(Reserved)

The purpose of this chapter is to establish reasonable and necessary standards for development in Kerman. These standards are established to assure that Kerman develops in a manner that promotes efficient and orderly community growth. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

The following street improvements and dedications shall be completed prior to the issuance of a building permit unless stated otherwise in this zoning code:

A.    Street and road dedications shall be made to the city in a manner prescribed by the city engineer and consistent with the circulation element of the general plan.

B.    Curbs, gutters, and sidewalks shall be constructed as a condition of all development. Under certain circumstances, an exception may be granted by the city engineer.

C.    Driveways and parking aprons shall be constructed in a manner consistent with the Kerman Standard Construction Details or as approved by the city engineer.

D.    All street improvements shall be constructed in a manner consistent with the Kerman Standard Construction Details or as approved by the city engineer. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Purpose and Applicability. All new development proposed adjacent to any public or private street or alley intersection shall be designed to provide a clear vision triangle for pedestrian and traffic safety.

B.    Measurement of Clear Vision Triangle Area. A clear vision triangle shall be measured as follows:

1.    Corner Parcels. On corner parcels, the clear vision triangle shall be formed by a ninety-degree triangle with two sides measuring twenty-five feet along both the front and side curb lines, said length beginning at their intersection, and a third side connecting the two ends running diagonally across the property. See Figure 17.20-1 (Clear Vision Triangle).

2.    Parcels Containing or Abutting a Right-of-Way Easement, Private Drive, or Alley. On parcels containing or abutting a parcel containing a right-of-way easement, private drive, or alley, the clear vision triangle area shall be formed by a ninety-degree triangle with two sides measuring twenty-five feet along each side of the right-of-way easement, private drive, or alley and the curb line abutting the roadway, said length beginning at their intersection, and a third side connecting the two ends running diagonally across the property. See Figure 17.20-1 (Clear Vision Triangle).

C.    Obstructions and Height Limit in Clear Vision Triangle. It is unlawful to erect, install, or maintain any structure, fence, wall, hedge, sign, or obstruction higher than three feet above the nearest roadway curb level within the required clear vision triangle.

Figure 17.20-1

Clear Vision Triangle

(Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

In addition to Chapter 8.12 (Collection, Recycling, and Disposal of Solid Waste), the following standards shall apply to all solid waste and recycling enclosures:

A.    All solid waste and recycling enclosures associated with new multi-unit residential dwellings, office, industrial, and commercial developments shall be constructed consistent with City Trash Enclosure Standard No. 5 and be screened with landscaping so that they are not visually obtrusive from any off-site location. All new enclosures shall be constructed with a slanted solid roof cover.

B.    The standards established in this section shall not be imposed on properties with existing structures, nor to structures or uses other than as specified in this section, except when new construction occurs thereon. This section shall be the exclusive authority for requiring solid waste and recycling enclosures. "New construction" shall mean construction of a substantial nature of fifty percent or more of existing floor area and not minor repairs, minor additions, or minor demolitions to existing structures. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

All utility services associated with new development (see definition for "development" in Division 8) shall be placed underground. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the types and location of accessory structures within each zone. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

No accessory structure shall be constructed or moved on to a parcel prior to commencing construction of the primary structure. No accessory structures shall be used as sleeping quarters unless expressly allowed in the zone in which the structure is located. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Height. The maximum height of agricultural accessory structures shall be forty feet.

B.    Setbacks. Agricultural accessory structures shall comply with the following setback standards:

1.    Front Setback. The front setback shall be the same as the front yard setback standard for the zone in which the agricultural accessory structure is being located.

2.    Rear Setback. The rear setback shall be the same as the rear setback standard for the zone in which the agricultural accessory structure is being located, except when the structure will not exceed six feet in height. For structures six feet or less in height, the rear setback shall be no less than five feet.

3.    Side Setbacks. The side setbacks shall be the same as the side setback standards for the zone in which the agricultural accessory structure is being located, except when the structure will not exceed six feet in height. For structures six feet or less in height, the rear setback shall be no less than five feet.

C.    Distance Between Structures. The distance between a structure used for human habitation and a structure used for livestock shall be thirty feet. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Height. The maximum height of commercial accessory structures shall be the same as the height standard for the zone in which the accessory structure is being located, unless otherwise regulated in this zoning code.

B.    Setbacks. Commercial accessory structures shall comply with the following setback standards, unless otherwise permitted by this zoning code:

1.    Front Setback. The front setback shall be the same as the front setback standard for the zone in which a detached commercial accessory structure is being located, except in the case of attached uncovered patios, decks, porches, and breezeways. Attached structures shall have a front setback distance of sixty percent of the front setback standard for the zone in which the commercial accessory structure is being located.

2.    Rear Setback. The rear setback shall be the same as the rear setback standard for the zone in which the commercial accessory structure is being located. In cases where the structure is six feet or less in height and the setback distance for the primary structure is greater than five feet, the structure shall have a setback distance of no less than five feet.

3.    Side Setbacks. The side setbacks shall be the same as the side setback standards for the zone in which a detached commercial accessory structure is being located. The setback distance for attached uncovered patios, decks, porches, and breezeways shall be no less than five feet from an interior parcel line when the setback for the primary structure is greater than five feet. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Height. The maximum height of industrial accessory structures shall be forty-five feet in the M-1 district and fifty-five feet in the M-2 district.

B.    Setbacks. Industrial accessory structures shall comply with the following setback standards:

1.    Front Setback. The front setback shall be the same as the front yard setback standard for the zone in which a detached industrial accessory structure is being located, except in the case of attached uncovered patios, decks, porches, and breezeways. Attached structures shall have a front setback distance of sixty percent of the front setback standard for the zone in which the industrial accessory structure is being located.

2.    Rear Setback. The rear setback shall be the same as the rear setback standard for the zone in which a detached industrial accessory structure is being located. In cases where the structure is six feet or less in height and the setback distance for the primary structure is greater than five feet, the structure shall have a setback distance of no less than five feet.

3.    Side Setbacks. The side setbacks shall be the same as the side setback standards for the zone in which a detached industrial accessory structure is being located. The setback distance for uncovered patios, decks, porches, and breezeways shall be no less than five feet from an interior parcel line when the setback for the primary structure is greater than five feet. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Height. The maximum height of residential accessory structures shall be twelve feet, unless otherwise regulated in this zoning code.

B.    Setbacks. Residential accessory structures shall comply with the following setback standards, unless otherwise permitted by this zoning code:

1.    Front Setback. The front setback shall be the same as the front setback standard for the zone in which a detached residential accessory structure is being located, except in the case of attached uncovered patios, decks, porches, and breezeways. Attached structures shall have a minimum front setback distance of fifteen feet.

2.    Rear Setback. Detached residential accessory structures shall be the same as the rear setback standard for the zone in which a detached residential accessory structure is being located, except in the case when a structure is no greater than one hundred twenty square feet. Detached structures one hundred twenty square feet or less shall have a minimum rear setback distance of five feet. Swimming pools shall have a minimum of five feet setback from any living quarters and adjoining property line.

3.    Side Setbacks. Detached residential accessory structures shall be the same as the side setback standard for the zone in which a detached residential accessory structure is being located, except in the case when a structure is no greater than one hundred twenty square feet. Detached structures one hundred twenty square feet or less shall have a minimum side setback distance of five feet, except in those side yards that have a ten-foot or greater setback requirement as established in Chapter 17.10 (Residential Zones).

4.    Space Between Structures. The minimum space between residential accessory structures is ten feet. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

New development shall conform to the following standards for fences, walls, and hedges. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Fences, walls, and hedges shall not exceed forty-two inches in height in front setback area nor seven feet in height in any required rear and side setback areas. Wrought iron fences are allowed up to forty-two inches in the front setback area, provided any support pilasters are a maximum twelve inches wide, do not exceed forty-two inches in height, and are spaced a minimum of six feet apart.

B.    In the RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, and MU zones, in the case of two adjoining or contiguous parcels which have a difference in ground elevation, an additional fence height may be allowed between side or rear setback area for a total height of six feet at the highest finished grade, but in no case exceeding eight feet above the ground level of the lower parcel at the property line; provided, that the portion of any fence permitted extending above six feet shall be designed as to permit adequate air circulation and be permitted by a zoning clearance. This provision shall not be construed to prevent or prohibit shrubs, trees, or other ornamental plantings which are primarily intended or designed for landscaping purposes.

C.    In the CG, CN, CS, PA, M-1, and M-2 zones, fences may be allowed in excess of seven feet in height, subject to the approval of a conditional use permit in compliance with Chapter 17.84 (Conditional Use Permit). Said fence shall not exceed eight feet in height. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Fences shall not be constructed of barbed wire or similar material unless an administrative use permit is first obtained. An administrative use permit may be granted only upon the director finding that extraordinary circumstances requiring the use of barbed wire or similar material apply to the property in question which do not generally apply to property within the city. In no event may an administrative use permit be granted for the use of barbed wire or similar material within three feet of any public right-of-way. The director may require conditions of approval such as appropriate warning signs on the barbed wire or a similarly constructed fence.

