King City City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 17
55 SIGNS
Note: Prior ordinance history: Ords. 679, 660, 631, 621, 593, 562, 555, 545, 542 and 532.
§ 17.55.010 Purpose and intent.
This chapter establishes the regulation of signs in order to:
(a)
Improve economic vitality in the city by permitting the ability of each business to identify business names.
(b)
Improve the visual qualities of the city by encouraging aesthetic, creative and innovative approaches to signage within the community that are of high quality design and character and contribute to the overall appearance of the community.
(c)
Enhance the overall property values in the city by discouraging signage that contribute to the visual clutter of the streetscape.
(d)
Enhance traffic safety in the community by minimizing signage information to ensure that signage does not distract motorists, obstruct, or otherwise impede traffic circulation.
(e)
Safeguard and protect the public health, safety, and welfare through appropriate prohibitions, regulations, and controls on the design, location, and maintenance of signage.
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017)
§ 17.55.020 Applicability.
(a)
The standards of this chapter apply to signs in all zoning districts and specific plans when applicable. Only signage specifically authorized by this chapter shall be allowed.
(b)
In the event of any conflict between this chapter and any law, rule, or regulation of the state of California, that requirement that establishes the higher standard of safety shall govern. Failure to comply with such standard or safety shall be a violation of this chapter.
(c)
If any provision or provisions of this chapter becomes illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, the legality, validity, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017)
§ 17.55.030 Definitions.
Abandoned Sign.
A sign that no longer advertises a business, lessor, owner, product, service or activity on the premises where the sign is displayed.
A-Board Sign.
A portable “A-frame” or “sandwich board” sign.
Animated or Moving Sign.
A sign that uses movement, lighting, or special materials to depict action or create a special effect to imitate movement.
Awning Sign.
A sign copy or logo attached to or painted on an awning.
Banner, Feather Sign, Flag or Pennant.
Cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar non-rigid material used for advertising purposes attached to a structure, staff, pole, line, framing, or vehicle, not including official flags of the United States, the state of California, and other states of the nation, counties, municipalities, official flags of foreign nations and nationally or internationally recognized organizations.
Cabinet Sign.
A sign with its text and/or logo symbols and artwork on an opaque or translucent face panel that is mounted within a metal frame or cabinet that contains the lighting fixtures, which illuminate the sign face from behind.
Changeable Copy Sign.
A sign designed to allow the changing of copy through manual, mechanical, or electrical means including time and temperature.
Construction Sign.
A sign placed at a construction site that provides information regarding the project architect, owner, contractors, etc.
Directional Sign.
A sign that is designed and erected solely for the purposes of directing vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic within a project.
Electronic Message Sign.
A sign with a fixed or changing display composed of a series of lights, but not including time and temperature displays.
Flashing Sign.
A sign that contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source.
Freestanding Sign.
A sign fixed in an upright position on the ground not attached to a structure other than a framework, pole or device, erected primarily to support the sign. Includes monument signs and pole signs.
Freeway-oriented Signs.
A freestanding sign located near State Highway 101 freeway that identifies tourist-oriented businesses, such as gasoline service stations, restaurants, motels and regional commercial uses on properties that are located within five hundred feet of State Highway 101 freeway. A freeway sign is located on the same property as the business it identifies.
Illegal Sign.
A sign that includes any of the following:
(1)
A sign installed without complying with all regulations in effect at the time of its construction or use;
(2)
A sign installed or maintained contrary to any applicable provision of Chapter 17.55 (Signs);
(3)
A sign which is a danger to the public or is unsafe; or
(4)
A sign which is a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts of the city.
Indirectly Illuminated Sign.
A sign whose light source is external to the sign and which casts its light onto the sign from a distance; or where the light source is behind an opaque sign element and causes it to be outlined by light reflected from the surface to which the sign is mounted.
Internally Illuminated Sign.
A sign whose light source is located in the interior of the sign so that light passes through the face of the sign, or light source which is attached to the face of the sign and is perceived as a design element of the sign.
Monument Sign.
An independent, low, freestanding structure supported on the ground having a solid base as opposed to being supported by poles or open braces.
Mural.
A painting, picture or graphic illustration applied to and made part of an exterior wall.
Nonconforming Sign.
An advertising structure or sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to the adoption of this chapter, but does not now completely comply with current regulations.
Off-Site Sign.
A sign identifying a use, facility, service, or product that is not located, sold, or manufactured on the same premises as the sign, or that identifies a use, service, or product by a brand name which, although sold or manufactured on the premises, is not a principal item for sale or manufactured on the premises.
Permanent Sign.
A sign constructed of durable materials and intended to exist for the duration of time that the use or occupant is located on the premises.
Pole Sign.
An elevated freestanding sign, typically supported by one or two poles or columns and only permitted within the freeway corridor as provided within these sign regulations.
Political or Social Issue Sign.
A sign that addresses:
(1)
The passage or defeat of a measure appearing on the ballot in any national, state, or local election;
(2)
The election or defeat of any candidate for any public office in any national, state, or local election; or
(3)
An international, national, state, or local political or social issue.
Portable Sign.
A sign that is not permanently affixed to a structure or the ground.
Projecting Sign.
A sign other than a wall sign suspending from, or supported by, a structure and projecting outward.
Real Estate Sign.
A sign indicating that a property or any portion thereof is available for inspection, sale, lease, rent, or directing people to a property, but not including temporary subdivision signs.
Roof Sign.
A sign constructed upon or over a roof, or placed so as to extend above the edge of the roof.
Sign.
A structure, device, figure, message placard, or other contrivance, or any part thereof, situated out-doors or indoors, which is designed, constructed, intended, or used to advertise, or to otherwise provide information, to direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images.
Sign Area.
The entire area within a perimeter defined by a continuous line composed of right angles using no more than eight lines which enclose the extreme limits of lettering, logo, trademark, or other graphic representation.
Sign Height.
The vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the area of a sign to the normal grade immediately below the sign, including its base or the top of the nearest curb of the street on which the sign fronts, whichever measurement is the greatest.
Subdivision Directional Sign.
A sign that provides directions to a new subdivision with on-site model homes and/or sales office, where parcels and/or housing units are, or will be, for sale.
Suspended Sign.
A sign oriented toward pedestrians that is suspended from the underside of an arcade or other covered walkway.
Temporary Sign.
A sign intended to be displayed for a limited period of time and capable of being viewed from a public right-of-way, parking area, or neighboring property.
Vehicle Sign.
A sign which is attached to or painted on a vehicle which is parked on or adjacent to any property, the principal purpose of which is to attract attention to a product sold or business located on the property.
Wall Sign.
A sign that is attached to or painted on the exterior wall of a structure with the display surface of the sign approximately parallel to the building wall.
Window Display.
A window display is an arrangement of merchandise displayed in a building window. Window displays located more than twelve inches from the face of a window are not considered signs. Window displays do not include the storage of merchandise or other items blocking windows.
Window Sign.
A sign posted, painted, placed, or affixed in or on a window (or series of adjacent windows) exposed to public view. An interior sign which faces a window exposed to public view and is located within twelve inches of the inside of the window. Window signs do not include business hours of operation and open/closed signs. Window displays inside the building, including merchandise displays that are located more than twelve inches from the face of a window, are not considered signs.
