Rancho Santa Margarita
City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 9

07 - Signs

Sec. 9.07.010.- Purpose.

The purpose of this Section is to establish guidelines and standards for the regulation of signs, sign structures and sign programs, so as to assure adequate identification of businesses and other activities, as well as to maintain and improve the quality of the visual environment within the City. The procedures and regulations of this Section are enacted to:

(1)

Encourage the effective use of signs and graphics as a means of identification and communication in the community;

(2)

Maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the ability of the City to attract sources of economic development and growth;

(3)

Permit such signs that will not, by reason of their size, location, construction, or manner of display, endanger the public safety of individuals, confuse, mislead, or distract the vision necessary for traffic safety, or otherwise endanger public health, safety and morals;

(4)

Provide procedures and standards to control the location, size, type, number, and all other matters pertaining to signs within the City; and

(5)

Provide consistency among signs within an integrated commercial center.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.020. - Applicability.

(a)

Signs shall only be erected or maintained in compliance with this Section. The number and area of signs as outlined in this Section are intended to be maximum standards which do not necessarily ensure architectural compatibility. Therefore, the review and approval of sign permits and sign programs in compliance with this Section shall consider a sign's relationship to the overall appearance of the site and the surrounding community, in addition to the standards of this Section.

(b)

These sign regulations are not intended to restrict, limit or control the content or message of signs.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), adopted April 11, 2007, enacted provisions intended for use as Subsections (1) and (2). To preserve the style of this Code, and at the discretion of the editor, said provisions have been redesignated as Subsections (a) and (b).

Sec. 9.07.030. - Sign permit required.

Signs shall only be constructed, displayed or altered with a sign permit approval unless otherwise exempt as described in Section 9.07.060. Sign permits shall not be issued until a certificate of use and occupancy has been issued for the business/establishment for which the sign is intended.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.040. - Sign program.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of the sign program is to:

(1)

Assure coordination and compatibility between all signs within an integrated center, including, but not limited to retail centers and business parks.

(2)

Prevent visual clutter caused by signs excessive in size and number.

(3)

Ensure that signs are compatible with the desired image of the zoning district in which they are located.

(4)

Encourage uniqueness and individuality in signage within the established criteria.

(b)

Applicability. A sign program is a coordinated program of signs which is required for all integrated centers; including individual buildings with multiple tenants, building complexes, commercial centers or business parks. For all integrated centers, no permit shall be issued for an individual sign unless and until a sign program for the site on which the sign will be erected has been submitted and approved by the Planning Commission in conformance with this Section and Section 9.08.160.

(c)

Sign program requirements. A sign program shall consist of the following:

(1)

A copy of an approved site plan showing location of buildings, building elevations, parking areas, driveways, landscaped areas, and adjacent streets.

(2)

An accurate indication on the site plan and building elevations of the location of all existing and proposed signs requiring a permit.

(3)

Computation of the total number of signs, sign area for individual signs, total sign area and dimensions of signs for each existing and proposed sign type.

(4)

For each existing or proposed sign, the following shall be specified:

Location of each sign on the buildings and property;

Sign dimensions;

Color scheme;

Lettering or graphic style;

Sign copy dimensions;

Sign type;

Any sign copy limitations;

Lighting, if any;

Materials;

Landscaping quantities, types, sizes, and planter area dimensions if signs are to be located within landscaped planters; and

Line of sight dimensions for any proposed monument signs.

(5)

The sign program may contain such other restrictions as the owners of the property within the sign program area may reasonably request to be adopted by the City.

(d)

Consent. The sign program application shall be signed by all property owners or their authorized representatives.

(e)

Existing signs and sign programs.

(1)

Unless completed sooner, each sign program in the City shall be replaced with a sign program that is consistent with the sign regulations and standards of this Title within five years of the approval of this Title.

(2)

When any new or amended sign program is submitted for a property on which existing signs are located, all such existing signs not in compliance with the proposed sign program shall be considered nonconforming and subject to the provisions of Section 9.07.130.

(f)

Binding effect. After approval of a sign program, no sign requiring a permit shall be erected, constructed, installed, displayed, altered, placed or maintained except in accordance with such program. The sign program may be enforced in the same way as any provision of this Title. In case of any conflict between the provisions of such a program and any other provision of this Section, the sign program provisions shall prevail.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.050. - Approval process.

The Development Services Director or Planning Commission may approve and/or modify a sign program or sign program amendment as described in Section 9.08.160.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, § 2, 11-14-2007)

Sec. 9.07.060. - Exempt signs.

The following signs shall not require sign permit/sign program approval nor shall the area of the following signs be included in the maximum sign area permitted for any site or use:

(1)

One "open" or "closed" window sign less than two square feet in area. This sign may also include hours of operation.

(2)

Interior signs located within the interior of buildings when such signs are not visible from outside the subject building.

(3)

A United States, California or City flag. The flag itself shall not exceed ten feet in length or eight feet in height. The height of the flag pole shall not exceed 20 feet.

(4)

One temporary residential "open house" sign not exceeding three square feet in area on the particular premises that is for sale, lease, or rent, and posted only when a salesperson is present.

(5)

Directional safety signs, such as "Stop," "Yield," and similar signs, the face of which meet California Department of Transportation standards and bear no commercial message of any sort.

(6)

Trespassing and property alarm signs less than two square feet in area.

(7)

Neighborhood watch signs in residential neighborhoods with the approval of the City Engineer and Orange County Fire Authority.

(8)

Any official government sign, public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable Federal, State or local law, regulation or ordinance.

(9)

Temporary banner signs which are 24 square feet or less in the park zoning district provided said banner signs are part of a City-approved temporary banner sign program.

(10)

Signs identified in Tables 9.07.1 through 9.07.6 as not requiring a permit if they meet the applicable standards outlined in the tables.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 11-06, § 2, 9-14-2011)

Sec. 9.07.070. - Prohibited signs.

All signs that are not expressly permitted under this Section or exempt from regulation in accordance with Section 9.07.060 shall be prohibited in the City. Such signs include:

(1)

Signs on public property, including but not limited to, any building, wall, bridge, hydrant, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard, street sign, traffic sign, utility pole, wire box or related equipment, except those serving a public purpose and approved by a government agency.

(2)

Signs in public rights-of-way except those needed for traffic safety regulation, City signs and directional signs related to hospitals or affiliated facilities, as approved by the City.

(3)

Any off-site or outdoor advertising sign or structures placed for the purpose of advertising a business not on the property upon which the sign is placed.

(4)

Banners, pennants, and balloons, unless specifically provided by this Title.

(5)

Flags, kites, wind blown and blow-up signs and characters or other similar advertising devices or displays.

(6)

Signs that revolve, rotate, move, flash, reflect, blink, or appear to do any of the foregoing, including searchlights, and animated signs shall be prohibited unless required by law or utilized by a proper government agency, with the exception of approved time and temperature displays.

(7)

Flood, laser, or search lights are not permitted unless the event involves over 500 people and is approved as part of a special event through the site development permit process in Section 9.08.170.

(8)

Electronic message board signs, except those that meet the requirements identified in Section 9.07.080.

(9)

Signs which constitute a nuisance or hazard due to their intensity of light.

(10)

Audible signs or other advertising devices.

(11)

Animals or human beings, live or simulated, designed or used so as to attract attention to the premises.

(12)

Can signs and cabinet signs.

(13)

Formed plastic or injection molded plastic signs.

(14)

Acrylic faced letters or similar material adhered to a window.

(15)

Roof signs.

(16)

Abandoned signs.

(17)

Vehicle signs, including signs attached by any means to automobiles, trucks, trailers, or other vehicles on private or public property for the purpose of advertising, identifying, or providing direction to a use or activity not related to the lawful use of the vehicle for rendering service or delivering merchandise, that remain on a parked vehicle for four or more hours.

(18)

Neon signs/bands in which the neon tubing is exposed and clearly visible, unless approved through a sign program in the commercial-general (CG) zoning district only.

(19)

Portable signs, including human directional signs and sign "twisters."

(20)

A-frame signs, with the exception that restaurants be permitted one A-frame sign to place inside their patio area or by their front door.

(21)

Free-standing pole signs.

(22)

Signs that create safety hazards as determined by the Development Services Director, Chief of Police, Orange County Fire Authority, or City Engineer.

(23)

Signs painted on fences, roofs or other structures, except as expressly permitted within this Chapter.

(24)

Billboards.

(25)

Signs advertising or displaying any unlawful act, business or purpose.

(26)

Commercial/business park signs facing residential areas unless approved through a sign program.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, § 2, 11-14-2007)

Sec. 9.07.080. - Electronic message board signs.

Electronic message board signs are only permitted at high schools or colleges with a minimum size of 25 acres pursuant to the following regulations:

(1)

Electronic message board signs require a site development permit pursuant to Section 9.08.040.

(2)

Electronic message board signs shall be limited to one per educational institution.

(3)

The maximum permitted sign area for the electronic message board shall be 36 square feet of sign copy.

(4)

The maximum permitted sign height for the electronic message board sign area shall be three feet.

(5)

No permit shall be issued for an electronic message board sign, which constitutes a hazard to the safe and efficient operation of vehicles upon a street or freeway. The following conditions shall apply to all electronic message board signs:

The electronic message display shall have no illumination which is continuous motion or which appears to be in continuous motion.

Fixed/permanent sign copy on each face of an electronic message board sign shall be limited to the identification of the educational institution. The fixed/permanent sign copy and the display message shall be limited to major events associated with the educational institution and shall not contain material that is commercial, political or sexual in nature. Time and temperature readings are allowed.

The fixed/permanent sign copy shall not flash, shall consist of one color, and shall not advertise off-site businesses or organizations.

The display message shall not change at a rate faster than one message every five seconds.

The intensity of illumination shall not change.

