The purposes of this chapter are to:

A.

Regulate signs located on property within the city over which the city has regulatory authority.

B.

Implement the city's community design and safety standards as set forth in the city's general plan, specific plans, municipal code, and applicable design guidelines.

C.

Maintain and enhance the city's appearance by regulating the design, character, location, number, type, quality of materials, size, illumination, and maintenance of signs.

D.

Further the city's interests in maintaining and enhancing its visual appeal for residents, businesses, tourists and other visitors by preventing the degradation of visual quality which can result from excessive and poorly designed, located, or maintained signage.

E.

Generally limit commercial signs to on-site locations in order to protect the aesthetic environment from the visual clutter associated with the unrestricted proliferation of signs, while providing reasonable channels of communication to the public.

F.

Limit the size and number of signs to levels that reasonably allow for the identification of a residential, institutional, public, or business location and the nature of any such use.

G.

Encourage sign types that are appropriate to the zoning district in which they are located and consistent with the permitted uses of the subject property.

H.

Establish sign sizes in relationship to the scale of the parcel and building on which the sign is to be placed or to which it pertains.

I.

Minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property, including streets and roads.

J.

Protect and improve pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety by balancing the need for signs that facilitate the safe and smooth flow of traffic (e.g., directional signs and on-site signs) without an excess of signage which may distract drivers or overload their capacity to quickly receive information.

K.

Reduce hazardous situations, confusion, and visual clutter caused by the proliferation, placement, illumination, animation and excessive height, area and bulk of signs which compete for the attention of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

L.

Regulate signs in a manner so as to not physically interfere with or obstruct the vision of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

M.

Permit without the need for administrative approval certain minor or temporary signs that meet specified standards for the time, place, and manner of their installation and use, and that do not require administrative review for compliance with the city's building and electrical codes.

N.

Reasonably regulate the structural, locational and other noncommunicative (time, place, and manner) aspects of signs, generally for the public health, safety, welfare, and specifically to serve the public interests in community aesthetics and traffic and pedestrian safety.

O.

Facilitate the fair, consistent, and efficient enforcement of the sign regulations of the city.

P.

Regulate signs in a constitutional manner, including recognizing the important distinctions between noncommercial signs and commercial signs.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

Certain terms are defined for the purpose of this chapter as follows:

"Abandoned sign" means any commercial sign that identifies a legally established business, product, good, service, commercial activity, or commercial transaction that has ceased operation on the site where the sign is located.

"Animated sign" means any sign which uses movement or change of color to depict action, to create a special effect, or to communicate a message or scene (compare "flashing sign").

"Area." See "sign, area of."

"Awning" means a shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building constructed of nonrigid materials on a supporting framework (compare "marquee").

"Awning sign" means a sign painted on, printed on or attached flat against the surface of an awning.

"Banner sign" means a temporary sign made of fabric or any nonrigid material with no enclosing framework.

"Billboard." See "off-site sign."

"Center, commercial or office" means a parcel or contiguous parcels with more than one tenant, all under the same ownership and management having a total building area of at least twenty-five thousand square feet of gross leasable area.

"Changeable copy sign" means a sign on which copy is changed manually on the sign face without physically altering the surface of the sign.

"City," means the city of Rolling Hills Estates.

"Clearance (of a sign)" means the smallest vertical distance between the ground, grade of the adjacent street or street curb and the lowest point of any sign, including framework and embellishments, extending over that local grade.

"Commercial mascot sign" means a person, animal, or inanimate object intended to simulate a live person or animal (such as a robotic device) that: (a) holds or supports a commercial sign, or (b) has a commercial sign attached. A commercial mascot sign includes "sign twirlers" and "human sandwich boards."

"Commercial message" means any copy that directly or indirectly names, draws attention to, or advertises a business, product, good, service, or other commercial activity, or which proposes a commercial transaction.

"Commercial sign" means a sign with a commercial message.

"Construction sign" means a temporary sign identifying an architect, landscape architect, contractor, engineer or other persons participating in ongoing construction on the property on which the sign is located.

"Copy" means the words, letters, numerals, characters, figures, logos, symbols, trademarks, illustrations, designs, text, or other visual representations incorporated into the communicative elements of a sign.

"Directional/information sign" means an on-site sign giving only directions, instructions or facility information; and has a sign area no greater than four square feet.

"Director" means the city's director of community development or the director's designee.

"Double-faced sign" means a sign with two faces.

"Election period" means the period commencing ninety days before any national, state, or local election in which city electors may vote up through the date of the election.

"Electronic message sign" means a sign with a digital display, or the intermittent display, stream, or movement of electronic, computerized, digital, or similarly produced copy.

"Facade" means the entire building front including parapets, cornices, belt lines or other decorative architectural features.

"Face of sign" means the area of a sign on which the copy is placed.

"Flashing sign" means a sign which contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source used primarily to attract attention and to create movement and communicate a message through words or symbols. Does not include animated signs or electronic message signs.

