Glendale City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 30
33 SIGNS
§ 30.33.010 Purpose.
A.
It is the objective of this chapter to promote and protect the public health, safety, welfare, convenience and amenity by regulating existing and proposed signs of all types.
B.
It is the intent of this chapter to preserve and protect property values, create a more attractive business climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community, preserve the scenic and natural beauty of designated areas, and provide a more enjoyable and pleasing community, and to encourage the most appropriate use of land. It is further intended to reduce advertising obstructions that may contribute to traffic accidents, reduce hazards that may be caused by signs overhanging or projecting over public rights-of-way, provide more open space and curb the deterioration of community environment.
C.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, safety, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, location, electrification, operation and maintenance of all signs and sign structures exposed to public view within the city unless specifically exempted from regulation by this chapter.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004)
§ 30.33.020 Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them unless otherwise noted:
means any sign which carries advertisement incidental and related only to the primary use of the premises or site on which it is located, including signs or sign devices indicating the business transacted at, services rendered, goods sold or produced on the premises by either the owner, occupant or developer of the premises or site.
means a sign structure.
means a sign which is designed and constructed to give a message through a sequence of progressive changes of parts by either action or motion, flashing or color changes requiring electrical or manual energy. When an animated sign is permitted as a creative sign, it shall not contain a video screen displaying advertising content in animated or motion picture form or have a changing display/message formed by the selective illumination of an array of individual light bulbs or light emitting diodes (LEDs) displaying text and/or graphic images.
means the entire area within a single continuous perimeter as measured pursuant to Section 30.33.120, which encloses the extreme limits of the advertising message, announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, picture, insignia, logogram, surface or space of a similar nature, together with any frame, background area of sign, structural trim or other material, color or condition which forms an integral part of the display, excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which such sign is placed.
means a permanent or temporary structure attached to and wholly supported by a wall of a building and installed over and partially in front of doors, windows or other openings in a building and consisting of a frame and a top of canvas or other similar material covering the entire space enclosed between the frame.
means the entire area in which copy could be placed.
means any pennant, streamer, flag, picture, figure or other object, regardless of the material of which it is made, which is suspended or otherwise designed for decoration or advertisement, or to attract the attention of passersby; excepting, however, official warning devices, public service facilities, streetlights, and similar safety devices.
means a nonaccessory sign as defined in this section.
means an accessory sign structure located out-of-doors which displays small signs or the name or title, announcements, and other pertinent information pertaining to a public, charitable or religious use.
means a fixed shelter of any material and of any length, projecting from and connected to a building and/or columns and/or posts from the ground, or supported by a frame extending from the building and/or columns or posts from the ground. “Canopy” includes a marquee. “Canopy” does not include a shelter whose roof is also a walkway or area being used as a balcony for an upper floor occupancy.
means an accessory sign that is characterized by changeable copy regardless of method of attachment.
means a sign erected and maintained within a construction project site and indicating only the name of the project, names of those individuals or businesses directly connected with the construction project, their addresses and telephone numbers, and information regarding direction, price or terms.
means an accessory sign with a high quality of design that meets the creative sign requirements of Section 30.33.225.
means an accessory sign designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
means any sign that has the surface composed in whole or in part of glass or other transparent material and which is illuminated or energized with electrical current.
means to build, construct, alter, repair, display, relocate, attach, hang, place, suspend, affix or paint.
means the surface of a signboard, background area, and structural trim upon, against or through which a message is displayed or illustrated on the sign.
means an illuminated sign which exhibits changing light or color effect by blinking or any other such means so as to provide a nonconstant illumination.
means a highway, in respect to which the owners of abutting lands have no right or easement of access to or from their abutting lands, or in respect to which such owners have only a limited or restricted right or easement of access, the precise route for which has been determined and designated as a freeway by an authorized agency of the state or a political subdivision thereof. The term indicates the main traveled portion of the traffic way, all land situated within the right-of-way, and all ramps and appurtenant land and structures.
has the same meaning as set out in Section 30.70.080.
means a premises designed for human occupancy that has at least one ground-level public entrance.
means a sign supported by a sign structure, other than the wall of a building, placed in or upon the ground. “Ground sign” shall include signs on walls and fences whether or not such walls and fences are attached to a building.
means the vertical distance measured from ground level to the highest point of such sign or sign structure.
means a sign located at or above the sixth floor of a building that displays characters, letters, figures, designs or logograms.
means a sign that serves to identify only the name, address and lawful use of the premises upon which it is located and which sets forth no other advertisement.
means a sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs, logograms, pictures or outlines illuminated by a source of energy directly or indirectly in order to make visible the message. This definition shall include internally and externally lighted signs and reflectorized, glowing and radiating signs.
“Direct illumination” means the source of light is on the exterior of sign and reflecting upon sign.
“Indirect illumination” means the source of the light is within interior of sign structure.
means a sign which conveys information such as restrooms, no parking, and the like but does not contain advertising, brand or trade or center name information.
means a sign that projects an image or message via light onto a surface of a building or structure of a hospital in the MS zone. Light projection signs may not be animated.
has the same meaning as set out in Section 30.70.100.
means a privately owned pedestrian way at least 20 feet deep providing public access to three or more commercial establishments.
means a permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and projecting over public property.
means an accessory sign, attached to a marquee or canopy.
means an accessory sign displaying the type and price of food and beverages available at a restaurant, delicatessen, or portable vending cart.
means a sign consisting of a picture, painting, or other art work applied to and made integral with an exterior wall surface of a building, structure, fence, or garden wall and which contains no copy, lettering, symbols, or any references directly related to the promotion of any product, business, organization, service, cause, or place.
means any sign or device which has any visible moving part, visible revolving part, or visible mechanical movement of any description, or other apparent visible movement achieved by electrical, electronic or kinetic means, including intermittent electrical pulsation, or by actions of wind currents.
means any development project, development, construction, rehabilitation or renovation that requires Stage II: Final review by the Glendale Redevelopment Agency pursuant to the Glendale Redevelopment design review guidelines.
means any sign that carries advertisement other than that of an accessory sign.
means a sign that announces candidates seeking elected public office and other pertinent data.
means a sign designed to be transported from place to place while supported or carried by one or more persons and not affixed, anchored or secured to the ground or a sign structure.
means any sign the surface or plane of which is not substantially parallel to the surface or plane of the supporting wall, fence, canopy or marquee to which it is attached.
means an entryway to a building that is open to the general public and which provides direct access to a floor area of the building available to and designed for occupation by and use of the general public.
means a group of fuel pump dispenser units separated by service driveways on each side.
means a sign which displays characters, letters, figures, designs, logograms or pictures located on or above a single fuel pump dispenser unit.
means a temporary sign indicating that certain property, or portion thereof, is for sale, lease or rent, and containing only the following information: a description of the property offered for sale, lease, rent; the name, address and telephone number of the owner, broker or other person(s) offering the property for sale, lease or rent; directions to the property; and “open house” information.
means the upper portion of a building, structure, marquee, or canopy that provides shelter from downward-directed elements such as rain, snow, hail, sleet, and sun rays.
means any sign or portion thereof located on, or extending over the roof, marquee or canopy of a building and either supported by the roof, marquee or canopy or by an independent sign structure. As used in this chapter, a roof sign shall not mean any sign defined as a wall sign. A roof sign shall also not mean a marquee sign which is located on the roof of a canopy or marquee which roof is at least three feet lower in elevation than the adjacent roof of the attached building or is at least three feet lower in elevation than the top of the parapet wall of the attached building.
means any material, device or lettered or pictorial matter or copy when used or located in such a manner as to be visible by the public from outdoors, for display of an advertisement, notice, directional matter, name, logogram, announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration or insignia used to advertise, promote or attract the interest of any person, business, activity, institution or organization. However, a sign shall not include the following:
Official notices authorized by a court, public body or officer;
Building entrance numbers not exceeding 10 square feet in total area;
The flag of the United States of America, the flag of any other government entity, or the flag of any religious entity;
Religious icons, such as a cross or other religious symbol, when not integral to a written sign;
Memorial plaques, historical plaques, monuments or tablets; “cornerstones” indicating the name of a building and date of construction, when cut or carved into any masonry surface or when made of bronze or other incombustible material and made an integral part of the building or structure;
Holiday decorations displayed between November 1st and January 15th.
means a set of design standards or criteria, in addition to the sign regulations contained in this chapter, which governs the signs of a designated lot or site.
means any structure that supports or is designed to support any sign as defined in this chapter. A sign structure may be a single pole or may be an integral part of a building or fence or wall.
means two or more contiguous lots or parcels which are used or developed in any manner, jointly.
means and includes, for the purposes of this chapter, a sign or a group of signs which displays characters, letters, figures, designs, logograms or pictures located between or extending from the supporting columns of a canopy structure.
means and includes series of light bulbs mounted on a flexible cord arrangement such as Christmas lighting or similar lighting when used or displayed on property for the purpose of attracting attention as a sign. “String lighting” shall not include permanently installed channel lighting when such lighting is used as an architectural feature of a building or facade in compliance with the electrical code.
means an accessory sign erected and maintained only within the boundaries of the subdivision.
means a sign that is intended to advertise specific community, civic or construction projects, real estate for sale, lease or rent, or other special events for a finite period of time.
means any molding, battens, cappings, matting strips, latticing or platforms which may be attached to a sign structure.
means an accessory sign attached beneath a canopy, awning or marquee.
means a sign attached to or placed on a building wall, door, window or between two supporting columns of a building.
means any sign or portion thereof or series of signs, banners, flags, pennants, spinners, streamers or other objects designed and fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by wind or breeze.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5645 § 28, 2009; Ord. 5728 § 1, 2011; Ord. 5752 § 4, 2011; Ord. 5763, § 3, 2011; Ord. 5807 § 14, 2013)
§ 30.33.030 Scope.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the construction, alteration, repair, erection, location, electrification and maintenance of any sign or sign structure within the city. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this chapter specify different requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004)
§ 30.33.040 Prohibited signs.
