The City of Victorville recognizes the needs of businesses and property owners within the community to identify their businesses through signing and other means of advertisement. The City finds that size, placement, number and design of signs significantly influence the general aesthetic appearance of the community and its economic health. The purpose and intent of this Chapter is to set standards for signs within the City that achieve these purposes:

a)

Maintain an attractive and orderly City appearance by avoiding sign clutter while providing reasonable standards for adequate identification of businesses and the goods and services they offer;

b)

Protect residentially zoned property lying adjacent to commercial and industrial areas from the negative impacts of excessive signs;

c)

Promote the use of signs that create a high quality visual environment;

d)

Enhance the perception of the community and its property values;

e)

Promote traffic safety by establishing appropriate and reasonable controls on signs;

f)

To protect the health and safety and welfare of the residents of the City by reducing or eliminating potential hazards resulting from excessive, distracting and otherwise unsafe signage.

With the exception of signs exempt pursuant to Section 16-3.22.030 of this Chapter, no sign shall be erected, constructed, attached, affixed, or maintained on any property, except in conformity with the provisions of this Article. It shall be illegal to use, occupy, or maintain property in violation of this Chapter. Any violation or failure to comply with the provisions of this Article shall be illegal.

Subject to the property owner's consent, a constitutionally protected noncommercial message of any type may be substituted for any duly permitted or allowed commercial message or any duly permitted or allowed noncommercial message, provided that the existing sign structure or mounting device is currently permitted and in compliance with all provisions of this Chapter. Provided that no structural, electrical, sign mounting method or current sign materials are changed, such substitution of message may be made without any additional approval or permitting. The purpose of this policy is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over protected noncommercial speech, or favoring of any particular noncommercial message over any other noncommercial message. This message substitution policy: (1) does not create a right to increase the total amount of signage on a parcel, lot or land use; (2) does not affect the requirement that a sign structure or mounting device be properly permitted; (3) does not authorize changing the physical method of image presentation (such as digital or neon) display or the sign materials/fabrication without a permit; (4) does not authorize a physical change to the sign structure without compliance with applicable building codes, safety codes, and neutrally-applicable rules for sign size, height, orientation, setback, separation or illumination; and (5) does not allow the substitution of an off-site commercial message in place of an on-site commercial message.

(Ord. No. 2357, § 2, 10-18-16)

The following signs are exempt from the provisions of this Chapter:

(a)

Any sign, posting, notice or other indication used exclusively to display official governmental notices, notices of any court or public office, or those posted by a public officer in the performance of a public duty, or required by a public entity in carrying out its responsibility to protect the public health, safety or welfare, or otherwise required by law;

(b)

Street name and traffic control signs, directional signs, informational signs of a public or semi public nature, historical markers placed by a governmental or non-profit organization, and railroad crossing, construction, danger, or other emergency warning signs;

(c)

Signs guiding and directing traffic in parking lots and facilities, including directional markings painted on pavement, provided no individual sign exceeds six (6) square feet in area and not more than five (5) feet in height;

(d)

Signs showing the location of public restrooms, telephones, other public conveniences, provided the sign does not advertise a use or product;

(e)

Signs indicating business hours, emergency phone numbers, honoring credit cards, association memberships and similar types of signs provided no individual sign exceeds one and one-half (1½) square feet in area and the total area of such signs at any one establishment does not exceed four and one-half (4½) square feet;

(f)

Signs located entirely within a building and not within three (3) feet of a window and therefore, not visible from the exterior of the building;

(g)

Menu boards not exceeding thirty-six (36) square feet in area or six (6) feet in height for drive-in, drive through, or walk-up restaurants, limited to two menu boards per restaurant;

(h)

Service Station Price Signs. When the underlying lot or parcel of land is used for gasoline service station purposes, there may be permitted on such lot or parcel of land one price sign per street provided, however:

(1)

That such sign shall advertise only the price of the gasoline sold at such service station and the hours of operation;

(2)

Such sign shall not exceed an area of twenty-four square feet;

(3)

Such sign shall not exceed six feet in height and shall not exceed a three to one ratio;

(4)

Such sign shall be designed as a permanent structure, rigidly attached to a building wall or anchored in the ground; and

(5)

Such sign, shall comply with the setback specifications for all monument signs.