"Freestanding sign" means a sign located on the ground and not attached to any building, and supported by its own independent foundation.

"Frontage, street" means the length of the property line of any one premises or business along a public right-of-way on which it borders.

"Frontage, building," means the length of an outside building wall or portion of a wall on a public right-of-way.

"Government sign" means any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by the city, county, state or federal government for traffic direction or for designation of or direction to any school, hospital, historical site, or public service, property or facility.

"Handheld noncommercial message" means a noncommercial message that is attached to solid material (such as wood, cardboard, paper, plastic, or metal) no larger than four square feet in area, and that is held by one person.

"Height (of a sign)" means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign including decorative embellishments, to the grade of the adjacent street or the local grade beneath the sign, whichever is less. (Compare "Clearance.")

"Identification sign" means a sign that contains only the name, trademark or symbol, or address, of the building or occupant of the property.

"Illegal sign" means a sign which does not meet the requirements of this code and which has not received legal nonconforming status.

"Illuminated sign" means a sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.

"Incidental sign" means a small sign, emblem or decal less than four square feet in size informing the public of the vendor, goods, facilities or services available on the premises, e.g., a credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of business, provided no advertising is included. Inflatable sign" means a sign made of flexible material such as rubber, latex, polychloroprene, or a nylon fabric which is inflated by air or other gaseous matter.

"Legal nonconforming sign" means any sign that: (a) was erected, installed, or modified in compliance with all applicable laws (including Title 15 of this code and any other applicable sign regulations or sign permit requirements) that were in effect at the time of its erection, installation, or modification; and (b) remains in compliance with all applicable laws that were in effect at the time of its erection, installation, or modification; but is not in compliance with the provisions of this chapter or code; except that any of the following signs are not legal nonconforming signs: abandoned signs, unsafe signs, or any sign that is not maintained in accordance with Section 17.60.190.

"Lot" means a parcel of land legally defined on a subdivision map recorded with the Los Angeles County recorder, or a parcel of land defined by a legal record or survey map.

"Maintenance," means the cleaning, painting, repair or replacement of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter the copy, design, structure or color of the sign.

"Marquee" means a permanent roof-like structure or canopy of rigid materials supported by and extending from the facade of a building. (Compare "Awning.")

"Marquee sign" means any sign attached to or supported by a marquee structure with changeable copy.

"Master sign plan" means a comprehensive set of design standards for signs within a commercial or office center accommodating more than one tenant, all of which are under single management. Generally, these plans include specific limitations on the number, site and location of signs for all tenants as well as the acceptable colors, materials and design of these signs.

"Mobile billboard sign" means a sign that is attached to or placed on a wheeled, mobile, nonmotorized vehicle, which carries, pulls, or transports a sign, and is for the primary purpose of advertising in accordance with Vehicle Code section 395.5.

"Monument sign" means a freestanding sign in which the base is made of solid materials such as wood, masonry or stucco and extends from the ground to the bottom of the sign.

"Moving sign" means a sign or any portion of a sign on which the copy or communicative element rotates, moves, or appears to move in some manner, whether by mechanical, electrical, natural, air activation, or other means; except that neither a changeable copy sign nor an electronic message sign is a moving sign.

"Nameplate" means a nonelectric on-site identification sign giving only the name, address and/or occupation of an occupant or group of occupants.

"Neighborhood identification sign" means a freestanding or wall sign identifying a residential neighborhood.

"Noncommercial message" means any copy that communicates a message that is not a commercial message. A noncommercial message does not directly or indirectly, name, draw attention to, or advertise a business, product, good, service, or other commercial activity, or propose a commercial transaction.

"Noncommercial sign" means a sign with a noncommercial message.

"Nonconforming sign" means a sign which was erected legally but which does not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and regulations.

"Occupancy" means the portion of a building or premises owned, leased, rented or otherwise occupied for a business entity or single user.

"Off-site sign" means a commercial sign not located on the site of the business or entity indicated or advertised by the sign, or a commercial sign advertising a commodity, good, product, service or other commercial activity which originates on a site other than where the sign is maintained, e.g., "billboards" or "outdoor advertising."

"On-site sign" means a commercial sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, good, product, service, commercial activity, or commercial transaction conducted, sold, or offered upon the lot or parcel on which the sign is placed.

"Owner" means a person recorded as such on the current Los Angeles County assessor's tax rolls. For the purposes of this chapter, the owner of property on which a sign is located is presumed to be the owner of the sign unless facts to the contrary are officially recorded or otherwise brought to the attention of the director.

"Painted sign" means a sign that comprises only paint applied on a building or structure.

"Parapet" means the extension of a false front or wall above a roofline.

"Permanent sign" means a sign that is entirely constructed of durable materials, and is solidly attached to a building, structure, or the ground in a manner that renders the sign non-moveable or difficult to reposition without the use of machinery or mechanical devices, and that is not a temporary sign.

