Fountain Valley City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 21
24 SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
§ 21.24.010 Title.
This chapter may be known as the "Sign Ordinance" of the city of Fountain Valley, California.
(Ord. 1467 § 3, 2011)
§ 21.24.020 Authority.
This chapter is adopted pursuant to the city's general and police powers, California Constitution Article XI, Section 7; California Government Code Sections 65000 et seq., 65850(b), 38774, and 38775; Business and Professions Code Sections 5200 et seq., 5230, and 5490 et seq.; Penal Code Section 556 et seq., and other applicable state laws.
(Ord. 1467 § 3, 2011)
§ 21.24.030 Scope.
This chapter regulates signs, as defined herein, which are within the legal corporate limits of the city, but not on city property, as defined herein, or in the public right-of-way, or on property owned and/or controlled by other city controlled entities. Signs on city property and the public right-of-way are controlled by Chapter 21.25. This chapter does not regulate signs used in conjunction with parades and public assemblies; such matters are covered in Chapter 8.50.
(Ord. 1467 § 3, 2011)
§ 21.24.040 Findings and purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to create and enforce a comprehensive system for the reasonable regulation of signs, as defined herein, within the city. The city has maintained strong sign regulations throughout its history and has been vigilant in enforcing the same with the result that the city does not have the visual blight that afflicts some other cities. By adopting this chapter the city intends to balance many competing interests, which include, but are not limited to:
(1)
To provide adequate opportunity for exercise of the free speech right by display of a sign;
(2)
To preserve and enhance the aesthetic values of the city by limiting visual clutter which can be caused by excessive or inappropriate signage;
(3)
To regulate on the basis of particular need and proportion of signage;
(4)
To serve the traffic and pedestrian safety needs of the community;
(5)
To promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare by regulating existing and proposed signs in the city to assure that they are:
(Ord. 1467 § 3, 2011)
§ 21.24.050 Basic principles.
The principles stated in this section apply to all signs and procedures within the regulatory scope of this chapter and to all provisions of this chapter.
(a)
Applicability. All signs within the scope of this chapter shall conform to the provisions of this chapter. The requirements and development standards in this chapter shall apply to all zoning districts and all private property in the city. Only signs authorized by this chapter shall be allowed. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, specific regulations shall apply as provided in each specific plan.
(b)
Prospective Only. This chapter is intended to have prospective effect only; however, this does not waive the city's right to demand compliance with this chapter, or to demand abatement of existing signs which were illegal when installed and have never been legalized, or which have expanded nonconformities without proper permitting.
(c)
Enforcement. The director or designee is authorized and directed to enforce and administer this chapter.
(d)
Regulatory Interpretations. All regulatory and administrative interpretations of this chapter are to be exercised in light of the message neutrality and message substitution policies.
(e)
Message Neutrality. It is the city's policy and intent to regulate signs in a manner consistent with the United States and California constitutions, which is content neutral as to protected noncommercial speech and which does not favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech.
(f)
Message Substitution. Subject to the property owner's consent, a protected noncommercial message of any type may be substituted, in whole or in part, for the message displayed on any sign which is already legal or legal nonconforming without consideration of message content. Such substitution of message may be made without any additional approval or permitting, provided that the message substitution makes no changes to the physical structure of the sign. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over protected noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular protected noncommercial message over any other protected noncommercial message.
Message substitution is a continuing right and may be exercised any number of times, in whole or in part. This policy applies only to messages which are within the protection of the First Amendment to the United States constitution and corresponding provisions of the California constitution. This message substitution provision does not: (1) create a right to increase the total amount of signage on a parcel, lot or land use, beyond that otherwise allowed; (2) affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be properly permitted, when any permit requirement applies; (3) allow a change in the physical structure of a sign or its mounting device; or (4) authorize the substitution of an offsite commercial message in place of an onsite commercial message or in place of a noncommercial message.
(g)
On-Site/Off-Site Distinction. Within this chapter, the distinction between on-site signs and off-site signs applies only to commercial messages. There is no location criterion for noncommercial speech on signs.
(h)
Permanent Signs—Accessory or Appurtenant Uses Only. Unless otherwise provided herein, permanent signs are to be accessories to, or appurtenant to, or auxiliary to, a main, principal or primary land use on the same parcel; the signs themselves are not to be a primary, principal, or a secondary principal use on any parcel. This provision applies prospectively only.
(Ord. 1467 § 3, 2011)
§ 21.24.060 Definitions.
means a sign which no longer advertises or identifies an ongoing business, product or service available on the premises where the sign is located.
means a sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or the appearance of motion. This definition includes blinking, flashing, moving and revolving signs; strobe, laser, fiber optic, search lights and string lighting of any type, including blinking lights. It also includes electronic display faces which are capable of presenting a series of still images in "slide show" fashion.
means the entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles that enclose the extreme limits or writing, representation, emblem or any figure of similar character, with any frame, background area of sign, structural trim or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such signs from the background against which it is placed. If a sign is designed with more than one exterior surface, the area shall be computed as including only the maximum single display surface that is visible from any ground position at one time. The supports or uprights on which a sign is supported shall not be included in determining the sign area unless the supports or uprights are designed in a manner as to form an integral background of the display. For signs with no distinct border or boundary, the sign area shall be calculated by computing the area of a simple rectilinear figure consisting of not more than eight perpendicular lines that contain all of the writing, representations, emblems, logos, or other display elements of the sign.
