The purpose of this subchapter is as follows:

   (A)   To provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare by controlling the design, quality of materials, construction, illumination, size, location and maintenance of signs and sign structures;

   (B)   To encourage signs that are of a quality design, pleasing in appearance, and are appropriate in size, materials and illumination to the type of activity to which they pertain;

   (C)   To encourage signs that are compatible with the architectural style, characteristics and scale of the buildings to which they may be attached and to encourage signs that are compatible with adjacent buildings and businesses;

   (D)   To enhance overall property values and the visual environment in the city by discouraging signs which contribute to the visual clutter of the streetscape, such as off-site signs, oversized signs, and excessive temporary signage;

   (E)   To ensure that commercial signs are designed for the purpose of identifying a business in an attractive and functional manner;

   (F)   To discourage signs which cause a traffic hazard or interfere with ingress/egress; and

   (G)   To implement the goals and policies of the General Plan and Municipal Code by enforcement of the regulations contained in this subchapter.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2401) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95)

   The city has, therefore, adopted the following policies regarding signage in the city:

   (A)   Signs shall be limited to the identification of the business and/or product or service being sold or leased on the premises. Logos for national or regional businesses shall be addressed as a special consideration in reviewing compliance with the provisions of this subchapter.

   (B)   Signage shall be no larger or higher than necessary for adequate identification of the business or building.

   (C)   Signs shall be designed with minimum copy and crowding.

   (D)   Signs shall identify a business without interfering with the ability of adjoining businesses to properly identify themselves.

   (E)   Signs located on the same lot or parcel shall be designed to be harmonious and visually related to other signs on the same lot or parcel as well as the building on rich they are located. This shall be accomplished and enforced by the requirement of a Master Sign Plan for such lots or parcels with multiple businesses and signs.

   (F)   Signs in residential zones shall be designed and located so as to minimize the visual impact on adjoining residential properties.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2402) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95)

   The words and phrases, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings:

   ABANDONED ADVERTISING DISPLAY. Any display remaining in place or not maintained for a period of 120 days which no longer advertises or identifies an ongoing business, product, or service available on the business premises where the display is located.

   ABANDONED ADVERTISING STRUCTURE. Any legal or legal nonconforming structure remaining in place or not maintained for a period of 120 days, which no longer.supports an advertising display which advertises or identifies an ongoing business, product, or service available on the business premises where the structure is located.

   ABATEMENT. The process by which the city requires removal or conformance of signs relating to inoperative or no longer existing businesses, signs that do not conform to the provisions of this subchapter, and illegal signs.

   ADVERTISING DISPLAY. All parts of a sign which are not a part of the advertising structure.

   ADVERTISING STRUCTURE. Any structure, housing, sign device, figure, statuary, painting, display, message placard, or other contrivance, or any part thereof, which has been designed, constructed, created, engineered, intended or used to advertise, or to provide data or information in the nature of advertising.

   ALTERATION. Any change in copy, color, size or shape, which changes the appearance of a sign or a change in position, height, location, construction or supporting structure of a sign, except that a copy change on a changeable copy sign is not an alteration.

   ANIMATED SIGN. Any sign which has any visible moving part, flashing lights, visible mechanical movement of any description, or other apparent visible movement achieved by any means.

   ATTACHED SIGN. Any sign which is permanently affixed to a building, except a painted sign.

   AWNING. A shelter projecting from the exterior wall of a building and constructed of nonrigid materials except for the supporting framework.

   BALLOON SIGN. A lighter-than-air or gas-filled balloon tethered to a fixed location.

   BANNER SIGN. A nonpermanent sign composed of fabric, pliable plastic, paper, or other non- metallic light material not enclosed in a rigid frame.

   BUILDING FACADE. All windows, doors, and wall areas of a building in one plane or elevation.

   BUILDING FRONTAGE. The linear frontage of the width of a building facing on a principal street. Where a building faces two or more streets, the frontage, containing the principal street address shall be designated as the building frontage.

   BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign on which copy is limited to the name and address of a building or institution.

   BUSINESS IDENTIFICATION SIGN. An on-site sign which serves to identify only the name and lawful use of individual businesses and sets forth no other advertisement.

   CAN SIGN. A sign with advertising copy within a rigid frame, whether illuminated or not.

   CANOPY. A fixed shelter of any material and of any length, projecting from and connected to a building and/or columns and/or posts from the ground, or supported by a frame extending from the ground.

   CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN. A sign in which at least 50% of the sign area is designed to be used with removable graphics to allow the changing of copy.

§ 153.322   Zoning Code   § 153.322

   CHANNEL LETTERS. Three dimensional individual letters or figures, illuminated or non- illuminated, which are fixed to a building or freestanding sign structure.

   CIVIC EVENT SIGN. A sign posted to advertise, identify or provide direction to a civic or charitable event sponsored by the city, a school, church, civic-fraternal organization or similar noncommercial organization.

   CONSTRUCTION SIGN. A temporary sign which identifies the future occupant, purpose for which the building is proposed, and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of those individuals' or businesses directly participating in construction on the property on which the sign is located.

   CONVENIENCE SIGN. A small sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises, e.g., a credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of business.

   DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A sign designed to guide or direct pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic and which is non-advertising in nature.

   DIRECTORY SIGN. A single sign that identifies two or more businesses on a site.

   DOUBLE-FACED SIGN. A sign which has two identical display surfaces back-to-back or against the same background, and in which one face is designed to be seen from one direction and the other from the opposite direction. A double-faced sign shall be considered as one sign for the purposes of this subchapter.

   ELECTION SIGN. A sign which advertises a candidate for public office, a proposition or other issue to be voted on by the electorate.

   ELECTRICAL SIGN. A sign or sign structure in which electrical wiring, connections or fixtures are used.

   EMITTING SIGN. A sign which emits sound, color, or visible matter, such as smoke or steam.

   ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. The public employee or officer designated by the City Council to perform the enforcement duties imposed by this subchapter and by Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 5499.1 et seq.

   EXPOSED NEON SIGN. A gas-filled tubing where the tubing is visible.

   FLAG SIGN. A sign generally made of flexible material, usually cloth or plastic, of two dimensions that is suspended from a building facade from a pole, supporting rod or wire.

   FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign which is permanently affixed in or upon the ground on a base and is not attached to nor a part of a building.

   GRADE. The ground level directly below a sign or immediately adjacent to its base or support. Where the ground level has been artificially raised for landscaping or other purposes, grade shall be measured from the level of the nearest curb of a public street.

