The purpose of this Chapter is to prescribe development and site regulations that apply, except where specifically stated, to development in all districts. These standards will be used in conjunction with the standards for each zoning district located in Article 2 (Zones, Allowable Uses, and Development Standards). In the event of a conflict, the standards specific to the zone district will override these regulations. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

Parcel Coverage is the percent of the total footprint of all structures on a parcel to the net parcel area. The footprints of all principal and accessory structures, including garages, and carports, shall be included in the parcel coverage measurement unless otherwise noted. The following structures shall be excluded from the calculation:

   A.   Uncovered decks, patios, landings, balconies, and unenclosed stairways;

   B.   Eaves and roof overhangs;

   C.   Trellises and similar structures;

   D.   Outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs; and

   E.   Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units created through new construction. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

      1.   The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the height of any structure necessary for public safety or as required by any law or regulation of the State or agency thereof.

      2.   Penthouses or roof structures for the housing of elevators, stairways, tanks, ventilating fans, air conditioning equipment, or similar equipment required to operate and maintain structures, and fire and parapet walls, skylights, towers, spires, cupolas, road signs (where allowed), flagpoles, chimneys, smokestacks, television and radio masts, or similar structures, may be erected above the height limit but shall not be allowed for the purpose of providing additional living or floor space.

      1.   A setback line defining a required yard is parallel to and at the specified distance from the corresponding front, side, or rear property line. For regulations pertaining to projections or encroachments into required setbacks, refer to Section 10.30.040.B (Allowed Projections).

      2.   Where a parcel abuts a street having only a portion of its required width dedicated or reserved for public rights-of-way, parcel area and required setbacks shall be measured from a line representing the boundary of the additional width required for street purposes abutting the parcel.

      1.   The standards of this Section apply to new development or structures and new equipment that is added to serve existing structures.

      2.   Where more than sixty percent (60%) of such portion of the linear frontage of parcels within any block is comprised of parcels with less than the minimum front setback requirement, the minimum front setback requirement in such block may be reduced to the average of the actual front setbacks of all the parcels in such block, counting those which have front setbacks greater than the minimum front setback requirement of the zoning district as having the minimum requirement.

      3.   The structures listed in Table-10.30-A may extend into, and other encroachments may be in, required setbacks and are subject to all applicable requirements of the Building Code. No structure or projection thereof shall extend into a public easement.

 

(Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

Excluding accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units in compliance with Chapter 10.52 (Accessory Dwelling Unit) and Chapter 10.54 (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit), front yards on residentially zoned lots may be less than the required setback, provided that a written request and site plan are submitted in accordance with Section 10.30.050 (Setback Exchange). (Ord. 2024- 001, 9-10-2024)

(Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

      1.   Residential Accessory Structures, as defined in Title 10, Article 8 (Definitions).

      2.   Decks that exceed two hundred (200) square feet in area and exceed thirty inches (30") above the ground elevation, excluding above-ground pools. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

Except as otherwise provided in this Title, no special planning permit or entitlement shall be required for accessory structures that are consistent with the standards in this Chapter. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

   A.   An accessory structure may only be constructed on a parcel with a legally allowed primary structure.

   B.   For accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units used as a habitable space, please refer to Chapter 10.52 (Accessory Dwelling Unit) and Chapter 10.54 (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit). (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

Accessory structures shall conform to the same property development standards as main structures except as required by this Section.

   A.   Accessory structures shall not be located in the corner cutoff area as identified in Section 10.30.060 (Corner Cutoff Area).

   B.   Residential accessory structures shall be exempt from side and rear yard setback requirements identified in Article 2 if they comply with all of the following:

      1.   The accessory structure is less than one hundred and twenty (120) square feet in area;

      2.   The height of the accessory structure is twelve feet (12') or shorter, measured from plate line, provided the slope from the plate line to the roof ridge shall not exceed five (5) by twelve (12);

      3.   No plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or gas systems shall be allowed in or attached to the accessory structure; and

      4.   The accessory structure shall comply with California Building Code requirements.

   C.   Residential accessory structures shall comply with the setback requirements identified in Article 2 and California Building code requirements if any of the following apply:

      1.   The accessory structure is one hundred and twenty (120) square feet or greater in area;

      2.   The height of the accessory structure is taller than twelve feet (12'), measured from plate line, provided the slope from the plate line to the roof ridge shall not exceed five (5) by twelve (12); and

      3.   Plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or gas systems are in or attached to the accessory structure.

      1.   New fences, walls, or hedges;

      2.   New development;

      3.   Building additions to existing structures that expand the existing floor area by at least twenty percent (20%), or two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet, whichever is less, not including single-unit dwellings or duplexes. The addition and/or expansion shall be cumulative from the date of adoption of this Title;

      4.   The demolition and reconstruction of a parcel; and

      5.   A request for a Conditional Use Permit. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

The height of a fence, wall, or hedge shall be measured from the average ground level to the highest point of the fence, hedge, or wall, excluding the post or column. Whenever there is a grade separation at the fence/property line between two (2) or more abutting properties, the height shall be measured from the highest average grade to the highest point of the fence, hedge, or wall, excluding the post or column. See Figure 10.34-1 (Fence, Wall, and Hedge Height Measurement).

(Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

      4.   No fence, wall, or hedge over three feet (3') in height shall be allowed within any defined corner cutoff area.

      5.   No fence, wall, or hedge over three feet (3') in height shall be allowed within the street side setback of a reverse corner parcel. The fence, wall, or hedge can exceed three feet in height subject to review and approval by the Director.

      2.   Where a parcel adjoins or is located across a street or alley from an RCO, UR, R, RE, RM, or PO district, a decorative-style solid wall or fence seven feet (7') minimum in height, or other height or type of screening device as may be required by the Community Development Department, shall be located on the property line common to such districts

         a.   Fencing along a property line shared with the Reedley Parkway is not required to be a solid wall or fence seven feet (7') minimum in height if the proposed land use is complementary to the Reedley Parkway and provides a connection to the Reedley Parkway.

         b.   Fencing along a property line shared with the Reedley Parkway may be open fencing less than seven feet in height.

         c.   Fencing shall comply with Section 10.34.040 (Fence Materials).

         d.   Allowed use or conditional use of open storage of materials and equipment shall be allowed only within an area surrounded or screened by a decorative-style solid wall or fence seven feet (7') minimum in height with a maximum height of ten feet (10').

      1.   Where a parcel adjoins an RCO, UR, RE, R, RM, PO, or CC zone district, a solid decorative-style wall or fence seven feet (7') in height or such other height or type of screening device as may be required by the Community Development Department, shall be located on the property line common to such districts, except in a required front setback or if a parcel adjoins the Reedley Parkway.

      3.   A use not conducted entirely within a completely enclosed structure, on a parcel across a street or an alley from an RCO, UR, RE, R, RM, CC, or CN zoning district shall be screened by a decorative-style solid wall or screen fence, not less than seven feet (7') in height. The Community Development Director may approve a wall or fence up to fourteen feet (14') in height.

      4.   In an ML zoning district, open storage of materials and equipment shall be allowed only within an area surrounded and screened by a decorative-style solid wall or compact evergreen hedge (with solid gates where necessary), not less than seven feet (7') in height.

      6.   No fence or wall shall exceed twelve feet (12') in height if located in a required front, side, or rear yard setback.

      1.   Materials specifically allowed elsewhere in this Chapter;

      2.   Wood pickets;

      3.   Split rail wood;

      4.   Wrought iron and tubular steel;

      5.   Brick and stone;

      6.   Stucco;

      7.   Synthetic materials in compliance with Subsection 10.34.040.F (Synthetic Materials), below.

      8.   Shade cloth when used in combination with allowed fencing such as chain link, wrought iron, or tubular steel, provided it consists of materials specifically manufactured for such a purpose; and

      9.   Privacy slats when in combination with chain link fencing (when chain link is allowed) provided it consists of materials specifically manufactured for such a purpose.

      1.   Plywood, oriented strand board, pressboard, and similar wood products;

      2.   Chicken wire or similar wire products;

      3.   Corrugated metal or corrugated plastic;

      4.   Piping (including metal, PVC, and other materials);

      5.   Improvised materials, including but not limited to wood scraps, doors, garage doors, refrigerator doors, and mattresses;

      6.   Improvised screening materials, including but not limited to blankets and tarps; and

      7.   Any material not listed unless approved by the Director.

      1.   Simulates the natural material; and

      2.   Is organized visually to simulate actual construction using natural material (i.e., organization of brick in offsetting rows or placing larger stones at the bottom and smaller stones toward the top). (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

Solid masonry walls shall be required to be constructed in order to mitigate noise generated by vehicular traffic. The fence or wall may be constructed on property lines abutting collector streets, arterial streets, expressways, highways, and freeways. The height of such wall shall be determined by the Community Development Director in relation to the noise, danger, or hazard involved. Said fence or wall may be required when a use requires a permit according to the noise, danger, or hazard involved. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

Temporary fencing, including construction fencing, may be approved as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Community Development Director in compliance with the allowable materials listed in Section 10.34.040.B (Allowed Materials). (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

Fencing for swimming pools, spas, and other water features shall comply with the fencing requirements established in the California Building Code. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

The specific purposes of the landscaping regulations are to:

   A.   Improve the appearance and livability of the community;

   B.   Enhance the aesthetic appearance of development and provide environmental benefits;

   C.   Aid in energy conservation;

   D.   Protect water quality and prevent soil erosion by providing trees and vegetated areas that harvest, absorb, and filter rain and storm water;

   E.   Reduce air pollution and absorb greenhouse gas emissions through the biological filtering capacities of trees and vegetation, and reduce the negative quality-of-life effects of heat, noise, and glare;

   F.   Promote conservation of water resources through the installation of properly designed, installed, and maintained climate-appropriate plants and water-efficient irrigation systems;

   G.   Minimize or eliminate conflicts between potentially incompatible but otherwise allowed land uses on adjoining parcels through visual screening; and

   H.   Soften the appearance and reduce the heat island effect of parking lots and other development. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

