The purposes of the regulations in this Article are to:

(a)

Ensure high-quality designed signs are compatible with adjacent land uses and preserve the residential character of the City;

(b)

Prevent substandard sign generation and sign clutter which is counterproductive to business and visually unattractive to the community;

(c)

Direct persons to various activities and enterprises in the City;

(d)

Protect the public safety and reduce traffic and safety hazards through proper location and design of signs; and

(e)

Provide a reasonable and constitutional system of sign control including the quantity, type, placement, size, illumination and design of signs.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012)

For the purposes of this Article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context or provision clearly requires otherwise:

(a)

Active construction means ongoing construction or remodeling under an active City permit.

(b)

Actively marketed means currently marketed for sale or lease.

(c)

Advertising display or advertising sign means any sign promoting a business or the sale of a good, service, or other commodity.

(d)

A-frame sign means a sign with two sides that are adjoined at the top and sloping down at opposite angles.

(e)

Alteration means any change of size, shape, illumination, position, location, construction or supporting structure of an existing sign.

(f)

Building sign means a wall sign or a projecting sign.

(1)

Wall sign means a sign that is erected, printed, painted, incorporated into, suspended from or otherwise affixed to a wall or fascia of a building or structure with the exposed face of the sign parallel to the plane of the wall.

(2)

Projecting sign means a sign that projects outward from a building at a perpendicular angle or hangs below an awning, canopy, overhang, or covered walkway.

(g)

Business is defined in Section 4-05.020 of this Code. No single tenant or building occupant shall have more than one primary business at one location for the purposes of this Article.

(h)

City means the City of Saratoga, California.

(i)

Director means the Community Development Director or designee.

(j)

Double-faced sign means a sign with two faces, with each face oriented one hundred eighty degrees (back-to-back) from the other.

(k)

Electronic sign means a sign which uses electrified or luminous materials to display a fixed graphic or message to the public.

(l)

Freestanding sign means a self-supported sign either mounted on one pole (pole sign) or mounted to the ground (monument sign).

(m)

Hand-held sign means a sign that is held or carried by a person, rather than placed on the ground or other support structure.

(n)

Illuminated sign means a sign illuminated by either internal or external lighting.

(1)

Internally illuminated sign means a sign with a source of illumination that is completely enclosed by the surface of the sign structure or the characters of the sign.

(2)

Externally illuminated sign means a sign with a source of illumination that is not completely enclosed by any portion of the sign.

(3)

Halo-lit sign means a sign in which the light reflects back off the solid face of the sign or channel cut letter, and onto the facade of the building to give it a halo effect.

(o)

Mobile billboard advertising display means an advertising display that is attached to a wheeled, mobile, nonmotorized vehicle that carries, pulls, or transports a sign or billboard and is used for the primary purpose of advertising.

(p)

Multi-family dwelling is defined in subsection 15-06.240(c) of this Code.

(q)

Noncommercial sign or message means a sign or message other than an advertising display or sign.

(r)

Off-site sign means an advertising sign that identifies or advertises a location, service, activity, or good sold elsewhere than upon the same site where such a sign is displayed.

(s)

On-site sign means an advertising sign that identifies or advertises an establishment, service or activity that is or will be provided on the same premises.

(t)

Permanent sign means a sign that is constructed to be used for an unlimited period of time and that is affixed to the ground, wall, or building in a permanent manner.

(u)

Sign means any structure or material that is used to advertise, announce, identify, direct attention to, or communicate a message, and which is visible from any adjacent property, public right-of-way, or public parking lot. The word "sign" includes, but is not limited to, any letter, writing, graphic, pictorial representation, logo, trademark, symbol, or any other figure. The word "sign" includes, but is not limited to, a banner, building sign, canopy sign, awning sign, freestanding sign, subdivision sign, and window sign. A mural, sculpture, or seasonal decoration that does not promote or advertise a commercial event, service for hire, or product for sale is not a "sign" for purposes of this Article.

(v)

Sign district means a designated area within the City of Saratoga within which certain regulations apply to signs erected, installed, or retained. The sign districts include permitted nonresidential uses other than institutional, public, and quasi-public uses. A map of the sign districts is available at the Community Development Department.

(1)

Village Sign District. This sign district includes all lots with permitted nonresidential uses on Big Basin Way.

(2)

Quito Sign District. This sign district includes all lots with permitted nonresidential uses on Cox Avenue, Village Drive, and Saratoga Avenue between Cox Avenue and Vineyard Lane.

(3)

Prospect Sign District. This sign district includes all lots with permitted nonresidential uses on Prospect Road between Lawrence Expressway and Saratoga Avenue.

(4)

Saratoga-Sunnyvale Sign District. This sign district includes all lots with permitted nonresidential uses on:

a.

Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road between Prospect Avenue and Aloha Avenue.

b.

Prospect Road between Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and the Highway 85 underpass.

c.

Saratoga Avenue between Park Place and the intersection of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Saratoga-Los-Gatos Road.

d.

Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road between Prospect Avenue and the train tracks (north of Manor Drive).

(w)

Sign program means a master plan for signage approved by the Planning Commission pertaining, but not limited to, the area, dimension, color, material, design, size, placement, and illumination of all signs to be erected or installed on a building(s) or lot.

(x)

Street frontage means the property line of a site abutting a street.

(y)

Temporary sign means a sign that is displayed for a limited period of time.