   GRAPHIC. A painted area which does not advertise any business, goods or service and which covers all or a major portion of a wall, building facade or structure, and shall be considered as an architectural embellishment and/or mural.

   GRAPHIC SIGN. An illustration which is intended to portray a business or service without the use of words.

   HEIGHT. The vertical distance from the grade to the top of the sign's highest element, including any structural element.

   HOLIDAY DECORATION SIGN. A sign or display, including lighting, which is a nonpermanent installation celebrating national, state and/or local holidays or holiday seasons.

   ILLEGAL ON-PREMISES ADVERTISING DISPLAY. An on-premises advertising display and connecting advertising structure which:

      (1)   Was erected without first complying with all ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of its construction and erection or use; or

      (2)   Was legally erected, but the use of which has ceased, or the structure upon which the display is placed has been abandoned by its owner, is substantially deteriorated, or not used to identify or advertise an ongoing business for a period of not less than 120 days; or

      (3)   Was legally erected, but which later became nonconforming as a result of the adoption of an ordinance, the amortization period for the display provided by the ordinance rendering the display nonconforming has expired, and conformance has not been accomplished; or

      (4)   Is a danger to the public or is unsafe; or

      (5)   Is a traffic hazard.

   ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign for which an artificial source of light is used in order to make the sign's message readable, including internally and externally lighted signs and reflectorized, glowing or radiating signs.

   LEGAL NONCONFORMING SIGN. A sign which was legally installed under laws or ordinances in effect at the time of its installation, but which is in conflict with the later enacted provisions of an ordinance.

   LOGO. A trademark or company name or symbol identifying the business or service provided and which may be all or part of a sign.

   MARQUEE. A permanent, projecting roof structure attached to and supported by a building wall, which may project over a public right-of-way.

   MARQUEE SIGN. A sign painted on or attached to or supported by a marquee.

   MASTER SIGN PLAN. A coordinated program of signage for multiple establishments.

   MONUMENT SIGN. A low-profile freestanding sign with a solid base on the ground of approximately the same dimension as the height of the sign, and which is designed to incorporate design and building materials which complement the architectural theme of the buildings on the premises.

   MURAL. A picture on an exterior surface of a structure that does not pertain to any business, product or service.

   NAMEPLATE. A nonelectric, on-premises identification sign which contains only the name and address of an occupant or group of occupants of a property.

   NEON SIGN. A sign with tubing that is internally illuminated by neon or other electrically charged gas.

   OFF-PREMISES ADVERTISING DISPLAY. Any advertising display used or intended to advertise any establishment, product, business, goods or service not available on the premises where the display is located.

   ON-PREMISES ADVERTISING DISPLAY. An advertising display for any of the following purposes:

      (1)   To designate, identify, or indicate the name or business of the owner or occupant of the premises upon which the advertising display is located; or

      (2)   To advertise the business conducted, services available or rendered, or the goods produced, sold, or available for sale upon the property where the advertising display has been lawfully erected.

   PAINTED SIGN. A sign which is painted directly onto a building or structure.

   PENNANT. A device generally made of flexible materials, such as cloth, paper or plastic, which may not contain copy and which is primarily intended to draw attention.

   POLE SIGN. A sign which is elevated from the ground by a pole or other narrow structure and not supported or attached to any building or structure.

   POLITICAL SIGN. A sign advocating any political idea or measure which is to be voted on by the electorate.

   PORTABLE SIGN. A sign which is capable of being carried or readily moved from one location to another and which is not permanent in nature. Such signs include, but are not limited to: A-frame signs, sandwich board signs, signs on wheels, and signs which lean onto a stationary object, building or structure.

   PROJECTING SIGN. A sign, excluding roof signs, attached to, supported by, or suspended from any part of a building or structure and projecting more than 12 inches therefrom.

   REAL ESTATE SIGN. A temporary sign which advertises the sale, lease, rental, or other disposition of the property upon which it is located.

   ROOF SIGN. A sign erected upon a roof or above the parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by said building.

   SIGN. Any object or device which is designed, intended, used or located so as to be visible by the public from outdoors for the purpose of advertising the property, establishment or enterprise, including goods and services, upon which the sign is located. This definition shall include all parts, portions, frame, background, structure, support and anchorage thereof.

   SIGN AREA. The entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of a square or a rectangle which encloses the extreme limits of the advertising message, announcement, display, logo, picture or any figure of a similar nature, together with any frame, background area of sign, structural trim, or other material, color, or condition which forms an integral part of the display, excluding the necessary supports, architectural accouterments, or uprights on which sign is placed.

   SIGN COPY. Any words, letters, numbers, figures, designs or other symbolic representation incorporated into a sign.

   SIGN STRUCTURE. A structure of any kind or character erected or maintained for advertising purposes on which any sign, billboard, poster, bill, printing, painting, or other advertisement of any kind may be placed.

   SITE. All of the contiguous ground area which has been legally assembled into one development location.

   STREET FRONTAGE. The linear dimension of a lot or parcel of land along or fronting upon a street or streets.

   SPECIAL EVENT SIGN. Any temporary or nonpermanent sign which advertises or pertains to any civic, patriotic or special event of general public interest.

   SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A freestanding or wall sign which is permanent and identifies a recognized subdivision, condominium complex or residential development.

   SUBDUED LIGHTING. A light intensity, whether from internal or external illumination, of not greater than 75 foot lambert when measured with a standard light meter perpendicular to the face of the sign from a distance equal to the narrowest dimension of the sign.

   TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign which is nonpermanent and is intended to be displayed for a period of time not to exceed 90 days.

   TOTAL SIGN AREA. The combined permitted and permanent sign areas of all signs on any one lot, site, building, structure or other premises, excluding the area of signs specifically exempted from the provisions of this subchapter.

   TRIM. Any molding, battens, capping, matting strips, latticing, or platforms which may be attached to a sign or sign structure.

   UNDER CANOPY SIGN. A sign which is suspended beneath a canopy, marquee, ceiling, roof or eave.

   VEHICLE. A sign placed on a vehicle or trailer which is parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying said sign. This does not apply to portable signs or signs or lettering on buses, taxis or vehicles operating during the normal course of business.

   WALL SIGN. A single-faced sign attached to and parallel to the building facade.

   WINDOW SIGN. A sign installed inside or on a window and intended to be viewed from the outside.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2403) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95)

   (A)   Sign permit required. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to the painting, erecting, constructing, reconstructing, relocating or altering of any sign or sign copy, for all signs other than, those prohibited and those specifically exempt. Building permits and/or electrical permits shall also be obtained in accordance with the Building and/or Electrical Code.

