Noncommercial signs are permitted at all times in any zone.

No individual sign shall exceed 6 square feet in RL, R-1, R-2, R-3, RP, and R-4 zones and 32 square feet in all other zones.

No sign shall be placed within any public right-of-way or so as to obstruct a required sight distance area (see Figure 17.20.060-1 of this chapter).

The signs shall be placed on private property.

Campaign signs are subject to state law regarding temporary political signs.

All permanent signs that are displayed outdoors shall be constructed of durable, weatherproof materials.

All materials and structural components in a permanent sign shall meet the applicable requirements of the city building code. Illuminated signs shall meet the requirements of the city electrical code.

The area circumscribed by the smallest geometric shape created with a maximum of 8 straight lines that will enclose all words, letters, figures, symbols, designs, and pictures, which form an integral part of an individual message.

The area of a sign with 2 parallel faces, such as the projecting sign shown in Figure 17.20.030-1 shall be measured as the area of the largest face.

The area of a spherical, conical, cylindrical, or other non-rectangular 3-dimensional sign shall be measured as the area of the smallest rectangle that encloses the maximum projection of that sign onto a vertical plane, as shown in Figure 17.20.030-2.

Structural elements that do not include any words, characters, symbols, and images shall not be counted as part of the sign area.

For signs that may be double-faced, such as freestanding and projecting signs, only one face shall be considered in the sign area calculation.

The height of a sign shall be measured from the finished grade at which the sign is placed to the highest point of the sign, including any decorative or supporting structures associated with the sign.

The finished grade at a sign's base shall not be artificially raised above the surrounding finished grade for the purpose of increasing the sign's elevation above the ground.

Signs that bear or contain statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character that offends public morals or decency.

Roof signs.

Rotating/revolving signs.

Signs that have become a public nuisance due to inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment.

Signs that obstruct a door, window, fire escape, or other required access way.

Wind-driven signs, "A" frame signs, sandwich boards, and portable signs except as specifically permitted in Sections 17.20.090 (Temporary signs) and 17.20.150 (Requirements for downtown historic overlay (DH-O) districts) of this chapter.

Video or any other electronic display signs with continuous motion, blinking, flashing or fluttering lights, or any other illuminated device which has a changing light intensity or brightness, except as otherwise authorized by this code.

Signs affixed to structures in the public right-of-way, except as otherwise provided for in this section, such as telephone poles, light poles, utility fixtures, posts, and fences; provided, however, as follows:

Signs attached, affixed, or carried by vehicles, excluding decals and painted signs, that advertise a business, service, or product, whether that business, service, or product is located on the same site or a different site. This prohibition shall not apply to standard identification practices where these signs are painted on or permanently attached to a commercial vehicle used to conduct a land use located on the site, or to bumper stickers.

Signs that attempt or appear to attempt to direct traffic, or that interfere with, imitate, or resemble any official traffic device.

Signs that were unlawfully installed, erected, or maintained.

Signs that interfere with visibility for drivers at an intersection, public right-of-way, or driveway.

Signs emitting audible sounds.

Signs held or supported by mechanical or static figures in the public right-of-way; except for noncommercial signs.

The review authority shall verify compliance with all applicable requirements of this section, considering the sign face as well as any structural elements of the sign. Sign permits shall be issued upon the approval of the development review application.

The review authority shall issue a sign permit only upon determining that:

Application for a sign permit shall be submitted through a building permit application with the building division, accompanied by any fee established by resolution of the city council. Plans will be routed to both the building and planning divisions for review. In addition to the building division's requirements, the planning division requires the application contain all of the following information:

Temporary signs, as described in Section 17.20.090 (Temporary signs) of this chapter.

Required signs, as described in Section 17.20.050 (Required signs) of this chapter.

Non-advertising signs, including, but not limited to, "No Trespassing," "Private Drive," "Beware of Dog," etc.

Professional name plates that have a maximum area of 2 square feet.

One bulletin board, with a maximum area of 12 square feet, located on the premises of a community facility or institution such as a park, school, library, community center, or house of worship.

One memorial sign or tablet, with a maximum area of 4 square feet, that includes information such as the name of a building and the date when it was erected, provided that the sign is cut into a masonry surface or constructed of an incombustible material such as bronze.

