(A)   Signs should advertise a place of business or provide information and shall be architecturally attractive and contribute to the character of the area.

   (B)   The intent of these sign regulations is to give businesses varying opportunities for promotion and visibility as well as establish standards by which signage will be moderate, attractive and uniform in intensity. The standards allow enough variation to permit businesses to have creative signs. Signs are to be controlled so as to minimize their tendency to compete excessively with each other and with the desired character of the area. Through reasonably applied design criteria, signs are to be prevented from distracting and dominating the setting via their height, shape, size, number, color, lighting, and movement.

   (C)   Sign standards are to assure the applicant that all other establishments are similarly restricted, and their establishment is protected against overpowering advertising structures from competitors and/or adjacent properties in the area.

   (D)   Review of signs on an administrative committee level is an integral part of the sign standards and process and should seek to create a vital yet fair atmosphere for sign promotion and visibility while upholding the overriding standard of moderation. This review is conducted by the Development Review Committee as outlined in §§ 2.56.030, 17.52.030 and 17.52.050.

(`83 Code, § 17.28.010) (Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994; Ord. 2009-06 § 4, 2009)

   For the purposes of this chapter, the words set out in this section shall have the following meanings:

   BALLOON. Any device or object three feet or greater in any dimension that encapsulates or contains compressed air, helium, hydrogen, or any gas, in any state of inflation or deflation, at rest but not flying, and/or whether painted or in any way marked, or without any markings, used to call attention to a business in a manner similar to a sign.

   BILLBOARD or OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN. A sign placed for the purpose of advertising products or services that are not produced, stored, or sold on the property upon which the sign is located.

   DIRECTIONAL/INSTRUCTIONAL SIGN. An on-site sign on private property the sole purpose of which is to direct the flow of traffic, transmit parking information or convey similar such information.

   ELEVATED CENTER IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign elevated from the ground on two piers and detached from any building.

   FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign supported by uprights or braces placed upon or into the ground and detached from any building.

   MARQUEE SIGN. A sign placed on the building face or at the entrance of a playhouse or theater.

   MONUMENT SIGN. A low-profile ground sign incorporating the design and building material of the primary use of the property. No poles for the support of sign face shall be permitted.

   PLACED. Shall include “erected”, “projected”, “constructed”, “posted” or painted, printed, tacked, glued, stuck, carved or otherwise fastened, fixed, or made visible in any manner whatsoever.

   PUBLIC SERVICE SIGN. A sign supported by uprights or braces upon or in to the ground and detached from any building. The sign shall carry messages with public service content subject to the approval of the Committee.

   REGIONAL COMMERCIAL BUSINESS. A retail use that generally requires a seven-mile radius trade area or greater and freeway visibility, and produces minimum annual retail sales of $10,000,000 or more (1989 figure shall be adjusted annually to the standard Metropolitan price index). Such uses are new car automobile sales dealerships and regional shopping centers.

   SIGNS. Shall include, without limitation, all outdoor advertising on any card, cloth, paper, paint, plastic, metal, painted glass, wooden or stone materials, and any and all devices, structural or otherwise, lighted or unlighted, painted or not painted, attached to, made a part of or placed in the window of, in the front, rear, sides or top of any structure and visible from any public or private street, way, thoroughfare, alley or walk, which device in any manner, or by any means, whether enumerated in this section or not, announces or directs attention to the name, nature, merits, availability, or price of a business, occupant of a structure, building or land or the name, nature, merits, availability, price or type of goods, services or products, produced, sold, stored, furnished or available at that location or at any other location, including signs specifically for the sale of real property, and shall include all parts, portions, units and materials composing the same, together with the frame, background, structure and support and anchorage therefor, as the case may be, but shall not include official notices issued by any court or public body or officer or directional warning or information sign or structures required by or authorized by law or by federal, state, county, or city authority.

   SPECIAL ADVERTISING DEVICE. Any type or kind of sign not explicitly delineated herein that according to the Development Review Committee follows the intent of this chapter under the guidelines and restrictions of the sign type it most closely resembles for the zone or area in which it is located as far as location, size, and design.

   TEMPORARY DISPLAY SIGN. Any placard, banner, object, structure, group of goods or objects displayed in any way not in a window, including balloons under three feet in size, so as to not qualify as any other type of sign, and shall include grand opening and sale announcements.