(Ord. No. 2357, § 2, 10-18-16)

The City finds that it is in the interest of safety for all street addresses to be clearly visible. Unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Police and Fire Departments, all permanent structures in the City shall display street address numerals of a size and location, which are clearly visible from a public right-of-way.

The following signs are prohibited:

(a)

Billboard signs, including the relocation of, expansion or conversion to digital display of existing billboards, except as provided for in Section 16-3.22.180 and Section 16-3.22.190;

(b)

Painted signs;

(c)

Pole signs, unless architecturally integral into the overall development of the site;

(d)

Reader or message boards, unless approved, with conditions, by the Zoning Administrator for schools; parks; civic buildings on government owned property; and commercial shopping centers more than fifty (50) acres in size, which are located adjacent to Interstate Freeway right-of-way and are developed and/or managed under one entity;

(e)

Roof signs, however, one roof sign may be permitted by the Zoning Administrator with a specific finding that no other sign configuration can reasonably serve the needs of the business establishment;

(f)

Signs erected upon or over public property, other than signs installed by local, state or federal agencies, excepting Billboards relocated to public property pursuant to a Billboard Relocation Agreement as provided for in Section 16-3.22.180, or Digital Display billboards as provided in Section 16-3.22.190;

(g)

Signs that create a safety hazard by obstructing clear view of pedestrians or vehicular traffic;

(h)

Signs that emit or generate sound, smoke or similar material;

(i)

Vehicle signs, unless for transporting goods or services for business purposes; provided, that the identification is affixed so as to not project from the usual profile of the vehicle and not stored/parked in a manner for advertising purposes;

(j)

Signs containing Unprotected Speech. Signs containing any message or image which is outside the protection of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and/or the corollary provisions of the California Constitution is prohibited. Examples include: material that meets the legal definition of obscenity, fighting words, misleading or deceptive commercial messages, messages which promote illegal products or services, etc.

(Ord. No. 2288, §§ 5, 6, 2-7-12, eff. 3-9-12; Ord. No. 2299, 6-18-13, eff. 7-18-13; Ord. No. 2357, § 2, 10-18-16)

Except as otherwise provided by the provisions of this Article, plan review shall be required for the construction, erection, installation, relocation or alteration of all temporary or permanent signs in the City. Plan review shall be conducted by the Zoning Administrator or his designee. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, alter or relocate any sign, excepting signs specified within Section 16-3.22.030, without first obtaining a sign permit or building permit if required.

(Ord. No. 2357, § 2, 10-18-16)

The following regulations apply to all signs:

(a)

All signs are to be located on the same site as the use, activity, or structure they identify or advertise, except as otherwise expressly permitted by this Chapter, and except for street banners, pennants, or other street decorations authorized by the City Council to be hung or suspended over a public street under the provisions of this Article.

(b)

Any sign that does not use the English alphabet as the primary script shall include an English alphabet translation on the sign of equal size.

(c)

Primary signs shall consist of the name of business.

(d)

Secondary signs that advertise goods and services are intended to be subordinate to the primary sign in size and placement. Secondary signs shall not advertise an individual product.

(e)

No sign is to be located on the roof of a building or project above the eave or parapet line of the building, except where a roof sign is permitted by the Zoning Administrator.

(f)

Lateral and columnar sign supports are to be designed so as to be architecturally integrated with the attached or surrounding building(s).

(g)

All signs shall be constructed to conceal exposed wiring and electrical appurtenances. Where possible, conduits and raceways shall also be concealed.

(h)

Damaged wall surfaces should be resurfaced and/or painted when removing an existing sign or prior to installing a new replacement sign.

(i)

All signs shall be maintained in a clean, intact and functioning manner.

(j)

Commercial and industrial signs that are within 50 feet and are visible from a residential district are prohibited.

(k)

The following provision governs illumination of signs, excepting digital display billboards erected pursuant to a Billboard Relocation Agreement as provided for in Section 16-3.22.180 or digital display billboards erected pursuant to Section 16-3.22.190:

(1)

Exposed fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs exceeding 15 watts are not permitted, unless such signs are approved as part of a Master Sign Plan or are theater or cinema marquees;

(2)

Signs in Commercial and Industrial Districts within 200 feet of a residential district shall be situated and constructed to minimize the visibility from the residential district;

(3)

Animated signs that flash or blink are prohibited unless approved by the Zoning Administrator and found to be of no threat to public health, safety and welfare;

(4)

Cabinet signs shall have opaque backgrounds allowing the illumination of the letters and logos only.

