temperature signs in nonresidential zones, not to exceed a maximum sign area of 12 square feet;

Barber poles in nonresidential zones;

Two menu/order board signs for each drive-through business; provided, that each sign not exceed a maximum 40 square foot sign area and an 8-foot height limit and be located adjacent to the drive;

One on-site directional sign which does not promote or advertise a business, property or product is permitted for each one-way drive, drive aisle, and service or delivery entrance, located so as not to impair vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The area of each sign shall not exceed 4 square feet. The height of the sign including the pole or base shall not exceed 4 feet from grade to the top of sign.

If the sign(s) contain a corporate logo or identification, the signs are calculated into the total allowable sign area for the use;

Sign copy changes;

Authorized commercial signs located on permanent structures (e.g., shelters and kiosks, excluding benches) at officially designated transit stops/stations as determined by the public works director. The total amount of signage within a shelter or kiosk shall not exceed 50 square feet and be located within a designated area as determined by the public works director;

Noncommercial signs inside a vehicle or painted on a vehicle, provided the sign does not obstruct view or other requirements in the California Vehicle Code.

Except as provided herein, setback for signs shall be measured from the right-of-way to the closest edge for the sign. For streets which are improved to a width less than the future right-of-way, setback for signs may be measured from the existing improvements meeting current city standards; provided, that a relocation agreement shall be recorded at the owner’s expense which guarantees that the property owner agrees to relocate the sign at his/her own expense to the required setback from the right-of-way at such time that the city widens (or causes to be widened) the improvements to the future right-of-way. For parcels where improvements are not complete to meet present city standards, setback shall be measured from that point which would abut city standard improvements if they were installed.

Signs may be placed in the public right-of-way with approval of a sign permit pursuant to Section 17.59.050(A) and in compliance with the following provisions:

All nonconforming signs are deemed public nuisances, except for those signs satisfying the requirements of subsection (E)(2) of this section.

No sign which was lawfully erected anywhere within the city shall be compelled to be removed, nor shall its customary maintenance or use be limited, without payment of compensation, as defined in the State Eminent Domain Law (Title 7, commencing with Section 1230.010 of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure), except as provided in this section. The compensation shall be paid to owner(s) of the sign and the owner(s) of the land upon which the sign is located.

No nonconforming sign shall be, in any manner, structurally altered, reconstructed or moved without being made to comply in all respects with the provisions of this chapter; however nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the painting, maintenance or repairing of such sign, including the face and changing of copy, except that such repairs shall not exceed 50 percent of the replacement cost of such sign.

Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this section, those nonconforming off-site signs which meet all of the following requirements shall be removed without compensation:

Nothing in this chapter shall preclude the city from entering into agreements for the relocation of existing nonconforming signs.

If at any time any sign in existence or maintained prior to adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, which does not conform with the provisions of this chapter is destroyed by fire, accident, explosion or act of God to the extent of more than 50 percent of the replacement cost thereof, then, without further action of the city, such sign, from and after the date of such destruction, shall be subject to all the provisions of this chapter. For the purposes of this chapter, the value of any sign shall be the estimated cost and replacement of the sign in kind as determined by the chief building official in accordance with applicable laws.

All signs shall comply with the appropriate detailed provisions of the city building code and the Uniform Sign Code relative to design and construction, structural integrity, connections and safety. Signs shall also comply with the provisions of the applicable electrical code and the additional construction standards set forth in this chapter.

Each sign hereafter erected or remodeled shall bear, in a prominent location, clearly legible identification decals stating the firm or corporation responsible for its construction and erection. Electric signs shall be marked with amperages at the full-load output.

Each sign shall have a specified sticker issued by the building department that identifies the permit number issued by the city, and such sticker must be visibly placed on the frame or outer perimeter of the sign.

All signs shall be maintained in good condition including, but not limited to, maintenance of colors and materials, replacement of defective parts, painted, cleaned, and kept free of graffiti. Any portions of a sign in need of repair shall be repaired or contracted for repair within 30 days of notification by the enforcement officer. If the sign is not made to comply with adequate safety standards, the enforcement officer shall require its removal in accordance with the provisions of Section 17.59.080 of this chapter.

