The City of Mountain View finds that signs have a strong visual impact on the character and quality of the community. As a prominent part of the visual environment, they attract or repel the viewing public, announce or obscure the location of businesses and other uses, affect the safety of vehicular traffic, and their suitability or appropriateness helps to set the tone of the neighborhood in which they are located. Most signs in the City of Mountain View are displayed to both the vehicular and pedestrian public and in various historic, residential, commercial and industrial districts. It is the intent of the City of Mountain View, through this comprehensive sign approach, to protect and enhance the city's historic and residential character and its economic base through provision of appropriate and aesthetic signing. In addition, it is the intent of the city to regulate the size, type and location of signs in order to provide utility to the user while minimizing their negative affects on the aesthetic values of the community and on safety issues relative to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. In view of these facts, the City of Mountain View adopts the policy that the signs should serve primarily to identify an establishment, organization or enterprise. As identification devices, signs must not subject the people of the city to excessive competition for their visual attention. As appropriate identification devices, signs must harmonize with the visual characteristics of the building, the neighborhood and other signs in the area.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

Signs shall only be erected or maintained as established by this article. The number of permitted signs and the size of sign(s) permitted by this article are maximum standards which do not necessarily ensure architectural compatibility. Therefore, in addition to the enumerated standards of this article, consideration shall be given to the relationship of the sign to the overall appearance of the subject property as well as to the surrounding community and may result in an approved sign that is less than the maximum sign area permitted to ensure aesthetic compatibility with the building or site as determined by the zoning administrator. This article shall not apply to public or civil event signs installed in the public rights-of-way.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

a.

It shall be unlawful for any person or agent to construct, maintain, display or alter or cause to be constructed, maintained, displayed or altered, a sign within the City of Mountain View, except in conformance with this chapter.

b.

Signs shall only be constructed, displayed or altered with sign permits approved through development review in accordance with Section 36.44.45 (Development Review), exempt are specific signs listed in Section 36.36.15 (Exempt signs).

c.

A sign program that consists of a visual or written system of signage for a multiple-building or multiple-occupant site which defines a visual design common theme for signage that is compatible with the applicable structures and uses, may be required as part of a development review application for multi-tenant structure(s), or as deemed necessary by the zoning administrator, to ensure compliance with the provisions of this article, consistent with Section 36.56 (Applications, Hearings and Appeals).

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

The following signs shall not require approval by the zoning administrator, nor shall the area of these signs be counted as part of the maximum sign area permitted for any site or use, though may require building permits:

a.

Open/closed sign. One "open" or "closed" window sign less than two (2) square feet.

b.

Flag. An American, California or city flag. The flag shall not exceed eight (8) feet in length or ten (10) feet in height.

c.

Business information signs. Business information signs are signs informing business patrons of hours of business, "help wanted," accepted credit cards or other general business information, but do not include separate identification of the specific business or advertisement of products, services or sales. Such business information signs shall be gathered in one (1) location unless otherwise approved by the zoning administrator, and shall not exceed a total of two (2) square feet.

d.

Open house sign. In addition to other real estate signs permitted by this article, one "open house" sign not exceeding three (3) square feet is permitted provided it is located on the particular premises which is for sale, lease or rent, and posted only when a salesperson is present.

e.

Undeveloped acreage real estate sign. For undeveloped acreage, one (1) nonilluminated real estate sign shall be permitted, and shall not exceed one-quarter (¼) of one (1) square foot for each linear foot of site frontage, to the maximum of fifty (50) square feet, and shall not exceed a height of six (6) feet above the surface of the street.

f.

Project announcement signs. Project announcement signs, or any other similar temporary sign required by the community development department, that inform the public that a land use application is on file with the City of Mountain View shall be permitted for any district. The timing, number, placement, size, material and content of these sign(s) shall be approved by the zoning administrator. These signs shall not be used as an advertisement for the property. The signs shall be promptly removed following a final action on the land use application(s) or the completion of construction.

g.

Community interest sign, private property. A single designated area not exceeding six (6) square feet of a single window of an occupancy may be approved to allow display of a maximum of two (2) ancillary, temporary, professionally prepared posters announcing an event of general community interest in addition to any permanent signs allowed. Said poster(s) shall not include the name of the business or property displaying the poster. Said posters shall not require individual city approval, but shall be dated on the sign and shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the posted date or upon conclusion of the event, whichever occurs first.

h.

