1. Purpose: The purpose of this Chapter is to provide minimum standards to safeguard the life, health, property, and public welfare in keeping with the character of the City by establishing and maintaining standards for the size, height, structural design, quality of materials, construction, location, illumination, and maintenance of signs to accomplish the following results:
(a) To enhance the economic value of the community through the regulation of the size, location, design, and illumination of signs;
(b) To provide a reasonable and comprehensive system of controls for signs;
(c) To encourage a desirable urban character;
(d) To encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing in appearance; and
(e) To attract and direct persons to various activities and enterprises in order to provide for maximum public convenience.
2. Applicability: The standards established in this Chapter shall apply to all exterior signs and sign structures including signs attached to or affixed upon the interior of windows.
1. Content Neutrality: It is the City's policy and intent to regulate both commercial and noncommercial signs from a viewpoint-neutral and content-neutral manner. Sign message and copy shall not be evaluated, except to determine the type and category of the sign.
2. Message Substitution: Signs authorized by this Chapter are allowed to display noncommercial messages in lieu of any other commercial or noncommercial messages. This provision prevails over any more specific provision to the contrary within this Chapter. The purpose of this provision is to prevent an inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over noncommercial speech or favoring of any specific noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message.
1. Exempt Sign: The following signs are allowed without a Sign Permit in any zone and shall not be included in the determination of type, number, or area or signs allowed on each parcel. Exempted signs shall be required to adhere to the regulations established for each sign type as provided in this Section (definitions can be found in Section
11-8-1).
(a) Signs required by Federal/State law;
(b) Official signs posted by a governmental body, including, flags, banners, emblems, or signs issued by a government body including notices, traffic or highway signs, railroad crossing signs, or similar regulatory or warning devices and legal notices;
(c) Holiday displays and decorations, only when not creating a traffic hazard or located within any visual setback area in the sight distance triangle;
(d) Commemorative or memorial plaques, tables, date of construction, and similar signs constructed of permanent material. Only one sign for each structure, not to exceed two square feet in area for each sign is allowed;
(e) Signs located inside a structure, provided these signs are not conspicuously visible and readable from a public street or adjacent properties not under the same ownership;
(f) "No Trespassing" signs. Each sign is limited to one square foot in area. Signs may be placed at each corner and each entrance to a parcel and at intervals of not less than fifty feet (50') or in compliance with legal requirements;
(1) "For Rent", "For Sale", and "For Lease" signs shall be posted on the subject parcel, including common driveways, that is being advertised by an authorized agent;
(2) Real estate signs shall not exceed eight (8) square feet for single-family residential and thirty two (32) square feet for multi-family or non-residential for each side of a double-sided sign;
(3) Shall not be placed in the public right-of-way;
(4) There shall be no more than one sign per street frontage; and
(5) Illuminated real estate signs are prohibited.
(h) Weekend off-site subdivision directional and off-site open house signs subject to the following regulations:
(1) Such signs shall not exceed ten (10) signs per subdivision or shall not exceed two signs per open house.
(2) Such signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet.
(3) Such signs shall not be placed in any public right-of-way or on any public utility fixture. No sign shall be placed without the property owner's permission.
(4) Signs shall be posted no earlier than five o'clock (5:00) P.M. of Friday afternoon and shall be removed not later than nine o'clock (9:00) A.M. on Monday morning. If a legal holiday extends the weekend, signs may be posted during that holiday.
(5) Off-site subdivision and open house signs shall be subject to abatement.
(i) Signs placed by utilities or other publicly regulated service providers indicating location of underground facilities, danger, and aids to service or safety, including official advisory and signal flags;
(j) Copy changes in approved changeable copy signs;
(k) Signs or notices incidental to a commercial, mixed-use, or industrial establishment (e.g., hours of operation, credit card information, emergency contact information, help wanted, open-close) provided the signs do not contain any commercial messages, the establishment logo, and in total do not exceed four square feet in area for all incidental signs; and
(l) Window signs window signs not exceeding twenty five percent (25%) of a tenant's total window space but prohibit the outline of windows with neon/LED light borders.
2. Routine Maintenance: Painting, repainting, cleaning, and/or other maintenance of a sign shall not be considered erecting or altering a sign. No Sign Permit shall be required unless structural changes are proposed.
3. Building Permit May Be Required: Under certain circumstances, temporary signs and other exempt signs may require a Building or Electrical Permit, as required by the uniform codes adopted by the City.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, the following signs including any sign on public property or within the public right-of-way, except government signs, shall be prohibited in the City.
(b) Signs emitting foreign material or sound.
(c) Flashing signs, except for time and temperature signs and electronic reader boards.
(d) Revolving signs, except barber poles.
(e) Movable signs mounted on trailers, trucks or similar conveyance.
(f) Pennants, banners, and flags except as specifically allowed by this Chapter.