Building Signs. The maximum allowable sign area for a business or entity is calculated as a ratio of the length of the primary building frontage. Types of building signage calculated into the total maximum sign area are wall, projecting and canopy signage as follows (square footage of exempt signage is not counted toward the maximum sign area):

Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs shall be set back 5 feet from the public right-of-way, located outside required clear vision triangles in a landscaped planting area. However, signs attached to a fence or soundwall may be located within the required setback area. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit. Freestanding signs may be located in planter medians with approval of the public works and planning departments for traffic safety and clear visibility. Along arterial roads designated in the General Plan, freestanding signs shall be externally lit, nonilluminated, or internally illuminated with opaque (nontranslucent) backgrounds. Freestanding signs may include changeable copy; provided, that the sign area for changeable copy does not exceed 75 percent of the sign’s area. Corporate flags used to identify a business or entity shall be calculated into the maximum allowable freestanding sign area.

Building Signs. Each business or entity is permitted 1 nonilluminated wall sign as follows:

Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs shall be set back 5 feet from the public right-of-way, located outside the required clear vision triangle in a landscaped planting area. However, signs attached to a fence or soundwall may be located within the required setback area. Any sign located within the lighting and landscaping district corridor requires approval from the city’s lighting and landscaping district supervisor prior to submittal of an application for a sign permit. Freestanding signs may be located in planter medians with approval of the public works and planning departments for traffic safety and clear visibility. Freestanding signs shall be externally lit, nonilluminated, or internally illuminated with opaque (non-translucent) background along arterial roads as designated in the General Plan. Freestanding signs may include changeable copy; provided, that the sign area for changeable copy does not exceed 75 percent of the total freestanding sign area. Corporate flags used to identify a business or entity shall be calculated into the maximum allowable freestanding sign area.

Building Signs. Each nonresidential use in a residential zone is permitted one nonilluminated or externally illuminated wall sign as follows:

Freestanding Signs. Each nonresidential use in a residential zone (individual building or integrated development) is permitted one nonilluminated or externally illuminated freestanding monument sign as follows:

Building Signs. Each multifamily use is permitted one externally lit or nonilluminated wall sign as follows:

Freestanding Signs. Each multifamily use is permitted one freestanding sign as follows:

Building Signs. One additional wall sign is permitted on the building frontage facing the freeway as follows:

Freestanding Signs. Each integrated development located adjacent to the freeway is permitted one freestanding sign facing the freeway, consistent with the following provisions:

Animated Signs. A conditional use permit for an animated freestanding freeway sign on property abutting U.S. Highway 50 may be approved when the proposal involves the removal of more than one existing billboard sign along Highway 50 or a scenic corridor as defined in this chapter. The sign shall be an authorized billboard within the current city limits. In order to grant approval of the conditional use permit, the planning commission shall find that the proposal results in a net decrease in the number and sign area of billboard signs along U.S. Highway 50 or a scenic corridor within the city and that the property on which the animated sign is located has no other freestanding sign as permitted in subsection (E)(2) of this section. Where a freestanding sign already exists on the property on which the animated sign is to be located, the project shall be conditioned to require removal of the sign. The maximum height of the animated freeway sign shall be no higher than the highest billboard sign being removed and shall not have a greater sign area than the largest billboard being removed. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, both on-site and off-site commercial messages shall be permitted on animated signs.

Off-Site Commercial Signs.

Off-site billboard signs are permitted on the U.S. Highway 50 corridor if all the following criteria are met:

On-Site Signs.

Off-Site Signs. Individual builders or subdividers have the option of choosing 1 of the following types of off-site signage programs in compliance with listed provisions.

Sign material, color and design should reflect the natural setting of the site. Whenever possible, natural materials such as wood, granite and river rock shall be used.

Large, light-colored sign faces invite graffiti and are not permitted.

For simplicity, continuity and ease of communication, signs shall employ symbols where appropriate for bike trails, rest rooms, hiking trail designations.

