The purpose of this article is to establish appropriate sign regulations to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the community. The city council has found that the regulations here:

(a)

Protect and enhance the positive image of the city and its property values, preserve and advance the quality of life for residents of the city, and provide a pleasing aesthetic setting for those who reside in and visit the city.

(b)

Promote the use of signs that create a high quality visual environment and that are complimentary in scale and proportion with surrounding buildings and harmonious with surrounding neighborhoods.

(c)

Ensure that signs do not proliferate to the extent that they create confusion and visually dominate the setting in which they are located.

(d)

Provide for the welfare of the local business community and the economic welfare of the overall community by providing reasonable opportunities for the identification of businesses and the goods and services that they offer.

(e)

Ensure that signs are designed and located so as to not create a hazard to the safety and movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

(f)

Facilitate the provision of more housing to both current and prospective residents desiring to reside in the city, by enabling sellers and lessors of a variety of housing types, including low-income, multi-family, single-family, and otherwise, to reach buyers and renters more effectively, thereby increasing the opportunities for citizens to find appropriate new and existing real estate for lease or sale.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2332, § 1, 3-6-18)

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no sign shall be erected, installed, constructed, relocated, affixed to a building or structure, or altered without complying with the requirements contained in this article and all other applicable provisions of the Municipal Code.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

The following definitions shall apply to terms as used in this article.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"A-frame sign" shall mean a temporary freestanding sign, usually hinged at the top, or attached in a similar fashion, and widening at the bottom to form a shape similar to the letter "A."

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Advertising sign" shall mean a sign that identifies one (1) or more uses, products, or a service obtainable on the premises through the use of words, letters, symbols, or combination thereof.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Awning sign" shall mean a non-electric sign printed on, painted on, or attached to a cloth awning. The awning structure itself shall be subject to building setbacks. Awning signs, for the purposes of the regulations of this article, shall be treated as wall signs.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Balloon display" shall mean an arrangement of one (1) or more balloons, with or without any message thereon, which are individually less than thirty-six (36) inches in any dimension and inflated with air, helium, or gas, that are tethered at a fixed location and are primarily intended to draw attention to that location. Balloon displays shall not include balloons arranged in a manner that cumulatively spell out a word.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Banner" shall mean a sign made of cloth, heavy duty plastic, or similar lightweight, flexible material (except paper), attached to or suspended from any structure, building, staff, pole, line, framing, or other projection, and used for temporary advertising purposes, not including "flags" as defined in section 26-310.12.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Building canopy sign" shall mean a sign, placed on a vertical plane, affixed flat against the fascia of a permanent covering that projects from the building (building canopy), and that does not extend above or below the edges of such fascia. As used in this definition, canopy shall not include awnings and other canopy covers made of cloth, metal, and other materials, which are not an integral part of the building. Building canopy signs, for the purposes of the regulations of this article, shall be treated as wall signs.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Cloth canopy sign" shall mean a non-electrical sign printed on, painted on, or attached to a cloth canopy. The canopy structure itself shall be subject to building setbacks. Cloth canopy signs, for the purposes of the regulations of this article, shall be treated as wall signs.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Commercial sign" shall mean any sign that does not meet the definition of a noncommercial sign, including, but not limited to, signs on commercial sites.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Detached sign" shall mean a free-standing sign that is not attached to a building. Detached signs include monument signs, pylon signs, and pole signs.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Directional sign" shall mean a sign intended for the purpose of directing pedestrians and/or motorists.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Double-faced sign" shall mean a sign with two (2) faces, with each face oriented one hundred eighty (180) degrees from the other.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Flag" shall mean any fabric or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, symbols, or logos of a government agency, political subdivision, corporation, church, or other entity.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Hand-held sign" shall mean a commercial sign held by a person or persons in a manner to attract attention to an area, development, business, or service.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Hanging sign" shall mean a sign that is attached to, but hangs or projects below the underside of an awning, canopy, arcade, eave, overhang, or other covering that projects outward from the face of a building.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Height, " as used in this article, shall mean the vertical distance from the ground (measured from the adjacent street curb elevation) to the top of the highest element of a sign, including any structural element. Where specified, however, height may also mean the vertical dimension of the sign area or sign face.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Identification sign" shall mean a sign that portrays, through the use of words, letters, logos, or symbols, the name and/or type of business conducted on the premises, or any product or service obtainable on the premises.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2030, § 4, 4-20-99)

"Information sign" shall mean a sign that provides information related to a use, product, event, business, or activity on the premises and that is not displayed for the purpose of advertising products or services. Information signs include signs indicating the location of business facilities (e.g. entrances, walk-up windows, self-service operations), and operational information (e.g. hours of operation, menus, credit card logos, restroom labels).