(g) Off-site signs, except as specifically allowed by this Chapter.
(h) Signs that display a message, graphic presentation, or other image that is obscene as defined by section 311 of the California Penal Code.
(i) Roof Signs: All signs mounted on or above the roof line of a structure, except that, the placement of signs on a mansard roof are allowed provided that such signs are placed in the lower two-thirds (2/3) of the mansard and no portion of the sign extends into the top one-third (1/3) of the mansard roof. All mansard roof signs shall be integrated into the mansard structure.
(j) Projecting Signs: No projecting signs are allowed except barber poles which may project twenty four inches (24").
(k) Signs imitative of official street and traffic control signs, except when used for on-site traffic direction. Such signs would include those which contain or imitate an official traffic sign or signal, or containing the words stop, go, slow, caution, danger, warning, or similar words which in context of the sign could be misconstrued to be a traffic or safety warning sign.
(l) Portable signs (including sign(s) placed on operable other than stationary vehicle).
(m) Signs which are cut, burned, limed, painted or otherwise marked on a field, tree, rock or other natural feature.
1. Purpose: The following general provisions are applicable to all signs regulated by this Chapter.
2. Entitlements Strictly Construed: Because the regulations in this Chapter are established to protect the public health, safety and general welfare, any sign entitlement authorized hereunder shall be strictly construed to further the purposes of this Chapter.
3. Sign Variance: The Planning Commission may grant a sign variance for a sign, provided that strict and literal interpretation and enforcement of this Chapter would create an unnecessary hardship to the applicant. An unnecessary hardship may result from the size, shape, or dimensions of a site, or the existing locations of structures on the site, or the physical conditions on the site or immediately adjacent to the site. In no case shall the variance be granted for greater than ten percent (10%) of any one aspect of the sign from the sign code. The applicant shall file an application as provided by the Community Development Department, fees and an exact statement as to what hardship would be created. The decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council in compliance with the appeals process establish by this Chapter.
4. Illumination Of Signs: Unless otherwise prohibited by this Chapter, signs requiring a permit may be illuminated subject to approval by the Community Development Department.
5. Obstruction Of Public Passage: No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct any door, fire escape or other emergency exit of any structure. No sign shall be erected in any public right-of-way.
6. Construction: All signs, parts and supporting structures shall be constructed in compliance with all applicable Federal, State and City laws and regulations. Any person engaged in the construction of signs shall have appropriate and valid licenses.
7. Sign Setbacks: All freestanding signs shall be setback a minimum of five feet from any property line as measured from the nearest portion of the sign and its supports.
8. Right To Remove: No portion of this Chapter shall prohibit the owner, or his authorized representative, of property from removing a sign from his property. Further, nothing in this Subsection shall prohibit the Director from directing the immediate abatement of dangerous and unsafe signs.
9. Maintenance Of Signs: The following maintenance standards shall apply to all signs:
(a) All signs, parts and supporting structures shall be continuously maintained in a safe, structurally sound, neatly painted, and well repaired condition.
(b) Illuminated signs shall be capable of being fully illuminated and legible. The faces of such a sign shall be intact without holes or other facial damage.
(F) Sign Permit Requirements And Inspections:
1. Administration: It shall be the duty of the Community Development Department to enforce the provisions of this Chapter.
2. Inspections: Every sign erected in the City shall be subject to inspection to assure compliance with the provisions of this Chapter and all other laws and ordinances of the City.
3. Permits Required: Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter, relocate, change, or otherwise modify a sign within the City without first obtaining approval from the Community Development Department.
4. Legal Interest In Property: To file an application for any action under this Chapter, the applicant shall have a certain legal interest in the real property which is the subject of the application. Legal interest shall be one of the following:
(b) Lessee, limited to the portion being leased and excluding common access drives and common parking areas; or
(c) A verified agent of one of those listed above (such as a licensed sign contractor).
5. Applications And Procedural Requirements: Applications for permits required by the provisions of this Chapter shall be made to the Community Development Department on forms provided by the City, shall be accompanied by a permit fee adopted by the City Council by resolution and shall contain the following information:
(a) The name, address and telephone number of the owner of the property;
(b) The name, address and telephone number of the applicant (sign owner);
(c) The name, address and telephone number of the sign contractor; and
(d) The location of the building, structure or lot where the sign will be placed; and
(e) Other information required by the Community Development Department to show full compliance with the provisions of this Chapter and all other laws and ordinances of the City.
6. Approval Of Sign Reviews: The Community Development Department shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny a sign application based on the following criteria:
(a) The application has been properly made;
(b) The sign complies with the laws of the City;
(c) The permit fee has been paid; and
(d) The sign's location and copy does not create a potential visibility or safety hazard; and
(e) The sign does not require a Conditional Use Permit as required by this Chapter.