 Figure 1. Sign Area |
means a sign or device that is either floating or flying in the air but is tethered to a structure or to the ground by strings or cables, for the purpose of attracting attention to or advertising a commercial or noncommercial message.
means a sign painted or otherwise affixed permanently to the exterior surface of an awning. For purposes of this chapter, awning means shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building and constructed of a rigid frame covered by a flexible skin (e.g., as fabric, synthetic material or thin sheet metal).
means a temporary sign made of fabric or any non-rigid material with no enclosing framework.
means a permanent structure sign which meets any one or more of the following criteria: (1) it is used for the display of off-site commercial messages; (2) it is used for general advertising for hire, in contrast to self-promotion; (3) it is not an accessory or auxiliary use serving a principal use on the same parcel, but rather is a separate or principal use of the parcel; (4) it is a profit center on its own. Signs within an area controlled by a master sign program or specific plan which displays commercial messages pertaining to establishments within the same sign program area or specific plan area are not billboards.
means the linear dimension of a building that faces upon a public street (excluding an alley) or public/private parking lot and is roughly parallel to it.
means a decoration made out of fabric, synthetic material, sheet metal or any thin pliable material that is attached to at least two ends of a rigid frame attached to a pole or projecting from a building.
means a sign face within a box frame, usually made of metal; also known as "cab sign" or "box sign."
means a sign affixed to the top or face of a canopy. For the purposes of this chapter, canopy means a permanent, flat projection from the face of the building, constructed of rigid materials.
means individual letters or figures that are affixed to a building or to a freestanding sign structure, typically by sliding the letters into channel guides.
means a person or animal attired or decorated with commercial insignia, images or symbols, and/or holding signs displaying commercial messages, when a principal purpose is to draw attention to or advertise a commercial enterprise. Includes sign twirlers, sign clowns and human or animal "sandwich board" type signs.
means an image or message on a sign which primarily concerns the commercial and/or economic interests of the sign sponsor or intended audience, and/or which proposes a commercial transaction.
means a temporary sign on a property where construction activities are taking place. Construction activities consist of adding more than fifty percent to the total square footage of the building/buildings, or exterior redesign of more than fifty percent of the length of the building's façade.
means an on-site sign that provides information to drivers and pedestrians, such as parking, exit, one way traffic, handicapped parking, etc.
means a freestanding or wall sign that identifies establishments located within a multi-tenant building, a shopping center, an industrial building or an institutional establishment.
means the planning/building director of the city, or designee.
means a sign displaying the menu of a drive-through restaurant to customers seated in vehicles in drive-through service lanes.
means a sign with a visual image formed by the selective illumination of an array of light bulbs, light emitting diodes (LEDs), or liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that can be changed electronically. These signs may display text and/or graphic images, and may be programmable. The definition applies regardless of whether the sign displays a single image or a series of still images or full motion. Also known as digital signs, CEVMS (changeable electronic variable message signs), and similar names. All functionally equivalent technologies are within this definition.
means any legal use of land, other than long-term residential, which involves the use of structures subject to the Building Code. By way of example and not limitation, this definition includes businesses, factories, farms, schools, hospitals, hotels and motels, offices and libraries but does not include single-family homes, mobile homes, residential apartments, residential care facilities, or residential condominiums.
This definition does not include nature preserves, open space, raw land, broadcasting towers, or electrical transmission or transformer stations. |
means a sign attached to or painted onto any freestanding fence.
means a piece of fabric or other flexible material, usually rectangular, of distinctive design, used as a symbol.
means the commercial enterprise of advertising or promoting other businesses, establishments or causes using methods of advertising, in contrast to self-promotion or on-site advertising. Also known as "advertising for hire" and "general advertising for hire." This definition applies even when the sponsored message is noncommercial or promotes a nonprofit cause or institution.
means the visually communicative portion of a sign; a visual image which functions as symbol of an establishment, a company or any other legal private or public entity or a symbol expressing any other noncommercial or commercial message. Also known as "copy" or "sign copy."
means the vertical distance measured from the surface grade beneath the sign to the highest element of the sign. For purposes of this chapter, all sign heights specified are measured from the grade adjacent to the base of the sign to the highest point of the sign. Grading of a lot to increase sign height above natural grade shall not be allowed.
means a sign that does not meet the requirements of this chapter and does not have legal nonconforming status. Includes all signs which were originally installed in violation of laws, rules and regulations which were in effect at the time of installation, and which have not been subsequently legalized.
means a sign with an artificial source of light incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.
means a form of inflatable device or a sign that is displayed, printed or painted on the surface of a balloon or any other form of inflatable background and is used to attract attention to or advertise a noncommercial or commercial message or location.
means a light emitting diode, which is an electronic device that lights up when electricity is passed through it.
means a permanent sign that was legally established and has been maintained in compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws in effect at the time of original installation but that does not currently comply with the provisions of this chapter or title.
means a coordinated program of signage for building complexes with four or more tenants.
means a sign mounted, attached, affixed or painted upon any surface of a motor vehicle, trailer or similar conveyance parked or traversing upon a public street or on public or private property for the purpose of general advertising for hire.
means a freestanding sign, without exposed pylons or posts, mounted directly on the ground.
means a visual image on an exterior surface of a structure that is displayed primarily for artistic purposes, and not for advertising purposes. Images which consist of or contain text or commercial logos, symbols or images are not within this definition.
sign means any sign using neon or any other inert gas under low pressure, which glows in a distinctive color when exposed to a high voltage electrical current.
means a commercial message displayed on a sign which pertains to goods or services not available at the same location. The definition includes any wall sign that is not located directly above or upon a tenant's lease space where the primary establishment is operated. The onsite/off-site distinction applies only to commercial messages.