(5)

Awnings shall not be internally illuminated.

(Ord. No. 2288, § 7, 2-7-12, eff. 3-9-12 )

The following temporary signs are permitted with the appropriate approvals, as noted below:

(a)

Portable signs, including banners, flags, streamers and inflatable advertising devices, excluding those inflated by hot air, that are placed on an occupant's property are subject to the following requirements:

(1)

The total area of all signs in the advertising device shall not exceed an area equivalent to the total sign area allowed for permanent signs for the use;

(2)

No such sign or device is to be located in a manner not permitted for permanent signs;

(3)

Temporary signs may be allowed up to a maximum of thirty (30) days per quarter annually and only in connection with store openings, special sales or promotions;

(4)

No such sign or device shall pose a hazard to the safe movement of traffic and shall not block the visibility of permanent signs on adjoining properties;

(5)

Requests for inflatable devices shall provide the method inflation, chemicals used, sign a hold harmless agreement and provide evidence of liability insurance satisfactory to the Zoning Administrator's discretion; and

(6)

Special permits are required for temporary signs, as noted in Section 16-3.22.060.

(b)

Temporary noncommercial signs during election periods.

(1)

In addition to the noncommercial signs allowed by the message substitution policy in Section 16-3.22.025, during an election period, an unlimited number of temporary noncommercial signs are permitted on private property in all zones of the City provided such signs meet all the following requirements:

(i)

No individual sign shall have a sign area greater than forty-five (45) square feet (not to exceed ten (10) feet in length);

(ii)

No sign shall be greater than six (6) feet in height, unless affixed to an existing wall;

(iii)

No signs shall pose a hazard to the safe movement of traffic and shall not block the visibility of permanent signs on adjoining properties;

(iv)

No such sign is to be located in a manner not permitted for permanent signs;

(v)

No sign shall be placed on public property or within any public right-of-way;

(vi)

No sign shall be placed on private property without the permission of the property owner:

(vii)

At the close of the Election Period, all temporary noncommercial signs posted under this provision must be removed. Failure to do so constitutes a violation of this code.

(2)

Temporary noncommercial signs posted during an election period that meet all of the above requirements shall not be subject to the permitting, plan review or building permit provisions of this Chapter.

(c)

Real estate and construction signs are referenced within Sections 16-3.22.120, 16-3.22.130 and 16-3.22.140 of this Article.

(d)

Off-Site Residential Housing Signs. The following regulations shall control the location and design of off-site residential housing identification signs. Residential housing shall be defined as either a housing project within a recorded tract or a new apartment complex of five or more units. All signs shall be submitted and placed by the City's authorized administrator only.

(1)

Kiosk Sign Program.

(i)

The panel and sign structure designs shall be as shown on Figures 22-1 and 22-2.

(ii)

Kiosk signs may utilize thirty-six-inch, twenty-four-inch and/or twelve-inch panels. Each twelve-inch panel shall only contain the name of the subdivision and a directional arrow as shown on Figure 22-1. Should the subdivision be located in another local jurisdiction, the name of that jurisdiction shall be placed below the subdivision name in three inch letters. Nothing shall prevent panels on these signs from identifying public facilities, such as parks and governmental facilities. Such signs shall be set back a distance of fifteen feet perpendicular from the nearest improved portion of the public right(s)-of-way if such signs are located within fifteen feet from any driveway or road intersection. Where utilizing twenty-four-inch panels, each panel shall only contain the name of the subdivision, a directional arrow, logo, base price and directional text as shown on Figure 22-2. Where utilizing thirty-six-inch panels, each panel shall only contain the information which is allowed on a twenty-four-inch panel, as well as other information deemed appropriate by the developer as shown on Figure 22-2.

(iii)

A fee of twenty-five dollars for each sign location shall be collected to cover administrative costs.

(iv)

All sign structures are to be placed on private property with written consent of the property owner or City right-of-way with an approved City encroachment permit which shall be acquired from the engineering department and filed with the planning department prior to the issuance of a sign permit.

(v)

No sign shall be permitted on the same parcel with an existing structure or within the right-of-way of an existing structure. If a sign is located on a vacant parcel or within the right-of-way of a vacant parcel, that sign shall be removed prior to the issuance of building permits for the development of that parcel.