On-site directional or informational signs, with a maximum area of 5 square feet for each sign, that provide information for the convenience or safety of the public, such as directional signs in parking lots, hours of business and locations of telephones, ATMs or restrooms.

Any flag with a noncommercial message provided that the pole height is no greater than 25 feet and the flag's longest dimension is no greater than 25% of the length of the pole.

Signs within a building, or on the premises of a building, that are not visible from a public street.

Murals on the exterior of a building that do not advertise a product, business, or service.

Artworks which do not identify a business, service, or product are not considered signs.

Temporary exterior decorations that are associated with a cultural, religious, or national holiday, and that are not used to advertise a product, business, or service.

Signs on licensed commercial vehicles; provided, however, that such vehicles shall not be utilized as parked or stationary outdoor display signs.

Signs that are required by local, state or federal law or by court order. If any portion of the sign includes messages that are not required by law, that portion shall not be considered an exempt sign.

Signs that are posted by a government agency, or a public utility or service, that are essential to protect the public health, safety and welfare, including, but not limited to, identification and directional signs, official signs for traffic control, official public notices and warnings of potential hazards.

Signs that are posted by a government agency that identify, beautify, or pertain to the city and are authorized by the city council. Such signs may include, but are not limited to, light pole banners.

Signs created by landscaping (e.g., all of the letters and/or symbols are composed entirely of approved landscape elements).

Bus shelter advertisements placed with the authorization of the transit authority.

The structural elements associated with the sign are not reconfigured or replaced.

No electrical change is made to the sign.

The sign continues to comply with all requirements of the existing sign permit, as well as any requirements or conditions imposed as part of a discretionary approval.

Area. The maximum size shall be 300 square feet limited to one advertising message, per side. For an outdoor advertising structure located within ¼ mile of SR-70, targeting SR-70 traffic, the maximum sign area shall be 450 square feet on each face.

Height. No such sign or advertising structure shall exceed a maximum height of 40 feet. For an outdoor advertising structure located within ¼ mile of SR-70, targeting SR-70 traffic, the maximum sign height shall not exceed 85 feet measured from ground surface to the top of the sign. The need for this increased height shall be demonstrated by means of a balloon test or other method approved by the zoning administrator.

Location. All off-premises outdoor advertising structures and off-premises signs shall be so placed so as to assure that they do not intrude or project beyond the public right-of-way of any street or highway, shall be located only in commercial and industrial zoning districts, and shall be placed in accordance with the following standards:

The application for building permits for such outdoor displays or structures shall include plans showing the construction of the sign, the advertising display to be placed thereon, and the proposed location of the sign in relation to the freeway and to the property on which the sign is to be placed. No advertising structure or off-premises sign shall be placed unless it is built to withstand a wind pressure of 20 pounds per foot of exposed surface.

Lighting. All lighting shall be effectively shielded so as to prevent beams or rays of light from being directed on the main traveled way of any highway, street, or road.

Safety. The community development director, or designee, shall approve the location of all offpremises advertising structures.

Maintenance. All structures shall be properly maintained, kept in good repair and kept clean. The area occupied by such structure shall be kept free of weeds and debris. If violations of this paragraph occur, the planning commission may start proceedings to revoke the permit.

Permits. A use permit will be required for all outdoor advertising (off-premises) signs. All requests for building permits for off-premises advertising structures shall be accompanied by engineer's specification drawings.

Area. The maximum sign area for a DDS shall not exceed 300 square feet on each face. For a DDS within 150 feet of SR-70 right-of-way, targeting SR-70 traffic, the maximum sign area shall be 450 square feet on each face.

Height. A DDS shall not exceed a maximum height of 40 feet measured from ground surface to the top of the sign. For a DDS within 150 feet of SR-70 right-of-way, targeting SR-70 traffic, the maximum sign height shall not exceed 85 feet measured from ground surface to the top of the sign. The need for this increased height shall be demonstrated by means of a balloon test or other method approved by the zoning administrator.