means a commercial message which pertains to goods and/or services offered on the same site, or expected to be offered on the same site in the near future. In the case of developments subject to a master sign program or specific plan, all establishments subject to the plan are considered on-site when located within the area to which the plan applies. In the case of construction site signs, "on-site" means any message or copy concerning parties involved in the specific construction project, as well as the intended use of the project when complete. The on-site/off-site distinction applies only to commercial messages.
means any video screen or electronic display, monitor or terminal that is located on, or affixed to, a drive-through menu board that displays exhibits or shows visual content or material.
means a visual image painted or silk-screened onto a building wall or freestanding structure.
means any lightweight plastic, fabric, or similar material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, attached to a rope, wire, or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind and attract attention. Pennants are typically triangular or swallow tail in shape. Flags are not within this definition.
means a freestanding sign supported by one or more poles. The definition applies even if the poles are skirted or covered with cladding.
means a sign not permanently attached to, mounted upon or affixed to a building, structure or the ground, and which is easily moved. Examples include A-frame signs, sandwich board signs, signs on wheels and signs carried/supported by human beings or animals.
means a sign, the sign surface of which is not parallel to the face of the supporting wall and which is supported wholly by the wall. This definition shall include V- or wing-type signs.
means a temporary sign whose message pertains to an economic transaction involving real property, such as a sale, rental, or lease. All signs described in Civil Code 713 are within this definition. This definition does not include signs offering or pertaining to short term or transient occupancy, such as hotel, motel, bed and breakfast inns advertising vacancy and rates.
means a sign attached to a real estate sign that provides limited information about the property (by way of example and not limitation: number of bedrooms, agent's name, open house, etc.).
means a sign erected, constructed and attached to and/or maintained upon or above any roof or portion of a roof of any building, including a mansard roof. For the purposes of this chapter, a mansard roof is any roof or parapet wall with roofing material for siding that slopes from thirty degrees to ninety degrees and does not have a ridge line.
means the public display of a communicative visual image for the purpose of attracting attention and/or expressing some message, which is visible from an exterior location open to the public. Notwithstanding the breadth and generality of the foregoing, the following are not within the definition of sign:
Aerial signs or banners towed behind aircraft;
Architectural Features. Decorative or architectural features of buildings (not including lettering, trademarks or moving parts), which do not perform a communicative function;
Fireworks;
Foundation stones and cornerstones;
Holiday decorations, cultural observance imagery, and strings of lights which are on display in conjunction with a state or national holiday for not more than forty-five calendar days per year (cumulative, per parcel or use) and which do not include commercial advertising messages;
Inflatable Gymnasiums.
Inflatable, temporary, moveable, gymnasium devices commonly used for children's birthday parties, and similar devices; also called "party jumps";
Interior Graphics.
Visual communicative devices that are located entirely within a building or other enclosed structure and are not visible from the exterior thereof;
Landscaping;
Manufacturers' Marks. Marks on tangible products, which identify the maker, seller, provider or product, and which customarily remain attached to the product even after sale;
Mass Transit Graphics.
Graphic images mounted on duly licensed and authorized mass transit vehicles that legally pass through the city for the primary purpose of transportation rather than general advertising for hire; taxis;
Newsracks and newsstands;
Personal Appearance.
Items or devices of personal apparel, decoration or appearance, including tattoos, makeup, wigs, costumes, masks, etc. (but not including commercial mascots or hand-held signs);
Search lights, except when used to attract attention to or advertise a commercial or noncommercial message or location;
Shopping carts, golf carts, horse drawn carriages, pedicabs and similar devices; any motorized vehicle which may be legally operated upon a public road is not within this exclusion;
Symbols Embedded in Architecture.
Symbols of noncommercial organizations or concepts including, but not limited to, religious or political symbols, when such are permanently integrated into the structure of a permanent building which is otherwise legal; by way of example and not limitation, such symbols include stained glass windows on churches, carved or bas relief doors or walls, bells, religious statuary, etc.;
Vehicle and Vessel Insignia.
On street legal vehicles and properly licensed watercraft: license plates, license plate frames, registration insignia, noncommercial messages, messages relating to the business of which the vehicle or vessel is an instrument or tool (not including general advertising) and messages relating to the proposed sale, lease or exchange of the vehicle or vessel;
Vending machines, automated intake devices and product dispensing devices which do not display off-site commercial messages or general advertising messages;
Window Displays.
The display of merchandise in a store window.
The sign committee shall be composed of the following:
means the combination of letters, numerals, or symbols displayed on a sign face to convey a message to the public; the complete set of all elements of a visual image which is intended to be communicative.
means a small poster board on a stake mounted on the public right-of-way, in violation of applicable laws.
means a sign located within a common open space area or landscape easement, adjacent to a street on the perimeter of the subdivision.
means a sign that is designed or intended to be temporarily mounted or displayed and which is not intended for permanent or long term use. Temporary signs are usually made of lightweight materials and are easily mounted by hand or with ordinary hand tools.
means a sign suspended under a canopy, marquee or arcaded walk in front of a building.
means a sign installed on or attached to a wall and which is parallel to the building façade.
means a sign painted or installed on a glass window or door or located within three feet from inside the window in a manner that it can be viewed from the exterior of a structure.
(Ord. 1467 § 3, 2011)
§ 21.24.070 General provisions for all signs.
(a)
Sign Integration. Signs shall be designed as an integral part of the total building design.