"Person," for the purposes of the chapter, means any individual, corporation, association, firm, partnership or similarly defined party or parties of interest.

"Pole sign" means a sign attached to a single support, typically constructed of metal, plastic or similar material which is fixed on the ground.

"Portable sign" means a freestanding sign made of wood, cardboard, plastic or other rigid material, that is not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, that has the capability to stand on its own support(s), and that is portable or designed to be transported. An example of a portable sign is an "A-frame sign" also sometimes referred to as a "sandwich board sign."

"Premises" means a parcel of land with its appurtenances and buildings which, because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable unit of real estate.

"Projecting sign" means a sign, other than a flat wall sign, which is attached to and supported by a wall of the building, and projects from a building wall in a plane other than the plane parallel to the wall.

"Real estate marketing period" means the period that runs from the date of active sale or rental listing or marketing of a property until seven days following the closing or completion of the proposed transaction.

"Real estate sign" means a temporary sign indicating that the premises on which the sign is located, or any portion thereof, is for sale, lease or rent, containing any of the following information, and no more: a brief description of the property offered for sale, lease or rent, and the name, address and telephone number of the owner, broker or other person offering the same for sale, lease or rent.

"Roofline" means the top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, including any cupolas, pylons, chimneys or other architectural projections.

"Roof sign" means any sign located over or upon the roof of a building or above the parapet wall of any part of the building.

"Sign" means: (a) any device, fixture, placard, or structure, including its component parts; which (b) uses copy to draw attention to a commercial message or noncommercial message; and (c) which is visible by the general public from any public street, road, highway, or right-of-way, any private street, any city property (such as a city park, trail, or community building), or any parking area. However, the following messages are explicitly excluded from the definition of "sign" for the regulatory purposes of this chapter:

1.

Any public or legal notice authorized or required by a government agency having jurisdiction;

2.

Decorative or architectural features of buildings, except copy that communicates a commercial message;

3.

Symbols of noncommercial organizations or concepts including, but not limited to, religious or political symbols, when such are permanently integrated into the structure of a permanent building which is otherwise legal;

4.

Signs located inside a motor vehicle, as defined by California Vehicle Code section 415;

5.

Signs attached to a motor vehicle, as defined by California Vehicle Code section 415, including license plates, license plate frames, registration insignia, noncommercial messages, messages relating to the business or service of which the vehicle is an instrument or tool, messages relating to the proposed sale, lease or exchange of the vehicle; provided that the motor vehicle with the sign attached is in accordance with state law for operation on a street or highway (but not including a mobile billboard sign;

6.

Traffic, directional, emergency, warning or informational signs authorized or required by a government agency having jurisdiction;

7.

Permanent memorial or historical signs, plaques or markers authorized or required by a government agency having jurisdiction;

8.

Public utility signs authorized or required by a government agency having jurisdiction;

9.

Any sign over which the city's authority to regulate is preempted under state or federal law; and

10.

Items or devices of personal apparel, decoration or appearance, including tattoos, makeup, wigs, or costumes; and any handheld noncommercial message.

"Sign, area of," means:

a.

Freestanding. The area of a freestanding sign will be calculated as the sum total of all faces of a single, double-faced or multifaced sign.

1.

The area around and enclosing the perimeter of each cabinet or module will be summed and then totaled to determine total area. The perimeter of measurable area will include sign cabinet features such as framing, decorative edging, trim, etc.

2.

If the sign is composed of more than two sign cabinets or modules, the area enclosing the entire perimeter of all cabinets and/or modules within a single continuous geometric figure will be the area of the sign. Architectural features will be included in the area of measurement.

b.

Wall Signs. The area will be within a single, continuous perimeter composed of any straight line geometric figure (up to four lines) which encloses the extreme limits of the entire identification including backgrounds. If the sign is composed of individual letters or symbols using the wall as the background with no added decoration, the total sign area will be calculated by measuring the area around the perimeter of the entire message.

"Temporary sign" means a sign constructed of cloth, canvas, lightweight fabric, cardboard, wallboard, wood or other light materials, with or without frames, which is not intended for or suitable for long-term or permanent display, due to the materials used.

"Undercanopy sign" means a sign suspended beneath a canopy, ceiling, roof or marquee.

"Unsafe sign" means a sign posing an immediate peril or reasonably foreseeable threat of injury or damage to persons or property on account of the condition of the sign structure or its mounting mechanism.

"Use" means the purpose of which a building, lot, sign or structure is intended, designed, occupied or maintained.

"Wall sign" means a sign attached parallel to and extending not more than four inches from the wall of a building. This definition includes painted, individual letter, and cabinet signs, and signs on a mansard.

"Window sign" means a sign installed inside or on a window or intended to be viewed from the outside.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

This chapter, which may be referred to as the city's "sign ordinance" or "sign code", regulates signs located on property within the city over which the city has regulatory authority, including all zoning districts of the city. Except as expressly provided in this chapter, this chapter does not apply to signs installed or maintained by the city: (a) on city-owned property; (b) on property in which the city holds a present right of possession; or (c) on the public right-of-way.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

No person may erect, install, place, maintain or operate a sign in the city except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

A.