   (B)   Permit application. Unless otherwise provided for in this subchapter, application for a sign permit shall be made to the Community Development Department on forms provided and shall be accompanied by three complete sets of the following material:

      (1)   Site plan. Dimensioned, scaled site plan at a scale of not less than " = 1', indicating the location of existing signs to be retained and all new signs; and

      (2)   Building elevations. Scaled drawing at a scale of not less than " = 1", indicating locations of all existing signs to be retained or removed and locations of proposed signs;

      (3)   Sign illustration. Scaled drawing at a scale of not less than " = 1', indicating dimensions, colors, material, copy, illumination, and exterior structural features of each sign on the site;

      (4)   Color photographs. Color photographs of the building facade(s) of the building or unit where the sign(s) are proposed to be located, except in any new construction. Photographs shall also be submitted after the sign(s) have been installed and before the permit is finalized.

      (5)   Change of sign copy. For a change of sign copy, only a sign illustration shall be required.

      (6)   Other information. Such other information as the Community Development Director may require to determine compliance with this subchapter.

   (C)   Review of and action on sign permit applications. The Community Development Director shall review sign permit applications for compliance with the provisions of this subchapter and the General Plan and shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny the sign permit application. Approval of the sign permit application does not imply approval by the Building Division of a building permit for the sign(s). For any development project requiring a variance, conditional use permit, precise plan of design, or other discretionary approval by the Design Review Committee, the Planning Commission or the City Council, the sign permit application, if appropriate, shall be reviewed and approved, conditionally approved or disapproved by such body in conjunction with such consideration.

   (D) Appeals. Any decision of the Community Development Director, staff or the Design Review Commission made pursuant to this subchapter on signs may be appealed directly to the City Council within the time and in the manner as set forth in § 153.004 of this Code.

   (E)   Time for exercising sign permit. A sign permit shall expire and become null and void if the work authorized by such sign permit has not commenced within 180 days of the date of issuance of the sign permit.

   (F)   Building permit required. In addition to a sign permit issued by the Community Development Department, a building permit shall be obtained when required under the Building Code.

   (G)   Fees. City Council may adopt fees by resolution for permit applications.

   (H)   Revocation. The Community Development Director may revoke any sign permit issued pursuant to §§ 153.320 through 153.334 if the permittee fails to comply with the requirements of these sections or with any conditions of approval. Prior to revoking the permit, the Director shall provide the permittee a written notice of non-compliance. The permittee shall have a right to appeal the notice of revocation to the City Council pursuant to § 153.004.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2404) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95; Am. Ord. 526-C.S., passed 7-16-02; Am. Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04)

   The following signs shall be permitted in the R-1, R-1A, R-2 and R-3 Zones:

   (A)   In the R-1 and R-1A Zones, the following signs shall be permitted:

      (1)   One identification sign per dwelling, not exceeding two square feet in area, containing the name and/or address of the occupant of the premises. No sign permit shall be required. Such identification sign shall not include the name or nature of any home occupation licensed in the dwelling.

      (2)   One unlighted detached real estate sign per lot. Said sign shall not exceed six square feet in area or six feet in height. “Open house” signage may be placed, provided that: such sign's area does not exceed six square feet; such sign's height does not exceed four feet from grade; such sign remains placed only during those hours when the house advertised thereon is open for inspection without an appointment; and a maximum of one such sign is placed on two major arterial streets, and maximum of one such sign is placed on two local streets, for a maximum of four such signs. No sign permit shall be required for any real estate sign.

      (3)   A church, synagogue or other religious institution, or an educational institution, may locate one monument sign for each street frontage of at least 75 linear feet, provided that sign's area does not exceed 25 square feet or the sign's height does not exceed six feet, and complies with § 153.325(B). Other signs allowed by this subchapter may be permitted upon review and approval by the Design Review Committee, provided that a conditional use permit has been granted to the institution by the Planning Commission. Changeable copy shall be permitted on said monument or other approved signs.

      (4)   Freestanding flag poles exceeding 15 feet in height from adjoining grade in the front yard of single family residential units shall be prohibited.

   (B)   In the R-2 and R-3 Zones, the following signs shall be permitted:

      (1)   One multi-family complex identification sign shall be permitted. Such sign shall be placed flat against the building wall, mounted on the face of a perimeter wall, or shall be a monument sign not to exceed six feet in height, shall be architecturally compatible with the building, and approved under a precise plan of design. Any illumination shall be limited to subdued external lighting;

      (2)   One unlighted sign made of solid materials and attached to the front of the building, not to exceed six square feet in area, pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of the building, property or premises upon which it is displayed. Temporary banners advertising the sale or lease of multi-residential units shall be permitted on buildings or developments with five or more units, provided the banner shall not be permitted for more than four months following the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the city. Extensions may be permitted by application to the Community Development Director, providing that the total time, including any extensions, shall not exceed one calendar year;

      (3)   In conjunction with a permitted church, synagogue, hospital, group dwelling, educational or similar institutional facility, two signs for each street frontage, including not more than one monument sign for each street frontage of at least 75 linear feet, are permitted. The total sign area for each frontage shall be limited to 25 square feet, with monument signs limited to six feet in height and shall comply with § 153.325(B). Signs, other than monument signs, allowed by this subchapter may be permitted upon review and approval by the Design Review Committee, provided that a conditional use permit has been granted to the institution by the Planning Commission. Changeable copy shall be permitted on monument or other approved signs with approval by the Design Review Committee.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2405) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95)

   The following signs shall be permitted in the C-1, C-3, and M-1 Zones, subject to the standards specified herein:

   (A)   Building wall signs. Building wall signs, including attached can signs and channel letters and other permitted signs, shall comply with the following standards:

      (1)   Number. One wall sign for each tenant, separate use or occupancy of a building, unless:

         (a)   The tenant, separate use, or occupancy has frontage on more street, in which case one additional wall sign fronting on the side street will be permitted.

         (b)   The tenant, separate use, or occupancy has its principal entrance facing on a parking lot, in which case it is permitted to have a wall sign on the side of the building facing on the parking lot, provided the total area of all signs is within the maximum permitted in division (A)(2) of this section.

         (c)   The tenant, separate use, or occupancy has an entrance not facing on a parking lot or public thoroughfare, in which case one non-illuminated sign not to exceed three square feet in area shall be permitted, provided the total area of all signs is within the maximum permitted in division (A)(2) of this section.

         (d)   The single tenant, use, or occupancy has more than 50 linear feet of frontage on a street or parking lot, in which case a second wall sign may be permitted upon approval of the Design Review Committee, provided all other provisions of this subchapter are complied with.