(b)
Emergency Response Information. Signs that are not primarily in the English language shall provide the name of the business or type of business and street address (e.g., dentist, hardware, etc.) displayed in English to help facilitate an emergency response to that location if necessary.
(c)
Illumination. Signs with external illumination shall be provided with shields to concentrate the illumination on the sign to prevent glare on the street or adjacent property. It shall be unlawful to create harmful glare or light that distracts motorists, or causes a nuisance to adjacent property.
(d)
Quality—Maintenance—Aesthetics. Signs shall be maintained in proper working order and in a state of good repair at all times. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept clean and legible at all times.
The rear of any sign face or cabinet visible to the public shall be provided with a flat-surfaced cover to obscure structural elements from public view. Angle bars, metal pipes or I-beams shall not be used as visible structural supports unless covered with decorative material.
(e)
Location. The location and design of a proposed sign shall not create a pedestrian or vehicular traffic hazard.
(f)
Sign Consistency. All signs within an individual project shall be of the same type (e.g., channel letters, cabinet, etc.), unless otherwise approved by the sign committee.
(Ord. 1467 § 3, 2011)
§ 21.24.080 Standards for specific sign types.
Only signs authorized by this section shall be allowed unless additional signage is allowed by another provision of this chapter. The following standards are maximums and lesser standards may be applied to a particular project if the circumstances warrant.
(a)
Wall Signs.
1.
Building frontage (A) = 30 ft.
2.
30 ft. x 1.5 = 45 square feet = max. sign area
 Figure 2. Wall Signs |
Standards for Wall Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zones | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Number Allowed | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Sign Height | Requirements |
1 Sign per building elevation 2 Signs maximum for corner/ end tenants in a multi-tenant shopping center 3 Signs maximum for freestanding buildings | 1.5 sq. ft. of sign area/linear ft. of building frontage | Below edge of roof | Wall signs shall be located only on building frontages facing a public street, private drive or parking lot. Wall signs shall be parallel to the face of the building and shall not project from the face of the building more than required for construction purposes and in no case more than 12 inches. Wall signs shall not obstruct any portion of a window. |
(b)
Directional Signs.
 Figure 3. Directional Signs |
Standards for Directional Signs in Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Family Zoning Districts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Number Allowed | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Sign Height | Requirements |
1 per site entrance, or as allowed by a master sign program approved by the sign committee | 4 sq. ft. | 3 ft. | On-site directional signs are intended to aid vehicle and pedestrian traffic to maneuver safely onto and within the site. |
(c)
Freestanding Monument Signs.
 Figure 4. Freestanding Monument Signs |
Standards for Freestanding Monument Signs in Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Family Zoning Districts and Assembly Facilities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Number Allowed | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Sign Height | Requirements |
1 sign for every 300 feet of street frontage along a public street | 50 sq. ft.* | 8 ft.* | Sign shall be set back a minimum 5 ft. from property lines or public right-of-way and shall not block traffic safety area. |
*Height and square footage may be increased for commercial and industrial properties that have 500 ft. or more of continuous street frontage along an arterial street | 80 sq. ft. | 12 ft. | Same as above. |
See additional requirements below | |||
(1)
In commercial, industrial zones, multi-family zoning districts, and assembly facilities, the following limitations shall apply to monument signs:
Lineal Street Frontage | No. of Signs Permitted |
|---|---|
0—300 | 1 |
300—600 | 2 |
600—900 | 3 |
Over 900 | 4 |
(2)
Lineal street frontage on corner lots fronting arterial streets shall be combined and count towards the number of allowable monument signs.
(3)
Separation. There shall be a minimum of seventy-five feet between two freestanding monument signs on the same property and adjoining properties to ensure adequate visibility for all signs. The director may waive this requirement in situations where its application would be impractical due to the locations of existing signs on adjacent properties.
(4)
Freestanding monument signs shall not project over public property, vehicular easements or rightsof-way, or obstruct corner cutback area. A minimum of two hundred square feet of landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure;
(5)
The width of the base structure shall be a minimum of one-half the length of the sign area;
(6)
Illumination: freestanding monument signs may be illuminated with either interior or indirect lighting;
(7)
Architectural Compatibility. Monument signs shall be compatible with the architectural features of the facility to which it relates.
(8)
Addresses shall be provided on monument signs using Arabic numbers at least eight inches in height and be placed on the top face or the side parallel to the street of the monument sign.
(9)
Sign area shall be computed by measuring the entire area contained within the frame or cabinet but excluding the monument base if it contains no sign copy and is clearly distinguishable from the sign copy area through the use of different texture, color, and design. The frame or cabinet structure shall be included in the maximum height calculation of the sign.
(d)
Freeway Visible Monument Signs.
 Figure 5. Freeway Visible Monument Signs |
Standards for Freeway Monument Signs in the Commercial and Industrial Zones Adjacent to the 405 Freeway | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Number Allowed | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Sign Height | Requirements |
1 sign | 200 sq. ft. | Shall not exceed 20 ft. in height as measured from the elevation of the nearest freeway lane | Only on parcels that have a minimum freeway frontage of 200 ft. |
See additional requirements below | |||
(1)
Freeway monument signs may not be used as general advertising for hire.
(2)
Landscaping. Freeway monument signs shall be located in a landscape berm area, approved by the director, a minimum of six hundred square feet in area.
(3)
Orientation. Freeway monument signs shall be perpendicular to the freeway right-of-way.
(4)
Separation. There shall be a minimum of two hundred feet between two freestanding signs on abutting sites to ensure adequate visibility for all signs and to alleviate sign clutter.