(vi)

Said signs shall not be located any closer than three hundred feet from any approved kiosk, supplemental housing or weekend sign location.

(vii)

A sign location plan and a signage graphic shall be prepared showing the site of each directional sign and sign specifications. The plans shall be submitted to the planning department prior to the issuance of a sign permit and a building permit.

(viii)

There shall be no additions, tag signs, streamers, devices, display boards, or appurtenances added to the signs as originally approved. Further, no other directional signs may be used, such as posters or trailer signs.

(ix)

Such sign shall be limited to identifying housing projects within the City limits. Housing projects outside the City limits shall only be identified if that City has (1) approved a similar kiosk sign program, and (2) allowance is made for housing projects within the City of Victorville on its kiosk signs.

(x)

Such sign structure locations shall be utilized only for a period of twenty-four months from the month of January of that calendar year. All requests for extensions for up to an additional twenty-four months shall be made during the month of December of each calendar year, prior to the expiration of the sign structure location. There shall be no limit to the number of extensions requested. A fee of five dollars for each sign location shall be collected to cover administrative costs.

(xi)

Approval of a sign location shall not authorize the continuous use of that location when right-of-way improvements necessitate removal of such sign or the sign interferes with the use of the property upon which it is located or the public right-of-way. If possible, an alternate location in close proximity shall be allowed, without payment of fees, subject to the procedures identified in subsection (6)(a)(iii) of this Section.

(xii)

For housing projects within a recorded tract, the signs or approved sign structures shall be allowed for a period of time concurrent with the approved time limit of the structure location or until the identified subdivision is sold out, whichever comes first.

(xiii)

For new apartment complexes of five or more units, the sign panels on approved sign structures shall be allowed for a period of time not to exceed eighteen months from the date of final approval and certificate of occupancy of the apartment complex. The sign panels shall not be erected any earlier than two weeks prior to the date of final approval and certificate of occupancy. If the sign panels are erected prior to the final approval and certificate of occupancy of the apartment complex as provided herein, the period of time shall commence upon erection of such panels.

(xiv)

Double wide sign structures as shown on Exhibit A may be installed at locations subject to the approval of the Planning Director.

(2)

Weekend Model Home Complex Directional Signs. The following regulations shall control the location and design of weekend model home complex directional signs. "Model home complex" shall be defined as a collection of two or more model homes approved pursuant to Section 16-3.07.050, entitled Temporary Uses.

(3)

All temporary weekend signs shall be in conformance with Figure 22-3, and the copy of the signs shall be limited to the name of the housing development, logo, directional arrow, and housing development starting price, and approved by the planning staff.

(ii)

Such signs shall be permitted on private property, as well as public right-of-way. In approving such sign locations the planning department shall notify owners of adjacent property of the proposed sign erection and provide such owner with ten days' time in which to comment. The Director of Planning, after reviewing the location and comments from the property owners, shall consider and take action on such application. A fee of twenty-five dollars for each sign location shall be collected to cover administrative costs. Controversial locations shall be submitted to the Planning Commission for review and approval, which shall require an additional twenty-five-dollar fee.

(iii)

All sign structures are to be placed on private property with written consent of the property owner or City right-of-way with an approved City encroachment permit which shall be acquired from the engineering department and filed with the planning department prior to the issuance of a sign permit.

(iv)

A sign location plan shall be prepared showing the site of each directional sign and shall be submitted to the planning department prior to the issuance of a sign permit.

(v)

Each model home complex shall be allowed a maximum of ten signs.

(vi)

Such signs shall be erected no earlier than twelve midnight on Friday, and removed no later than twelve midnight on Sunday. In the event of a three-day holiday, such signs can be erected no earlier than twelve midnight on Thursday if the holiday falls on Friday, and must be removed no later than twelve midnight on Monday, if the holiday falls on Monday.

(vii)

Any temporary sign in existence at an approved location prior to or after the time limits indicated above would constitute an illegal off-site tract sign and shall be subject to the remedies contained within the model home complex Conditional Use Permit resolution.

(viii)

Such signs shall not be located any closer than three hundred feet from another approved temporary weekend sign. Such signs shall not be located any closer than fifty feet from an approved off-site residential housing kiosk sign. At street intersections the above noted separation shall not apply. Two temporary weekend signs may be allowed on each corner of the intersection.

(ix)

Any graffiti on such signs shall be removed immediately.