(z)

Tenant frontage means the width of tenant space, measured in lineal feet, where the most-traveled customer entrance to an individual establishment is located. If the tenant space is located on the corner of a building facing either a street, driveway, or parking lot, the width of both sides of the tenant space may be used for calculating allowable sign area.

(aa)

Traffic control sign or device means any nonadvertising sign, signal, marking or device used for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic, parking, loading, or pedestrian movement.

(bb)

Use means the primary function of an establishment, institution or other entity operating at a site or structure. No single business shall have more than one primary function for the purposes of this Article.

(cc)

Window sign means a sign that is displayed on a window, or within five feet of a window, and is visible from a street, walkway, parking lot, or other place that is accessible to the public.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012)

(a)

General compliance. No sign shall be erected, installed, altered or maintained in the City, including within or upon public and private streets therein, except in conformity with the provisions of this Article, and the particular regulations of the district in which the sign is located.

(b)

Construction standards. All signs shall be constructed in such manner as to protect the public safety. Construction of permanent signs shall be as set forth in the latest edition of the California Building Code or other construction standard adopted by the City.

(c)

Street intersections. No sign or sign element exceeding three feet in height shall be located within a triangle having sides fifty feet in length from a street intersection (as measured from intersecting curblines or intersecting edges of the street pavement where no curb exists) unless otherwise approved by the City.

(d)

Driveway intersections. No sign or sign element exceeding three feet in height shall be located within a triangle having sides twelve feet in length from either side of a driveway where it intersects with edge of pavement.

(e)

Site restriction. All signs advertising a good, service, or any other commercial activity shall be located on the same lot as the business or entity selling the good, offering the service, or engaging in the advertised commercial activity, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article. This restriction does not apply to signs displaying only noncommercial messages.

(f)

Multiple uses on same site. The allowable area of signage for a single use shall not exceed the maximum allowable area of signage for that individual use, regardless of the amount of signage allowed for other uses on the site.

(g)

Reduction of sign area, height, type, and number. The regulations concerning sign area, height, type, or number, do not confer upon any person the right to erect, install or maintain a sign or signs having such maximum area, height, type, or number. The approving authority may require that the area, height, type, or number of sign(s) be reduced below the maximum set forth herein, based upon a written finding that such reduction is necessary to satisfy the criteria set forth in this Article. The approving authority shall not consider the content of the proposed sign in making this finding.

(h)

Legibility. All signs shall be legible under normal viewing conditions.

(i)

Maintenance of signs.

(1)

All signs shall be maintained in a secure and safe condition.

(2)

All signs shall be kept free of rust, corrosion, peeling paint, cracks, fading, torn and tattered materials, or other surface deterioration.

(3)

Illuminated signs shall function as designed and permitted.

(4)

Signs that are not maintained in accordance with subsections 15-30.030(i)(1)—(3), whether conforming or legal nonconforming as defined in Section 15-30.190(b), shall be subject to abatement in accordance with this Article.

(j)

Application of Article. Notwithstanding Section 15-30.050 of this Code, this Article shall apply to City property.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012)

(a)

Size of letters. Unless otherwise authorized in this Article, no sign shall have letters greater than eighteen inches in any dimension.

(b)

[Sign height.] Sign height is calculated by measuring the vertical distance from the average ground level directly beneath the sign to the highest point at the top of the sign. All architectural and design elements, poles, posts, and other supporting structures are included in the calculation of height.

(c)

[Sign area.] Sign Area means the area of the smallest rectangle drawn to include all sign copy (e.g., letters, characters, symbols, graphics, logos). Where the sign copy is placed upon a sign board or other background surface, the exposed board or background surface shall be calculated in the sign area.

(d)

Sign materials. All permanent signs shall be constructed and maintained with high quality all-weather wood, metal, or durable synthetic materials, unless otherwise specified under this Article. Signs allowed under Section 15-30.060 may be made of any material, unless otherwise specified in this Article.

(e)

Illuminated signs. All permanent building and freestanding signs may be either illuminated or nonilluminated, provided that illuminated signs must be approved by the Planning Commission pursuant to subsection 15-30.150(c) or Section 15-30.160. No temporary sign may be illuminated unless specifically provided in this Article. All illuminated signs shall comply with the following, unless otherwise specified under a sign program:

(1)

The primary source of light shall not be visible from off the property.

(2)

The sign shall not cause annoying glare.

(3)

The sign may be subject to conditions, including, but not limited to, the intensity, type, location, and the time during which the sign may be illuminated.

(4)

Illuminated building signs in the Village Sign District shall be externally illuminated, halo-lit solid surface, or internally illuminated individual channel cut letters.

(5)

Illuminated building signs in the Prospect Sign District, Quito Sign District, and Saratoga-Sunnyvale Sign District shall either be externally illuminated, halo-lit, or internally illuminated individual channel cut letters.

(6)

Illuminated cabinet signs are not permitted except as provided for elsewhere in this Article.

(f)

Freestanding signs.

(1)

Monument signs may be mounted directly on the ground or on two posts where the posts supporting the sign are no more than two feet high, as measured from the ground to the bottom of the sign.

(2)

Pole signs are mounted directly on one pole. The pole supporting the sign shall not extend more than two feet above the top of the sign.