B.    Fences shall be constructed of original material. Fences in residential zones shall not be constructed of chain link, wire mesh, corrugated metal/plastic, or other repurposed material. Chain link fences with privacy slats may be constructed when the fence is not visible from the public right-of-way. (Ord. 24-04 §1, 2024; Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    A seven-foot solid block or masonry wall shall be constructed between residential and nonresidential zones, except when the MU zone abuts a residential zone on the rear or side property lines separating the two zones. A block wall between an MU zone and a residential zone may be required to mitigate noise impacts.

B.    A greater height for a solid block or masonry wall may be constructed when deemed necessary by a mitigation measure under a CEQA mitigation monitoring program, approved by the planning commission as part of a planning permit. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

The purpose of this chapter is to improve the appearance of the city by requiring permanently maintained landscaping and promote conservation and efficient use of water, in compliance with state law. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

The standards established in this chapter shall apply to all new development, existing development where new landscaping is installed, and new or expanded structures on existing development sites. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

All landscaped areas within the city and all the following standards and provisions in this chapter shall comply with the water conserving landscape requirements established in Chapter 13.06 (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance). (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Tree Plantings and Vegetation. Tree plantings and vegetation shall be consistent with the city’s regional climate, and landscape design shall be composed of water-efficient landscaping. Specific tree and vegetation species shall be determined at the plan check stage.

B.    Plant Materials. Landscaping may consist of a combination of turf, groundcovers, mulch, shrubs, vines, and trees.

C.    Minimum Replacement Tree Size. The minimum tree size container shall be fifteen gallons.

D.    Replacement Tree Spacing. Replacement trees in compliance with subsection C of this section (Minimum Replacement Tree Size) shall be planted at a ratio of one tree for every twenty-five feet of frontage along a public right-of-way.

E.    Landscape Planters. Landscaped planters shall be surrounded with a six-inch-high concrete curb or a similar type barrier to protect the landscaping from foot and automobile traffic. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Minimum Landscape Area. Front and street-side yards of uses requiring site plan review shall be composed of turf to the extent necessary to comply with MWELO. The balance of the area can be composed of trees, shrubs, groundcover, or hardscape. Consideration should be given to the use of xerophytic (drought tolerant) plants and grasses.

B.    Landscaping Location. The front yard setback area of all new development shall be landscaped with the exception of driveways. In addition, those side and rear yard setback areas, as determined by the director, which are directly visible from public roads, easements, and properties, shall also be landscaped. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    General. Artificial turf is allowed in all zones subject to the following standards and comply with the standards established by this chapter.

B.    Locations Allowed. Artificial turf is allowed in the following locations:

1.    Rear and Interior Side Yard Setback Areas. Artificial turf is allowed in any zone within any rear and/or interior side setback areas.

2.    Front and Street-Side Yard Setback Areas. In any zone, a maximum of fifty percent of the total area within the front or street-side setback area may be installed with artificial turf. Artificial turf shall not be installed within ten feet of a sidewalk or within twenty feet from the curb if there is no sidewalk.

3.    Not Allowed in Parkway. Artificial turf is not allowed within any parkway areas.

C.    Minimum Standards. To be used in the front and street-side setback areas, artificial turf shall comply with the minimum standards for materials, installation, and maintenance.

1.    Materials and Style. Artificial turf shall comply with the following material standards:

a.    Cut-Pile Fill. Artificial turf shall be of a type known as cut pile infill and shall be composed of polypropylene, polyethylene, or a blend of polypropylene and polyethylene fibers stitched onto a polypropylene or polyurethane meshed or hole-punched backing. Hole-punched backings shall have holes spaced in a uniform grid pattern with spacing not to exceed four inches by six inches on center.

b.    Prohibited Materials. Nylon-based, plastic, or petroleum-based grass blades are not allowed.

c.    Color. A minimum blend of three colors, predominantly green.

d.    Blade Length. A minimum blade length of 1.5 inches, with spines and uneven tops.

e.    Infill Medium. Infill medium must be a natural material, such as coconut fiber, cork, and sand. Rubber infill medium is prohibited.

f.    Warranty and Fire Resistance. The product must have a minimum eight-year warranty and be fire resistant.

2.    Installation. Artificial turf shall be installed in compliance with the following procedures and standards:

a.    Maximum Slope. Artificial turf shall only be allowed on sloped areas less than twenty-five percent.

b.    Existing Sprinkler Systems. Prior to installation of artificial turf, all existing sprinkler systems (i.e., piping, valves, sprinkler heads) no longer in use shall be capped or removed.

c.    Ground Preparation. Prior to installation of artificial turf, all existing landscaping and plant material shall be removed where the artificial turf will be located and a minimum of three inches of soil excavated.

d.    Ground Leveling. The turf area shall be leveled, with a crushed stone subbase (i.e., decomposed granite) added to establish a foundation and facilitate drainage for the turf. The stone subbase shall be a minimum of three inches in depth.

e.    Drainage. Artificial turf areas shall be sufficiently drained to a permeable area or live landscaped area to prevent excessive pooling, runoff, or flooding.

f.    Barrier Buffer Required. A solid barrier buffer, such as a concrete mow strip, bender board, or similar material, shall be installed between the artificial turf and live plant material or soil to prevent mixing of natural plant materials and artificial turf.

g.    Weed Barrier. A permeable geotextile (weed barrier) shall be installed to prohibit the growth of weeds. This barrier may either be incorporated into the synthetic turf or be installed as a separate layer on top the subbase.

h.    Fastening and Anchoring. Artificial turf must be permanently anchored with nails/spikes/staples and glue, and all seams must be nailed/spiked/stapled, or sewn, and glued, with the grain pointing in a single direction.

3.    Appearance and Maintenance. Artificial turf shall comply with the following appearance and maintenance standards:

a.    Maintenance. Artificial turf shall be installed and maintained to effectively simulate the appearance of a well maintained, natural turf lawn. Synthetic turf must be maintained in a green, fadeless condition, free of weeds, stains, debris, tears, holes, depressions, ruts, odors, and looseness at edges and seams. No edges shall be exposed.

b.    Replacement of Damaged and Worn Areas. Damaged or worn areas in artificial turf surface shall be repaired, or removed and replaced, in a manner that results in the consistent appearance with the existing artificial turf. Artificial turf shall be removed and replaced once it is unable to be maintained as required.

c.    Parking Prohibited. Vehicle parking on artificial turf is prohibited. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

In residential zones, compliance with the landscaping standards of this chapter may be deferred for a period of not more than six months if all the following conditions are satisfied:

A.    The use is an allowed use as specified in Chapter 17.10 (Residential Zones);

B.    The deferment is applied for prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy by an owner-builder with the intent of personally occupying the residence;

C.    The owner(s) deposits with the city a security deposit of five hundred dollars or as may be established by subsection D of this section; and

D.    The owner(s) pays the deferred landscape agreement fee set pursuant to Section 17.72.030 (Fees). (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Purpose and Applicability. To prevent traffic congestion and shortage of on-street parking spaces, off-street parking facilities shall be provided incidental to any new structures and intensifications or enlargements of existing uses. Off-street parking facilities shall be laid out in such a manner that they will protect the public safety and insulate surrounding land uses from their impact.

B.    Minimum Parking Standards. This chapter shall not be construed to prohibit the installation and maintenance of more parking spaces than the minimum number required. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

An application submitted for a building permit which includes the construction of parking areas for public or private use shall include the design of the required parking area drawn to scale. Such plans shall include all parking spaces and maneuvering areas, curb cuts, landscaping, and other improvements. The building permit shall not be issued until a zoning clearance has been approved in compliance with Chapter 17.74 (Zoning Clearance), and no final completion inspection approved until the parking spaces and required landscaping are installed. No business license shall be issued until a final completion inspection has been conducted. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

Off-street parking areas shall be provided and maintained in compliance with this chapter.

A.    Uses Not Listed. Where the parking requirements for a land use are not specifically listed in Section 17.28.040 (Number of spaces required), the parking requirements for the use shall be determined by the director. The director shall establish a parking standard based on the operational similarity and parking demand of permitted uses in the zone district.

B.    Combination of Uses. Where there is a combination of principal uses in any one facility, the sum of the parking requirements calculated separately for each of these uses shall be provided unless otherwise indicated.

C.    Fractional Spaces. If the calculation of parking needs results in the requirement for a fraction of a parking space, such a parking space need not be provided unless the fraction exceeds fifty percent.

D.    Seats or Seating Capacity. Where the standards for parking set forth in this chapter are based upon seating capacity, the capacity shall be determined by the actual seating capacity. Where pews or benches will be used, seating capacity will be based on the following: one seat per eighteen inches of pew or bench length and one seat per thirty inches of booth length for dining.

E.    Parking Required On Site. All required parking shall be located on the same parcel or development site as the uses served, except for parking located off site in compliance with Section 17.28.090 (Off-site designated parking).