(x)

There shall be no additions, tag signs, streamers, devices, display boards, or appurtenances added to the signs as originally approved. Further, no other directional signs may be used, such as posters or trailer signs.

(xi)

Approval of a sign location shall not authorize the continuous use of that location when right-of-way improvements necessitate removal of such sign or the sign interferes with the use of the property upon which it is located or the public right-of-way. If possible, an alternate location in close proximity shall be allowed, without payment of fees, subject to the procedure identified in subsection (ii).

(4)

Supplemental Housing Development Signs.

(i)

The signs and sign structure design shall be shown as Figure 22-4.

(ii)

The process for locating such signs shall be the same as that identified in subsection (6)(A) of this Section, entitled "Kiosk Sign Program."

(iii)

There shall be no additions, tag signs, streamers, devices, display boards, or appurtenances added to the signs originally approved. Further, no other directional signs may be used, such as posters or trailer signs.

(iv)

A maximum of three signs shall be allowed per housing project.

(v)

Such signs shall not be located any closer than three hundred feet from any approved kiosk, supplemental housing or weekend sign location.

(vi)

All signs shall be located on private property zoned C-2 (general commercial), C-4 (highway and service commercial), and/or areas designated for general commercial use in specific plans.

(5)

Nothing in subsections (d)(1), (2), and (3) of this Section shall preclude those persons engaged in the construction of housing from the placement of signs during two- or three-day weekends as identified in Figure 22-5 on private property with the property owner's permission or within the public right-of-way so long as such signs are requested from and placed by the City's authorized administrator.

Figure 22-1

Figure 22-3

Figure 22-4

Color Specifications:

Figure 22-5

Signs either plastic or cardboard

Stakes either wood or metal

Arrows to be either straight, left or right

(e)

Development Promotional Signs. In any zone district development, promotional signs which promote impending non-residential development to occur on the parcel on which the sign is located may be allowed if approved by the Director of Planning. Such sign shall not exceed fifty square feet in area or twelve feet in height. However, larger signs may be approved based upon development size, if deemed appropriate by the Director of Planning. Further, the use of such signs shall be limited to a period not to exceed six months with a six-month extension if approved by the Zoning Administrator.

(f)

Window signs are regulated within Section 16-3.22.130 and 16-3.22.140 of this Chapter.

(Ord. No. 2357, § 2, 10-18-16)

The following requirements apply to permanent freestanding signs. Two types of such signs are allowed: monument identification signs (low-lying signs which the entire bottom is in contact with or is close to the ground) and freestanding identification signs (taller signs usually over six feet in height). The tables within Sections 16-3.22.120, 16-3.22.130 and 16-3.22.140 set forth the number, size and height of these signs within their respective zoning districts

(a)

Content and fabrication standards for monument and freestanding signs are as follows:

(1)

Monument and freestanding signs are to have a maximum of two (2) sign faces.

(2)

Signs are limited to the display of the name of the project complex being identified as well as a maximum of five (5) tenants for monument signs and ten (10) tenants for freestanding signs.

(3)

For single tenant signs:

(i)

The content of a sign tenant sign shall be limited to the business name and/or logo with the addition of up to two (2) primary products or services.

(ii)

The inclusion of a business phone number or website shall not be contained within a freestanding sign.

(4)

Multi-tenant signs:

(i)

The content of a multi-tenant sign shall be limited to the name of the center and logo as well as identification of individual tenants.

(ii)

A minimum of eight (8) inch letters shall be used for the name of the center.

(iii)

A minimum of six (6) inch letters shall be used for individual tenant or business names.

(iv)

When designed with replaceable sign panels for individual tenants, a standard panel length, height, font and background color shall be established for continuity among the panels.

(5)

All monument and freestanding signs shall have a base element. The base elements shall consist of materials which reflect the architectural style and materials of the buildings to which they relate.

(6)

The fabrication methods and design of such signs shall be reviewed for consistency with the architecture of the subject building(s) and the adopted design guidelines.

(b)

Placement requirements for monument and freestanding signs are:

(1)

Such signs shall be set back a minimum of three (3) feet from the nearest property line, parking stall or building and shall be setback a minimum of thirty (30) feet from an intersecting driveway or street when located within ten (10) feet of the public right-of-way;

(2)

Such signs shall be setback a minimum of ten (10) feet from interior property lines of an adjacent parcel not a part of the subject development;

(3)

The sign structure shall be located within a landscaped planter or an enhanced hardscape area;

(4)

Signs shall not be located further than 40 feet from the street frontage; and

(5)

Such signs shall not project into the public right-of-way.