Location. DDSs shall only be allowed to be located within 150 feet of a state route right-of-way within the city limits. All DDSs shall be located such that no part of the DDS encroaches into any public right-of-way. DDSs shall not be placed within any legal easements, unless such easements were specifically created for the placement of signs. The applicant for a DDS shall demonstrate that the proposed DDS location is free of such easements.

Spacing from Other DDS. Signs of this type must be separated from other display signs as follows:

Lighting. Signs which contain, include, or are illuminated by flashing, intermittent, or moving light or lights are prohibited. A DDS that utilizes lighting technologies (such as light emitting diodes) to create digital messages shall be equipped with a light sensor that automatically adjusts the lighting of the sign face as ambient lighting changes. In no event shall a digital display sign face increase ambient illumination by more than 0.3 footcandles when measured perpendicular to the message sign face at a distance based on the sign face size as follows:

Safety. The community development director, or designee, shall approve the location of all digital display signs to ensure that they do not introduce unsafe driving conditions to the roadway system.

Maintenance. All structures shall be properly maintained, kept in good repair and kept clean. The area occupied by such structure shall be kept free of weeds, debris, and graffiti. If violations of this paragraph occur, the planning commission may start proceedings to revoke the permit.

Permits. A use permit will be required for all DDS. All requests for building permits for these signs shall be accompanied by construction and design plans stamped by a California registered civil engineer; in addition, a lighting plan shall be required showing the brightness of the proposed sign and the message intervals between individual advertisements.

Hours of Operation. All DDS shall be permitted to operate only between the hours of 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Messages shall be displayed for a minimum of 8 seconds.

Transition during messages shall be 2 seconds or less and shall either be instantaneous or fade out/in. Flashing is prohibited.

Signs shall be required to meet all Caltrans requirements, permits, and other applicable standards.

The building number shall be displayed at the building's primary entrance. The number shall appear in a color that contrasts from the number's background and shall be illuminated.

The minimum height of the building number shall be as specified in the California Fire Code.

All multi-family residential developments, mobile home parks, and commercial buildings with multiple tenants shall provide an illuminated directory sign at the building entrance that provides primary access to the businesses or uses contained within the building.

The minimum area of the directory sign shall be 10 square feet, and no larger than 25 square feet.

The directory sign shall include all of the following information:

Any sign that includes lighting shall conform to the lighting performance standards in Section 17.12.010 (Performance standards) of this title.

Any conduits or wires that are connected to a sign's lighting source shall be screened or hidden from view where practical.

Signs should be compatible with the architecture of the building(s) on site. The sign structure and graphic imagery should relate to the building form and design concept of the entire project.

Materials and colors of signs should be generally related to the building materials and colors of the buildings on site.

Freestanding signs should be cladded or skirted from the base/ground to the sign frame so as to not leave an exposed pole. Cladding or skirting materials shall be complementary in style and color to the building(s) of the project.

Traditional cabinet signs or flat wall signs without 3-dimensional character are not encouraged. Contoured cabinet signs are considered acceptable. Building/wall mounted signs with individual letters are preferred over signs with cans or cabinets. See Figure 17.20.060-2 for encouraged sign lettering styles.

No part of a wall sign shall extend more than 1/3 of the sign height or 8 feet, whichever is less, above the top of the portion of the building façade that is adjacent to the sign.

The maximum area for the total of all permitted wall signs for any single wall plane shall not exceed 10%. The wall plane area shall include all window and door areas and shall be measured from the sidewalk or ground line to the building eave line or parapet.

Monument signs shall not be placed on any lot frontage with a building setback of less than 20 feet.

A minimum distance of 50 feet shall separate any 2 monument signs.

A monument sign shall not be placed on any lot frontage on the same parcel that has a freestanding sign unless the two signs are separated by a minimum distance of 75 feet.

Freestanding signs shall not be placed on any lot frontage with a width of less than 75 feet, or with a building setback of less than 25 feet.

A minimum distance of 75 feet shall separate any 2 freestanding signs.

A freestanding sign shall not be placed on any lot frontage on the same parcel that has a monument sign unless the 2 signs are separated by a minimum distance of 75 feet.

The maximum height of a freestanding sign for properties that abut State Route (SR) 162 shall be up to 25 feet.

The maximum freestanding sign area is based on the total linear street frontage of the front side of the site as follows:

No portion of a freestanding sign shall project above a public right-of-way.

Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one face of the sign. For example, 30 square feet of sign area equates to 60 square feet of required landscaped area.

A freeway-oriented freestanding sign may be approved on a nonresidential zoned parcel immediately abutting State Route 70 right-of-way, or separated by a road running parallel to State Route 70 where no parcels separate the road from State Route 70 right-of-way, so long as the property is within a 1/4 mile distance from a State Route 70 right-of-way.

The maximum height and associated permitting requirements for freeway-oriented freestanding signs shall be as follows:

The maximum freeway-oriented freestanding sign area is based on the total linear street frontage of the side of the site facing State Route 70 as follows:

Two or more contiguous parcels, not located within a shopping center or similar cohesive development, may share a freeway-oriented freestanding sign subject to the height and square footage limits of this section. If 2 or more contiguous parcels share a freeway-oriented freestanding sign, the parcels shall not be allowed a separate freeway-oriented freestanding sign or other freestanding sign advertising their individual parcel.

Freeway-oriented freestanding signs shall not be placed on any frontage with a width of less than 75 feet, or with a building setback of less than 25 feet.

A minimum distance of 75 feet shall separate any 2 freeway-oriented freestanding signs.

No portion of the sign shall project above a public right-of-way.

The sign shall comply with the location, placement, and design criteria of Section 17.20.060.

Support structures for freeway-oriented freestanding signs containing 4 or more tenant panels shall be cladded or skirted from the base/ground to the sign frame so as to not leave an exposed pole. Cladding or skirting materials shall be complementary in style and color to the building(s) of the subject property.

Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one face of the sign. For example, 30 square feet of sign area equates to 60 square feet of required landscaped area.

Projecting signs may be provided only for uses located on the ground floor of a building.

A projecting sign may include a projection above a maximum of 5 feet of the width of a public right-of-way, provided that the sign includes the minimum vertical clearance specified by Section 17.20.060 (Location, placement, and design of signs) of this chapter and provides a 2-foot horizontal clearance from the curb face.

In a multi-story building, projecting signs shall be placed at or below the sill of the second-floor windows in a multi-story building.

No part of a projecting sign shall extend more than 1/3 of the sign height or 8 feet, whichever is less, above the top of the portion of the building façade that is adjacent to the sign.

Where practical, projecting signs shall be placed so that the sign face is perpendicular to the adjacent right-of-way.

Signs shall be double-faced or otherwise detailed on all sides visible to the public.

The thickness of any projecting sign shall not exceed one foot.

All signs shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet from the ground to the bottom of the sign or sign structure.

Reader boards may be provided as part of any allowed sign.

The area of a reader board shall not exceed 40 square feet on any one face, and in no case shall a reader board be provided on more than 2 faces of a sign.

Number.

Height and Design. The maximum height for any freestanding sign shall be 12 feet, including the base. The base shall be constructed of materials which match the exterior materials utilized on the main building.

A maximum of one programmable electronic sign is permitted per site with a maximum sign area of 32 square feet.

Messages shall be static and unanimated for a minimum of 8 seconds.

Transition during messages shall be 2 seconds or less and shall either be instantaneous or fade out/in. Flashing is prohibited.

For signs adjacent to a Caltrans right-of-way, signs shall be required to meet all Caltrans requirements, permits, and other applicable standards.

Lighting requirements shall be the same as for digital display signs (Section 17.20.045(B)).

Menu boards associated with drive-through establishments, such as coffee houses and restaurants, shall not be considered in the sign area calculation if:

Any new non-residential development with 4 or more tenants.

Shopping centers containing at least one anchor tenant occupying at least 50,000 square feet and at least 3 other tenants who share common parking and pedestrian facilities.

Any requests for deviations from the regulations and standards of this chapter.

Sign programs may also be required as a condition of approval for a project requiring development review or a use permit, specifically for the following uses:

The number of signs allowed.

The size allowed for an individual sign.

The maximum height of monument and freestanding signs; provided, however, as follows:

The location and type of signs allowed; provided, however, as follows:

Sign programs shall be designed so that all signs have visually compatible themes and placement.