(5)
All freeway monument signs shall be reviewed by the sign committee for compliance with this chapter.
(e)
Banners.
 Figure 6. Banners |
Standards for Temporary Banners in Commercial, Industrial and Multi-Family Zoning Districts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Number Allowed | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Sign Size | Requirements |
1 per building or tenant space | 45 sq. ft. | 3 ft. by 15 ft. | An establishment in a commercial, industrial, or multi-family zoning district may display 1 banner for a maximum 4 such time periods per year, each time period running not more than 60 days, with a minimum of 30 days between time periods. |
See additional requirements below | |||
(1)
A banner shall be located on the face of the structure to which it is associated. No banner shall be placed on the parapet or roof area of any structure. The banner shall be attached to the building.
(2)
Banners shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the following: number twelve canvas or equivalent shall be used; top and bottom edges shall have a one and one-half inch hem with one-quarter inch rope enclosed in the hem for reinforcement to prevent eyelets from ripping out; top and bottom edges shall have metal reinforced eyelets spaced at two-foot intervals.
(3)
Prohibited Banner Types. Three-dimensional banners, inflatable advertising devices, lighted banners and animated banners are all prohibited.
(4)
A temporary sign permit and associated fees shall be required for installation of any banner. The applicant shall submit an application for a banner permit and obtain a permit prior to the installation of the banner.
(5)
A banner permit shall be issued in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
(f)
Window Signs. Temporary advertising/promotional signs and graphics painted on a window or securely attached to a window are allowed subject to the following:
 Figure 7. Window Signs |
Standards for Window Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zones | ||
|---|---|---|
Maximum Sign Area | Location | Requirements |
Not to exceed 30% of each window area | Upper 2/3 of window area | Window signs shall be permanently painted or mounted on the inside of windows and doors. Window signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground floor of a building frontage. Illuminated, neon and LED signs are prohibited |
(g)
Awning Signs.
 Figure 8. Awning Signs |
Standards for Awning Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zones | |
|---|---|
Number Allowed | Maximum Sign Area |
1 per awning per building elevation | 10% of front face of awning area |
See additional requirements below | |
(1)
Awning signs for multiple-tenant projects shall only be allowed as part of an approved master sign program to ensure continuity of architecture and sign identification for the entire development. Individual tenants within multiple-tenant projects shall not erect awning signs unless they are part of a comprehensive sign program for the entire project. Awning signs are allowable on single-tenant buildings without a sign program;
(2)
Awnings shall only be located on building frontages and are limited to ground level only.
(3)
The area of awning signs shall be included in the aggregate sign area allowed for the use.
(4)
Awnings shall not be internally illuminated so that light is emitted from the awning. Lighting directed downwards to illuminate the exterior surface of the awning is allowed.
(5)
Combinations of signs on awnings with wall signs are permitted but shall not exceed the maximum allowable sign area per building elevation.
(h)
Service Station Canopy Signs.
 Figure 9. Service Station Canopy Signs |
Standards for Service Station Canopy Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zones | |
|---|---|
Number Allowed | Maximum Sign Area |
1 per awning elevation | 10% of canopy face |
LED (or similar) accent lighting is also permitted to be used on service station buildings when in keeping with the overall architectural design of a building and/or canopy and insofar as such accent lighting does not convey a message to the public, such accent lighting shall not be considered signage nor count against overall allowable sign area subject to development review. | |
(1)
Canopy fascia may be illuminated when not facing a residential zone that abuts the property.
(2)
Canopy fascia illumination shall be subject to development review.
(3)
Canopy fascia lighting shall maximize opportunities for energy conservation, while avoiding glare and light trespass through design of lighting installations, selection of fixture type, lighting technology and location, and control of light levels.
(i)
Service Station Monument Signs.
 Figure 10. Service Station Monument Signs |
Standards for Service Station Monument Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zones |
|---|
Number Allowed |
Service stations are permitted 1 monument sign per street frontage |
(1)
Service station monument signs shall meet all the requirements as indicated in subsection (c) of this section, freestanding monument signs, except as provided for in this section.
(2)
Service station monument signs may incorporate a digital/changeable copy LED (or similar) illuminated fuel price sign subject to sign committee review.
(3)
Digital/changeable copy technology may be used in price signs strictly for the purpose of pricing adjustments and may not be utilized to transmit any other digital messages.
(4)
The digital/changeable copy shall not scroll, blink, flash or travel horizontally or vertically across the face of the sign.
(j)
Drive-Through Ordering Signs.
 Figure 11. Drive-Through Ordering Signs |
Standards for Drive-Through Ordering Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zones | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Number Allowed | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Height | Requirements |
2 per property | 45 sq. ft. for main menu board 20 sq. ft. for the secondary menu board | 8 ft. | Shall not be located in the setback area. |
Order confirmation boards shall not exceed 19 inches in diameter and shall count towards the square footage for all drive-through signage. | |||
(k)
Protected Non-Commercial Speech Temporary Signs.
(1)
Number. All private properties in the city are allowed to display a maximum of four temporary non-commercial speech signs per parcel in the residential zone and one temporary non-commercial speech sign per one hundred feet of arterial street frontage in nonresidential zones. The foregoing is a limitation on the number of signs and not their spacing.
(2)
Display. The display area of a temporary non-commercial speech sign may be used for any protected non-commercial speech.
(3)
Structure and Height. Temporary non-commercial speech signs may not exceed three square feet per sign face. Temporary non-commercial speech signs must be freestanding and cannot exceed six feet in height measured from the adjacent grade. Notwithstanding the foregoing height restriction, a temporary non-commercial speech sign placed in the rear yard of a single-family dwelling, where the dwelling is both adjacent to an arterial street and located in the residential zone, cannot exceed nine feet in height measured from the adjacent grade.
