Long Beach City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 14
SIGNS
12-14-1: PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY:
The purpose of this chapter, including article A, is to protect the safety and orderly development of the community through the regulation of signs and sign structures and further the implementation of the comprehensive plan. The orderly development of the community requires striking a balance between the needs of businesses to advertise and the desire to maintain an aesthetically pleasing environment. The regulation of signs is an important element in promoting local business while ensuring a safe and attractive community. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14-2: CONFORMANCE TO CODES AND CITY REGULATIONS:
Any sign hereafter erected shall conform to the provisions of this chapter, and article A of this chapter, and the provisions of the building code and any other applicable ordinance or regulation within the city. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14-3: PERMITS:
A. Permit Required; Owner Responsibility: Unless specifically exempted, a sign permit must be obtained as required in this chapter. A building permit may also be required from the building inspector for the erection and maintenance of all signs erected or maintained within the city, and in accordance with all other applicable regulations and ordinances of the city. Exemptions from the necessity of securing a permit, however, shall not relieve the owner of the sign from responsibility for its erection and maintenance in a safe manner, and in a manner in accordance with all the other provisions of this chapter, and article A of this chapter. The permit application shall be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected.
B. Permit Fees: Permit fees to erect, alter, or relocate a sign shall be in accordance with the fee schedule adopted by resolution of the city council.
C. Permit Exemptions: The following shall not require a permit; these exemptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of a sign from the responsibility of its erection, maintenance and its compliance with the provisions of this chapter or any other law or ordinance regulating the same:
1. The changing of the advertising copy or message on a lawfully erected sign designed for the use of replaceable copy.
2. Painting, repainting or cleaning of a lawfully erected sign structure.
3. Temporary decorations customary for special holidays, such as Christmas and Independence Day, erected entirely on private property.
4. Exempt signs as specifically stated in section 12-14-9 of this chapter. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14-4: TRAFFIC VISIBILITY:
No sign or sign structure shall be erected at the intersection of any street in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision, nor at any location where by its position, shape, or color it may interfere with or obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device. All signs must comply with vision clearance triangle requirements as found in section 12-13-10 of this title except as may be permitted by section 12-14A-18 of this chapter. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14-5: SIGNAGE ALLOCATION:
A. Permitted Sign Area And Type: The total sign area, type and height shall be as specified by the sign matrix in this section. Additional restrictions on specific sign types as provided in article A of this chapter shall also apply.
SIGN MATRIX
District | Total Signage Allocation | Permitted Signs | Prohibited Signs |
District | Total Signage Allocation | Permitted Signs | Prohibited Signs |
R1, R1R, S1 | 1 per street frontage per residence, 3 sq. ft. each sign; signage for home occupations shall not exceed 3 sq. ft. and shall be included in this allocation | Wall signs; monument signs; temporary signs | Temporary signs for home occupations; off premises signs; projecting signs; portable signs; illuminated, moving, or flashing signs |
R2, R2R, R3, R3R, S2 | Same as R1, plus group sign of 3 sq. ft. per dwelling unit up to 24 sq. ft. per street frontage for multi-family developments; signage for home occupations, vacation rentals and bed and breakfasts shall not exceed 3 sq. ft. and shall be included in this allocation | Wall signs; monument signs; temporary signs | Temporary signs for home occupations; off premises signs; projecting signs; portable signs; illuminated, moving, or flashing signs |
S3, S3R, S3M, AC | Group sign of 3 sq. ft. per dwelling unit up to 24 sq. ft. per street frontage for multi- family developments; 100 sq. ft. for commercial developments, plus 1 4-sq. ft. sign per commercial occupant | Wall signs; monument signs; temporary signs | Temporary signs for home occupations; off premises signs; projecting signs; portable signs; illuminated, moving, or flashing signs |
S4 | 4 sq. ft. | Only temporary signs as permitted by the city council | All other signs |