7. Referral To Planning Commission Or City Council: The Community Development Director, at their discretion, may refer any application for a commercial sign to the Planning Commission, which may approve, conditionally approve, or deny the sign application in accordance with the criteria listed above. Non-commercial signs may be referred, at the Community Development Director's discretion, to the City Council for approval, conditional approval, or denial of the sign application in accordance with the criteria listed above.
8. Action On Application: If a sign application is denied, the Community Development Department shall provide written notice of the denial to the applicant after the decision is rendered. The applicant may appeal any decision of the Community Development Director to the Planning Commission or City Council, as appropriate, in compliance with this Chapter. If a sign is approved, the applicant shall obtain any required permits from the Building Division prior to installing, altering, or relocating any sign.
(a) The applicant or any aggrieved person may appeal a decision, on an item pertaining to this Chapter made by the Community Development Director to the Planning Commission for commercial signs, or to the City Council for non-commercial signs. Such an appeal shall be filed in writing, in the format prescribed by the Community Development Director, not later than ten (10) calendar days after a decision has been rendered. The appeal shall be accompanied by the fee required for an "Appeal of a Staff Decision, Minor" and any pertinent data the appellant wishes to submit. The appeal shall be scheduled for the next regular Planning Commission or City Council meeting, respectively, provided the meeting is at least fourteen (14) days from the date of the appeal. If the next meeting is sooner than fourteen (14) days, the appeal shall be scheduled for the meeting following the next scheduled meeting.
(b) The applicant or any aggrieved person may appeal a decision, on an item pertaining to this Chapter, made by the Planning Commission to the City Council. Such an appeal shall be filed in writing, in the format prescribed by the Community Development Director, not later than ten (10) calendar days after a decision has been rendered by the Planning Commission. The appeal shall be accompanied by the fee required for an "Appeal of a Planning Commission Decision" and any pertinent data the appellant wishes to submit. The appeal shall be scheduled for the next regular City Council meeting provided the meeting is at least fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of appeal. If the next meeting is sooner than fourteen (14) days, the appeal shall be scheduled for the meeting following the next scheduled meeting.
(G) Sign Area Measurement:
1. Allowable Sign Square Footage: All signs are measured based on every linear foot of structure frontage to determine the maximum allowable sign square footage, unless noted otherwise in Section I (Signs Allowed by Zone).
2. Sign Area Calculations: Sign area calculation is based on every linear foot of structure frontage, to a specified amount of sign square footage. For example, if a structure has one hundred feet (100') of linear frontage, parallel to a public street or public right-of-way and one foot (1') of sign area is allowed for every foot of linear frontage the maximum allowable sign square footage would be one hundred (100) square feet. The sign area calculations described above do not include sign area from secondary signage that is not visible from the right-of-way.
3. Three-Dimensional Signs: Three dimensional objects, such as globes and cylinders, shall have their area determined by calculating the surface area of the object which will be used for signage. Cubes and objects with signage on flat surfaces shall use the area of the flat surfaces. If the object is less than two feet (2') in width or diameter, then the area shall be calculated as if the object were flat.
4. Surface Area Calculation: The sign surface area shall be calculated by measuring square footage based on the height and length of sign copy (sign text) on all sign faces. See Figure 3-3 (Sign Area Measurements).
1. Permanent Signs: Upon determination of a violation of the provisions of this Chapter, the Community Development Department shall contact the property owner of the parcel in question and request that the illegal sign be voluntarily abated. The Community Development Department shall provide the owner with at least three notices not closer than two (2) weeks apart. If after ninety (90) days no action is taken by the owner, the Community Development Director may direct the removal of such signs after a resolution is passed by the City Council declaring the sign a public nuisance. A minimum of ten (10) days' notice shall be given to all persons owning property described in the resolution prior to its adoption in accordance with Chapter 2.6 of the California Business and Professions Code. After a sign's removal the Community Development Department shall send notification in writing to the owner of the property stating the location where the sign is being held and that the sign will be destroyed if not claimed by the owner within ten (10) days of such notice. If the sign is not claimed within the allotted time, the Director shall have the sign destroyed or disposed of. The Community Development Department shall not release any confiscated signs without a payment by the owner to reimburse the City for any cost incurred for the abatement and storage of the sign. If the sign is not claimed the owner shall be responsible for the cost of abatement, storage and disposal of the sign and the City shall bill the owner to recover the costs incurred by the City.
2. Temporary Signs: Upon determination of a violation of the provisions of this Chapter regulating temporary signs, the Community Development Department shall contact the property owner of the parcel in question and request the illegal sign be voluntarily abated. If the signs are not removed from private property within twenty four (24) hours, the Community Development Director shall direct the removal of such signs. Signs on public property may be removed immediately and without notice. The Community Development Department shall send notification in writing to the owner of such sign, if the owner can be determined, stating the location where the sign is being held and that the sign will be destroyed if not claimed by the owner within ten (10) days of such notice. If the sign is not claimed within the allotted time, the Director shall have the sign destroyed or disposed of. The Community Development Department shall not release any confiscated signs without payment by the owner to reimburse the City for any costs incurred for the abatement and storage of the sign. If the sign is not claimed the owner shall be responsible for the cost of abatement, storage and disposal of the sign and the City shall bill the owner to recover the costs incurred by the City.