(4)
Timing. Temporary non-commercial speech signs can be displayed in the residential zone at all times. Temporary non-commercial speech signs can be displayed in nonresidential zones only during the period which begins sixty days before, and ends ten days after, an election held by a local, state, or national government entity.
(l)
Subdivision Entry Feature.
 Figure 12. Subdivision Entry Feature |
Standards for Residential Subdivision Entry Feature Wall Sign | ||
|---|---|---|
Number Allowed | Maximum Sign Area | Requirements |
2 per tract entrance; 1 per wall | 24 sq. ft. | Shall be located on subdivision wall. |
(m)
Interim Identification Signs for Establishments. A maximum of one temporary sign for the identification of a new establishment is allowed until permanent signs can be erected, for a period not to exceed ninety days. One time extension may be granted by the director upon a showing that the delay in obtaining and mounting a permanent sign has been caused by factors beyond the control of the establishment. Maximum sign area is limited to fifty square feet.
(n)
Construction Site Signs. Temporary signs are allowed on construction sites in compliance with the following:
(1)
Construction site signs shall only be allowed on residential properties greater than one acre in size.
(2)
Limit on number and size: one per street frontage and shall not exceed thirty-two square feet in area.
(3)
Construction site signs may be on display only for the period during which active construction is proceeding on the project or when an active entitlement application is on file with the city.
(4)
Maximum sign height shall not exceed eight feet.
(5)
Sign face shall be constructed of wood, plastic or metal.
(6)
Construction site signs shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any property line.
(o)
Canopy Signs.
 Figure 13. Canopy Signs |
Standards for Canopy Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Number Allowed | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Height | Requirements |
1 Sign per building elevation 2 Signs maximum for corner/ end tenants in a multi-tenant shopping center 3 Signs maximum for freestanding buildings | 1.5 sq. ft. of sign area/ linear ft. of building frontage | Below edge of roof | See below for additional requirements. |
(1)
Canopy signs are allowed only where a permanent fixed canopy structure is constructed over an entrance to a building.
(2)
The lettering shall be fixed to the face of the canopy or directly on top of the canopy.
(3)
The lettering shall not extend above the edge of the building roof line.
(4)
Maximum sign size on the canopy shall not exceed one and one-half square feet of sign area for each linear foot of building frontage.
(5)
No structural element of a canopy shall be located less than eight feet above finished grade.
(6)
Canopies shall be compatible with the architectural integrity of the building(s) to which they are attached.
(7)
Combinations of signs on canopies with wall signs are permitted but shall not exceed the maximum allowable sign area per building elevation.
(p)
Real Estate Signs—Commercial Properties.
 Figure 14. Real Estate Signs—Commercial Properties |
Real Estate Signs in Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Number Allowed | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Sign Height | Requirements |
1 per lot or parcel Corner parcels may display 2 commercial real estate signs, 1 along each street frontage | 16 sq. ft. per sign face plus 9 sq. ft. of rider signage | 8 ft. | Illumination is prohibited. Shall be constructed of wood, plastic, or metal. |
Time Periods | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Commercial real estate signs shall be removed within 7 days after the proposed transaction has occurred. Maximum time period shall be 180 days from the date the sign permit is issued, unless otherwise extended by the director upon submittal of proof that the property is still on the market. |
(q)
Real Estate Signs—Residential. All residential real estate signs shall be subject to the following requirements:
 Figure 15. Real Estate Signs—Residential |
Real Estate Signs in Residential Zoning Districts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Number Allowed | Maximum Sign Area | Maximum Sign Height | Requirements |
1 per lot or parcel | 15 sq. ft. including all riders | 6 ft. | Setback a minimum of 2 ft. from property line. Shall not be mounted on, or extended into, the public right-of-way. |
Time Periods |
|---|
During the period the property is listed for sale, rent or lease, and in any event, shall be removed within 7 days after the property is sold, rented or leased, or the offer is terminated; the property shall be deemed sold upon the close of escrow. |
(r)
Directional Open House Signage—Tract Entrance(s).
(1)
For the purposes of this section, "tract" shall refer to any quadrant bound by adjacent arterial streets.
(2)
Off-site directional open house signs are permitted in accordance with California Civil Code Section 713.
(3)
Open house signs must direct traffic to a property that is offered for sale, rent or lease.
(4)
A maximum of two open house directional signs shall be permitted at each tract entrance per house for sale; the tract entrance is limited to one entrance per arterial street.
(5)
Open house signs at tract entrances shall limit messages to "Open House" but can be personalized to include directional arrow, name of agent, real estate company, phone number, etc.
(6)
Maximum sign area—Twenty-four inches by eighteen inches.
(7)
Maximum height—Forty-two inches; except for those flush mounted on tract wall.
(8)
No flags, pennants, or balloons are permitted on the open house directional signs.
(9)
Signs can only be displayed between six a.m. to eight p.m. on the day of open house.
(10)
Signs must be set back a minimum of two feet from the property line, except for those flush mounted or on top of or behind the tract wall, but signs cannot extend into the public right-of-way.
(11)
One additional open house sign may be placed within the tract at each change of direction from the entrance to the most direct route to the open house.
(12)
Signs can only be placed on private property with consent of the property owner; no sign shall be placed on any public property, including, but not limited to, the public right-of-way, parkway strips, sidewalks, medians, tree wells, power poles, wires and appurtenances, etc.