(c)

Directional signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in size or exceed six (6) feet in height. Directional signs shall not display advertising copy except the name, logo or symbol of the owner or occupant of the lot upon which located.

(d)

Shopping Centers more than fifty (50) acres in size, located adjacent to Interstate Freeway right-of-way and developed under one entity are allowed additional on-site or off-site signage if approved pursuant to Article 2 of this Chapter, entitled Conditional Use Permit, and subject to all the following development requirements:

(1)

One on-site or off-site freeway oriented sign is permissible, in lieu of other freeway oriented signs;

(2)

An off-site sign shall be located within 40 feet of Interstate Freeway right-of-way and shall not exceed a distance of 1000 feet from the site of the shopping center.

(3)

The parcel of land where an off-site sign is placed shall be zoned General Commercial (C-2), shall be owned by the subject commercial shopping center and shall only be separated from the shopping center by public right-of-way.

(4)

The on-site or off-site sign shall not exceed 65 feet in height as measured from the centerline grade of the adjacent public right-of-way and shall be allotted a maximum sign area not to exceed 800 square feet for shopping centers greater than 50 acres in size or 1,000 square feet for shopping centers greater than 75 acres in size.

(Ord. No. 2272, § 1, 3-20-12, eff. 4-19-12; Ord. No. 2299, 6-18-13, eff. 7-18-13; Ord. No. 2382, § 6, 10-16-18, eff. 11-15-18)

The tables within Sections 16-3.22.120, 16-3.22.130 and 16-3.22.140 set forth the permitted size and height of wall signs within their respective zoning districts. The following standards are applicable to the placement and construction of wall signs:

(a)

Content and fabrication standards for wall signs are as follows:

(1)

Wall signs shall not advertise a website or phone number;

(2)

Wall signs shall not be part of an awning;

(3)

Only individual channel letters, including reverse channels and sculpted cabinet, signs are permitted for all commercial and industrial zones (Can signs constructed of sheet metal cabinets with acrylic faces shall not be permitted); and

(4)

Fabrication methods of wall signs other than those described shall be reviewed for consistency with the building architecture and the adopted design guidelines.

(b)

Placement requirements for wall signs are:

(1)

All wall signs are to be placed on a building in one of the following ways:

(i)

Flat against the wall or parapet of a building, with the depth of the sign not exceeding twelve (12) inches; and

(ii)

Suspended from the eaves or from the ceiling of a covered walkway with a clear space of at least eight (8) feet between the bottom of the sign and the walkway.

(2)

Wall signs may be located on a building with a frontage, in accord with the size standards as prescribed elsewhere in this Article. Frontage is defined as a building elevation with a public entrance and/or exit or a building elevation that is visible from public views.

(3)

Wall signs shall not be permitted on freestanding exterior walls or fences upon the property.

(4)

The height and length of a sign shall not exceed 75% of the sign placement area. In no event shall the allowable letter height be required to be less than twelve (12) inches.

(a)

Wall murals may be approved by the Planning Commission pursuant to Article 2 of this Chapter, entitled "Conditional Uses." Consideration shall be given to the following matters:

(1)

Compatibility of the design with the immediate environment of the site.

(2)

Appropriateness of the design and size to the function of the site.

(3)

Compatibility of the design and location within a unified theme.

(4)

Appropriateness of the design as a public work of art. The design may portray, but not be limited to, a cultural, historical, or scenic subject.

(5)

Shall not serve as signage.

(b)

Historic wall murals are permitted subject to administrative review and approval by the Zoning Administrator. Historic murals shall meet the following guidelines:

(1)

Must depict a historical or cultural significant event, site or person such as a photograph, postcard or activity that took place on-site or within the immediate area.

(2)

Shall not be deemed as offensive.

(3)

Shall not serve as signage.

(Ord. No. 2299, 6-18-13, eff. 7-18-13)

Table 22-1 describes signs permitted in residential districts.