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017)
§ 17.55.040 Review, approval, required findings and expiration of sign permits.
(a)
General Requirements.
(1)
Sign Permit Approval Required—Permit Required. With the exception of sign variances, master sign programs, pole signs, kiosks and larger murals over twenty square feet which are approved by the planning commission, sign permits are issued by the community development department (department). Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall erect, move, alter, replace, or maintain any sign without first obtaining a sign permit to ensure compliance with applicable provisions of this section. Sign permits are required for all signs unless expressly exempted by this chapter.
(2)
Building Permit Required. The chief building official shall examine sign permit applications. When, in his or her determination, a separate building or electrical permit is required, the applicant shall be notified and the sign permit shall not be issued until such other permits, including, but not limited to, building permits and electrical permits, are obtained from the chief building official.
(3)
Compliance with Permit and Master Sign Program. After approval by the city, the sign(s) must comply with the approved sign permit, the master sign program (Section 17.55.050), and all requirements of the King City Municipal Code, if applicable.
(4)
A sign permit is valid only for the individual, person or entity the permit is issued to and for the location and sign type approved by the permit.
(b)
Sign Permit Review Authority.
(1)
Building signs (signs attached to a building), freestanding monument signs eight feet or less in height, murals under twenty square feet, window signs, banners and feather signs (except as exempted in Section 17.55.060(g)(5) and master sign programs for nonresidential buildings with up to ten tenants shall be reviewed and approved by the community development director (director). The director or designee shall review sign permit applications and approve those signs that comply with the requirements of this chapter and the King City Municipal Code.
(A)
Freestanding signs over eight feet in height, murals over twenty square feet in area, freestanding kiosks, master sign programs for buildings with eleven or more tenants, sign deviations and variances shall be reviewed and approved by the planning commission (commission).
The commission shall, after conducting a duly noticed public hearing, approve only those signs that comply with the requirements of this chapter and the King City Municipal Code.
(B)
The commission shall also review all requests for variance from the sign regulations and may only approve such variances that it deems to qualify for special consideration based upon unusual circumstances applicable to that specific business and location, such as poor visibility or location.
(C)
The commission shall, after conducting a duly noticed public hearing, review all variances from these regulations (variances for signs that do not comply with these regulations and exceed sign sizes, heights for pole signs and monument signs, as well as for all signs that otherwise do not meet these regulation, and shall approve only those signs that comply with the requirements of this chapter and the King City Municipal Code.
(D)
The commission shall also review the approval of kiosks billboard and changes to an existing billboard,
(3)
Conditions of Approval. The review authority may require conditions of approval that are deemed reasonable and necessary to achieve the purpose, intent, and objectives of this chapter.
(c)
Sign Permit Application Procedures.
(1)
Application Requirements. An application for a sign permit for all signs requiring permits and master sign program (Section 17.55.050) shall be prepared, filed, and processed.
(2)
Application Contents. Each application shall include all of the following:
(A)
Plans for the sign, drawn to scale, including walls and rooflines on which signs are proposed as well as a scaled plot plan showing the proposed location of each sign in relation to other proposed and existing signs on the site and adjacent properties, structures, and uses;
(B)
Colors of the letters, any applicable logos, background of the sign, and the frame of the sign;
(C)
Sufficient other details of the proposed sign to show that it complies with the provisions of this chapter;
(D)
If applicant is renting the location, written authorization from the property owner for the placement of the proposed signs on the site;
(E)
Computation of the total sign area, the area of each individual sign, the height of each sign, and the total number of existing and proposed signs for the site and business;
(F)
If a sign permit application is filed for a site with existing signs, the application shall detail how the applicant will correct all nonconforming signs on the site as part of the installation of the proposed signs; and
(G)
Processing fee(s) and other information as established within the master fee schedule.
(d)
Required General Required Findings for All Sign Permit Approvals and Master Sign Programs.
(1)
The approval of a sign permit or Master Sign Program shall require that the review authority make the following findings, as applicable: (A) the proposed sign(s) comply with the city sign regulations and do not exceed the standards set forth within Sections 17.55.090 (Table 1) and 17.55.100 (Standards for specific sign types); and (B) are of the minimum size and height necessary to enable pedestrians and motorists to readily identify the facility or site from a sufficient distance to safely and conveniently access the facility or site;
(2)
That the colors, design and placement of the sign on the site is appropriate for the location and architectural style of the building;
(3)
That signs do not unreasonably impair the visibility of existing signs on adjacent properties;
(4)
The placement and size of the sign(s) will not impair pedestrian, bicyclist or vehicular safety;
(5)
The sign is constructed of durable materials and shall be required to be maintained in good condition by the sign applicant or landowner;
(6)
For signs located in the Historic Downtown area, the director and/or commission must find that the sign is compatible with the character of the subject and surrounding buildings;
(7)
For freestanding freeway-oriented pole signs the approval of a freestanding pole sign permit for a freeway-oriented sign shall require that the commission find that the use or site cannot be adequately identified by other signs allowed within the site.
(e)
Required Additional Findings Required Findings for Public Murals. Prior to approving a mural, the director, or as applicable, the commission, shall, in addition to the findings required in subsection (d), find that the:
(1)
Mural’s size, colors, and placement are visually compatible with the structure architecture;
(2)
Mural serves to enhance the aesthetics of the city; and
(3)
Mural illustrates the local history or natural resources or assets of the city and region.
(f)
Required Additional Findings for Approval of Kiosks. The approval of a kiosk shall include the following findings:
(1)
The kiosk design, size, colors, and placement is visually compatible with nearby architecture and landscape design;
(2)
The kiosk serves to enhance the aesthetics of the city; and
(3)
The kiosk provides information, maps and/or other information for visitors and residents.
(g)
Required Additional Findings for Banners, Flags and Feather Signs. The approval of a banner, flag, pennant and feather sign shall include the following findings:
(1)
The banner, flag and/or feather sign(s) is compatible with the location;
(2)
The banner, flag and/or feather sign is of good quality and durable materials; and
(3)
The banner, flag and/or feather sign shall be promptly removed if it becomes faded, torn or otherwise damaged.
(h)
Required Additional Findings for Minor Sign Variance. A minor sign variance is a minor deviation from the standards for signs identified in these regulations. Minor sign variance approval requires the commission to find that, in addition to meeting the findings contained in subsection (d), the site and/or location make adherence to the sign regulations a hardship upon the applicant. The minor sign variance is not a major deviation from the sign standards and commission approval of the following findings will be an indication that the proposed minor sign variance is consistent with the general purposes and intent of the sign regulations. Signs that exceed the standards listed below shall require a general variance applicable under Municipal Code Chapter 17.62.
(1)
The minor sign variance will not exceed twenty percent of the height or sign area allowed under these sign regulations and that the sign(s) is consistent with the building design and any approved comprehensive plan.
(2)
The applicant has established that there are practical difficulties in complying with the provision and the applicant proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner consistent with the requirements of this chapter and the King City Municipal Code. Economic considerations alone do not constitute practical difficulties.
(3)
The plight of the applicant is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the applicant, property owner or third party.
(4)
The minor sign variance will not authorize any use that is not allowed in the zoning district where the property is located.
(5)
The approval of a minor sign variance does not require public notice.
(6)
The approval or denial of a minor variance is within the sole discretion of the commission.