Grand opening banners, temporary. No more than one (1) temporary banner per occupancy frontage announcing a new business opening may be displayed for a maximum period of thirty (30) days. Said banner(s) shall be dated on the sign and shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the posted date.

i.

Directional sign. Signs necessary for public convenience and safety, not exceeding four (4) square feet in size or three (3) feet in height, containing information such as "entrance," "exit," or directional arrows designed to be viewed by on-site pedestrians or motorists. These signs require a building permit.

j.

Window signs.

1.

Commercial uses with ground floor frontage may have window signs in addition to otherwise permitted building mounted or freestanding signs. A maximum of one (1) window sign is permitted per window pane or framed window area on the ground floor and shall not occupy more than twenty-five (25) percent of the total transparent glass area of those windows parallel to the street on the ground floor of that use, excluding the area of any glass doors, or one (1) square foot per one (1) linear foot of occupancy frontage on a public street, whichever is less. The maximum height of lettering on window signs shall not exceed twelve (12) inches. Except for neon signs where permitted, window signs shall be nonilluminated or internally or indirectly illuminated only, and shall consist of painted or gold leaf lettering directly on glass; plastic, wood, metal or other high-quality solid material; or solidly framed posters or sign boards. Neon signs within four (4) feet of a window may be permitted as a window sign provided that: (i) all electrical supply cords and conduits and electrical transformers are hidden from view through the window; and (ii) all necessary permits, including electrical and/or building permits, have been obtained.

2.

Commercial uses on the second floor of multiple-story buildings may have window signs in addition to otherwise permitted building-mounted or freestanding signs. A maximum of one (1) window sign is permitted per window pane or framed window area on the second floor and shall not occupy more than fifteen (15) percent of the total second floor, transparent glass area of those windows parallel to the street of that use. The maximum height of lettering on window signs shall not exceed twelve (12) inches. Second-floor window signs shall be nonilluminated and shall consist of painted or gold-leaf on the glass surface.

3.

Window signs above the second floor shall not be permitted. Any graphics, displays or sign panels with lettering more than one (1) inch high, mounted within four (4) feet of a window shall be considered a window sign subject to these provisions, except for: (i) displays with lettering less than one (1) inch high; (ii) products on shelves for sale to the public, and; (iii) framed information panels with at least eighty (80) percent of area of text in lettering less than one (1) inch high.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

The following signs are inconsistent with the purposes of the city's comprehensive sign approach and the sign standards outlined in this article, and are therefore prohibited:

a.

Abandoned signs, or signs advertising or publicizing an activity, service or product not conducted on the premises upon which the sign is maintained, excerpt for community-interest signs permitted by Section 36.36.15.g or signs specifically permitted in a zone district or precise plan;

b.

Animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, or any other similar moving or simulated moving sign;

c.

Balloons, gas-filled balloons, flags (except for those outlined in Section 36.36.15.b), banners (except as provided in Section 36.36.15.h and 36.36.60) and pennants;

d.

Signs on benches, bicycle racks, shopping cart corrals or other site appurtenances, except for simple, nonilluminated directory or owner identification signs not exceeding two (2) square feet;

e.

Off-site signs, except as permitted in Section 36.36.60;

f.

Signs mounted on the roof or above the lower eave line of a mansard or similar roof;

g.

Signs on public property or in a public right-of-way, except for publicly installed traffic and street identification signs, approved special event signs or other signs expressly permitted by this code (such as, political signs);

h.

Signs painted on or affixed to fences or roofs;

i.

Signs that simulate in color or design a traffic sign or signal, or which make use of words, symbols or characters in a manner which could interfere with, mislead or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic;

j.

Temporary signs, including, but not limited to, "A" frame signs and sandwich boards, any sign attached to utility or street name poles and any product or temporary sign mounted or painted on a vehicle parked or located so as to function as an identification or directional sign(s) identifying a business or product; and

k.

Windblown devices, including, but not limited to, windmills, kites, display flags, streamers, balloons, blimps or similar devices designed to attract attention to a property or business by moving in the wind.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

The following general regulations apply to all signs unless specifically modified by sign standards for individual zone districts:

a.