      (2)   Area. Maximum of 1½ square feet of sign area per linear foot of building frontage. Only frontage facing on a major or secondary thoroughfare shall be considered in calculating permitted area.

      (3)   Location. Wall signs shall not exceed the height of the building roofline or parapet wall and shall not exceed 70% of the width of the building frontage.

      (4)   Projection. Maximum projection of an attached wall sign shall be 12 inches.

      (5)   Lighting. If illuminated, such illumination shall not exceed 300 foot lambert.

      (6)   Painted wall signs. Painted wall signs shall be permitted upon review and approval of the Design Review Committee. All applications for a painted wall sign shall include a rendering by a graphic or other professional artist. Application of a painted wall sign shall be by direct transfer from a 1:1 scale rendering of the approved advertising display copy.

      (7)   Can sign. Can signs shall be architecturally compatible with the building.

   (B)   Monument signs. Monument signs shall comply with the following standards:

      (1)   Number.  

         (a)   One monument sign for each site with a minimum of 75 feet of frontage on a street, unless the property has such frontage on more than one street, in which case one additional monument sign fronting on said side street shall be permitted.

         (b)   For any site with less than 75 feet of frontage on a street, a monument sign may be permitted by the Planning Commission with a sign variance on recommendation of the Design Review Committee, when the configuration of the site or the location of the building or complex on the site does not allow adequate identification through the use of wall signs or other permitted signs. The maximum area for such monument sign shall be calculated together with all other permitted signs on the site, and the total area shall not exceed the total allowable area for the buildings or complex on the entire site.

      (2)   Area.  

         (a)   The maximum square footage for a monument sign, including the base and support, is as follows:

 

 

         (b)   Street address number attached to the advertising structure shall not be considered a part of the sign area.

      (3)   Height. Maximum of six feet.

      (4)   Location.  

         (a)   All monument signs shall be set back at least 10 feet from interior side lot lines for parcels with up to 100 feet of street frontage, and at least 15 feet from interior side lot lines for parcels with more than 100 feet of street frontage. Criteria for determining the precise location of monument signs shall include, but not be limited to, visibility from the street, proximity to other signs and buildings, frontage and configuration of the site. When located on a corner lot, a monument sign shall not be placed so that it obstructs the view of oncoming traffic from any direction.

         (b)   All monument signs shall be located within a protective planter, the precise location of which shall be subject to approval of the Community Development Director. Planter areas shall be adjacent to and proportionally surround the base of the monument sign. The planter areas shall be a minimum of four times the area of the sign base or 25 square feet, whichever is greater.

      (5)    Street address. All monument signs shall contain a street address. Street address numbers, proportional in size to other copy, shall not be considered a part of the advertising display for purposes of calculating copy area.

      (6)   Design guidelines. The exterior finish of a monument sign shall be architecturally compatible with the building design and materials. The advertising display area of all monument signs shall be surrounded with a decorative feature, e.g., molding, which is architecturally compatible with the sign and building design.

      (7)   Lighting. Illumination shall not exceed 300 foot lambert. If external floodlights are used, they shall be shielded so as to prevent excessive glare;

   (C)   Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs, other than monument signs, shall comply with the following standards:

      (1)   Number. One freestanding sign for each site with a minimum of 75 feet of frontage on a principal street, unless the property has more than 200 feet of street frontage, in which case an additional freestanding sign shall be permitted for each additional 100 feet of street frontage over the initial 100 feet.

      (2)   Area. The maximum square footage for sign area on a freestanding sign, excluding the supports, is as follows:

 

 

      (3)   Height. Maximum of 15 feet or the height of the tallest building on the site where it is located, whichever is less;

      (4)   Location. Freestanding signs shall be located a minimum of 15 feet from interior side lot lines, and in a landscaped planter with a minimum of 60 square feet of area in addition to other required landscape areas. Criteria for determining the precise location of freestanding signs shall include, but not be limited to, visibility from the street, proximity to other signs and buildings, frontage and configuration of the site. The minimum separation between freestanding signs on adjoining properties shall be 30 feet.

      (5)   Street address. All freestanding signs shall contain a street address. Street address numbers, proportional in size to other copy, shall not be considered a part of the advertising display for purposes of calculating copy area.

      (6)   Lighting. Illumination shall be internal and shall not exceed 300 foot lambert.

      (7)   Design review. The architectural features of all freestanding signs shall be reviewed by the Design Review Committee prior to final approval.

   (D)   Pole signs. Pole signs shall comply with the following standards:

      (1)   Number. One pole sign for each site with a minimum of 75 feet of frontage on a principal street.

      (2)   Area. The maximum square footage for sign area on a pole sign shall be 50 square feet per side.

      (3)   Height. Maximum of 20 feet or the height of the building, whichever is less.

      (4)   Location. Pole signs shall be located a minimum of 15 feet from interior side lot lines. Criteria for determining the precise location of pole signs shall include, but not be limited to, visibility from the street, proximity to other signs and buildings, frontage and configuration of the site. Each pole sign shall have a minimum of 60 square feet of landscaped planter area proportionally surrounding the sign pole, which shall be in addition to any other required landscape areas.

      (5)   Street address. All pole signs shall contain a street address. Street address numbers, proportional in size to other copy, shall not be considered a part of the advertising display for purposes of calculating copy area.

      (6)   Design guidelines. Signs permitted per this section shall comply with any sign design guidelines that may be adopted by the City Council or the Design Review Commission.

      (7)   Lighting. Illumination shall be internal and shall not exceed 300 foot lambert.

      (8)   Design review. All pole signs shall be reviewed and approved or conditionally approved by the Design Review Commission. Factors that the Commission will consider include but are not limited to the following:

         (a)   That the sign does not interfere with the ability of adjoining properties or uses to have visible signage;

         (b)   That the sign does not detract from the architectural features of the building; and

         (c)   That the sign does not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian movement or with visibility for vehicular or pedestrian movements.

   (E)   Window signs. Window signs shall comply with the following standards:

      (1)   Number. Three window signs shall be permitted for each occupancy which directly faces a dedicated street or alley, mall, or parking lot area. Information pertaining to hours of operation and credit cards shall be exempt from this provision;

      (2)   Area. A maximum of 25% of the total frontage glass area, whether on the ground or second level, may be covered. Doors consisting of glass shall be included in the computation of maximum sign area. A single sign indicating if a business is “Open” or “Closed” shall be exempt from the maximum area provision, provided the sign shall not exceed dimensions of 18 inches by 24 inches.