Owner's Consent Required. The consent of the property owner is required for any application for a sign permit or master sign plan approved by a precise plan of design, and before any permanent sign may be erected or installed.

B.

Noncommercial Signs. Noncommercial signs are allowed wherever commercial signs are permitted and are subject to the same standards and total maximum allowances per site or building of each sign type specified in this chapter. A permit is required for a permanent noncommercial sign only when a permanent commercial sign has not been previously approved. For purposes of this chapter, all noncommercial messages are deemed to be on-site, regardless of location.

C.

Substitution of Noncommercial Messages. Subject to the consent of the property owner, a noncommercial message of any type may be substituted for all or part of the commercial or noncommercial message on any sign allowed under this chapter. No sign permit is required to substitute a noncommercial message for any other message on a permitted sign, provided the sign structure is already approved or exempt from the sign permit requirement. When a noncommercial message is substituted for any other message, however, the sign is still subject to the same design, locational and structural regulations (e.g. color, materials, size, height, illumination, maintenance, duration of display) as well as all building related requirements of Title 15 of this code, as would apply if the sign were used to display a commercial message. In the event of any perceived or actual conflict between the general provisions of this subsection and any other specific provisions in this chapter, the provisions of this subsection will prevail.

D.

Substitution of Commercial Messages. The substitution of one commercial message for another commercial message, or the substitution of a commercial message for a noncommercial message is authorized only to the extent permitted in accordance with the terms of an approved sign permit or master sign plan. In addition, no off-site commercial messages may be substituted for on-site commercial messages.

E.

Mixed Use Zones. In any mixed use zone where both residential and non-residential uses are allowed, the residential uses will be entitled to have the temporary signs permitted in residential zones under Section 17.60.060 (Signs not requiring permits).

F.

Legal Nature of Sign Rights and Duties. All rights, duties and responsibilities related to permanent signs attach to the land on which the sign is erected or displayed and run with the land. All sign related rights, duties and responsibilities are joint and several as to a permit holder, the owner of the sign, the property owner, or the person erecting the sign, and the city may demand compliance with this chapter and with the terms of any sign permit or master sign plan from each or all of them. This provision does not modify or affect the law of fixtures, sign-related provisions in private leases regarding signs (so long as they do not conflict with this chapter), or the ownership of sign structures.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

Unless otherwise expressly provided by this chapter, all signs require a permit and the payment of any applicable fees as established by city council resolution.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

The following types of signs are permitted in all districts and are exempt from permit requirements, but must be in conformance with all other applicable requirements of this chapter:

A.

Real Estate Signs—Residential zone. One real estate sign is permitted for each street frontage not exceeding six square feet each, provided such signs are not located within the public right-of-way and are removed within ten days after the end of the real estate marketing period.

B.

Residential Nameplates and Street Address Signs. Such signs must be two square feet or less each (one each per residence).

C.

Temporary Noncommercial Signs.

1.

General Regulations—Residential Zones.

a.

Number. In residential zones only, each parcel is allowed two temporary noncommercial signs at all times. Such signs are in addition to all other signs allowed in this chapter.

b.

Area. A sign may not exceed eight square feet in area (sixteen square feet cumulatively).

c.

Height. A sign may not exceed four feet in height from the adjacent ground level in front or side-yard areas or three feet in height from the top of any wall or fence.

d.

Location. Signs may be placed in the front yard, rear or side yard of any property; provided, that the signs do not encroach into any public right-of-way.

e.

Lighting. Temporary noncommercial signs may not be illuminated.

2.

Election Period Regulations. During any election period, each parcel is allowed noncommercial signs, subject to the height, location and lighting requirements set forth in subsection 17.60.060(C)(1)(c)—(e), as well as the following additional regulations:

a.

Non-Residential Zones. In non-residential zones, each parcel is allowed one or more temporary noncommercial signs provided that the total sign area for temporary noncommercial signs does not exceed thirty-two square feet in area per parcel.

b.

Residential Zones. In residential zones, the number of temporary noncommercial signs may be increased beyond the number permitted in Section 17.60.060(C)(1)(a) provided that the total sign area for all temporary noncommercial signs does not exceed thirty-two square feet in area per parcel.

c.

Removal. All of the temporary noncommercial signs permitted during an election period pursuant to this subsection must be removed within seven days following the end of the election period.

D.

Window Signs.

1.

In residential zones, for each residential unit, one temporary noncommercial window sign, not to exceed six square feet in area or twenty-five percent coverage of the window, whichever is greater, is permitted on each building frontage.

E.

Director Approval. The following types of signs are exempt from permit requirements but are subject to review and approval by the director prior to installation. Except as specifically required below, the director will determine the appropriate number, location, and design of the sign(s) based on the criteria established in Section 17.60.170 (Design criteria).