(i)
Required Additional Findings for Issuance of a Sign Variance.
(1)
Any requested sign that exceeds twenty percent increase in area or height of the sign or does not meet the requirements for location on the property and/or building shall require approval of a sign variance.
(2)
The applicant shall file a formal application with the department.
(3)
The commission shall review, and approve the variance findings at a duly noticed public hearing.
(4)
Any sign variance approval shall, in addition to the findings in subsection (d), require that the sign(s) and site meet the all of the following requirements:
(A)
Any sign variance granted shall be subject to such conditions as will assure that the adjustment thereby authorized shall not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity and district in which the subject property is situated.
(B)
Because of special circumstances applicable to the subject property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of the zoning ordinance is found to deprive subject property of privileges enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity and under identical zone classification. The applicant must show there is a specific unique quality to the specific property, for example, exceedingly poor visibility, worse than neighboring properties which prevents the construction of a conforming size sign.
(j)
Expiration and Extension of Sign Permits.
(1)
Approval of a sign permit, master sign program, and/or variation permit shall expire twelve months from the date of approval. Before the expiration of a sign permit, master sign program permit and/or variation, the applicant may apply to the department for a twelve-month extension from the original date of expiration. Only one extension shall be granted by the director. In response to an extension request, the director may make minor modifications to the permit, master sign program and/or variance or deny the requested extension.
(2)
The expiration date of the sign permit or master sign program permit shall be automatically extended to concur with the expiration date of the companion building permit or other applicable permits.
(3)
The city shall provide thirty-day written notice of a sign, banner, feather sign, kiosk, mural or other sign as defined in this chapter which is damaged, faded, torn, maintained in poor condition and/or in need of repair.
(4)
A sign permit shall automatically expire if the sign, banner, feather sign, kiosk, mural or other sign as defined in this chapter which is damaged, faded, torn or is otherwise maintained in poor condition is not repaired and refurbished within the thirty-day time period provided by the city’s written notice.
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017)
§ 17.55.050 Master sign program requirements.
(a)
A master sign program is used to create standard sign design guidelines for projects with multiple buildings or tenants, as cited below. Once a master sign program is approved, tenants may receive approval of their individual signs at staff level instead of having to go through the design review process each time. A master sign program shall be:
(1)
Required for new nonresidential projects with four or more tenants;
(2)
Required for existing nonresidential project with four or more tenants that completes either:
(A)
A Major Renovation. For the purposes of this chapter, major renovation means adding more than fifty percent to the gross floor area of the structure(s) or exterior work on more than fifty percent of the length of the façade, or
(B)
The modification of fifty percent or more of the existing signs on the site within a twelve-month period;
(3)
Submitted with other planning permits (such as conditional use permit and/or AR permits) required by the city for development of a parcel on which the sign is proposed to be located and shall be processed simultaneously with the other planning permit(s).
(b)
Contents. A master sign program shall include all the information and materials required by Section 17.55.040(c)(2) (Application contents), and shall provide standards for the uniform style, construction, height, size, and placement of the signs.
(c)
Review Authority. The director shall review master sign programs for buildings with up to ten tenants and shall approve only those that comply with the findings required in Section 17.55.040(d). The commission shall review master sign programs for buildings with eleven or more tenants and shall approve only those that comply with the findings required in Section 17.55.040(d).
(d)
Revisions. The director may approve minor revisions to an approved master sign program.
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017)
§ 17.55.060 Exemptions from sign permit requirements.
The following signs and repair of existing signs as identified below are allowed without a sign permit or master sign program approval, provided that they comply with Section 17.55.080, and any required building permit is obtained.
(a)
Nonstructural Modifications and Maintenance.
(1)
Modifications to the copy of conforming changeable copy signs;
(2)
The normal maintenance or repair of conforming permanent signs and legal nonconforming signs that do not result in a change of sign copy or colors of the existing sign. Exemptions do not apply to repair of existing nonconforming sign(s) as identified in Section 17.55.110(b) (Amortization).
(b)
Street Addresses and Identification Signs. Street addresses and identification street location numbers are required for all properties, shall be visible from the public or private street and shall be a minimum of six inches in height and a maximum of twelve inches in height. (See Figure 1)
 Figure 1 Example of Site or Building Address |
(c)
On-site directional signs, on-site, solely for guiding traffic, parking, and loading on private property, with no advertising (See Figure 2). Sign copy shall be limited to the facility name and address, instructions, and directional arrows. Sign area shall not exceed eight square feet per sign in residential and non-residential districts. The maximum height for freestanding signs shall be six feet. The total sign area and number of directional signs do not count towards the total allowed as described in Section 17.55.090 Table 1. Any information regarding the business or products shall require a sign permit (to be issued by the director) and the area of said business name and/or advertising shall be included in the total sign area provided in Section 17.55.090 Table 1;
 Figure 2 Example of On-Site Directional Sign Containing No Business Names or Advertising |
(d)
Temporary Signs. The following temporary signs are allowed without a sign permit.
(1)
Real Estate Signs. Real estate signs are allowed without a sign permit in compliance with California Civil Code Section 713, and subject to the following requirements:
(A)
A site within a commercial, industrial, or other nonresidential zoning district shall be allowed one real estate sign of no more than ten square feet, with a maximum height for freestanding signs of six feet, adjacent to each parcel frontage.
(B)
Residential Zoning Districts. One residential real estate sign not more than six square feet in area, advertising the sale or lease of a parcel or structure, may be located on the property it advertises (See Figure 3). One off-site real estate (advertising the sale of a property) directional signs not more than six square feet in area may be located on private property with the property owner’s consent, provided that they do not obstruct or impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and are not secured to prevent removal. No real estate sign shall be permitted within the public right-of-way. Larger subdivision sale signs require a sign permit as specified in Section 17.55.100(m).
 Figure 3 Example of Real-Estate Sales Sign |
(2)
Temporary Window Signs. Temporary signs on commercial properties that are painted or applied directly on a window (or series of adjacent windows), affixed to the inside of a window, or hung inside the building within twelve inches of a window promoting a message, including, but not limited to, grand openings and special events (commercial and noncommercial), and special sales, provided the sign or signs do not exceed twenty-five percent of the total window area upon which the sign is attached (See Figures 4 and 5). Temporary signs shall be maintained in good condition.
 Figure 4 Example of Temporary Window Sign Under 25% of Total Window Area |
 Figure 5 Example of Calculating Temporary Window Signs Under 25% of Total Window Area |
(3)
Temporary Garage, Yard, Estate, and Other Home-Based Sales Signs. Signs advertising the one-day sale of items from a garage, yard, estate, or other home-based sale. Garage/yard sale sign(s) shall be only those provided for such purpose by the city through a city-approved garage sale permit.
(e)
Temporary Political or Social Issue Signs. Political or social issue signs are allowed without a sign permit pursuant to the following requirements:
(1)
The sign(s) are placed on private property with the property owner’s consent, and do not exceed a total aggregate area of twelve square feet within a residential zoning district, or twenty square feet within a nonresidential zoning district;
(2)
The sign(s) are not placed so as to impede the visibility of street or traffic control signs to motorists or pedestrians;
(3)
The sign(s) are not placed unlawfully. The placement of a sign in the public right-of-way in violation of this chapter or any other provision of the King City Municipal Code is a nuisance, and any sign so placed may be removed and disposed of by the city;
(4)
Non-illuminated campaign yard signs of less than four square feet for residential properties and up to eight square feet on non-residential property pertaining to an election to any public office or ballot measure may be erected and shall be removed within ten days following said election.