Burned out lights shall be replaced promptly.

The electronic message board shall not be allowed to operate in a faulty manner.

Misspelled messages shall be corrected promptly.

All electronic signs shall conform to the electrical code of the City.

(6)

No electronic message board sign shall be located within 25 feet of any interior side property line and shall have a minimum separation of 100 feet from a residential zoning district or use.

(7)

No portion of an electronic message board sign shall project into any right-of-way.

(8)

Neither the fixed/permanent sign copy nor the display message of the proposed electronic message board sign shall adversely affect the character, liveability, or quality of life of the residential community it will be adjacent to or located in.

(9)

The proposed design of the electronic message board sign shall be compatible in design with the architectural theme or character of the educational institution it will serve and surrounding areas.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.090. - Permitted signs by zoning district.

This Section specifies the criteria for:

(1)

Signs permitted in residential zoning districts;

(2)

Signs permitted in commercial and business park zoning districts; and

(3)

Signs permitted in all other zoning districts.

Signs shall be permitted in the City in accordance with the standards contained in Tables 9.07.1 through 9.07.6.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.100. - Measurement of sign area and height.

The following regulations shall control the measurement of sign area and sign height:

(1)

Height of a sign. The height of a sign shall be computed by measuring the vertical distance from the midpoint, or average ground level, along the base of the sign structure, excluding any berming, to the highest point of the structure as illustrated in Figure 9.07.1. Sign height for monument signs shall be measured from ground level, even when the sign structure itself is not located at ground level.

(2)

Measurement of sign area for signs with no distinct border or boundary. Sign area shall be calculated by computing the area consisting of not more than eight continuous, perpendicular straight lines, which contains all of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display on such sign as illustrated in Figure 9.07.2.

(3)

Measurement of sign area for signs with a distinct border or boundary. For signs with a distinct border or boundary, the sign area shall be computed by measuring the entire area enclosing the sign copy, emblem or character as described in Subsection (2). Background or borders containing no copy, emblems, or characters shall also be included in the calculation of sign area. The combined area of sign copy and sign background/border shall be no more than two times the area of the sign copy as illustrated in Figure 9.07.3.

(4)

Double-sided sign. The sign area of signs which have two identical faces, arranged back to back in parallel planes, shall be computed for one side only, provided that the two sign faces are no more than 18 inches apart.

(5)

Multiple-sided sign. Signs which have more than one side and are not double-sided signs have a sign area as computed for all sides, cumulatively.

(6)

Including sign structure or support. Where a sign base, structure, support or other feature such as berms is designed in such a manner to make the sign more noticeable or appear larger (such as backlighting of an entire awning), as determined by the Development Services Director or Planning Commission, the area of the structure or support shall be included in the sign height and sign area, as applicable.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, § 2, 11-14-2007)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), adopted April 11, 2007, enacted provisions intended for use as Subsections A.—F. To preserve the style of this Code, and at the discretion of the editor, said provisions have been redesignated as Subsections (1)—(6).

Sec. 9.07.110. - Sign design, construction, and maintenance.

All signs shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the following standards:

(1)

All signs shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Uniform Building Code and the electrical code of the City at all times.

(2)

Unless otherwise specified by a sign program, all permanent wall signage shall consist of individual channel letters.

(3)

Except for banners, flags, window signs and other temporary signs conforming in all respects with the requirements of this Section, all signs shall be constructed of permanent materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame or structure.

(4)

All signs shall be maintained by the tenant or property owner in good structural condition, in compliance with all building and electrical codes, and in conformance with this Chapter, at all times. Damaged signs or signs in disrepair are subject to this requirement.

Figure 9.07.1: Sign Height

Figure 9.07.2: Measurement of Sign Area with no Background or Border

Figure 9.07.3: Measurement of Sign Area with Backgrounds or Borders

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.120. - Abatement of illegal and abandoned signs.

The following provisions shall control the regulation of abandoned signs:

(1)

Any illegal or abandoned sign, either temporary or permanent, shall be removed by the property owner within ten days after notice from the Development Services Director. Any sign not removed within ten days after such notice, may be summarily abated by the Code Enforcement Officer if no appeal has been made of the Development Services Director's decision pursuant to this Title. Said signs shall be retained by the City for a period of not less than three working days. Thereafter, any unclaimed signs may be discarded.

(2)

The reasonable cost of such removal shall be assessed against the sign owner. The cost of removal shall be determined by resolution of the City Council.

(3)

Legal, conforming structural supports for abandoned signs may remain, if installed with a blank sign face and supporting structures are maintained.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, § 2, 11-14-2007)

Sec. 9.07.130. - Legal nonconforming signs.

(a)

A legal nonconforming sign is any permanent sign that was legally established and maintained in conformance with the provisions of all applicable laws in effect at the time of original installation but that does not comply with the provisions of this Section.

(b)

A nonconforming sign shall not be:

(1)

Changed to another nonconforming sign or replaced by the same or similar nonconforming sign.

(2)

Structurally or electrically expanded or altered unless such alteration is designed to and does bring the sign into full compliance with all current provisions of this Section.

(3)

Relocated to another site on the same property or another property in the City.

(4)

Reestablished after discontinuation of use for 90 days in a one-year period.

(5)

Reestablished after damage or destruction of more than 50 percent of the value or structure/mass of the sign prior to said damage or destruction.

Table 9.07.1
Temporary Signs Permitted in Residential Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Real Estate—Residence for Sale/Rent (Single-Family)	Monument (temporary)	No	One sign per residence	Six sq. ft. (including riders)	Standard: Four ft.	Placement shall be permitted on private property only.
2. Real Estate—Residence for Sale/Rent (Multi-Family)	Monument (temporary)	Yes	One sign per residential project	20 sq. ft. (including riders)	Standard: Five ft.	(a) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner. (b) Sign shall not advertise vacancies in tenancy.
3. Open House Identification (on-site)	Monument (temporary)	No	One sign per site	Four sq. ft.	Four ft.	(a) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner. (b) One flag not exceeding two ft. × two ft. shall be permitted per site.
4. Open House Directional (off-site)	Monument (temporary)	No	Minimum necessary to locate home One sign per intersection	Four sq. ft.	Four ft.	(a) Open house directional signs may be displayed only between 8:00 a.m. and dusk. (b) Open house directional signs may be placed only on private property with the consent of the property owner.
5. Individual Garage/Yard Sale Identification (on-site)	Wall, monument, or window (temporary)	No	One sign per garage sale residence	Four sq. ft.	Four ft.	(a) Sign shall be removed on or immediately following date of event. (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
6. Individual Garage/Yard Sale Identification (off-site)	Monument (temporary)	No	Minimum necessary to locate home One sign per intersection	Four sq. ft.	Four ft.	(a) Garage sale directional signs may be displayed only between 6:00 a.m. and dusk. (b) Sign shall be removed on or immediately following date of event. (c) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
7. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.2
Permanent Signs Permitted in Residential Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Community/Neighborhood Project Identification (single-family detached, single-family attached, condominiums)	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Subject to Planning Commission review and approval of a sign program			(a) Copy limited to community, neighborhood, or project and/or street address. (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
2. Apartment Complex Project Identification	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Subject to Planning Commission review and approval of a Sign Program			(a) Copy limited to apartment complex name and street address (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only.
3. Project Directory	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	One sign per site, or minimum number necessary to provide adequate unit addresses and information	24 sq. ft.	Six ft.	(a) Copy limited to name of project and description of buildings, unit addresses and supporting information. (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
4. Sales/Rental/Leasing Office Identification	Wall (permanent)	No	One sign per development	Six sq. ft.	No standard	(a) Copy limited to name of project, identification of office and street address. (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
5. Subdivision and Model Home Identification and Directional	Any new residential subdivision or development is subject to Planning Commission review and approval of a sign program. The sign program shall include all requests for permanent and temporary signs.					None
6. Ancillary (neighborhood watch, skateboarding prohibited, etc.)	Wall, monument, or window	No	Signs shall follow City Police Department specifications			None
7. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.3
Temporary Signs Permitted in Commercial and Business Park Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Promotional Banner	Wall banner (temporary)	Yes	One sign per business or tenant	24 sq. ft.	Shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building	(a) Temporary banners shall be allowed for a maximum period of ten days subject to the approval of a temporary banner permit. (b) A maximum of three temporary banner permits shall be issued to the same business or tenant at the same location in any calendar year. (c) A copy of the City-approved temporary banner permit shall be kept on site at all times and the City banner seal must be on the banner. (d) Temporary banners shall be contained within the lineal frontage of the leased space. (e) An alternative location may be considered by the Development Services Director in unique circumstances applicable to the property.
2. Window Sign (Seasonal)	Window (temporary)	No	No numerical limit	25 percent of total window area not to exceed 50 sq. ft. in size for any building	Shall not exceed height of highest window	(a) Seasonal window decorations are permitted for a maximum period of 16 weeks per year (total) and shall not advertise products or pricing. (b) All signs must be well-maintained and in good repair at all times.
3. Special Event Signs	Flags, banners and small balloon strings, etc. (temporary)	Special event permit	As determined by the special event permit	As determined by the special event permit	As determined by the special event permit	(a) Shall be permitted subject to review and approval of a special event permit. (b) Maximum time period established in Section 9.05.110.
4. A-frame Signs (applicable to restaurants only)	A-frame sign	No	One sign per restaurant	Six sq. ft.	Three ft.	(a) Signage shall be placed in the patio area or by the front door only. (b) Signage shall only advertise the daily specials.
5. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.4
Permanent Signs Permitted in Commercial Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Freestanding Commercial Building, Business Identification (single-tenant)	Wall, monument, or hanging (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs Monument: one sign per street frontage	Wall: one sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed 200 sq. ft. Monument: 50 sq. ft.	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Five ft.	(a) Maximum sign area is the aggregate of all permanent signs per street frontage. (b) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building. (c) Hanging signs must have a minimum vertical clearance of seven ft. (d) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program.
2. Commercial Center (a) Center Identification (for centers with ten or more tenants)	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs Monument: one sign per street frontage	Wall: one sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed 200 sq. ft. Monument: 80 sq. ft. per sign	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Six ft.	For commercial centers (a) and (b): (a) Center identification signs shall include no more than four tenants per side at the discretion of the property owner. (b) Centers that qualify for an additional center identification sign shall not be required to include the same four tenants as the first sign. (c) Monument signs shall not be located within 100 ft. of any other monument sign. (d) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building. (e) Copy shall include the name and address(es) of commercial center. (f) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program.
(b) Center Identification (for centers with less than ten tenants)	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs Monument: one sign per street frontage	Wall: one sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed 200 sq. ft.	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Five ft.	(a) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program.
(c) Freestanding Building Individual Tenant Identification (within a commercial center)	Wall (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs	Wall: one sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of tenant frontage not to exceed 100 sq. ft. per primary tenant	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building	(a) The combined area of all signs shall not exceed one sq. ft. per lineal foot of building frontage. (b) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building. (c) Monument signs shall not be located within 100 ft. of any other monument sign. (d) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program. (e) Restaurants may be permitted one sign per elevation, not to exceed four signs total.
(d) Individual Tenant Identification	Wall, or hanging (permanent)	Yes	One sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs	One sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of tenant frontage not to exceed an aggregate total of 100 sq. ft. per primary tenant	Shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building	(a) Signs shall be aligned evenly along facade unless architectural design dictates otherwise. (b) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building. (c) Hanging signs shall have a minimum vertical clearance of seven feet. (d) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program.
(e) Business Directory (1) Pedestrian Oriented	Wall (permanent)	Yes	Two	Ten sq. ft.	Wall: Three ft.	(a) Copy limited to name and location of on-site activities
(2) Vehicle-Oriented	Monument (permanent)	Yes	Minimum number necessary to provide adequate information and direction	25 sq. ft.	Five ft.	(a) Copy limited to name and location of on-site activities (b) Monument shall only be located within landscaped planters internal to the center. (c) Monument signs shall not be located within 100 ft. of any other monument sign. (d) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
3. Gas and Fuel Dispensing Station Identification and Pricing Information	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	One monument sign per street frontage not to exceed two per site	Wall: One sq. ft. of sign area per building frontage regardless of the number of uses. Monument: 50 sq. ft.	Wall: Shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Five ft.	(a) The total area for all signs on the premises shall not exceed 300 sq. ft. (b) Banners, flags, pennants, and similar advertising devices/advertising displays are prohibited on any service station building site. (c) Price signs are allowed in accordance with State regulations.
4. Movie Theater Identification and Marquee Sign	Wall, Monument, or marquee (permanent)	Yes	As determined by sign program			All movie theater signage requires the approval of the Planning Commission.
5. Drive Thru Restaurant Menu Board	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building Monument: two signs per drive thru aisle	30 sq. ft.	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Five ft.	Menu boards shall not be visible from a public right-of-way.
6. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.5
Permanent Signs Permitted in Business Park District