Measurement of sign area. Sign area for all signs permitted by this article shall be measured by means of a single rectangular or circular shape that encloses all sign elements except the support structure. For signs consisting of individual letters and/or graphics mounted on a building wall or window, the sign area shall be measured by means of a single rectangular or circular shape that encloses all of the letters and graphics that constitute the sign. For signs with more than one (1) side that is visible to the public, the sign area shall be the total of the calculated area of all sides. Aggregate sign area is the area of all signs on the property or occupancy, except for exempt signs and real estate signs.

b.

Aggregate sign area based on lot frontage. For properties with multiple street frontages in zoning districts with an aggregate sign area based on lot frontage, the aggregate area shall be based on the lot frontage of the longest side, not including the corner circumference.

c.

Relationship to structures. Each sign shall complement the architectural style and setting of the structure or use represented. Building wall and fascia signs shall be compatible with the predominant visual elements of the structure(s), including but not limited to construction materials, color, or other design feature consistent with Section 36.36.30 (Findings). Each freestanding/monument sign shall be designed to complement the architectural character of the adjacent structure(s). Commercial centers, offices, industrial complexes and other similar facilities with multiple signs may be required to incorporate a sign program in compliance with the provisions of this article which shall have a compatible visual design common in theme to all applicable structures and uses.

d.

Relationship to other signs. Multiple tenant developments on single properties are encouraged and may be required as a condition of project approval to establish a program for overall coordination of signing for the development. Where there is more than one (1) sign, all signs should be complementary to each other in the following ways:

1.

Letter size and style of copy;

2.

Shape of total sign and related components;

3.

Type of construction materials (sign or letter frame, sign copy, supports, etc.); and

4.

Method used for supporting sign (wall or ground base).

e.

Landscaping. Each freestanding/monument sign shall be located within a planted landscaped area. The size, shape and design of the landscaped area shall relate to the size, shape and design of the sign and provide a base on the ground appropriate to the sign structure as determined through the design review process.

f.

Signs in street right-of-way or interfering with sight distance.

1.

No sign shall be located in or project into the present or future right-of-way (ROW) of any public street unless such location or projection is specifically authorized by other provisions of this code and has secured all necessary permits, including an encroachment permit.

2.

No sign shall be designed, located or constructed so as to interfere with the sight distance of motorists/cyclists proceeding on or approaching adjacent streets, alleys, driveways or parking areas, or of pedestrians proceeding on or approaching adjacent sidewalks or pedestrian ways.

g.

Signs over driveways. All parts of signs, except for height limitation warning signs, suspended over or projecting into the area above a driveway located on private property shall be located at least fifteen (15) feet above the surface of the driveway.

h.

Signs over public sidewalks and pedestrian ways. All parts of signs suspended over or projecting into the area above a public sidewalk or pedestrian way shall be situated at least eight (8) feet above the surface of the sidewalk or pedestrian way unless a lower height is specifically permitted within a zone district or precise plan.

i.

Construction standards. All permanent signs shall be professionally constructed of high quality, durable materials that complement the adjacent building and surrounding community and shall be designed to be vandal- and weather-resistant.

j.

Maintenance. To avoid visual blight and public safety hazards, all signs shall be properly maintained, with all parts in proper working order, finishes maintained in weather-resistant condition, and all parts of the sign firmly affixed to the building or other support structure.

k.

Sign removal and repair. If a sign is removed or replaced with a different size sign, the remaining sign structure of a freestanding sign or the wall of the building to which the sign was attached shall be repaired, patched, painted and otherwise restored to match the rest of the structure or building wall. If no sign is placed on a freestanding sign pole or monument, the entire pole or monument shall be removed.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

The zoning administrator may approve and/or conditionally approve a sign or sign program application in whole or in part, with or without conditions, only if the following findings are made:

a.

The proposed sign is permitted within the zoning district and complies with all of the applicable provisions of this chapter;

b.

The sign primarily identifies the business name and does not list multiple products or services;

c.

The sign is in proper proportion to the structure or site on which it is located and as an identification device, does not excessively compete for the public's attention;

d.