(f)
Governmental Signs. Signs installed by the city, county, or a federal or state governmental agency, are allowed without a sign permit including, but not limited to, the following:
(1)
Emergency and warning signs necessary for public safety or civil defense;
(2)
Traffic signs and public wayfinding signs erected and maintained by an authorized public agency (See Figure 6);
(3)
Legal notices, licenses, permits, and other signs required to be displayed by law;
(4)
Signs showing the location of public facilities (e.g., public telephones, restrooms, and underground utilities);
(5)
Any sign, posting, notice, or similar sign placed by or required by a governmental agency in carrying out its responsibility to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare;
(6)
Bus stop signs installed by a public transit company;
(7)
City park signs;
(8)
Public sculptures erected by the city; and
(9)
Similar public signs.
 Figure 6 Examples of Public Wayfinding Signs and Safety Signs |
(g)
Miscellaneous Exempt Signs. The following signs are also allowed without a sign permit:
(1)
Official Flags. Flags of national, state, or local governments, or nationally recognized religious, fraternal, or public service agencies; provided that:
(A)
The length of a flag shall not exceed one-fourth the height of the flagpole;
(B)
The height of the flag pole shall not exceed twenty-five feet within a residential zoning district and thirty feet within a nonresidential zoning district; and
(C)
No private flagpole shall be located within a public right-of-way or required setback.
(2)
Ornamentation and Decoration. Symbols, pictures, patterns, and illumination approved as architectural ornamentation or decoration by the commission.
(3)
Historical Markers. Historical markers erected and maintained by individuals, corporations, or nonprofit organizations including memorials, building cornerstones and date-constructed stones, provided that none of these exceed four square feet.
(4)
Service Station Price Signs. Service station changeable copy price signs less than twelve square feet in area unless larger size is required by California state law.
(5)
Banners and Feather Signs. One banner (See Figure 7) and one feather sign (See Figure 8) for special public events, such as street farmer’s markets, shall be authorized without a sign permit. The banner and feather sign shall not exceed twenty-five square feet in area. Feather signs may not exceed twelve feet in height from the ground and shall not extend into the city right-of-way or neighbor’s property. The director may approve larger and additional temporary banners, pennants, feather signs upon issuance of a sign permit.
 Figure 7 Example of Temporary Banner Under 25 Square Feet |
 Figure 8 Example of Temporary Feather Signs 12 Feet and 8 Feet Tall |
(6)
Signs that are within buildings and are not visible from any point outside of the structure(s);
(7)
Official or legal notice required by a court or government agency (government/civic signs);
(8)
Signs on licensed commercial vehicles, including trailers, that the vehicles/trailers shall not be used as parked/stationary outdoor display signs;
(9)
Holiday Decorations. Holiday decorations that do not contain any commercial message shall be permitted. Such noncommercial signs shall be removed within ten days following the holiday or event;
(10)
Construction Signs. Construction and future tenant announcement signs not to exceed one sign per street frontage and a maximum of thirty-two square feet for each sign. Construction and future tenant announcement signs may not be illuminated. The signs shall be removed upon completion of the city’s final building inspection. Construction identification signs may be allowed in all zoning districts with sign permit approval, in compliance with the following standards:
(A)
Only one sign, located on-site, shall be allowed;
(B)
The area of the sign shall not exceed thirty-two square feet;
(C)
Sign height shall not exceed eight feet;
(D)
The sign shall not be illuminated; and
(E)
Construction signs shall be removed within ten days after completion of construction.
(11)
Menu/order board signs connected with an existing restaurant with valid business license, attached to the building or on a short monument. A maximum of two menu-order board signs shall be permitted for each drive-in or drive-through business (See Figure 9), provided that each sign not exceed a maximum of twenty-four square feet in sign area and that each sign be limited in height to eight feet. Non-drive in or drive-through restaurants may have menu displays (See Figure 10) which shall not exceed eight square feet in total area. The area and number of menu/order board signs do not count towards the total allowed sign area as described in Section 17.55.090 Table 1;
 Figure 9 Example of Menu Board for Fast Food Restaurant |
 Figure 10 Example of Menu Board for Sit-Down Restaurant |
(12)
Special Announcement Signs. Signs, up to a total of four square feet, prohibiting trespassing and/or advertising, as well as neighborhood watch and alarm signs, shall be permitted on private property.
(13)
One A-board (sometimes referred to as “sandwich board” signs) and other portable temporary sidewalk signs smaller than six square feet and not more than four feet in height is authorized without a sign permit (See Figure 11). All A-board signs shall be constructed of sturdy durable materials and well maintained. Any A-board sign shall not be located within the public right-of-way and shall not be a hazard to the public. A-board sign shall only be permitted during business hours and shall only advertise items or services available at the location of the sign.
 Figure 11 Example of Sandwich Board Sign Under 6 Square Feet |
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017)
§ 17.55.070 Prohibited signs.
All signs not expressly authorized by this chapter shall be prohibited. Prohibited signs include the following:
(a)
Animated and Moving Signs. Includes electronic message display signs (except as permitted with a sign permit for public benefit organizations such as schools and hospitals and government organizations under Section 17.55.100(l)), blinking, or flashing signs, or signs that emit a varying intensity of light or color, except time and temperature displays (which are not considered signs) and barber poles;
(b)
Billboard signs except as authorized by Section 17.55.100(d) (City billboard signs);
(c)
Off-site signs except as authorized by Section 17.55.100(m)(6) (Off-site directional signs);
(d)
Signs that Emulate Traffic Control Signals. Because of the city’s interest in ensuring traffic safety, signs that simulate in color, size, or design, any traffic control sign or signal, or that make use of words, symbols, or characters in a manner that interferes with, misleads, or confuses pedestrian or vehicular traffic are prohibited;
(e)
Off-Site Directional Signage. A private off-site directional sign in the form or shape of a directional arrow, or otherwise displaying a directional arrow, unless approved by the commission;
(f)
Signs attached to boats, vehicles, or other moving objects. A sign attached to or suspended from a boat, vehicle, or other movable object that is parked within a public right-of-way, or located on private property so that it is visible from a public right-of-way, unless approved by the commission. This standard does not include signs painted directly upon, magnetically affixed to, or permanently affixed to the body or other integral part of a vehicle that covers no portion of a vehicle window;
(g)
Any sign, other than public signs, placed within a public right-of-way;
(h)
A-board (sometimes referred to as “sandwich board” signs) and other portable temporary sidewalk signs larger than six square feet are prohibited;
(i)
Roof-mounted or building sign that extends above the height of the roof;
(j)
Private signs, including, but not limited to, permanent signs, temporary signs such as A-frame signs, feather signs, freestanding signs and other signs, located in the public right-of-way or public property except where an encroachment permit has been issued by the city pursuant to Section 17.55.080(d).
Figure 12 [Reserved] |
(k)
Balloons, inflatable noodles, drones with advertising or business names and similar inflatable or power-driven attraction devices.