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Inflatable sign" shall mean an inflated balloon, in any shape or in the form of any character or animal, and over thirty-six (36) inches in diameter in any dimension, made of vinyl, fabric, cloth, or other similar, lightweight, flexible material, held up by means of cold air, and primarily intended to draw attention to that location.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Logo" shall mean a word, letter, symbol, design, or other graphic representation, separate from the sign text that identifies a business, activity, product, or company. A logo is considered a sign or part of a sign.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Menu board sign" shall mean a sign on the site of a drive-through restaurant, either detached or attached to the building, displaying the type and price of food and beverages sold in connection with and oriented towards the drive-through lane.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Monument sign" shall mean a detached sign with a wide base.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Moving sign" shall mean a sign that moves or creates an appearance of movement, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, or any other similar sign constructed or maintained to, in any way, simulate motion.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Nameplate" shall mean a sign that contains only the name and/or address of the occupants of the building or portion thereof.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Neon lighting and sign" shall mean any electric gas tube lighting and any sign containing argon, neon, krypton, helium, or xenon.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Noncommercial sign" shall mean a sign not connected with a commercial business or activity.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"On-site sign" shall mean a sign that identifies, informs, or advertises a use, product, activity, event, business message, or service located or provided at the site upon which the sign is located. On-site signs may include noncommercial signs.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Off-site sign" shall mean a sign that identifies, informs, or advertises a use, product, activity, event, business message, or service not located or provided at the site upon which the sign is located, including, but not limited to, billboards and noncommercial signs.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Pennant" shall mean any lightweight plastic, paper, fabric, or other similar, flexible material, suspended from or attached to a rope, wire, string, or pole, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Pole sign" shall mean a detached sign, other than a monument sign, affixed to the ground by a single support structure.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Political sign" is a sign that contains a political message such as a message supporting a candidate for public office, a political party, or a position on a particular political or ideological issue. Political signs shall be considered as temporary noncommercial signs for the purposes of this article.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2332, § 2, 3-6-18)

"Portable sign" shall mean a temporary sign which is not permanently affixed to a building, structure, or on the ground, and is capable of being carried or readily moved from one location to another. This may include, but is not limited to, "A" frame or sandwich signs, or a sign which leans on a stationary object, building, or structure. Portable signs shall not include banners, pennants, flags, inflatable signs, vehicle signs, and hand held signs, which are defined separately.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Primary frontage" means the side of a building where the main entrance for its pedestrian ingress and egress is located. If more than one (1) main entrance exists, the entrance that most nearly faces or is oriented toward the street of highest classification as portrayed on the current master plan of streets and highways shall be considered the primary frontage. If all streets are of the same classification, the side of the building with the shortest lineal dimension containing a main entrance shall be considered the primary frontage.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Projecting sign" shall mean a sign that projects from and is supported by a wall or building with the display surface of the sign at or near a ninety (90) degree angle to the building facade. Projecting signs are separate from "hanging signs" that are attached to the underside of a covering that projects from the building.

"Promotional sign" shall mean a sign, in addition to permanent signage, placed on a temporary basis and used to promote a special event or product available at the site on which the sign is located.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Pylon sign" shall mean a detached sign affixed to the ground by two (2) supports.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Readerboard sign" shall mean a sign designed to allow the changing of copy through manual, mechanical, or electrical means.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Roof sign" shall mean a sign attached to a building that is characterized by one (1) or more of the following:

(a)

Sign is placed atop, or projects above the top edge of, a roof, mansard roof, canopy, or a similar structure not at a vertical plane; or

(b)

Sign is placed atop, or projects above the top edge of, a parapet wall, canopy fascia, or a similar structure at or near a vertical plane, or

(c)

Sign is placed on a tower or similar wall structure that extends above the top of the roof or parapet wall of a building.