The sign materials, color, texture, size, shape, height, and placement are harmonious with the design of the structure, property and neighborhood of which it is a part;

e.

The sign's illumination is at the lowest possible level, which ensures adequate identification and readability and is directed solely at the sign or is internal to it;

f.

The sign is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, or welfare; and

g.

The sign is in compliance with the sign regulations in Section 36.36.25.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

a.

Any additional development of a site, or change of use, occupancy, tenant or sign copy (with the exception of window signs) shall require that legally established, nonconforming signs be brought into conformance with this chapter. Such nonconforming signs are also subject to the time limits established by Section 36.06.95, which states that any nonconforming sign must be made to conform to these regulations or be removed within five (5) years of the date the sign became nonconforming.

b.

Within the downtown precise plan area, freestanding mural/icon signs which were approved by the zoning administrator prior to the effective date of this ordinance shall be permitted to remain indefinitely provided that said sign does not interfere with public access and the sign is maintained in structurally sound condition and paint or other surface treatment remains weather-resistant and free of discoloration or other significant deterioration.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

a.

Permanent/fixed signs. The zoning administrator shall remove or cause the removal of any fixed, permanent sign constructed, placed or maintained in violation of this chapter, after fifteen (15) days following the date of mailing of registered or certified written notice to the owner of the property as shown on the latest assessment roll. The notice shall describe the sign and specify the violation, and indicate that the sign will be removed if the violation is not corrected within ten (10) days. If the owner disagrees with the determination of the zoning administrator, the owner may, within the ten (10) day period, request a hearing before the zoning administrator to determine the existence of a violation.

b.

Temporary signs. The zoning administrator shall have the authority to order the removal of illegal temporary signs without any notice requirements.

c.

Storage of removed signs. Signs removed by the zoning administrator in compliance with this section shall be stored for a period of ten (10) days, during which time they may be recovered by the owner upon payment to the city for costs of removal and storage. If not recovered prior to the expiration of the ten (10) day period, the sign and supporting structures shall be declared abandoned and title thereto shall vest to the city, and the cost of removal shall be billed to the owner.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

In adopting this article, it was the intent of the city council that these regulations comply with and be interpreted consistent with the state and federal law. If any division, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this article is for any reason held to be invalid, unconstitutional or unenforceable, these decisions shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this article. The city council hereby declares that it would have adopted this article and each division, section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, clause, phrase and portion thereof irrespective of the fact that one or more portions of this article be declared invalid, unconstitutional or unenforceable.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

The following signs are allowed in all zoning districts where the use being advertised is allowed, subject to these regulations and issuance of a sign permit, and shall not be counted as part of the maximum allowed sign area per Sec. 36.36.55, except as noted:

a.

Construction sign. No more than one (1) temporary sign per street frontage adjacent to the project, advertising the various construction trades participating in the project, shall be permitted. On a site less than one (1) acre, the sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area or six (6) feet in height. On a parcel of land of one (1) acre or more, the sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in sign area or ten (10) feet in height. The sign shall not extend beyond the subject property nor interfere with any traffic safety visibility area of the parcel (in compliance with subsection 36.34.10.m., Corner Treatment). The sign shall be unlighted. The sign may remain on the property until the last unit is sold, rented or leased or for one (1) year, whichever period is less; provided, however, that the zoning administrator shall have the authority to extend the time period for a maximum of one (1) additional year.

b.

Temporary subdivision sign. No more than one (1) on-site, temporary subdivision sign declaring a group of parcels, dwellings or occupancies within a subdivision for sale, rent or lease shall be permitted for each preexisting street frontage of the subdivision site. On a site less than one (1) acre, the sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area or six (6) feet in height. On a parcel of land of one (1) acre or more, the sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in sign area or ten (10) feet in height. The sign shall not extend beyond the subject property nor interfere with any traffic safety visibility area of the parcel (in compliance with subsection 36.34.10.m., Corner Treatment). The sign shall be unlighted. The sign may remain on the property until the last unit is sold, rented or leased or for one (1) year, whichever period is less; provided, however, that the zoning administrator shall have the authority to extend the time period for one (1) additional year.

c.