      (3)   Changeable copy signs. Changeable copy signs shall be permitted provided that they are within the maximum sign area provided for in division (E)(2) above.

   (F)   Awning signs. The following standards shall apply to awning signs:

      (1)   Number. One awning sign is permitted for each ground floor occupancy. If a single occupancy has more than one awning, the total allowable signage may be divided among more than one awning. More than one awning sign may be permitted on the side of building if the adjoining grade deviates substantially along the length of the side of the building.

      (2)   Area. Signage on the awning shall be limited to ½ square feet for each linear foot of building frontage if the awning sign is the only signage on the building; otherwise signage shall be limited to ½ square foot for each linear foot of building frontage;

      (3)   Projection. Maximum of ½ the street parkway width;

      (4)   Height. Minimum of eight feet above ground level.

      (5)   Lighting. Lighting of awning signs may be internal or external, and shall not exceed 300 foot lambert.

      (6)    Approval. All awnings shall be reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department according to the standards contained in divisions (F)(1) through (F)(5) above, regardless of whether such awnings have signage.

   (G)   Under canopy signs. The following standards shall apply to signs attached or suspended below a canopy:

      (1)   Number. One per public entrance.

      (2)   Area. Maximum of six square feet.

      (3)   Height. The height of the sign face shall not exceed two feet and the minimum vertical clearance shall be eight feet above adjoining grade.

   (H)   Changeable copy signs. Changeable copy signs shall be permitted for facilities used primarily for the presentation of theatrical, cultural, religious, educational or athletic events. Such sign may be either a monument or wall-mounted sign and shall comply with all applicable requirements of this subchapter.

   (I)   Banners.  

      (1)   Except as otherwise provided for in this subchapter, a banner shall only be permitted pursuant to the issuance of a banner permit. Banners issued under a permit may be displayed for a period of either 30 or 60 consecutive calendar days, with a maximum display period of 180 calendar days per calendar year. Multiple display periods are permitted on a banner permit, provided that the total amount of display days shall not exceed 180 per calendar year. Only one banner sign shall be allowed to be displayed at any given time per business, except where a single business occupies a building located at the intersection of two major streets, in which case one banner sign may be displayed on each side of the building facing on the major street. Banners shall be flame retardant, securely fastened and shall pose no public safety hazard.

      (2)   A minimum of 30 calendar days shall transpire between each banner display. Failure to comply with the requirements herein shall be a basis on which to deny additional banner permits within the calendar year of the violation.

   (J)   Open for business sign. A temporary sign may be issued for a business when first open to the public at its location. The temporary sign shall be no greater in area than that permitted for a wall sign under § 153.325(A)(2). A permit for a temporary “open for business” sign may be approved by the Community Development Director for a period of not more than 60 consecutive days from the time an occupancy permit has first been approved by the city. The permit period may be extended at the discretion of the Community Development Director.

   (K)   Total sign area permitted. Total sign area, including all signs listed above (i.e., wall signs, monument signs, freestanding signs, window signs, awning signs, under canopy signs, and changeable copy signs) for each site or occupancy shall not exceed 2½ square feet per linear foot for the first 50 linear feet of building frontage and two square feet per linear foot for each linear foot of building frontage thereafter. The sign area shall be calculated as the area within a single square or rectangular box enclosing the extreme exterior of the advertising display, including any generic advertising, logos or other designations. If a sign is curved, the area shall be calculated as if the sign were in a straight line.

   (L)   Limitations on sign types. A maximum of three different types of signs (i.e., wall signs, monument signs, freestanding signs, window signs, awning signs, under canopy signs, and changeable copy signs) as listed above may be permitted for each business or separate occupancy with a minimum of 75 feet of frontage on a street. A maximum of two different types of signs as listed above may be permitted for each business or separate occupancy with less than 75 feet of frontage on a street.

   (M)   Master sign plan. All master sign plans for new commercial or industrial centers, complexes or parks which contain two or more individual establishments on a single parcel or group of parcels with a single common development or under single ownership or a single tax parcel; or for existing commercial industrial centers, complexes or parks as of November 9, 1993 which contain six or more individual establishments on a single parcel or group of parcels with a single common development or under single ownership or a single tax parcel shall be submitted to the Community Development Department for review and approval according to the following application and review processes:

      (1)   Approving body.

         (a)   The master sign plan shall be approved by the Community Development Director for developments over which the director has approval for the Precise Plan of Design pursuant to § 153.354(A) of this Code.

         (b)    The master sign plan shall be approved by the Design Review Commission for developments over which the Commission has approval for the Precise Plan of Design pursuant to § 153.354(B) of this Code.

      (2)   Criteria. The following criteria shall be applied in determining whether the master sign plan should be approved:

         (a)   Compatibility with the design motif of buildings in the complex, center, park, lot or parcel;

         (b)   Incorporation of common design elements such as type of sign, materials, letter style, colors, illumination, size location and/or shape;

         (c)   Promotion of unity and continuity and prevention of unsightly clutter and disarray within the complex, center, park, lot or parcel;

         (d)   Compliance with the requirements of the Zoning Code and the General Plan; and

         (e)   Consideration of whether the plan constitutes a hazard to the public health and safety and a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian circulation.

      (3)   Applications for master sign plans shall contain the information set forth below. No master sign plan application shall be accepted as complete until all of the application contents are filed with the Community Development Department.

         (a)   Detailed, scaled drawings of all of the proposed signs for the lot or parcel, including elevations. At least one set of the drawings shall be in full color, depicting the actual colors to be utilized.

         (b)   Specification of the materials, colors, letter height and style, illumination and method of attachment for each sign which shall be accompanied by a board containing examples of the materials and colors to be utilized.

         (c)   A color photograph of the existing building facade shall also accompany applications for existing buildings.

   (N)   Service station signs. In addition to signage allowed in previous applicable sections of this subchapter, the following signage shall be allowed for service stations:

      (1)   One permanently affixed price sign or changeable copy sign (or combination thereof), not exceeding an area of 18 square feet shall be allowed on each street frontage, provided said sign shall not be less than two feet in height. Said signs shall comply with all requirements set forth by the state, and shall be visible from all public rights-of-way.

      (2)   Small signs comprised of convenience signs, bank and credit card signs, tire signs and/or price signs, with the size and location of such signs to be approved by the Community Development Director, provided the aggregate area of such signs does not exceed 24 square feet.