OT and OTW - each single business property | 50 sq. ft. for the first street frontage and 25 sq. ft. for each additional street frontage, including 1 freestanding sign not to exceed 15 sq. ft. | Wall signs; projecting signs; freestanding signs; off premises signs; way finding signs; temporary signs; individual letter signs | Internally illuminated signs; moving or flashing signs |
OT and OTW - each multiple- tenant building | 2 sq. ft. per linear foot of street frontage up to 150 sq. ft., including 1 freestanding sign up to 35 sq. ft. | Wall signs; projecting signs; freestanding signs; off premises signs; way finding signs2; temporary signs; individual letter signs | Internally illuminated signs; moving or flashing signs |
OT and OTW - each multiple- building complex | 1 sq. ft. per linear foot of street frontage up to 75 sq. ft., including 1 freestanding sign up to 25 sq. ft.; 1 wall sign not to exceed 1 sq. ft. per foot of wall frontage per business | Wall signs; projecting signs; freestanding signs; off premises signs; way finding signs2; temporary signs; individual letter signs | Internally illuminated signs; moving or flashing signs |
C1, C2, LI, RC - each single business property | 100 sq. ft., including 1 freestanding sign not to exceed 25 sq. ft. | Wall signs; projecting signs; freestanding signs; internally illuminated signs1; off premises signs; way finding signs2; temporary signs; individual letter signs | Moving or flashing signs |
C1, C2, LI, RC - each multiple- tenant building | 2 sq. ft. per linear foot of street frontage up to 175 sq. ft., including 1 freestanding sign up to 50 sq. ft. | Wall signs; projecting signs; freestanding signs; internally illuminated signs1; off premises signs; way finding signs2; temporary signs; individual letter signs | Moving or flashing signs |
C1, C2, LI, RC - each multiple- building complex | 1 sq. ft. per linear foot of street frontage up to 100 sq. ft., including 1 freestanding sign up to 50 sq. ft.; in addition, each business may have 1 wall sign not to exceed 1 sq. ft. per linear foot of wall frontage | Wall signs; projecting signs; freestanding signs; internally illuminated signs1; off premises signs; way finding signs2; temporary signs; individual letter signs | Moving or flashing signs |
P, PR | 100 sq. ft. per street frontage, including 1 freestanding sign not to exceed 25 sq. ft. | Wall signs; projecting signs; freestanding signs; off premises signs; way finding signs2; temporary signs; individual letter signs | Moving or flashing signs; internally illuminated signs |
Notes:
1. Internally illuminated signs permitted in C1 and RC only, provided the signs are located on frontage facing Pacific Avenue. Internally illuminated signs shall count against the sign allocation at a 2:1 ratio. Each square foot of an internally illuminated sign shall be calculated as 2 square feet.
2. Way finding signs are permitted in OT, RC, C1, P and PR zones only, subject to city council approval.
B. Materials: Signs may be made of any material, other than chipboard; provided, that the sign shall complement the property upon which the sign is erected and shall be durable; wood and paint is preferred. For signs in zones requiring design review, the standards for buildings in those zones shall be used as a guide for sign design.
C. Double Faced Signs: Only one side of a double faced sign shall be counted toward the sign area, provided only one side is visible from a single vantage point, such as a freestanding and projecting sign.
D. Sign Height: The maximum height of a freestanding sign, including all components of the support structure, cabinet and lighting, if any, shall be as set forth in the following table:
SIGN HEIGHT
District | Maximum Height1 |
District | Maximum Height1 |
OT | 8 feet |
OTW | 12 feet |
C1 | 16 feet |
RC | 16 feet |
C2 | 16 feet |
L1 | 16 feet |
P | 16 feet |
PR | 16 feet |
All other districts | 6 feet |
Note:
(Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14-6: MAINTENANCE, REPAIR OR REMOVAL:
A. Maintenance:
1. Every sign shall be kept in good condition and repair.
2. The building inspector shall determine whether or not a sign is in good condition or repair. The administrative decision of the building inspector may be appealed as provided in this title. In evaluating whether or not a sign meets the objective in this subsection, the building inspector will evaluate each sign on a case by case basis using some or all of the following criteria to assist in making a determination; however, additional consideration may be given to other factors at the sole discretion of the building inspector:
a. Is the sign intact to include the face, structure, and all other attached components; or
b. Is the sign face damaged; or
c. Is the sign faded, illegible, peeling, or chipped; or
d. Is the illumination functional; or
e. Does the sign present a neat, clean and attractive appearance; or
f. Does the lack of maintenance or repair create a condition such that the sign detracts from the aesthetics of neighboring properties.
B. Dangerous Condition; Sign Removal: In cases where there exists an immediate danger to public safety, the building inspector shall have the authority to immediately remove or cause to be removed any sign, at the expense of the owner as provided in section 12-14-13 of this chapter.