(I) Signs Allowed By Zone:
1. Residential Zone Signs:
(a) Single-Family And Subdivision:
(1) Model Home Signs: Each model home may have one model home sign not to exceed six square feet and not to exceed five feet in height. In addition, each model home may have one flag per twenty feet (20') of street frontage. Such flags shall not exceed fifteen (15) square feet in area and shall be mounted no more than eighteen feet (18') in height to the top of the flag. Model home signs may be illuminated; however, the flags shall not be illuminated.
(2) Subdivision Sales Signs: Each single-family home tract shall be allowed one sales sign per major arterial or one sales sign on the primary frontage if not adjacent to a major arterial. Subdivision sales signs shall not exceed sixty four (64) square feet in area and shall not exceed a height of eight feet (8'). Subdivision sales sign may be illuminated.
(3) Subdivision Entry Signs: Each single-family subdivision is allowed one permanent entry sign for each side of the street at each entrance adjacent to a major arterial or its primary frontage if not adjacent to a major arterial. Subdivision entry signs shall not exceed forty (40) square feet or a height of six feet (6'). Subdivision entry signs shall be placed in a landscaped bed with minimum of sixteen (16) square feet of vegetation.
(b) Multi-Family: Each multi-family complex is allowed one permanent identification sign per two hundred fifty feet (250') of street frontage or fraction thereof. Identification signs shall not exceed forty (40) square feet or a height of six feet (6').
(c) Mobile Home Parks. Each mobile home park is allowed one permanent identification sign per two hundred fifty feet (250') of street frontage or fraction thereof. Identification signs shall not exceed forty (40) square feet or a height of six feet (6'). All identification shall be constructed of masonry or other durable materials and integrated into walls or fences. Landscaping and other features are encouraged to accentuate the sign.
2. Commercial Zone Signs:
(a) Single Tenant Commercial And Office Building Not Part Of A Multi-Tenant Development:
(1) Freestanding Signs: Single tenant commercial or office buildings not part of a shopping or office development shall be allowed the following freestanding signs based on the developed portion of the site:
A. Sites Less Than Five (5) Acres: One freestanding sign per two hundred fifty feet (250') of street frontage or fraction thereof. The sign face area shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet and the overall sign height shall not exceed twenty feet (20'). Sign area shall not be exchanged between signs.
B. Sites Five (5) Acres Or Greater: One freestanding sign per two hundred fifty feet (250') of street frontage or fraction thereof. The sign face area shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet and the overall sign height shall not exceed twenty feet (20'). Sign area shall not be exchanged between signs.
(2) Wall Signs: Each single tenant retail or office building not part of a shopping or office center shall be allowed two (2) square feet of sign area per linear foot of building frontage adjacent to a street, parking area or access drive. Sign area shall not be exchanged between walls.
(b) Multi-Tenant Commercial And Office Developments:
(1) Required Sign Program: All multi-tenant shopping or office developments shall submit a sign program to the Community Development Department for review and approval.
A. Freestanding Signs: Each commercial or office development is allowed one freestanding sign per two hundred fifty feet (250') of street frontage or fraction thereof. The sign face area shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet and the overall sign height shall not exceed twenty feet (20'). Sign area shall not be exchanged between signs.
i. Commercial and office developments between five (5) and twelve (12) acres, inclusive, in size shall be allowed one freestanding sign per street frontage with a sign face area of one hundred fifty (150) square feet and a maximum overall sign height of twenty feet (20'). These freestanding signs will take the place of one of the smaller permitted freestanding signs on a one for one basis.
ii. Commercial and office developments greater than twelve (12) acres in size shall be allowed one freestanding sign per street frontage with a sign face area of two hundred (200) square feet and a maximum overall sign height of twenty feet (20'). These freestanding signs will take the place of one of the smaller permitted freestanding signs on a one for one basis.
B. Wall Signs: Each tenant in a shopping or office center shall be permitted two square feet of sign area per linear foot of building frontage, if that tenant's shop or office area is adjacent to a street, alley, parking area or access drive. Sign area shall not be exchanged between walls or tenants.
C. Time And Temperature Signs: A Conditional Use Permit shall be required for all time and temperature signs. Time and temperature signs shall not exceed eighteen (18) square feet in area. The sign area shall be counted against the permitted sign area for the type of mounting on which it is placed. Conditional Use Permits shall be applied for and processed in compliance with Chapter 16 of this Zoning Ordinance.