1.

Directional/informational signs. For nonresidential uses, such signs may not exceed four square feet each. If freestanding, the sign may not exceed four feet in height.

2.

Construction signs. One construction sign per project, not to exceed five feet in height and twelve square feet in area for commercial or subdivision projects. All other construction signs may not exceed four square feet in size. Duration of sign to be established by the planning director,

3.

Real estate signs in commercial zones. Such sign may not exceed eight square feet. Multi-tenant centers or individual tenants totaling at least twenty-five thousand square feet are permitted one, single-sided sign not to exceed fifteen square feet. Duration of sign to be established by the director.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

Application for a permit for the erection, alteration or relocation of a sign must be made to the city upon a form provided by the city and must include, among other items, the following information:

A.

Name and address of the owner of the sign;

B.

Street address or location of the property on which the sign is to be located along with the name and address of the property owner;

C.

The type of sign or sign structure as defined in this chapter;

D.

A site plan showing the proposed location of the sign along with the locations and square footage areas of all existing signs on the same premises;

E.

Specifications, scale drawings, and building elevations showing the materials, design, dimensions, structural supports and electrical components of the proposed sign.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

All applications for permits filed with the city must be accompanied by a payment of the initial permit fee for each sign as established by city council resolution.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

A.

Unless otherwise specified, the director will issue a permit for the erection, alteration or relocation of a sign within thirty days of receipt of a complete application; provided, that the sign complies with all applicable regulations of the city.

B.

When a permit is denied by the director, the director will give a written notice to the applicant along with a brief statement of the reasons for denial. The director may suspend or revoke an issued permit for any false statement or misrepresentation of fact in the application.

C.

Any decision rendered by the director in denying a permit may be appealed to the planning commission within twenty days of the director's decision. The planning commission will then render a decision on this request based on the provisions of this chapter. In addition, the decision of the planning commission may be appealed to the city council in a manner specified in Section 17.60.220 (Appeals).

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

A.

A permit issued by the director becomes null and void if work is not commenced within one hundred eighty days of issuance or as otherwise specified by specific resolution or approval.

B.

If any sign is installed or placed on any property prior to receipt of a permit, the specific permit fee will be doubled. However, payment of the doubled fee will not relieve any person of any other requirements or penalties prescribed in this chapter.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

A.

Any person installing, altering or relocating a sign for which a permit has been issued must notify the director upon completion of the work. The director may require a final inspection, including an electrical inspection and inspection of footings on freestanding signs.

B.

The director may require in writing upon issuance of a permit that he/she be notified prior to the installation of certain signs to allow for an inspection.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

In addition to other applicable provisions specified in Sections 17.60.050, 17.60.060 and 17.60.120 through 17.60.170, signs are allowed as follows in residential zones: R-A-E, R-A-20, R-A-15, R-A-10, RPD, and A-agricultural districts. No internal illumination is permitted:

A.

Neighborhood identification sign(s) reviewed by the park and activities commission and approved by the city council.

B.

Signs for any nonresidential uses are subject to the provisions of Section 17.60.130.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

In addition to other applicable provisions specified in Sections 17.60.050, 17.60.060 and 17.60.120 through 17.60.170, signs are allowed as follows in the I (institutional) and C-R (commercial recreation) zones:

A.

Primary Identification. One sign, a maximum of twenty-five square feet in size, is permitted on each street frontage of a nonresidential use. Signage may either be mounted on the main building or freestanding. Freestanding signs may not exceed eight feet in height. Signs may be indirectly lit, provided lighting is consistent with Chapter 17.42 of this code and minimizes off-site glare.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

In addition to other applicable provisions specified in Sections 17.60.050, 17.60.060 and 17.60.120 through 17.60.170, signs are allowed as follows in the C-O (commercial-office) zone and other similar commercial zones not otherwise specified in this chapter:

A.

Freestanding or Wall Sign.

1.

One freestanding sign per premises, not to exceed one-half square foot in sign area for each linear foot of main street frontage up to a maximum of twenty-five square feet, including all faces of a multi-faced sign. Such signs may not exceed a height of eight feet; or

2.

One wall sign per occupancy, not to exceed one square foot in sign area for each linear foot of that occupancy's building frontage up to a maximum of thirty square feet;

B.

Undercanopy Sign. One undercanopy sign per occupancy, not to exceed four square feet in sign area.

C.

Where an occupancy is on a corner or has more than one street frontage, one additional wall sign or one freestanding sign face will be allowed on the additional frontage, not to exceed one-half of the total sign area of the first allowed wall or freestanding sign.

D.

Freestanding signs must have a setback of at least five feet from any vehicular public right-of-way.

E.

Undercanopy signs must have a minimum clearance of eight feet over any pedestrian or vehicular use area.

F.