EXAMPLES OF ROOF SIGNS

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Sign" shall mean a device or structure for visual communication which shall include any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, or insignia visible from outside, which is used to identify, inform, or promote the interests of any person, business, or organization.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Sign area" shall mean the entire area within straight lines that form, or closely follow, a continuous perimeter outlining the extremities of the element (including panel, placard, cabinet) upon which the sign is placed. Where no such element exists (for example, individual channel letter signs mounted on a building), sign area shall mean the entire area within straight lines that meet at ninety (90) degree angles and outline each individual character or symbol. Support structure shall not be included in this area unless such support structures are designed in such a manner as to form an integral part of the sign or display.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Sign face or surface" shall mean the surface of the sign upon, against, or through which the copy is displayed or illustrated on the sign.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Sign copy" shall mean the words, letters, logos, or symbols displayed on a sign.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Sign program" shall mean comprehensive design standards and/or sign criteria for particular sites that signs are subject to, in addition to sign regulations contained in this article.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Single-faced sign" shall mean a sign with one (1) face.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Site" shall mean one (1) or more parcels of land or portions thereof for which an integrated development plan, such as a precise plan, exists.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Temporary noncommercial sign" shall mean a sign, constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard, plywood or other material, with or without frames, which is erected for a limited period of time to convey a noncommercial message, including signs regarding time specific events, such as elections. Temporary noncommercial signs shall include political signs.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Tenant directory sign" shall mean a sign listing two (2) or more tenants or occupants of a building, complex, or shopping center.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Trademark" shall mean a word or name which, with a distinctive type or letterstyle, symbols, or logo, is associated with a business or organization.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Vehicle sign" shall mean a sign permanently or temporarily attached or placed on a vehicle or trailer, as defined by the California Vehicle Code.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Wall sign" shall mean a sign, affixed flat against a building wall at a vertical plane that does not project above top edge of a parapet wall, and that does not extend above or below the edges of the building wall fascia. Building canopy signs, cloth canopy signs, and awning signs shall, for the purposes of this article, be treated as wall signs.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

"Window sign" shall mean a sign that is applied or attached to a window or located within two and one-half (2.5) feet of the inside of a window.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

The following signs shall be exempt from the provisions of this article:

(a)

Street number signs up to three (3) square feet in size.

(b)

Interior signs located more than two and one-half (2.5) feet from the inside of a window of an enclosed building.

(c)

City or other public entity signs located on its own property and/or the public right-of way, including banners permitted by section 26-313(b).

(d)

Service station copy applied to fuel pumps or dispensers such as fuel identification, station logo, and other signage required by state and federal law.

(e)

Traffic control signs installed per the standards of the California Vehicle Code, or directional signs serving the same purpose provided installed or authorized by a governmental agency.

(f)

Construction warning signs.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

Whenever a sign for a commercial message is permitted by this chapter, a noncommercial message of any type may be substituted for the duly allowed commercial message contained therein.

(Ord. No. 2332, § 3, 3-6-18)

The following signs are prohibited:

(a)

Moving signs, visible from a public parking area or street, except for electronic reader boards permitted by sign exception review (SER) under section 26-359, barber poles permitted by SER that rotate at a speed not to exceed eight (8) revolutions per minute, and tethered balloons permitted by temporary use permit (TUP) under section 26-273 and section 26-274.

(b)

Painted signs, except as permitted on windows under section 26-351, and on construction barricades by section 26-370.

(c)

Vehicle signs, except as permitted by section 26-374(h) or where the vehicle meets the following criteria:

(1)

The vehicle is used in conjunction with the business to which the advertising on the vehicle pertains, e.g. regular use for delivery of business products or obtaining supplies.

(2)

The vehicle sign is permanently or magnetically attached to or painted on a vehicle that is used in conjunction with the business that it identifies or advertises.

(3)

The vehicle sign is not attached in a manner to render the vehicle, or a door, window, hood, trunk, or tailgate of that vehicle, unmovable or unusable, or to violate the California Vehicle Code.

(4)

The vehicle sign is not attached in a manner to render it unsafe or in danger of detaching.

(d)

Off-site commercial signs.