Table 22-1 - Permitted Signs in residential districts

The following signs may be permitted in the A, AE, R1, R2, R3, R4, MDR, RMPD, and SR residential zones subject to the following:

Note:

(1)

Refer to Section 16-3.22.080(d) of this Chapter

(2)

Refer to Section 16-3.07.050 of this Chapter

Tables 22-2 and 22-3 describe signs permitted in all commercial districts.

Table 22-2 - Permitted Signs in the CA commercial district

The following signs may be permitted in the CA commercial zone subject to the following:

Note:

(1)

Illuminated signs shall be permitted if approved pursuant to Article 2 of this Chapter, entitled Conditional Use Permit.

Table 22-3 - Permitted Signs in the C1, C2, C4 and CM commercial districts

The following signs may be permitted in the C1, C2, C4 and CM commercial zones subject to the following provisions:

Note:

(1)

The Zoning Administrator shall allow freestanding signs on parcels less than two acres, only when a finding is made that no other permitted sign type can reasonably serve the needs of the business establishment.

(2)

40 ft for each separate, commercially developed parcel which rear and or side lot line(s) abut(s) Interstate 15. Additional sign area shall be allowed at a rate of 12.5 sq. ft. for each vertical foot over 24 ft. not to exceed 300 sq. ft.

(Ord. No. 2288, § 8, 2-7-12, eff. 3-9-12)

Table 22-4 describes signs permitted in all industrial districts.

Table 22-4 - Permitted Signs in industrial districts

The following signs may be permitted in the IPD, M1 and M2 industrial zones subject to the following provisions:

(Ord. No. 228, § 8, 2-7-12, eff. 3-9-12)

The following signs may be permitted in the PC District:

(a)

Wall signs;

(b)

Monument signs not to exceed a height of six (6) feet and size of forty-five (45) sq. ft. per sign face: and

(c)

A freestanding pole sign on school sites only if approved pursuant to Article 2 of this Chapter, entitled Conditional Uses.

One identification sign not exceeding 45 sq. ft. in area and, if freestanding, not exceeding 6 ft. in height.

Proposed or expansions of floor area to existing commercial and industrial centers containing five (5) of more tenants shall be required to submit a Master Sign Program for a unified design theme for the center that furthers the architectural theme for the center. The new master sign program would not apply to existing tenants; however, each new tenant of the site would be required to comply with the Master Sign Program. Each Master Sign Program shall specify the overall sign design, location, placement, and sizes of all signs proposed within the center.

Submittal information includes:

a)

Applications for a Master Sign Program are to include the following information:

1.

A Master Site Plan sketch, drawn to scale, delineating the site proposed to be included in the sign program and the general location of all signs; and

2.

Contents of a Sign Program shall include the permitted colors, letter and font designs, sizes, number and locations of signs. Approved sign programs shall be kept within the Planning Division and used in the review of any and all sign applications made by the owner or tenants of the subject property.

b)

Deviations from the sign standards of this Article may be granted through the approval of a Master Sign Program by the Planning Commission pursuant to Article 2 of this Chapter, entitled "Conditional Use," when the following findings can be made:

1.

That the Program contributes to the overall design quality of the site and the surrounding area will be superior to the quality that would result under regulations normally applicable to the site under this Article;

2.

That the proposed signs are compatible with the style or character of existing improvements on the site and are well-related to each other;

3.

That any deviations from the standards of this Article are fully consistent with the purposes of this Article and of the Development Code.

a)

Purpose. The purpose of a Billboard Relocation Agreement is to allow relocation of Billboards, when such Billboards are subject to the threat of condemnation by any legally-created public entity possessing and exercising its eminent domain/condemnation authority pursuant to the California Eminent Domain Law, commencing with Code of Civil Procedure Section 1230.010, or other similar legislation authorizing such eminent domain/condemnation power, and to reduce the overall number of legal nonconforming billboards within the City by allowing relocated billboards in more suitable locations and provide more attractive, aesthetically-pleasing billboard designs. A further purpose is to reduce or eliminate the City's obligation to pay compensation for the removal of legal nonconforming Billboards when such Billboards are subject to the threat of condemnation by any legally-created public entity possessing eminent domain/condemnation authority. Billboard Relocation Agreements are part of the demonstrated commitment of the City of Victorville to improve the aesthetic appearance of the City.

b)

Authority. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Title 16, and consistent with the California Business and Professions Code Outdoor Advertising provisions, existing outdoor advertising sign structures may be relocated and/or reconstructed as part of a Billboard Relocation Agreement requested by the City and entered into between the City and a billboard owner.