Except as permitted under Section 30.33.040, the following signs shall not be permitted, constructed, erected or maintained in the city unless otherwise permitted by this section.
A.
Animated signs, except as permitted as an approved creative sign or as permitted in Chapter 30.26. This does not include public service signs such as time and temperature units and/or barber poles, or price signs at gas stations;
B.
Wind signs, except as permitted as an approved creative sign;
C.
String lights, other than holiday decorations displayed between November 1st and January 15th, used in connection with a commercial premises for commercial purposes;
D.
Banners, flags and pennants, except as permitted as an approved creative sign or as permitted in Chapter 30.26, of any size, shape or design no matter how or where affixed or attached, of fabric, vinyl or other similar materials; balloons for purposes of display or advertising, including but not limited to those filled with any type of gas including helium and hot air balloons, whether affixed to a permanent location or used for riding. Banners may, however, be approved for vehicle sales, leasing and rental agencies in the CA zone as further provided in this chapter. In addition, banners may be approved for hospital uses in the MS zone as further provided in this chapter;
E.
Signs erected at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or erected at any location where, by reason of the position, content, shape, size or color, they may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which makes use of the words “STOP,” “DRIVE-IN,” “DANGER” or any other word, phrase, color, symbol or character in such manner as may tend to interfere with, mislead or confuse operators of motor vehicles;
F.
Portable signs, except pedestrian signs as defined herein;
G.
Signs made of material not permitted or prescribed for the intended use under the building code, excepting those signs located on the interior surface of the window glass of any building;
H.
Signs and/or sign structures other than those permitted by Section 30.33.040 of this chapter or as posted in Chapter 30.26 that are posted, painted, printed, nailed, tacked, erected, placed, fastened, maintained or otherwise affixed upon or over any public street or public property within the city, including any roadway, parkway, sidewalk, driveway, approach apron, streetlight standard, fire hydrant, electric light pole, power pole, telephone pole, appurtenance of any such pole, any fixture of the fire alarm system, street sign, traffic signal or devices, parking meter, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard and/or other similar facility installed or maintained within, upon, on, across or over any public right-of-way; provided, that this provision shall not prohibit the sale or offering for sale, advertising display or the possession or custody of newspapers, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter commonly sold by news vendors, occurring upon the sidewalks by news vendors personally or pursuant to the provisions of chapter 12.36; nor prohibit the placement, use and maintenance of warning signs designating street construction or repair and/or the location of underground utility lines. Any flag, pennant, sign, handbill or decorative material structure which is placed upon a public street or public property in violation of this subsection is declared to be a public nuisance and may be summarily abated;
I.
Signs that are posted, painted, printed, nailed, tacked, erected, placed, fastened or otherwise affixed upon any private property without the written consent of the owner, holder, lessee, agent or trustee;
J.
Signs that are erected or maintained in such a manner that any portion of their surfaces or support will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit, stairway or fire equipment or obstruct any required ventilator, door or stairway. No sign shall obstruct the use of any window on the premises except as provided in this chapter;
K.
Signs for home occupations;
L.
Roof signs, except as permitted as an approved creative sign;
M.
Signs which do not have lawful clearance from existing overhead electric conductors;
N.
Non-accessory signs and sign structures; provided however, that this prohibition on non-accessory signs shall not prohibit ASOZ accessory signs and ASOZ non-accessory signs as permitted in Chapter 30.26 of this title;
O.
For the purposes of this section, information that appears on any sign, or sign structure as herein defined may be used as evidence to establish the fact, and may create an inference, that a person or entity is responsible for the posting of the sign, picture, transparency, advertisement, or mechanical device:
1.
The name, telephone number, address, or other identifying information regarding the real estate broker, real estate brokerage firm, real estate agent, or other person associated with the firm;
2.
The name, telephone number, address, or other identifying information of the owner or lessee of property used for a commercial activity or event;
3.
The name, telephone number, address, or other identifying information of the sponsor or promoter of a sporting event, concert, theatrical performance or similar event or activity.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5688 § 2, 2010; Ord. 5728 § 2, 2011; Ord. 5747 § 40, 2011; Ord. 5763, § 3, 2011; Ord. 5765 § 15, 2012; Ord. 5803 § 95, 2013; Ord. 5804 § 8, 2013; Ord. 5807 § 15, 2013)
§ 30.33.050 Permits required.
It is unlawful for any person to construct, place, erect, maintain, alter or relocate within the city any sign or advertising structure, including a banner, as defined in this chapter, without first obtaining a permit therefore from the building official. Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to mean that any permit or fee shall be required for maintaining and repairing existing signs which comply with the provisions of this chapter. Repair resulting from damage and normal maintenance shall be permitted for nonconforming signs.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5437 § 20, 2005; Ord. 5747 § 41, 2011; Ord. 5765 § 16, 2012)
§ 30.33.060 Permit-Exemptions.
A.
The provisions and regulations of Section 30.33.050 shall not apply to the following:
1.
Temporary signs other than temporary banners;
2.
Identification signs not exceeding two square feet in area;
3.
The changeable copy such as is found on theater marquees and similar changeable copy signs;
4.
Non-illuminated window signs;
5.
Accessory signs located more than 100 feet from the property line at the street and on which the lettered or pictorial matter thereon is directed primarily to persons on the premises and is not visible by the public from off the premises. The exemption shall only be applicable in the CEM cemetery overlay zone;
6.
Political campaign signs;
7.
Pump top signs at gas stations;
8.
Changes to non-temporary banners for vehicle sales, leasing and rental agencies in the CA zone, other than size and location, after the initial sign permits are issued for those banners;
9.
Outdoor vending machine signs which are integrated into the machine;
10.
Signs for carts; and
11.
Residential noncommercial signs.
B.
Nothing contained in this section shall be interpreted in such manner as to exempt signs authorized under subsection A. of this section from compliance with all the other provisions of this chapter.
C.
Message substitution: Subject to the property owner’s consent, a non-commercial message of any type may be substituted, in whole or in part, for any commercial message or any other noncommercial message provided that the sign structure or mounting device is legal without consideration of the message content. Such substitution of message may be made without any additional approval or permitting. This provision prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary within this title. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message. This provision does not create a right to increase the total amount of signage otherwise permitted on a parcel or site, nor does it affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be property permitted. This provision applies to sections within this chapter.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5688 § 3, 2010; Ord. 5765 § 17, 2012)
§ 30.33.070 Variances.
B.
The Glendale Redevelopment Agency shall have the power and duty to hear and determine, except as otherwise provided in subsection A of this section, applications for variance from the requirements of this chapter for signs in the redevelopment project areas. In the event the redevelopment agency is suspended or eliminated, the review authority shall be the city council. The Glendale Redevelopment Agency shall be guided by the variance standards set forth in Chapter 30.43 of this code.
C.
For any project located entirely or partially in the DSP zone not located in a redevelopment project area, as adopted by the Legislative Body/Glendale Redevelopment Agency, for which an associated application for design review is required for which the Glendale City Council is the design review authority, the city council may grant variances from the requirements of this chapter under the procedure prescribed in Chapter 30.43
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5536 § 18, 2006; Ord. 5648, § 3, 2009; Ord. 5747 § 42, 2011; Ord. 5752 § 5, 2011)
§ 30.33.080 General regulations.
A.
Signs and sign structures are restricted, limited to and regulated as indicated in this division. Upon issuance of a sign permit, the following signs, but no others, may be erected and be maintained in the zoning districts specified in this chapter.
B.
The requirements for signs for residential uses in any nonresidential zone shall be the same as those outlined in Section 30.33.140.B.
C.
The requirements for signs and sign structures in overlay zones shall be the same as those outlined for the underlying zones according to the provisions of this chapter.
D.
The requirements for signs for existing nonconforming, nonresidential uses in any residential zone shall be the same as those outlined for the C1 zone according to the provisions of this chapter. Nonconforming uses shall be as defined in Title 30 of this code.
E.
Sign Structures. All signs and sign structures shall be maintained in good and safe structural condition, shall be painted on all exterior parts at least as often as required to prevent fading, chipping, peeling and rusting, and shall be maintained in good condition and appearance.
F.
Ground Maintenance Around Signs. The owner or person in possession of any property on which a sign is located shall be responsible for the conditions of the area in the vicinity of the sign and shall be required to keep this area clean, sanitary and free from noxious or offensive substances, rubbish and flammable waste materials.
G.
Sign Regulations for the Advertising Sign Overlay Zone. For additional requirements for signs in an ASOZ, see Chapter 30.26. When the provisions of Chapter 30.26 or any other ordinance enacted under and consistent with Chapter 30.26 are in conflict with the provision of this chapter, those conflicting provisions of this chapter shall not apply.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5688 § 4, 2010)
§ 30.33.090 Sign faces.
All signs or sign structures shall have a smooth surface, and no nails, tacks, rivets, wires or other fastening devices shall be permitted to protrude therefrom except lighting reflectors and appurtenances thereto which may extend over the top and in front of the signs or sign structures.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004)
§ 30.33.100 Signs areas.
Sign areas (see Exhibits 1, 2, 3 and 4, set out at the end of this chapter) shall be measured as follows:
A.
Signs Made of a Single Component. Areas of square, rectangle or circle, whichever is smaller, necessary to enclose the sign face. Where such signs have two back-to-back parallel faces, only one face shall be measured;
B.