(s)
Directional Open House Signage—Arterial Intersections.
(1)
Off-site directional open house signs are permitted in accordance with California Civil Code Section 713.
(2)
The purpose of the directional open house sign is to direct homebuyer to an open house, not to market an individual agent or real estate company.
(3)
Open house signs must direct traffic to a property that is currently offered for sale, rent or lease.
(4)
A maximum of four off-site open house directional signs shall be permitted per home for sale; a maximum of two signs at any of the four nearest arterial intersections, not to exceed a total of four signs, provided not more than one sign is placed at any single street corner.
(5)
Maximum sign area—Twenty-four inches by nine inches.
(6)
Maximum height—Forty-two inches; except for flush mounted signs on tract walls.
(8)
No flags, pennants, or balloons are permitted on the open house directional signs.
(9)
Signs can only be displayed between six a.m. to eight p.m. on day of the open house.
(10)
Signs must be set back a minimum of two feet from the property line.
(11)
Signs can only be placed on private property with the consent of owner; no sign shall be placed on any public property, including, but not limited to, the public right-of-way, parkway strip, sidewalks, medians, tree wells, power poles, wires and appurtenances, etc.
(Ord. 1467 § 3, 2011; Ord. 1513 § 4, 2016; Ord. 1539 § 4, 2018; Ord. 1543 § 4, 2019)
§ 21.24.090 Sign permit procedures.
(a)
Sign Permit Required. No private party may post, mount, install or display a sign unless a permit therefor has first been issued or the subject sign is expressly exempt from the permit requirement by this chapter. The sign shall conform to the permit.
(b)
Sign Permit Fee. A sign permit shall not be issued until the applicant has paid the permit fee set by council resolution.
(c)
Sign Permit Application Elements. The sign permit application form may call for the following information:
(1)
Three sets of a fully dimensioned site plan (drawn to scale) indicating all property lines, public and private street lines (including center lines), structures, easements, and the location and size (in square feet) of all existing and proposed signs;
(2)
Three sets of a fully dimensioned architectural elevation drawing (shown to scale) indicating thereon all sign matter, graphic design elements, materials, and method of illumination, and if required by the director, a photographic simulation;
(3)
Name, address and telephone number of the applicant and, if applicable, the name, address, APN (assessor's parcel number) and telephone number, as well as the license number, if any, of the sign contractor;
(4)
Address and zoning district of the property where the sign is proposed to be displayed;
(5)
Existing and proposed sign area of each individual sign and the combined area of all signs (including those already existing or previously permitted) in relation to the maximum allowed sign area;
(6)
Written evidence of all owners' consents, such as land owner or lessor;
(7)
A statement as to whether the sign is intended to be used in whole or in part for off-site commercial messages, advertising for hire or general advertising;
(8)
A statement or graphical description as to whether the proposed sign, or any part of it, is proposed to utilize any of the following physical methods of message presentation: sound; odor, smoke, fumes or steam; rotating, moving or animated elements; activation by wind or forced air; neon or other fluorescing gases; fluorescent or day-glow type colors; flashing or strobe lighting; light emitting diodes, liquid crystal displays or other video-like methods; digital display technology; use of live animals or living persons as part of the display; mannequins or statuary;
(9)
Photographs of the existing property, parcel and/or building on which the sign is proposed to be erected or displayed;
(10)
In the case of any proposed sign which is subject to a discretionary process, such as a variance, conditional use permit, or sign program, all information required by such process(es);
(11)
The director is authorized to modify the list of information to be provided on a sign permit application; however, additions may be made only after thirty days public notice. The director is also authorized to request, require or accept application materials, in whole or in part, in computer readable format, and to specify the acceptable formats for such submissions.
(d)
Master Sign Programs. A sign permit application must include a proposed master sign program in the following cases.
(1)
New nonresidential projects with four or more tenants.
(2)
Major rehabilitation work that involves the exterior remodeling of an existing nonresidential project with four or more units.
For the purposes of this chapter, major rehabilitation means adding more than fifty percent to the total square footage of the building/buildings, or exterior redesign of more than fifty percent of the length of the building's façade within the development.
(e)
Reviewing Body. The director shall review all sign permit applications except sign permit applications for changeable copy signs and freeway monument signs, which shall be reviewed by the sign committee. The sign committee shall review master sign programs. The director may forward any other sign permit application to the sign committee for review.
(f)
Findings. Review of a sign permit application shall not include judgment of the artistic merit of the graphic design. A proposed sign permit or master sign program may be approved only upon making the following findings:
(1)
That the sign is consistent with this title, the general plan and this chapter;
(2)
That the location, design, size, shape, color, illumination, form, proportion, scale, material, surface treatment, and placement of the sign are compatible with the building it identifies and that the sign is compatible with the visual characteristics of the surrounding area so as not to detract from or cause to denigrate the value or quality of adjacent properties;
(3)
That both the location of the proposed sign and the design of its visual elements (lettering, words, figures, colors, decorative motifs, spacing and proportions) are legible under normal viewing conditions at the sign location, and providing sufficient English character identification from the public right-of-way to allow effective public safety responses;
(4)
That the location and design of the proposed sign does not obscure from view or unduly detract from existing or adjacent signs;
(5)
That the location and design of a proposed sign in close proximity to any residential district does not adversely affect the quality or character of the residential area;
(6)
That the location and design of a proposed sign does not create a pedestrian or vehicular hazard;
(7)
That signs covered by a master sign program have uniform sign type (e.g., channel letters or cabinet sign) and uniform location with the building's design.