F.    Change of Occupancy. For a change of occupancy where the parking demand is increased and where no new construction requiring a building permit is anticipated, but a new business license is required, the director shall review the parking requirements of the proposed use and shall require a parking plan, consisting of a scaled site plan showing parking stalls, landscape islands, drainage if applicable, ingress, egress drawn to scale consistent with city parking stall standards, for the director’s review and approval. No new business license shall be issued until the director has approved the parking plan. Copies of the parking plan drawn to scale shall be submitted in digital format to the director for approval. The parking plan shall show the whole property in question and the means of ingress and egress, location of structures, parking spaces, landscaping, and any other proposed facilities. A business license shall be issued once the director finds the parking plan complies with the provisions established in this chapter. If the site is unable to accommodate the necessary parking, the finance director shall deny the business license.

G.    Existing and Nonconforming Parking Facilities. Any structure or use for which parking facilities become substandard by the adoption of this chapter shall be considered a nonconforming use. Such nonconforming use may continue, but no enlargement or expansion of seating capacity or square footage shall be made in such use or structure, unless the required number of parking spaces or parking area as designated by this chapter is provided in addition to all other applicable development standards. Any change of use in an existing structure or parcel that requires more parking space shall provide the additional parking areas required in this chapter. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

(Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

Up to twenty percent of the spaces in a parking facility with ten or more spaces may be designed and designated for compact cars. All compact parking spaces shall be clearly marked with white lettering stating "Compact." Compact vehicle space dimensions shall comply with Section 17.28.100 (Compact parking spaces). (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

Accessible parking spaces shall be provided and designed in accordance with the requirements of Title 24 of the California Building Code and federal ADA standards and requirements.

A.    Common parking facilities may be provided in place of the individual requirements specified in this chapter and shared between the uses they serve provided the total number of off-street parking spaces, when used together, shall not be less than the sum of the various uses computed separately taking into consideration allowable reductions of parking requirements established in Section 17.28.070 (Reduction of parking requirements).

B.    When any common parking facility is to occupy a site of ten thousand square feet or more, then the parking requirements as specified in this section for each two or more participating structures or uses may be reduced by not more than ten percent of the total area of the common parking facilities required upon approval of development plans through the site plan review permit. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

Nonresidential uses may provide alternative facilities or programs which serve to reduce parking demand in return for a reduction in vehicle parking requirements. Vehicle parking requirements may be reduced in accordance with the following provisions:

A.    Shower/Locker Facilities. Developments with one hundred or more employees may reduce their parking requirement by providing shower and clothing locker facilities for bicycle commuting employees. Maximum reduction: two percent of required parking or five spaces, whichever is greater.

B.    Preferred Carpool/Vanpool Parking Spaces. Office or industrial developments which guarantee preferred parking spaces (i.e., covered, shaded, near building entrance) to employees who participate regularly in a carpool or vanpool may reduce their parking requirement by one vehicle space for every one space which is marked and reserved for carpools/vanpools at a preferred location. Maximum reduction: two percent of required parking.

C.    Request for Special Review of Parking. Parking reductions exceeding the maximums specified in subsection A or B of this section, or modifications of improvement requirements, may be granted whenever such reduction or modification is considered in conjunction with a review of a permit authorized by this zoning code. The project proponent shall submit with a parking plan and other documentation necessary to demonstrate that unusual conditions warrant a parking reduction, such as the multiple use of a parking area by uses having peak parking demands which occur at different times; floor plans which indicate that the floor area devoted to customer or employee use is less than typical for the size building proposed; or that other programs will be implemented by the developer or tenant(s) which will result in a demand for less parking at the site. The appropriate authority may require the recordation of agreements with the county recorder, prior to issuance of a building permit, which assure that appropriate programs are implemented for the duration of the parking reduction. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

This section regulates the parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and boat trailers in residential zones. As further defined in Division 8 (definitions), recreational vehicles shall include any type of motor home, travel trailer, truck/camper, camping trailer, or camper (not mounted on a truck).

A.    Recreational vehicles, boats, and boat trailers shall not be stored within the required front yard of any parcel within a residential zone.

B.    Recreational vehicles exceeding twelve feet in height shall not be parked or stored on a residentially zoned parcel.

C.    Recreational vehicles may be stored within a required rear or side yard subject to the following conditions:

1.    No such vehicle shall be parked or stored within five feet of a rear property line.

2.    No such vehicle shall be parked or stored within the required side yard on the street side of a corner parcel.

3.    A solid fence or hedge at least seven feet in height shall be constructed to screen recreational vehicle storage areas located within a required side or rear yard.

D.    Recreational vehicles shall not be connected, either on a permanent or temporary basis, to any utility services, such as electrical (including extension cords), water, or sewer connections for the purposes of living or sleeping for any period of time, unless explicitly permitted by a planning permit.

E.    Recreational vehicles shall not be stored on any property that does not have a legally permitted residential structure. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

Commercial uses open to the public that require more than thirty parking spaces may be located on the premises, within three hundred feet of the premises, or a combination of both, subject to the approval of an administrative use permit. The off-site spaces to be included in the total parking requirement shall be located off street and shall meet all applicable development standards for off-street parking established in Section 17.28.040 (Number of spaces required). (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

All new off-street parking facilities shall comply with the following standards. These standards shall not apply to single-unit dwellings.

A.    Off-street parking spaces shall be designed so that vehicles do not back out into an arterial or collector street.

B.    The parking access area shall provide parking and maneuvering room for motor vehicles and structure or area of land or water.

C.    All parking areas, aisles and access drives shall be surfaced with a minimum of two inches of asphalt concrete surface over a four-inch untreated rock base. The subgrade shall be compacted to a minimum compaction rate of ninety percent.

D.    Asphalt parking facilities shall have a two percent slope (twenty-four inches per one hundred feet) for drainage and shall have concrete drainage gutters.

E.    All landscaped areas that abut a parking facility shall be separated by a concrete curb that is six inches in width and height.

F.    All parking stalls shall be delineated by stripping that is white and has a line width of four inches.

G.    Parking stall dimensions shall be as follows:

1.    Ninety-Degree Parking. Ninety-degree parking stalls shall comply with the following dimensional standards:

a.    Stall width: nine feet.

b.    Stall length: nineteen feet.

c.    Aisle width: twenty-five feet.

2.    Sixty-Degree Parking. Sixty-degree parking stalls shall comply with the following dimensional standards:

a.    Stall width: nine feet.

b.    Stall length: twenty-one feet.

c.    Aisle width: 18.5 feet.

3.    Forty-Five-Degree Parking. Forty-five-degree parking stalls shall comply with the following dimensional standards:

a.    Stall width: nine feet.

b.    Stall length: twenty-one feet.

c.    Aisle width: 13.5 feet.

4.    Parallel Parking. Parallel parking stalls shall comply with the following dimensional standards:

a.    Stall width: nine feet.

b.    Stall length: twenty-four feet.

5.    Compact Space Parking. Compact parking stalls shall comply with the following dimensional standards:

a.    Stall width: eight feet.

b.    Stall length: sixteen feet.

c.    Aisle width: twenty-five feet.

H.    Parking facilities which are adjacent to sidewalks shall install wheel stops in each parking stall, to prevent encroachment into the sidewalk space. Parking spaces adjacent to landscaped planters may be shortened by two feet; provided, that the planter is at least five feet wide for each parking aisle and the planter is landscaped in a manner that provides clearance for automobile bumpers. Wheel stops shall not be required in these spaces.

I.    All parking facilities of ten spaces or more shall have landscaped planters. One fifteen-gallon tree shall be planted for every five parking spaces. All landscaped planters shall be provided with an irrigation system and comply with Chapter 17.26 (Landscaping).

J.    No more than forty percent of the street frontage shall be dedicated for parking facilities.

K.    Parking facilities adjacent to residentially zoned properties shall construct a seven-foot solid masonry wall on the property line separating the two properties. A landscaped berm at least four feet tall and not exceeding a slope of thirty percent may be substituted for a masonry wall. When an alley separates a parking facility from a residentially zoned property a wall shall not be required.

L.    Parking facilities for offices that are converted residential dwellings shall be located to the rear of the office when access from the alley is available.

Figure 17.28-1

Parking Design Standards

Figure 17.28-2

Parking Terms

(Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

For every structure or facility occupied by manufacturing, storage, warehouse, wholesale, retail store, market, passenger terminal, theater, hotel, motel, restaurant, hospital, laundry, dry-cleaning plant, or other similar use requiring the receipt or distribution of vehicles or merchandise, adequate space for standing, loading, and unloading shall be provided and maintained on the same site in addition to the parking requirements of this chapter. The adequacy of off-street loading space shall be determined by the director. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the size, height, design, location, number, and quality of signs in the city in order to protect the character of neighborhoods; provide a form of communication for businesses; and protect public safety and welfare by precluding signs that are visual obstructions to motorists and/or pedestrians. This chapter shall prevent the degradation of the visual quality of the city which can result from the proliferation of excessive amounts of signage, poorly designed signage, inappropriately located signage, and/or signage maintained in a hazardous or unsightly fashion. The intent of this chapter is to:

1.    Advance the economic vitality of the city;

2.    Improve the character and natural beauty of the community and its various neighborhoods and districts;

3.    Promote the visibility of businesses through signage;

4.    Enhance the public’s ability to identify uses and premises without confusion;

5.    Prevent the proliferation of sign clutter;

6.    Ensure the safety of pedestrian and vehicular traffic;

7.    Provide specific instruction for the permitting of signage within the city; and

8.    Implement objective sign design standards as may be adopted by the council.

B.    Signs in the city shall:

1.    Be of sufficient quality as to enhance rather than detract from the aesthetic value of structures and places;

2.    Be proportionate to the scale of architecture;

3.    Be compatible to the environment in which the signage is proposed to be located;

4.    Be sensibly sized for public view;

5.    Be commensurate with the purpose of the zone district in which the signage is proposed to be located;

6.    Provide clear information for the purpose it is intended for; and

7.    Should never compromise the safety of the public.

C.    Applicability. The standards of this chapter apply to signs in all zoning districts. Only the signs authorized by this chapter shall be allowed.