Where more than one tenant is located within an office center under a single manager, one center identification sign per street frontage (see Section 17.60.140(C)) is permitted subject to the review and approval by the planning commission under a master sign plan application or precise plan of design application, as applicable.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

In addition to other application provisions specified in Sections 17.60.050, 17.60.060 and 17.60.120 through 17.60.170, signs are allowed as follows in the C-G (commercial-general) zone:

A.

The following options for business identification signage are permitted:

1.

One freestanding sign per occupancy, not to exceed one square foot in sign area for each linear foot of street frontage up to a maximum of thirty square feet. Such signs may not exceed a height of eight feet, or

2.

One wall sign per occupancy, not to exceed one square foot in sign area for each linear foot of that occupancy's building frontage up to a maximum of forty square feet, or

3.

One sign per awning for each occupancy not to exceed one-half square foot in sign area for each one foot of that occupancy's building frontage up to a maximum of twenty-four square feet.

4.

Exceptions: Any single tenant which has at least twenty-five thousand square feet of gross leasable area may exceed the square footage limits specified in this subsection in an amount not to exceed forty percent of the established limit. All such requests will require review and approval of a master sign plan or precise plan of design application by the planning commission, at which time the appropriate size, design and location of the sign will be determined.

B.

One undercanopy sign per occupancy, not to exceed four square feet in sign area.

C.

Window signs are permitted without a permit and in the first floor windows only of any multi-story premise. Window signs must be professionally designed and prepared with no handwritten messages, and must generally conform to the sign design criteria under Section 17.60.170.

D.

Where an occupancy has more than one main street frontage, one additional wall sign or one additional freestanding sign face is allowed on the additional frontage, not to exceed one-half of the size limitations of the first allowed wall or freestanding sign.

E.

All freestanding signs must have a minimum setback of five feet from any vehicular public right-of-way.

F.

All projecting, awning or undercanopy signs must have a minimum clearance of eight feet over any pedestrian or vehicular use area.

G.

Commercial or office center identification. Unless otherwise superseded in this subsection, the provisions of this section apply in addition to the following signage allowances:

1.

A maximum of one freestanding sign is permitted per street frontage, including center identification signs and individual business identification signs. The provisions of subsection (A)(1) of this section are not applicable for individual tenants if center identification signs are proposed at the same street frontage.

2.

One center identification sign per street frontage is permitted. The sign is limited to the identification of the center name and any individual tenants having at least twenty-five thousand square feet of gross leasable area. No more than three such tenants may be placed on any one center identification sign.

a.

Center identification signs are subject to a precise plan of design application to be reviewed and approved by the planning commission to determine the appropriate size, location and design of the signs.

H.

Master sign plan. For any office or commercial center, regardless of total square footage, the following provisions apply:

1.

Centers with approved master sign plans are subject to those established provisions which supersede any conflicting provisions of this section.

2.

Any sign which is proposed to deviate from the approved master sign plan or any amendment to the master sign plan provisions will require a precise plan of design application to be reviewed and approved by the planning commission.

3.

Any proposed commercial or office center requires a master sign plan to be reviewed and approved by the planning commission.

I.

Gas and electric charging stations. In addition to the provisions for business identification signs, gas or electric charging stations are also permitted the following signs:

1.

The minimum required signage conveying gas or electricity prices, as required by state law.

2.

Unless otherwise required by state or federal law, a total of one square foot of signage per pump or charging station is allowed to convey information on the top of each pump or charging station.

J.

Temporary Banner Sign Program. For grand openings or changes of ownership, one banner sign is permitted to be displayed for a maximum of thirty consecutive days per calendar year per business. For a promotional or seasonal sale or event, one banner sign is permitted to be displayed for a maximum of thirty days per calendar year which may be divided into two nonconsecutive fifteen day display periods. Where an occupancy has more than one street frontage, one additional banner sign is permitted. Sign copy is subject to the design criteria set forth in Section 17.60.170(A), (B), and (C). Banner events may occur consecutively, but not simultaneously. Sign area may not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of storefront width for a maximum of thirty-two square feet. Signs must be placed on the building wall below the parapet or on windows only. Roof and freestanding banner signs, including banner signs placed over or attached to monument signs, are strictly prohibited.

1.

Application: An application for a temporary banner sign must be made on a form available in the planning department not less than ten business days prior to installation. An application must include a temporary sign application fee and cash performance deposit to guarantee sign removal, as set forth by city council resolution. If a business has previously displayed a promotional or seasonal sale or event banner for a fifteen-day period and would like to display the same banner again, then a new sign application and cash performance bond will be required.

2.

If, at the termination of the temporary banner sign permit duration, it is found that a banner sign has not been removed, the applicant will forfeit the cash performance deposit and the business will be subject to immediate citation pursuant to Chapter 1.25 of this code.

K.