Permanent tract or neighborhood signs. Permanent tract or subdivision signs located at the street entrance or entrances to the appurtenant tract or neighborhood may be permitted through the development review process in accordance with Sec. 36.44.45 (Development Review). Said signs shall contain only the name of the tract or neighborhood, shall consist of landscaped, decorative masonry walls or structures, and shall be unlighted or provided with indirect illumination. Any such sign shall not encroach into the corner sight visibility triangle or exceed the street setback height limit except as specifically approved by the zoning administrator.

d.

Barber poles. Any barber shop shall be entitled to display a single barber pole in addition to any other signs allowed by this article. The size, location and method of mounting to the building shall be as approved through the development review process in accordance with Sec. 36.44.45 (Development Review).

e.

Readerboards. Readerboards are portions of signs with message elements or sign copy that may be readily changed through the use of individual letters or characters, separate panels or electrical messages, including price signs. Such sign elements shall be designed as a part of and integrated fully with the architectural design of any other sign permitted on the same parcel of land; except that churches, theaters, places of entertainment or other similar use where programs or performances change on a routine basis may establish a separate readerboard sign in addition to any primary signs allowed in the applicable zone district. All readerboards shall be counted towards and shall comply with the sign area limitations of the zone district in which the sign is located.

f.

Signs appurtenant to conditional uses. In conjunction with or subsequent to the granting of a conditional use permit, the zoning administrator may authorize signs pertinent to such conditional uses and, based on the sign regulations for permitted uses within the applicable zoning district, may impose special restrictions on their size, height, lighting, shape, color and location. Unless otherwise allowed within the conditions of the conditional use permit, modifications or changes to such signing for a conditional use shall be subject to a further conditional use permit hearing and potential modification or conditions, except where the change to the sign is to reduce the area and clearly improve the appearance of the sign, in which case the modification may be approved through the design review process.

g.

Freestanding signs for multiple-tenant retail developments where permitted by the applicable zone district. Freestanding signs for shopping centers located on sites four (4) acres or more in size may identify only the center name and/or one (1) major tenant. On sites less than four (4) acres, the freestanding sign may identify the name of the center and a maximum of five (5) tenants.

h.

Height limit, exposed light signs. No part of a sign provided with neon or other exposed fluorescent or incandescent light sources shall exceed a height ten (10) feet above the surface of the adjacent street.

i.

Signs adjacent to freeways. Notwithstanding the prohibition of signs adjacent to freeways in Secs. 3.18.2 and 3.18.11, buildings located adjacent to freeways with limited visibility from an adjacent public street shall be allowed a sign oriented towards the freeway for advertisement of on-site tenants. All signage area shall be counted towards and shall comply with the sign area limitations of the zoning district in which the sign is located per Sec. 36.36.55 (Signs Allowed by Permit in Specific Zones).

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13; Ord. No. 5.18, § 9, 4/24/18)

The following signs are permitted in the individual zoning districts, subject to compliance with all provisions of this article, including approval through the design review process as set forth in Sec. 36.44.45. The sign regulations listed below are the maximum permitted standards and may be reduced to ensure architectural compatibility, including the sign's relationship to the overall appearance of the building and subject property and to the surrounding community. In the event a conflict arises between the text of this article and the following table, the text shall prevail.

In the following tables, abbreviations and symbols are used and shall have the following meanings:

1.

"Sq. ft." shall mean total square footage as measured by one (1) rectangular or circular shape that encloses all sign elements except the support structure.

2.

"Ft." shall mean "foot" or "feet," a linear measurement.

3.

"Ht." shall mean "height."

4.

"=" shall mean "equal" as in "exactly equivalent to"; for example, "maximum ht. = nine (9) ft." shall mean "maximum height equals nine (9) feet."

5.

"ROW" shall mean "right-of-way," the line of easement or dedicated land used as a public street or alley.

6.

"N/A" shall mean "not applicable."

7.

"%" shall mean "percent."

PERMITTED SIGNS BY ZONING DISTRICT

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13; Ord. No. 20.19, § 10, 12/10/19.)