(`83 Code, § 17.28.020) (Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994; Ord. 2009-06 §§ 5, 6, 2009)

   The Development Review Committee shall approve the design, size, material and placement of all signs within the city, unless otherwise excepted in this chapter. All signs that are not described in the following sections as permitted signs in specific zones and/or with specified uses or areas are prohibited (except for the special interpretive power regarding a sign that may be treated as a special advertising device).

(`83 Code, § 17.28.030) (Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994; Ord. 2009-06 § 7, 2009)

   (A)   Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to apply to traffic and other similar signs erected by order of the City Council, Chief of Police, Director of Public Works, or Fire Chief of the city.

   (B)   Theater marquees and similar signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy shall not require a sign permit when replaceable copy is changed. This exception shall not be construed as relieving the owner of the sign from the responsibility of its erection and maintenance and its compliance with the provisions of this code or any other law or ordinance regulating same.

(`83 Code, § 17.28.040) (Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994)

   The Development Review Committee is empowered to make interpretations as to the intent or meaning of any provision herein; provided, however, that any person who feels aggrieved by any rule or rules made by the Development Review Committee shall have the right to appeal such rule or rules for a review and determination of the reasonableness thereof according to the procedures and regulations set forth in §§ 2.56.050 and 2.56.060 of this code.

(`83 Code, § 17.28.050) (Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994)

   Sign types in each residential zone and applicable PD areas shall be as shown on the following chart. “P” means the sign is permitted subject to DRC review; “PN” means the sign is permitted without DRC review; blank means the sign is not permitted. Explanation of the sign types are listed in § 17.28.070.

 

(`83 Code, § 17.28.060) (Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994)

   Permitted sign types and sizes, all residential zones and residential uses in any PD, Planned Development zone shall be as follows:

   (A)   Construction sign. One construction sign denoting the architects, engineers, contractors, or other related subjects shall be permitted upon the commencement of construction without Development Review Committee approval and will be permitted until such time as a final inspection of the building(s) designates said structure(s) fit for occupancy. Such signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in surface area on one permitted sign face.

   (B)   Identification sign. Any parcel of real property containing five or more dwelling units shall be permitted to have displayed thereon one permanent identification sign per street frontage depicting only the name and/or address of the apartment or project upon which such sign is displayed. Such sign shall not exceed six square feet in surface area.

   (C)   New construction For Rent or For Sale signs. One sign announcing apartments or condominiums for rent or sale may be placed upon land upon which an apartment or condominium building is under construction or which the site plan has been approved. Such signs shall be removed within 30 days after completion of construction. Such signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area.

   (D)   Real estate signs. Real estate signs announcing buildings for sale, rent, or lease shall not exceed two signs for any one lot or parcel of property and shall be located on the land to which the signs refer. Said signs shall be allowed without approval by the Development Review Committee. Such signs shall not exceed six square feet in surface area.

   (E)   Real estate signs—Condominiums. Real estate signs announcing condominiums for sale, rent, or lease shall not exceed one sign per unit and shall be located on the unit to which the sign refers. Said signs shall be allowed without the approval of the Development Review Committee. Such signs shall not exceed six square feet in surface area.

   (F)   Signs and/or nameplates. Signs and/or nameplates shall be permitted, provided that said sign or nameplate shall display only the name of the properties or any trade or professional title required by the permitted use. The signs shall be allowed without approval of the Development Review Committee. Such signs shall not exceed one square foot in area.

   (G)   Temporary subdivision signs. One subdivision sign shall be allowed for the purpose of land subdivided for sale into five or more lots when located on the land to which the sign refers, and which sign shall be removed within 30 days of completion of the sales operation.

(`83 Code, § 17.28.070) (Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994)

   (A)   All illumination shall be indirectly lighted or shadow-lighted so that the immediate source of the illumination is not visible. No signs shall contain any flashing lights. No lighting shall be a detriment to surrounding property or prevent the peaceful enjoyment of residential uses, nor shall light be displayed in such a manner that potential confusion with traffic lights may exist. No sign shall be lighted by the use of exposed neon tubing or similar type lighting.

   (B)   Using the minor exception procedure as outlined in this title, the Development Review Committee shall have the authority to approve a larger identification sign than is provided for in this chapter if a finding is made that the larger sign is in architectural harmony with the premises upon which it is to be located and the area of the real property, its public street frontage and/or the number dwelling units or the number of entrances require larger sign surface area to identify the premises adequately.

(`83 Code, § 17.28.080) (Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994; Ord. 2004-11 § 12 (part), 2004)

   Sign types in each nonresidential zone and at special uses shall be as shown on the following chart.