The standards of this Chapter shall apply to:

   A.   New development projects with landscaping;

   B.   Additions (other than to single-unit dwellings or two-unit dwellings) to an existing structure that expands the existing floor area by two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet or more. The floor area increases to the existing structure shall be cumulative from the date of adoption of this Title;

   C.   A new structure with a floor area of one thousand (1,000) square feet or more on a developed parcel, except for accessory or junior accessory dwelling units. The one thousand (1,000) square feet shall be cumulative from the date of adoption of this Title;

   D.   The demolition and reconstruction of a structure; and

   E.   A first-time installed landscaping or a re-landscaping project where the new or modified landscaped area is equal to or greater than one thousand (1,000) square feet. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

      1.   The following uses shall maintain a landscape buffer minimum of five feet (5') in width:

         a.   Multi-unit dwelling residential;

         b.   Mixed-use;

      2.   The following uses shall maintain a landscape buffer minimum of five feet (5') in width:

         a.   Non-residential;

         b.   Commercial, office, business park;

         c.   Industrial; and

         d.   Public Facilities.

   A.   All planting and other landscape elements required by this Article shall be permanently maintained in good growing condition. Such maintenance shall include, where appropriate, pruning, mowing, weeding, cleaning, fertilizing, and regular watering.

   B.   Trees shall be maintained by property owners to be free from physical damage or injury arising from lack of water, chemical damage, accidents, vandalism, insects, and disease.

   C.   Property owners and occupants of parcels fronting on any portion of a street shall maintain private trees and landscaping in such condition that the trees or landscaping will not interfere with the public safety and convenience in the use of streets or sidewalks. Such owners and occupants shall maintain such trees so that there is an eight-foot (8')-high pedestrian clearance from the top of the sidewalk or pathway, and a thirteen-foot (13')-high vehicular clearance from the top of the curb or the top of the pavement. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

      1.   Establish off-street parking requirements that are appropriate to their land use type and size of development.

      2.   Offer flexible means of minimizing the amount of area devoted to vehicle parking.

      3.   Require that parking areas are designed to reduce potential environmental impacts, including minimizing stormwater runoff and heat island effects.

      4.   Ensure that on-site parking and loading areas are designed and located to protect public safety; minimize congestion and conflict points on travel aisles and public streets; and where appropriate, buffer surrounding land uses from their impact.

      5.   Provide loading and delivery facilities in proportion to the needs of allowed uses.

      6.   Protect neighborhoods from the effects of vehicular noise and spillover traffic and parking generated by uses in adjacent nonresidential districts and ensure adequate infrastructure to improve circulation.

      1.   Change In Use, Additions, and Enlargements. Whenever there is a change in use, or increase in floor area, or other unit of measurement specified in this chapter, and such change, increase or other unit of measurement is such that it creates a need for an increase in the number of off street parking spaces by fifty percent (50%) or more, such increase in off street parking facilities shall be provided on the basis of the increased requirements of the new use, or on the basis of the increased floor area, or in other units of measurement; provided, however, that in case a change in use creates a need for two (2) or fewer additional off street parking spaces, no additional parking spaces shall be required.

      1.   For the purposes of this Chapter, "floor area" shall mean that floor area used, or intended to be used, for service to the public as customers, patrons, clients, patients, or tenants, including areas occupied by fixtures and equipment used for the display or sale of merchandise. It shall not include areas used principally for storage, or administrative offices incidental to a retail or commercial service use.

      2.   In the case of mixed uses, the required off street parking shall be the sum of the requirements for the various uses computed separately. Off-street parking for one use shall not be considered as providing required parking for any other use except as allowed for in this Chapter for specified for shared uses.

      3.   If, in the calculation of the requirements of this section, a fractional number results, fractions of one-half or greater shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number, and fractions of less than one-half shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number, except as otherwise provided.

 

(Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

Upon written application by the owner or lessee of any property, the shared use of parking facilities by the following uses or activities may be authorized as specified in this Chapter:

   A.   The off-street parking required for a use considered to be primarily a daytime use may be provided as the parking facilities of a use considered to be primarily a nighttime use, provided, however, that such parking area shall meet the conditions identified in Section 10.38.030.

      1.   The following uses are considered typical daytime uses: banks, business offices, retail stores, personal service shops, clothing or shoe repair or service shops, manufacturing or wholesale structures and similar uses. The following uses are considered typical nighttime uses: theaters, bars, auditoriums other than those incidental to a public or private school, places of assembly, and similar uses.

      2.   The following are conditions required for shared use of parking facilities:

         a.   The parking facility shall be located within six hundred feet (600') of such use.

         b.   The applicant shall show that there is no substantial conflict in the principal operating hours of the building or uses for which the shared use of off-street parking facilities is proposed.

         c.   If the use, structure, or improvement requiring off street parking is in one ownership and the required parking space provided is in another ownership, partially or wholly, there shall be a written agreement or authorization provided to the City where such owner or owners will commit to maintaining such parking space so long as said structure or improvement is maintained by said owner. The written agreement or authorization required shall stipulate that the Title to and right to use the parcel or parcels upon which the parking space is to be provided will be subservient to the Title to the premises upon which the building is to be erected and that said parcel or parcels are not and will not be made subject to any other covenant or contract for use without prior written consent of the City. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

Parking facilities may be provided off site provided the following conditions are met.