 Figure 13 Example of Prohibited Balloon and Inflatable Noodle Signs |
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017; Ord. 792 § 5, 2020)
§ 17.55.080 General requirements for determining sign area, height, location and sign design.
(a)
Determining Sign Area. The measurement of sign area to determine compliance with the sign area limitations of this chapter shall be regulated as follows:
(1)
Surface Area. The surface area of a sign shall be calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of all framing, emblem, logo, representation, writing, or other display within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles with no more than eight lines. Individual letters applied to or painted directly on the building wall surface are determined by the dimension of the outer edges of the applied letters or numbers. (See Figure 14)
 Figure 14 Surface Area Sample Calculation for Channel-Letter Signs Applied to Building Wall and Signs Within a Box or Sign Panel |
(2)
Sign Structure. Supporting bracing or framework that is clearly incidental to the display itself shall not be computed as sign area.
(3)
Double-Sided Signs. For double-sided signs which have two separate sign faces one hundred eighty degrees in opposite directions (such as monument and projecting signs), the sign shall be computed with the total area of only one side of the sign. Individual signs composed of more than one sign face shall be computed as including only the maximum single display surface that is visible from any ground position at one time.
(4)
Three-Dimensional Objects. Where a sign consists of one or more three-dimensional objects (e.g., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks), the sign area shall be measured at their maximum projection upon a vertical plane. (See Figure 15)
 Figure 15 Three-Dimensional Objects as Signs |
(5)
Lighted Panels and Tube Lighting. Permanently installed illuminated panels, visible tubing (such as neon-lighting or light-emitting diode (LED) lighting), and strings of lights outlining all or a portion of a structure shall be deemed “signs” subject to this chapter and shall be counted as part of the allowed sign area.
(6)
Time and/or Temperature Device. The area of any time and/or temperature device incorporated into a sign shall not be included in the calculation of total sign area.
(b)
Determining Sign Height Measurement, Freestanding Signs. The height of a freestanding sign shall be computed as the vertical distance from the ground point of the base of the sign at center of the sign at existing grade, to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. (See Figure 16)
 Figure 16 Sign Height Measurement, Freestanding Monument Sign |
(c)
Sign Location Requirements. Each sign shall be located in compliance with the following requirements, and all other applicable provisions of this chapter.
(1)
Each sign shall be located on the same site as the subject of the sign as specified in Section 17.55.090 Table 1, except as otherwise allowed by Section 17.55.100 for a specific sign type.
(2)
No sign shall project over public property, or the public right-of-way, except where the city has granted an encroachment permit in addition to a sign permit.
(3)
No sign shall be placed so as to interfere with the operation of a door or window or otherwise cause a hazard to the public.
(d)
Private Signs Placed Within the Public Right-of-Way.
(1)
No private sign shall be allowed in the public right-of-way except for the following:
(A)
Projecting signs that comply with Section 17.55.100(i) (Projecting signs). An encroachment permit shall be required.
(2)
Any sign installed or placed within the public right-of-way other than in compliance with this chapter shall be forfeited to the public and be subject to confiscation.
(3)
The city shall have the right to recover from the owner, or person placing the sign, the full costs related to the removal and disposal of the sign.
(4)
A sign permit shall not be required for public city signs placed within the public right-of-way.
(e)
Sign Materials, Colors, Construction and Maintenance. All signs shall be designed, constructed and continuously maintained in compliance with the following standards:
(1)
Compliance with Applicable Provisions. All signs shall comply with the applicable provisions of the King City Municipal Code, including those code adopted by reference therein, and any other applicable city ordinances, resolutions, or regulations.
(2)
Permanent Materials and Attachment. Except for banners, flags, temporary signs, and window signs conforming with the requirements of this chapter, all signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or structure.
(3)
Color. Colors of sign background face and structural members should be harmonious with one another and relate to the dominant colors of the building structures on the site. Bright letters and/or backgrounds (such as use of bright yellow, bright red and bright orange) are discouraged and shall be minimally used within the Historic Corridor Revitalization Plan area.
(4)
Design and Construction.
(A)
All permanent signs shall be designed and constructed by persons knowledgeable in design and construction of signs.
(B)
No sign shall include reflective material.
(C)
Materials for permanent signs shall be durable and capable of withstanding weathering over the life of the sign with reasonable maintenance.
(D)
The use of individual letters incorporated into the building design is encouraged.
(f)
Copy Design Guidelines. The city does not regulate the message content (copy) of signs; however, the following are principles of copy design and layout that can enhance the readability and attractiveness of signs. Copy design and layout consistent with these principles is encouraged, but not required.
(1)
Sign copy should relate only to the name and/or nature of the business or commercial center.
(2)
Permanent signs that advertise continuous sales, special prices, or include phone numbers, etc., shall be avoided.
(3)
Freestanding signs shall contain the street address of the parcel or the range of addresses for a multi-tenant center.
(g)
Sign Lighting. Sign lighting shall be designed to minimize light and glare on the surrounding rights-of-way and properties.
(1)
External and internal lighting in the case of translucent signs, shall ensure that light sources shall be directed and shielded so that they do not produce glare off the site, on any object other than the sign. Internally lit signs are discouraged within the Downtown Historic area pursuant to the Historic Corridor Revitalization Plan.
(2)
Sign illumination shall not blink, flash, flutter, or change light intensity, brightness, or color.
(3)
Colored lights shall not be used at a location or in a manner so as to be confused or construed as traffic control devices.
(4)
Neither the direct nor reflected light from primary lighting sources shall create hazards for pedestrians or operators of motor vehicles.
(5)
Light sources shall utilize energy efficient bulbs and/or illumination fixtures. Indirect lighting which is primarily for illuminating architectural features or landscaping is not included in sign area.
(h)
Maintenance of Signs.
(1)
Each sign and supporting hardware, including temporary signs, shall be maintained in good repair and functioning properly at all times.
(2)
Any repair to a sign shall be of materials and design of equal or better quality as the original sign.
(3)
A sign that is not properly maintained and is dilapidated shall be deemed a public nuisance, and may be abated in compliance with the King City Municipal Code.
(4)
When an existing sign is removed or replaced, all brackets, poles, and other supports that are no longer required shall be removed.
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017; Ord. 792 § 5, 2020)
§ 17.55.090 Standards for signs by type and development characteristics.
(a)
Maximum sign area, sign height, sign location and other applicable sign standards for permitted signs: Each sign shall comply with the sign type, area, height, and other restrictions provided by this section, in addition to the provisions of Section 17.55.100 (Standards for specific types of signs).
Signs permitted within the city are regulated by sign and corresponding development type, rather than zoning district, and the standards for their development are described in Table 1 below. A sign permit is required to determine compliance with applicable provisions of this chapter.
(b)
Sign Standards for Sign Area, Sign Height, Sign Location and Illumination. The following general rules/standards apply to permanent signs regulated in this chapter:
(1)
Building signs are those signs that are permanently attached to a building (e.g., wall signs, blade/bracket signs, etc. (See Figure 19.D)).
(2)
Freestanding signs are those that have their own unique foundation or are otherwise not attached to a building (e.g., monument sign (See Figure 23)).