(g)

Sign projection. No sign shall extend above the ridge line of the building upon which it is located. No sign shall project over a public right-of-way (e.g., sidewalk, street, alley), unless otherwise authorized in this Article.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012)

The following signs are prohibited everywhere within the City:

(a)

Signs made of reflective material, and signs incorporating flashing or moving parts, except for traffic control signs or devices erected by a governmental entity. Televisions or monitors less than three square feet in area are excluded from this prohibition.

(b)

Mobile billboard advertising displays.

(c)

Advertising displays that are painted or attached to a vehicle parked on any property for more than forty-eight hours within a one-week period, if the sign is larger than twenty percent of the body panel (e.g. door, hood, roof) on which it is located.

(d)

Streamers, balloons, flares, pennants, twirlers and similar attention-getting devices on or incorporated into any advertising display.

(e)

Posters, placards, announcements, and advertisements that are erected on any fence, pole, tree, pavement, wall, bus stop, bench, or any other object permanently affixed in or upon a public highway, public street or public right-of-way except as authorized by subsection 15-30.060(k).

(f)

Obscene signs, which are defined as signs containing depictions or representations which:

(1)

Taken as a whole, the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find appeals to the prurient interest;

(2)

Depict or describe, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically defined by California law; and

(3)

Taken as a whole, lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

(g)

Signs that obstruct any door, window, fire escape or other egress path from any building.

(h)

Signs or sign structures that are in streets or travel lanes; conflict with traffic control signs or devices; interfere with, obstruct, or misdirect traffic; impede traffic or pedestrian movement; obstruct the clear view of vehicular or pedestrian traffic; are located in a median at a location other than one authorized by subsection 15-30.060(k); or otherwise create a pedestrian or vehicular safety hazard.

(i)

Any signs other than those allowed by this Article.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012; Ord. No. 311, § 1, 12-4-2013)

The following signs are allowed without a sign permit in any zoning district in the City:

(a)

Flags, provided that they display only noncommercial messages. The aggregate area of all flags displayed on any lot shall not exceed thirty square feet. No flagpole shall be higher than twenty-five feet.

(b)

Hand-held signs displaying noncommercial messages.

(c)

Window signs, provided that the signs do not comprise more than twenty-five percent of the area of any individual window.

(d)

Temporary special event signs as approved under a special event permit issued per City Code Article 10-10, provided that:

(1)

No individual sign shall exceed ten feet in height and sixty square feet in area;

(2)

The signs shall not be illuminated.

(3)

No sign shall be thicker than one-half inch, except for support posts firmly planted in the ground.

(4)

A special event sign located on private property may incorporate balloons, ribbons, streamers, or other attention-getting devices (excluding lights), provided these devices are not displayed for more than twenty-four consecutive hours at a time, nor more than six twenty-four-hour periods in any one year.

(5)

No signs shall be located on private property without the permission of the property owner.

(e)

Temporary noncommercial signs (including, but not limited to, election signs), provided that:

(1)

No sign shall be displayed for more than seventy-five cumulative days within a one-year period.

(2)

No sign shall exceed four square feet in area and four feet in height.

(3)

The sign shall not be illuminated.

(4)

No sign shall be thicker than one-half inch, except for support posts firmly planted in the ground.

(5)

A temporary, noncommercial sign located on private property may incorporate balloons, ribbons, streamers, or other attention-getting devices (excluding lights), provided these devices are not displayed for more than twenty-four consecutive hours at a time, nor more than six twenty-four-hour periods in any one year.

(6)

No signs shall be located on private property without the permission of the property owner.

(f)

Temporary signs on lots with active construction. In addition to the temporary, noncommercial signs allowed pursuant to subsection 15-30.060(e), up to two temporary, nonilluminated on-site or noncommercial signs on any active construction site, provided that:

(1)

The sign shall be located on the same lot as the construction project.

(2)

One sign may be freestanding, but in such case shall not exceed six feet in height.

(3)

One sign may be located on a construction fence.

(4)

No sign shall exceed fifteen square feet in area.

(g)

Banners on light poles erected or cosponsored by a governmental entity.

(h)

Traffic control signs and devices erected by a government entity. Lots with a parking area exceeding ten spaces may have up to four signs for every ten parking spaces, where each sign shall not exceed two square feet in area and four feet in height.

(i)

Utility location signs, utility identification signs, and utility markers erected by a governmental entity.

(j)

City entrance signs. One permanent sign adjacent to an arterial street at each entrance to the City. The total sign area of each sign shall not exceed fifty square feet.

(k)

City median signs. Temporary signs in medians erected by a government entity at locations and in such numbers and sizes approved by the City Manager. The City Manager shall determine safe locations, numbers, and sizes for City median signs, and shall make this information available to the public. Temporary signs displayed by others at these approved locations are permissible if:

(1)

No government entity is displaying its own sign(s) at the approved location(s);

(2)

An application has been submitted to the City Manager to locate non-government signs at the approved locations and the City Manager has authorized the use, pursuant to procedures established by the City Council or City Manager;

(3)

Temporary signs are non-commercial and announce events that (1) are noncommercial; (2) will be held in Saratoga; (3) are open to the general public and (4) are held by either (a) a nonprofit organization; (b) an individual or group without charge; or (c) an individual or group with a charge for the purpose of cost-recovery or raising funds on behalf of a nonprofit organization.