      (1)   “Old Town” shall mean the area defined by Foothill Boulevard to the north, Primrose Avenue to the west, Olive Avenue to the south, and Ivy Avenue to the east excluding properties in the Neighborhood Commercial (NC) Zone and residential uses (residential uses within the geographic area of Old Town shall be guided by § 17.28.050);

      (2)   “Foothill Blvd.” shall mean those nonresidential properties fronting on Foothill Blvd. excluding Area PD-2 which has its own regulations;

      (3)   “Shopping Center” shall mean those retail centers with tenants sharing common parking;

      (4)   “Service Station” shall mean automobile service station;

      (5)   “Business Parks” shall mean non-retail multi-tenant, consisting of office and industrial businesses with tenants sharing common parking;

      (6)   “Office Building 3+” shall mean office buildings with three or more stories in height;

      (7)   “Auto Center” shall mean Area PD-10;

      (8)   “All others” shall mean nonresidential uses in the NC, C-R/S, O/RD/LM, BE, M, RH and PD zones, excluding the above special uses (1) through (7) and excluding any PD Zone with its own sign regulations.

 

 

 

 

 

(`83 Code, § 17.28.090) (Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994; Ord. 2002-08 §§ 10, 11, 2002; Ord. 2005-01 § 6, 2005; Ord. 2009-06 § 8, 2009; Ord. 2011-01 §§ 5, 6, 2011)

   Permitted sign types and sizes, in all nonresidential zones, any permitted nonresidential uses in the RH, Residential-High Density, and any nonresidential use in the PD, Planned Development, zones shall be as follows:

         (b)   Sign copy on awning signs shall be restricted to the business name and street numbers on the valance. A single horizontal list of product or service description may also be provided on the valance front if not inherent in the business name and also provided there are no window signs.

         (c)   Sign copy, being restricted to the valance front of an awning sign, shall not exceed 50% of the valance width, the lettering being restricted to 66% of the height of the valance, which shall not exceed 18 inches.

         (d)   Businesses on the side streets of Old Town may have the business name on the side of the awning facing Myrtle Avenue so as to provide business identification from Myrtle Avenue. Signage shall be restricted to 33% of the side of the awning. No awning signage shall be allowed if the business has a projecting wall sign.

         (e)   Awning signs shall not be lit from under the awning (back-lit) so that the awning appears internally illuminated.

         (f)   Awning signs shall be regularly cleaned, kept free of dust and visible defects, and replaced when faded, discolored, or torn.

         (a)   One sign shall be allowed on the building face at the front and/or entrance of each business and/or on the building wall fronting a major or secondary highway. The vertical distance to the bottom of the background area from grade shall be established by the Development Review Committee.

         (b)   Building wall signs in Old Town on the building face and/or entrance shall not be greater than a three-foot-high background and two-foot-high letters, nor shall such signs have a total length that exceeds two- thirds the total width of the business upon which it is to be placed. Building wall signs for office buildings with three or more stories shall not exceed 5% of the wall face of the first two stories. For all others, such signs on the building face and/or entrance of each building and/or on the building wall fronting a major or secondary highway shall not exceed 5% of the total wall face.

         (a)   Graphics, excluding any lettering, shall be allowed provided the sign face is designed as a graphic representation of goods or services provided at the particular establishment, e.g., a boot to advertise a shoe repair shop. No graphic signs shall depict any nude or semi-nude persons, specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities as defined in § 17.44.010(B), or instruments, devices or paraphernalia which are designed for use in connection with specified sexual activities.

         (b)   A graphic sign shall not exceed 3% of the total building face area.

         (a)   One marquee sign shall be allowed on the building face or entrance of a playhouse or theater. The vertical distance to the bottom of the background area from grade shall be established by the Development Review Committee. Marquee signs shall be restricted to playhouses and theaters and shall be solely permitted in lieu of a building face sign. However, said signs shall not be permitted in the RH, Residential High-Density Zone regardless of use.

         (b)   Signs on the building face or entrance of each theater or playhouse shall not exceed 5% of the total wall face.

         (a)   One redwood sandblasted, hand-carved, or architecturally designed equivalent sidewalk sign for each business shall be allowed to face pedestrian traffic hanging from a canopy or an architectural projection over a pedestrian walkway. A redwood sandblasted, hand-carved, or architecturally equivalent “Open” sign shall be allowed to hang beneath the sidewalk sign.