Signs shall draw from a common palette of materials, colors, shapes, lettering types and sizes, and illumination methods. This common palette shall be compatible with the architecture and scale of the site's buildings.

For developments with existing signs, the sign program shall include existing signage at the property and designate appropriate replacements, if any, which are consistent with the new signage.

A copy of a site plan showing location of buildings, parking areas, driveways, landscaped areas, and adjacent streets.

A site plan indicating the location of all existing and proposed signs requiring a permit.

A matrix summarizing the total number of signs, sign area for individual signs, total sign area and height, for each existing and proposed sign type.

For each existing sign to remain or proposed sign in the Planned Sign Program, the following shall be specified:

The signs included in the sign program have one or more common design elements, such as their placement, colors, materials, illumination, sign type, sign shape, letter size, and lettering type.

The colors, materials, size and placement of the signs included in the sign program are compatible with the materials, architecture and scale of the buildings and signs on the site.

Except as specified, no sign permit shall be required for the temporary signs described in this section, provided that the signs comply with all applicable requirements of this section.

Temporary signs that are exempted by this section from obtaining a sign permit shall not include any form of lighting or illumination in association with the sign, nor shall any permanent structure be constructed in association with the temporary sign.

On a site with an area of less than one acre, a maximum of one temporary development sign, with a maximum area of 36 square feet and a maximum height of 6 feet, may be displayed on site. On a site with an area of one acre or greater, a maximum of 2 temporary development signs, each with a maximum area of 50 square feet and a maximum height of 10 feet, may be displayed on site.

One directional sign, with a maximum area of 6 square feet, may be displayed on another site for each on-site temporary development sign that is allowed by this section, provided that permission to exhibit such signs shall be obtained from the owner of the premises upon which such signs are placed. These directional signs shall be installed on private property.

Temporary development signs shall be removed within 30 days of the completion of construction or the sale of all available parcels or units, as applicable.

A temporary sign that indicates the future use of a building being constructed/remodeled on the premises may be permitted if it does not exceed the total permitted sign area of the district requirements. Such sign may be permitted for a period of one year or until completion of the construction/remodel of the building, whichever first occurs.

A business may display one portable sign, with a maximum area of 8 square feet on each face and a maximum of 2 faces. The sign shall be displayed on private property on which the business is located.

Portable signs shall have a maximum height of 4 feet and a maximum width of 2 feet.

Portable signs shall not be placed within 10 feet of any other portable sign.

For multiple-tenant buildings, a maximum of one portable sign for each 3 tenants may be displayed at any given time, up to a maximum total of 3 portable signs.

Portable signs shall be able to withstand wind gusts or must be removed during inclement weather.

For portable signs in the downtown historic overlay district please reference Section 17.20.150.

The display of flags or other decorations for nationally recognized and celebrated holidays are permitted.

A maximum of 2 temporary special function signs, each with a maximum area of 25 square feet, may be displayed. The signs shall be located on private property.

Wind-driven signs are permitted as follows:

Temporary signs for special functions shall not be displayed more than 60 days prior to, or 7 days after, the function or event.

Signs displayed in or placed on a window shall not obstruct more than 25% of the window's area.

Street banners strictly advertising a public event that has obtained a street closure/special event permit are permitted without regard to other requirements of this chapter.

Garage/yard sale signs placed in compliance with the size and height requirements of Section 17.20.110 (Requirements for residential districts) located on private property. Signs may be on site or off site with the property owner's permission. All garage/yard sale signs are to be removed within 24 hours of the conclusion of the sale.

In residential districts, up to of 32 square feet of nonilluminated signs may be displayed, with each sign having a maximum area of 8 square feet and a maximum height of 4 feet. In nonresidential districts, up to 64 square feet of signs may be displayed, with each sign having maximum area of 32 square feet, may be displayed.

The signs shall be located on private property and are prohibited within the public right-of-way.

The signs shall be installed no earlier than 90 days prior to the election and removed no later than 7 days following the election.

Application for a temporary sign permit shall be submitted to the zoning administrator in a form approved by the zoning administrator, accompanied by any fee established by resolution of the city council. The application shall contain all of the following information:

An application for a temporary sign permit shall be approved or denied in accordance with the procedure relating to an administrative permit, as provided in Section 17.48.020 (Administrative permits) of this title.