      1.   A guarantee among the landowner(s) for access to and use of the parking facility; and

      2.   A guarantee that the spaces to be provided will be maintained and reserved for the uses served for as long as such uses are in operation. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

All off-street parking areas shall be designed and developed consistent with the following regulations:

      1.   Minimum drive aisle width for two-way traffic with ninety-degree (90°) parking on both sides: twenty-seven feet (27').

      2.   Minimum drive aisle width for two-way traffic with ninety-degree (90°) parking on one side: twenty-four feet (24').

      3.   Minimum drive aisle width for two-way traffic without parking on either side or without parking on both sides: twenty feet (20').

      4.   Minimum drive aisle width for one-way traffic with parking on either side or with parking on both sides: sixteen feet (16') .

      5.   Minimum drive aisle width for one-way traffic without parking on either side or without parking on both sides: twelve feet (12').

      1.   A single car garage or carport shall have a minimum inside dimension of eleven and a half feet (11.5') in width by eighteen feet (18') in length.

      2.   A two (2)-car garage or carport shall have a minimum inside dimension of twenty feet (20') in width by eighteen feet (18') in length.

      3.   The vertical clearance for garage or carport parking spaces shall not be less than seven feet six inches (7'6").

      4.   To determine the existing number of garage spaces for an existing dwelling unit the following dimensions shall apply:

         a.   An existing garage with minimum interior dimensions of eight and a half feet (8.5') in width and eighteen feet (18') in length shall qualify as one existing enclosed parking space.

         b.   An existing garage with minimum interior dimensions of seventeen feet (17') in width and eighteen feet (18') in length shall qualify as two (2) existing enclosed parking spaces.

         c.   If the minimum interior dimensions of an existing garage parking space exceed the minimum dimensions in this Subsection, the existing enclosed space dimensions shall be maintained.

      1.   Compact spaces shall be a minimum of eight and a half feet (8.5') in width and sixteen and a half feet (16.5') in length.

      2.   Up to thirty percent (30%) of the parking spaces in any given parking lot in the commercial, industrial, or multi-unit residential zone districts may be designated as compact spaces. Other long-term parking areas may also be considered by the Community Development Director. Single-unit dwellings shall not use compact spaces.

      3.   Before any compact spaces are allowed, five standard size stalls shall be provided. These five (5) standard size spaces shall be located on the parcel closest to the main structure entrance.

      4.   At least fifty percent (50%) of the standard size spaces, excluding the required five minimum and the required ADA-compliant parking spaces, shall be located on the parcel closest to the main entrance (up to twenty-five (25) spaces). On parcels exceeding seventy (70) spaces, twenty-five (25) standard size and the required ADA-compliant spaces shall be located on the parcel closest to the main entrance.

      5.   All compact parking spaces shall be clearly designated by pavement markings or signs.

      1.   In a PO or C District, not less than fifty percent (50%) of the interior of an off-street parking area shall be landscaped with trees and other allowed landscape materials within ten (10) years of planting. Landscaped areas shall be distributed throughout the parking area to the extent practical in consideration of the size and design of the parking area.

      2.   Where an off street parking area in a commercial zoning district adjoins an R or RM zoning district, a solid decorative-style wall or fence shall be located on the property line adjacent to such districts, except in a required front setback and within the area of a corner parcel on the street side of a diagonal line connecting points located thirty feet (30') along the property lines as measured from the intersection of the property lines at the street corner. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

 

      1.   All required loading areas shall be located on the same parcel as the use served.

      2.   No loading berth for vehicles over two-ton capacity shall be closer than fifty feet (50') to any property in a Residential Zoning district unless completely enclosed by building walls, or a uniformly solid fence or wall, or any combination thereof, not less than ten feet (10') in height.

      3.   No allowable or required loading berth shall be located within twenty-five feet (25') of the nearest point of any street intersection.

Unless specifically defined in this Chapter, this Title and the California Building Code definitions shall apply to the construction, meaning and application of words or phrases in this Chapter. As used in this Chapter, the following definitions apply:

ABANDONED SIGN: A sign that no longer advertises or identifies a legal business establishment, product, or activity.

ANIMATED SIGN: A sign with messages that visually change, or images that move or appear to move, more frequently than once every twenty-four (24) hours, regardless of the method by which the visual change is affected. This definition does not include traditional barber poles, hand-held signs, personally attended signs, commercial mascots, scoreboards, or signs which merely display time or temperature. Animated signs include electronic message signs, sometimes called electronic reader boards. A sign that displays a series of still images which change more frequently than once per twenty-four (24) hours, whether by digital, LED, or functionally equivalent method, is within this definition.

AWNING: Any structure made of flexible fabric, metal, wood, or similar material covering a frame attached to a building, whether or not the same is so erected as to permit its being raised to a position flat against the building when not in use.