         (b)   No part of a projecting sidewalk sign shall provide a vertical clearance of less than seven feet, six inches from the highest sidewalk surface. However, said signs shall not be permitted in the RH, Residential- High Density Zone, regardless of use. A sidewalk sign shall not have greater dimensions than 18 inches by three feet.

         (a)   One halo-lit sign, in lieu of a building wall sign, shall be allowed per business, subject to review and approval by the Development Review Committee.

         (b)   Letters shall not exceed two feet in height and total length shall not exceed two-thirds the total width of the business upon which it is placed.

         (b)   A projecting wall sign shall be allowed in lieu of a building wall sign if integrated into the architectural design of the building.

         (c)   A projecting wall sign shall not be allowed if the business has awning signage.

         (d)   The projecting wall sign shall be in proportion with respect to height and width of the building, but in no case shall it exceed nine square feet with a maximum projection of 42 inches. The design of the sign supports shall be subject to the review and approval of the Development Review Committee.

         (e)   A vertical clearance of a minimum of seven feet, six inches from the highest sidewalk surface to the bottom of the projecting wall sign shall be maintained. The sign shall not extend past the roofline.

         (a)   One rear entrance sign per business shall be allowed per business, subject to review and approval by the Development Review Committee.

         (b)   The rear entrance sign shall be a maximum of two feet by four feet.

         (a)   One monument sign shall be allowed for business identification (one per street frontage for shopping center and auto center) incorporated in a landscaped area the size of which shall be equivalent to the total sign area but in no case shall have a dimension of less than five feet.

         (b)   An identification monument sign shall not exceed six feet in vertical overall height (including base) and 50 square feet in area per face, except that those lots fronting Foothill Boulevard shall not exceed eight feet in overall vertical height (including base) and 60 square feet in area. The base shall not exceed two feet in height, excluding architectural treatments that do not raise the height.

         (a)   One monument sign shall be allowed for business identification incorporated in a landscape area the size of which shall be equivalent to the total sign area but in no case shall have a dimension of less than five feet.

         (b)   An identification monument sign for detached buildings shall not exceed six feet in overall vertical height (including base) and 25 square feet in area per face. The base shall not exceed two feet in height, excluding architectural treatments that do not raise the height.

         (a)   One tenant directory sign incorporated in a landscaped area shall be allowed in lieu of an identification sign (for shopping centers, only those set back 150 feet from a public right-of-way or shopping centers with businesses not visible from the street). The tenant directory signs shall identify the center or building and businesses within the center. A tenant directory sign shall only list center identification and the names of the businesses on the site.

         (b)   Said sign shall be limited to an overall maximum height of eight feet (including base) and shall not exceed 60 square feet per side for shopping centers and a maximum overall height of six feet (including base) and shall not exceed 30 square feet per side for Office Building 3+ and Business Parks.

         (a)   One elevated center directory sign shall be allowed per street frontage at shopping centers with a minimum 200-foot width and minimum 300-foot depth. Such sign shall consist of a sign area elevated from the ground on two piers and incorporated in a landscaped area, the size of which shall be equivalent to the total sign area but in no case shall have a dimension of less than five feet. Such sign shall list only center identification and the names of the businesses on the site.

         (b)   Said sign shall be limited to a maximum height of 20 feet and shall not exceed 80 square feet per side in sign area.

         (a)   One freestanding sign shall be allowed on any one lot or contiguous lots which are occupied by a single business or by two or more businesses sharing common parking facilities except those lots fronting on Foothill Boulevard. Said sign shall be located in a landscaped area the size of which shall be equivalent to the total sign area, but in no case shall have a dimension of less than five feet, and shall not project into a public way.

Note: Only sign face change-outs shall be permitted for existing freestanding signs on Foothill Boulevard. However, said signs shall not be permitted in the RH Residential High Density Zone regardless of use.

         (b)   1.   The maximum area of one side of a freestanding, or pole sign shall be based on the lot frontage of all contiguous lots which are occupied by a single business or two or more businesses sharing common parking facilities and shall be in accordance with the following schedule; no one face shall exceed the area of the reverse face:

 

 

            2.   Freestanding public service signs require a conditional use permit and shall not exceed 35 feet in height and 125 square feet per face.

         (a)   Permanent window signs shall be allowed, provided that the signs are either painted directly on the window or displayed as neon tube signs, if the letter style is compatible with approved signage on the building. Alternate material may be used if the Development Review Committee determines that the sign is of comparable quality. Only the business name and/or a list of products or services not implicit in the name shall be displayed.