Signs Made of Individual Components. Sum of areas of rectangles and/or squares necessary to enclose each letter when each individual letter, numeral, symbol or other similar component is attached to a sign structure, and where such individual components are without integrated background definition and are not within a circumscribed frame area;
C.
Lamps, Neon Tubing or Artificial Illumination on Walls or Any Buildings or Structures. Width multiplied by the length of each lamp, neon tubing or other illuminating device. This area shall be counted as part of the total allowable sign area.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004)
§ 30.33.110 Signs in, over, upon and projecting into public rights-of-way.
A.
No person except a duly authorized public officer or employee, shall erect, construct or maintain, paste, paint, print, nail, tack or otherwise fasten or affix any card, banner, flag, pennant, handbill, campaign sign, poster, sign, advertisement or notice of any kind, or cause or suffer the same to be done, on any curbstone, lamppost, driveway, roadway, parkway, sidewalk, streetlight standard, fire hydrant, bench, electric light pole, power pole, telephone pole, traffic signal, bridge, wall, tree, parking meter, or upon any other public property, except as may be required or permitted by this code, ordinance or law; provided, that this provision shall not prohibit the sale or offering for sale, advertising display or the possession or custody of newspapers, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter commonly sold by news vendors, occurring upon the sidewalks by news vendors personally or pursuant to the provisions of chapter 12.36; nor prohibit the placement, use and maintenance of warning signs designating street construction or repair and/or the location of underground utility lines. Any flag, pennant, sign, handbill, campaign sign, poster or notice of any kind which is placed upon a public street or public property in violation of this subsection is declared to be a public nuisance and may be summarily abated in addition to other remedies provided by this code.
B.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A. of this section, the director of community development may approve wall signs on private property which project over the public right-of-way and the faces of which project a maximum horizontal distance of 12 inches from the wall to which the signs are attached; projecting signs attached to private property which project over the public right-of-way a maximum horizontal distance of three feet; marquee signs over the public right-of-way; banners, flags, and pennants attached to private property which project over the public right-of-way a maximum horizontal distance of four feet and are approved as part of a sign program; and awning signs over the public right-of-way; provided that such signs have a minimum clearance of eight feet between the bottom of said signs and the surface of said rights-of-way over which the advertising signs or structures project. Such approval by the director of community development shall be revocable at any time by the city council without notice.
C.
Banners and flags may be permitted in the public right-of-way by the director of public works provided the following standards are observed:
1.
All banners and flags must be consistent with programs that relate to an economic, cultural, or civic event or goal of the city.
2.
The display of the banners and flags is limited to a maximum time period of 30 days.
3.
The locations for display of the banners and flags shall be determined by the director of public works.
4.
The size, material, design, method of mounting, and time of display shall be subject to approval of the director of public works.
5.
A permit shall be obtained for the display of the banners and flags from the director of public works and a fee shall be paid as determined by resolution of the city council.
6.
A surety bond shall be filed to cover any expense that may be incurred by the city in removing the banners or flags. A liability insurance policy naming the city and its employees as additional insureds of no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) shall be provided. The policy shall indemnify, defend and hold the city harmless for damage or injury caused by such banners or flags.
7.
The installation, maintenance, and removal of the banners and flags shall only be accomplished by a person or persons specifically authorized by the director of public works.
8.
All banners and flags shall be promptly removed at the end of the time period authorized for display by the director of public works.
9.
No delay of vehicles shall be caused by the installation or removal of the banners or flags.
10.
The director of public works shall have the right to require immediate removal of any banner or flag or to cause the removal of any banner or flag that does not conform to the standards approved under the permit from the director of public works. The director of public works shall also have the right to require or cause removal of any banner or flag that interferes with the normal use of the public right-of-way.
D.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section, residential real estate directional signs may be placed on public rights-of-way subject to the following conditions:
1.
Signs shall be not more than 18 inches by 24 inches in size.
2.
Signs shall not exceed a height of three feet.
3.
Signs shall only advertise a residence in the city of Glendale.
4.
No more than six signs per property for sale, lease, or rent shall be posted within public rights-of-way.
5.
Signs shall be mounted only on stakes placed in the ground. No signs shall be attached to trees, traffic signs or utility poles, nor be placed in such a manner as to obstruct the view of any official public sign. No sign shall obstruct the safe and convenient use by the public of any street, sidewalk, or curbside parkway area. No sign shall be located in any roadway area or center median area.
6.
Signs shall only be displayed between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
E.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section, pedestrian signs may be placed on public rights-of-way subject to the standards in Section 30.33.215 and the following additional standards:
1.
a.
Pedestrian signs shall only be allowed directly in front of ground-floor occupancies that have a public entrance facing and directly adjacent to the public right-of-way.
b.
Pedestrian signs may also be located at the point where a sidewalk on private property serving multiple ground floor occupancies intersects with the public right-of-way.
2.
Locations. Pedestrian signs shall only be permitted within the boundaries of a merchant’s association in existence, and received city financial assistance, as of October 21, 2011; within the boundaries of a Business Improvement District (BID); in the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) zone; or in the Commercial Retail (CR) zone. For signs in a commercial district with a merchant’s association, the merchant’s association shall provide the public works department with a map of the boundaries of the district prior to the issuance of any permit for pedestrian signs and shall update the map whenever boundary changes occur. Boundaries may not be adjusted for the sole purpose of permitting pedestrian signs.
4.
As a condition of the issuance of a pedestrian sign permit, such permit holder shall indemnify and hold harmless the city and shall present, along with each application for a pedestrian sign permit, evidence of liability insurance which shall be in a sum of no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) combined single limit coverage, on an occurrence policy basis with no self insured retention. Such policy shall name the city of Glendale, public works engineering and their officers and employees as additional insured, and shall be a policy issued by an insurance carrier authorized to do business in California.
5.
In the event of any safety issue or hazard or similar exigency which calls for immediate action requiring removal or relocation of a registered pedestrian sign, the director of public works will notify the applicant of the pedestrian sign by mail at the applicant’s last known address within 10 days after the removal. The applicant may claim such pedestrian sign within 30 days after the mailing of the written notice and upon payment of any fees due. Any unclaimed pedestrian sign shall be deemed to be unclaimed property and may be disposed of pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2.100
6.
Pedestrian signs shall be removed during maintenance or construction activities of the city of Glendale.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5747 § 43, 2011; Ord. 5763 § 5, 2011; Ord. 5804 § 9, 2013)
§ 30.33.120 Wall signs.
A.
Accessory Wall Signs. The following regulations apply to wall signs for all businesses except gas stations. For regulations concerning signs for gas stations, see Section 30.33.150.
1.
Number.
a.
For each ground floor occupancy of a building, one accessory wall sign shall be permitted on each wall which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area; provided, however, that no more than one accessory wall sign shall be permitted per each dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area.
b.
For each second floor occupancy of a building, one additional wall sign shall be permitted on each wall which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area; provided, however, that no more than one accessory wall sign shall be permitted for each occupancy per dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area.
2.
Area. The area of an accessory wall sign on any wall permitted a sign shall not exceed one square foot per foot of length of frontage of each ground floor and above ground floor occupancy which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area; provided, however, that each ground floor and above ground floor occupancy shall be permitted an accessory wall sign area of at least 20 square feet. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area on the basis of the sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible lengths.
3.
Zoning districts. Accessory wall signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except residential zones and for residential uses in mixed use zones, except as permitted in Section 30.33.120(C).
4.
Location.
a.
Accessory wall signs shall only be attached to building walls having a vertical plane angle less than 20 degrees. No wall sign shall extend more than two feet above any parapet or eave line or have more than 50 percent of its height above any parapet or eave line.
b.
No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any required wall opening.
5.
Height. The lowest point of any accessory wall sign which projects over a driveway, service drive or any other traffic way more than six inches from the wall to which it is attached shall be a minimum of 17 feet above ground.
6.
Lighting. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, any lighting of accessory wall signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Any devices or structures used in conjunction with direct illumination of wall signs shall either be concealed from general view, recessed into a building or structure, or function as a decorative element in keeping with the character of the sign and the building to which it is attached. The direct illumination of accessory wall signs shall be subject to approval by the director of community development.
7.
Miscellaneous. An accessory wall sign shall be erected or constructed so that it is either integrated into the wall, flat against the wall to which it is attached, or projecting not more than 10 inches from the wall to which it is attached.
B.
Identification Signs (see also Section 30.33.180(B) for Alternative Standards for Projecting Identification Signs).
1.
Number. One identification wall sign shall be permitted for each nonresidential tenant, nonresidential occupant, or live/work unit of a building in addition to one such sign for the building as a whole. Alternatively, a maximum of four such signs for the building as a whole may be permitted if located in the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD or DSP zones. Each identification wall sign for the building as a whole located in the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD or DSP zones shall be located on a wall which directly faces a freeway, dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area and there shall be no more that one such sign facing a freeway, dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area.
2.
Area. The area of an identification wall sign shall not exceed two square feet for each tenant or occupant of a building and eight square feet for such sign serving the building as a whole; provided, however, in the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP zones, the area of each identification wall sign serving the building as a whole shall not exceed one 100 square feet.
3.
Zoning districts. Identification wall signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts; provided, however, such signs shall not be permitted for tenants and occupants in residential zones.
4.
Location. Except in the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP zones, identification wall signs shall be erected in compliance with the building setback line established pursuant to the zoning ordinance of this code or by setback ordinance.
5.
Lighting. Any lighting of identification wall signs not located in the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP zones shall be by indirect illumination only, in compliance with the electrical code.