   (O)   Signs for factory franchised new motor vehicle dealers. In addition to signage allowed in previously applicable sections of this subchapter, factory franchised new motor vehicle dealers shall be allowed to have one pole sign for each major franchise with a minimum of 150 feet of frontage on a street, unless the property has such frontage on more than one street, in which case one additional pole sign fronting on said side street shall be allowed. Such pole signs may be used in lieu of monument signs which are permitted by division (B) of this section. Such pole signs shall be subject to the following standards:

      (1)   Height. Maximum of 50 feet;

      (2)   Area. The minimum square footage for a pole sign shall be as follows:

 

 

      (3)   Minimum clearance. Eight feet from the bottom of the sign to grade;

      (4)   Projection. No part of a pole sign shall project over public property;

      (5)   Copy. Copy shall not exceed 75% of the sign's area;

      (6)   Lighting. If illuminated, such illumination shall be internal and shall not exceed 300 foot lambert;

      (7)   Architectural compatibility. Such signs, including the pole, shall be architecturally compatible with the building(s) on the site;

      (8)   Design review. All pole signs shall be reviewed by the Design Review Committee for its recommendation prior to final approval.

   (P)   Balloon signs for factory franchised new motor vehicle dealers. In addition to the signage allowed in previously applicable sections of this subchapter, a factory franchised new motor vehicle dealer shall be permitted one balloon sign to be installed on the property, provided that balloon signs shall not be used for more than 120 calendar days per calendar year, and that a minimum of 30 calendar days intervene between any two balloon sign installations.

   (Q)   Signs for major appliance/electronic retailers. In addition to the signage allowed in previous applicable sections of this subchapter, major appliance/electronic retailers having more than 25,000 square feet of gross retail floor area, and 150 feet of street frontage on a major thoroughfare in the city may be permitted the following signage upon approval of a master sign plan:

      (1)   One and one-half square feet of signage for each linear foot of frontage on a street.

      (2)   One wall sign for each 25 feet of street frontage to be used exclusively to advertise brand product names.

   (R)   Architectural lighting.  

      (1)   Up to two parallel gas-filled lighting tubes around the upper perimeter of a parapet roof, and architecturally compatible with the building and neighboring buildings, may be approved by the Community Development Director and shall not be considered a part of a building's signage, provided the following conditions are met:

         (a)   The elevation of the building on which the lighting is to be placed is a minimum of 50 feet from any residential zoned property; and

         (b)   For a stand-alone building, the building elevation is a minimum of 50 feet in length; and

         (c)   For contiguous buildings, the building elevation is a minimum of 75 feet in length, and further provided that all contiguous buildings shall concurrently install identical architectural lighting regardless of separate ownership or leasehold interest; and

         (d)   No reflectorized materials are used behind the exposed tubes.

      (2)   Any additional gas-filled lighting tubes or any string of lights shall require review and approval by the Design Review Committee.

   (S)   Portable signs. Each business in the commercial zone shall be allowed to display one portable sidewalk sign in compliance with the standards set forth in this section. Portable signs shall not count toward the limitations set forth in subsections (K) and (L) above.

      (1)   Signs in the public right-of-way/permit required. A sign permit shall be obtained before any sign is placed in the public right-of-way. Notwithstanding § 153.323(B), the applicant shall only be required to provide: a scaled drawing of the proposed sign showing colors, materials and proposed finishes of the proposed portable sign; and color photographs of the building where the sign is proposed to be located. As part of the permit application, the applicant shall submit to the city and maintain a public liability insurance policy from a company authorized to do business in the State of California and having a rating approved by the city which names the City of San Gabriel and its officers, agents, employees and volunteers as additional insured prior to the issuance of a sign permit for a portable sign. When a permit application is approved, an official city tag shall be placed on the sign showing permit approval. No portable sign may be considered compliant with the requirements of subsection (S) without said tag.

      (2)   Sign size. Signs may not exceed a width of 2' 6". Sign height shall be limited to four feet as measured perpendicular from the sidewalk surface to the highest point of the sign.

      (3)   Sign placement. Unless a permit has been obtained pursuant to subsection (1) above, portable sidewalk signs shall be placed only within the boundaries of the applicable business’ street frontage and shall be positioned so that it will not:

         (a)   Reduce the sidewalk clearance below a width of 36 inches;

         (b)   Impede any line of sight for motorists at vehicular public right-of-way intersections, as determined by the City Engineer; or

         (c)   Interfere with persons entering or exiting parked cars.

      (4)   Portable signs may not be displayed from vehicles parked in front of or adjacent to the businesses, whether on public or private property. For purposes pf this subsection, PORTABLE SIGNS specifically includes banners affixed to a vehicle.

      (5)   Stabilization. The sign shall be stabilized so as to withstand wind gusts or shall be removed during windy conditions.

      (6)   Sign elements. Signs shall be designed to incorporate the colors, textures, and features of the building in front of which they are to be placed. Signs made of plywood, pressboard, or paper products shall not be permitted; signs made of metal, burnished wood, or other materials having a natural appearance shall be permitted. Finishes shall be of high quality and durable.

      (7)   Removal. Portable signs shall be removed from the sidewalk at the close of each business day.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2406) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95; Am. Ord. 468-C.S., passed 8-20-96; Am. Ord. 526-C.S., passed 7-16-02; Am. Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04)

   In addition to the foregoing, the following provisions shall apply generally to all signs:

   (A)   Exposed gas-filled lighting tubes, strings of lights, exposed bulbs or other exposed lighting outlining a window, door or advertising display copy, or any portion thereof, shall be considered a part of the sign copy and shall be subject to the conditions and area limitations contained in this subchapter.

   (B)   For the purpose of public safety, the name of the business shall be indicated in the English language or English alphabet on at least one location on each business.

   (C)   On corner lots, the amount of sign area permitted for one street frontage is not transferable to another.

   (D)   The rear of any sign face or cabinet visible to the public shall be provided with a flat surface covered to obscure structural members or elements from public view.

   (E)   “Angle Iron” or “I-Beams” as visible structural supports shall not be used unless covered with decorative material and approved by the Community Development Director as an architectural or decorative feature. The use of exposed or visible guy wire supports shall be prohibited.

   (F)   Each separate occupancy in the C-1, C-2, C-3, and M-1 Zones shall be provided with a legible address in Arabic numerals or, where applicable, in English alphabet, at least six inches in height. Such address shall be located on the street front building facade and, if public access is available, on the rear of the building. When more than one occupancy is served by one or more common entries to a single building, the addresses may be provided by a range of addresses inclusive of those for all such occupancies, which method shall be deemed to comply with this subsection. Buildings with more than one occupancy having a common entry shall have a street address on the top of the facade of the building visible from the street.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2407) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95)

   The following signs shall be allowed without a permit, subject to the specific zoning limitations contained herein:

   (A)   Election signs. Election signs placed on one site shall not exceed 32 square feet in area per sign. Such sign shall not be erected more than one month prior to the election to which the signs relate and such signs shall be removed within 48 hours following such election.