C. Nonconforming Signs:
1. Structural repairs to nonconforming signs shall not be permitted.
2. Repainting and minor repairs to nonconforming signs shall be permitted, provided the total cost of the repairs does not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the estimated replacement cost of the sign with a conforming sign at the time of the repair or two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00), whichever is less.
D. Sign Alterations; Conformance, Permit: No sign shall be structurally altered, enlarged or relocated except in conformity to the provisions herein, nor until a proper permit, if required, has been secured.
E. Signs Subject To Design Review Standards: The changing copy, business names, lettering, sign faces, colors, display and/or graphic material, or the content of any conforming sign shall not be deemed a structural alteration but shall be subject to the design review standards of chapter 10 of this title. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14-7: COMPUTATION OF FRONTAGE:
If a premises contains walls facing more than one property line or encompasses property frontage bounded by more than one street, the sign area(s) for each building wall or property frontage will be computed separately for each building wall or property line facing a different frontage, and each wall shall only be counted once. Walls resulting from building recesses that are not visible from the property line shall not be counted as additional frontage. The sign area(s) thus calculated may then be applied to permitted signs placed on each separate wall or property line frontage, as set forth in the sign matrix. The total sign allocation is based only on frontage that faces a public way. Placement of signs on sides without any allocated signage shall be counted towards the total sign allocation. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14-8: PROHIBITED SIGNS:
The following are specifically prohibited and illegal:
A. Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or which obstruct or interfere with a driver's view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
C. No sign shall be attached to any utility pole, light standard, street tree or any other public facility located within the public right of way.
D. Signs that blink, flash or are animated by lighting in any fashion.
F. Advertising vehicles or any sign attached to, or placed on, a vehicle or trailer parked on any public or private property, except for signs meeting the following conditions:
1. The primary purpose of such vehicle or trailer is not the display of signs.
2. The signs are magnetic, decals, or painted upon an integral part of the vehicle or equipment as originally designed by the manufacturer, and do not break the silhouette of the vehicle.
3. The vehicle or trailer is in operating condition, currently registered and licensed to operate on public streets when applicable, and actively used or available for use in the daily function of the business to which such signs relate.
G. Balloons, streamers, pennants, or pinwheels, except those temporarily displayed as part of a special sale, promotion or community event, as set forth in section 12-14A-12 of this chapter. For the purposes of this subsection, "temporarily" means no more than a total of sixty (60) days in any calendar year.
H. Any sign constructed upon or attached to the roof of a building or structure. For the purposes of this subsection, the face of a mansard roof or fascia shall not be considered to be a part of the roof.
I. Billboards.
J. Inflatable signs. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14-9: EXEMPT SIGNS:
A. Official notices authorized by a court, public body, or public safety official.
B. Directional, warning or information signs authorized or required by federal, state, or municipal governments.
C. Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones when cut or carved into a masonry surface or when made of noncombustible material and made an integral part of the building or structure.
D. The flag of a government or noncommercial institution, such as a school.
E. Religious symbols and seasonal decorations within the appropriate public holiday season.
F. Nonelectrical street address signs, or combination nameplate and street address signs attached to a building, which contain no advertising copy and which do not exceed six (6) square feet in area.
G. Historical markers.
H. Signs visible through a window in the C1, C2, RC, OT, and OTW zones; provided, that the sign(s) do not occupy more than forty percent (40%) of the total window space facing any street.
I. Kites and similar objects that do not include any advertising and are displayed in a fashion that complies with all other provisions of this chapter are not considered signs and are therefore exempt.
J. Sponsorship signs placed on ball field fences during the season, subject to approval by the administrator as to size and design.
K. Advertising of area activities or events sponsored by not for profit groups or organizations on changeable signs.
L. One real estate sign per lot or per frontage, whichever is greater, while the property is currently for sale, provided the sign may remain in place for up to thirty (30) days following the sale of the property.
M. Existing decorative features. Decorative features on buildings that were in place on January 1, 1975, that could be considered a sign shall be exempt, provided they remain in the same location, are consistent with the theme of the community as described in the comprehensive plan and expressed in design guidelines as amended and are maintained as provided in section 12-14-6 of this chapter.
N. Existing unique decorative features. Upon approval by the city council, property owners may request existing decorative features be declared unique decorative features and therefore exempt from the sign regulations, provided the feature was in place prior to January 1, 2000, and the feature is determined to be unique to the history of the city. Determinations by the city council shall be final and not subject to appeal.