         (b)   Window signs shall not exceed 10% of the total window area of the face of the building upon which the signs are mounted or applied.

            1.   Neon tubing used in neon tube signs shall not exceed one-half inch in diameter.

            2.   Neon tube signs adjacent to residential uses shall not exceed one-half foot-candle measured at the property line.

            3.   Neon tubing used in neon tube signs shall not be combined with any reflective materials (such as, highly glazed tiles, mirrors, polished metal or other similar materials).

            4.   Neon tube signs not directly applied to the window but part of a window display shall be counted toward the 10% of the window area restriction.

            5.   The use of neon tubing around doors, windows, window displays or similar elements is prohibited.

         (d)   On the window of the door the phone number, web address and hours of operation shall be allowed at a maximum height of one inch and two-thirds the width of the window on the door. Only professionally printed, decaled or applied signage is allowed.

         (a)   Temporary window signs to promote special sales shall be allowed with the Development Review Committee approval, provided that the signs shall not be displayed for more than 15 days at one time and shall not exceed 60 days in one year.

         (b)   Temporary window signs shall not occupy more area than 25% of the total window area of the face of the building upon which such signs are mounted.

            1.   Balloon signs shall require Development Review Committee approval.

            2.   Balloon signs, except those parcels fronting on Foothill Boulevard, shall be anchored to a permanent fixture and shall stand no higher than 40 feet above the ground and shall be no closer than 50 feet from the front and rear property line. Balloons may not be lighter-than-air.

            3.   Balloon signs at parcels fronting Foothill Boulevard shall be anchored to a permanent fixture and shall stand no higher than 27 feet above the ground and shall be no closer than 50 feet from the front and rear property line. Balloons may not be lighter-than-air.

            4.   All anchorage points and balloon installations shall require a building permit.

            1.   Balloon signs displayed for up to 30 days only shall be allowed without Development Review Committee approval, provided any such sign shall not be displayed more than four times in one year.

            2.   Balloon signs that are to be displayed for more than 30 days shall require Development Review Committee approval.

            3.   Balloon signs shall be anchored to a permanent fixture and shall stand no higher than 40 feet over the height of the highest building within 100 feet, and shall be no less than 50 feet from any street. Balloons may not be lighter-than-air.

            4.   All anchorage points and balloon installations shall require a building permit.

         (a)   A freestanding sidewalk sign, if permitted, shall be located within two and one-half feet of the building face provided that ADA clearance is maintained. The Development Review Committee may allow a freestanding sidewalk sign to be further from a building face if special conditions or constraints exist.

         (b)   Establishments such as bakeries, florists, candy shops and other businesses that have as their primary sales items perishable goods shall be allowed one sidewalk sign subject to Development Review Committee review and approval.

         (c)   Restaurants shall be allowed one sidewalk sign of each type subject to Development Review Committee review and approval.

         (d)   The Development Review Committee shall regulate the materials, color, style, quality and similar aspects of sidewalk signs to assure each sidewalk sign is compatible with the architecture of the building.

         (e)   Sidewalk signs are not permitted in the RH Zone.

         (f)   A freestanding sidewalk sign may have a single or double face. A freestanding sidewalk sign shall be four feet in height and each sign face shall be 18 inches by 24 inches.

         (g)   A sidewalk wall sign shall be a maximum 18 inches wide by 24 inches high and shall be located at eye level on the building. All letter height shall be a maximum of two inches.

         (h)   In Old Town, the Development Review Committee may approve sidewalk signs for businesses that are not eating establishments, bakeries, florists, and the like, so long as the sidewalk signs are integrated with the theme of the business and compatible with the historical character of Old Town. In considering this type of sign, the Development Review Committee may impose restrictions on materials, color, style, quality and the like to ensure compatibility with the historical character of the downtown area.

         (i)   In addition to the sidewalk signs described above, in Old Town, one temporary sidewalk display sign no bigger than four feet in height or three feet in width, to promote special sales and openings shall be allowed provided that any such sign shall not be displayed for more than 15 days at one time and shall not exceed four times in a 12-month period.

         (j)   For all sidewalk signs, insurance shall be required naming the city as an additional insured. The amount of insurance, type of coverage and any additional endorsements required for such insurance shall be determined by the city’s Risk Manager. Before placing a sidewalk sign, in addition to any approvals required by this chapter, a city encroachment permit shall be obtained from the Department of Public Works.