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Center or Project Identification (multi-tenant office building and/or multi-building office complex)	Monument	Yes	One sign per street frontage	50 sq. ft. per sign	Five ft.	(a) Shall contain the name and/or logo of the center of project and street address. May also contain tenant names (b) Center or project identification sign permitted in addition to multi-tenant office business identification signs (c) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved Sign Program
2. Office Business Identification (three stories or less)	Wall (permanent)	Yes	One sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs on ground floor. Two signs per building elevation for second floor	One sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of tenant frontage not to exceed an aggregate total of 100 sq. ft. per primary tenant	Shall not exceed the eave line or parapet of the building	(a) Shall be permitted in addition to center or project identification sign (b) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building (c) One sign shall be centered on the elevation or shall be placed on the opposite end of the building (d) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved Sign Program
3. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.6
Signs Permitted in All Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Real Estate—Commercial or Business Park Leasing or Sales (for residential real estate signs, please see signs permitted in residential districts)	Wall or monument (temporary)	Yes	One sign per street frontage	16 sq. ft.	Monument: Five ft.	(a) Copy shall pertain only to the sale, rent or lease of the building or property. (b) For alternative sign, see future facility sign. (c) Shall be located within a landscaped planter at least 25 feet from any permanent sign. (d) Shall be removed within ten days in the event that the building or center is 100 percent occupied or leased. (e) Permit shall not be valid for longer than 364 days within any calendar year. (f) Real estate signage may be permitted for buildings with no street frontage provided the building is part of an integrated commercial center. Such signage shall adhere to the same standards within this sign class.
2. Temporary Signs for Businesses Impacted by Construction Projects, Road Widenings, and Remodels	Monument or fence (temporary)	Yes	One sign per street frontage per impacted business	16 sq. ft.	Monument: Five ft. Fence: shall not exceed top of construction fence	(a) Copy limited to business name, project name, and street address. Copy must include 24-hour emergency contact information, including phone numbers. (b) May be erected when construction begins. (c) Shall be removed immediately upon completion of construction. (d) Sign must be constructed professionally and shall not be hand-painted or hand-drawn. (e) Sign program must be provided indicating all temporary signage proposed.
3. Future Facility	Wall or monument (temporary)	Yes	One per building or street frontage	50 sq. ft.	Monument: Eight ft.	(a) Buildings that are already constructed and which are granted a change in use may be issued a future facility sign permit after issuance of a building permit. (b) Sign shall be removed prior to occupancy of 50 percent of the building on the subject site or within six months of the first occupancy, whichever comes first. (c) Copy may include sales or leasing information in lieu of real estate sign. May also contain name of architect or engineer.
4. Directional	Wall or monument (permanent)	No	Minimum number necessary to provide adequate information and direction	Six sq. ft.	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building. Monument: Four ft.	(a) Copy limited to information, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," and other similar activities. (b) Signs shall be designed to be viewed on-site by pedestrians and/or motorists.
5. Campaign Sign	Temporary	No	n/a	n/a	n/a	Locational requirements: (1) Shall not be posted and left behind in the public right-of-way or upon any City property. (2) Shall not be affixed to any traffic signal, utility box, or traffic control device. (3) Shall be placed so that the top of the sign is not above the eave or parapet of the building. (4) Shall be placed so that the edge of the sign is at least two feet from the edge of the curb of street where there is no curb. (5) Shall not impede pedestrian walkways, hinder disabled access or constitute a hazard to or endanger persons using sidewalks. (6) Shall not be located in any area which the City Engineer, acting pursuant to generally accepted engineering standards, determines that such sign would constitute a safety or traffic hazard. (7) Shall not be placed upon the property of another without the approval of the owner of said property. Signs placed upon the property of another shall be removed by the person or organization responsible for the sign promptly upon the request of the property owner. Design requirements: (1) Shall not be animated, revolve, rotate, move mechanically, flash, reflect, or blink. (2) Shall not have flags, kites, valances, pennants, flood, laser or search lights, or other similar attraction devices. (3) Shall display the name, address and telephone number of the person or organization responsible for the sign.
						Removal requirements: (1) Shall be removed on or before three days after the election to which the sign pertains. (2) In addition to all other remedies available to the City pursuant to this Chapter, the Municipal Code, or other applicable law, any sign illegally posted and left behind on City property or in the public right-of-way may be removed and stored by the City (a) following the expiration of four hours after providing oral, telephonic, or written notice to the person or organization responsible for the sign and such sign has not been voluntarily removed by the responsible person or organization; or (b) immediately, (i) if such sign was previously removed by the City from City property or the public right-of-way, and it is thereafter replaced on City property or the public right-of-way; or (ii) if the name, address and telephone number of the person or organization responsible for the sign is not displayed on the sign and the City is not otherwise able to determine the person or organization responsible for the sign; or (iii) if the sign has been posted and left behind in a manner that constitutes an immediate threat to public safety or is determined to be a traffic hazard. If any such sign so removed is not claimed and retrieved by the responsible person or organization within 30 days, the City may discard the sign.
6. Public or Institutional Facility Identification	Wall or monument(permanent)	Yes	Wall; one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs. Monument: one per street frontage	Wall: one sq. ft. per lineal foot of tenant frontage not to exceed an aggregate total of 100 sq. ft. per public facility. Monument: 50 sq. ft. per sign.	Wall or canopy: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of the building. Monument: Five ft.	(a) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building.
7. Travel Directory Sign	Subject to Planning Commission review and approval of a Sign Program.					None
8. Public right-of-way signs for public facilities	Subject to Encroachment Permit review and approval of the City Engineer.					None
9. Community facility banner	Banner sign (temporary)	Yes	As determined by the Development Services Director.	24 sq. ft.	Six ft.	(a) Community facility banners are permitted primarily for advertising for registration for community facility events. (b) Temporary banners shall be allowed for a maximum period of ten days subject to the approval of a temporary banner permit. (c) A maximum of three temporary banner permits shall be issued to the same business or tenant at the same location in any calendar year. (d) A copy of the City-approved temporary banner permit shall be kept on-site at all times and the City banner seal must be on the banner. (e) Appropriate locations shall be determined by the Development Services Director.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, §§ 2, 10, 11-14-2007; Ord. No. 09-03, § 9, 3-25-2009; Ord. No. 14-01, § 3, 4-9-2014)

Rancho Santa Margarita
City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 9

07 - Signs

Sec. 9.07.010.- Purpose.

(1)

Encourage the effective use of signs and graphics as a means of identification and communication in the community;

(2)

Maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the ability of the City to attract sources of economic development and growth;

(3)

(4)

Provide procedures and standards to control the location, size, type, number, and all other matters pertaining to signs within the City; and

(5)

Provide consistency among signs within an integrated commercial center.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.020. - Applicability.