(3)
The total allowed sign area may be distributed among the maximum number of signs permitted for each sign type. (See Figure 17)
 Figure 17 Example of Multiple Signs for One Business |
(4)
Illumination standards refer to whether or not the sign may be illuminated and how. Signs that may be illuminated may be done so by “Indirect or background” (indirect light source, low-wattage spotlight without glare to the adjoining property, or internal light source with opaque, non-transparent background) or by any method, that produces “No glare onto (neighboring) residential property.”
(5)
Allowable sign area is either a set square footage per business or is based on a ratio of sign area to primary building frontage. (See Figure 18). It is calculated as described in Table 1. Where a ratio is described, it applies up to the listed maximum sign area.
Figure 18 Determining Maximum Allowable Sign Area (Except Within Downtown)  |
(6)
Building frontage is used to determine allowable sign area and is that area of the building that faces onto a public right-of-way, an internal circulation aisle, or a parking lot. In no case shall signs face directly onto residential property. Where the maximum allowed sign area is based upon the measurement of a building’s primary frontage, the primary frontage shall be the building frontage facing the street. In cases where a building has more than one street frontage, the longest of the street frontages shall be considered the primary building frontage. In cases where a business has no building frontage facing a street, the building frontage with the primary business entrance shall be considered the primary building frontage. For buildings facing two streets, the secondary street frontage is used to determine additional allowable total sign area permitted. (See Figure 18)
In the case of a single multi-tenant building that has one primary frontage, the allowable sign area for which may be distributed at the discretion of the owner; however, in no event shall the combined sign area for all tenants exceed the allowable sign area for the building. (See Figure 19)
 Figure 19 Examples of Sign Types |
Table 1 Signs Permitted by Type and Development Characteristics | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign Type | Maximum Number of Separate Signs | Maximum Total Sign Area1 | Maximum Height | Minimum Setback from R-O-W2 | Illumination3 & Other4, 5 Standards |
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL USES | |||||
1. Address Only Sign | 1 | 2 sq. ft. | Indirect illumination only | ||
MULTIFAMILY & SUBDIVISIONS including Apartment Complexes, Subdivisions & PUD | |||||
1. Entry Monument Sign OR On-Building Sign | 1 | 12 sq. ft. | 8 ft. | 10 ft. | Indirect illumination only |
COMMERCIAL, OFFICES & INDUSTRIAL USES within commercial, industrial zones and PD zones with approved CUPs for commercial & industrial uses (except Downtown) | |||||
1. Building Signs (per business). Signs include projecting signs, parapet mounted, suspended signs, wall signs & permanent window signs (such as decals) | 3 | Total 1 sq. ft. per lineal ft. of building frontage, plus 0.5 sq. ft. per lineal ft. of secondary building frontage. Minimum 20 sq. ft. | Below top of roofline. | May extend to edge of building fascia or eave. Projecting signs may extend up to 3 feet from building face | Interior (box) lighting or indirect lighting |
2. Monument Signs | 1 | 8 ft. | 10 ft. | Interior (box) lighting or indirect lighting | |
3. Second Floor Business Sign, Wall Mounted. Signs include projecting signs, parapet mounted, suspended signs, wall signs & permanent window signs (such as decals) | 1 | 12 sq. ft. | At least 1 foot below the top of a parapet or top of the roof. | May extend to edge of building fascia or eave. Projecting signs may extend up to 3 feet from building face | Interior (box) lighting or indirect lighting |
4. Pole Signs (only permitted within 500 ft. of US 101 freeway R-O-W) | Maximum of 1 per property | 100 sq. ft. | 60 ft. | 20 ft. | Interior (box) lighting or indirect lighting |
DOWNTOWN HISTORIC AREA SIGNS (FSC, VC & SB Districts)6 | |||||
1. Building Signs (per business). Signs include projecting signs, parapet mounted, suspended signs, wall signs & permanent window signs (such as decals) | 3 | Total 1 sq. ft. per each 2 lineal ft. of building frontage, plus 0.5 sq. ft. per lineal ft. of secondary building frontage. Minimum 20 sq. ft. | Below top of roofline. | May extend to edge of building fascia or eave. Projecting signs may extend up to 3 feet from building face | Indirect lighting |
2. Monument Signs | 1 | 6 ft. | 10 ft. | Indirect lighting | |
3. Second Floor Business Sign, Wall Mounted. Signs include projecting signs, parapet mounted, suspended signs, wall signs & permanent window signs (such as decals) | 1 | 12 sq. ft. | At least 1 foot below the top of a parapet or top of the roof. | May extend to edge of building fascia or eave. Projecting signs may extend up to 3 feet from building face | Indirect lighting |
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS | |||||
1. Signs and/or religious symbols | 3 | Total 1 sq. ft. per each 2 lineal ft. of building frontage. Minimum 20 sq. ft. | 10 ft. | Indirect lighting | |
2. Monument Signs | 1 | 6 ft. | 10 ft. | Indirect lighting | |
COMMERCIAL & OFFICE USES IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES (only where said uses are permitted) | |||||
1. Building Signs (per business). Signs include projecting signs, parapet mounted, suspended signs, wall signs & permanent window signs (such as decals) | 2 | Total 1 sq. ft. per each 2 lineal ft. of building frontage. Minimum 20 sq. ft. | Below top of roofline. | May extend to edge of building fascia or eave. Projecting signs may extend up to 3 feet from building face | Indirect lighting |
2. Monument Signs | 1 | 6 ft. | 10 ft. | Indirect lighting | |
Notes: | |
|---|---|
1. | Sign area of double-sided signs shall be determined by the area of only one face of the sign. |
2. | R-O-W means right-of-way, the public easement for public roads, public walkways and public alleys. |
3. | Sign lighting shall not glare into adjoining properties or street right-of-way (ROW). |
4. | Street address numbers are required for all buildings, minimum six-inch-tall numbers visible from the street to identify the location for emergency personnel and utility companies. |
5. | No sign shall rotate, flash, vibrate or otherwise move. |
6. | Historic Corridor signs shall be of muted colors that coordinate with the colors of the building. Bright colors such as red, yellows and oranges shall be limited to ten percent or less of the total sign graphics. Historic area is defined in subsection (c). Signs in the Historic Downtown Corridor shall comply with the findings contained in the Sign Guidelines of the Historic Corridor Revitalization Plan. Internally lit cabinet signs are strongly discouraged and indirect lighting is recommended as the primary means of night lighting signs within the Historic Downtown. |
(c)
Historic Downtown Area. Each sign in the Historic Downtown area shall comply with the requirements in Table 1. For purposes of this section, the Historic Downtown area is defined in the Historic Corridor Revitalization Plan (HCRP) and includes the First Street Corridor (FSC), Village Core (VC) and Village Business (VB) Districts within the HCRP.
(1)
Purpose. The purpose of establishing sign standards for the Historic Downtown area is to preserve and protect the historic integrity and cultural resources of the downtown area.
(2)
Required Findings. The director or designee must find that the sign is compatible with the character of the building and the Historic Downtown area.
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017)
§ 17.55.100 Standards for specific sign types.
Proposed signs shall comply with the following standards applicable to the specific sign type. Each sign type listed in this section shall be included in the calculation of the total sign area allowed on a parcel by Section 17.55.090 (Table 1) unless this section explicitly provides otherwise. Each sign shall also comply with the requirements of Section 17.55.080 (General requirements for determining sign area, height, location and sign design), and all other applicable provisions of this chapter.