In the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP zones, direct and indirect illumination shall be permitted. Any lighting of identification signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Any devices or structures used in conjunction with direct illumination of wall signs shall either be concealed from general view, recessed into a building or structure, or function as a decorative element in keeping with the character of the sign and the building to which it is attached. The direct illumination of identification signs shall be subject to approval by the director of community development.
C.
Accessory Wall Signs for Residential Leasing or Sales Offices in the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP Zones. The following regulations apply to on-site residential leasing or sales offices.
1.
Number. One accessory residential leasing or sales office wall sign shall be permitted per site if such office is located at ground level on the site.
2.
Area. The area of an accessory residential leasing or sales office wall sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.
3.
Zoning districts. Accessory residential leasing or sales office wall signs shall be permitted for residential uses in the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP zones.
4.
Location.
a.
Accessory residential leasing or sales office wall signs shall only be attached to building walls having a vertical plane angle less than 20 degrees. No accessory residential leasing or sales office wall sign shall extend more than two feet above any parapet or eave line or have more than 50 percent of its height above any parapet or eave line.
b.
No accessory residential leasing or sales office wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any required wall opening.
5.
Height. The lowest point of any accessory residential leasing or sales office wall sign which projects over a driveway, service drive or any other traffic way more than six inches from the wall to which it is attached shall be a minimum of 17 feet above ground.
6.
Lighting. Any lighting of residential leasing or sales office wall signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Any devices or structures used in conjunction with direct illumination of residential leasing or sales office wall signs shall either be concealed from general view, recessed into a building or structure, or function as a decorative element in keeping with the character of the sign and the building to which it is attached. The direct illumination of residential leasing or sales wall signs shall be subject to approval by the director of community development.
7.
Miscellaneous. An accessory residential leasing or sales office wall sign shall be erected or constructed so that it is either integrated into the wall, flat against the wall to which it is attached, or projecting not more than 10 inches from the wall to which it is attached.
D.
Alternative Accessory Wall Signs in the DSP — Gateway District and DSP — Broadway Center District Only. The following regulations apply alternatively to wall signs as described in subsections A through C above for all businesses, except gas stations, subject to approval of a sign program pursuant to Section 30.33.220. For regulations concerning gas stations, see Section 30.33.150.
1.
Number. For each occupancy of a building, up to one accessory wall sign may be permitted by sign program on the ground and second floor for each building wall which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area; provided, however, that no more than one accessory wall sign shall be permitted per each dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area.
2.
Area. The area of all accessory wall signs permitted by sign program shall not exceed one square foot per foot of length of frontage of the building for each ground floor and second floor building length which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit computation of allowable sign area on the basis of the sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible lengths.
3.
Zoning districts. Accessory wall signs shall be permitted by sign program only in the DSP-Gateway and DSP-Broadway Center Districts.
4.
Location.
a.
Accessory wall signs shall only be attached to building walls having a vertical plane angle less than 20 degrees. No wall sign shall extend more than two feet above any parapet or eave line or have more than 50 percent of its height above any parapet or eave line.
b.
No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any required wall opening.
5.
Height. The lowest point of any accessory wall sign which projects over a driveway, service drive or any other traffic way more than six inches from the wall to which it is attached shall be a minimum of 17 feet above ground.
6.
Lighting. Except as provided in subsection B of this section, any lighting of accessory wall signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Any devices or structures used in conjunction with direct illumination of wall signs shall either be concealed from general view, recessed into a building or structure, or function as a decorative element in keeping with the character of the sign and the building to which it is attached. The direct illumination of accessory wall signs shall be subject to approval by the director of community development.
7.
Miscellaneous. An accessory wall sign shall be erected or constructed so that it is either integrated into the wall, flat against the wall to which it is attached, or projecting not more than 10 inches from the wall to which it is attached.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5747 § 44, 2011; Ord. 5789 § 1, 2012; Ord. 5891 § 1, 2016; Ord. 6012, 10/10/2023)
§ 30.33.130 High rise wall signs.
A.
Number. Not more than one per wall with a maximum of four signs for any one building where each sign would face in a different direction.
B.
Area and Size. The area of a high rise wall sign shall not exceed one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building width, plus a bonus of one and one-half (1 1/2) square feet of additional sign area for each foot of building height above 75 feet.
C.
Zoning Districts. High rise wall signs shall be permitted only in the C3, CA, MS, and DSP zoning districts.
E.
Lighting. Any lighting of a high rise wall sign shall be by internal or indirect illumination only and in compliance with the Electrical Code.
F.
Miscellaneous. A high rise wall sign shall be erected or constructed so that it is either integrated into the wall, flat against the wall to which it is attached, or projecting not more than 18 inches from the wall to which it is attached (as measured from the back surface of the sign).
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5541 § 21, 2006; Ord. 5765 § 18, 2012; Ord. 5807 § 16, 2013; Ord. 5847 § 8, 2015)
§ 30.33.140 Accessory ground signs.
A.
Number. One accessory ground sign shall be permitted for each dedicated street frontage of the site. A maximum of two accessory ground signs shall be permitted per lot or site, regardless of the number of street frontages.
B.
Area. An accessory ground sign shall not exceed one square foot per linear foot of site frontage as measured along a right-of-way line. The total aggregate area of the signs shall not exceed 40 square feet in the C1 zone and the East Broadway district of the DSP zone and 75 square feet in the C2 zone. The total aggregate area of the signs in zones other than C1 or C2 zones or the East Broadway district of the DSP zone shall not exceed 200 square feet. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area on the basis of the sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible frontages.
C.
Zoning Districts. Accessory ground signs shall be permitted only in the C1, C2, C3, CR, CH, CA, DSP, TOD, IND, IMU, IMU-R, SFMU, CEM, MS, and SR zoning districts.
D.
Locations.
1.
No accessory ground sign shall be nearer the street than the building setback line established pursuant to the zoning ordinance of this code or by setback ordinance.
2.
On property at any corner formed by intersecting streets, no accessory ground sign shall be erected within that triangular area between the property lines and a diagonal line joining points on the property lines 25 feet from the point of their intersection, or in the case of rounded corners, the triangular area between the tangents to the curve at such corner and a diagonal line, joining points on such tangents 25 feet from the point of their intersection, if the traffic and transportation administrator determines the erection of a sign in such area will obstruct the view of vehicular traffic approaching the intersection on the intersecting streets. The tangents referred to above are those at the beginning and at the end of the curve at the corner.
3.
No portion of any accessory ground sign shall project over or through any portion of the roof, marquee or canopy of any building.
E.
Height. An accessory ground sign shall not exceed the following heights:
1.
Six feet above ground level in the C1 zone and the East Broadway district of the DSP zone, except on Colorado Street and Glendale Avenue frontage;
2.
Eight feet above ground level in the C2 zone;
3.
Twenty-five feet above ground level in zones other than C1 or C2, and, in the DSP zone, the Colorado Street and Glendale Avenue frontages of the East Broadway district and in all other districts of the DSP zone.
F.
Lighting. Any lighting of accessory ground signs shall be in compliance with the Electrical Code.
G.
Miscellaneous.
1.
A maximum of two supporting poles, uprights, posts or braces shall be permitted for an accessory ground sign; provided, however, if such ground sign is located in the area described in subsection (D)(2) of this section, only one supporting pole, upright, post or brace shall be permitted.
2.
The lowest point of any accessory ground sign which projects over a driveway, service drive or any other vehicular traffic way shall be a minimum of 14 feet above ground level.
3.
No accessory ground sign shall be closer than 15 feet to any other accessory ground sign on the same lot or site.
4.
The width of an accessory ground sign shall not exceed 20 feet.
5.
All exposed backs or sides shall be suitably covered in order to conceal the structural members and bracing.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5416 § 27, 2004; Ord. 5541 § 22, 2006; Ord. 5765 § 19, 2012; Ord. 5803 § 96, 2013; Ord. 5807 § 17, 2013' Ord. 6012, 10/10/2023)
§ 30.33.150 Gas station signs.
A.
Accessory Wall Signs.
1.
Number. For each ground floor occupancy of a building, two accessory wall signs shall be permitted on each wall which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area.
2.
Area. The aggregate area of accessory gas station wall signs on any wall permitted a sign shall not exceed one square foot per foot of length of building frontage which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area on the basis of the sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible lengths.
3.
Zoning districts. Accessory gas station wall signs shall be permitted only in the C1, C2, C3, CH, CA, MS, IND, IMU, IMU-R, SFMU and TOD zoning districts.
4.
Location.
a.
Accessory wall signs shall only be attached to building walls having a vertical plane angle less than 20 degrees. No wall sign shall extend more than two feet above any parapet or eave line or have more than 50 percent of its height above any parapet or eave line.
b.
No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any required wall.
c.
No accessory wall sign shall extend beyond the eave or roof line of a building.
5.
Height. The lowest point of any accessory wall sign which projects over a driveway, service drive or any other traffic way more than six inches from the wall to which it is attached shall be a minimum of 17 feet above ground.
6.
Lighting. Any lighting of wall signs shall be indirect illumination only, in compliance with the electrical code.
7.
Miscellaneous. An accessory wall sign shall be erected or constructed so that it is either integrated into the wall, flat against the wall to which it is attached, or projecting not more than 10 inches from the wall to which it is attached.
B.
Gas Station Accessory Ground Signs.
1.
Number. A maximum of three accessory ground signs shall be permitted per gas station site.
3.
Zoning districts. Accessory ground signs shall be permitted only in the C1, C2, C3, CH, CA, MS, IND, IMU, IMU-R, SFMU and TOD zoning districts.
4.
Location.
a.
All accessory ground signs shall be located along the property line adjacent to the public right-of-way.
b.