         (a)   One temporary display sign to promote only special sales and openings shall be allowed provided that any such sign shall not be displayed for more than 15 days at one time and shall not exceed four times in one year.

         (b)   Any temporary display sign shall not exceed 30 square feet in area.

         (a)   One pole sign that integrates both the service station emblem or trademark and the State of California mandatory price sign on the same pole in a non-contiguous manner shall be allowed at any one service station. Said sign shall be located in a landscaped area the size of which shall be equivalent to the total sign area of both emblem and price signs, but in no case shall have a dimension of less than five feet, and shall not project into a public way.

         (b)   The maximum area of any face of the emblem or trademark section shall be 40 square feet. The maximum area of the price section, which shall not be contiguous with the emblem section, shall be 25 square feet. No one face shall exceed the area of the reverse face. The maximum height of said sign shall be 20 feet.

         (a)   One monument sign that integrates both the service station emblem or trademark and the State of California mandatory price sign on the same monument shall be allowed at any one service station, provided that no pole sign is located at that site. Said sign shall be located in a landscaped area the size of which shall be equivalent to the total sign area but in no case shall have a dimension of less than five feet.

         (b)   The maximum area of any face shall be 70 square feet, with the price sign no larger than the emblem, and shall not exceed six feet in overall vertical height (including base). The base shall not exceed two feet in height, excluding architectural treatments that do not raise the height.

         (c)   The State of California mandatory fuel price sign that is part of a service station monument sign may be an electronic fuel price sign. An electronic fuel price sign means a sign that allows the price to be changed remotely through electronic means and utilizes an electronic display to display the price as digits. The area of the electronic display shall be included in calculating the total permitted sign area. The area of the electronic display may not exceed 50% of the total sign area.

            1.   An electronic fuel price sign shall contain only static price displays, and shall not have movement, or the appearance or optical illusion of movement, and shall not flash, scintillate, or vary the light intensity.

            2.   An electronic fuel price sign shall be illuminated no greater than the minimum level required to ensure nighttime readability from a distance of 300 feet. The illumination from an electronic fuel price sign shall not impair the vision of travelers on adjacent right-of-ways. The illumination shall be considered vision impairing when its brilliance exceeds the values set forth in § 21466.5 of the California Vehicle Code. An electronic fuel price sign shall not cause beams or rays of light to be directed at nearby properties, including without limitation nearby right-of-ways, if the light is of an intensity or brilliance as to cause glare, and shall be in compliance with § 17.32.090. An electronic fuel price sign shall not be so illuminated that it interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures any official traffic sign, device, or signal.

            3.   Any structures, visible devices, cages or shielding related to or attached to an electronic fuel price sign are prohibited, unless reviewed and approved by the Development Review Committee prior to installation.

            4.   The owner of an electronic fuel price sign shall promptly turn off the sign in the event of a malfunction that violates any provision of the Monrovia Municipal Code, or creates a public health or safety hazard. The sign shall remain off until the malfunction is remedied and the electronic sign is working in compliance with the Monrovia Municipal Code. The owner of an electronic price sign shall provide the city with contact information, including a telephone number, for a person who is available at all times to accept a report from the city that the message board is malfunctioning.

            5.   The Development Review Committee shall make the following findings before approving an electronic fuel price sign:

               a.   The electronic fuel price sign will not detract from the visibility of other signs; and

               b.   The electronic fuel sign and the conditions under which it will be operated will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the vicinity.

         (a)   Two dispensing island signs displaying only the service station emblem or trademark shall be permitted for each dispensing island and shall be located at the island or on the canopy.

         (b)   A dispensing island sign shall not exceed six square feet.

         (a)   One construction sign denoting the architects, engineers, contractor, or other related subjects shall be permitted upon the commencement of construction, and will be permitted until such time as a final inspection of the building(s) designates said structure(s) fit for occupancy, or the tenant is occupying said building(s), whichever occurs first.

         (b)   A construction sign shall not exceed 100 square feet in area.

         (a)   Signs used to give directions to traffic or pedestrians or give instructions as to special conditions and shall be permitted in addition to the other signs listed in this section.

         (b)   Directional/instructional signs shall not exceed eight square feet in area and four feet in height.

         (a)   A sign listing the name of future tenants, responsible agent, or realtor, and identification of the specific complex shall be permitted until such times a final inspection of the building(s) designates the structure(s) fit for occupancy or tenant is occupying the building(s), whichever occurs first.