D.    Definitions. The following definitions shall apply to this chapter:

"A-frame sign" means a portable sign with text and/or images displayed on one or two surfaces with two edges connected with the other two edges spread so that the two faces read from different directions.

"Advertising" means any written, electronic, or printed communication published, disseminated, circulated, or placed directly before the public, for the purpose of creating an interest in or inducing a person to procure a service, article, or attend or participate in an event or program.

"Advertising structure" means all structures used as outdoor advertisement, regardless of size and shape, for the purposes of advertising anything, the origin or place of sale or service of which is not on the property with such advertising structure.

"Animated sign" means any sign which uses mechanical or electrical movement or change of lighting, either natural or artificial, to depict action or to create visual motion or the appearance thereof.

"Apartment/multifamily identification sign" means a sign identifying an apartment or multifamily building or an apartment or multifamily complex.

"Banner" means any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar non-rigid material attached to, or appended on or from, any structure, staff, pole, line, or framing upon which there is an advertising message, or which is intended for promotion.

"Barber pole" means a rotating or stationary cylindrical pole of the traditional red, white, and blue spiral striped design, identifying the premises as a barber shop.

"Base of the sign structure" means the structural component of a freestanding sign located below the sign face.

"Billboard" means an advertising structure. See definition of "advertising structure."

"Business center" means a group of contiguous businesses which utilize common access, off-street parking, and/or the center name.

"Business sign" means a sign which directs attention to a business, major category of products, services, industry, or other activity which is sold, offered, or conducted on the premises upon which such sign is located.

"Changeable copy sign" means a permanent sign, or portion of a sign, with a face panel having detachable, interchangeable individual lettering, which allows the lettering to be removed, altered, and replaced. Such signs shall not be changed more often than once every twenty-four hours. A sign on which the message changes more than once per twenty-hour period shall be considered an animated sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this chapter.

"Changeable panel sign" means a permanent sign that allows the face panel, having fixed lettering, to be removed and replaced. Such signs shall not be changed more often than once every twenty-four hours. A sign on which the panel changes more than once per twenty-four-hour period shall be considered an animated sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this chapter.

"Copy" means the design of a sign face consisting of letters, colors, patterns, images, and/or similar content.

"Directional or informational sign" means a sign giving only information and direction to the viewer and containing no advertising message.

"Directory sign" means a sign or set of similarly designed individual signs, placed or displayed in sequence, to list all or a part of the businesses within a building, business center, or shopping center.

"Display window" means a window area, typically located along the front elevation of a business, and/or in conjunction with a public entrance into the business, which displays merchandise available for purchase within. Display windows may or may not include decoration, including seasonal decor, as well as textual elements such as prices and promotional verbiage. A display window shall not function as a marketing window.

"Electronic reader board," sometimes called electronic signage, refers to display technologies like LED walls (or video walls), projection and LCD monitors to vividly display rotating text, webpages, videos, directions, restaurant menus, marketing messages or other digital images.

"Exempt sign" means a sign which is not subject to a sign permit.

"Excessively weathered" shall mean, including but not limited to, signs where the condition of the paint or structural material has become so deteriorated as to permit decay, excessive checking, cracking, peeling, chalking, fading, dry rot or warping. Removal shall be at the expense of the property owner on which the sign in question is located.

"Flag" means any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or design that displays the symbol(s) of a nation, state, local government, company, organization, belief system, idea, or other meaning.

"Flashing sign" means any sign which is perceived as an intermittent light, flashing light, or changing of color intensity light.

"Freestanding sign" means a sign installed upon, or mounted on top of, the ground, in a permanent fashion, which sign is self-supporting, not attached to a building. Signs mounted on architecturally integrated extensions of buildings shall not be considered freestanding.

"Freeway sign" means an on-site and privately maintained sign that is building mounted or freestanding and is intended to be viewed from a freeway.

"Frontage, occupancy" means a single lineal dimension measured horizontally along the front of a building which defines the limits of a particular business or use at that location and which has direct public pedestrian access through an exterior wall.

"Frontage, site" means the length of a site along the street or other principal public thoroughfare, but not including such a length along an alley, watercourse, railroad, or freeway.

"Gasoline price sign" means an on-premises sign identifying the brand, and/or type, and price of gasoline sold.

"Governmental or other signs required by law" means a sign placed in any area of the city by a governmental entity or private individual or business as required by federal, state, or local laws.

"Graphics" means all lettering, logos, pictures, symbols, patterns, and depictions, including color, on a sign.

"Ground sign" means a freestanding sign. See definition of "Freestanding sign."

"Height" means the distance from the sidewalk or roadbed grade nearest the base of the sign to the top of the highest element of the sign. When there is no sidewalk, the grade of roadbed nearest the sign shall be used.

"Identification sign" means a sign which serves to tell only the name, address, and lawful use of the occupant or building upon which the sign is located.

"Illuminated sign" means a sign in which an artificial source of light is used in order to make the message readable. This definition shall include internally and externally lighted signs and reflectorized, glowing, or radiating signs.

"Institutional sign" means a sign identifying the premises of, or announcing the activities conducted by, a church, school, hospital, rest home, or similar institutional facility.

"Legal nonconforming sign" means any sign which was lawfully permitted, erected, and maintained that does not conform to existing standards.

"Logo" means the name, symbol, emblem, insignia, or trademark of a company or organization.

"Major tenant" means a tenant in a business center having three or more leasable spaces, leasing a large portion of the leasable space in such center. The minimum size of a major tenant shall be ten thousand square feet.

"Manager or office of manager sign" means a sign which identifies the location of the manager or the office of the manager of property.

"Mansard roof" means a roof having an almost vertical facing on three or more sides on the exterior portion of the roof and an almost horizontally flat roof on the interior portion of the roof.

"Marketing window" means floor space constructed within a structure that is designed and built to be exclusively used for promotional graphics to be viewed from the exterior of the structure. The space is designed only to provide an interior vestibule from which additional promotional graphics can be employed to attract attention and no access to the space is available to the general public.

"Marquee sign" means any sign which is on top, attached to the face, or suspended below a marquee, canopy, cantilevered covered walkway, or arcade, whether parallel to or at right angles to the face of the building.

"Master sign program" means a coordinated program of one or more signs for an individual business establishment, business center, or shopping center.

"Monument style sign" means a freestanding sign where the height of the sign is equal to or less than the length of the base of the sign and having a maximum height of ten feet. The area below the sign copy shall be solid from the ground to the lower edge of the copy area.

"Mural" means an original work of art hand-painted on a structural wall surface, not intended to advertise, but instead to aesthetically entertain.

"Off-premises sign" means the same as advertising structure. See definition of "advertising structure."

"On-building sign" means a sign attached to, and wholly supported by, the wall of a building.

"On-site sign" means a sign specifically related in its subject matter to the premises on which it is located.

"Parking facility sign" means a sign placed or displayed in a parking lot to supply information to people using such lot, including information with respect to liability.

"Pennant" means any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, attached to a rope, wire, or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind and attract attention.

"Placed or displayed" means erected, constructed, posted, painted, printed, tacked, glued, carved, or otherwise fastened, fixed, or made visible in any manner whatsoever.

"Plaque" means an ornamental tablet, typically of metal, porcelain, or wood, that is fixed to a wall or other surface in commemoration of a person or event.

"Political sign" means a sign which advertises, solicits votes, or elicits support for a candidate or candidates for public elective office, or a political party, or a sign urging a particular vote on a public issue decided by an official election.

"Portable sign" means any sign or advertising device that is not permanently embedded in the ground or affixed to a building or other structure, including any sign that rests upon the ground, a frame, a building, or other structure or item.

"Projecting sign" means a sign characterized by its attachment at an angle or perpendicular to the face of a building as opposed to being mounted flat on the surface of such building. Any sign which extends twelve inches or more from a building surface shall be considered a projecting sign.

"Public entrance" means an entrance into a building recognized as a main or principal entrance. Fire exit only doorways and/or employee only entrances shall not be included as public entrances.

"Public place" means any and all public streets, sidewalks, boulevards, alleys or other public ways and any and all public parks, squares, spaces, grounds and buildings, held and possessed within the public trust.