(4)

The temporary signs comply with such other requirements as may be adopted by the City Council or City Manager regarding the duration, size, installation and related matters other than the content of the sign.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012; Ord. No. 307, § 1.C.13, 10-16-2013; Ord. No. 311, § 1, 12-4-2013; Ord. No. 353, § 1(Att. A), 12-20-2017)

In addition to other signs allowed pursuant to this Article, the following signs are allowed on lots in the Village Sign District with a sign permit. Signs on lots in the Village Sign District shall also be consistent with the Village Design Guidelines.

(a)

Building signs.

(1)

Primary building signs. Any number of permanent building signs, provided that the aggregate area of all building signs for any one tenant shall not exceed one-half square foot of area for each lineal foot of tenant frontage, as defined in Section 15-30.020, or forty square feet, whichever is less.

(2)

Wall signs on buildings with more than one entrance. One permanent building sign, each not exceeding two square feet in area, over each additional entrance to the building.

(b)

Projecting sign. If one of the primary building signs permitted pursuant to subsection 15-30.070(a)(1) is a projecting sign, the maximum area for all building signs upon any one building shall be increased by six square feet. However, no projecting sign permitted pursuant to this Section shall exceed ten square feet in area and the bottom of the sign shall be at least seven feet above the grade below. An example of a projecting sign is shown in Graphic 1.

(c)

Electronic sign. One electronic sign (e.g., neon or L.E.D.), not exceeding two square feet in area, provided that:

(1)

The entire sign shall be comprised of one or a maximum of two solid colors.

(2)

The sign shall not flash or be composed of a changeable message.

(3)

The sign shall not be illuminated when the use is closed.

(4)

If the sign is located on a building, it shall count towards the maximum building sign allowance.

(5)

If the sign is located in a window, it shall count towards the maximum window coverage.

(d)

Freestanding sign. One permanent freestanding sign per lot, as follows:

(1)

Four or fewer uses. The sign shall only be a pole sign and shall not exceed nine square feet in area or ten feet in height. An example is shown in Graphic 2.

(2)

Five or more uses. The sign shall only be a monument sign and shall not exceed fourteen square feet in area, plus one additional square foot of area for each additional use over five uses. The sign shall not exceed six and one-half feet in height.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012; Ord. No. 320, § 1.F.19, 11-5-2014)

In addition to other signs allowed pursuant to this Article, the following signs are allowed on lots in the Prospect Sign District with a sign permit:

(a)

Primary building signs. Any number of permanent building signs, provided that the aggregate area of all building signs for any one tenant shall not exceed one-half square foot of area for each lineal foot of tenant frontage, as defined in Section 15-30.020, or forty square feet, whichever is less.

(b)

Wall signs on buildings with more than one entrance. One permanent building sign, each not exceeding two square feet in area, over each additional entrance to the building.

(c)

Electronic sign. One electronic sign (e.g., neon or L.E.D.), not exceeding two square feet in area, provided that:

(1)

The entire sign shall be comprised of one or a maximum of two solid colors.

(2)

The sign shall not flash or be composed of a changeable message.

(3)

The sign shall not be illuminated when the use is closed.

(4)

If the sign is located on a building it shall count towards the maximum building sign allowance.

(5)

If the sign is located in a window it shall count towards the maximum window coverage.

(d)

Freestanding sign. One permanent freestanding sign, as follows:

(1)

One or two uses. The sign shall not exceed fifteen square feet in area or seventeen feet in height.

(2)

Three or four uses. The sign shall not exceed twenty-five square feet in area or seventeen feet in height.

(3)

Five or more uses. The sign shall only be a monument sign and shall not exceed forty square feet in area or ten feet in height.

(e)

Illuminated cabinet signs.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012; Ord. No. 320, § 1.F.19, 11-5-2014)

In addition to other signs allowed pursuant to this Article, the following signs are allowed on lots in the Quito Sign District with a sign permit:

(a)

Primary building signs. Any number of permanent building signs, provided that the aggregate area of all building signs any one tenant shall not exceed one-half square foot of area for each lineal foot of tenant frontage, as defined in Section 15-30.020, or forty square feet, whichever is less.

(b)

Wall signs on buildings with more than one entrance. One permanent building sign, each not exceeding two square feet in area, over each additional entrance to the building.

(c)

Electronic sign. One electronic sign (e.g., neon or L.E.D.), not exceeding two square feet in area, provided that:

(1)

The entire sign shall be comprised of one or a maximum of two solid colors.

(2)

The sign shall not flash or be composed of a changeable message.

(3)

The sign shall not be illuminated when the use is closed.

(4)

If the sign is located on a building it shall count towards the maximum building sign allowance.

(5)

If the sign is located in a window it shall count towards the maximum window coverage.

(d)

Freestanding sign. One permanent freestanding sign, as follows:

(1)

One or two uses. The sign shall not exceed fifteen square feet in area or ten feet in height.

(2)

Three or four uses. The sign shall not exceed twenty-five square feet in area or ten feet in height.

(3)

Five or more uses. The sign shall only be a monument sign and shall not exceed forty square feet in area or ten feet in height.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012; Ord. No. 320, § 1.F.19, 11-5-2014)

In addition to other signs allowed pursuant to this Article, the following signs are allowed on lots with nonresidential uses in the Saratoga-Sunnyvale Sign District with a sign permit. Signs on lots located in the Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road Gateway area shall also be consistent with the Gateway Design Guidelines.