(a)
Awning Signs. The following standards apply to awning signs (Figure 20) in all districts where allowed by Section 17.55.090 (Table 1).
(1)
Signs on awnings are limited to ground level or second story occupancies only.
(2)
Awnings shall be indirectly illuminated. Translucent awning materials are prohibited.
 Figure 20 Example of Awning Signs With Indirect Lighting |
(b)
Cabinet Signs. Cabinet signs can be either externally or internally illuminated. Signs can be incorporated into monument signs, walls signs, projecting signs and pole signs. (See Figure 21)
 Figure 21 Example of Cabinet Sign |
(c)
Channel Letter Signs. Signs in which the letters of the sign are either painted on or constructed individually on the building wall or roof surface. (See Figure 22)
 Figure 22 Example of Channel Letter Sign |
(d)
City Billboard Signs. The commission may allow a city-owned or public benefit nonprofit organization owned and maintained billboard in the PD and H-S zoning districts along State Highway 101. Billboards advertising businesses and products are prohibited.
(e)
Monument Signs. Monument signs are low-profile freestanding signs not attached to a building. The following standards apply to monument signs in all districts where allowed by Section 17.55.090 Table 1.
(1)
Monument signs shall not exceed eight feet in height in commercial and industrial zones and shall be separated from other monument signs by a minimum of fifty feet to ensure adequate visibility for all signs (See Figure 23). The review authority may waive this requirement where the locations of existing signs on adjacent properties would make the fifty-foot separation impractical, or there is no other alternative. Monument signs in the Downtown Historic Corridor shall not exceed six feet in height.
(2)
A monument sign shall be set back from the right-of-way for traffic, pedestrian and bicyclist safety and shall not project over public property, vehicular easements, or rights-of-way, and shall not obstruct a traffic safety sight area, as determined by the city engineer.
(3)
To assist emergency response personnel in locating the site, monument signs shall contain an illuminated street address plate. Address numbers shall be a minimum of six inches in height.
 Figure 23 Example of Monument Sign With Address Numbers |
(f)
Freeway-Oriented Pole Signs. A freeway-oriented pole sign may be approved in compliance with the following requirements. (Figure 24 shows a business with one pole sign and several building signs.)
(1)
Permit Requirement. Freestanding pole sign permit approval is required for a freeway-oriented sign.
(2)
Where Allowed. The commission may, after conducting a duly noticed public hearing, allow a free-way-oriented pole sign permit:
(A)
Within a commercial or planned development zoning district on a parcel with a property line within five hundred feet of the State Highway 101 freeway right-of-way. New pole signs are not permitted in other areas of the city.
(3)
Design. The city shall limit the number, height and visual impact of freeway-oriented signs when considering a freestanding pole sign permit. Pole signs shall be discouraged if adequate signage can be provided on the sides of buildings and in the form of monument signs. Pole signs shall not exceed one hundred square feet in sign area.
(4)
Height. The height of any commission approved freeway oriented signs shall not exceed sixty feet and shall be limited to the lowest practical elevation when considering the line of sight from nearby highways. However, the commission may require minimum clearances beneath a freeway-oriented sign if necessary to protect the public health and safety.
(5)
Required Findings. In addition to the findings required in Section 17.55.040(d), the approval of a freestanding pole sign permit for a freeway-oriented sign shall require that the commission find that the use or site cannot be adequately identified by other signs allowed within the that site.
 Figure 24 Example of Combination of Pole Sign and Building Signs (Pole Signs Only Permitted on Properties Within 500 Feet of Freeway Highway 101 Main Corridor) |
(g)
Information Kiosks. A kiosk is a small monument or structure with a cover located next to a sidewalk or walkway (See Figure 25). Public Information Kiosks are encouraged for the permanent and/or temporary display of information including community and civic activities, and advertising for local commercial establishments may be allowed. Approval of the size, location, and maintenance requirements for such kiosks shall be established by the commission through the application for a kiosk sign permit. A kiosk shall not apply to the maximum allowable sign area provided that there is no information on the kiosk identifying the name of the business(es) or products sold at the site legible from the street or parking lot. Kiosks may include maps and directions or other information as deemed appropriate by the commission.
 Figure 25 Example of Information Kiosk |
(h)
Murals. Murals placed on the wall of a structure or noise barrier are encouraged. (See Figure 26). Murals, through a sign permit, are subject to director approval if smaller than twenty square feet in area and commission approval for murals larger than twenty square feet, and as follows:
(1)
Requirements.
(A)
A mural without advertising visible from a public right-of-way may be approved in addition to (not counted as part of) the sign area allowed by Section 17.55.090 Table 1.
(B)
Any mural with text identifying the business or products of the business shall be included in the calculation of total sign area and shall comply with the sign area limitations applicable to the site.
 Figure 26 Example Mural |
(i)
Projecting Signs. The following standards apply to projecting signs in all zoning districts where allowed by Section 17.55.090 Table 1. (See Figure 27)
(1)
With the exception of a theater marquee, the maximum projection of a sign from a structure wall over a public right-of-way shall not exceed thirty-six inches over a sidewalk. Larger projections from the structure wall over private property may be approved by the review authority. Any projection over a public right-of-way shall require an encroachment permit.
(2)
The top of a projecting sign shall exceed the lesser of: fourteen feet, eave height, one foot below top of parapet, or sill of a second-floor window. No portion of the sign shall project above the eave line of a sloped roof or the top of the parapet on a flat roof.
(3)
A projecting sign shall maintain a minimum clearance of eight feet from the bottom of the sign to the finished grade below.
(4)
Icon signs using shapes or symbols uniquely suited to the business, creative shapes, and three-dimensional signs are encouraged.
(5)
Sign supports shall be well-designed and compatible with the design of the sign.
 Figure 27 Example Projecting Sign |
(j)
Wall Signs. Wall signs include enclosed sign boxes, routed signs (in which letters are routed out of a wood background which is attached to a wall surface), channel letters applied to a wall surface, painted letters on a wall surface and similar signs attached to a wall of the building. The following standards apply to wall signs in all zoning districts where allowed by Table 1, Section 17.55.090. (See Figure 28)
(1)
Sign Location. A wall sign may be located on any primary or secondary structure frontage.
(2)
Projection from Wall Surface. A wall sign shall not project more than twelve inches from the surface to which it is attached.
 Figure 28 Example Wall Sign |
(k)
Window Signs. The following standards apply to permanent window signs where allowed by Section 17.55.090 Table 1. (See Figure 29)
(1)
Sign Location. Window signs shall be allowed on the ground level and second story windows.
(2)
Maximum Sign Area. Permanent window signs shall not occupy more than twenty-five percent of the total window area. The maximum area of window permanent signs and other signs (such as wall signs, monument signs, projecting signs and other similar signs) identifying the business shall not exceed the standards for total sign area as defined in Section 17.55.090 Table 1.
(3)
Sign Materials. Window signs shall consist of individual letters, logos, or symbols applied to, stenciled on, or etched into the glass surface; however, neon signs with transparent backgrounds may be hung inside the window glass.
 Figure 29 Example of Permanent Business Window Signs |
(l)
Electronic Message Boards: The director may grant a sign permit for electronic message boards at a private school or hospital or other similar public benefit organization for the purpose of providing public service messages unrelated to commercial products and services (See Figure 30). Said electronic message board, if constructed as a separate monument detached from the building, shall not exceed eight feet in height and shall not exceed twenty square feet in area. The commission shall review any proposed message board exceeding eight feet in height or exceeding twenty square feet in area.