D. Electronic Reader Board Signs: A Conditional Use Permit shall be required for all electronic reader boards. Electronic reader boards shall not exceed eight hundred (800) square feet in area and shall not be mounted at a height of more than seventy five feet (75'). The sign area of an electronic reader board shall not be counted against other permitted signage and may be combined with other allowed signage. Conditional Use Permits shall be applied for and processed in compliance with Chapter 16 of this Zoning Ordinance. Electronic reader boards shall not contain any display or illumination which is in motion or appears to be in motion or changes in intensity or exposes its message for less than four (4) seconds. The interval between messages shall not be less than one second.
E. Freeway-Oriented Signs:
i. Applicability: Any parcel within six hundred feet (600') of the Highway 99 right of way.
iii. No freeway-oriented sign shall be greater than seventy five feet (75') in height to the top of the sign.
iv. The sign face area shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet.
v. A single pole shall be used for support.
vi. Placement: Freeway-oriented signs shall be setback a minimum of ten feet (10') from Highway 99 to the nearest portion of the sign and shall be placed in the rear forty percent (40%) of the parcel.
vii. Site Plan Review: All freeway-oriented signs shall require a Site Plan Review. Site Plan Review applications shall be applied for and processed in compliance with this Zoning Ordinance.
F. Canopy Signs: Advertising on decorative canopies and awnings is permitted. Advertising on canopies and awnings shall count against the allowable wall signage allowed for the wall on which it is attached.
G. Under-Canopy Signs: Under-canopy signs are allowed for any use which has at least a five-foot (5') wide covered walkway. One under canopy sign per covered entrance is allowed. Under-canopy signs shall not exceed six square feet with a maximum width of three feet (3') and shall have a minimum height clearance of eight feet.
H. On-site Directional Signage
i. Directional signs shall not be counted against allowable sign area, unless the signs include business logo, name, or advertising. If a business logo, name, or advertising is a component of a directional sign, then the area of the sign devoted to the logo, name, or advertising will be counted toward the allowable sign square footage.
ii. If the directional sign is located within the sight distance triangle of any driveway or intersection, it shall not exceed three feet (3') in height.
iii. Directional signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet of sign area.
iv. External or internal illumination is permitted.
i. Directory signs shall not be counted in the allowable sign area based on frontage, unless the business logo, name, or advertising is used. If a logo is a component of a directory sign, then the square footage of the portion of the sign that is advertising the specific establishment will be counted toward the total allowable square footage of sign area.
ii. Directory signs shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet of sign area.
iii. Directory signs shall not exceed six feet (6') in height.
iv. If the directory sign is located within the sight distance triangle of any driveway or intersection, it shall not exceed three feet (3') in height.
v. External or internal illumination is allowed, except that downward lighting is prohibited.
J. Freestanding Drive-Thru Menu Boards:
i. Freestanding drive-thru menu and price boards are not counted against the maximum allowable sign area.
ii. Each menu board shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area.
iii. The total aggregate square footage of all menu boards does not exceed seventy five (75) square feet.
iv. Freestanding drive-thru menu boards shall be located along the drive-thru lane a minimum of eight feet (8') from the entrance of the lane.
v. External illumination is prohibited.
3. Industrial Zone Signs:
(a) Freestanding Signs: Each industrial complex shall be allowed one freestanding sign per two hundred fifty feet (250') of street frontage or fraction thereof. The sign face area shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet and the overall sign height shall not exceed twenty feet (20'). Sign area shall not be exchanged between signs.
(b) Wall Signs: Each freestanding industrial building shall be allowed one square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage adjacent to a public street, parking area or access drive. Sign area may not be exchanged between walls.
(J) Limitation On Commercial Storefront Signage:
1. Purpose: The purpose of this Section is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city of Selma by assisting law enforcement's efforts to reduce neighborhood blight and increasing economic vitality through improved aesthetic appeal.
2. Definitions: The following words and phrases, whenever used in this Section, shall have the meanings defined in this Subsection unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
(a) Clear: Transparent, see through in nature.
(b) Person: Any natural person, partnership, cooperative association, corporation, personal representative, receiver, trustee, assignee, or any other legal entity.
(c) Commercial Store: Any business that sells or offers to sell or exchange, for any form of consideration, products to a consumer.
(d) Signs And Signage: Any words, lettering, figures, numerals, or images, which advertise, promote, or convey information about any business, product, activity, or interest.
(e) Window: Any opening in the wall of a building that is fitted with glass or other transparent material.
3. Exterior Signage Requirements:
(a) No more than fifteen percent (15%) of the square footage of each window and clear door that is visible to the public from a public thoroughfare, sidewalk, or parking lot of any retail store shall bear signs.
(b) The area covered by a sign is calculated using the perimeter of the sign and includes any clear areas or spaces within the sign, such as the clear area within a neon sign. For irregularly shaped signs, the area is that of the smallest rectangle that wholly contains the sign.