(a)

Primary building signs. Any number of permanent building signs, provided that the aggregate area of all building signs for any one tenant shall not exceed one-half square foot of area for each lineal foot of tenant frontage, as defined in Section 15-30.020, or forty square feet, whichever is less.

(b)

Wall signs on buildings with more than one entrance. One permanent building sign, each not exceeding two square feet in area, over each additional entrance to the building.

(c)

Electronic sign. One electronic sign (e.g., neon or L.E.D.), not exceeding two square feet in area, provided that:

(1)

The entire sign shall be comprised of one or a maximum of two solid colors.

(2)

The sign shall not flash or be composed of a changeable message.

(3)

The sign shall not be illuminated when the use is closed.

(4)

If the sign is located on a building it shall count towards the maximum building sign allowance.

(5)

If the sign is located in a window it shall count towards the maximum window coverage.

(d)

Freestanding sign. One permanent freestanding sign, as follows:

(1)

One or two uses. The sign shall not exceed fifteen square feet in area or twelve feet in height.

(2)

Three or four uses. The sign shall not exceed twenty-five square feet in area or twelve feet in height.

(3)

Five or more uses. The sign shall only be a monument sign and shall not exceed forty square feet in area or ten feet in height.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012; Ord. No. 320, § 1.F.19, 11-5-2014)

In addition to other signs allowed pursuant to this Article, temporary on-site signs that comply with each of the following standards are allowed on lots in any of the four sign districts without a permit:

(a)

One temporary banner or freestanding on-site sign provided that:

(1)

Temporary on-site banner shall comply with the following:

a.

The banner shall only be placed on a building.

b.

The banner shall not exceed ten square feet in area.

c.

The banner shall be constructed of durable all-weather fabric or synthetic material.

d.

Each lot shall be free of temporary on-site banners at least one hundred eighty days in a calendar year.

e.

No individual temporary on-site banner shall be displayed more than thirty consecutive days.

(2)

Temporary on-site freestanding sign (including, but not limited to, A-frame type sign) shall comply with the following:

a.

The sign shall only be located within ten feet from the primary entrance to the building and shall not impede pedestrian travel.

b.

The sign shall not exceed six square feet in area and four feet in height.

c.

The sign shall not be affixed to any tree or structure.

d.

The sign shall only be displayed when the business is open.

e.

The sign shall be constructed of durable all-weather wood, metal, and/or blackboard.

(b)

No business shall display more than one temporary on-site sign at any one time.

(c)

No temporary on-site sign shall be located within ten feet of another temporary sign.

(d)

No temporary on-site sign shall be illuminated.

(e)

No temporary on-site sign shall include balloons, ribbons, streamers, lights, or other attention-getting devices.

(f)

No temporary on-site sign shall be located on any median, street, or travel lane, or upon any sidewalk where it impedes pedestrian travel.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012; Ord. No. 342, § 1(Att. A, § 4), 10-19-2016; Ord. No. 353, § 1(Att. A), 12-20-2017)

In addition to other signs allowed pursuant to this Article, the following signs are allowed on lots with an institutional, public, or quasi-public use anywhere in the City:

(a)

Building signs: Any number of permanent building sign(s) on any lot are allowed with a sign permit, provided that:

(1)

The aggregate area of all permanent building sign(s) shall not exceed forty square feet.

(2)

No individual permanent building sign shall be greater than ten square feet in area.

(b)

Freestanding signs: Up to two permanent freestanding sign(s) per street frontage, or one permanent freestanding sign per driveway, whichever is greater are allowed with a sign permit provided that:

(1)

The aggregate area of all permanent freestanding sign(s) shall not exceed forty square feet.

(2)

No individual permanent freestanding sign shall exceed ten feet in height and the aggregate height of all such signs shall not exceed fifteen feet.

(c)

Temporary signs: On-site temporary signs are allowed without a sign permit, provided that the aggregate area of all such signs shall not exceed forty square feet or one-eighth square foot of area for each lineal foot of street frontage, whichever is greater. In no case shall the aggregate total of all temporary on-site signs exceed eighty square feet. If the property has more than one street frontage, the total area of on-site temporary signs shall be proportional to the lineal feet of such street frontage.

(1)

No individual temporary on-site sign shall be displayed on a building for more than thirty consecutive days.

(2)

Up to two temporary on-site signs may be displayed on a single permanent, freestanding, dark-colored, durable, all-weather wood or metal frame structure.

a.

The maximum height of the structure shall be six feet.

b.

One structure may be located on each street frontage.

c.

No individual sign shall be displayed on such freestanding structure for more than one hundred eighty consecutive days.

d.

No temporary on-site sign shall include lights.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012; Ord. No. 353, § 1(Att. A), 12-20-2017)

In addition to other signs allowed pursuant to this Article, the following signs are allowed on lots with multi-family dwellings or residential subdivisions with a permit:

(a)

Up to two permanent freestanding signs per multi-family complex or subdivision, provided that:

(1)

The aggregate sign area shall not exceed twenty-four square feet in area and the height of each sign shall not exceed six feet.