   (B) Special events window signs. Special events window signs shall not exceed 20% of the total frontage glass area, whether on the ground or second level. Doors consisting of glass shall be included in the computation of maximum sign area. No more than 50% of the area of one window pane shall be covered with signs. The permitted frequency of a special events window sign at any single occupancy shall be limited in the same manner as a banner sign pursuant to § 153.325(I). Special events window signs that are permitted under this section shall be limited to a duration of 30 calendar days.

   (C)   Real estate signs. One six square foot sign not to exceed six feet in height shall be permitted on lots or parcels used for residential purposes to advertise the sale or lease of the property on which the sign is located. Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of commercial or industrial lots or parcels shall not exceed 24 square feet in area, and, if freestanding, six feet in height. All real estate signs shall be removed within 30 days following the sale, lease or disposition of the real property. The placement of said signs shall not interfere with the traffic or circulation on the site or on adjacent sites.

   (D)   Construction signs. On-site construction signs advertising the architect, builder, financing and similar information shall be permitted provided such signs do not exceed 32 square feet in area and not more than six feet in height above grade. Such signs shall be limited to one sign for each street frontage and shall be removed upon the completion of construction. The placement of said signs shall not interfere with the traffic or circulation on the site or on adjacent sites.

   (E)   Flags. The flags, emblems, or insignias of any nation or political subdivision utilized for noncommercial use.

   (F)   Holiday decorations. Holiday displays not to exceed a total of 10 weeks of display during any calendar year.

   (G)   Residential identification signs. One identification sign per dwelling, not to exceed two square feet in area, containing the name and/or address of the occupant of the premises.

   (H)   Tablets and plaques. Tablets, memorial signs and plaques, installed by a recognized historical agency for the purpose of identification, provided such signs do not exceed two feet in any dimension.

   (I)   Political signs. Total signs on one site shall not exceed 32 square feet in area.

   (J)   Temporary civic event signs. Such signs, when placed in conjunction with a civic event, shall be displayed for a period not to exceed 30 calendar days.

   (K)   Directional signs. Such signs shall be a maximum of four square feet in area per sign. The number and location of said signs shall be subject to the approval of the Community Development Director.

   (L)   Government signs. Signs pertaining to government buildings and government sponsored events.

   (M)   Off-site real estate open house signs. Off-site real estate open house signs subject to the following standards:

      (1)   Notwithstanding any other provisions in this code to the contrary, real estate open house signs may be placed upon the public parkway provided that all of the following restrictions are met:

         (a)   Real estate professionals placing open house signage permitted by this section shall obtain the permission of the adjacent property owner or tenant before placing any such signage, whenever possible.

         (b)   Signage shall be limited to one sign per corner, four signs per intersection.

         (c)   In no event shall an open house sign be placed in a center median strip.

         (d)   Open house signs shall only be posted on the same day of the open house.

         (e)   Signage display hours shall be limited to 10:00 a.m. to dusk, or 7:00 p.m., whichever is earlier.

         (f)   Open houses signs shall contain the following information:

            1.   Directional arrow(s) to, or the address of, the subject property; and

            2.   The real estate professional's name and phone number, for identification purposes only. A business card taped to the sign will satisfy this requirement.

         (g)   The message content on the sign shall only relate to an activity actually in progress during the allowable display period.

         (h)   No sign shall obstruct the safe and convenient use by the public of adjoining sidewalk, curbside parkway, or roadway area. No sign shall be placed closer than 15 feet from a driveway approach.

         (i)   No sign shall exceed three feet in height as measured from the ground to the top of the sign.

         (j)   No flag, pennant, streamer, banner, or balloon shall be displayed with or attached to an open house sign permitted by this section.

         (k)   The real estate professional placing a sign or signs permitted by this section shall assume all liability associated with the placement of such sign and shall hold the City of San Gabriel free and harmless from all liability and defense costs in the event of litigation regarding injuries or property damage caused by the placement of the sign(s).

         (l)   Each posted sign, as permitted by this section, shall be maintained in a neat, clean, and safe condition.

         (m)   No posted sign may be chained to or otherwise locked to a fixed object in the public right-of-way.

         (n)   Signs posted in violation of any of these requirements shall subject the person placing the sign(s) to infraction penalties for violation of the San Gabriel Municipal Code.

         (o)   No more than five signs total shall be posted for a single open house event.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2408) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95; Am. Ord. 482-C.S., passed 2-17-98; Am. Ord. 510-C.S., passed 12-5-00; Am. Ord. 526-C.S., passed 7-16-02)

   The following signs shall be prohibited in all zoning districts within the city, except as otherwise provided for in this subchapter:

   (A)   Animated signs, with exemption for time and temperature;

   (B)   Balloon signs, except as otherwise provided for in this subchapter;

   (C)   Emitting signs;

   (D)   Temporary paper, cloth or plastic types of nonpermanent signs, including pennants, flags, festoons and banners that are not approved as part of a special events permit;

   (E)   Off-premise advertising display, other than such display which is otherwise permitted or legally established billboards.

   (F)   Projecting signs;

   (G)   Roof signs;

   (H)   Pole signs, except as otherwise provided for in this subchapter;

   (I)   Vehicle mounted signs;

   (J)   Signs which simulate or imitate in size, color, lettering or design, any traffic control sign or signal;

   (K)   Light bulb strings when used as part of the advertising display, except for holiday decorations;

   (L)   Signs pertaining to a home business occupation;

   (M)   All exposed gas-filled lighting tubes, strings of lights, exposed bulbs or other exposed lighting not specifically permitted by this subchapter or not identified as requiring Design Review Committee action;

   (N)   Signs on public property, or on any street lamp post, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard, electric light or power or telegraph or telephone pole, or wire appurtenance thereof, except civic event signs with prior approval pursuant to § 150.184. Any sign found posted, or otherwise affixed upon any public property contrary to the provisions of this subsection may be immediately removed by the city.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2409) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95; Am. Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04)

   All signs and sign signatures, including their supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in repair and in proper state of preservation. The display surfaces of all signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times. The Building Official shall have the authority to remove signs which constitute a hazard to health, safety or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance or dilapidation, pursuant to the procedures set forth in Chapter 98 of this code.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2410) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95)

   (A)   The city shall commence with an inventory and identification of illegal and/or abandoned advertising displays. Within 60 days after said six month period, the city shall commence abatement of the identified pre-existing illegal and/or abandoned advertising displays. The illegal and/or abandoned advertising displays shall be declared a public nuisance by resolution of the City Council and the procedure for abatement shall be pursuant to Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 5499.1 et seq.