O. Property management sign. One sign, not to exceed two (2) square feet per property, containing only the name and phone number(s) of the property management company for a vacation rental located in the R2R or S2 zone shall be exempt from the signage area requirement. It may be mounted on the building wall or ground mounted, as necessary, to provide the best visibility from the street. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14-10: TEMPORARY SIGNS:
Temporary signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts and only in conjunction with a special event or promotion as provided in section 12-14A-12 of this chapter and subject to the following limitations:
A. No more than one such sign may be displayed on any property.
B. Temporary signs located on a single residential lot shall be limited to not greater than four (4) square feet per side and are not permitted for home occupations.
C. Temporary signs for all other zones shall not exceed an aggregate of thirty two (32) square feet.
D. No temporary sign shall be displayed for more than sixty (60) days in a calendar year.
E. No temporary sign shall contain any component that moves or flashes.
F. No temporary sign shall interfere with the vision clearance triangle.
G. Temporary signs shall be located on the same property as the special event or promotion. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14-11: ABANDONED SIGNS:
A. Abandoned signs must be removed within thirty (30) days of the close of the business or activity. With the approval of the Administrator, conforming sign structures may remain in place, provided the owner submits a plan for removing the obsolete copy and replacing or covering the message area in such a fashion as to preserve the investment in the sign without advertising the former use of the property, using materials that do not detract from the aesthetics of the building. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the sign becoming illegal.
B. For the purposes of this section, a sign for a seasonal business that only operates during recurring times of the year with the intent to reopen shall not be considered an abandoned sign; provided, that a temporary sign is attached indicating "Closed For The Season" or "Will Reopen Month/Year". (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14-12: NONCONFORMING SIGNS:
A. Signs Allowed Subject To Limitations: Any sign legally existing at the time of the passage of this chapter that does not conform in use, location, height, or size with the regulations of the zone in which such sign is located shall be considered a legal nonconforming use or structure and may continue in such status until such time as it is either abandoned or removed by its owner, subject to the following limitations:
1. No sign shall be structurally altered unless it is made to conform to this chapter.
2. No billboard or temporary sign shall be considered to be a legal nonconforming sign.
3. Property owners with multiple nonconforming signs may replace some or all of the nonconforming signs provided all other requirements of this regulation are met.
4. WSDOT and wayfinding signs shall not count against the limit on off premises signage.
B. Nonconforming Sign Inventory: The Administrator shall, as soon as practicable, survey the City for signs which do not conform to the requirements of this chapter. Upon determination that a sign is nonconforming or illegal, the Administrator shall use reasonable effort to so notify in writing the sign owner and where practicable the owner of the property on which the sign is located. Notification shall include:
1. Whether the sign is nonconforming or illegal.
2. Whether the sign may be eligible for a nonconforming sign permit.
3. If the identity of the sign owner cannot be determined after reasonable inquiry, the notice may be affixed in a conspicuous place on the sign or on the business premises with which the sign is associated.
C. Nonconforming Sign Exemptions:
1. Any nonconforming signs purchased and mounted prior to December 31, 2015 shall be grandfathered.
2. The sign must be brought up to current code if there is damage of fifty percent (50%) or more in the replacement cost of either the nonconforming sign or the structure to which it is affixed; or
3. Failure to maintain the sign in good repair, to include regular painting and rust removal.
D. Nonconforming Sign Permits:
1. Eligibility: An on premises or off premises nonconforming sign may be issued a nonconforming sign permit. Nonconforming sign permits shall not be issued for illegal, prohibited, or temporary signs.
2. Permit Required: A nonconforming sign permit is required for all eligible nonconforming signs in the OT, OTW, C1 and C2 Zones. The sign owner shall obtain the permit within one hundred eighty (180) days of notification by the City. Applications for a nonconforming sign permit shall contain the name and address of the sign user, the sign owner, and the owner of the property upon which the sign is located, and such other pertinent information as the Administrator may require to ensure compliance with this chapter. The Community Development Director may waive specific submittal requirements determined to be unnecessary for review of an application.
3. Permit Issuance: Any person submitting an application for a nonconforming sign permit shall use the forms provided by the City. The Community Development Director shall issue nonconforming sign permits upon a determination of eligibility. The Community Development Director may require the filing of plans or other pertinent information where such information is necessary to determine compliance with this chapter. Appeals shall be filed in accordance with this chapter. Should an appeal be filed, the City shall not take any action until the appeal has been acted upon and the applicant notified of the final disposition.