Changeable Copy Signs. Assembly uses of one hundred or more persons for meetings or entertainment and where such meetings or entertainment occur on a regular basis may have one changeable copy sign pursuant to a precise plan of design application to be reviewed and approved by the planning commission. The appropriate location, size and style of the sign will be determined by the planning commission through the precise plan of design application.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

The following types of signs are prohibited in all districts:

A.

Animated signs.

B.

Balloons.

C.

Banner signs (except as allowed in Section 17.150.060(J)).

D.

Commercial mascot signs.

E.

Exposed neon-tube signs or signs emulating neon-tube signs such as Light Emitting Diode (LED) or fluorescent signs.

F.

Flashing signs.

G.

Inflatable signs.

H.

Mobile billboard signs.

I.

Moving signs.

J.

Off-site signs (billboards).

K.

Pole signs.

L.

Portable signs.

M.

Roof signs.

N.

Rotating, revolving or other signs with similar moving features.

O.

Signs imitating or resembling official traffic or government signs or signals.

P.

Signs attached to trees, telephone poles, public benches, streetlights, and any sign placed in the public right-of-way or on public property without obtaining an encroachment permit or other required approval from the city.

Q.

Signs located in such a manner to constitute a potential traffic hazard or obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign or signal device, or designed to resemble or conflict with any authorized traffic control sign.

R.

Unsafe signs.

S.

Signs that contain obscene matter as defined in California Penal Code section 311.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

The following additional design criteria apply to all sign applications:

A.

Materials and Colors. All permanent signs must be constructed of durable materials that are compatible in appearance to the building supporting or identified by the sign. Sign colors and materials should be selected to be compatible with the existing building designs and should contribute to legibility and design integrity.

B.

Relationship to Buildings. Each permanent sign located upon a site with more than one main building, such as a commercial office complex, must be designed to incorporate the materials common or similar to all buildings.

C.

Relationship to Other Signs. Where there is more than one sign on a site or building, all permanent signs must have designs that similarly treat or incorporate the following design elements:

1.

Type of construction materials;

2.

Sign/letter color and style of copy;

3.

Method used for supporting sign (i.e., wall or ground base);

4.

Sign cabinet or other configuration of sign area;

5.

Illumination; and

6.

Location.

D.

Sign Placement.

1.

Building-attached sign location. Building-attached signs may be located along any building frontage that faces directly onto a public right-of-way, parking lot, pedestrian path, or natural waterway with public access. Such signs should be oriented towards the public right-of-way or pedestrian path and be consistent with the context, scale, and character of the location. Orientation of signs such that they face directly onto residential property is allowed only where there is no practical alternative and the visibility of the sign for the residence(s) is minimized and the sign is non-illuminated. All projecting signs must have a minimum eight-foot overhead clearance above a walkway and a minimum of fifteen feet above a private street/access.

2.

Freestanding sign setback and spacing.

a.

Generally, freestanding signs must be setback a minimum of five feet from the public right-of-way. Exceptions may be granted through a master sign plan, precise plan of design or by a variance request.

b.

No sign may be located within the area designated as the vision triangle, which is the area at the corner of the intersection of two streets, or the intersection of a driveway and a street, which has specific height limitations for vegetation and structures. Signs must be designed and located so as not to interfere with the unobstructed clear view of the public right-of-way and nearby traffic regulatory signs or any pedestrian, bicyclist or motor vehicle driver.

c.

All signs authorized under this chapter must be placed on the side of the property facing on a public or private right-of-way.

E.

Construction Requirements. Every sign and all parts, portions, and materials of the sign must be manufactured, assembled, and erected in compliance with all applicable city, state, and federal laws and regulations, including Title 15 of this code. All permanent signs must comply with the following criteria:

1.

All transformers, equipment, programmers, and other related items must be screened or painted to match the structure, or must be concealed within the sign.

2.

All permanent signs must be constructed of durable materials such as metal, concrete, natural stone, wood, glass, and acrylics. Techniques must be incorporated during construction to reduce fading and damage caused by exposure to sunlight or degradation due to other elements.

3.

All freestanding signs that incorporate lighting must have underground utility service.

F.

Clearance from Public Utility Facilities. All signs must maintain any legally required clearance from communications and electric facilities. A sign may not be constructed, erected, installed, maintained, or repaired in any manner that conflicts with a rule, regulation, or order of the California Public Utilities Commission pertaining to the construction, operation, and maintenance of public utilities facilities.

G.

Illumination. Permanent signs for the purposes of identifying residential developments, commercial, office, and industrial uses may be illuminated according to the regulations contained in this chapter. The illumination of signs, either from an internal or external source, must be designed to minimize negative impacts on surrounding rights-of-way and properties. The following standards apply to all illuminated signs:

1.

External light sources must be directed and shielded to prevent direct illumination of an object other than the sign.

2.

The light from an illuminated sign may not be of an intensity or brightness that will create glare or other negative impacts on residential properties in direct line of sight to the sign.

3.

Signs may not have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights, or other illumination devices that have a changing light intensity, brightness, or color.

4.