   (B)   The city may impose a reasonable fee upon all owners or lessees of on-premises business advertising displays for the purpose of covering the actual cost of inventory and identification of such displays. The actual cost may be fixed upon a determination of the total estimated reasonable cost and the amount of such fee shall be set by resolution of the City Council.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2411) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95)

2004 S-12

   (A)   Deactivation of animated signs. Any animated signs, except for time and temperature, even if legally erected prior to the adoption of this subchapter, shall be deactivated within 60 days from the effective date of this subchapter, without compensation. Chasing lights used as part of a holiday decoration shall not be affected by this division.

   (B)   Illegal and/or abandoned signs. Any illegal or abandoned advertising display or advertising structure shall be abated, without compensation, pursuant to the procedure set forth in Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 5499.1 et seq.

   (C)   Legal nonconforming signs. Any legal nonconforming sign shall be removed, without compensation, if the sign meets any of the following criteria:

      (1)   Any advertising display which has been more than 50% destroyed, and the destruction is other than facial copy replacement, and the display is not repaired within 30 days of the date of its destruction;

      (2)   Any advertising display whose owner, outside of a change of copy, requests permission to remodel, and remodels that advertising display; or expands or enlarges the building or intensifies land use upon which the advertising display is located, and the display is affected by the construction, enlargement, or remodeling, or the cost of construction, enlargement, or remodeling of the advertising display exceeds 50% of the cost of reconstruction of the building;

      (3)   Any advertising display whose owner seeks relocation thereof and relocates the advertising display;

      (4)   Any advertising display which is temporary;

      (5)   Any advertising display for which there has been an agreement between the advertising display owner and the city, for its removal as of any given date;

      (6)   Any advertising display which is or may become a danger to the public or is unsafe.

      (7)   All other nonconforming signs, except for abandoned signs, which are made nonconforming by the initial adoption of this subchapter shall be removed or made to conform within 15 years of June 1, 1989.

   (D)   Removal of nonconforming signs. All other nonconforming signs, first made nonconforming by the adoption of this amended subchapter (October, 1994) shall be removed or made to conform within 15 years from the effective date of this amended subchapter.

   (E)   Extension of time. Any sign owner, whether a sign user or a sign lessor or lessee, may seek an extension of time from the otherwise applicable amortization schedule pursuant to the provisions of § 153.332.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2412) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95)

   (A)   After conducting a public hearing on an application for extension of time under § 153.331(C)(7), the Planning Commission may, by resolution, deny said application or grant such extension when, after hearing the testimony, or other evidence, it concludes that strict application of the nonconforming sign provisions would be unreasonable as to a particular sign; strict application of the nonconforming sign provisions would create a hardship upon the applicant which was not brought about by an act of the applicant; and the hardship resulting from strict application of the nonconforming sign provisions outweighs any detriment to the public caused by granting an extension of time.

   (B)   In making a determination as to granting or denying extensions of time, the Planning Commission shall consider evidence presented as to the following matters, but not limited thereto:

      (1)   Age, condition and physical characteristics of the sign;

      (2)   Location;

      (3)   Remaining economic life;

      (4)   Depreciation treatment for income tax purposes;

      (5)   Investment in sign;

      (6)   Monopoly or advantage resulting from fact that similar new signs are prohibited;

      (7)   Cost to remove sign and salvage value;

      (8)   Extent of nonconformity.

   (C)   The decision of the Planning Commission shall be final unless an appeal is made to the City Council in the time and manner specified in § 153.004 of this code.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2413) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95; Am. Ord. 526-C.S., passed 7-16-02)

   (A)   Application to be designated a sign of special significance shall be filed with the Community Development Department. Upon application by the owner, any sign may be considered by the Design Review Committee and Planning Commission for designation as a special significance sign for its architectural or historic significance, whether local, state or national.

   (B)   Signs meeting the following criteria may be designated signs of special significance:

      (1)   Signs having some special significance, either historically or architecturally;

      (2)   Signs which directly contribute to the distinctive character of the city.

      (3)   Signs whose design, material(s) and color(s) are consistent with the architectural styles and building types identified in the urban design element of the city's General Plan;

      (4)   Signs which are integral to a building and/or storefront, whose design, material(s) and color(s) have not been compromised, to the point that the integrity of the original sign/building/ storefront relationship no longer exists;

      (5)   Signs which have been properly maintained and repaired, if necessary, by the original owner; or faithfully restored, if there is a new owner; and

      (6)   The sign will not have a significant adverse impact on the purposes of the sign ordinance.

   (C)   Designated signs of special significance shall not be removed or abated as provided in § 153.331(C)(7). Such signs which are approved by the Planning Commission may be subject to the following conditions:

      (1)   The basic sign copy may not be changed;

      (2)   The existing signs shall not be modified;

      (3)   No new signs shall be added;

      (4)   Review of such signs by the Planning Commission every five years from the date of approval.

('65 Code, § 9-3.2414) (Ord. 445-C.S., passed 5-16-95)

   (A)   Permits required. No person shall hang or suspend any banner, flag, pennant, or other street decoration over and above any street or other public thoroughfare, or cause the same to be done, unless permission to do so has first been obtained as an agenda item by the City Council. Such permission shall not be granted for commercial advertising and shall be confined to the advertising of patriotic or seasonal celebrations, fiestas, conventions, public or civic events, or other activities not of a commercial nature.

   (B)   Bonds/insurance. The Council may require a reasonable bond and/or policy of public liability insurance to protect the city and its officers and employees from liability connected with the display of the banner and to ensure its timely removal.

   (C)   Time permitted to be displayed. Such banner, pennant, flag or other street decoration shall not be displayed more than 30 days prior to the commencement of the event or activity for which it is displayed and shall be removed within 45 days after the date of initial display.

   (D)   Height. Such banner, flag, pennant, or other street decoration shall be safely suspended not less than 16 feet above a street or public thoroughfare.

   (E)   Recurring events. Proposed banners, advertising recurring community events, that have been previously approved by the City Council may be re-authorized by staff so long as the event and proposed posting are substantially similar to that authorized previously by the City Council.

   (F)   These requirements shall not apply to official banners of the city and its departments.

(Ord. 482-C.S., passed 2-17-98)