"Reader board sign" means the same as a changeable copy sign. See definition of "changeable copy sign."

"Real estate sign" means a sign offering developed or undeveloped real property for sale, lease, or rent.

"Roof line" means a horizontal plane projected parallel to the plane of the roof fascia line or top of a parapet wall or an angular plane projected parallel to the verge rafter of a gable roof.

"Roof sign" means any sign erected upon or above the roof line of a building or placed above the apparent flat roof or eaves of a building.

Shopping Center. For the purposes of this chapter, "shopping center" means a group of commercial establishments planned, generally constructed, and managed as a total entity with employee and customer parking provided on the site under common control or shared under a reciprocal agreement. "Shopping center" is further defined as "major" (fifty or more acres or three hundred thousand square feet or more of total floor area), "community" (ten to fifty acres), and "neighborhood" (up to fifteen acres). For the purposes of this chapter, commercial developments shall be classified as shopping centers, rather than business centers, when they are comprised of at least ten businesses/tenants and have a minimum of fifty thousand square feet.

"Sign" means any figure, character, outline, delineation, announcement, declaration, demonstration, illustration, emblem, words, numerals, or letters of an attention-attracting display or device painted, illuminated, posted, or affixed on any surface or in a manner used to attract attention to the premises or to advertise or promote the interest of any person, activity, business, or enterprise when the same is placed so that it is clearly visible to the general public from an out-of-doors position; provided, however, noncommercial natural floral and plant displays shall not be considered signs in computing the number or area of signs permitted.

"Sign area" means the area of a sign encompassed by a maximum of eight connected straight line segments drawn around the extremities of the sign frame or can (if a frame or can is used to support or define the copy background area), or the sign copy background area (if no sign, frame, or can is used), or the sign copy (if no copy background area or frame or can is used).

"Sign clearance" means the vertical distance between the bottom of a sign and the sidewalk or roadbed grade nearest the base of the sign.

"Sign face" means the same as sign area. See definition of "sign area."

"Sign structure" means any structure which supports or is capable of supporting any sign. A sign structure may or may not be an integral part of a building. For the purpose of a freestanding sign, the sign structure shall include the aggregate area of the sign, including the sign copy and all structural elements of the sign.

"Site" means an individual parcel or the area within the extreme boundaries of a multiple business or shopping center without regard to the individual lease lines or parcels within such center.

"Subdivision directional sign" means an off-premises sign providing information on the location of a subdivision whose lots, parcels, or units are being offered for sale, lease, or rent.

"Subdivision identification sign" means an on-premises sign advertising developed or undeveloped real property which has been divided into five or more lots, parcels, or units for sale, lease, or rent. (Signs advertising fewer than five such lots shall be treated as "real estate signs.")

"Temporary freestanding sign" means a sign, temporary in nature, which neither satisfies the definition of a freestanding sign or on-building sign, to include, but not be limited to, A-frame signs, I-frame signs, stabbers, feathers, wavers, and vehicle signs.

"Temporary identification sign" means a sign used in place of a permanent identification sign until such time as the permanent sign can be installed.

"Temporary sign" means a sign to be displayed for a period not to exceed fourteen days (except temporary identification signs).

"Under-canopy sign" means a sign under a canopy or awning of a building which sign identifies a business, profession, or industry conducted on the premises by name only.

"Vehicle sign" means a sign on a vehicle used for the purpose of advertising a business location, a special sale, or the like by any means.

"Wall sign" means any sign painted on or attached parallel to the wall facing of a building and projecting not more than twelve inches from the building face. See definition of "on-building sign."

"Waver sign" means an individual or apparatus which is used for the purpose of advertising a business location, a special sale, or the like by any means, with or without a sign, with or without a costume.

"Windblown device" means a manmade device which visibly moves when blown by the wind, other than flags or banners.

"Window sign" means a sign attached to, suspended behind, placed, or painted upon the window or glass door of a building and intended for viewing from the exterior of such building. This definition does not include merchandise offered for sale on site, when on display in a window. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Approval Requirements. Except as otherwise noted in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to erect, construct, or relocate any sign in the city without first obtaining approval from both the planning and building divisions. A building permit shall be required for the construction of any sign except those not required under Title 24 of the California Building Code.

B.    Application Requirements. In order to file an application for any action under this chapter, the applicant shall have a certain legal interest in the real property which is the subject of the application, which legal interest (e.g., owner, seller or purchaser under contract, or lessee) may submit an application to the planning division for processing as follows:

1.    The application shall be in the number of copies and in the format designated by the director. All sign review applications shall include the following:

a.    Completed application form to include all required signatures;

b.    Payment of the required fee, as set by resolution of the city council;

c.    Scaled drawings in the format and amount determined by the director to include:

i.    Scaled plot plan of the subject property, identifying the location of all proposed signs;

ii.    Scaled drawings of all proposed signage with sign size(s) calculated;

iii.    Scaled drawings of all building elevations to include all existing and proposed signs; and

d.    All exhibits shall include a legend, and a color scheme, and show the type of illumination, method of attachment, material composition, disconnect switch wherever applicable, letters, words, symbols, and graphics to be depicted, and other information which may be needed to determine that the provisions of this chapter have been satisfied.

2.    In processing sign applications, the following criteria shall be used to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove:

a.    The sign shall be consistent with the applicable standards, exceptions, and prohibitions set forth in this chapter;

b.    The sign’s location and copy shall not cause a visual or safety public nuisance for the site or surrounding uses; and

c.    The sign meets applicable approved master sign program standards.

3.    The director shall review all sign review permit applications and shall either approve, approve with modifications, or deny an application in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and any other applicable requirements of federal, state, or local laws.

4.    In the event of denial, the director shall provide written notice of a denial to the applicant within five working days after a decision is rendered. The applicant may only appeal a denial decision of the director to the planning commission pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 17.114 (Appeals).

C.    Compliance With Other Codes. The erection or placement of all signs shall meet the requirements of the Public Utilities Commission of the state, the California Building Code as adopted by the city, and all other relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

D.    Shopping Center Signs. The sign program for shopping centers shall be subject to the director’s approval. The design criteria for all signs to be located within a shopping center or a mall-type development shall be approved before any individual sign permit application for the development is processed. Such review is to ensure that signs located within a shopping center are harmonious and of compatible design.

E.    Lighting for Exterior Illuminated Signs. Lighting for exterior illuminated signs shall be so arranged that it does not create a hazardous glare for pedestrians or vehicles, either on a public street or on any private premises. Each sign shall be designed so that illumination does not exceed ten candlepower at a distance of ten feet from the sign.

F.    Lighting. No artificial light of whatever type or nature used in conjunction with, or for the purpose of, lighting any sign shall be so located or constructed, nor shall any substance or material be used capable of reflecting light on or into any adjoining or nearby lot, structure, or public right-of-way. When spotlights or floodlights are used to illuminate a sign, the reflector shall be provided with proper shields or glass lenses concentrating the illumination upon the area of the sign so as to prevent glare upon the street or adjacent property.

G.    Screening Light Sources. Whenever an illuminated sign is permitted, every part of its light source shall be concealed from view, and the light shall not travel from such light sources straight to the viewer’s eye, but instead shall be visible only from a reflecting or diffusing surface. Exempt from this requirement shall be neon tubing which conforms to subsection E of this section (Lighting for Exterior Illuminated Signs) and is included in the calculation of the total permanent sign area. As used in this section, "light source" shall mean a bulb or tube from which light is emitted when the bulb or tube is activated (electronically or otherwise), including, but not limited to, incandescent filament bulbs, electric discharge bulbs, and fluorescent tubes.

H.    Measurement of Sign Area.

1.    Wall Signs Consisting of One or Two Lines of Copy. Wall signs consisting of one or two lines of copy painted on or attached to a building wall, where the portion of the wall behind the sign is the same color as the rest of the wall and does not serve as a frame area, shall be measured by the smallest regular geometric shape not exceeding eight sides which encompasses each word, emblem, and/or symbol composing the sign. Areas between words in a line and between lines shall not be measured as long as they are reasonably spaced.

2.    Other Wall Signs. Three lines or more of copy or nonlinear arrangement shall be measured as that area which can be enclosed within the smallest regular geometric shape not exceeding eight sides which encompasses the total message, including the open space between cutout letters, panels, figures, symbols, and/or objects.

3.    Signs Which Are Framed or Have Distinguishing Color Background. Signs which are framed or have distinguishing color background shall be measured by taking the entire area of the sign and background, including the framing surface.

4.    Multiple Face Signs. The area of all faces shall be added together to determine the total sign area. However, double-faced signs may be erected having the allowed sign area on each side of the sign; provided, that the two faces shall not be positioned at greater than forty-five degrees to one another. When the two faces of a sign are positioned at greater than forty-five degrees to one another, faces of each side shall be counted individually in determining the total sign area.