The following signs are permitted in the downtown precise plan area, subject to compliance with all provisions of this article, including approval through the design review process as set forth in Section 36.44.45. The sign regulations listed below are the maximum permitted standards and may be reduced to ensure architectural compatibility, including the relationship of the sign to the overall appearance of the building and subject property and to the surrounding community. Unless otherwise stated, signs shall be unlighted, or may be indirectly or internally illuminated as approved in the design review process.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

The sign area for all signs permitted by this article shall be measured by means of the area of a single rectangular or circular shape that encloses all sign elements except the support structure. For signs consisting of individual letters and/or graphics mounted on a building wall or window, the sign area shall be measured by means of the area of a single rectangular or circular shape that encloses all of the letters and graphics that constitute the sign. For signs with more than one (1) side that is visible to the public, the sign area shall be the total of the calculated area of all sides. Aggregate sign area is the area of all signs on the property or occupancy, except for exempt signs and real estate signs.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

a.

Commercial, building-mounted. No more than one (1) sign per public street or alley frontage shall be permitted and the maximum allowable sign area shall not exceed one (1) square feet per one (1) foot of occupancy frontage. Said sign shall be mounted flat against building or awning, shall be mounted below second-floor windows, with design integrated with, and complementary to, facade design. For occupancies on side streets crossing Castro Street, this sign may project at an angle to the building for visibility from Castro Street. For occupancies fronting on a side street with a second frontage on an alley, the sign may be on the alley side of the building. Neon may be used for primary, commercial, building-mounted signs.

b.

Residential. Signs as permitted in the R3 district.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

a.

Monument signs. If building entrance is set back a minimum fifteen (15) feet from public street right-of-way line on which the building fronts, no more than one (1) freestanding sign is permitted in addition to building-mounted sign. The maximum monument sign area shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet per face, and the maximum height shall not exceed six (6) feet.

b.

Pedestrian signs. No more than one (1) sign per storefront shall be permitted; however, said sign may display multiple tenant names if there are multiple tenants in one (1) storefront. The maximum size shall not exceed two (2) feet by three (3) feet. The minimum height above sidewalk shall not be less than eight (8) feet. The pedestrian sign shall be supported by decorative chain or bracket, designed and constructed with high level of craftsmanship and detail. Creative signs symbolizing the identity of the business are encouraged.

c.

Directory signs. For multiple-story buildings, no more than one (1) sign listing multiple tenants in the building is permitted. Said sign shall be located on the ground floor. The maximum letter height for tenant names shall not exceed two (2) inches. The sign design must be compatible with the building design and materials. If a second- or third-floor tenant has separate entry on the street, one (1) pedestrian sign is permitted per such tenant entry. Such sign shall be placed near the tenant street entry.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

a.

First-floor window signs. The regulations listed in Section 36.36.50.f shall apply. A maximum of one (1) window sign related to the occupancy is permitted per window pane or framed window area on the ground floor and shall not occupy more than twenty-five (25) percent of the total transparent glass area of those windows parallel to the street on the ground floor of that use, excluding the area of any glass doors, or one (1) square foot per one (1) linear foot of occupancy frontage on a public street, whichever is less. The maximum height of lettering on window signs shall not exceed twelve (12) inches. Window signs in the downtown precise plan area shall be professionally designed and constructed and shall be limited to gold leaf or painted signs on the glass, or other high-quality graphics material that has been approved by the zoning administrator. Neon signs within four (4) feet of any window are permitted provided that: (i) all electrical supply cords and conduits and electrical transformers are hidden from view through the window; and (ii) all necessary permits, including electrical and/or building permits, have been obtained.

b.

Second-floor window signs. Commercial uses that are located on second floors of multiple story buildings and that do not have ground-floor occupancy may have window signs in addition to otherwise permitted building-mounted or freestanding signs. A maximum of one (1) window sign is permitted per window pane or framed window area on the second floor and shall not occupy more than fifteen (15) percent of the total second floor, transparent glass area of those windows parallel to the street of that use. The maximum height of lettering on window signs shall not exceed twelve (12) inches. Second floor window signs shall be nonilluminated and shall consist of paint or gold leaf on the glass surface.

1.

Window signs above the second floor are prohibited.

2.

Except as otherwise provided, paper, cardboard, plastic, chalk- or white-board signs are prohibited.

c.