E. Loss Of Legal Nonconforming Status: Nonconforming signs shall either be removed or immediately brought into compliance with this chapter upon the occurrence of one or more of the following events:
1. When a nonconforming sign permit is required but not obtained within one hundred eighty (180) days of notice of nonconformance; or
2. Damage of fifty percent (50%) or more in the replacement cost of either the nonconforming sign or the structure to which it is affixed; or
3. Failure to maintain the sign in good repair, to include regular painting and rust removal.
F. Maintenance: Ordinary maintenance and repair of a sign, including a sign face or message change that does not increase the sign face area, shall be permitted without loss of nonconforming status if the cost of the maintenance or repair is less than fifty percent (50%) of the cost of replacing the sign. (Ord. 942, 8-21-2017)
12-14-13: ILLEGAL SIGNS:
A. Illegal Signs Described; Exceptions: An "illegal sign" is:
1. A sign erected without a permit;
2. A sign not permitted by the sign matrix in section 12-14-5 of this chapter; or
3. A sign not conforming to all other regulations in this chapter, including article A of this chapter. Exceptions are: a) legal nonconforming signs; b) exempt signs; and c) temporary signs that fulfill the regulations provided in this chapter, including article A of this chapter.
B. Conformance Required, Or Removal: The owner thereof or the person or firm using an illegal sign shall, upon written notice by the building inspector, forthwith in the case of immediate danger, and in any case within not more than ten (10) days, make such sign conform to the provisions of this chapter, or shall remove it. If, within ten (10) days, the order is not complied with, the building inspector may remove or cause such signs to be removed at the expense of the owner and/or the user of the sign. In the case of immediate danger to public safety, the building inspector shall have the authority to immediately remove or cause to be removed any sign, at the expense of the owner. Such removal shall occur only after the building inspector attempted to contact the owner of the sign. (Ord. 942, 8-21-2017)
12-14-14: APPEALS:
12-14A-1: ANIMATION AND CHANGEABLE MESSAGES:
A. Animated Signs Prohibited: Animated signs are prohibited.
B. Changeable Signs Permitted: Changeable signs up to thirty percent (30%) of the allowable signage, manually activated, are permitted in the OT, OTW, RC, C1, and C2 zones and shall be monitored on a daily basis and shall not be used as an off premises sign for a commercial use or activity. Changeable signs may be used to promote community events and for public interest announcements. Theaters may request approval from the city council to exceed the percentage of changeable signage within the total maximum sign allowance.
C. Electrically Activated Signs Prohibited: Changeable signs, electrically activated, are prohibited. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-2: CANOPY AND AWNING SIGNS:
A. Copy Area: The copy area of canopy and awning signs shall not exceed an area equal to twenty five percent (25%) of the background area of the awning or awning surface to which such sign is affixed or applied, or for a canopy, twenty five percent (25%) of the total visible canopy surface. In all cases, the copy area shall not exceed the permitted area for wall or fascia signs.
B. Background Color; Graphics: Neither the background color of a canopy or awning, nor any graphic treatment or embellishment thereto such as striping, patterns or valances, shall be included in the computation of sign copy area.
C. Calculating Size And Height: For the purpose of calculating the permitted size and height of a sign, awning signs shall be considered as wall signs, and they shall count toward the permitted area for all wall signs.
D. Backlit Awnings: A backlit awning on which sign copy has been affixed shall be counted as an internally illuminated sign, and shall not be permitted where internally illuminated signs are not permitted. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-3: DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION SIGNS:
Signs temporarily erected during construction to inform the public of the developer, contractors, architects, engineers, the nature of the project, or anticipated completion dates, shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:
A. Residential Lot: Such signs on a single residential lot shall be limited to one sign, not greater than six feet (6') in height and six (6) square feet in area.
B. Residential Subdivision Or Multiple Lots: Such signs for a residential subdivision or multiple residential lots shall be limited to one sign at each entrance to the subdivision, or on one of the lots to be built upon, and shall be no greater than eight feet (8') in height and thirty two (32) square feet in area.
C. Commercial Or Industrial Projects: Such signs for commercial or industrial projects shall be limited to one sign per street front, not to exceed eight feet (8') in height and thirty two (32) square feet for projects on parcels five (5) acres or less in size, and not to exceed twelve feet (12') in height and one hundred (100) square feet for projects on parcels larger than five (5) acres.