AWNING SIGN: Any sign painted on or attached to or supported by an awning.

BANNER: Any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar material attached to, or appended on or from any structure, pole, line, or framing upon which there is a temporary advertising message.

CABINET SIGN: A sign that contains all text, logo, or symbols within a single enclosed cabinet and may or may not be illuminated. The terms "cabinet sign" and "sign can" are used interchangeably.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN: A sign constructed or designed to allow for periodic changes of copy, and for which the copy is changed not more than once each twenty-four (24)-hour period. Examples include signs for an auditorium, theater, church, meeting hall, or similar uses characterized by public assembly and changing programs or events, or gas station prices. This definition does not include animated signs or electronic reader board signs. A sign on which the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature shall be considered a "public information sign" and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this Chapter.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN: Any sign, other than a highway marker or any sign erected and maintained by public authority, or a public utility which is designed, erected, and maintained for the purpose of directing persons to a place, structure, or activity.

DRIVE-THROUGH MENU BOARD SIGN: A sign erected as part of a drive-through facility and used to display and order products and services available in association with a drive-through business.

EMITTING SIGN: A sign that emits odors, visible smoke, vapor, or particles, or produces noise or sounds that can be heard at the property line.

EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGN: A sign which has light cast on its surface from an artificial exterior source installed for the purpose of illuminating the sign.

FEATHER FLAG: A portable advertising medium, mounted on a pole that resembles a sail.

FLAG: Any fabric or banner containing distinctive colors, patterns, or design that displays the symbol(s) of a nation, state, local government, company, organization, belief system, idea, or other meaning.

FREESTANDING SIGN: A permanent sign that is self-supporting in a fixed location and not attached to a building. Freestanding signs are of two types: monument and pole. Freestanding signs are of two (2) types: monument and pole. Flag poles are not within this definition.

ILLEGAL SIGN: Any sign placed without proper approval or permits as required by the Reedley Municipal Code at the time of sign placement. Illegal sign also means any sign placed contrary to the terms or time limits of any permit and any illegal nonconforming sign that has not been brought into compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.

INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGN: Any sign whose illumination originates from within the structure of the sign and the source of which is not visible from the exterior of the sign.

MONUMENT SIGN: A type of permanent sign that is attached to a sign structure, fence, or wall that is not an integral part of a building.

OFF SITE OR OFF PREMISES SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS: Any sign not located on the same parcel as the use, product, or service it advertises.

PEDESTRIAN ACCESS: A doorway which has been designed for the primary use of the patrons or customers of that commercial use.

PEDESTRIAN ORIENTED SIGN: A sign which is specifically located and designed to be viewed from a pedestrian right of way.

PENNANT: Lightweight plastic, fabric, or other materials, suspended from a rope, wire, or string designed to move in the wind. Pennants shall not include banners as defined in this chapter or individual flags mounted on a single pole.

POLE SIGN: A type of permanent freestanding sign that is mounted on a pole(s) or other support(s) that are placed on and anchored in the ground or on a base and that is independent from any building or other structure. Flag poles are not within this definition.

POLITICAL SIGN: A sign advertising a candidate for political office, a political party, policy position regarding a referendum, a position concerning a recall election, or a measure scheduled for an election.

PORTABLE SIGN: A sign which is capable of being carried or moved by manual or mechanical means from one location to another and which is not affixed to the ground, a structure, or a vehicle. Portable signs also include blimps and balloons which may or may not contain an advertising message. Includes sandwich board, tip and roll, and hinged-wind signs.

PROJECTING SIGN: A sign that projects from and is supported by a wall or a facade of a structure and are also referred to as marquee signs.

PUBLIC INFORMATION SIGN: A sign on public property open to the public that is erected or maintained by a public agency or that serves to fulfill a permit condition imposed by a public agency, such as a sign erected to preserve the safe and efficient control of traffic and parking or to provide notification of essential governmental services. Display time shall be limited to three (3) seconds with a one (1) second interval between displays on a stationary sign.

READER BOARD: A sign indicating the name, address, and type of businesses within a structure.

ROOF SIGN: A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet of a structure.

ROOFLINE: The highest point of a parapet wall of the main roof structure or the highest point of a parapet wall other than such architectural features as cupolas, pylons, projections or minor raised portions of the roof.

SANDWICH BOARD SIGN: A portable sign with advertising messages mounted on two (2) surfaces with two (2) edges connected and the other two (2) edges spread so that the two (2) faces read from different directions.

SIGN: Any words or symbols used for visual communication including its structure and component parts intended to be used to attract attention to an activity.

SIGN AREA: The surface area of a sign including all elements such as board or frames, perforated or a solid background, ornamental embellishments, arrows, or other sign media.

SIGN COPY: Any words, letters, numbers, figures, designs, or other symbolic representations incorporated into a sign face and/or its structure with the purpose of attracting attention to the subject matter.

SIGN FACE: The panel surface of a sign which carries the advertising or identification message.

SIGN HEIGHT: The vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the area of a sign to ground level of the foundation of the sign.