(a)

(b)

These sign regulations are not intended to restrict, limit or control the content or message of signs.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.030. - Sign permit required.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.040. - Sign program.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of the sign program is to:

(1)

Assure coordination and compatibility between all signs within an integrated center, including, but not limited to retail centers and business parks.

(2)

Prevent visual clutter caused by signs excessive in size and number.

(3)

Ensure that signs are compatible with the desired image of the zoning district in which they are located.

(4)

Encourage uniqueness and individuality in signage within the established criteria.

(b)

(c)

Sign program requirements. A sign program shall consist of the following:

(1)

A copy of an approved site plan showing location of buildings, building elevations, parking areas, driveways, landscaped areas, and adjacent streets.

(2)

An accurate indication on the site plan and building elevations of the location of all existing and proposed signs requiring a permit.

(3)

Computation of the total number of signs, sign area for individual signs, total sign area and dimensions of signs for each existing and proposed sign type.

(4)

For each existing or proposed sign, the following shall be specified:

Location of each sign on the buildings and property;

Sign dimensions;

Color scheme;

Lettering or graphic style;

Sign copy dimensions;

Sign type;

Any sign copy limitations;

Lighting, if any;

Materials;

Landscaping quantities, types, sizes, and planter area dimensions if signs are to be located within landscaped planters; and

Line of sight dimensions for any proposed monument signs.

(5)

The sign program may contain such other restrictions as the owners of the property within the sign program area may reasonably request to be adopted by the City.

(d)

Consent. The sign program application shall be signed by all property owners or their authorized representatives.

(e)

Existing signs and sign programs.

(1)

(2)

(f)

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.050. - Approval process.

The Development Services Director or Planning Commission may approve and/or modify a sign program or sign program amendment as described in Section 9.08.160.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, § 2, 11-14-2007)

Sec. 9.07.060. - Exempt signs.

The following signs shall not require sign permit/sign program approval nor shall the area of the following signs be included in the maximum sign area permitted for any site or use:

(1)

One "open" or "closed" window sign less than two square feet in area. This sign may also include hours of operation.

(2)

Interior signs located within the interior of buildings when such signs are not visible from outside the subject building.

(3)

A United States, California or City flag. The flag itself shall not exceed ten feet in length or eight feet in height. The height of the flag pole shall not exceed 20 feet.

(4)

One temporary residential "open house" sign not exceeding three square feet in area on the particular premises that is for sale, lease, or rent, and posted only when a salesperson is present.

(5)

Directional safety signs, such as "Stop," "Yield," and similar signs, the face of which meet California Department of Transportation standards and bear no commercial message of any sort.

(6)

Trespassing and property alarm signs less than two square feet in area.

(7)

Neighborhood watch signs in residential neighborhoods with the approval of the City Engineer and Orange County Fire Authority.

(8)

Any official government sign, public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable Federal, State or local law, regulation or ordinance.

(9)

Temporary banner signs which are 24 square feet or less in the park zoning district provided said banner signs are part of a City-approved temporary banner sign program.

(10)

Signs identified in Tables 9.07.1 through 9.07.6 as not requiring a permit if they meet the applicable standards outlined in the tables.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 11-06, § 2, 9-14-2011)

Sec. 9.07.070. - Prohibited signs.

All signs that are not expressly permitted under this Section or exempt from regulation in accordance with Section 9.07.060 shall be prohibited in the City. Such signs include:

(1)

(2)

Signs in public rights-of-way except those needed for traffic safety regulation, City signs and directional signs related to hospitals or affiliated facilities, as approved by the City.

(3)

Any off-site or outdoor advertising sign or structures placed for the purpose of advertising a business not on the property upon which the sign is placed.

(4)

Banners, pennants, and balloons, unless specifically provided by this Title.

(5)

Flags, kites, wind blown and blow-up signs and characters or other similar advertising devices or displays.

(6)

(7)

Flood, laser, or search lights are not permitted unless the event involves over 500 people and is approved as part of a special event through the site development permit process in Section 9.08.170.

(8)

Electronic message board signs, except those that meet the requirements identified in Section 9.07.080.

(9)

Signs which constitute a nuisance or hazard due to their intensity of light.

(10)

Audible signs or other advertising devices.

(11)

Animals or human beings, live or simulated, designed or used so as to attract attention to the premises.

(12)

Can signs and cabinet signs.

(13)

Formed plastic or injection molded plastic signs.

(14)

Acrylic faced letters or similar material adhered to a window.

(15)

Roof signs.

(16)

Abandoned signs.

(17)

(18)

Neon signs/bands in which the neon tubing is exposed and clearly visible, unless approved through a sign program in the commercial-general (CG) zoning district only.

(19)

Portable signs, including human directional signs and sign "twisters."

(20)

A-frame signs, with the exception that restaurants be permitted one A-frame sign to place inside their patio area or by their front door.

(21)

Free-standing pole signs.

(22)

Signs that create safety hazards as determined by the Development Services Director, Chief of Police, Orange County Fire Authority, or City Engineer.

(23)

Signs painted on fences, roofs or other structures, except as expressly permitted within this Chapter.

(24)

Billboards.

(25)

Signs advertising or displaying any unlawful act, business or purpose.

(26)

Commercial/business park signs facing residential areas unless approved through a sign program.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, § 2, 11-14-2007)

Sec. 9.07.080. - Electronic message board signs.

Electronic message board signs are only permitted at high schools or colleges with a minimum size of 25 acres pursuant to the following regulations:

(1)

Electronic message board signs require a site development permit pursuant to Section 9.08.040.

(2)

Electronic message board signs shall be limited to one per educational institution.

(3)

The maximum permitted sign area for the electronic message board shall be 36 square feet of sign copy.

(4)

The maximum permitted sign height for the electronic message board sign area shall be three feet.

(5)

The electronic message display shall have no illumination which is continuous motion or which appears to be in continuous motion.

The fixed/permanent sign copy shall not flash, shall consist of one color, and shall not advertise off-site businesses or organizations.

The display message shall not change at a rate faster than one message every five seconds.

The intensity of illumination shall not change.

Burned out lights shall be replaced promptly.

The electronic message board shall not be allowed to operate in a faulty manner.

Misspelled messages shall be corrected promptly.

All electronic signs shall conform to the electrical code of the City.

(6)

No electronic message board sign shall be located within 25 feet of any interior side property line and shall have a minimum separation of 100 feet from a residential zoning district or use.

(7)

No portion of an electronic message board sign shall project into any right-of-way.

(8)

(9)

The proposed design of the electronic message board sign shall be compatible in design with the architectural theme or character of the educational institution it will serve and surrounding areas.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.090. - Permitted signs by zoning district.

This Section specifies the criteria for:

(1)

Signs permitted in residential zoning districts;

(2)

Signs permitted in commercial and business park zoning districts; and

(3)

Signs permitted in all other zoning districts.

Signs shall be permitted in the City in accordance with the standards contained in Tables 9.07.1 through 9.07.6.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.100. - Measurement of sign area and height.

The following regulations shall control the measurement of sign area and sign height:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Multiple-sided sign. Signs which have more than one side and are not double-sided signs have a sign area as computed for all sides, cumulatively.

(6)

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, § 2, 11-14-2007)

Sec. 9.07.110. - Sign design, construction, and maintenance.

All signs shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the following standards:

(1)

All signs shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Uniform Building Code and the electrical code of the City at all times.

(2)

Unless otherwise specified by a sign program, all permanent wall signage shall consist of individual channel letters.

(3)

(4)

Figure 9.07.1: Sign Height

Figure 9.07.2: Measurement of Sign Area with no Background or Border

Figure 9.07.3: Measurement of Sign Area with Backgrounds or Borders

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.120. - Abatement of illegal and abandoned signs.

The following provisions shall control the regulation of abandoned signs:

(1)

(2)

The reasonable cost of such removal shall be assessed against the sign owner. The cost of removal shall be determined by resolution of the City Council.

(3)

Legal, conforming structural supports for abandoned signs may remain, if installed with a blank sign face and supporting structures are maintained.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, § 2, 11-14-2007)

Sec. 9.07.130. - Legal nonconforming signs.

(a)

(b)

A nonconforming sign shall not be:

(1)

Changed to another nonconforming sign or replaced by the same or similar nonconforming sign.

(2)

Structurally or electrically expanded or altered unless such alteration is designed to and does bring the sign into full compliance with all current provisions of this Section.

(3)

Relocated to another site on the same property or another property in the City.

(4)

Reestablished after discontinuation of use for 90 days in a one-year period.

(5)

Reestablished after damage or destruction of more than 50 percent of the value or structure/mass of the sign prior to said damage or destruction.