(c) For purposes of this Section, signs that are not physically attached to the windows or clear doors but that are visible from the exterior of the building in the same manner as if they were physically attached to the windows or clear doors shall constitute a sign.
(d) All signs shall be placed and maintained in a manner that ensures that law enforcement personnel have a clear and unobstructed view of the interior of the premises, including the area where the cash registers are maintained, from the exterior public sidewalks, parking lots, or entrance to the premises. No sign shall be placed on or visible through the bottom one-third (1/3) of any window.
4. Enforcement And Penalty:
(a) Violations of this Chapter are hereby declared to be a public nuisance.
(b) In addition to any other remedy available at law, any person who violates any provision of this section is subject to administrative, criminal, civil, or other penalties pursuant to title I, chapter 4 of this code.
5. Controlling Effect: The provisions of this section apply to any retail store notwithstanding the provisions of any other section of this code including, but not limited to, subsection (I)2 (Signs in Commercial Zones) of this section and limit the area of walls or windows or clear doors that may be covered by any sign placed on any retail store or establishment.
1. Sign Permit Required: A Sign Permit shall be required for all temporary signs and is subject to Director review and approval.
2. Allowed Sign Area: Temporary sign areas are not counted under the maximum allowed sign area.
3. Temporary On-Site Signs: The following signs may be allowed as on-site temporary signs in all zones on a temporary basis:
(a) Peddler Signs: Peddlers shall be allowed one two (2) sided freestanding sign not to exceed six square feet each face. Such signs shall only be allowed in the parkway portion of a public right-of-way or on private property with the owners' consent. In no instance shall such signs block or interfere with any vehicular or pedestrian circulation or create a visibility hazard. Sign Permits for peddler signs shall be valid for one calendar year from the date of approval.
(b) Construction Project Signs:
(1) The address and assessor's parcel number for the property. A Sign Permit shall be required for any temporary construction project sign. The permit may be issued at any time on or after issuance of a Building Permit for the structure in question. The sign permit shall expire six (6) months following the date on which the permit was issued or upon the completion of construction, whichever occurs sooner. The sign shall be removed on expiration of the permit unless, prior to expiration, the permit is renewed on approval of the Director. The permit renewal shall not be for a period greater than six (6) months.
(2) No more than one sign having an area not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet shall be permitted on the construction project site. Temporary construction signs are not allowed for residential subdivisions where temporary subdivision signs are erected.
(c) Banners, Pennants, Nongovernmental Flags, Balloons And Similar Temporary Signs: The above listed temporary signs are allowed for grand opening and other special events and commemorative purposes, provided the following conditions, and all other applicable conditions of this Chapter, are met:
(1) The total square footage of all banners, pennants, nongovernmental flags and other temporary advertising materials shall not exceed five hundred (500) square feet or 2,500 cubic feet if it is a three (3) dimensional display.
(2) All temporary signs shall be maintained in good repair and such that it does not create a safety hazard or public nuisance.
(3) Temporary noncommercial flags, provided that such flag is not posted, flown, or hung for any period longer than ten (10) consecutive days per calendar year and shall be limited to being posted, flown, or hung only at the Selma Arts Center building. Only one such flag per calendar month shall be permitted. Approved signs shall not display a message, graphic presentation, or other image that is obscene as defined by section 311 of the California Penal Code. Approved signs shall be subject to the standard sign permit fee unless waived at the discretion of the City Council. If more than one organization requests a permit for the same calendar month, the permit will be issued to the organization which submits the permit application first.
1. Purpose: The purpose of this Section is to provide opportunities for art citywide that will contribute to livable, aesthetically pleasing and pedestrian friendly streetscapes in accordance with the goals and objectives of the City's General Plan. Promoting murals of historical or community significance will assist in educating residents and visitors about the City. This Section will promote the local economy, tourism and beautification efforts by establishing standards for murals, their location and design.
(a) Application Submittal: Applications for a Mural Permit shall be filed with the Community Development Department. Such applications shall include the following:
(1) The address and assessor's parcel number for the property.
Written consent of the property owner or authorized representative.
(2) A description of the proposed mural, both in written and picture/design form, including a size estimate for the mural.
(3) Any other information the planning director deems necessary in describing whether the mural will comply with this section.
(b) Application Fee: There shall be no fee for the application for a mural permit.
(c) Location Requirements: Murals may be located on the sides of buildings and walls on property in any commercial and industrial zone district (C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2) within the City.
(d) Criteria For Design Of Murals:
(1) The subject matter of the mural shall be of historical or community significance regarding the growth and development of the City of Selma and the region. A mural may not contain text, registered trademarks, logos or business advertising unless such items fall within the guidelines of this section.
(2) The paint and materials to be used shall be appropriate for use in an outdoor locale, for an artistic rendition and shall be of a permanent, long lasting variety.