5.    Neon Tube Lighting. Illuminated neon tubing when outlining portions of buildings or windows shall be deemed to have a minimum width of at least six inches in the calculation of sign area. Where an area bordered by such lighting is substantially a closed geometric shape, all the area enclosed shall be considered the sign area. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

The following signs shall require a conditional use permit:

A.    Murals on privately owned property.

B.    Electronic reader board.

C.    Specific use signs as required under Section 17.30.080. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

The following types of signs shall be exempt from the requirements of this chapter:

A.    Construction Site and Subdivision Signs. Temporary construction signs that identify the architects, engineers, contractors, or other individuals or firms that are involved with a construction project. There shall be no more than two signs on the site. These signs shall not exceed thirty-two square feet in area and shall be removed when construction is completed.

B.    Temporary Signs on Property Offered for Sale, Rental, or Lease. Temporary signs are allowed on private property in any zoning district being offered for sale, rental, or lease subject to the following limitations. These signs shall not exceed eight square feet. These signs shall not be erected for more than four days during any one-month period. The sign shall remain only as long as some portion of the property advertised for sale remains unsold, unleased or not rented, or for a period of two years, whichever period is shorter.

C.    Temporary Off-Site Signs. Temporary off-site subdivision and/or signs which advertise the sale, lease, or rental of another property may be erected to direct prospective purchasers to a subdivision that have parcels or homes for sale. These signs shall not be erected for more than four days during any one-month period. Said signs shall not exceed eight square feet.

D.    Window Signs. Temporary window signs (non-internally illuminated) announcing special sales, a change in management, individual product and/or price signs, or similar information and designed to be viewed from adjacent streets, sidewalks, public right-of-way, or parking for a period not exceeding thirty days. This section is not intended to allow additional permanent signs. Window signs which are painted on, or temporarily affixed to, the window surface shall not cover more than sixty percent of any single window or series of windows, nor more than thirty percent of the entire surface area of available windows and shall not be affixed as to block clear view of exits or entrances or to create a safety hazard to persons exiting or entering. The total area of window signs shall not be greater than the permanent on-building sign area allowed for the business/use. Window signs which are not covered by the temporary sign provisions shall only be allowed as permanent signs with the approval of the required sign permit.

E.    Credit Cards, Debit Cards, ATM, and Association Membership. Credit cards accepted, debit cards accepted, ATM availability, and association membership signs when not exceeding one-half square foot per window sign and one and one-half square feet per hanging sign and a total of four in number.

F.    Directional Signs. Signs bearing no advertising message or logo and are located on the site may be erected when necessary to facilitate circulation within the site or facilitate egress and ingress. Such signs shall not be counted against the site’s allowed sign area. The size, number, and placement of directional signs may be limited by the director.

G.    Informational Signs for the Safety and Convenience of the Public. Signs such as "open/closed," "rest rooms," "telephone," "danger," "impaired clearance," "no smoking," and other signs of a similar nature ("parking in rear," "drive-in window," and parking facility signs) may be allowed up to four square feet in area under this section.

H.    Official Signs. Official signs posted pursuant to, and in the discharge of, any governmental function by public officials in the performance of their duties (including traffic and street name signs, as well as notices, emblems, or other forms of identification and signs required by law).

I.    Signs Required by Law. Signs displayed by private individuals when required by law or regulations of any governmental agency or law.

J.    Political Sign. Political and campaign signs which announce a candidate or political issue shall not exceed thirty-two square feet, or as governed by other applicable state or federal law. Removal shall take place two weeks after the election.

K.    Vehicle Fueling Station Signs. Signs required to be posted at fuel stations pursuant to California Business and Professions Code Sections 13530 et seq.

L.    Nameplate and Address Signs. The following signs are intended to assist emergency response personnel in locating a site:

1.    Residential. Occupant name, street number, and street name signs not exceeding two square feet in area per single-unit or multi-unit unit.

2.    Nonresidential. Signs for commercial, office, and industrial uses not exceeding two square feet, with copy limited to business identification, hours of operation, address, and emergency information.

M.    Internal Signs. Signs within structures that are not visible from any point on the boundary of the premises.

N.    Public and Institutional Signs. Signs erected and maintained by any federal, state, or local governmental agency or that are required to be erected and maintained by any federal, state, or local governmental agency or court or by any federal, state or local law, ordinance or other governmental regulation, including, but not limited to, signs erected by a public utility.

O.    Flags, plaques, and banners.

P.    Integral Signs. Signs which have been built into a structure when the sign has been carved into stone or fixed to the structure using a metal plaque.

Q.    Garage Sale Signs. The signs on private property shall be removed within twenty-four hours following the sale date.

R.    Seasonal Decorations. Holiday greetings, decorations, and displays, such as relate to Christmas, Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July, and the like, such that said seasonal decorations are removed within fourteen days after the appurtenant holiday event and excluding advertising signs disguised as seasonal decorations. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

The following signs are prohibited from being erected in the city:

A.    Signs which may imitate an official traffic sign or signal;

B.    Signs which may hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal;

C.    Portable signs which are portable, A-frame, I-frame signs, "feathers," and "stabbers," to include "waver" signs on public right-of-way, except as permitted under the provisions of this chapter, on private property for seasonal or temporary use;

D.    Off-premises signs, except as permitted under the provisions of this chapter;

E.    Signs which project over a sidewalk less than eight feet above the surface of the sidewalk;

F.    Signs which project over an alley and are less than fifteen feet high;

G.    Flashing or rotating signs;

H.    Roof-mounted signs;

I.    Signs on telephone poles, utility poles, trees within the public right-of-way, street light, and street signs;

J.    Billboards; and

K.    Signs having one or a combination of the following characteristics:

1.    Obscene or Offensive to Morals. Containing statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character which, taken as a whole, appeal to the prurient interest in sex, and which signs are patently offensive and, when taken as a whole, do not have serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value;

2.    Imitative of Official Signs. Signs (other than when used for traffic direction) which contain or are an imitation of an official traffic sign or signal, or contain the words "stop," "go," "slow," "caution," "danger," "warning," or similar words, or signs which imitate or may be construed as other public notices, such as zoning violations, building permits, business licenses, and the like;

3.    Fluorescent Colors. Any permanent signs containing florescent colors as all or part of their copy; and

4.    Natural Despoliation. Signs which are cut, burned, limed, painted, or otherwise marked on a field, tree, rock, or other natural item.

L.    Moving signs having one or a combination of the following characteristics:

1.    Flashing of lights, blinking of lights, or changing of color intensity, except those permitted as part of seasonal decorations;

2.    Animation (such as by mechanical movement of parts of the sign, projections on or within the sign, or changes on the shape or content of the sign face), to exclude "time and temperature" devices. This shall include, but is not limited to, flashing, blinking, flickering, moving textual messages, moving, rotating signs, and frames which appear to rotate, except those permitted as part of seasonal decorations;

3.    Windblown devices and/or inflatable signs, whose movement is designed to attract attention, such as pennants, flags, balloons, or other inflated objects, or reflective attachments to sign faces, except those specifically permitted (as temporary signs in Section 17.30.040, and except those permitted as part of seasonal decorations, or flags which are specifically exempted by Section 17.30.040);

4.    Banners, with the exception of those which are specifically exempted by Section 17.30.040; and

5.    Where there is any production of smoke, fog, sound, light, or other substance or matter.

M.    Obstructive to Use or Visibility, Hazardous Locations. No sign shall be erected in any manner which, in whole or in part, would create a hazardous condition to pedestrians or traffic alike, either by obstructing the free use of exits, building or site, or by creating visual distraction, being color, sound, or glare, or representing a traffic control device.

N.    Obstructive Visibility to Public Safety. Blocking or covering more than thirty-three percent of any window or door with any permanent material shall be prohibited unless specifically permitted by this code. Any application of window film or similar material on any part of a window or door shall allow no less than forty percent visible light transmission.

O.    Within Public Places. Within any public street, sidewalk, any publicly accessible parking lot, or right-of-way, or other publicly owned facility, unless they shall maintain a minimum clearance of fifteen feet above the adjoining grade level and after acquiring an encroachment permit from the city, except marquee signs as defined by this chapter, unless specifically provided for in this chapter.

P.    Vehicle Signs Where the Primary Purpose of the Vehicle Is To Serve as a Billboard or Sign. No vehicle or trailer may be used as a platform or substitute for a billboard, freestanding sign, or movable sign, whether parked on public or private property or found in the public right-of-way. This is specifically intended to include the use of vehicles as a freestanding or off-premises sign and does not apply to signs maintained on vehicles when such advertising is incidental to the primary purpose for which the vehicle is being used (such as delivery service).

Q.    Miscellaneous Temporary Signs and Posters. The tacking, posting, or otherwise affixing of signs of a miscellaneous character, visible from a public way, located on the walls of buildings, barns, or sheds or on trees, poles, posts, fences, or other structures shall be prohibited, unless specifically permitted by this chapter.

R.    Distribution of Handbills and Flyers. The distribution or circulation of any advertising samples, handbills, circulars, booklets, or other notices of commercial advertising on vehicles or public facilities shall be prohibited.