Each single-family residence may display one wall, window, banner, canopy or freestanding sign, with a maximum area of 5 square feet. No lighting shall be provided for the sign.

Any monument, freestanding or other sign not affixed to a building shall neither exceed 4 feet in height nor a maximum of 5 square feet.

In a multiple-family residential development that contains at least 4 dwelling units, one additional wall, window, banner, or canopy sign, with a maximum area of 10 square feet, shall be allowed for the entire development. This sign shall not be internally illuminated.

Any dwelling unit in a commercial or mixed-use district may display one wall, window, banner, or canopy sign, with a maximum area of 5 square feet. No lighting shall be provided for the sign.

For mixed-use developments that contain at least four dwelling units, one additional wall, window, banner, or canopy sign, with a maximum area of 10 square feet, shall be allowed for the entire development. This sign shall not be internally illuminated.

Signs that identify the site and provide information of use to visitors, such as the hours of operation, shall be permitted. These site identification signs shall not be subject to a sign permit.

No signs that are subject to a sign permit shall be permitted in an OS district.

Be able to withstand wind gusts or must be removed during inclement weather;

Be located directly in front of the business;

Not unreasonably interfere with or impede the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic;

Not create visibility hazards for pedestrians or vehicular traffic;

Not interfere with the ingress into or egress from any residence or place of business;

Not be attached or secured in any way to any object in the public right-of-way;

Not endanger the safety of persons or property;

Not restrict the use of poles, posts, traffic signs or signal(s), utility access vaults, manholes, hydrants, mailboxes, or other objects permitted at or near such a location;

Not have any balloons, streamers, pennants or other objects designed and fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by wind or breeze; and

Not obstruct a wheelchair ramp or violate any pedestrian path of travel or other requirements as may be required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Encourage signs of unique design, and that exhibit a high degree of originality, thoughtfulness, imagination, inventiveness, and creativity; and

Provide a process for the application of sign regulations in ways that will allow creatively designed signs that make a positive visual contribution to the property, the surrounding area, and the overall image of the city, while mitigating the impacts of large or unusually designed signs.

If the sign falls within the DH-O the historic advisory commission shall review and approve applications for creative signs.

Design Quality. The sign shall:

Contextual Criteria. The sign shall contain at least one of the following elements:

Architectural Criteria. The sign shall:

Impacts on Surrounding Uses. The sign shall be located and designed not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses.

If the sign is altered in shape, size, or any manner that increases its nonconformity, immediate conformance with the requirements of this chapter shall be required.

If a business or use for which the nonconforming sign is provided has been discontinued for a continuous period of more than 2 years, the sign and its associated structures shall be removed or brought into conformance with the requirements of this section. For multiple-tenant buildings, this requirement shall apply when more than 50% of the multiple-tenant building's gross floor area has been unoccupied for 2 years.

If more than 50% of a nonconforming sign is destroyed, and structural repairs are required to restore the sign to good condition, the sign shall be removed or brought into conformance with the requirements of this section.

If the planning commission finds, based on substantial evidence, that the provisions of this section would significantly affect the economic ability of a business to continue due to the impossibility of locating a new sign in a location where it would not be substantially obstructed or able to serve its purpose as a sign, the commission may allow a nonconforming sign to be retained or modified, or a new nonconforming sign to be erected.

A sign that is part of a landmark or landmark site shall be deemed nonconforming only if at least one of the following conditions applies:

The historic advisory commission may allow the continuation of signs in the historic downtown overlay (DH-O) that are historic in nature, are a contributing feature to the DH-O, or identify a historic business that is no longer in operation.

The zoning administrator shall give written notice to the owner of the building, structure or premises upon which the sign is located, requiring the owner to remove the sign or to bring it into compliance with this section.

If the owner does not comply with the city's notice within 30 days, the city may proceed to enter the premises and remove the sign and its structural elements. The cost of the removal shall be assessed to the record owner of the premises upon which the sign is situated.

With the prior written approval of the city attorney, the building official may remove any sign immediately, without notice, if the condition of the sign presents an immediate threat to public safety. The building official shall notify the zoning administrator in writing of any such action.