In most cases within the parkway, illumination of signs could adversely affect the environmental qualities of the parkway and is therefore not permitted. An exception might include a minor, shielded, lighting source at an emergency call box, a trail-head near an intersection, or at a bike tunnel.

The following are designated as scenic corridors in the city:

Signs in the scenic corridor shall comply with the following special provisions and other applicable sections of this chapter:

Maximum Area. Each business or entity is permitted one or more temporary signs with a combined maximum sign area of one hundred square feet. Additionally, businesses or entities with more than one hundred lineal feet of primary building frontage are permitted an additional two square feet of signage for each lineal foot of primary building frontage (in excess of one hundred lineal feet), up to a total maximum sign area of two hundred square feet.

Location. Temporary sign(s) must be attached to the main building or wall/fence, but not located above the roof line or height of wall/fence structure for the business advertising.

Time. Each business is allowed a maximum of two weeks temporary promotional signage a quarter/season (four times a year) or a total of eight weeks per calendar year, but not more than four consecutive weeks (twenty-eight consecutive days).

Application. The sign user or authorized representative shall submit a sign permit application to the planning department upon forms provided for that purpose, including but not limited to the following:

Application Fee. The city council may establish a fee for the processing of an application under the provisions of this chapter by resolution, which may be amended from time to time.

Application Review. Except as otherwise provided herein, the planning, inspections and permitting director shall review and approve, conditionally approve or deny the sign permit application based on conformance with the provisions of this chapter and any applicable uniform sign program. The historic district commission shall review and approve, conditionally approve or deny sign permit applications for signs to be located within the boundaries of the historic district based on conformance with the provisions of this title and any applicable uniform sign program. Applications shall be approved unless the planning, inspections and permitting director, or historic district commission finds in writing that:

Notice of Denial. Written notice of the planning director’s decision shall be given to the applicant within seven days of the decision.

Conditions. The planning director may at the time of approval impose such conditions as are reasonable and necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter, or state or federal laws.

Term of Permit. The sign permit shall be effective eleven days from the date of issuance, unless an appeal has been filed, and shall remain in force indefinitely unless suspended or revoked or if installation of the sign is not completed within six months from the date of issuance of such permit. The planning director may grant one ninety-day extension if work has been commenced but not completed.

Building Permit Required. Prior to installation of a sign, an applicant shall first obtain any required building permits for the sign.

Amendment of Permit. Any proposed changes to the sign(s) shall be reviewed and approved by the planning director in the manner and pursuant to the standards of the city’s current sign ordinance.

Application. The developer, landlord or authorized representative for integrated developments shall submit a uniform signage program application to the planning department upon forms provided for that purpose.

Application Fee. The city council may establish a fee for the processing of an application under the provisions of this chapter by resolution, which may be amended from time to time.

Application Review. The planning director shall review, approve, conditionally approve or deny the uniform signage program applications based on compliance with all applicable requirements of this chapter. Applications shall be approved unless the planning director finds in writing that:

Notice of Denial. Written notice of the planning director’s decision shall be given to the applicant within seven days of the decision.

Conditions. The planning director may at the time of approval impose such conditions as are reasonable and necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter, or state or federal laws.

Permits Required. Each tenant within an integrated development shall submit a sign permit application consistent with the uniform signage program to the planning director for review and approval according to subsection A of this section. Additionally, prior to installation of any sign(s), the applicant shall first obtain any required building permits for the sign(s).

Binding Effect. After approval of a uniform signage program, no sign shall be displayed except in conformance with such plan and this chapter. The uniform signage program shall be enforced in the same way as any provision of this chapter. In case of any conflict between the provisions of such plan and any provisions of this chapter, the chapter shall control.

Amendment of Uniform Signage Program. Any proposed changes in the program after approval shall be submitted to the planning director for review. No person shall undertake activity which does not conform with the uniform signage program, unless approved by the planning director. The planning director shall review any proposed changes in the manner and pursuant to the standards of the city’s current sign ordinance.

Application. The sign user or authorized representative shall submit a temporary sign permit application to the planning department upon a form provided for that purpose, including but not limited to the following: explanation of number, location, size and promotional period requested.