D. Permits For Issuance And Removal: Development and construction signs shall not be displayed until after the issuance of construction permits by the building inspector, and must be removed prior to issuance of an occupancy permit for all or any portion of the project. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-4: DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX SIGNS:
A. Master Sign Plan Required: All single owner controlled multiple-occupancy nonresidential or mixed use development complexes on parcels exceeding two (2) acres in size shall submit to the planning commission for review and recommendation to the city council, a master sign plan prior to issuance of new sign permits concurrently with the submission of the design review application for the development. The master sign plan shall establish standards and criteria for all signs in the complex that require permits, and shall address, at a minimum, the following:
1. Proposed sign locations.
2. Materials.
3. Type of illumination.
4. Design of freestanding sign structures.
5. Size.
6. Height.
7. Quantity.
8. Uniform standards for nonbusiness signage, including directional and informational signs.
B. Development Complex Sign: In addition to the freestanding business identification signs otherwise allowed by this article, every multiple-occupancy development complex shall be entitled to one freestanding sign per street front, at the maximum size permitted for business identification freestanding signs, to identify the development complex. No business identification shall be permitted on a development complex sign. Any freestanding sign otherwise permitted under this article may identify the name of the development complex.
C. Calculation Of Sign Size: For freestanding signs, internally illuminated signs, and any other sign with an identifiable border, the entire face of one side of the sign shall be measured. For all other signs, the area of the sign shall be calculated by drawing the smallest possible rectangle or rectangles around the sign copy. Illustrations of specific sign types and the methods used to calculate sign sizes are shown in the appendix on file in the office of the city clerk.
D. Compliance With Master Sign Plan: All applications for sign permits for signage within a multiple-occupancy development complex shall comply with the master sign plan.
E. Special Permit Required: The city council shall act upon all applications for master sign plans through the special permit process. Special permits for master sign plans shall be reviewed concurrently with the site plan approval process. In their review of master sign plans, the city council shall consider the following:
1. The relationship of the proposed signage to the overall development, as well as to surrounding properties.
2. The extent to which the proposed signage is compatible with the proposed architecture.
3. The use of appropriate landscaping to complement the proposed sign designs.
F. Waiver From Underlying Requirements: The city council, upon recommendation from the planning commission, shall have the authority to modify or waive specific sign regulations related to a master sign plan if it finds that such modification or waiver results in a superior master sign plan design. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-5: DIRECTIONAL SIGNS:
One directional sign shall be permitted per street entrance to any lot. There shall be no limit to the number of directional signs providing directional information interior to a lot. The maximum area for directional signs shall be four (4) square feet per sign face, for a maximum of eight feet (8') per sign visible from adjacent property or rights of way. Not more than twenty five percent (25%) of the area of any directional sign may be devoted to business identification or logo, which area shall not be assessed as identification sign area. Directional signs shall not be placed in the vision clearance triangle as required in section 12-14-4 of this chapter, unless the sign is no more than forty two inches (42") in height above the level of the adjacent street or the grade level at the sign, whichever is lower, and is not located within four feet (4') of the property line or driveway. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-6: ILLUMINATED SIGNS:
A. Hours Of Use Limited; Exception:
1. With the exception of businesses along the SR 103 corridor, no sign shall be illuminated except during the hours of operation of the business to which the sign refers, or until ten o'clock (10:00) P.M., whichever is later.
2. Illumination that is designed primarily to illuminate the building or parking area and also illuminates a sign is not subject to the hours of operation in subsection A1 of this section.
B. Electric Signs: Electric signs shall display the Underwriters Laboratory approval seal, or shall display the manufacturer's name, and the voltage and amperage used.
C. External Illumination: External illumination shall be directed only onto the sign and shall not shine off the property or into streets and ways in such a way that it would impair the vision of motorists or pedestrians or cause glare. The intensity of the lighting shall be no greater than necessary to illuminate the sign.
D. Internal Illumination: Internally illuminated signs are permitted only in the C1 and RC zones, provided the signs are located on frontages facing Pacific Avenue. Internally illuminated signs shall be prohibited in all other zones. Internally illuminated signs shall count against the sign allocation at a two to one (2:1) ratio. Each square foot of an internally illuminated sign shall be calculated as two (2) square feet. A backlit awning on which sign copy has been affixed shall be counted as an internally illuminated sign.