Window graphics and displays. Any graphics, displays or sign panels with lettering more than one (1) inch high, mounted within four (4) feet of a window shall be considered a window sign subject to these provisions, except for: (i) displays with lettering less than one (1) inch high; (ii) products on shelves for sale to the public; or (iii) framed information panels with eighty (80) percent of the area of text in lettering less than one (1) inch high.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

a.

Flags. Customized graphic flags that convey a message through the use of a pictorial or graphic image and which complement the building design are permitted. Customized flags should be mounted on a decorative bracket attached perpendicular to the building face. Maximum size shall not exceed six (6) feet by ten (10) feet, and the lowest point of the flag must be at least eight (8) feet above the surface of any sidewalk or pedestrian way.

b.

Trompe l'oeil. Life-size trompe l'oeil art painted on the wall surface of a building may be permitted in addition to the signs allowed in the downtown precise plan area. Such proposed art shall be reviewed at the zoning administrator design review level to ensure that it does not constitute a sign otherwise allowed or prohibited by this Article and to ensure the art complements the design of the building in color, shape and location on the building.

c.

Menu holders. A menu holder is permitted on the exterior storefront of a restaurant. The menu holder shall be limited to the size of two (2) pages of the menu utilized by the establishment. The menu holder shall be located so that it does not impede pedestrians on the public sidewalk. The menu holder shall not be used for additional business identification signage and lettering shall not exceed one (1) inch in height.

d.

Off-site signs. Off-site directional signs painted on buildings at the alley intersections to direct pedestrians to businesses down side-streets and/or alleys are permitted with the permission of the building owner. Signs shall be professionally designed and constructed and must complement the color and materials of the building on which they are painted.

e.

Outdoor patio signage on private property in the downtown. Outdoor patios may be permitted signs on the patio umbrella(s) in addition to the main occupancy frontage signs. Said sign(s) shall be limited to the name of the patio business in maximum six (6) inch letter height, and a business logo is not to exceed one (1) square foot in area. No generic advertising, such as a product name, shall be permitted. The total signage on an umbrella shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the area of the umbrella.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13; Ord. No. 7.2023, § 3, 5/23/23.)

a.

Opening banners. In addition to the provisions of Section 36.36.15.h, professionally designed and constructed banners advertising a new business opening are permitted for a maximum of thirty (30) days. Said banner(s) shall be dated on the sign and shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the posted date.

b.

Community interest sign, private property. A single designated area not exceeding six (6) square feet of a single window of an occupancy may be approved to allow display of a maximum of two (2), ancillary, temporary, professionally prepared posters announcing an event of general public interest in addition to any permanent signs allowed. Said posters shall not require individual city approval, but shall be dated on the sign and shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the posted date or upon conclusion of the event, whichever occurs first.

c.

Construction sign. No more than one (1) temporary sign, advertising the various construction trades participating in the project is permitted. On a site less than one (1) acre, the sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area or six (6) feet in height. On a parcel of land of one (1) acre or more, the sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in sign area or ten (10) feet in height. The sign shall not extend beyond the subject property nor interfere with any traffic safety visibility area of the parcel. The sign shall be unlighted. The sign may remain on the property until the last unit is sold, rented or leased or for one (1) year, whichever period is less; provided, however, that the zoning administrator shall have the authority to extend the time period for one (1) additional year.

d.

Real estate signs. No more than one (1) real estate sign per occupancy frontage shall be permitted until a project or tenant space is leased or sold. Maximum sign area per sign shall be nine (9) square feet. Said sign shall be located flat against the building wall or within a window, and shall not project above the eave line. Signs shall be unlighted. Vacant lots may mount the sign on a freestanding monument, located outside of any sight visibility area and so no portion of the sign extends across the property line.

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)

In addition to the signs prohibited in Section 36.36.20, within the area covered by the downtown precise plan, rooftop signs, cabinet signs, readerboards, banners (except for approved grand opening and civic event signs), balloons, flashing signs, bill-boards, "A"-frame signs, plastic flags, white-/chalk-/black-boards are all prohibited.

Figure 36.36-1
SIGN TYPES, SIGN AREA
(For Reference Only)

Figure 36.36-2
MEASUREMENT OF SIGN HEIGHT
(For Reference Only)

(Ord. No. 18.13, § 1, 12/10/13.)