SIGN STRUCTURE: Any structure which supports or can support any sign. A sign structure may or may not be an integral part of a building. For the purpose of a freestanding sign, the sign structure shall include the aggregate area of the sign including the sign copy and all structural elements of the sign.

SPECIAL EVENTS SIGN: Any sign advertising specific temporary events, such as carnivals, festivals, exhibits, or parades, promotional sales, or grand openings.

STATUE: A multiple-dimensional representation, including a sculpture. A statue that contains commercial speech is a sign.

STRUCTURAL ALTERATION: Any change to the integrity of a sign structure.

SUBDIVISION OR MULTIPLE UNIT HOUSING ENTRANCE SIGN: A sign identifying the name of a subdivision or multi-unit residential dwelling project and consisting of letters or symbols attached to a wall or a fence or freestanding sign located within the boundaries of a recorded and developed subdivision or multi-unit residential dwelling project.

TEMPORARY SUBDIVISION SIGN: A sign erected and maintained within the boundaries of a recorded subdivision and indicating the name of the subdivision, the name of the contractor and/or subdivider, the name of the owner and/or agent, and giving information regarding directions, price or terms concerning the sale or lease of parcels within the subdivision.

UNIFIED CENTER: A group of two (2) or more office, commercial or industrial uses planned and designed to function as an integral unit on a single parcel or contiguous parcels and which use common off-street parking and access, landscaping, loading facilities and points of ingress and egress. Also known as a Shopping Center or Unified Shopping Center.

WALL SIGN: A sign attached to or erected against the wall or facade of a structure with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the plane of the wall or facade.

WIND SIGN: Any display of streamers, pennants, whirligigs, or similar devices made of flexible lightweight material, strung together, or attached in such a manner as to move by wind pressure.

WINDOW SIGN: Any sign viewable through or affixed in any manner to a window or exterior glass door such that it is viewable from the exterior, including signs located inside a structure but visible primarily from the outside of the structure. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

The following Signs and devices shall not be subject to the provisions of this Chapter:

      1.   Political signs are allowed on privately owned parcels with permission of the property owner.

      2.   The combined area of a sign by any one candidate on any one parcel shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.

      3.   Political signs shall not be attached to trees, fence posts, or utility poles.

      4.   Political signs shall not be illuminated either directly or indirectly.

      5.   No political sign or portion thereof shall be placed in any street right-of-way or on any City owned property.

      6.   No sign shall be placed in a corner cutoff area, or within thirty feet (30') of intersecting curb lines of a street intersection or placed in such a manner as to interfere with pedestrian traffic.

      7.   Political signs shall not be erected or placed more than sixty (60) days before the date of the election.

      8.   All political signs shall be removed within fourteen (14) days following the date of the election. Signs not removed within this period may be removed by the City and the cost of removal assessed against the candidate.

         a.   The City has a compelling interest to exempt certain signs to further the purpose and objectives of this chapter and to allow for the use of signs with minimal aesthetic impact because of their size and temporary nature.

         b.   The single-unit residential real estate industry is distinct from other industries in that there are generally no storefronts available for advertising and most homes are not located adjacent to heavily traveled streets. This makes offsite signs that advertise available homes necessary for potential buyers to find them.

         c.   Real estate signs do not advertise goods or services, but actual locations. Directing potential buyers to an available home is necessary to facilitate real estate transactions as potential buyers shall be able to find and view the available homes.

         d.   Single-unit residential real estate sales are temporary and infrequent as opposed to sales from commercial businesses. Exempting single-unit residential open house real estate signs will not lead to a proliferation of unsightly signs because they will be used only during very limited times when there is an open house, will be removed at the end of each day of use, and once a home is sold will no longer be used.

         e.   Exempting offsite open house real estate signs is necessary to allow homeowners to efficiently advertise and sell their properties as quickly as possible and to assist potential buyers in finding available homes within our community. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

Unless expressly allowed by another section of this Chapter or other applicable law, the following sign types, locations, and materials are prohibited:

   A.   Any sign that is not permanently mounted or attached to a vehicle parked for the purpose of calling attention to or advertising a special business establishment.

   B.   Any sign or sign structure which has become a public nuisance due to inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment.

   C.   Any sign which obstructs in any manner the ingress to, or egress from, a door, window, fire escape, or other accessway required by building codes adopted by the city.

   D.   Illegal Signs.

   E.   Any sign now or hereafter existing which no longer advertises a business conducted or a product sold as prescribed in this Chapter.

   F.   Any sign which encroaches into any City right-of-way and/or easement, except an under canopy sign or projecting sign.

   G.   Pole signs.

   H.   Feather flags.

   I.   Any sign that flashes, blinks, moves, changes color, appears to change color, changes intensity, or contains any part or attachment which does the same.

   J.   Any unofficial sign, signal or device, or any sign, signal or device which purports to be or is an imitation of, or resembles an official traffic sign or signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or which hides from view any official sign or signal.

   K.   Any light of any color of such brilliance as to blind or dazzle the vision of drivers upon any roadway or highway nor shall any light be placed in such position as to prevent the driver of a vehicle from readily recognizing any traffic sign or signal.