E. Alternatives To Illumination: As an alternative to externally illuminated signs where externally illuminated signs would otherwise be prohibited, lighting may be placed behind individual letters and symbols to create a backlit or halo effect, provided the letters or symbols are made of a material that does not create an internally illuminated effect as determined by the administrator. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-7: MARQUEE SIGNS:
A. Copy Area: The copy area of marquee signs shall be counted toward the permitted area for wall signs.
B. Graphics: Graphic striping, patterns or color bands on the face of a building, marquee, or architectural projection shall not be included in the computation of sign copy area. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-8: OFF PREMISES SIGNS:
A. Findings: Off premises signs are necessary to promote those commercial or other activities that, due to location, may require greater visibility than that which is available on premises. However, the needs of such businesses or activities must be balanced against the need for an uncluttered landscape, especially in residential and rural areas of the city.
B. Governing Regulations: The following regulations govern the use of off premises signs:
1. No business shall be permitted more than a total of one off premises sign within the city limits.
2. No freestanding off premises sign shall exceed the height limit or square footage for the zone where the sign is placed.
3. Off premises wall signs shall conform to the placement requirements for the zone where the sign is placed and shall be included in the total signage requirement for the building on which the off premises sign is placed.
4. Off premises signs for home occupations are prohibited.
5. Off premises signs shall be placed on private property only. In applying for a permit for an off premises sign, the applicant shall furnish evidence of the approval of the owner of the property upon which the sign is to be placed. No property shall contain more than one off premises sign; however, multiple businesses may utilize the same sign for advertisement and such sign shall conform to the requirements of subsection B2 of this section.
6. An off premises sign shall not be permitted for businesses located outside of the city limits, except for visitor-serving attractions, regional services, amenities or public facilities that require greater visibility, as determined by the planning commission. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-9: POLITICAL SIGNS:
Political signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts, subject to the following limitations:
A. Height And Area: Such signs shall not exceed a height of four feet (4'), nor an area of eight (8) square feet.
B. Time Limit For Sign Display: Such signs for election candidates or ballot propositions shall be removed within fourteen (14) days after the election; provided, that signs promoting successful candidates or ballot propositions in a primary election may remain displayed until not more than fourteen (14) days after the general election.
C. Placement Restrictions: Such signs shall not be placed in any public right of way, on city property, or obstruct traffic visibility. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-10: PROJECTING SIGNS:
A. Permitted: Projecting signs shall be permitted in lieu of freestanding signage, limited to one sign per occupancy along any street frontage with public entrance to such occupancy. A business may have both a projecting sign and an under canopy sign.
B. Height Limitation: No such sign shall extend vertically above the highest point of the building facade upon which it is mounted.
C. Extending Over Sidewalk: Such signs shall not extend over a public sidewalk in excess of two-thirds (2/3) of the width of the sidewalk, and shall comply with the requirements set forth in section 12-14A-16 of this article.
D. Clearance: Projecting signs shall maintain a clear vertical distance above any sidewalk or pedestrianway a minimum of eight feet (8'). (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-11: SANDWICH BOARD SIGNS:
Sandwich board signs are permitted in the OT, OTW, RC, C1, and C2 zones only, and are subject to the following limitations:
A. Placement: Such signs may only be placed on private property and are prohibited on public property, including sidewalks, streets (including unpaved right of way) and parks. Sandwich board signs shall be removed when the business is not open. Sandwich board signs placed on public property may be immediately removed by the city as a hazard.
B. Size: Sandwich board signs shall be forty two inches (42") or less in height and such sign shall not exceed seven (7) square feet per side.
C. Limitation On Number; Area: Sandwich board signs are limited to one per business. Sandwich board sign area shall not count toward allowable sign area.
D. Anchoring: Sandwich board signs must be anchored to the ground or weighted in such a manner as to keep them from being tipped over by the wind. (Ord. 891, 4-13-2013)
12-14A-12: SPECIAL PROMOTION, EVENT AND GRAND OPENING SIGNS:
Temporary signs and other signs displayed to advertise special promotions, events and grand openings shall be permitted for all business and industrial zones, subject to the following requirements and limitations:
A. Limitation On Number: Such signs shall be limited to one sign per street front.
B. Time Limitation On Display: Such signs may be displayed for not more than a total of sixty (60) days in any calendar year. Group promotions that are conducted as part of a community event shall not be counted toward the sixty (60) day limit on promotions.