(g)
Maintenance of Status Quo During Review Process. During review of a sign permit application, including all levels of appeal, the status quo shall be maintained pending completion of the internal appeal process; however, this does not apply in the case of an existing sign which by its physical nature presents a significant and immediate threat of damage to persons or property, or to the public safety.
(h)
Time for Review.
(1)
Review by the Director. For sign permit applications that are reviewed by the director, once a sign permit application is complete, a decision thereon shall be issued within ten calendar days; the applicant may waive this timely decision requirement. In the case of incomplete applications, the director shall give written notice to the applicant, within ten days of presentation, of all known deficiencies in the application.
(2)
Review by the Sign Committee. For sign permit applications that are reviewed by the sign committee, once a sign permit application is complete, a decision thereon shall be issued within forty-five calendar days; the applicant may waive this timely decision requirement. In the case of incomplete applications, the director shall give written notice to the applicant, within ten days of presentation, of all known deficiencies in the application.
(i)
Decision. A decision on a sign permit application shall be in writing. If a sign permit application is denied, the decision shall state the reasons for denial.
(1)
Denial by Director. If the application is denied by the director, the applicant shall have ten calendar days to correct the deficiencies and resubmit the application without payment of additional fees. Alternatively, the applicant may appeal the director's decision in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 21.60 (Appeals) of this title.
(j)
Judicial Review. Following exhaustion of all available internal methods of review and appeal, the city's final decision on a sign permit application may be judicially reviewed. To obtain judicial review, an applicant must file an action in the appropriate state or federal within sixty calendar days of the city's final decision on a sign permit application.
(k)
Permits Issued in Error. Any permit issued in error may be summarily revoked by the city manager by informing, in writing, the applicant of the nature of the error in issuance. Any applicant whose permit is revoked as issued in error may, at any time thereafter, submit a new permit application which cures any deficiencies in the original application. The application fee shall apply separately to each new application, but shall be waived when the original issuing error was caused by the city. When a permit is revoked, the permittee must remove the sign within seven calendar days of the revocation. If the permittee does not do so, then the city may remove the sign and recover from the permittee the reasonable cost of removal, as may be set by resolution of the city council. Such cost recovery may be a condition to any future or additional permits sought by the same applicant.
(Ord. 1467 § 3, 2011; Ord. 1563 § 5, 2020)
§ 21.24.100 Exemptions from sign permits.
The signs described in this section are exempt from the sign permit requirement, but are still subject to all other legal requirements including all other applicable requirements of this code and chapter. Unless otherwise stated, the signs described in this section do not reduce the total area of sign display which is otherwise applicable.
(a)
Notices. Notices required or allowed by law.
(b)
Governmental signs.
(c)
Flags. Each real property shall be allowed one flag pole, not to exceed thirty-five feet in height.
(d)
Residential Property. Temporary non-commercial signs on residential property.
(e)
Real estate signs.
(f)
Window signs.
(Ord. 1467 § 3, 2011)
§ 21.24.110 Prohibited signs.
The following sign types are prohibited in all zoning districts, unless specifically authorized or allowed by a more specific provision of this chapter:
(1)
Aerial signs or aerial devices;
(2)
Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving or other similar signs;
(3)
Banners, bunting, flags, streamers and pennants;
(4)
Bench signs, except at approved bus passenger loading areas;
(5)
Billboards;
(6)
Changeable copy signs, except at land uses characterized by human assembly and periodically changing programs (such as theaters, concert halls, convention facilities, and places of worship);
(7)
Electronic reader board signs, electronic message centers and changeable electronic variable message signs;
(8)
Fence signs;
(9)
Inflated signs, balloons and figures (balloons and blimps);
(10)
Mobile signs;
(11)
Exposed neon, exposed LED or similar illuminated signs;
(12)
Off-site commercial advertising signs;
(13)
Signs painted on fences, walls, roofs, storage bins or cargo containers; including murals;
(14)
Paper, cloth or similar lightweight, flimsy material signs on the exterior of a building, except those signs located inside a building as part of a window sign that meets all other provisions of this chapter;
(15)
Pennant signs;
(16)
Portable signs displaying commercial messages, including A-frame signs;
(17)
Commercial mascots;
(18)
Pole signs;
(19)
Roof signs;
(20)
Projecting signs;
(21)
Signs erected in a manner that a portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of a fire escape, exit or standpipe or obstruct a required ventilator, door, stairway or window above the first story;
(22)
Signs not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter;
(23)
Signs emitting audible sounds, odors or visible matter;
(24)
Signs that conflict with or imitate traffic control devices due to color, wording, design, location or illumination, or that interfere with the safe and efficient flow of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic;
(25)
Snipe signs;
(26)
Strings of lights or signs outlined with individual light bulbs;
(27)
Vehicles used primarily as advertising devices.
(Ord. 1467 § 3, 2011)
§ 21.24.120 Abandoned signs.
Signs shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the establishment that it advertises is no longer in operation on the premises for a period of ninety calendar days. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the director shall give the owner thirty days written notice to remove it. Upon failure to comply with the notice, the director may have the sign removed at the owner's expense.
(Ord. 1467 § 3, 2011)
§ 21.24.130 Violations.
It is unlawful for any person or for any owner, operator, tenant or other person in control of property within the city for which the standards set forth in this chapter apply, to fail to comply with the sign standards set forth in this chapter or to fail to have any approval required by this chapter. The city may utilize any method authorized by law to remedy a sign in violation of this chapter.
(Ord. 1467 § 3, 2011)