Table 9.07.1
Temporary Signs Permitted in Residential Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Real Estate—Residence for Sale/Rent (Single-Family)	Monument (temporary)	No	One sign per residence	Six sq. ft. (including riders)	Standard: Four ft.	Placement shall be permitted on private property only.
2. Real Estate—Residence for Sale/Rent (Multi-Family)	Monument (temporary)	Yes	One sign per residential project	20 sq. ft. (including riders)	Standard: Five ft.	(a) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner. (b) Sign shall not advertise vacancies in tenancy.
3. Open House Identification (on-site)	Monument (temporary)	No	One sign per site	Four sq. ft.	Four ft.	(a) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner. (b) One flag not exceeding two ft. × two ft. shall be permitted per site.
4. Open House Directional (off-site)	Monument (temporary)	No	Minimum necessary to locate home One sign per intersection	Four sq. ft.	Four ft.	(a) Open house directional signs may be displayed only between 8:00 a.m. and dusk. (b) Open house directional signs may be placed only on private property with the consent of the property owner.
5. Individual Garage/Yard Sale Identification (on-site)	Wall, monument, or window (temporary)	No	One sign per garage sale residence	Four sq. ft.	Four ft.	(a) Sign shall be removed on or immediately following date of event. (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
6. Individual Garage/Yard Sale Identification (off-site)	Monument (temporary)	No	Minimum necessary to locate home One sign per intersection	Four sq. ft.	Four ft.	(a) Garage sale directional signs may be displayed only between 6:00 a.m. and dusk. (b) Sign shall be removed on or immediately following date of event. (c) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
7. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.2
Permanent Signs Permitted in Residential Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Community/Neighborhood Project Identification (single-family detached, single-family attached, condominiums)	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Subject to Planning Commission review and approval of a sign program			(a) Copy limited to community, neighborhood, or project and/or street address. (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
2. Apartment Complex Project Identification	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Subject to Planning Commission review and approval of a Sign Program			(a) Copy limited to apartment complex name and street address (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only.
3. Project Directory	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	One sign per site, or minimum number necessary to provide adequate unit addresses and information	24 sq. ft.	Six ft.	(a) Copy limited to name of project and description of buildings, unit addresses and supporting information. (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
4. Sales/Rental/Leasing Office Identification	Wall (permanent)	No	One sign per development	Six sq. ft.	No standard	(a) Copy limited to name of project, identification of office and street address. (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
5. Subdivision and Model Home Identification and Directional	Any new residential subdivision or development is subject to Planning Commission review and approval of a sign program. The sign program shall include all requests for permanent and temporary signs.					None
6. Ancillary (neighborhood watch, skateboarding prohibited, etc.)	Wall, monument, or window	No	Signs shall follow City Police Department specifications			None
7. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.3
Temporary Signs Permitted in Commercial and Business Park Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Promotional Banner	Wall banner (temporary)	Yes	One sign per business or tenant	24 sq. ft.	Shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building	(a) Temporary banners shall be allowed for a maximum period of ten days subject to the approval of a temporary banner permit. (b) A maximum of three temporary banner permits shall be issued to the same business or tenant at the same location in any calendar year. (c) A copy of the City-approved temporary banner permit shall be kept on site at all times and the City banner seal must be on the banner. (d) Temporary banners shall be contained within the lineal frontage of the leased space. (e) An alternative location may be considered by the Development Services Director in unique circumstances applicable to the property.
2. Window Sign (Seasonal)	Window (temporary)	No	No numerical limit	25 percent of total window area not to exceed 50 sq. ft. in size for any building	Shall not exceed height of highest window	(a) Seasonal window decorations are permitted for a maximum period of 16 weeks per year (total) and shall not advertise products or pricing. (b) All signs must be well-maintained and in good repair at all times.
3. Special Event Signs	Flags, banners and small balloon strings, etc. (temporary)	Special event permit	As determined by the special event permit	As determined by the special event permit	As determined by the special event permit	(a) Shall be permitted subject to review and approval of a special event permit. (b) Maximum time period established in Section 9.05.110.
4. A-frame Signs (applicable to restaurants only)	A-frame sign	No	One sign per restaurant	Six sq. ft.	Three ft.	(a) Signage shall be placed in the patio area or by the front door only. (b) Signage shall only advertise the daily specials.
5. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.4
Permanent Signs Permitted in Commercial Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Freestanding Commercial Building, Business Identification (single-tenant)	Wall, monument, or hanging (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs Monument: one sign per street frontage	Wall: one sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed 200 sq. ft. Monument: 50 sq. ft.	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Five ft.	(a) Maximum sign area is the aggregate of all permanent signs per street frontage. (b) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building. (c) Hanging signs must have a minimum vertical clearance of seven ft. (d) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program.
2. Commercial Center (a) Center Identification (for centers with ten or more tenants)	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs Monument: one sign per street frontage	Wall: one sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed 200 sq. ft. Monument: 80 sq. ft. per sign	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Six ft.	For commercial centers (a) and (b): (a) Center identification signs shall include no more than four tenants per side at the discretion of the property owner. (b) Centers that qualify for an additional center identification sign shall not be required to include the same four tenants as the first sign. (c) Monument signs shall not be located within 100 ft. of any other monument sign. (d) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building. (e) Copy shall include the name and address(es) of commercial center. (f) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program.
(b) Center Identification (for centers with less than ten tenants)	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs Monument: one sign per street frontage	Wall: one sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed 200 sq. ft.	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Five ft.	(a) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program.
(c) Freestanding Building Individual Tenant Identification (within a commercial center)	Wall (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs	Wall: one sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of tenant frontage not to exceed 100 sq. ft. per primary tenant	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building	(a) The combined area of all signs shall not exceed one sq. ft. per lineal foot of building frontage. (b) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building. (c) Monument signs shall not be located within 100 ft. of any other monument sign. (d) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program. (e) Restaurants may be permitted one sign per elevation, not to exceed four signs total.
(d) Individual Tenant Identification	Wall, or hanging (permanent)	Yes	One sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs	One sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of tenant frontage not to exceed an aggregate total of 100 sq. ft. per primary tenant	Shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building	(a) Signs shall be aligned evenly along facade unless architectural design dictates otherwise. (b) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building. (c) Hanging signs shall have a minimum vertical clearance of seven feet. (d) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program.
(e) Business Directory (1) Pedestrian Oriented	Wall (permanent)	Yes	Two	Ten sq. ft.	Wall: Three ft.	(a) Copy limited to name and location of on-site activities
(2) Vehicle-Oriented	Monument (permanent)	Yes	Minimum number necessary to provide adequate information and direction	25 sq. ft.	Five ft.	(a) Copy limited to name and location of on-site activities (b) Monument shall only be located within landscaped planters internal to the center. (c) Monument signs shall not be located within 100 ft. of any other monument sign. (d) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
3. Gas and Fuel Dispensing Station Identification and Pricing Information	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	One monument sign per street frontage not to exceed two per site	Wall: One sq. ft. of sign area per building frontage regardless of the number of uses. Monument: 50 sq. ft.	Wall: Shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Five ft.	(a) The total area for all signs on the premises shall not exceed 300 sq. ft. (b) Banners, flags, pennants, and similar advertising devices/advertising displays are prohibited on any service station building site. (c) Price signs are allowed in accordance with State regulations.
4. Movie Theater Identification and Marquee Sign	Wall, Monument, or marquee (permanent)	Yes	As determined by sign program			All movie theater signage requires the approval of the Planning Commission.
5. Drive Thru Restaurant Menu Board	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building Monument: two signs per drive thru aisle	30 sq. ft.	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Five ft.	Menu boards shall not be visible from a public right-of-way.
6. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.5
Permanent Signs Permitted in Business Park District