Figure 17.30-1

Examples of Prohibited Signs

(Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Temporary signs shall be allowed at the following times:

1.    Holiday Promotion Periods. Within identified holiday periods, temporary promotion signs shall be limited to banners, painted window signs, and/or pennants, not to exceed in size the total allowable on building sign area for the business/use. Such signs may be displayed without a sign permit or prior approval by the city. The allowed holiday promotional display periods are as follows:

a.    Valentine’s Day, and the preceding six days.

b.    Easter Sunday, and the preceding six days.

c.    Mother’s Day, and the preceding four days.

d.    Independence Day, and the week (Monday--Sunday) thereof.

e.    Almond/Harvest Festival day, and the week (Monday--Sunday) thereof.

f.    Halloween, and the preceding six days.

g.    Thanksgiving, the preceding ten days and the following three days.

h.    Christmas/New Year’s Holiday season (December 1st to December 31st).

2.    Additional Promotion Periods. In addition to the holiday promotional periods listed above, a business may display banners, painted window signs, pennants, and/or windblown devices/inflatable signs not to exceed in size the total allowable on building sign area for the business/use, during two additional fourteen-day periods each calendar year. The additional two-week (fourteen-day) periods may be at the discretion of the business owner per the approval of the planning division. To display special promotion temporary signs, a business must obtain an approved temporary sign permit from the planning division of the city. The application shall indicate the time period and type of display. Such signs may be used in conjunction with an event or sale and may be displayed for fourteen days maximum. Such promotional displays shall not list individual product prices. Special promotion periods may be used in place of a holiday promotion period (overlaid), as long as they do not extend the fourteen-day maximum period.

3.    Grand Opening Signs. A business may apply to the planning division for a temporary sign permit for grand opening signage. A-frame signs, I-frame signs and portable changeable copy signs shall be limited to only one grand opening and a maximum display time of thirty days per business, with a written request approved by the director.

4.    Going Out of Business. A business may apply to the planning division for a temporary sign permit in order to facilitate the liquidation of inventory for a closing business for a period not to exceed ninety calendar days. Such a permit will be allowed only once for any business, with a written request approved by the director. Change of ownership, change of management, business remodel, or business renovation events are not valid.

B.    Approval Requirements. An application for a temporary sign permit shall be submitted for review and approval no less than five business days prior to the proposed installation date of the temporary signs. The application shall include a site plan identifying location of signs and scaled drawings of the temporary signs. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

Signs located in the following zones and that are consistent with the following provisions shall be allowed. The standards contained within this section apply to one side of the sign. In no case shall the sign area exceed ten percent of the wall face on which it is located.

A.    Urban Reserve (UR), Open Space, Recreation and Public Facilities (O), and Rural Residential (RR) Zones. These zones shall comply with the following sign standards:

1.    One address sign not to exceed two square feet.

2.    One advertising structure in which the total surface area shall not exceed thirty-two square feet.

3.    One temporary sign advertising the property for sale, rent, or lease. This sign shall not exceed thirty-two square feet.

B.    Single-Unit Residential and Multi-Unit Residential Zones. These zones shall comply with the following sign standards:

1.    One address sign not to exceed two square feet per single-unit residence and multi-unit dwelling structure.

2.    One subdivision or multi-unit dwelling sign shall be allowed per entrance. This sign shall not exceed thirty-two square feet. If ground-mounted, the top of the sign shall not exceed five feet in height.

C.    Professional and Administrative Office Zone (PA). This zone shall comply with the following sign standards:

1.    On-building signs shall be allowed as follows:

a.    Size. Each business frontage having a public entrance and set back from the street less than one hundred fifty feet shall be allowed on-building identification signs having an area of one-half square foot per front foot of building lease area, up to thirty square feet of maximum area. Buildings set back one hundred fifty feet or more from the street shall be permitted one square foot of sign area per front foot of building lease area, up to fifty square feet.

b.    Location. When approved by the director, the sign area may be transferred from a frontage with a public entrance to one without a public entrance provided the ratio of signing per lineal foot is not exceeded on any one elevation.

c.    Placement. On-building signs and projecting double-signs shall not extend above the wall, facade, parapet, or eaves of the structure on which they are located.

2.    Office. Developments may use one of two optional freestanding sign programs: a single freestanding sign listing the name and address of the office center, or the business in the case of a single business development. The sign area and the sign height shall not exceed those listed in Table 17.30-1 (Professional and Administrative Development Signs):

*    A minor deviation to increase the height or surface area of the sign may be granted by the director where the director determines a taller sign "structure" shall enhance the design of the development.

3.    Location. The location of freestanding signs shall not be less than three feet inside the property line and shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic entering into or exiting from an office development property or with vehicular traffic or pedestrians.

4.    Number. The allowable number of freestanding signs shall be as follows:

a.    The total face area may be utilized in one sign or be divided among one sign per street frontage, with a maximum height of eight feet and provided a minimum distance of one-half of the width of the lot is maintained between each sign and the street corner of the lot. This provision shall be for frontages having two hundred one feet or greater of the total street frontage and shall be approved by the director.

b.    When an office building has more than one tenant, individual low-profile freestanding signs for each tenant may be permitted in lieu of a single freestanding sign for the site, as permitted by subsection (C)(4)(a) of this section. Such low-profile signs shall be uniform in construction (except for copy) and shall not exceed four feet in height, eight feet in length, and two feet in width per business. Such low-profile signs shall be limited to copy on one side and placed parallel to the street.

D.    Neighborhood Commercial Zone (CN). This shall comply with the following sign standards:

1.    One and one-half square feet of sign area for each two square feet of linear structure frontage not to exceed forty-five square feet unless the use is located on a corner parcel, in which case the sign area shall not exceed sixty square feet. Where the frontage is on more than one street, only the signs computed using the frontage of that street shall face that street.

2.    These signs may be ground- or wall-mounted, or a combination of both. Ground-mounted signs shall not exceed six feet in height.

3.    Each retail structure is allowed to have two square feet of sign area for each foot of structure frontage not to exceed a maximum of fifty square feet. These signs shall be fixed flush with the structure.

4.    Pole signs are prohibited in the CN zone.

E.    General Commercial (CG) and Service Commercial (CS) Zones. The CG and CS zones are allowed freestanding signs, subject to the following provisions:

1.    One freestanding sign shall be allowed for each parcel of land. Each freestanding sign shall be allowed as indicated in Tables 17.30-2 and 17.30-3, except as provided for in subsection (E)(4) of this section.

2.    In addition to the allowable freestanding sign allowance, shopping centers with a street frontage of seven hundred linear feet or greater shall be allowed secondary tenant freestanding identification signs. The number of secondary signs shall not exceed one per main drive approach for a maximum of two. Sign area shall not exceed one hundred square feet of sign area per sign, with individual panels of no more than ten square feet. Identification signs shall have a maximum height of twenty feet. Such signs shall be granted for minor tenants within the center, located more than one hundred fifty feet from the street the business intends to serve. The design and location of each shopping center sign shall be reviewed and approved by the director.

3.    Location. The location of such signs shall not be less than three feet inside the property line and shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic entering into or exiting from the business center or with vehicular street traffic or pedestrians. On corner lots, it is the intent of this section that signs are not placed at the corner of one street frontage to be viewed from another street frontage. Generally, multiple freestanding signs for independent businesses and business centers shall be centered on the street frontage on which they are placed.

4.    Number. Only one freestanding sign shall be allowed for and upon each street frontage. Without increasing the total freestanding sign allowance for corner parcels, the director may allow the linear footage of two or more connecting street frontages to be combined for corner parcels in order to obtain a greater face area for a freestanding sign along a particular frontage than would otherwise normally be permitted, subject to the following restrictions:

a.    The height of the freestanding sign does not exceed that otherwise permitted for the street frontage on which the sign is placed, based on values denoted for the linear footage on that street; and

b.    The combined face area of the freestanding sign does not exceed that otherwise permitted for the street frontage on which the sign is placed by more than twenty-five percent.

5.    Minor Tenant Directional Signs. Shopping centers shall be allowed on-site directional signage for minor tenant identification. The number of directional signs shall not exceed one per main drive. Signs shall not exceed ten square feet of sign area per sign, with individual panels of no more than three square feet. Minor tenant directional signs shall have a maximum height of six feet and should architecturally integrate with the shopping center site. Signs shall be located a minimum of forty feet from the nearest street property line, and the location shall be subject to approval by the director. It is not the intent of this section to create additional signs to be viewed from a public right-of-way.

6.    Freestanding vehicle service station price signs shall be allowed in accordance with Table 17.30-6.

7.    On-structure identification signs shall be allowed for frontages with public entrances. Each business frontage having a public entrance shall be permitted on-building identification signs with the allowable area computed in accordance with Table 17.30-4 as follows:

a.    Area Allowed for Street Frontages Without Public Entrances. Each business occupying the end of a building, having a street frontage without a public entrance, shall be permitted one-half square foot of sign area for each one foot of leased occupancy frontage. The maximum area shall be limited to thirty square feet.

b.    Minimum Sign Area. Each commercial use which has direct pedestrian access through an exterior building wall which is visible from a public right-of-way shall be allowed at least twenty-five square feet of building sign area, regardless of building occupancy frontage. Commercial uses having sole access from the interior of any building or from an enclosed lobby or court shall not be allowed the minimum building wall sign area referred to in this section.

c.    Transfer of Sign Area. When approved by the director, the sign area may be transferred in part or in whole from a frontage with a public entrance to one without a public entrance provided the signs on a given frontage do not exceed the allowable area, as computed in Table 17.30-4.

d.    Placement. On-building signs and projecting double-signs shall not extend above the wall, facade, parapet, or eaves of the structure on which they are located.