   L.   Any sign located so that it interferes with visibility at an intersection, public right-of-way, driveway, or other ingress/egress.

   M.   Any sign attached to any tree, either on public and or private property.

   N.   Any sign using the City of Reedley's logo, official sign and seal, on public or private property, without the City of Reedley's permission.

   O.   Any sign erected or maintained which has less horizontal or vertical clearance from communication lines and energized electrical power lines than that prescribed by the state, or rules and regulations duly promulgated by agencies thereof.

   P.   Off Site or Off Premises Signs and Billboards.

   Q.   Emitting Signs.

   R.   Any sign which, in the opinion of the Community Development Director and based upon applicable legal standards, is in conflict with the spirit or intent of this Chapter. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

Signs allowed by zoning district are listed as follows:

      2.   "For rent" and "for sale" signs shall be allowed.

      3.   For subdivisions, residential developments, and mobile home parks, no more than one sign shall be erected at each driveway entrance to the development. Signs shall not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet for all readable surfaces, nor exceed ten feet (10') in height.

      4.   For subdivisions under construction, temporary signage and feather flags may be located within active construction sites for a period not to exceed two (2) years from the date of the last building permit issued on the construction site. No permits required.

      5.   Public and quasi-public/institutional uses such as schools and places of assembly shall comply with the allowed signage in the Neighborhood Commercial (CN), Central and Community Commercial (CC), Commercial Service (CS), and Industrial (I) Zone Districts.

         a.   Number Of Signs. One per canopy. Awning signs may be used in addition to or instead of wall signs on the same structure façade.

         a.   Banners (such as those provided for special events and grand openings).

      1.   Where a sign has two (2) faces containing sign copy which are oriented back-to-back and separated by not more than twenty-four inches (24") at any point, the area of the sign shall be measured using one sign face only.

      2.   Where a sign is composed of letters individually mounted or painted on a building wall, without a border or decorative enclosure, the sign area shall mean any area enclosed by the minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines which fully contains all extremities of each word and/or logographic symbol of the sign.

      3.   For signs comprised of individual letters attached to the business structure, including module letters and logographic symbols, the sign area shall mean any area enclosed by the minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines which fully contains all extremities of each word and/or logographic symbol of the sign. Each word and/or logographic symbol shall be measured separately in computing the total sign area. Shadow box borders and other border trims which are an intrinsic part of the building, either architecturally or structurally, shall not be included in determining sign area.

      4.   For single unit signs containing letters or logographic symbols on cabinets or panels, the sign area shall mean the area enclosed by the minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines which fully contains the perimeter of the cabinet or panel sign.

      5.   For projecting and freestanding signs containing letters and/or logographic symbols, the sign area means the area enclosed by the minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines which fully contains all extremities of the sign, supporting structures such as sign bases and columns are not included in the sign area provided, they contain no lettering or graphics except for addresses or required tags.

      6.   Where a sign consists of one or multiple -dimensional objects such as balls, cubes, clusters of objects, or sculptural or statue type trademarks, the sign area shall be measured as the area of the smallest rectangle within which the object(s) can be enclosed, when viewed from a point where the largest area of the object(s) can be seen.

         a.   Recycling facilities may have identification signs up to a maximum of twenty percent (20%) per wall/side or sixteen (16) square feet, whichever is larger, in addition to informational signs on recycling containers, in the case of a wheeled facility, the side will be measured from the pavement to the top of the container.

         b.   Directional signs, bearing no advertising message, may be installed if necessary to facilitate traffic circulation, or if the facility is not visible from the public right-of-way.

         c.   The Community Development Director may authorize increases in the number and size of signs upon findings that it is compatible with adjacent businesses.

         a.   Gateway sign applications shall be processed consistent with Chapter 10.96 (Site Plan Review) of this Title.

         b.   The applicant shall enter into an agreement with the City describing the operations and maintenance of the gateway sign. The agreement shall be approved by the City Council. Upon approval by the City Council the agreement shall be executed by the City Manager.

         c.   Gateway signs may be installed in locations along major thoroughfares in the City. Only one gateway sign shall be allowed at each intersection specified below. The allowed intersections are as follows:

            (1)   West Manning Avenue and I Street.

            (2)   North Reed Avenue and South Avenue.

            (3)   East Manning Avenue and North Buttonwillow Avenue.

            (4)   East Dinuba Avenue and South Buttonwillow Avenue.

         d.   The maximum height of any gateway sign structure shall not exceed twenty feet (20') above adjacent grade.

         e.   Any electrically activated changeable sign, incorporated into the design of a gateway sign, shall not have a display area greater than one hundred and fifty (150) square feet.

         f.   The architectural design of the sign shall be a monument sign, as defined in this Title, that is compatible with its surroundings and shall include a city message approved by the City Manager.

         g.   Gateway signs may only contain display area messages which include announcements for events, products, professions, businesses, and services performed or located in the City of Reedley but not located on the property on which the sign is located.

         h.   The sign shall not display or depict messages that are sexually explicit, pornographic, or suggestive of these; exhibit violent activity; advertise any adult entertainment business, products or locations; advertise tobacco products or casinos; or display political ads.