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Center or Project Identification (multi-tenant office building and/or multi-building office complex)	Monument	Yes	One sign per street frontage	50 sq. ft. per sign	Five ft.	(a) Shall contain the name and/or logo of the center of project and street address. May also contain tenant names (b) Center or project identification sign permitted in addition to multi-tenant office business identification signs (c) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved Sign Program
2. Office Business Identification (three stories or less)	Wall (permanent)	Yes	One sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs on ground floor. Two signs per building elevation for second floor	One sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of tenant frontage not to exceed an aggregate total of 100 sq. ft. per primary tenant	Shall not exceed the eave line or parapet of the building	(a) Shall be permitted in addition to center or project identification sign (b) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building (c) One sign shall be centered on the elevation or shall be placed on the opposite end of the building (d) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved Sign Program
3. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.6
Signs Permitted in All Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Real Estate—Commercial or Business Park Leasing or Sales (for residential real estate signs, please see signs permitted in residential districts)	Wall or monument (temporary)	Yes	One sign per street frontage	16 sq. ft.	Monument: Five ft.	(a) Copy shall pertain only to the sale, rent or lease of the building or property. (b) For alternative sign, see future facility sign. (c) Shall be located within a landscaped planter at least 25 feet from any permanent sign. (d) Shall be removed within ten days in the event that the building or center is 100 percent occupied or leased. (e) Permit shall not be valid for longer than 364 days within any calendar year. (f) Real estate signage may be permitted for buildings with no street frontage provided the building is part of an integrated commercial center. Such signage shall adhere to the same standards within this sign class.
2. Temporary Signs for Businesses Impacted by Construction Projects, Road Widenings, and Remodels	Monument or fence (temporary)	Yes	One sign per street frontage per impacted business	16 sq. ft.	Monument: Five ft. Fence: shall not exceed top of construction fence	(a) Copy limited to business name, project name, and street address. Copy must include 24-hour emergency contact information, including phone numbers. (b) May be erected when construction begins. (c) Shall be removed immediately upon completion of construction. (d) Sign must be constructed professionally and shall not be hand-painted or hand-drawn. (e) Sign program must be provided indicating all temporary signage proposed.
3. Future Facility	Wall or monument (temporary)	Yes	One per building or street frontage	50 sq. ft.	Monument: Eight ft.	(a) Buildings that are already constructed and which are granted a change in use may be issued a future facility sign permit after issuance of a building permit. (b) Sign shall be removed prior to occupancy of 50 percent of the building on the subject site or within six months of the first occupancy, whichever comes first. (c) Copy may include sales or leasing information in lieu of real estate sign. May also contain name of architect or engineer.
4. Directional	Wall or monument (permanent)	No	Minimum number necessary to provide adequate information and direction	Six sq. ft.	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building. Monument: Four ft.	(a) Copy limited to information, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," and other similar activities. (b) Signs shall be designed to be viewed on-site by pedestrians and/or motorists.
5. Campaign Sign	Temporary	No	n/a	n/a	n/a	Locational requirements: (1) Shall not be posted and left behind in the public right-of-way or upon any City property. (2) Shall not be affixed to any traffic signal, utility box, or traffic control device. (3) Shall be placed so that the top of the sign is not above the eave or parapet of the building. (4) Shall be placed so that the edge of the sign is at least two feet from the edge of the curb of street where there is no curb. (5) Shall not impede pedestrian walkways, hinder disabled access or constitute a hazard to or endanger persons using sidewalks. (6) Shall not be located in any area which the City Engineer, acting pursuant to generally accepted engineering standards, determines that such sign would constitute a safety or traffic hazard. (7) Shall not be placed upon the property of another without the approval of the owner of said property. Signs placed upon the property of another shall be removed by the person or organization responsible for the sign promptly upon the request of the property owner. Design requirements: (1) Shall not be animated, revolve, rotate, move mechanically, flash, reflect, or blink. (2) Shall not have flags, kites, valances, pennants, flood, laser or search lights, or other similar attraction devices. (3) Shall display the name, address and telephone number of the person or organization responsible for the sign.
						Removal requirements: (1) Shall be removed on or before three days after the election to which the sign pertains. (2) In addition to all other remedies available to the City pursuant to this Chapter, the Municipal Code, or other applicable law, any sign illegally posted and left behind on City property or in the public right-of-way may be removed and stored by the City (a) following the expiration of four hours after providing oral, telephonic, or written notice to the person or organization responsible for the sign and such sign has not been voluntarily removed by the responsible person or organization; or (b) immediately, (i) if such sign was previously removed by the City from City property or the public right-of-way, and it is thereafter replaced on City property or the public right-of-way; or (ii) if the name, address and telephone number of the person or organization responsible for the sign is not displayed on the sign and the City is not otherwise able to determine the person or organization responsible for the sign; or (iii) if the sign has been posted and left behind in a manner that constitutes an immediate threat to public safety or is determined to be a traffic hazard. If any such sign so removed is not claimed and retrieved by the responsible person or organization within 30 days, the City may discard the sign.
6. Public or Institutional Facility Identification	Wall or monument(permanent)	Yes	Wall; one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs. Monument: one per street frontage	Wall: one sq. ft. per lineal foot of tenant frontage not to exceed an aggregate total of 100 sq. ft. per public facility. Monument: 50 sq. ft. per sign.	Wall or canopy: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of the building. Monument: Five ft.	(a) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building.
7. Travel Directory Sign	Subject to Planning Commission review and approval of a Sign Program.					None
8. Public right-of-way signs for public facilities	Subject to Encroachment Permit review and approval of the City Engineer.					None
9. Community facility banner	Banner sign (temporary)	Yes	As determined by the Development Services Director.	24 sq. ft.	Six ft.	(a) Community facility banners are permitted primarily for advertising for registration for community facility events. (b) Temporary banners shall be allowed for a maximum period of ten days subject to the approval of a temporary banner permit. (c) A maximum of three temporary banner permits shall be issued to the same business or tenant at the same location in any calendar year. (d) A copy of the City-approved temporary banner permit shall be kept on-site at all times and the City banner seal must be on the banner. (e) Appropriate locations shall be determined by the Development Services Director.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, §§ 2, 10, 11-14-2007; Ord. No. 09-03, § 9, 3-25-2009; Ord. No. 14-01, § 3, 4-9-2014)

Rancho Santa Margarita
City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 9

07 - Signs

Sec. 9.07.010.- Purpose.

(1)

Encourage the effective use of signs and graphics as a means of identification and communication in the community;

(2)

Maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the ability of the City to attract sources of economic development and growth;

(3)

(4)

Provide procedures and standards to control the location, size, type, number, and all other matters pertaining to signs within the City; and

(5)

Provide consistency among signs within an integrated commercial center.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.020. - Applicability.

(a)

(b)

These sign regulations are not intended to restrict, limit or control the content or message of signs.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.030. - Sign permit required.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.040. - Sign program.

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of the sign program is to:

(1)

Assure coordination and compatibility between all signs within an integrated center, including, but not limited to retail centers and business parks.

(2)

Prevent visual clutter caused by signs excessive in size and number.

(3)

Ensure that signs are compatible with the desired image of the zoning district in which they are located.

(4)

Encourage uniqueness and individuality in signage within the established criteria.

(b)

(c)

Sign program requirements. A sign program shall consist of the following:

(1)

A copy of an approved site plan showing location of buildings, building elevations, parking areas, driveways, landscaped areas, and adjacent streets.

(2)

An accurate indication on the site plan and building elevations of the location of all existing and proposed signs requiring a permit.

(3)

Computation of the total number of signs, sign area for individual signs, total sign area and dimensions of signs for each existing and proposed sign type.

(4)

For each existing or proposed sign, the following shall be specified:

Location of each sign on the buildings and property;

Sign dimensions;

Color scheme;

Lettering or graphic style;

Sign copy dimensions;

Sign type;

Any sign copy limitations;

Lighting, if any;

Materials;

Landscaping quantities, types, sizes, and planter area dimensions if signs are to be located within landscaped planters; and

Line of sight dimensions for any proposed monument signs.

(5)

The sign program may contain such other restrictions as the owners of the property within the sign program area may reasonably request to be adopted by the City.

(d)

Consent. The sign program application shall be signed by all property owners or their authorized representatives.

(e)

Existing signs and sign programs.

(1)

(2)

(f)

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.050. - Approval process.

The Development Services Director or Planning Commission may approve and/or modify a sign program or sign program amendment as described in Section 9.08.160.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, § 2, 11-14-2007)

Sec. 9.07.060. - Exempt signs.

The following signs shall not require sign permit/sign program approval nor shall the area of the following signs be included in the maximum sign area permitted for any site or use:

(1)

One "open" or "closed" window sign less than two square feet in area. This sign may also include hours of operation.

(2)

Interior signs located within the interior of buildings when such signs are not visible from outside the subject building.

(3)

A United States, California or City flag. The flag itself shall not exceed ten feet in length or eight feet in height. The height of the flag pole shall not exceed 20 feet.

(4)

One temporary residential "open house" sign not exceeding three square feet in area on the particular premises that is for sale, lease, or rent, and posted only when a salesperson is present.

(5)

Directional safety signs, such as "Stop," "Yield," and similar signs, the face of which meet California Department of Transportation standards and bear no commercial message of any sort.

(6)

Trespassing and property alarm signs less than two square feet in area.

(7)

Neighborhood watch signs in residential neighborhoods with the approval of the City Engineer and Orange County Fire Authority.

(8)

Any official government sign, public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable Federal, State or local law, regulation or ordinance.

(9)

Temporary banner signs which are 24 square feet or less in the park zoning district provided said banner signs are part of a City-approved temporary banner sign program.

(10)

Signs identified in Tables 9.07.1 through 9.07.6 as not requiring a permit if they meet the applicable standards outlined in the tables.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 11-06, § 2, 9-14-2011)

Sec. 9.07.070. - Prohibited signs.

All signs that are not expressly permitted under this Section or exempt from regulation in accordance with Section 9.07.060 shall be prohibited in the City. Such signs include:

(1)

(2)

Signs in public rights-of-way except those needed for traffic safety regulation, City signs and directional signs related to hospitals or affiliated facilities, as approved by the City.

(3)

Any off-site or outdoor advertising sign or structures placed for the purpose of advertising a business not on the property upon which the sign is placed.

(4)

Banners, pennants, and balloons, unless specifically provided by this Title.

(5)

Flags, kites, wind blown and blow-up signs and characters or other similar advertising devices or displays.

(6)

(7)

Flood, laser, or search lights are not permitted unless the event involves over 500 people and is approved as part of a special event through the site development permit process in Section 9.08.170.

(8)

Electronic message board signs, except those that meet the requirements identified in Section 9.07.080.

(9)

Signs which constitute a nuisance or hazard due to their intensity of light.

(10)

Audible signs or other advertising devices.

(11)

Animals or human beings, live or simulated, designed or used so as to attract attention to the premises.

(12)

Can signs and cabinet signs.

(13)

Formed plastic or injection molded plastic signs.

(14)

Acrylic faced letters or similar material adhered to a window.

(15)

Roof signs.

(16)

Abandoned signs.

(17)

(18)

Neon signs/bands in which the neon tubing is exposed and clearly visible, unless approved through a sign program in the commercial-general (CG) zoning district only.

(19)

Portable signs, including human directional signs and sign "twisters."

(20)

A-frame signs, with the exception that restaurants be permitted one A-frame sign to place inside their patio area or by their front door.

(21)

Free-standing pole signs.

(22)

Signs that create safety hazards as determined by the Development Services Director, Chief of Police, Orange County Fire Authority, or City Engineer.

(23)

Signs painted on fences, roofs or other structures, except as expressly permitted within this Chapter.

(24)

Billboards.

(25)

Signs advertising or displaying any unlawful act, business or purpose.

(26)

Commercial/business park signs facing residential areas unless approved through a sign program.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, § 2, 11-14-2007)

Sec. 9.07.080. - Electronic message board signs.

Electronic message board signs are only permitted at high schools or colleges with a minimum size of 25 acres pursuant to the following regulations:

(1)

Electronic message board signs require a site development permit pursuant to Section 9.08.040.

(2)

Electronic message board signs shall be limited to one per educational institution.

(3)

The maximum permitted sign area for the electronic message board shall be 36 square feet of sign copy.

(4)

The maximum permitted sign height for the electronic message board sign area shall be three feet.

(5)

The electronic message display shall have no illumination which is continuous motion or which appears to be in continuous motion.

The fixed/permanent sign copy shall not flash, shall consist of one color, and shall not advertise off-site businesses or organizations.

The display message shall not change at a rate faster than one message every five seconds.

The intensity of illumination shall not change.

Burned out lights shall be replaced promptly.

The electronic message board shall not be allowed to operate in a faulty manner.

Misspelled messages shall be corrected promptly.

All electronic signs shall conform to the electrical code of the City.