Any accessory ground sign located at a corner formed by intersecting streets shall require approval by the traffic and transportation administrator to determine if the erection of a sign in such area will not obstruct the view of vehicular traffic.
c.
A maximum of two supporting poles shall be permitted for any accessory ground sign.
d.
No accessory ground sign shall be closer than 50 feet to any other accessory ground sign on the same site.
5.
Dimensions.
a.
The height of any accessory ground sign shall not extend more than 25 feet above the ground.
b.
The lowest point of any accessory ground sign face located at an intersecting corner formed by intersecting streets shall be a minimum of nine feet above the ground.
c.
No accessory ground sign shall exceed a width of 10 feet.
6.
Format. Copy material, indicating the company brand name, logogram or colors and all other promotional information shall be contained within a contiguous design element.
7.
Lighting. Any lighting of accessory ground signs shall be in compliance with the Glendale Building Code, as it now exists or may hereafter be amended.
C.
Gas Station Canopy Signs.
1.
Number. For each gas station canopy, one canopy sign and logogram shall be permitted on each side of a canopy which faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area.
2.
Area. The total aggregate area of canopy signs shall not exceed one square foot per foot of length of such canopy to which the sign is attached or a total area of 50 square feet, whichever is less.
3.
Zoning districts. Canopy signs shall be permitted only in the C1, C2, C3, CH, CA, MS, IND, IMU, IMU-R, SFMU and TOD zoning districts.
4.
Location. Canopy signs shall only be attached to canopies having a vertical plane angle less than 20 degrees and shall not extend beyond the ends or extremities of the canopy to which they are attached.
D.
Service Station Pump Signs. Signs bearing only the brand name shall be permitted on the fuel pump dispenser units provided they do not exceed an aggregate area of four square feet per pump. All signs located on the pump shall be an integral part of the dispenser unit.
E.
Service Station Pump Top Signs.
1.
Number. A single dual-faced pump top sign shall be permitted for each fuel pump dispenser unit.
2.
Area. The area of a single dual-faced pump top sign shall not exceed four square feet per face.
3.
Zoning districts. Pump top signs shall only be permitted in the C1, C2, C3, CH, CA, MS, IND, IMU, IMU-R, SFMU and TOD zoning districts.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5416 § 28, 2004; Ord. 5765 § 20, 2012; Ord. 5807 § 18, 2013; Ord. 6012, 10/10/2023)
§ 30.33.160 Marquee signs.
A.
Number.
1.
For each ground floor occupancy, one marquee sign shall be permitted on only one marquee or canopy which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area. This provision shall not apply to theaters.
2.
For each second-floor occupancy of a building, one additional marquee sign shall be permitted on each marquee or canopy which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall, or parking area; provided, however, that no more than one marquee sign shall be permitted for each occupancy per dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area.
B.
Area. The area of the aggregate of a marquee sign on any marquee or canopy shall not exceed one square foot per foot of length of such marquee or canopy to which the sign is attached, or the length of each ground floor or second-floor occupancy as applicable, whichever is least, provided the total area does not exceed 100 square feet. The area of the aggregate of all theater marquee signs on a building shall not exceed four square feet per foot of length of such marquee or canopy to which the signs are attached or the length of each ground floor occupancy, whichever is least, provided the area does not exceed 300 square feet. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area on the basis of the sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible lengths.
C.
Zoning Districts. Marquee signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except the residential zones and for residential uses in mixed use zones.
D.
Location. Marquee signs shall only be attached to marquees or canopies having a vertical plane angle less than 20 degrees. No marquee sign shall extend more than two feet above any canopy or marquee to which it is attached (See exhibit 9).
E.
Lighting. Any lighting of marquee signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Any devices or structures used in conjunction with direct illumination of marquee signs shall either be concealed from general view, recessed into a building or structure, or function as a decorative element in keeping with the character of the sign and the building to which it is attached. The direct illumination of marquee signs shall be subject to approval by the director of community development.
F.
Miscellaneous. Marquee signs shall not extend beyond the ends or extremities of the marquee, or canopy to which they are attached except as provided above. Marquee signs shall be mounted substantially parallel with the face of the canopy or marquee.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5747 § 45, 2011)
§ 30.33.170 Under-marquee signs.
A.
Number. One under-marquee sign shall be permitted per ground floor entrance to a building.
B.
Area. The area of an under-marquee sign under a marquee shall not exceed six square feet.
C.
Zoning Districts. Under-marquee signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except the residential zones and for residential uses in mixed use zones.
D.
Height. The height of the face of an under-marquee sign shall not exceed two feet, and the clearance above grade shall be not less than eight feet.
E.
Lighting. Any lighting of under-marquee signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code.
F.
Miscellaneous. An under-marquee sign shall not exceed six inches in thickness.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004)
§ 30.33.180 Projecting signs.
A.
Accessory Projecting Signs.
1.
Number. One projecting sign shall be permitted per ground floor occupancy.
2.
Area. The area of a projecting sign shall not exceed six square feet, or 12 square feet in the IMU-R, SFMU, and TOD and DSP zones.
3.
Zoning districts. Projecting signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except the residential zones and for residential uses in mixed use zones.
4.
Height. Projecting signs shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet between the bottom of such signs and the ground surface.
5.
Lighting. Any lighting of projecting signs not located in the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and or DSP zones shall be by direct illumination only, in compliance with the electrical code, and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Any devices or structures used in conjunction with direct illumination of projecting signs shall either be concealed from general view, recessed into building or structure, or function as a decorative element in keeping with the character of the sign and the building to which it is attached. The direct illumination of projecting signs shall be subject to approval by the director of community development.
In the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP zones, direct or indirect illumination shall be permitted, in compliance with the electrical code, and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Any devices or structures used in conjunction with direct illumination of projecting signs shall either be concealed from general view, recessed into building or structure, or function as a decorative element in keeping with the character of the sign and the building to which it is attached. The direct illumination of projecting signs shall be subject to approval by the director of community development.
6.
Miscellaneous.
a.
A projecting sign shall not exceed a thickness of six inches or, in the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD or DSP zones only, 12 inches.
b.
A projecting sign must be located a minimum of 10 feet from any interior property line which intersects a property line along a right-of-way and a minimum of 10 feet from any other projecting sign located on the same building.
B.
Projecting Identification Signs Alternative in the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP Zones. In the IMU-R, SFMU and DSP zones, identification signs for the building as a whole that are designed as projecting signs, as defined in this chapter, shall be permitted for buildings that are at least 30 feet in height, subject to the standards below. Such signs shall be permitted as an alternative to and not in addition to the identification signs for the building as a whole of Section 30.33.120(B). Notwithstanding any provisions in this section, any projection of such signs over the public right-of-way shall be subject to the provisions of Section 12.08.030 (Encroachment permits), of this code.
1.
Number. A maximum of four identification signs for the building as a whole shall be permitted. Each projecting identification sign shall be located facing a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area, and there shall be no more than one such sign facing a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area.
2.
Area. The area of each projecting identification sign serving the building as a whole shall not exceed one-half square foot per foot of length of frontage of the building which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area.
3.
Zoning districts. Projecting identification signs shall be permitted only in the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP zones.
4.
Height. Projecting identification signs shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet between the bottom of such signs and the ground surface.
5.
Lighting. Any lighting of projecting identification signs shall be by direct or indirect illumination. Any lighting of identification signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Any devices or structures used in conjunction with direct illumination of wall signs shall either be concealed from general view, recessed into a building or structure, or function as a decorative element in keeping with the character of the sign and the building to which it is attached. The direct illumination of projecting identification signs shall be subject to approval by the director of community development.
6.
Miscellaneous. The maximum allowable projection from the wall surface to which such sign is attached shall not exceed one-tenth of the building height.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5747 § 46, 2011; Ord. 5789, § 2, 12-4-2012; Ord. 6012, 10/10/2023)
§ 30.33.190 Directional and informational signs.
A.
Number.
1.
Not more than two informational signs shall be permitted per ground floor entrance to a building.
2.
One directional sign shall be permitted for each vehicular entrance and exit per lot or site.
3.
One gas station directional sign shall be permitted at each vehicular entrance and exit per gas station site.
4.
One gas station directional sign shall be permitted for each end of a pump island.
B.
Area.
1.
No informational sign shall have an area greater than four square feet.
2.
No directional sign shall have an area greater than four square feet except for directional signs located over a vehicular entrance or exit of a structure designed and used for the parking of 20 or more motor vehicles.
3.
No directional sign located over a vehicular entrance or exit of a structure designed and used for the parking of 20 or more motor vehicles shall have an area greater than one square foot for each foot of driveway width and no such sign shall extend beyond the width of such entrance.
4.
Directional or informational gas station signs shall not exceed an area greater than four square feet or a total of eight square feet per pump island.
C.
Zoning Districts.
1.
Directional and informational signs shall be permitted in all commercial, mixed use, and industrial zones and for property developed with parking lots or structures in the P parking overlay zone and PS parking structure overlay zone.
2.
Directional and informational gas station signs shall only be permitted in the C1, C2, C3, CH, CA, MS, IND, IMU, IMU-R, SFMU and TOD zoning districts.
D.
Height.
1.
When located on a parking lot the height of a directional sign shall not exceed four feet above the adjacent driveway or parking surface. In this case such a sign must be located a minimum of five feet from the intersection of any driveway and the public right-of-way.
2.
When located at the vehicular entrance or exit of a structure designed for the parking of motor vehicles a directional sign may be located on the wall or in the entryway immediately above such entrance or exit.
3.
All informational signs and all other directional signs shall not extend more than three feet above the ground surface.
4.
All directional and informational gas station signs shall be limited to a maximum height of nine feet above the ground surface except when located within 10 feet of an interior property line where said signs shall not exceed a height of three feet.