         i.   Usage shall not create dangerous distractions for the viewing public. Gateway signs shall not be located in the corner cutoff area in compliance with Section 10.30.060 (Corner Cutoff Areas).

         j.   Sign display area messages shall be displayed for not less than a static time of eight (8) seconds, with message changes being accomplished in two seconds or less.

         k.   Sign display area messages shall not scroll, flash, or feature animation or motion pictures.

         l.   The City shall have the ability to submit city related messages for display which may include, but not be limited to, the following: meeting, recreational events and activity announcements, public safety, and service messages or other necessary or informational notices. These requested displays noting content and duration will be provided in advance, as much as possible. City use of announcement display time shall be provided as readily as possible. No fees or other compensation to the property owners, tenants, sign proprietor or any others shall be required from the City for the City's preemptive use.

         m.   The City shall have the ability to post immediate public safety notifications and warnings as deemed necessary by the City Manager. No fees or other compensation to the property owners, tenants, sign proprietor or any others shall be required from the City for the City's preemptive use.

         n.   The electronics system display area of the sign shall have and use adjustment hardware, software, or other component, to automatically increase or reduce the brightness of the sign illuminating devices, to accommodate the optimum brightness for viewing the message in any light condition.

         o.   The technology currently being deployed for electronic message center signs is from light emitting diodes (LEDs), but there may be alternate, preferred, and superior technology available in the future. Any other technology that operates under the requirements stated above shall not require an ordinance change for approval. Any other technology that is not capable of operating under the requirements stated above shall be prohibited and requires an ordinance change before approval.

The lawful use of a sign existing on the effective date of this Chapter, although such use does not conform to the provisions of this Chapter, may be continued; provided, however, a nonconforming sign which has been abandoned, or the use for which it is advertised has ceased to function for a period of twelve (12) months or more, shall be brought into conformity with the provisions of this Chapter.

   A.   No nonconforming sign shall in any manner (except for face changes) be structurally altered, reconstructed, or moved without being made to comply with the provisions of this Chapter; unless the moving, alteration, or reconstruction results in the elimination of the nonconformity.

   B.   Nothing in this Chapter shall prohibit the painting, maintenance, or repairing of such sign, including the face and changing of copy.

   C.   If, at any time, any sign in existence or maintained on the effective date of this Chapter, which does not conform to the provisions of this Chapter, is destroyed by fire, accident, explosion, or act of nature, such sign may be rebuilt in the condition prior to destruction without having to conform to the provisions of this Title, as determined by the Community Development Director.

   D.   The Community Development Director shall immediately cause the removal of any sign which, in their judgment is found to be within the public right-of-way and/or easements and/or is found to place citizens in immediate peril, by any or a combination of the following methods using sound judgment under the circumstances:

      1.   Removal or modification of said sign by the City with business owner (or property owner if business has ceased operations) to be billed for time and materials.

      2.   Notification orally or in writing to the business owner causing the removal of said signs within a twenty-four (24)-hour period or lesser period of time, as prescribed by the Community Development Director.

      3.   Immediate citation of the business owner (or property owner if business has ceased operations) or party responsible for said sign. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

      1.   There are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions which apply to the property involved or the existing or intended use of the property which do not apply generally to other properties in the same zoning district.

      2.   Granting of a minor deviation will not negatively impact surrounding properties. (Ord. 2024-001, 9-10-2024)

      1.   A site plan showing the location of structures, parking lots, driveways, and landscaped areas.

      2.   An accurate indication on the site plan of the proposed location of each proposed sign and existing sign which is to remain.

      3.   List of allowed sign types (wall signs, freestanding signs, etc.).

      4.   Computation of the maximum area for individual signs, the height of signs, and the number of freestanding signs allowed.

      5.   Sign dimensions (if tenants are not known, generic dimensions or maximum allowed dimensions may be presented).

      6.   Color schemes, lettering, and graphic styles (if tenants are not known, generic styles may be presented).

      7.   Lighting and sign construction materials.

      8.   Any proposed alternative sign standards that would only apply to signs within the Master Sign Program.

      1.   The proposed signs are compatible in style and character with any structure to which the signs are to be attached, any surrounding structures, and any adjoining signs on the parcel.

      2.   Future tenants will be provided with adequate opportunities to construct, erect, or maintain a sign for identification.

      3.   Directional signs and business addresses are adequate for pedestrian and vehicular circulation and emergency vehicle access.

      4.   Light and glare will not negatively affect nearby residential uses.

      5.   Additional findings for alternative designs which do not conform to some or all the applicable sign standards:

         a.   The sign design and materials are of equal or greater quality than existing signs in the surrounding area and the standard requirements for signs on the parcel.

         b.   The sign design and materials of are equal or greater quality than that which is required by the applicable sign.

         c.   The design of the proposed sign(s) would contribute positively to the attractiveness of the area.

         d.   The alternative design would not be incompatible with nearby residential uses.

         e.   The location of the sign would not be unnecessarily distracting to motorists and would not cause inconvenience to pedestrians.