(6)

No electronic message board sign shall be located within 25 feet of any interior side property line and shall have a minimum separation of 100 feet from a residential zoning district or use.

(7)

No portion of an electronic message board sign shall project into any right-of-way.

(8)

(9)

The proposed design of the electronic message board sign shall be compatible in design with the architectural theme or character of the educational institution it will serve and surrounding areas.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.090. - Permitted signs by zoning district.

This Section specifies the criteria for:

(1)

Signs permitted in residential zoning districts;

(2)

Signs permitted in commercial and business park zoning districts; and

(3)

Signs permitted in all other zoning districts.

Signs shall be permitted in the City in accordance with the standards contained in Tables 9.07.1 through 9.07.6.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.100. - Measurement of sign area and height.

The following regulations shall control the measurement of sign area and sign height:

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Multiple-sided sign. Signs which have more than one side and are not double-sided signs have a sign area as computed for all sides, cumulatively.

(6)

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, § 2, 11-14-2007)

Sec. 9.07.110. - Sign design, construction, and maintenance.

All signs shall be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the following standards:

(1)

All signs shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Uniform Building Code and the electrical code of the City at all times.

(2)

Unless otherwise specified by a sign program, all permanent wall signage shall consist of individual channel letters.

(3)

(4)

Figure 9.07.1: Sign Height

Figure 9.07.2: Measurement of Sign Area with no Background or Border

Figure 9.07.3: Measurement of Sign Area with Backgrounds or Borders

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007)

Sec. 9.07.120. - Abatement of illegal and abandoned signs.

The following provisions shall control the regulation of abandoned signs:

(1)

(2)

The reasonable cost of such removal shall be assessed against the sign owner. The cost of removal shall be determined by resolution of the City Council.

(3)

Legal, conforming structural supports for abandoned signs may remain, if installed with a blank sign face and supporting structures are maintained.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, § 2, 11-14-2007)

Sec. 9.07.130. - Legal nonconforming signs.

(a)

(b)

A nonconforming sign shall not be:

(1)

Changed to another nonconforming sign or replaced by the same or similar nonconforming sign.

(2)

Structurally or electrically expanded or altered unless such alteration is designed to and does bring the sign into full compliance with all current provisions of this Section.

(3)

Relocated to another site on the same property or another property in the City.

(4)

Reestablished after discontinuation of use for 90 days in a one-year period.

(5)

Reestablished after damage or destruction of more than 50 percent of the value or structure/mass of the sign prior to said damage or destruction.

Table 9.07.1
Temporary Signs Permitted in Residential Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Real Estate—Residence for Sale/Rent (Single-Family)	Monument (temporary)	No	One sign per residence	Six sq. ft. (including riders)	Standard: Four ft.	Placement shall be permitted on private property only.
2. Real Estate—Residence for Sale/Rent (Multi-Family)	Monument (temporary)	Yes	One sign per residential project	20 sq. ft. (including riders)	Standard: Five ft.	(a) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner. (b) Sign shall not advertise vacancies in tenancy.
3. Open House Identification (on-site)	Monument (temporary)	No	One sign per site	Four sq. ft.	Four ft.	(a) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner. (b) One flag not exceeding two ft. × two ft. shall be permitted per site.
4. Open House Directional (off-site)	Monument (temporary)	No	Minimum necessary to locate home One sign per intersection	Four sq. ft.	Four ft.	(a) Open house directional signs may be displayed only between 8:00 a.m. and dusk. (b) Open house directional signs may be placed only on private property with the consent of the property owner.
5. Individual Garage/Yard Sale Identification (on-site)	Wall, monument, or window (temporary)	No	One sign per garage sale residence	Four sq. ft.	Four ft.	(a) Sign shall be removed on or immediately following date of event. (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
6. Individual Garage/Yard Sale Identification (off-site)	Monument (temporary)	No	Minimum necessary to locate home One sign per intersection	Four sq. ft.	Four ft.	(a) Garage sale directional signs may be displayed only between 6:00 a.m. and dusk. (b) Sign shall be removed on or immediately following date of event. (c) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
7. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.2
Permanent Signs Permitted in Residential Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Community/Neighborhood Project Identification (single-family detached, single-family attached, condominiums)	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Subject to Planning Commission review and approval of a sign program			(a) Copy limited to community, neighborhood, or project and/or street address. (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
2. Apartment Complex Project Identification	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Subject to Planning Commission review and approval of a Sign Program			(a) Copy limited to apartment complex name and street address (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only.
3. Project Directory	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	One sign per site, or minimum number necessary to provide adequate unit addresses and information	24 sq. ft.	Six ft.	(a) Copy limited to name of project and description of buildings, unit addresses and supporting information. (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
4. Sales/Rental/Leasing Office Identification	Wall (permanent)	No	One sign per development	Six sq. ft.	No standard	(a) Copy limited to name of project, identification of office and street address. (b) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
5. Subdivision and Model Home Identification and Directional	Any new residential subdivision or development is subject to Planning Commission review and approval of a sign program. The sign program shall include all requests for permanent and temporary signs.					None
6. Ancillary (neighborhood watch, skateboarding prohibited, etc.)	Wall, monument, or window	No	Signs shall follow City Police Department specifications			None
7. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.3
Temporary Signs Permitted in Commercial and Business Park Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Promotional Banner	Wall banner (temporary)	Yes	One sign per business or tenant	24 sq. ft.	Shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building	(a) Temporary banners shall be allowed for a maximum period of ten days subject to the approval of a temporary banner permit. (b) A maximum of three temporary banner permits shall be issued to the same business or tenant at the same location in any calendar year. (c) A copy of the City-approved temporary banner permit shall be kept on site at all times and the City banner seal must be on the banner. (d) Temporary banners shall be contained within the lineal frontage of the leased space. (e) An alternative location may be considered by the Development Services Director in unique circumstances applicable to the property.
2. Window Sign (Seasonal)	Window (temporary)	No	No numerical limit	25 percent of total window area not to exceed 50 sq. ft. in size for any building	Shall not exceed height of highest window	(a) Seasonal window decorations are permitted for a maximum period of 16 weeks per year (total) and shall not advertise products or pricing. (b) All signs must be well-maintained and in good repair at all times.
3. Special Event Signs	Flags, banners and small balloon strings, etc. (temporary)	Special event permit	As determined by the special event permit	As determined by the special event permit	As determined by the special event permit	(a) Shall be permitted subject to review and approval of a special event permit. (b) Maximum time period established in Section 9.05.110.
4. A-frame Signs (applicable to restaurants only)	A-frame sign	No	One sign per restaurant	Six sq. ft.	Three ft.	(a) Signage shall be placed in the patio area or by the front door only. (b) Signage shall only advertise the daily specials.
5. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.4
Permanent Signs Permitted in Commercial Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Freestanding Commercial Building, Business Identification (single-tenant)	Wall, monument, or hanging (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs Monument: one sign per street frontage	Wall: one sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed 200 sq. ft. Monument: 50 sq. ft.	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Five ft.	(a) Maximum sign area is the aggregate of all permanent signs per street frontage. (b) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building. (c) Hanging signs must have a minimum vertical clearance of seven ft. (d) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program.
2. Commercial Center (a) Center Identification (for centers with ten or more tenants)	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs Monument: one sign per street frontage	Wall: one sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed 200 sq. ft. Monument: 80 sq. ft. per sign	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Six ft.	For commercial centers (a) and (b): (a) Center identification signs shall include no more than four tenants per side at the discretion of the property owner. (b) Centers that qualify for an additional center identification sign shall not be required to include the same four tenants as the first sign. (c) Monument signs shall not be located within 100 ft. of any other monument sign. (d) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building. (e) Copy shall include the name and address(es) of commercial center. (f) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program.
(b) Center Identification (for centers with less than ten tenants)	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs Monument: one sign per street frontage	Wall: one sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage not to exceed 200 sq. ft.	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Five ft.	(a) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program.
(c) Freestanding Building Individual Tenant Identification (within a commercial center)	Wall (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs	Wall: one sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of tenant frontage not to exceed 100 sq. ft. per primary tenant	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building	(a) The combined area of all signs shall not exceed one sq. ft. per lineal foot of building frontage. (b) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building. (c) Monument signs shall not be located within 100 ft. of any other monument sign. (d) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program. (e) Restaurants may be permitted one sign per elevation, not to exceed four signs total.
(d) Individual Tenant Identification	Wall, or hanging (permanent)	Yes	One sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs	One sq. ft. of sign area per lineal foot of tenant frontage not to exceed an aggregate total of 100 sq. ft. per primary tenant	Shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building	(a) Signs shall be aligned evenly along facade unless architectural design dictates otherwise. (b) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building. (c) Hanging signs shall have a minimum vertical clearance of seven feet. (d) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved sign program.
(e) Business Directory (1) Pedestrian Oriented	Wall (permanent)	Yes	Two	Ten sq. ft.	Wall: Three ft.	(a) Copy limited to name and location of on-site activities
(2) Vehicle-Oriented	Monument (permanent)	Yes	Minimum number necessary to provide adequate information and direction	25 sq. ft.	Five ft.	(a) Copy limited to name and location of on-site activities (b) Monument shall only be located within landscaped planters internal to the center. (c) Monument signs shall not be located within 100 ft. of any other monument sign. (d) Placement shall be permitted on private property only with consent of property owner.
3. Gas and Fuel Dispensing Station Identification and Pricing Information	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	One monument sign per street frontage not to exceed two per site	Wall: One sq. ft. of sign area per building frontage regardless of the number of uses. Monument: 50 sq. ft.	Wall: Shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Five ft.	(a) The total area for all signs on the premises shall not exceed 300 sq. ft. (b) Banners, flags, pennants, and similar advertising devices/advertising displays are prohibited on any service station building site. (c) Price signs are allowed in accordance with State regulations.
4. Movie Theater Identification and Marquee Sign	Wall, Monument, or marquee (permanent)	Yes	As determined by sign program			All movie theater signage requires the approval of the Planning Commission.
5. Drive Thru Restaurant Menu Board	Wall or monument (permanent)	Yes	Wall: one sign per building Monument: two signs per drive thru aisle	30 sq. ft.	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building Monument: Five ft.	Menu boards shall not be visible from a public right-of-way.
6. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.5
Permanent Signs Permitted in Business Park District