(3) Mural artists must demonstrate their knowledge by providing photographs of murals they have painted or by providing evidence of their experience.
(4) To the extent feasible, the mural shall be resistant to acts of vandalism, such as graffiti.
(5) Murals shall be subject to review by the Selma Arts Council and City Council, or individually designated by the City Manager, every two (2) years or as needed to determine physical condition and maintenance.
(e) Review And Recommendation By The Selma Arts Council: The Recreation/Community Services Director shall forward the application for a Mural Permit, with comments, to the Selma arts council. The arts council shall review and recommend, recommend with modifications, or recommend denial of the mural permit to the City Council as submitted according to the criteria set forth in this section. A mural application shall otherwise be processed in accordance with section
11-16-15 of this title as an Administrative Conditional Use Permit, subject to recommendation of the Selma Arts Council and approval by City Council.
(a) No billboard shall be constructed, relocated, or upgraded within the City without a Conditional Use Permit, unless otherwise required by this Chapter. Each application shall be considered separately and individually. Multiple billboards on separate parcels shall not be combined into a single application. Multiple billboards on a single legal parcel may be submitted as one application. Multiple faces on a single billboard shall be submitted as a single application.
(b) Expansion Of Billboard Area Or Addition Of Faces To Existing Billboards: the vested rights held by existing billboards, whether conforming or nonconforming to this Chapter, do not allow expansion of billboard area or addition of billboard faces as a matter of right. No billboard shall have its area increased or have an additional face added unless all of the following conditions are met:
(1) A Conditional Use Permit is obtained by the applicant;
(2) The billboard meets the requirements of this Chapter; and
(3) The applicant obtains all required building permits.
(c) The City may allow a total of up to twenty four (24) billboards faces within City limits. Any existing legal nonconforming billboard in place at the time of the approval of this Section, shall not count towards the total number of allowed billboard sign faces.
(d) Any newly constructed billboard shall not display or incorporate the City of Selma official seal on the billboard support structure or sign face area.
(e) Any newly constructed billboard will be encouraged to display or incorporate the phrase "City of Selma" and/or inclusion of a representative graphic for the City of Selma.
(a) Billboards are only allowed within two hundred feet (200') of Highway 99 and only in the M-1 and M-2 zone districts.
(b) No billboards shall be allowed within five hundred feet (500') of property zoned or planned for residential uses. Uses across Highway 99 from a proposed billboard shall not be considered in this requirement.
(c) No billboard shall be placed within five hundred feet (500') of another billboard or a freeway-oriented sign. No billboard with electronic message display shall be placed within one thousand feet (1,000') of another billboard with electronic message display. Billboards and freeway-oriented signs across Highway 99 from a proposed billboard shall not be considered in this requirement.
(a) Notwithstanding any other policy per the Selma Municipal Code, the total height of the billboard shall not exceed fifty feet (50') to the top of the structure as measured from either the finished grade under the billboard or from the freeway, highway, State Route grade, whichever is higher; unless a variance is requested.
(b) The total area of a single sign face shall not exceed six hundred seventy two (672) square feet.
(c) The area shall be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle, or combination thereof, which will encompass the entire advertisement and is made based on the height and the length but no the depth of the advertising surface.
(d) A variance may be proposed only to deviate from the prescribed maximums, specific to size and height. The variance will be approved by Planning Commission and processed consistently with Chapter 11-22 - Variances of this Code. Any deviation specific to the overall sign size and height can be proposed.
(e) No billboard shall have more than two (2) sign faces.
(f) All billboards shall be supported by a single pole.
(g) The minimum height to the bottom of a billboard shall be twenty feet (20').
(h) All visible sign support columns for electronic billboards shall be concealed with approved architectural embellishments. The materials used in the sign support embellishments shall be primarily natural stone, brick, approved masonry panels, stucco, or architectural metal.
(i) Billboards may be illuminated provided no lighting is directed onto adjacent properties or public rights-of-way and, where applicable, and be reviewed by the California Highway Patrol and/or California Department of Transportation.
(j) Electronic billboards shall have the City of Selma branding on each side that contains advertising.
4. Electronic Message Display And LED Billboard Signs:
(a) Electronic message display and LED billboard signs are permitted but must have clearance or necessary approvals in writing from Caltrans Outdoor Advertising. Electronic message rotation shall comply with Caltrans safety standards.
(b) The owner of an LED billboard sign shall coordinate with the local authorities to display, when appropriate, emergency information important to the traveling public including, but not limited to Amber Alerts, alerts concerning terrorist attacks or natural disasters. Emergency information messages shall remain in the advertising rotation according to the protocols of the agency that issues the information.
(c) The owner of an LED billboard sign shall provide to the Community Development Department twenty four (24) hour contact information for a person who has the authority and ability to turn off the electronic sign promptly after a malfunction occurs. Any sign not properly functioning needs to be repaired to the city's satisfaction within thirty (30) days of a written notice or be subject to Conditional Use Permit revocation process, with the possibility of an additional thirty (30) day extension approved by the Community Development Director or City Manager.