(2)

The sign shall be located at the entrance to the multi-family dwelling complex or subdivision.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012)

In addition to other signs allowed pursuant to this Article, one permanent nonilluminated wall sign not exceeding two square feet in area is allowed on lots zoned residential or agricultural without a permit.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 362, § 1(Exh. A), adopted July 3, 2019, repealed § 15-30.135, which pertained to temporary off-site signs in residential districts and derived from Ord. No. 291, § 2, May 2, 2012; Ord. No. 342, § 1(Att. A, § 4), Oct. 19, 2016; Ord. No. 352, § 1, Nov. 1, 2017.

In addition to other signs allowed pursuant to this Article, the following signs are allowed on lots with residential properties actively marketed for sale or lease without a permit:

(a)

One temporary on-site sign may be located on a property that is actively marketed for sale or lease, provided that:

(1)

The sign shall not exceed four square feet in area and six feet in height.

(2)

The sign shall not include balloons, ribbons, streamers, lights, or other attention-getting devices.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012; Ord. No. 353, § 1(Att. A), 12-20-2017)

In addition to other signs allowed pursuant to this Article, the following signs are allowed on lots with commercial properties actively marketed for sale or lease without a permit:

(a)

One temporary on-site sign per use may be located on a property that is actively marketed for sale or lease, provided that:

(1)

The sign area for any one use shall not exceed ten square feet. If the sign is advertising three or more uses, it shall not exceed twenty-four square feet in area.

(2)

No sign shall exceed six feet in height.

(3)

No sign shall include balloons, ribbons, streamers, lights, or other attention-getting devices.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012; Ord. No. 353, § 1(Att. A), 12-20-2017)

(a)

Sign permit application requirements. An application for a sign permit shall be made to the Community Development Department in accordance with this Article and shall contain the following information, as applicable:

(1)

A site plan showing the lot on which the proposed sign(s) will be located, adjacent land uses, streets, and parking lots; the location of off-street parking and loading spaces; major points of entry and exit for motor vehicles; existing or proposed buildings and structures on the site; the primary entrance to the building; the lineal feet of tenant frontage(s) used for calculating sign area; and the location of all existing and proposed signs on the building(s) or ground.

(2)

A scaled elevation drawing showing the building(s) upon which the proposed sign(s) will be located; the lineal feet of the tenant frontage(s) used for calculating sign area; and the placement and dimensions, including height, of all existing and proposed signs on the building(s) or ground.

(3)

A scale drawing showing the size, height, sign dimensions, letter dimensions, colors, materials and general design and construction of the proposed sign(s) or sign structure(s). If a sign is to be illuminated, the method, source, intensity, and placement of illumination.

(4)

A table showing the dimensions and area for each existing or proposed sign on the lot and the aggregate area of all existing and proposed signs on the lot.

(5)

Such other information as the Director or the Planning Commission may require in determining whether the proposed sign(s) will comply with the regulations and standards of the City; provided, however, that the Director and the Planning Commission shall not consider the content of any proposed sign in determining whether additional information is required.

(b)

Administrative review.

(1)

The Director shall review and approve or deny, pursuant to this Article and the findings in subsection 15-30.150(e), sign permits for each of the following types of signs:

a.

Any sign that is located on a property that is consistent with an approved sign program.

b.

Any nonilluminated building sign that does not require a sign program.

(2)

An administrative sign permit may be issued as soon as the application is found complete.

(3)

The Director may refer any sign permit application to the Planning Commission for its review. If the Director refers an application, he/she shall provide the applicant with his/her reasons for the referral in writing.

(c)

Planning Commission review.

(1)

The Planning Commission shall review and approve or deny, pursuant to this Article and the findings in subsection 15-30.150(e), a sign permit for each of the following types of signs:

a.

Illuminated signs that are not already subject to a sign program.

b.

Freestanding signs that are not already subject to a sign program.

c.

All signs on lots with five or more businesses or other uses that are not already subject to a sign program.

d.

Any application for a sign permit referred by the Director to the Planning Commission for a decision thereon.

(d)

Public hearing. A public hearing is required for any new sign program and all freestanding signs over six feet in height. Notice of the public hearing shall be given not less than ten days nor more than thirty days prior to the date of the hearing by mailing, postage prepaid, to the applicant and to all persons whose names appear on the latest available assessment roll of the County as owning property within five hundred feet of the boundaries of the parcel which is the subject of the application. Notice of the public hearing shall also be published once in a newspaper having general circulation in the City not later than ten days prior to the date of the hearing.

(e)

Sign permit findings. A sign permit shall be granted if and only if all of the following findings are made:

(1)

Each sign complies with the regulations of this Article, including, but not limited to, the provisions set forth in Sections 15-30.030 and 15-30.040; and

(2)

Each sign is consistent with any approved sign program for the subject site; and

(3)

Each sign is consistent with the applicable specific plan and/or design guidelines for the subject district; and

(4)

The quantity, size, proportion, height, and spacing of signs minimizes the perception of clutter; and

(5)

Each sign is compatible with: a) other nearby signs; and b) the building and/or site upon which it is located; and c) adjacent structures and the general vicinity. Compatibility shall be determined and limited to the relationships of the elements of form, proportion, scale, color, materials, surface treatment, overall sign size, and the size and style of lettering.

(f)

Prompt review. The City shall comply with California Government Code Section 65920 through Section 65965 and Public Resources Code Section 21151.5, including the time limits contained therein. Within thirty days after receipt of an application for a sign permit, the Director shall inform the applicant in writing if the application is incomplete and will list the submittals required to complete the application. If the Director does not notify the applicant within thirty days after receipt that the application is incomplete, then the application will be deemed complete.