 Figure 30 Example of Electronic Message Board |
(m)
Subdivision Signs. In the case of sale of subdivisions, on-site subdivision identification signs may be allowed by the director with sign permit approval, in compliance with the following standards:
(1)
A maximum of two on-site signs (See Figure 31) may be located within the project boundaries; provided, no more than one sign for each street frontage is allowed, and multiple signs shall be separated by a minimum of seventy-five feet;
(2)
The area of each sign shall not exceed twenty-four square feet;
(3)
Sign height shall not exceed ten feet;
(4)
The signs shall not be illuminated;
(5)
The signs may be displayed only during the two years following date of recordation of the final map, or until all of the units have been sold, whichever occurs first;
(6)
Off-Site Directional Signs. Off-site real estate (advertising the sale of a property) directional signs greater than six square feet in area, subject to a sign permit issued by the director, may be located on private property with the property owner’s consent, provided that they do not obstruct or impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and are not secured to prevent removal. No real estate sign shall be permitted within the public right-of-way.
 Figure 31 Example Subdivision Sales Sign |
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017)
§ 17.55.110 Nonconforming signs.
A nonconforming sign is any permanent or temporary sign that was legally established and maintained in compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws in effect at the time of original installation but that does not now comply with the provisions of this chapter. These sign regulations, Chapter 17.55, are deemed not more restrictive than the previous sign regulations in force at the time of the adoption of these sign regulations. Pursuant to the Business and Professions Code Section 5491.1, any city or county adopting or amending any ordinance or regulation that regulates or prohibits the use of any on-premises advertising display that is more restrictive than existing law, shall include provisions in that ordinance or regulation for the identification and inventorying of all displays within its territorial limits that are determined to be illegal or abandoned pursuant to the law that is in effect prior to the adoption of, or amendment to, the ordinance or regulation. It is the applicant’s responsibility to demonstrate that the sign was legally established.
(a)
General Requirements. A nonconforming sign shall not be:
(1)
Changed to another nonconforming sign;
(2)
Structurally altered to extend its useful life;
(3)
Enlarged;
(4)
Re-established after a business is discontinued for ninety days;
(5)
Re-established after damage or destruction to fifty percent or more of the value of the sign, or its components, as determined by the chief building official; or
(6)
Any nonconforming sign shall lose its legal nonconforming status immediately following the expiration of the ninety-day period that the business was discontinued and shall be removed and replaced with a conforming sign, requiring a new sign permit approval.
(b)
Amortization. Signs that lawfully existed and were maintained and became nonconforming after adoption of this chapter in January of 2009, shall be removed or made to conform based on the following schedule:
If the Original Value of the Sign is | Amortization Period (in years) |
|---|---|
Less than $499 | 2 |
$500 to $1,499 | 3 |
$1,500 to $2,999 | 5 |
More than $3,000 | 25 |
(1)
The time periods shall commence on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter in January of 2009;
(2)
If more than one sign on a premises is or becomes nonconforming, the cost of all such nonconforming signs shall be aggregated for the purpose of determining the amortization period;
(3)
The owner or user of a nonconforming sign shall, upon written request of the department, furnish acceptable proof of the initial cost in the form of:
(A)
An original bill of sale,
(B)
A description schedule from state or federal income tax returns, or
(C)
A written appraisal by a sign manufacturer.
(4)
The owner or user of a nonconforming sign shall appeal, in writing, for a longer amortization period to the commission within fifteen calendar days of the date of actual service of the director’s notice; if served by mail, shall be deemed served three calendar days after the postmarked date on the envelope. The written appeal shall be served upon the city clerk. The commission shall provide the appellant with notice of its decision relating to the appeal. The owner or user of a nonconforming sign shall file an appeal with the city clerk within fifteen calendar days of the date of actual service. If the commission’s decision is served by mail, the date of actual service shall be three calendar days after the postmarked date on the envelope. The city council may consider the appeal de novo. The city council may reverse, affirm wholly or partly, or modify the decision of the commission. The decision of the city council on any such appeal shall be final on adoption of an order containing its determination. If the city council fails to act within seven calendar days following the hearing of the appeal, the action of the commission shall be deemed final, unless this time period is extended by mutual consent of the appellant and the city council.
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017; Ord. 792 § 5, 2020)
§ 17.55.120 Public nuisance, abatement and violation.
(a)
Public Nuisance. Any sign erected or maintained in violation of the requirements of this chapter constitutes a public nuisance subject to the enforcement, abatement and cost recovery provisions set forth within Chapter 7.51 of Title 7 of the King City Municipal Code.
(b)
Criminal Enforcement. Any sign erected or maintained in violation of the requirements of this chapter constitutes a misdemeanor as set forth within Chapter 1.04 of Title 1 of the King City Municipal Code.
(c)
A sign maintained in any of the following conditions shall constitute a public nuisance:
(1)
The sign is significantly damaged either in support structure or sign face, as determined by the chief building official;
(2)
The sign is illegible either through erosion, fading, or rusting of the sign face or through faulty or missing illumination; or
(3)
The sign is unsafe for pedestrians or vehicles.
(c )
Removal of Abandoned Sign. A sign shall be removed by the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is located when the business that it advertises is no longer conducted on the premises. If the owner or lessee fails to remove the sign, the director shall give the owner thirty days’ written notice to remove it. Upon failure to comply with the notice, the property owner and/or lessee shall be subject to the enforcement, abatement and cost recovery provisions set forth within Chapter 7.51 of Title 7 of the King City Municipal Code.
(d)
Additional Violations.
(1)
Any of the following shall be deemed a violation of this chapter and shall be subject to all penalties and procedures set forth within Chapter 7.51 of Title 7 of the King City Municipal Code.
(A)
To create, erect, install, or maintain any sign in a way that is inconsistent with any plan or permit governing the sign or the parcel on which the sign is located;
(B)
To fail to remove any sign that is created, erected, installed, or maintained in violation of this chapter or for which the sign permit has lapsed.
(2)
Each sign created, erected, installed, or maintained in violation of this chapter shall be considered a separate violation subject to the enforcement, abatement and cost recovery provisions set forth within Chapter 7.51 of Title 7 of the King City Municipal Code.
(3)
Each and every day of a continued violation shall be considered a separate violation subject to the enforcement, abatement and cost recovery provisions set forth within Chapter 7.51 of Title 7 of the King City Municipal Code.
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017)
§ 17.55.130 Appeal.
Applicants denied a sign permit by the decision of the director may appeal to the commission in writing within fifteen calendar days of receipt of the director’s decision. Appeal from any action of the commission must be made in writing by an aggrieved party within fifteen calendar days from the date of receipt of notice of action of the commission, as per Municipal Code Section 2.12.050 (Planning commission—Decision appeal procedure). The city council is the appeal board with respect to any action(s), as specified in Section 2.12.040 of the King City Municipal Code, taken by the commission.
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017)
§ 17.55.140 Judicial review.
Any permit issued or denied in compliance with this chapter shall be subject to judicial review to the extent provided by Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.8 et seq.
(Ord. 747 § 3, 2017)