E.
Lighting. Any lighting of directional or informational signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Any devices or structures used in conjunction with direct illumination of directional and informational signs shall either be concealed from general view, recessed into a building or structure, appear to be landscape accent lighting, or function as a decorative element in keeping with the character of the sign and any building to which it may be attached. Notwithstanding the above, the lighting of directional and informational signs at gas stations shall be by indirect illumination only.
F.
Location. Directional and information gas station signs shall be located on the pump island or perimeter of the site.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5416 § 29, 2004; Ord. 5541 § 23, 2006; Ord. 5765 § 21, 2012; Ord. 5807 § 19, 2013; Ord. 6012, 10/10/2023)
§ 30.33.200 Temporary signs.
A.
Except as otherwise authorized by Section 30.33.130, any temporary sign shall be used as an accessory sign only and for no other purposes. Except as otherwise authorized by Section 30.33.130, temporary wall signs shall not extend over or into any public right-of-way, street, alley, sidewalk or other public thoroughfare.
B.
Temporary signs shall not be erected so as to prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape and shall not be attached to any standpipe or fire escape. Temporary signs shall be only ground signs or wall signs. The illumination in any manner of a temporary sign is prohibited.
1.
Residential real estate signs.
a.
Number. One residential real estate sign per dedicated street frontage not to exceed two signs shall be permitted for each property being advertised for rent, lease or sale.
b.
Area. The area of a residential real estate sign, including riders, shall not exceed six square feet. A maximum of two faces, neither having a sign face exceeding four feet in any direction, shall be permitted.
c.
Zoning districts. Residential real estate signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
d.
Height. The height of a residential real estate sign or residential real estate sign structure shall not exceed six feet above ground level.
e.
Miscellaneous. A residential real estate sign shall be permitted to remain on the premises for a time period not to exceed 120 days, or 10 days after the opening of escrow, whichever is longer.
2.
Construction, commercial and industrial real estate signs.
a.
Number. One construction, commercial or industrial real estate sign shall be permitted for each 300 feet of dedicated street frontage; however, each lot or site shall be permitted at least one such sign, regardless of street frontage.
b.
Area. The area of a construction, commercial or industrial real estate sign shall not exceed 32 square feet for lots or sites less than five acres in area and shall not exceed 64 square feet for other lots or sites.
c.
Zoning districts. Construction signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts. Commercial and industrial real estate signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except residential zones and for residential uses in mixed use zones.
d.
Height. The height of a sign or sign structure advertising construction, commercial or industrial real estate shall not exceed 12 feet above ground level.
e.
Miscellaneous. Construction, commercial and industrial real estate signs shall be permitted to remain on the lot or site until all use and occupancy permits for such lot or site have been issued.
3.
Subdivision signs.
a.
Number. One subdivision sign shall be permitted at each street entrance to a subdivision.
b.
Area. The area of a subdivision sign shall not exceed 64 square feet.
c.
Zoning districts. Subdivision signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts.
d.
Location. No subdivision sign shall be nearer the street than the building setback line established pursuant to the zoning ordinance of this code or by setback ordinance. No other signs shall be permitted within the subdivision except residential real estate signs, directional signs and informational signs.
e.
Height. The height of a subdivision sign or subdivision sign structure shall not exceed 16 feet above ground level.
f.
Miscellaneous. Subdivision signs shall be removed upon the sale of all of the subdivision lots.
4.
Christmas tree sales lot signs and pumpkin sales lot signs.
a.
Number. One Christmas tree sales lot sign or pumpkin sales lot sign shall be permitted per site.
b.
Area. The area of a Christmas tree sales lot sign or pumpkin sales lot sign shall not exceed 32 square feet except nothing in this section shall prohibit the use of a double-faced sign so long as the area of each face does not exceed 32 square feet.
c.
Zoning districts. Christmas tree sales lot signs and pumpkin sales lot signs shall be permitted only in the C1, C2, C3, CH, CBD, CR, CE, MS, DSP, TOD, IND, IMU, IMU-R and SFMU zoning districts.
d.
Height. The height of a Christmas tree sales lot sign or Christmas tree sales lot sign structure and the height of a pumpkin sales lot sign or pumpkin sales lot sign structure shall not exceed 12 feet above ground level.
e.
Miscellaneous. Christmas tree sales lot signs shall only be displayed between November 1st and January 9th. Pumpkin sales lot signs shall only be displayed between October 15th and November 1st.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5416 § 30, 2004; Ord. 5541 § 24, 2006; Ord. 5747 § 47, 2011; Ord. 5765 § 22, 2012; Ord. 5807 § 20, 2013; Ord. 5847 § 7, 2015; Ord. 6012, 10/10/2023)
§ 30.33.210 Miscellaneous signs.
A.
Awning Signs.
1.
Number. One awning sign shall be permitted per awning.
2.
Area. The area of an awning sign shall not exceed four square feet.
3.
Zoning districts. Awning signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except residential zones and for residential uses in mixed use zones.
4.
Height. The height of the face of an awning sign shall not exceed one foot.
5.
Miscellaneous.
a.
Awning signs may be painted, placed or installed upon the vertically hanging border only of an awning, provided that such signs shall not extend above or below such hanging border.
b.
Awning signs shall be of permanent matter.
c.
No advertising shall be placed on any awning except the name of the owner and business, logogram and industry or pursuit conducted within the premises.
d.
Backlighting of awnings which illuminates only a specific area or part of an awning which contains a sign shall be prohibited.
B.
Window Signs.
1.
Number. For each ground floor occupancy of a building, one illuminated window sign shall be permitted in each window to a maximum of two which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking lot area. This section shall not permit illuminated advertising signs for alcoholic beverages at gas stations that are prohibited by state law. A maximum of two illuminated window signs shall be permitted per establishment. A neon border being placed around the perimeter of a window as a decorative element void of text shall not be construed as sign area. Window signs that are not illuminated shall not be limited in number.
In the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP zones, one non-illuminated window sign shall be permitted in an on-site residential leasing or sales office. Such leasing or sales office shall be located at ground level and shall be restricted to the leasing or sales of the residential units on the site.
2.
Area. The area of an illuminated window sign shall not exceed four square feet. Any signs constructed exclusively of neon tubing shall not exceed 25 percent of the window area or a maximum of 100 square feet, whichever is less. Signs constructed of stained glass shall be permitted to cover the entire area of any window. Signs constructed of any other permitted material that is not illuminated shall be permitted only on the interior surface of the window glass, provided that no combination of any window signs covers more than 25 percent of the area of any window.
3.
Zoning districts. Window signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except residential zones and residential uses in mixed use zones. In the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP zones, a non-illuminated window sign shall be permitted for an on-site residential leasing or sales office.
4.
Lighting. Any lighting of window signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Signs shall also be designed, installed, and maintained in such a manner that the spillover of any illumination of signs onto property located in a residential zone shall not exceed two foot candles above ambient light levels.
C.
Church Bulletin Boards. One church bulletin board, not to exceed a total area of 18 square feet, or a vertical height of five feet above the grade shall be permitted per lot or site used for church purposes. Any lighting shall be by indirect illumination only.
D.
Signs for Vehicle Sales, Leasing and Rental Agencies.
1.
Accessory wall signs.
a.
Number. For each ground floor occupancy of a building, one accessory wall sign shall be permitted on each wall which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area; provided, however, that no more than one accessory wall sign shall be permitted per dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area. In the CA zone only, an additional accessory wall sign shall be permitted on each wall that is permitted to have a wall sign if the length of that wall is at least 100 feet. In the CA zone only, two "secondary" accessory wall signs shall be permitted on each wall that is permitted to have a wall sign if the length of that wall is at least 200 feet and said wall directly faces Brand Boulevard.
b.
Area. The area of an accessory wall sign on any wall permitted a sign shall not exceed two square feet per foot of length of frontage of each ground floor occupancy which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area on the basis of the sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible lengths. In the CA zone only, the area of all accessory wall signs, including "secondary" accessory wall signs, on any wall permitted a sign shall not exceed one and one-half square feet per foot of length of frontage of each ground floor occupancy that directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall, or parking area.
c.
Location.
i.
Accessory wall signs shall only be attached to building walls having a vertical plane angle less than 20 degrees. No wall sign shall extend more than two feet above any eave line or have more than 50 percent of its height above any eave line.
ii.
No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any required wall opening.
d.
Height. The lowest point of any accessory wall sign which projects over a driveway, service drive or any other traffic way more than six inches from the wall to which it is attached shall be a minimum of 17 feet above ground level. The maximum sign face height of any "secondary" accessory wall sign shall be 18 inches.
e.
Lighting. Any lighting of accessory wall signs shall be by indirect illumination only, in compliance with the electrical code.
f.
Miscellaneous. An accessory wall sign shall be erected or constructed so that it is either integrated into the wall, flat against the wall to which it is attached, or projecting not more than 10 inches from the wall to which it is attached (as measured from the back surface of the sign).
2.
Accessory ground signs.
a.
Number. One accessory ground sign shall be permitted for each dedicated street frontage of the site. A maximum of two accessory ground signs shall be permitted per lot or site, regardless of the number of street frontages. In the CA zone only, an additional accessory ground sign shall be permitted along the Brand Boulevard frontage if the length of that frontage is at least 200 feet.
b.
Area. The area of an accessory ground sign shall not exceed two square feet per linear foot of site frontage as measured along a right-of-way line. In the CA zone only, the area of an accessory ground sign shall not exceed one and one-half square feet per linear foot of site frontage as measured along a right-of-way line. The total aggregate area of the signs shall not exceed 640 square feet. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area of the basis of sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible frontages.
c.