         (b)   A future tenant identification sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in area.

         (a)   Real estate signs announcing a building or unit within a building for sale, lease, or rent shall be located on the land to which the sign refers. Said signs shall not exceed two signs per street frontage and shall not require Development Review Committee approval. One additional sign per street frontage shall be permitted if signs are at least 200 feet apart.

         (b)   For rent, sale or lease signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in surface area.

(`83 Code, § 17.28.100) (Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994; Ord. 95-02 § 4, 1995; Ord. 2002-08 §§ 12 - 14, 2002; Ord. 2011-01 §§ 6 - 11, 2011; Ord. 2013-04 § 7, 2013)

   The goal of design for signs city-wide is to keep moderate, attractive and compatible styling so as not to cause erratic or disturbing distractions from the architectural character of nearby businesses. The choice of materials is left to the discretion of the applicant(s) for each shopping center or for each individual business subject to the approval of the Development Review Committee. The Development Review Committee may, after careful review, determine that any combination of materials defined in divisions (A) or (B) of this section may or may not meet the intent and purpose of this chapter. The Development Review Committee may approve, conditionally approve or deny any sign quality or material based on compatibility with the intent and purpose of this chapter.

   (A)   The following materials are recommended and desirable for establishing a sign plan for an individual business or a comprehensive sign plan for a shopping center:

      (1)   Sign face supports and standards made of resawn or rough sawn wood and/or wrought iron with painted backgrounds and lettering;

      (2)   Sign face, supports and standards made of smooth wood trimmed with painted backgrounds and lettering;

      (3)   Use of individual styrene letters on the face of the building;

      (4)   Use of wood cutouts or wrought iron silhouettes further identifying the business on any of the above;

      (5)   Sandblasted redwood.

   (B)   The following materials and details are less desirable; however, they may be approved by the Development Review Committee following submittal of design specifications and materials. Design and materials must be compatible with the intent and purpose of this chapter:

      (1)   Contemporary finish materials such as porcelain, enamel, aluminum and steel;

      (2)   Imitation wood or imitation marble;

      (3)   Bright gloss enamel, or reflecting surfaces;

      (4)   Exposed neon tube graphics.

   (C)   The following materials and details are not acceptable:

      (1)   (Reserved)

      (2)   Fluorescent paint;

      (3)   Exposed metal supports in extruded, rolled or tubular sections;

      (4)   Plywood or wood planks, painted or unpainted.

(`83 Code, § 17.28.110) (Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994)

   (A)   Structures supporting freestanding signs shall be designed in such a manner so as to reflect as an integral part of the design of the building (i.e. brick or stucco pilasters).

   (B)   All multiple tenant complexes (shopping centers and the like) shall have approval of a comprehensive sign plan prior to any individual sign approvals. The intent and purpose of a comprehensive sign plan is to assure that the signage of a center will appear as an integral part of a center and to encourage compatibility with the center in an orderly, efficient and attractive manner.

   (C)   Signs visible from the exterior of any building may be indirectly lighted or shadow-lighted so that the immediate source of the illumination is not visible.

   (D)   Signs (except Old Town) may be interior lighted, but only so that the lettering and any graphic is illuminated and all other portions are opaque; but also no sign or other contrivance shall be constructed so as to rotate, gyrate, blink or move in any animated fashion.

   (E)   Signs shall be restricted to advertising only the person, firm, company or corporation operating the use conducted on the site.

   (F)   A wall sign with the individual letters applied shall be measured by a rectangle around the outside of the lettering and/or the pictorial symbol and calculating the area enclosed by such line.

   (G)   All signs attached to a building shall be surface-mounted.

   (H)   No roof sign of any kind shall be permitted.

   (I)   The sign shall in no way endanger the health and safety of the public by causing distractions to operators of motor vehicles on the streets and/or highways.

   (J)   All lighting shall be located and of such color that there will be no confusion with public signs or signals regulating the flow of vehicular traffic.

   (K)   Using the minor exception procedure as outlined in Chapter 17.52, the Development Review Committee shall have authority to approve a larger sign than is provided for in this chapter if a finding is made that the larger sign is in architectural harmony with the premises upon which it is to be located and is compatible with the intent and purpose of this chapter.

(`83 Code, § 17.28.120) (Ord. 81-19 § 1 (part), 1981; Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994; Ord. 2004-11 § 12, 2004; Ord. 2011-01 § 6, 2011)

   Advertising structures, billboards and outdoor advertising signs structures shall not be permitted.