Colored lights may not be used at a location or in a manner so as to be confused or constructed as traffic control devices.

5.

Reflective-type bulbs and incandescent lamps that exceed fifteen watts may not be used on the exterior surface of signs so that the face of the bulb or lamp is exposed to a public right-of-way or adjacent property.

6.

Light sources must utilize energy-efficient fixtures to the greatest extent possible and must comply with Title 15 of this code (including the incorporation of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, and the California Building Standards Code).

7.

Illuminated signs are permitted to be illuminated at any time unless the sign identifies a business or use within, or adjacent to, a residential zoning district. In such case, the business or use is required to turn off its sign(s) within one hour after the business or use is closed.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

Unless otherwise specified by this chapter, no sign may be illuminated unless approved by the city in the applicable permit. However, no sign regulated by this chapter may utilize:

A.

Any exposed lamp or tube, including neon or signs emulating neon such as Light Emitting Diode (LED) or florescent signs;

B.

Any revolving beacon or flashing light;

C.

Any single illumination source which exceeds the lighting equivalent of a one hundred fifty watt incandescent lamp.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

A.

Maintenance. Signs must comply with the following maintenance requirements:

1.

All permanent signs must be maintained in a safe structural condition in accordance with the Title 15 of this Code.

2.

All signs must be maintained in compliance with all applicable laws, and in compliance with the terms and conditions of any applicable sign permit or master sing plan. The maintenance of signs includes the replacement of any defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning, and any other work that may be necessary to maintain the sign and any landscape planter associated with the sign.

3.

All signs must be maintained at all times in a state of safe, good repair. Good sign maintenance includes periodic repairs to prevent sign deterioration such as fading paint, fading colors, and peeling letters.

B.

Sign Removal. When a sign is removed, all brackets, poles, and other structural elements that support the sign must also be removed. Affected surfaces must be restored to match the adjacent portion of the structure and, if applicable, the grounds of the premises must be repaired and restored to eliminate any visible damage resulting from the removal of the sign.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

A.

Generally. A legal nonconforming sign may not in any manner be structurally altered, enlarged, remodeled, or moved without complying in all respects with the provisions of this code; provided, however, nothing in this chapter prohibits the normal maintenance or repair of any legal nonconforming sign in accordance with Section 17.60.190.

B.

Conditions for Continuance of a Legal Nonconforming Sign. Any legal nonconforming sign is permitted to remain until such time as any one of the following occur:

1.

There is a change in use of the property that the sign is located on; or

2.

There are alterations or enlargements to the site or building on the property; or

3.

There is an expansion, movement, or modification of the sign (exclusive of sign face change).

4.

The sign is damaged or destroyed to the extent of fifty percent or more of the replacement cost of the sign before such damage or destruction.

At such time as any of the above-mentioned events occur, the sign must be brought into conformance with this code. Any business or use with a legal nonconforming sign is not entitled to an additional permanent sign unless the legal nonconforming sign is brought into compliance with this code.

C.

Special Circumstances. In accordance with California Business and Profession Code section 5499, no legal nonconforming sign will be required to be removed on the sole basis of its height or size, if special topographic circumstances would result in a material impairment of visibility of the sign or the owner's or user's ability to adequately and effectively continue to communicate to the public through the use of the sign.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

An applicant may apply to the planning commission for a variance from the requirements of this chapter, pursuant to Chapter 17.66 (Variances) of this Code.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

Any decision of the director or planning commission under this chapter may be appealed to the city council in accordance with Chapter 1.16 (Appeals) of this Code.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)

A.

Violations. Any sign in a violation of this chapter is subject to enforcement in accordance with Chapter 1.16 (Citation Procedure), Chapter 1.24 (General Penalty) and Chapter 1.25 (Administrative Citations) of this code), as well as the enforcement actions set forth in Chapter 17.72 (Administration and Enforcement) of this code.

B.

Director Authority. The director is authorized to enforce the requirements of this chapter consistent with the applicable provisions of this code.

C.

Regulatory Interpretations. All administrative interpretations and discretion under this chapter is to be exercised in a manner consistent with the applicable purposes stated in Section 17.60.010 (Purposes) and elsewhere in this chapter. If any portion of this chapter is found to be in conflict with any other provision of any zoning, building, fire, safety or health ordinance of this code, the provision which establishes the higher standard will prevail.

D.

Removal Signs by City. Any unsafe sign within the city or any sign in violation of this chapter that is located on property over which the city has a property interest, may be removed by the city without prior notice. For any unsafe sign that has been removed and stored by the city in accordance with this subsection, the owner of the sign may submit a written request to the director for release of the sign, accompanied by payment of any fines or enforcement costs imposed by the city. If an unsafe sign remains unclaimed for a period of thirty days after notice of removal is sent to the permit holder or property owner, it will be deemed to be unclaimed personal property and may be disposed of in accordance with applicable law.

(Ord. No. 741, § 3(Att. 1), 6-14-2022)