(g)

Application approval. If a proposed sign complies with the requirements of this Article, the reviewing body shall grant the requested sign permit. If a proposed sign does not comply with the requirements of this Article, the reviewing body shall either deny the requested sign permit or grant it subject to conditions that will bring the sign into conformance with this Article. Any denial or conditional grant of a sign permit shall be accompanied by written findings stating the reasons for the denial or conditional permit.

(h)

Appeal. A decision or determination made under this Article may be appealed in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article 15-90 of this Chapter.

(i)

Sign permit revocation. The City shall reserve continuing jurisdiction over a sign permit and may revoke the same upon any failure by the permittee to comply with any condition set forth therein.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012)

(a)

Purpose. The purpose of a sign program is to achieve a consistent theme and visual harmony among all permanent signs erected on a single lot. In order to achieve this purpose, a sign program may include exceptions to the requirements contained in this Article limiting the number and size of individual permanent signs erected and maintained on any one lot, as well as their design features (including, but not limited to, illumination, color, material, letter size, height etc.), upon making the findings in subsection 15-30.160(e).

(b)

Eligibility. Any property owner may apply for a sign program. All advertising signs on lots with five or more uses shall be regulated under a sign program. If such a property does not have a sign program, the property owner shall receive approval for a sign program prior to installation of any new permanent advertising signs or the alteration of any existing permanent advertising signs.

(c)

Sign program application review.

(1)

The Planning Commission shall review and approve or deny, pursuant to this Article and the findings in subsection 15-30.160(e), all sign program applications.

(2)

A public hearing is required for all new sign programs, pursuant to subsection 15-30.150(d).

(3)

The Planning Commission shall comply with California Government Code Section 65920 through Section 65965 and Public Resources Code Section 21151.5, including the time limits contained therein, in reviewing sign program applications. Within thirty days after receipt of an application for a sign program, the Director shall inform the applicant in writing if the application is incomplete and will list the submittals required to complete the application. If the Director does not notify the applicant within thirty days after receipt that the application is incomplete, then the application will be deemed complete.

(d)

Sign program application requirements. An application for a sign program shall include all of the following information:

(1)

All of the information required under subsection 15-30.150(a) of this Article.

(2)

Theme. A graphical representation of the visual theme of the sign program including how individual signs will relate to one another through common elements such as size, shape, material, color, location, illumination, letter style, or letter size.

(3)

Sign area distribution. A description of [how] the total sign area allowed under the proposed sign program will be distributed, e.g., the area will be limited by the square footage of tenant space or an anchor tenant will be allowed a larger percentage of area than other tenants.

(e)

Sign program findings. The Planning Commission shall grant approval of a sign program if and only if all of the following findings are made:

(1)

The total area of all permanent signs governed by the sign program is not greater than the total area of all permanent signs otherwise allowed on the lot by this Article;

(2)

All signs in the sign program are consistent with the applicable specific plan and/or design guidelines for the subject district; and

(3)

The quantity, size, proportion, height, and spacing of signs minimizes the perception of clutter; and

(4)

The signs governed by the sign program are compatible with: a) other nearby signs; b) the building and/or site upon which it is located; and c) adjacent structures and the general vicinity. Compatibility shall be determined and limited to the relationships of the elements of form, proportion, scale, color, materials, surface treatment, overall sign size and height, and the size and style of lettering.

(f)

Sign program approval. If a proposed sign program complies with the requirements of this Article, the reviewing body shall grant the requested sign program. If a proposed sign does not comply with the requirements of this Article, the reviewing body shall either deny the requested sign program or approve it subject to conditions that will bring the sign program into conformance with this Article. Any denial or conditional approval of a sign program shall be accompanied by written findings stating the reasons for the denial or conditional approval.

(g)

Appeal. A decision or determination made under this Article may be appealed in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article 15-90 of this Chapter.

(h)

Sign program revocation. The City shall reserve continuing jurisdiction over a sign program and may revoke the same upon any failure by the permittee to comply with any condition set forth therein.

(i)

Implementation.

(1)

Existing signs must be brought into compliance with an applicable sign program upon alteration, as defined in Section 15-30.020.

(2)

All new signs, including replacement signs, shall comply with the sign program.

(j)

Modifications. Any modifications to a sign program shall require a new application.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012)

(a)

Expiration. An application approved in accordance with this Article shall be deemed to have expired when any of the following occurs:

(1)

When a sign permitted by the approved sign permit or sign program has not been erected within three years of approval, or for signs associated with other land use approvals within the maximum time limit of the land use approval. The time period, within which a project must be commenced starts on the effective date of a decision approving a project or the end of the appeal period, whichever is longer. When there is an appeal, the effective date is the date of the final determination of the appeal.

(2)

When a building permit for the sign has expired, and the Building Official does not renew the building permit within one hundred eighty days after expiration.

(3)

When a business, that has obtained a sign permit to erect or maintain a sign at a certain location, has been closed at such location for a period of at least one year.

(b)

Extension. The Community Development Director may extend a sign permit for a single period of twelve months if an application for extension is filed no earlier than three months prior to the expiration date and no later than one month prior to the expiration date.