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Center or Project Identification (multi-tenant office building and/or multi-building office complex)	Monument	Yes	One sign per street frontage	50 sq. ft. per sign	Five ft.	(a) Shall contain the name and/or logo of the center of project and street address. May also contain tenant names (b) Center or project identification sign permitted in addition to multi-tenant office business identification signs (c) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved Sign Program
2. Office Business Identification (three stories or less)	Wall (permanent)	Yes	One sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs on ground floor. Two signs per building elevation for second floor	One sq. ft. of sign area per lineal ft. of tenant frontage not to exceed an aggregate total of 100 sq. ft. per primary tenant	Shall not exceed the eave line or parapet of the building	(a) Shall be permitted in addition to center or project identification sign (b) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building (c) One sign shall be centered on the elevation or shall be placed on the opposite end of the building (d) Signage shall not be permitted for subtenants unless specifically permitted by an approved Sign Program
3. Any other sign described in Table 9.07.6.

Table 9.07.6
Signs Permitted in All Districts

Class	Type	Permit Required	Maximum Number	Maximum Area	Maximum Height	Additional Standards
1. Real Estate—Commercial or Business Park Leasing or Sales (for residential real estate signs, please see signs permitted in residential districts)	Wall or monument (temporary)	Yes	One sign per street frontage	16 sq. ft.	Monument: Five ft.	(a) Copy shall pertain only to the sale, rent or lease of the building or property. (b) For alternative sign, see future facility sign. (c) Shall be located within a landscaped planter at least 25 feet from any permanent sign. (d) Shall be removed within ten days in the event that the building or center is 100 percent occupied or leased. (e) Permit shall not be valid for longer than 364 days within any calendar year. (f) Real estate signage may be permitted for buildings with no street frontage provided the building is part of an integrated commercial center. Such signage shall adhere to the same standards within this sign class.
2. Temporary Signs for Businesses Impacted by Construction Projects, Road Widenings, and Remodels	Monument or fence (temporary)	Yes	One sign per street frontage per impacted business	16 sq. ft.	Monument: Five ft. Fence: shall not exceed top of construction fence	(a) Copy limited to business name, project name, and street address. Copy must include 24-hour emergency contact information, including phone numbers. (b) May be erected when construction begins. (c) Shall be removed immediately upon completion of construction. (d) Sign must be constructed professionally and shall not be hand-painted or hand-drawn. (e) Sign program must be provided indicating all temporary signage proposed.
3. Future Facility	Wall or monument (temporary)	Yes	One per building or street frontage	50 sq. ft.	Monument: Eight ft.	(a) Buildings that are already constructed and which are granted a change in use may be issued a future facility sign permit after issuance of a building permit. (b) Sign shall be removed prior to occupancy of 50 percent of the building on the subject site or within six months of the first occupancy, whichever comes first. (c) Copy may include sales or leasing information in lieu of real estate sign. May also contain name of architect or engineer.
4. Directional	Wall or monument (permanent)	No	Minimum number necessary to provide adequate information and direction	Six sq. ft.	Wall: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of building. Monument: Four ft.	(a) Copy limited to information, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," and other similar activities. (b) Signs shall be designed to be viewed on-site by pedestrians and/or motorists.
5. Campaign Sign	Temporary	No	n/a	n/a	n/a	Locational requirements: (1) Shall not be posted and left behind in the public right-of-way or upon any City property. (2) Shall not be affixed to any traffic signal, utility box, or traffic control device. (3) Shall be placed so that the top of the sign is not above the eave or parapet of the building. (4) Shall be placed so that the edge of the sign is at least two feet from the edge of the curb of street where there is no curb. (5) Shall not impede pedestrian walkways, hinder disabled access or constitute a hazard to or endanger persons using sidewalks. (6) Shall not be located in any area which the City Engineer, acting pursuant to generally accepted engineering standards, determines that such sign would constitute a safety or traffic hazard. (7) Shall not be placed upon the property of another without the approval of the owner of said property. Signs placed upon the property of another shall be removed by the person or organization responsible for the sign promptly upon the request of the property owner. Design requirements: (1) Shall not be animated, revolve, rotate, move mechanically, flash, reflect, or blink. (2) Shall not have flags, kites, valances, pennants, flood, laser or search lights, or other similar attraction devices. (3) Shall display the name, address and telephone number of the person or organization responsible for the sign.
						Removal requirements: (1) Shall be removed on or before three days after the election to which the sign pertains. (2) In addition to all other remedies available to the City pursuant to this Chapter, the Municipal Code, or other applicable law, any sign illegally posted and left behind on City property or in the public right-of-way may be removed and stored by the City (a) following the expiration of four hours after providing oral, telephonic, or written notice to the person or organization responsible for the sign and such sign has not been voluntarily removed by the responsible person or organization; or (b) immediately, (i) if such sign was previously removed by the City from City property or the public right-of-way, and it is thereafter replaced on City property or the public right-of-way; or (ii) if the name, address and telephone number of the person or organization responsible for the sign is not displayed on the sign and the City is not otherwise able to determine the person or organization responsible for the sign; or (iii) if the sign has been posted and left behind in a manner that constitutes an immediate threat to public safety or is determined to be a traffic hazard. If any such sign so removed is not claimed and retrieved by the responsible person or organization within 30 days, the City may discard the sign.
6. Public or Institutional Facility Identification	Wall or monument(permanent)	Yes	Wall; one sign per building elevation for a maximum of three signs. Monument: one per street frontage	Wall: one sq. ft. per lineal foot of tenant frontage not to exceed an aggregate total of 100 sq. ft. per public facility. Monument: 50 sq. ft. per sign.	Wall or canopy: shall not exceed eave line or parapet of the building. Monument: Five ft.	(a) Signs shall not be located closer than two feet from any edge of the building.
7. Travel Directory Sign	Subject to Planning Commission review and approval of a Sign Program.					None
8. Public right-of-way signs for public facilities	Subject to Encroachment Permit review and approval of the City Engineer.					None
9. Community facility banner	Banner sign (temporary)	Yes	As determined by the Development Services Director.	24 sq. ft.	Six ft.	(a) Community facility banners are permitted primarily for advertising for registration for community facility events. (b) Temporary banners shall be allowed for a maximum period of ten days subject to the approval of a temporary banner permit. (c) A maximum of three temporary banner permits shall be issued to the same business or tenant at the same location in any calendar year. (d) A copy of the City-approved temporary banner permit shall be kept on-site at all times and the City banner seal must be on the banner. (e) Appropriate locations shall be determined by the Development Services Director.

(Ord. No. 07-03, § 4(Exh. A), 4-11-2007; Ord. No. 07-07, §§ 2, 10, 11-14-2007; Ord. No. 09-03, § 9, 3-25-2009; Ord. No. 14-01, § 3, 4-9-2014)

Rancho Santa MargaritaCity Zoning Code

CHAPTER 9

Sec. 9.07.010.- Purpose.

Sec. 9.07.020. - Applicability.

Sec. 9.07.030. - Sign permit required.

Sec. 9.07.040. - Sign program.

Sec. 9.07.050. - Approval process.

Sec. 9.07.060. - Exempt signs.

Sec. 9.07.070. - Prohibited signs.

Sec. 9.07.080. - Electronic message board signs.

Sec. 9.07.090. - Permitted signs by zoning district.

Sec. 9.07.100. - Measurement of sign area and height.

Sec. 9.07.110. - Sign design, construction, and maintenance.

Sec. 9.07.120. - Abatement of illegal and abandoned signs.

Sec. 9.07.130. - Legal nonconforming signs.

Rancho Santa MargaritaCity Zoning Code

CHAPTER 9

Sec. 9.07.010.- Purpose.

Sec. 9.07.020. - Applicability.

Sec. 9.07.030. - Sign permit required.

Sec. 9.07.040. - Sign program.

Sec. 9.07.050. - Approval process.

Sec. 9.07.060. - Exempt signs.

Sec. 9.07.070. - Prohibited signs.

Sec. 9.07.080. - Electronic message board signs.

Sec. 9.07.090. - Permitted signs by zoning district.

Sec. 9.07.100. - Measurement of sign area and height.

Sec. 9.07.110. - Sign design, construction, and maintenance.

Sec. 9.07.120. - Abatement of illegal and abandoned signs.

Sec. 9.07.130. - Legal nonconforming signs.

Rancho Santa MargaritaCity Zoning Code

CHAPTER 9

Sec. 9.07.010.- Purpose.

Sec. 9.07.020. - Applicability.

Sec. 9.07.030. - Sign permit required.

Sec. 9.07.040. - Sign program.

Sec. 9.07.050. - Approval process.

Sec. 9.07.060. - Exempt signs.

Sec. 9.07.070. - Prohibited signs.

Sec. 9.07.080. - Electronic message board signs.

Sec. 9.07.090. - Permitted signs by zoning district.

Sec. 9.07.100. - Measurement of sign area and height.

Sec. 9.07.110. - Sign design, construction, and maintenance.

Sec. 9.07.120. - Abatement of illegal and abandoned signs.

Sec. 9.07.130. - Legal nonconforming signs.

Rancho Santa Margarita
City Zoning Code

Rancho Santa Margarita
City Zoning Code

Rancho Santa Margarita
City Zoning Code