Location.
i.
No accessory ground sign shall be nearer the street than the building setback line established pursuant to the zoning ordinance of this code or by setback ordinance.
ii.
On property at any corner formed by intersecting streets, no accessory ground sign shall be erected within that triangular area between the property lines 25 feet from the point of their intersection, or in the case of rounded corners, the triangular area between the tangents to the curve at such corner and a diagonal line joining points on such tangents 25 feet from the point of their intersection, if the traffic engineer determines the erection of a sign in such area will obstruct the view of vehicular traffic approaching the intersection of the intersecting streets. The tangents referred to above are those at the beginning and at the end of the curve at the corner.
iii.
No portion of an accessory ground sign shall project over or through any portion of the roof, marquee or canopy of any building.
d.
Height. An accessory ground sign shall not exceed a height of 57 feet above ground level. In the CA zone only, accessory ground signs shall not exceed a height of 35 feet above ground level only if there are two ground signs along the Brand Boulevard frontage.
e.
Lighting. Any lighting of accessory ground signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code.
f.
Miscellaneous.
i.
A maximum of two supporting poles, uprights, posts or braces shall be permitted for an accessory ground sign.
ii.
The lowest point of any accessory ground sign which projects over a driveway, service drive, or any other vehicular traffic way shall be a minimum of 14 feet above ground level.
iii.
No accessory ground sign shall be closer than 15 feet to any other accessory ground sign on the same lot or site.
iv.
The width of an accessory ground sign shall not exceed 40 feet.
v.
All exposed backs or sides shall be suitably covered in order to conceal the structural members and bracing.
3.
Banners in the CA zone only. The standards listed below shall apply to banners for vehicle sales, leasing and rental agencies in the CA zone.
a.
The following standards shall apply to both temporary and non-temporary banners:
i.
The maximum height for a banner shall be 20 feet.
ii.
The minimum ground clearance for a banner shall be eight feet.
iii.
The minimum ground clearance for a banner over a driveway shall be 14 feet.
iv.
All banners shall be located at least 20 feet from residentially-zoned property unless such property is not being used for residential purposes. No banners shall impair the visibility of signs located on adjacent property in the opinion of the director of community development.
v.
Banners shall only be mounted to freestanding vertical poles, light standards, and poles or brackets attached to a building wall so as to project outward from the wall. No banners shall be attached to vehicles, building walls, freestanding walls or fences, or roofs of buildings. All mounting shall be consistent with Glendale Building Code standards.
vi.
Any banner which is rigidly supported shall project a maximum of four feet in each direction from the center of the supporting structure.
vii.
Banners may project a maximum of four feet over the public right-of-way if attached to a pole which was existing on July 25, 2000. An encroachment permit shall also be required from the director of public works.
viii.
Any pole which supports a banner constructed after July 25, 2000 shall be at least 20 feet from another pole which also supports a banner.
b.
The following additional standards shall apply to temporary banners:
E.
Signs for Certain Shopping Centers. In addition to signs permitted elsewhere in this code, one accessory ground sign shall be permitted for each shopping center provided such shopping center and such additional sign shall meet all the following criteria:
1.
A unified shopping center under single ownership;
2.
A minimum of four acres of land area;
3.
A minimum of 10 contiguous business establishments; and
4.
No other ground sign be permitted to remain or be constructed. Such sign shall not exceed a maximum of 50 feet above ground level; a maximum width of 20 feet; and a maximum display surface area of 260 square feet.
F.
Signs for Outdoor Vending Machines and Reverse Vending Machines. All signs located on vending machines and reverse vending machines shall meet the following criteria:
1.
All signs shall be integrated into or onto or attached flush to the surfaces of the machine. No signs shall extend above or beyond the extremities of the machines.
2.
All signs must relate to the product/use being housed in the machines.
3.
These signs shall meet all other requirements contained in this chapter.
G.
H.
Residential Noncommercial Signs. One residential noncommercial sign, not to exceed a total area of six square feet and a height of six feet above ground level shall be permitted per lot or site used for residential purposes. No lighting of the sign shall be permitted. Sign copy shall be limited to noncommercial speech.
I.
Political Campaign Signs. One non-illuminated sign shall be permitted up to a total area of six square feet and a height of four feet above ground level for each lot in a residential zone or 32 square feet and a height of 12 feet above ground level in a commercial or industrial zone.
J.
Signs for Hospitals in the MS and TOD II Zones. These standards are applicable to all hospitals located in the medical service (MS) and TOD II zones. For the purposes of this section, Hospital shall include all facilities owned, operated, and in conjunction with a hospital use. Hospitals located in all other zones are subject to the provisions of this chapter. The following standards apply to all signs visible from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent to the property.
1.
Banners. The standards listed below shall apply to banners for all hospitals located in the medical service (MS) and TOD II zones.
a.
The following standards shall apply to banners affiliated with the hospital:
i.
The maximum height above the ground for a banner shall be 22 feet.
ii.
The minimum ground clearance for a banner shall be eight feet.
iii.
The minimum ground clearance for a banner over a driveway shall be 14 feet.
iv.
No banners shall impair visibility of signs located on adjacent property as determined by the director of community development.
v.
Banners shall only be mounted to freestanding vertical poles and light standards. No banners shall be attached to vehicles, building walls, freestanding walls or fences, or roofs of buildings. All mounting hardware shall be consistent with the Glendale Building Code.
vi.
Any banner which is rigidly supported shall project a maximum of four feet in each direction from the center of the supporting structure.
vii.
The maximum number of banners for any project site allowable shall be three per frontage or per driveway, whichever is greater.
viii.
A maximum number of two fixed banners per pole shall be displayed at any given time.
ix.
The maximum area for a fixed banner shall be 60 square feet.
x.
Banners shall be maintained in good repair.
b.
Banners not for a hospital are prohibited.
2.
3.
Wall signs. In addition to those wall signs permitted by Section 30.33.120, additional wall signs may be permitted for a hospital in the medical service (MS) and TOD II zones subject to the following standards:
a.
Wall signs shall be approved by the director of community development.
b.
Wall signs may be located on any building or structure, including any parking structure.
c.
Cumulatively, a maximum of four additional wall signs are permitted.
d.
Subject to the review and approval of the director of community development, all such additional wall signs shall be subject to the following standards:
i.
The signs shall be proportional to the size and compatible with the architecture of the building or structure to which it is attached.
ii.
The signs shall not negatively impact the flow of traffic or cause confusion for motorists.
iii.
The signs shall not contribute to visual overcrowding or be incompatible with the architecture and siting of adjacent buildings or other private or public improvements.
4.
Other signs. In addition to those signs permitted under this title and in subsections (J)(1), (2) and (3) above, a maximum of 25 other signs that are not visible from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent to the property are permitted.
5.
Changes to signs allowed for hospitals. Changes to signs allowed by subsection J, including size, locations, number, and lighting may be approved by the director of community development, so long as such changes are in substantial conformance with subsection J. The director may refer those sign changes which are not in substantial conformance with this section to the design review board for review and approval. Changing out the signs for replacement of new signs of the same material, shape, size and illumination method and consistent with all other aspects of this section does not require approval from the director of community development.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5425 § 49, 2004; Ord. 5429 § 2, 2004; Ord. 5747 § 48, 2011; Ord. 5765 § 23, 2012; Ord. 5789, § 3, 12-4-2012; Ord. 5807 § 21, 2013; Ord. 6012, 10/10/2023)
§ 30.33.215 Pedestrian signs.
A.
Number. One pedestrian sign shall be permitted, including any permitted on public right-of-way pursuant to Section 30.33.110 of this code, directly in front of each ground floor occupancy.
B.
Locations. Pedestrian signs shall only be permitted within the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) and transit oriented development (TOD) zones.
C.
Style. Only A-frame style signs are permitted (see Exhibit 10 for examples).
D.
Height and Width. Pedestrian signs shall not exceed a height of 48 inches. Width shall not exceed 30 inches.
E.
Area. Total sign area shall not exceed 10 square feet (each side of a two-sided sign may not exceed 10 square feet).
F.
Pedestrian signs may not:
1.
Be located in front of a ground floor occupancy if that business is separated from a public street by a parking lot;
2.
Unreasonably interfere with or impede the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, including any legally parked or stopped vehicle;
3.
Create visibility hazards for pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
4.
Unreasonably interfere with the ingress into or egress from any residence or place of business;
5.
Endanger the safety of persons or property;
6.
Obstruct a wheelchair ramp;
7.
Be attached or secured in any way to any object in the public right-of-way;
8.
Restrict the use of poles, posts, traffic signs or signals, utility access vaults, manholes, hydrants, mailboxes or other objects permitted at or near such location;
9.
Obstruct a continuous through pedestrian path of at least four feet in width;
10.
Have any balloons, streamers, pennants or other objects designed and fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by wind or breeze.
G.
Miscellaneous.
1.
Applicants shall obtain a pedestrian sign permit from the director of public works and display the permit on the sign. Application shall be made on forms prescribed by the director.
2.
The pedestrian sign permit shall be renewed annually. The permit is not transferable to any other sign or to anyone other than the original applicant.
3.
The face of the pedestrian sign may have changeable copy but not individual letters. The entire face may be replaced or repainted periodically without the need to renew the application. The face may be composed of a chalkboard but a dry-erase board is prohibited.
4.
Pedestrian signs may advertise more than one business but no business may have advertisements on more than one sign.
5.
The sign shall not be animated or illuminated.
6.
Pedestrian signs may only be displayed during the hours of operation of the business.
7.