Application Fee. The city council may establish a fee for the processing of an application under the provisions of this chapter by resolution, which may be amended from time to time.

Application Review. The planning director shall review and approve, conditionally approve, or deny the temporary sign permit application based on conformance with the provisions of this subsection, Section 17.59.040(J), and other applicable provisions in this chapter.

Conditions. The planning director may at the time of approval impose such conditions as are necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter, or state or federal laws.

Term Limit. The temporary sign permit shall be effective for the dates identified on the approved permit consistent with this chapter.

Renewal of Temporary Sign Permit. A request for renewal for a temporary sign permit may be submitted to the planning director prior to the end of the period for which the temporary sign permit was approved. The planning director may approve a renewal request provided all applicable renewal fees have been paid, and the planning director finds the sign(s) to be in conformance with the standards set forth in Section 17.59.040(J) and other applicable provisions of this chapter.

Application. The sign user or authorized representative shall submit a special event sign permit application to the planning department upon a form provided for that purpose including, but not limited to the following: explanation of sign type, number, location, size and promotional period requested.

Application Fee. The city council may establish a fee for the processing of an application under the provisions of this chapter by resolution, which may be amended from time to time.

Application Review. The planning director shall review, approve, conditionally approve or deny the special event sign permit application for community-wide events, grand openings, and other similar events as determined by the planning director to be of a community-wide benefit; provided, that the sign(s) not be a roof sign and comply with traffic safety standards. No entity or integrated development may be issued more than 2 special event sign permits per calendar year.

Conditions. The planning director may at the time of approval impose such conditions as are necessary to ensure the protection of the general health, safety, and welfare of the community.

Term Limit. The special event sign permit shall be effective for the dates identified on the approved permit and shall not exceed a maximum of 14 consecutive calendar days.

Appeals. If the applicant or other person whose property rights may be affected is dissatisfied with any determination made by the planning director, such person may appeal to the planning commission. Decisions of the planning commission, when sitting as an appeal body, may not be appealed to the city council.

Any such appeal shall be in writing, shall state the specific reasons therefor and grounds asserted for relief, and shall be filed with the planning director not later than 10 calendar days after the date of the action being appealed. If an appeal is not filed within the time or in the manner prescribed above, the right to review of the action against which the complaint is made shall be deemed to have been waived.

Appeal Fee. The city council shall by resolution adopt and, from time to time, amend a fee for the filing of appeals. Such fee shall be for the sole purpose of defraying costs incurred for the administration of appeals. The fee for an appeal shall be paid at the time of and with the filing of an appeal. No appeal shall be deemed valid unless the prescribed fee has been paid.

Appeal Hearing. After the filing of an appeal within the time and in the manner prescribed herein, a hearing shall be scheduled before the appeal body within 30 days of the filing of the appeal for the purpose of determining whether the appeal should be granted. Written notice of the time, date and place of the hearing shall be served upon the appellant not later than 10 days preceding the date of the hearing.

Action on Appeals. The appeal body shall review the entire proceeding(s) relating to the decision being appealed, de novo, and may make any order it deems just and equitable, including the approval of the application. At the conclusion of the hearing, the appeal body shall prepare a written decision which either grants or denies the appeal and which contains findings of fact and conclusions. The written decision, including a copy thereof, shall be filed with the city clerk. The clerk shall serve such decision on the applicant and the party filing the appeal. The decision of the appeal body shall become final upon the date of the filing and service with respect to any appeal.

Notices. Any notice authorized or required by this chapter shall be deemed to have been filed, served and effective for all purposes on the date when it is personally delivered in writing to the party to whom it is directed or deposited in the United States mail, first-class postage prepaid, and addressed to the party to whom it is directed. Whenever a provision in this chapter requires a public hearing to be conducted, notice of the time, date, place and purpose of the hearing shall be published at least once not later than 10 calendar days in advance of the date of commencement of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation which is published within the county. The same type of notice shall also be served on each permittee whose permit may be affected by the action taken at the conclusion of the hearing.