(`83 Code, § 17.28.130) (Ord. 81-19 § 1, 1981; Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994)

   (A)   Religious assembly, non-profit recreational facilities located on properties zoned public/quasi-public (P/QP) and educational institutions shall be allowed one electronic message board located on an identification monument sign, subject to the approval of a minor conditional use permit by the Development Review Committee.

   (B)   The electronic message board shall be subject to the following conditions:

      (1)   An electronic message board may contain a changeable message board as defined herein, that utilizes changeable text, images, pictures, and or symbols that may appear as an on/off message.

      (2)   An electronic message board shall be incorporated into a monument sign subject to the size regulations established by the City of Monrovia Sign Ordinance. The area of the electronic component(s) shall not exceed 30% of the approved sign area.

      (3)   An electronic message board shall not contain or display animated, moving video, scroll, flash, blink, fly, or chase sign message into view or create a sense of motion. An electronic message board sign shall contain only static displays.

      (4)   Daytime luminance of an electronic message board shall not exceed 450 foot candles per square foot. During nighttime or reduced lighting, the maximum illumination level of an electronic message board shall be 0.3 foot candles above ambient light levels. All permitted electronic message boards shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and shall be programmed to automatically dim to comply with the 0.3 foot-candle measurements.

      (5)   Each message on an electronic message board shall be displayed for at least 30 seconds, and a change of message shall be accomplished within two seconds with an on/off cycle. Fade out/fade in from one static image to another static image is allowed.

      (6)   The electronic message board shall display messages directly related to the on-site use. No off-site advertising is allowed on the electronic message board.

      (7)   The electronic message board shall be designed and equipped to freeze the device in one position if a malfunction occurs. The displays must also be equipped with a means to immediately discontinue the display if it malfunctions, and the billboard owner must immediately stop the electronic message when notified by the city that it is not complying with the standards of this section. Prior to issuing any necessary permits for an electronic message board, the applicant shall submit to the city written verification from the manufacturer that the electronic message is so designed and equipped.

      (8)   The owner of an electronic message board shall provide the city with contact information for a person who is available to turn off the electronic message board promptly after a malfunction.

      (9)   Any structures, visible devices, cages, or shielding related to or attached to an electronic message board are prohibited unless reviewed and approved by the Development Review Committee prior to installation.

      (10)   An electronic message board located on a lot adjacent to a residential unit(s) or lot(s) zoned for residential use shall be turned off between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

      (11)   After approval of a minor conditional use permit for an electronic message board, the permit may be reviewed and additional conditions and limitations may be imposed by the Development Review Committee, including without limitation, lighting, illumination, hours of operation or intensity of the electronic message board, if complaints, subject to verification by staff, are received from the public.

      (12)   An electronic message board located on a lot adjacent to or across the street from a residential unit or lot(s) zoned for residential use shall be turned off between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.

(Ord. 2009-06 § 9, 2009; Ord. 2015-09 § 7, 2015)

   (A)   All signs which do not meet the requirements of this chapter are hereby deemed nonconforming.

   (B)   All nonconforming signs in Old Town shall be removed and modified to conform within one year beginning on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

   (C)   All other nonconforming signs may be continued, provided no additions or enlargements are made thereto and no structural alterations are made therein, excepting those required by law or ordinance. If said nonconforming sign is destroyed or removed, or ceases to be used for the use in existence of the effective date of this chapter for a period in excess of 180 days, every future sign of said premises shall be in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

(`83 Code, § 17.28.140) (Ord. 81-19 § 1, 1981; Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994; Ord. 2011-01 § 6, 2011)

   (A)   Signs together with their supports and appurtenances shall be kept in a proper state of maintenance. The display surface of all signs shall be kept neatly painted and posted. The Building Official or Code Enforcement Officer may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of the section.

   (B)   At such time as nonconforming signs fall into a deteriorated condition or disregard and are no longer in a proper state of maintenance as determined by the Building Official, said sign shall be removed as ordered by the Building Official or Code Enforcement Officer.

(`83 Code, § 17.28.150) (Ord. 83-04 § 3, 1983; Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994)

   Any sign and/or sign structure that is abandoned for 60 days by way of no longer referring or relating to the business, operation, property, or activity for which it was erected shall be removed within 30 days of such abandonment, notwithstanding the provisions stated in Chapter 8.12.

(`83 Code, § 17.28.160) (Ord. 94-03 § 6, 1994)