(c)

Renewal. Any approved application which has been allowed to expire shall be subject to the filing of a new application pursuant to this Article.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012)

(a)

No person shall alter a sign unless the alteration conforms to this Article.

(b)

Any sign erected or displayed pursuant to a sign permit must obtain a new sign permit for any alteration.

(c)

Replacement of the sign face shall be considered an alteration, unless such replacement results in a sign that is visually identical to the original sign.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012)

(a)

Illegal signs. Any sign, including its supporting structure, other than a legal nonconforming sign, as defined in subsection 15-30.190(b), that is in violation of this Article shall be deemed to be a public nuisance and shall be made to immediately conform by written notice.

(b)

Legal nonconforming signs. A "legal nonconforming sign" is a permanent sign that was in existence on the effective date of the ordinance adopting this Article and that does not conform to the provisions of this Article.

(1)

A permanent "legal nonconforming sign" shall not be considered an "illegal sign", or in violation of this Article, or required to be removed or made to conform, unless:

a.

It is altered or relocated, or

b.

A conditional use permit for a new use, or design review pursuant to City Code Section 15-46.060, is required for the property on which the "legal nonconforming sign" is located.

(2)

Temporary signs and window signs are not considered permanent legal nonconforming signs for the purposes of this Article.

(3)

The owner of the sign shall bear the burden of demonstrating to the Director that the sign was in existence on the effective date of the ordinance adopting this Article, and the Director's determination shall be final.

(4)

Notwithstanding the foregoing, all legal nonconforming signs must comply with the maintenance requirements of subsection 15-30.030(i).

(c)

Illegal signs on public property.

(1)

Any sign other than an off-site sign located upon or affixed to any public property in violation of the provisions of this Article is subject to removal, upon the City giving at least three days' prior written notice of such violation and intended removal to the sign owner. If the sign owner cannot be ascertained or found after reasonable efforts to do so, the notice shall be posted upon the sign for a period of at least three days prior to the removal of the sign. Any such sign that constitutes an immediate and substantial hazard to the public health or safety may be promptly abated and removed with written notice of the removal provided to the sign owner, or without notice if the owner cannot be promptly ascertained.

(2)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, any off-site sign located upon or affixed to any public property (including but not limited to any median, street, travel lane, sidewalk, or landscaping/parkway strip located between a sidewalk and street) in violation of the provisions of this Article is subject to immediate removal. The City shall make a reasonable attempt to identify the owner of the sign and shall mail notice of the removal to the owner of the sign within three business days of the date of removal. A sign that has been removed pursuant to the paragraph shall be retained by the City and may be retrieved by the owner in accordance with subsection 15-30.190(d).

(d)

Sign removal. Except as provided in subsection 15-30.190(b), all signs presently existing and not in conformity with the provisions of this Article constitute a violation of this Code and shall be removed or made to conform to the provisions of this Article.

(1)

Any sign removed pursuant to this Article will be retained by the City for a period of at least ten days, during which the sign owner may retrieve the sign upon payment of all removal costs or an administrative fine established by the City Council, whichever is greater. Any person desiring to contest such payment may request a hearing before the Community Development Director, who shall waive the payment if he determines that the sign did not violate any provisions of this Article. The decision of the Community Development Director can be appealed to the City Council.

(2)

Any sign not retrieved within the ten-day period shall conclusively be deemed to have been abandoned by the owner thereof and may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of by the City. The City shall have the right to recover from the owner of such sign all removal and destruction costs.

(e)

[Violation.] Each sign found to be in violation of any provision of this Article shall constitute a separate violation of this Code.

(f)

[Additional enforcement.] The enforcement of sign regulations pursuant to this Section shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies available to the City under Chapter 3 of this Code by reason of the same violation.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012; Ord. No. 342, § 1(Att. A, § 4), 10-19-2016; Ord. No. 353, § 1(Att. A), 12-20-2017)

(a)

The Planning Commission shall grant a variance to any of the size, design or temporal requirements contained in this Article if and only if all of the following findings are made:

(1)

Strict compliance with the size, design, or temporal requirements would result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship inconsistent with the purposes of this Article, due to unique physical or topographic circumstances or conditions of design; and

(2)

Strict compliance with the size, design, or temporal requirements would deprive the applicant of privileges enjoyed by owners of similarly zoned property.

(3)

The extent of the variance from the requirements of this Article shall be limited to that reasonably necessary to alleviate the problem created by the unique or unusual circumstances or conditions identified pursuant to subsection (a)(1), above.

(b)

No other provision in the Municipal Code authorizing a variance or exception to the City's zoning regulations shall apply to the requirements of this Article.

(c)

Within thirty days after receipt of an application for a sign variance, the Community Development Director shall inform the applicant in writing if the application is incomplete and will list the submittals required to complete the application. If the Community Development Director does not notify the applicant within thirty days after receipt that the application is incomplete, then the application will be deemed complete.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012)

(a)

A sign displaying a protected noncommercial message of any type is allowed anywhere that commercial signs are allowed, subject to the same regulations applicable to such commercial signs. The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message.

(b)

This message substitution provision does not: 1) create a right to increase the total amount of signage on a parcel, lot or land use; 2) affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be properly permitted; 3) allow a change in the physical structure of a sign or its mounting device; or 4) authorize the substitution of an off-site commercial message in place of an on-site commercial message or in place of a non-commercial message.

(Ord. No. 291, § 2, 5-2-2012)