Pedestrian sign frames shall be made of powder-coated metal, aluminum, or outdoor-grade wood. Plastic frames are prohibited. Signs shall be professional in appearance in a manner as shown in the examples in Exhibit 10 to this chapter. If signs are not maintained, the applicant shall remove them immediately upon notice from the director.
8.
Approval of the pedestrian sign permit shall be at the discretion of the director of public works. If the director finds that the proposed sign is inconsistent with one or more of the standards listed above, the application shall be denied.
9.
In addition to any other penalty set forth in this code, any pedestrian sign that is in violation of this code is declared to be a public nuisance and may be summarily abated, with the costs of such abatement born by the presumed owner of the sign, pursuant to the procedures established in the Glendale Municipal Code.
(Ord. 5763 § 6, 12-13-2011; Ord. 6012, 10/10/2023)
§ 30.33.220 Sign programs.
Sign programs are regulated as follows:
A.
Sign programs shall be required for:
1.
Lots or sites where new nonresidential buildings or additions of nonresidential floor area are approved for construction after July 25, 2000 and where there are at least two separate nonresidential occupancies on the lot or site; or
2.
Lots or sites where new nonresidential occupancies are proposed for buildings approved for construction after July 25, 2000; or
3.
Lots or sites for proposed alternative accessory wall signs pursuant to Section 30.33.120(D).
Sign programs shall only be applicable to lots or sites in the DSP, TOD, IMU, IMU-R, SFMU, C1, C2, C3, CR, CH, CA, MS, and IND zoning districts. Sign programs shall apply only to the following accessory signs and shall be limited to regulate standards related to the location, sign construction type (e.g., box sign, channel letters, raceway, can, reverse channel letter, etc.) and the method of illumination of the signs: Wall signs, high rise wall signs, ground signs, marquee signs, under-marquee signs, and projecting signs. All other signs, as permitted in this chapter, shall not be restricted by sign programs. |
B.
The director of community development shall have the authority to review and approve sign programs in accordance with the procedures and standards outlined in this title. Subsequent sign programs for sites originally reviewed and/or approved by the design review board, the city council or the Glendale redevelopment agency shall be reviewed by the director of community development.
C.
All signs located on a lot or site for which a sign program has been approved shall conform to the sign program. Sign programs shall continue to remain in effect until superseded by a new or revised sign program. Existing sign programs in effect prior to July 25, 2000 shall continue to remain in effect and shall be binding unless superseded by a new or revised sign program.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5416 § 31, 2004; Ord. 5541 § 25, 2006; Ord. 5571 § 2, 2007; Ord. 5747 § 49, 2011; Ord. 5752 § 6, 2011; Ord. 5765 § 24, 2012; Ord. 5803 § 97, 2013; Ord. 5807 § 22, 2013; Ord. 5891 § 3, 2016; Ord. 6012, 10/10/2023)
§ 30.33.225 Creative signs.
A.
Purpose. This section establishes standards and procedures for the design, review, and approval of creative signs. The purposes of this creative sign program are to:
1.
Encourage signs of unique design, and that exhibit a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, inventiveness, and spirit; and
2.
Provide a process for the application of sign regulations in ways that will allow creatively designed signs that make a positive visual contribution to the property, the zone, and the overall image of the city, while mitigating the impacts of large or unusually designed signs.
B.
Zoning Districts. Creative signs shall be permitted only in the DSP and the CR zoning districts.
C.
Applicability. An applicant may request approval of a sign permit to authorize creative signs that employ standards that differ from the other provisions of this chapter, including but not limited to size and numeric limitations, but comply with the provisions of this section, Section 30.47.040(H), and any conditions imposed by the design review authority under subsection D below. Approval of creative signs permitted by this title shall not be construed to reduce the number and type of signs that are otherwise permitted by this chapter.
(Ord. 5728 § 3, 2011; Ord. 5763 § 7, 2011)
§ 30.33.230 Murals.
Murals may only be installed and maintained if they have been approved by the design review process outlined in Chapter 30.47. Murals may only be located in a commercial or industrial zone. The design review authority shall have the authority to review and approve murals in accordance with the procedures and standards outlined in this chapter.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5955 § 1, 2020)
§ 30.33.240 Exhibits.
The attached Exhibits, 1 through 10, are presented as examples only and shall not be interpreted as permissible in all situations. All are incorporated by reference and made a part of this chapter as if fully set forth in this chapter.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5763 § 8, 2011)
§ 30.33.250 Amortization period.
A.
Except as provided in this section, any sign or advertising structure lawfully existing and maintained on or before August 8, 1973, and made nonconforming by the provisions of Ordinance No. 4086, and any sign or advertising structure lawfully existing and maintained at the time this chapter is adopted and made nonconforming by the provisions of Ordinance No. 4241 amending this chapter, may be so continued and maintained, except for signs described under Section 30.33.270(A)(1) below, until there occurs a change in the type, kind or nature of the business, profession or other activity conducted at the premises upon which such sign is located, or August 8, 1983, whichever occurs first.
1.
Unsafe signs—Nuisances—Abatement. All signs or sign structures which are structurally unsafe, which constitute a fire hazard or which are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which constitute a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage or abandonment, as specified in this chapter, or any other effective ordinance, are, for the purpose of this section, unsafe signs or sign structures. All such unsafe signs or sign structures are declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal in accordance with the procedure specified in subsection (A)(2) of this section.
2.
Unsafe signs—Notice and order. The building official shall first give a notice and order directed to the owner of record of the real property, person in possession thereof, and owner of the sign. The notice and order shall contain:
a.
The street address and a property description sufficient for identification of the premises upon which the sign is located;
b.
A statement that the building official has found the sign or sign structure to be unsafe, with a brief and concise description of the conditions found to render the sign or sign structure unsafe;
c.
A statement of the action required to be taken as determined by the building official:
i.
If the building official has determined that the sign or sign structure must be repaired the order shall require that all required permits be secured therefor and the work physically commenced within 10 days from the date of the order and completed within 15 days from date of such order.
ii.
If the building official has determined that the sign or sign structure must be demolished the order shall require that all required permits be secured therefor within 10 days from the date of the order and that the demolition be completed within 15 days from date of such order.
iii.
Statements advising (a) that any person having any record title or legal interest in the real property or in possession of the real property wherein the sign or sign structure is located may appeal from the notice and order of any action of the building official to the building commission, provided the appeal is made in writing as provided in this code and filed with the building official within 10 days from the date of service of such notice and order; and (b) that failure to appeal will constitute a waiver of all right to an administrative hearing and determination of the matter.
B.
Any nonaccessory sign and sign structure shall be removed no later than July 1, 1979, or the end of the amortization period commencing upon such date, if applicable, whichever is later. The amortization period for any sign and sign structure shall be based upon the corresponding adjusted cost for such sign and sign structure according to the following table:
Table 30.33-A | ||
|---|---|---|
Adjusted Cost | Amortization Period | |
In excess of | Not more than | Months |
$ 0.00 | $ 500.00 | 12 |
500.00 | 1,000.00 | 15 |
1,000.00 | 1,500.00 | 18 |
1,500.00 | 2,000.00 | 21 |
2,000.00 | 3,000.00 | 24 |
3,000.00 | 4,000.00 | 27 |
4,000.00 | 5,000.00 | 30 |
5,000.00 | 8,000.00 | 33 |
8,000.00 | 10,000.00 | 36 |
10,000.00 | 15,000.00 | 39 |
15,000.00 | 20,000.00 | 41 |
20,000.00 | 44 | |
C.
The adjusted cost shall be the aggregate cost of the sign, the structure and any installation cost reduced by 10% for each year since construction or installation. The adjusted cost shall be presumed to be that amount indicated on the application for the building permit issued for the construction of the sign and structure unless prior to the removal date based upon the building permit application, the owner or any interested party provides evidence satisfactory to the building official of a greater adjusted cost.
D.
Within one year from June 20, 1959, or within one year from the date a freeway, or portion thereof, is opened to public travel, whichever date is later, all signs which are in conflict with the provisions of Ordinance No. 3113 shall be removed or shall be relocated or altered so as to eliminate any conflict with the provisions of such ordinance. Such signs shall not be altered or moved except as provided in this chapter.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004)
§ 30.33.260 Violation-Penalty.
Except as provided in chapter 1.20 of this code, whenever in this chapter any act is prohibited or declared unlawful or the doing of any act is required, or the failure to do any act is declared to be unlawful, it shall be a misdemeanor, and any person convicted of such misdemeanor shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $500.
(Ord. 5399 Attach. A, 2004; Ord. 5425 § 50, 2004)
§ 30.33.270 Exhibits.
Exhibit 1 Area of Sign  | Exhibit 2 Area of Sign  |
The area of a sign is the area of a square, rectangle or circle, whichever is smaller, necessary to enclose the sign face (Section 30.33.100(A)).
Exhibit 3 Area of Sign  |
The area of a sign may also be the sum of the areas of rectangles and/or squares necessary to enclose each letter when each letter, numeral, symbol or other similar component is attached to a sign structure, and where such individual components are without integrated background definition and are not within a circumscribed frame area (Section 30.33.100(B)).
Exhibit 4 Area of Sign  | Exhibit 5 Height of Sign  |
The area of a sign is the area of a square, rectangle or circle, whichever is smaller, necessary to enclose the sign face (Section 30.33.100(A)).
The height of a ground sign is determined from the lowest point where the sign structure comes out of the ground to the highest point of the sign structure (Section 30.70.020(H)).
Exhibit 6 Wall Area Computations  |
Exhibit 7 Number of Ground Signs Computations  |
Exhibit 8 Example of Signs Projecting Over Public Right-of-Way  |
Exhibit 9 Example of Sign Allowed on Roof of Marquee or Canopy  |
Exhibit 10 Example of Pedestrian Signs  |
 |