(d) Electronic billboards shall meet the same size and height requirements as standard billboards, as noted above.
5. Upgrading Billboard Signs: The Community Development Director or his/her designee shall have the authority to administratively approve, an existing billboard that has been previously approved via a Conditional Use Permit, the issuance of a permit for the upgrade of an existing billboard, subject to design review, which meets all of the following requirements:
(a) The applicant proposes to enhance, improve and modify an existing legal or legally non-conforming billboard for the purpose of modernizing and improving the aesthetic appearance of such billboard.
(b) Upgrades shall be considered as follows:
(1) If fifty percent (50%) or less of the area of a billboard face is being improved or increased, then it will be considered an upgrade; and/or
(2) If fifty percent (50%) or less of the support structure is being improved or increased, then it will be considered an upgrade.
(c) An upgrade may allow a billboard to become legally conforming if not already at the time of the proposed upgrade, exempting all billboards located outside of the geographic location allowed within this Section.
(d) All upgrades that exceed the fifty percent (50%) threshold shall be subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit.
(e) Any work consisting of less than fifty percent (50%) threshold will be considered as maintenance of the existing billboard.
6. Replacement, Relocation Of Existing Billboard, And Maintenance:
(a) Administrative Approval: If a legally conforming billboard no longer conforms to placement requirements due to property development, road widening, etc., the billboard shall be relocated on the same property. The Community Development Director or his/her designee shall have the authority to administratively approve the issuance of a permit for the relocation of an existing billboard, subject to design review, which meets all of the following requirements:
(1) The billboard was legally permitted by the City of Selma or otherwise had legal non-conforming status with the City.
(2) The City or another public agency has required the relocation of the existing billboard, or it is otherwise physically necessary to relocate the billboard.
(3) The sign will be relocated on the same parcel or property it was originally located.
(4) The size of the new or relocated billboard will not exceed the size, area, height, length, width, shape and number of sides or faces of the existing billboard. If a modification to these parameters is desired, a Conditional Use Permit will be required.
(5) The relocated billboard will constitute an improvement in the aesthetic appearance of the original billboard structure.
(6) All proposed lighting for the new or relocated billboard shall be the same or similar to the lighting of the original billboard and, in any case, the new sign will not utilize display technology which creates a moving or changing image, of the illusion thereof and the new or relocated sign may not be electronic or LED unless proposed with a Use Permit.
(7) All costs associated with the relocation and installation of the new or relocated billboard will be borne solely by the billboard owner or applicant. If a new structure is to be built, it must comply with all applicable Building Code and safety requirements.
(8) Replacement billboards shall comply with all applicable federal, State, and local regulations.
(b) Conditional Use Permit Approval: Replacement billboards shall also be permitted subject to the provisions of this section when the following apply:
(1) The applicant completely demolishes and relocates an existing billboard, including a legal nonconforming billboard, to a more suitable location so as not to conflict with the proposed development or redevelopment of the property, or other valid reasons and complies with the development standards of this Chapter of this Code; or
(2) The applicant completely demolishes and relocates an existing billboard, including a legal nonconforming billboard, to a more suitable location that lessens the overall negative aesthetic impacts on the city and its residents and complies with the development standards of this Chapter of this Code; or
(3) The applicant has previously removed and completely demolished one or more billboards and maintains credits for such removal by the California Department of Transportation pursuant to California Business and Professions Code Section 5443.5; or
(4) The applicant proposes to enhance, improve and modify an existing billboard already established within a permitted zone for the purpose of modernizing and improving the aesthetic appearance of such billboard.
(c) New billboards which replace existing billboards may feature electronic copy, subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit.
(d) Maintenance: All billboards shall be maintained in a safe, presentable, and good structural condition at all times, including the replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning, ensuring the sign facing is not dilapidated or faded, and other acts required for the maintenance of such billboard. Billboards not in conformance with these standards will be addressed utilizing the Public Nuisance process as detailed within Chapter 1-21 of this Code.
1. Existing Nonconforming Signs: All nonconforming signs which have been legally erected prior to the adoption of this Chapter shall be legal nonconforming signs. It shall be legal for such signs to have their copy changed, provided they submit a Sign Application to the Community Development Director for review in compliance with this Chapter. Any physical changes, modifications, or upgrades of a legal nonconforming sign structure, not related to normal maintenance activities, shall be required to comply with all provisions of this Chapter.
2. All legal nonconforming signs shall be brought into compliance with this Chapter 20 years after the adoption of this Chapter by the City Council pursuant to section 5495 of the Business and Professions Code. Any sign which is not brought into compliance may at that time be subject to abatement as a public nuisance. (Ord. 2024-6, 6-17-2024)