C. Area: The aggregate area of all such signs shall not exceed thirty two (32) square feet.
D. Illumination Prohibited: Such signs shall not be internally illuminated. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-13: INDIVIDUAL LETTER SIGNS:
Letters must be affixed to a building and not painted on the building. Individual letters must not exceed forty eight inches (48") in height and must be proportional in size. The area of the individual letter sign shall be calculated as one- half (1/2) the wall area covered by the letters, measured by drawing a rectilinear perimeter around all of the letters, calculating the area enclosed by the perimeter and dividing the area by two (2). This shall apply to nonilluminated, externally illuminated or halo lit cutout letter signs. Internally illuminated cutout letter signs shall count against the sign allocation at a two to one (2:1) ratio. The entire area of sign copy other than letters, such as logos or graphics, shall be counted. In no event shall the signable area of a building for an individual letter sign exceed, in square footage, one-third (1/3) of the square footage of the entire facade of the building. There shall be only one signable area per building frontage. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-14: UNDER CANOPY SIGNS:
A. Limitation On Number; Area: Under canopy signs shall be limited to no more than one such sign per public entrance to any occupancy, and shall be limited to an area not to exceed eight (8) square feet. The size of such sign shall be included in the allowable computation of wall signs.
B. Clear Vertical Distance: Such signs shall maintain a clear vertical distance above any sidewalk or pedestrianway a minimum of eight feet (8'). The administrator may grant exceptions to this provision based on existing architecture in place when this regulation is adopted, but in no case shall the minimum clearance be less than seven feet (7'). (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-15: SIGNS IN RIGHTS OF WAY:
12-14A-16: PROJECTIONS OVER PUBLIC WAYS:
A. Special Sign Permit Required: Except for projecting signs allowed by section 12-14A-10 of this article or under canopy signs allowed by section 12-14A-14 of this article, signs projecting over public walkways may do so only pursuant to a special permit from the planning commission and subject to a minimum height of ten feet (10') from grade level to the bottom of the sign. Signs, architectural projections, or sign structures projecting over vehicular access areas must conform to the minimum height clearance limitations imposed by the city for such structures.
B. Banners: Banners extending over streets or walkways are permitted in the old town (OT) zone only with the approval of the administrator; such approval shall be granted only for banners related to an event of community interest. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-17: WAYFINDING SIGNS:
Wayfinding signs are deemed essential to the orderly growth of the community, and especially the downtown area. Wayfinding signs shall be permitted for groups of three (3) or more users, with designs and locations approved by the city council. When located on public property, users shall pay an annual fee to the city, which fee shall be established and amended from time to time by resolution of the city council. Users shall be selected on a first come, first serve basis; however, businesses with off premises signs shall be the last considered. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
12-14A-18: MONUMENT AND FREESTANDING SIGNS:
A. Monument Signs: Monument signs shall be no more than six feet (6') in height and shall not be placed in the vision clearance triangle as required in section 12-14-4 of this chapter, unless the sign is no more than forty two inches (42") in height above the level of the adjacent street or the grade level at the sign, whichever is lower, and is not located within four feet (4') of the property line or driveway. (Ord. 849, 8-17-2009)
B. Freestanding Signs: The maximum allowable height of a freestanding sign is as set forth in section 12-14-5 of this chapter. Freestanding signs may be located in the vision clearance triangle, provided:
1. The lowest edge of the sign shall be at least eight feet (8') above the ground;
2. The sign shall be supported by no more than two (2) support columns, each measuring no more than eight inches (8") in diameter and located at least three feet (3') apart; and
3. The support columns shall be located at least four feet (4') from the property line and any driveway and the outermost edges of the sign shall be located at least two feet (2') away from the property line and any driveway.
4. Freestanding signs located outside of the VCT are not subject to these requirements. (Ord. 891, 4-13-2013)
12-14A-19: FEATHERS OR PINS:
Each business with permanent signage installed may also install two (2) feathers or pins as defined under the definition of "sign types and sign definitions" in section 12-2-1, "Terms Defined", of this title.
A. Maximum height may be sixteen feet (16') from grade.
B. Maximum width of flexible panel may be three feet (3').
C. For lots with more than fifty feet (50') of frontage, one pin for every additional fifty feet (50') is allowed. (Ord. 891, 4-13-2013)