c)

Eligibility requirements. Existing nonconforming Billboards may be relocated pursuant to a Billboard Relocation Agreement only under at least one of the following conditions:

(1)

The billboard proposed for relocation is the subject of any eminent domain action or threat of eminent domain action by a legally created public entity possessing eminent domain/condemnation authority; or

(2)

The applicant chooses to relocate a legal nonconforming billboard to a more suitable location so not to conflict with the proposed development or redevelopment of the property.

d)

Zoning Restrictions. A billboard may only be relocated to a commercial or industrial zone. The relocation must be supported by findings by both the Planning Commission and the City Council.

e)

Location Restrictions and Development Standards. A billboard may only be relocated pursuant to a Billboard Relocation Agreement provided that:

(1)

The billboard is relocated no closer than one thousand (1,000) feet to an existing billboard;

(2)

The billboard is relocated no closer than two hundred (200) feet to the property line of any parcel zoned for residential uses;

(3)

The relocated billboard shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height;

(4)

The total area of a single sign face shall not exceed six hundred seventy-two (672) square feet.

f)

Net Reduction of Existing Billboards. Every Billboard Relocation Agreement shall provide that for every billboard physically relocated and constructed at a relocation site, a minimum of two (2) existing legal nonconforming billboards shall be removed within the City, unless the billboard proposed for relocation is the subject of any eminent domain action or threat of any eminent domain action by a legally created public entity possessing eminent domain/condemnation authority. Should a billboard be relocated and converted to a Digital Display, the net reduction shall be removal of two (2) static billboards per one (1) relocated static billboard converted to Digital Display. This section 16-3.22.180 shall not apply to an applicant seeking a reduction in billboards alone, as opposed to physically relocating the billboard, pursuant to Section 16-3.22.190.

g)

Content. Each Billboard Relocation Agreement shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:

(1)

Identification of the location of the relocated Billboards and Billboards being permanently removed, where applicable;

(2)

Conceptual design drawings for the relocated Billboards.

h)

Review Process. All Billboard Relocation Agreements shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission pursuant to a duly notice public hearing. The Planning Commission shall review the Agreement and, after a duly noticed public hearing, make a recommendation to City Council, based on current development standards and the location of the billboard. The Planning Commission shall make findings. At a City Council meeting no later than thirty (30) days after the Planning Commission makes its recommendation, the City Council shall review and consider the Billboard Relocation Agreement, after a duly noticed public hearing. The City Council must make the following findings, should it deem it appropriate to enter into the Billboard Relocation Agreement:

(1)

The proposed agreement is consistent with the goals, objectives, purposes and provisions of the Victorville General Plan, the Victorville Development Code and any applicable specific plans;

(2)

The proposed relocation site is compatible with the uses and structures on the site and in the surrounding area;

(3)

The proposed billboard would not create a traffic or safety problem, including problems associated with onsite access circulation or visibility;

(4)

The proposed billboard would not interfere with onsite parking or landscaping required by City ordinance or permit; and

(5)

The proposed billboard would not otherwise result in a threat to the general health, safety and welfare of City residents.

i)

Sign Permit. Subsequent to the approval of a Billboard Relocation Agreement by the City Council, the applicant shall file an application for a sign permit to relocate or reconstruct the billboard(s) as authorized by the Billboard Relocation Agreement, consistent with the requirements of Section 16-3.22.060. A permit application shall be submitted on the appropriate forms provided by the City Manager or his/her designee and the applicant by a processing fee established by resolution of the City Council. Within ten (10) days of the receipt of an application for a sign permit, the City Manager or his/her designee shall approve the sign permit if the design and the location of the proposed relocated billboard(s) are found to be consistent with the conceptual relocated billboard design approved as part of the Billboard Relocation Agreement.

(Ord. No. 2288, § 9, 2-7-12, eff. 3-9-12; Ord. No. 2388, § 3, 3-19-19)

When no relocation of a billboard is being considered, and when the applicant desires to modify or replace an existing billboard with a Digital Display, the applicant shall remove three (3) existing legal nonconforming billboards within the City and erect one (1) digital display in the same location as one of the billboards being removed. A Site Plan application shall be reviewed administratively and determined by the City's Zoning Administrator.

(Ord. No. 2288, § 9, 2-7-12, eff. 3-9-12)