8.    On-building signs, projecting double-faced signs, and under-marquee signs shall comply with the following:

a.    The height of any projecting sign shall not be less than eight feet or higher than ten feet above the area over which it is suspended.

b.    The sign shall not extend closer than two feet from the curb line of the street and shall be mounted perpendicular to the building face.

c.    The sign shall not exceed six square feet in the sign area.

d.    Such signs shall identify only a business name or professional location in a business center. Only one such sign shall be displayed per frontage with a public entrance.

F.    Light Manufacturing (M-1) and Heavy Manufacturing (M-2) Zones. These zones shall comply with the following sign standards:

1.    On-site directional signage, one nameplate and address sign.

2.    The design of signs shall be architecturally integrated with the design of the structure on the same parcel.

3.    Flashing, rotating, or animated signs (except time and temperature signs) are prohibited.

4.    Freestanding signs shall not exceed the height of the structures on the parcel on which they are located.

5.    One freestanding sign shall be allowed on each street frontage of a parcel not exceeding the areas and height set forth as follows:

a.    Size and Height. The sign area of each face and sign height shall be allowed as indicated in Table 17.30-5:

b.    Location. The location of such signs shall not be less than three feet inside the property line and shall not interfere with the safety of vehicular traffic entering into or exiting from a business center or with vehicular traffic or pedestrians.

c.    Number. The total face area may be utilized in one sign or, where specifically approved by the director, the sign area may be divided among one sign per street frontage, with a maximum height of eight feet and provided a minimum distance of one-half of the width of the lot is maintained between each sign and the street frontage of the lot.

6.    Industrial Uses: On-Building Identification Signs.

a.    Area Allowed. Each business frontage shall be allowed one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of building frontage up to a maximum of three hundred square feet.

b.    Number Allowed. The sign area of each business frontage may be utilized in one or more such signs provided the total sign area of all signs on a given frontage does not exceed the allowable.

c.    On-building signs shall not extend above the wall, facade, parapet, or eaves of the structure on which they are located.

7.    Grand Opening Signs. A business may apply for a temporary sign permit for a grand opening for a maximum display time of thirty days per business, with a written request approved by the director.

8.    The following signs are prohibited: changeable copy signs, projecting or fin signs, roof signs, and outdoor advertising structures (billboards). (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

Certain uses, because of their special sign needs or their allowance in residential as well as business or industrial districts, have been specifically listed in this section. Where such uses are approved, the sign standards allowed for such uses shall be found in the special use table as follows:

(Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Removal. Signs advertising an activity, business, product, or service no longer conducted on the premises on which the sign is located, or sign frames, structural members, or supporting poles remaining unused for six months or longer, or signs which are abandoned or dilapidated shall be removed from the site. Signs will be considered abandoned or dilapidated where the sign or element of it is excessively weathered, torn, broken, significantly damaged or structurally unsound or where the copy can no longer be seen or understood by a person with normal eyesight under normal viewing conditions.

B.    Continued Use of Abandoned Signs. The owner of a sign, the purpose of which has been abandoned, who desires to make subsequent use of the structural portions of such sign in its present location, may, within six months after the abandonment, make an application to the director for an extension of time. Where the sign conforms to all other requirements of the law, and where the owner submits reasonable evidence that he is endeavoring to secure use for the sign (a new tenant for the structure or the arrival of a new product line for the existing tenant), the director may grant extensions of time. The director may require the owner, as a condition of the granting of such extension, paint out, obscure, or remove some or all elements of the message or face portion of the sign in such a manner as to leave the remaining structure neat and unobtrusive in appearance in harmony with the structure to which it is attached, and that this be done within thirty days after the granting of such extension. Failure to do so shall void and nullify any such extension. Signs which are determined by the city to be structurally unsound and dangerous or hazardous to the public safety or welfare shall be removed immediately upon notification by the city. Removal shall be at the expense of the property owner on which the sign in question is located. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Upon determination of the director, an approved master sign program may be required in conjunction with and as a part of another development entitlement application (discretionary or ministerial). The intent of a requirement for a master sign program is to provide for cohesive, complementary, and proportionate signage that satisfies the purpose and intent of this chapter.

B.    In processing master sign program applications, the submittal requirements of a sign permit shall be adhered to per Section 17.30.020. On-building signs within the master sign program shall be subject to review and permitting by the planning and building division separately.

C.    In all cases, the master sign program shall be at least as restrictive as the provisions and restrictions of this chapter. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    The director may grant a minor deviation in order to prevent unnecessary hardships which would result from a strict and literal interpretation and enforcement of certain regulations prescribed by this chapter. A practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship may result from the size, shape, or dimensions of a site or the location of existing structures thereon, from geographic, topographic, or other physical conditions on the site, or in the immediate vicinity, or from street locations or traffic conditions in the immediate vicinity which would affect the signing of such site or building.

B.    In all cases, consideration of a minor deviation must result from a practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship, and findings of said practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship shall accompany any application for minor deviation, to include justification of the nature of and need for the minor deviation.

C.    The minor deviation process may be used where the applicant desires one or more adjustments from the requirements of this chapter, provided the total amount of adjustments is limited to twenty percent of the allowed sign area. The director may allow adjustments within the limits listed in this section. Appropriate findings consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter shall be made a part of the motion to grant an adjustment.

D.    A minor deviation may not be used for relief from the provisions of Section 17.30.050 (Prohibited signs). Relief from those regulations as specified in Section 17.30.050 shall be processed as a variance.

E.    A minor deviation may be used for:

1.    Additional area to:

a.    Overcome a disadvantage because of an exceptional setback between the street and the sign or orientation of the sign location;

b.    Achieve an effect which is essentially architectural, sculptural, or graphic art and which, in the opinion of the planning director, enhances the sign and site’s development;

c.    Permit more sign area in a single sign than is allowed, but less than the total allowed the site, where a more orderly and concise pattern of signing will result;

d.    Allow a sign compatible with other conforming signs in the vicinity; and

e.    Establish the allowable amount and location of signing when no street frontage exists or when, because of an unusual lot shape (for example, a panhandle lot), the street frontage is excessively narrow in proportion to the average width of the lot.

2.    Alternative Locations.

a.    On Site. To transfer from one wall to another wall or to a freestanding sign upon the finding that such alternative location is necessary to overcome a disadvantage caused by an unfavorable orientation of the front wall to the street or parking lot or an exceptional setback;

b.    Lots Not Fronting on Any Street. Sign review by the director shall be required for all such signs. Under sign review, approval may be given for the placement of a sign on an access easement to a lot not having street frontage, at a point where viewable from the adjoining public street; and

c.    Other. Additionally, alternative locations may be granted in order to further the intent and purpose of this chapter or where normal placement would conflict with the architectural design of a structure.

3.    Alternative Types of Signs. To facilitate compatibility with the architecture of structures on the site and improve the overall appearance of the site.

a.    The procedure for a minor deviation shall be consistent with Chapter 17.90 (Minor Deviation Permit).

b.    The director’s decision shall be final unless appealed to the planning commission consistent with Chapter 17.114 (Appeals).

c.    Any requests for a variance from this chapter shall be processed consistent with Chapter 17.88 (Variance Permit). (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).

A.    Except for signs described in subsection B of this section, any sign which was erected legally prior to the effective date of the adoption of this zoning code shall be deemed a nonconforming use. Maintenance of the sign shall be allowed but no alterations which could increase its nonconforming status are permitted.

B.    Nonconforming signs on a parcel where the use is discontinued for a period of ninety days or more shall be removed prior to occupancy of a new use. Any new signs erected by the new occupant shall comply with the sign standards for the zone in which the property is located.

C.    Every sign in existence upon adoption of this chapter and which was prohibited or illegal at the time of installation, and which does not conform to the provisions of this chapter shall be an illegal sign. Such signs shall be removed immediately upon notification of illegality. Failure to remove such signs shall be a violation of this chapter. Signs which are not constructed, maintained, or displaced pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, and which are not legal, and which are nonconforming shall be illegal, except as follows:

1.    Any sign conforming to county laws at the time the property upon which it is displayed is annexed to the city and which is made nonconforming or illegal under the provisions of this chapter shall be removed or brought into conformance within five years after the date it became nonconforming. Any sign which has been declared nonconforming under county laws prior to annexation to the city shall be removed or brought into conformance with this chapter within the time period provided for under the county’s law, provided the time period is less than five years;

2.    Any sign of historical significance, where the sign display is within an area listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historical Places, or in an area registered as an historical landmark or point of interest, or in an area designated as an historical zone. (Ord. 24-01 §2(Exh. A-1)).