(e)

Signs located on public property or in the public right-of-way, except as allowed by section 26-311(c), and section 26-313, or by approval of an encroachment permit by the city council. Public property includes, but is not limited to: public streets, alleys, medians, sidewalks, rights of way, or easements. This restriction shall not apply to city or public entity signs on its own property pursuant to section 26-311(c), or construction warning signs permitted by an encroachment permit. Furthermore, the following shall apply:

(1)

No sign shall be affixed to private improvements in the public right-of-way, including, but not limited to, utility poles, light standards, telephone poles, telephone equipment boxes, cross-arms, traffic control devices, trees, fences, or poles supporting fences.

(2)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, no sign shall prevent or interfere with free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape, or shall be located or maintained in such a place or in such a manner as to constitute an immediate hazard to the safety of or block the path of travel of pedestrians or vehicular traffic. The determination of the city engineer or authorized representative as to whether a sign constitutes such a hazard shall be conclusive.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2030, § 4, 4-20-99; Ord. No. 2332, §§ 4, 5, 3-6-18)

(a)

Residential subdivision directional signs.

(1)

Signs for the purpose of directing the public to residential subdivision property shall be considered as authorized city directional signs and shall be permitted in the public right-of-way when the sign is part of a standardized program of off-site directional signs required or authorized by the city.

(2)

Signs shall be permitted on private property only with the written consent of the property owner.

(3)

Signs shall be free-standing with a maximum height of nine (9) feet and a maximum width of five (5) feet. The top panel shall state "West Covina" or other city identifying information. Panels for sites placed below the top panel shall have uniform backgrounds, height (maximum of one (1) foot, but no greater than that of the top panel), shape, and width (same as top panel). There shall be no additions, tag signs, streamers, devices, display boards, or appurtenances added to signs as originally approved.

(4)

Signs and sign panels shall be removed when each subdivision to which signs and sign panels provide direction is sold out. The entity administering the program will be responsible for removal of signs and sign panels no longer needed.

(b)

Real estate open house directional signs.

(1)

Signs for the purpose of directing prospective buyers to property for sale shall be considered authorized city directional signs and shall be permitted in the public right-of-way.

(2)

Sign shall be permitted on private property only with the written consent of the property owner.

(3)

Sign copy may consist only of the term "open house, " a directional arrow, the site address, realtor's name, and phone number.

(4)

No sign shall exceed six (6) square feet in area and five (5) feet in height.

(5)

No more than one (1) sign directing traffic to a particular location shall be placed per each side of a street block.

(6)

Signs shall be placed on their own stakes or other support, and not attached to other structures, or trees.

(7)

No sign shall be displayed on the same location in excess of three (3) days per a calendar week.

(c)

Banners in the public right-of-way.

(1)

Signs for the purpose of directing residents to community events sponsored wholly, or in part by the City of West Covina, and erected by the City of West Covina, may be placed within the public right-of-way subject to approval by the planning director.

(2)

Such banners shall be limited to events associated with community events, such as Fourth of July, the West Covina Festival, Summer Concert Series, Holiday Concert, and similar events.

(3)

The planning director shall develop procedures regulating the time, place, manner, and duration of such banners.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

Temporary noncommercial signs, as defined in section 26-310.45, shall be permitted, subject to the following:

(a)

Signs may be placed on private property with the prior consent of the property owner. As used here, "property owner" includes a tenant in possession.

(b)

Signs on private property shall not exceed eight (8) feet in any dimension or thirty-two (32) square feet in area.

(c)

Signs on private property that are attached to a wall, fence, or building may project into the public right-of-way up to a maximum of six (6) inches.

(d)

Temporary noncommercial signs may not be placed in or on a public street, alley, median island, sidewalk right-of-way, or easement, and such signs may not be attached to utility poles, traffic control boxes, or other public property.

(e)

It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or maintain a temporary noncommercial sign other than as authorized by this section, or for any owner of real property to permit, allow, acquiesce in, sanction, or condone the erection or maintenance of a temporary noncommercial sign on his/her property other than as authorized by this division.

(f)

All temporary noncommercial signs shall be removed within ten (10) days after the event to which they pertain by the person or entity which erected the sign, or the owner of the property on which the sign has been erected. Signs not removed within ten (10) days shall be removed according to the provisions of section 26-320 below.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2332, § 6, 3-6-18)

(a)

Existing signs that do not conform to the provisions of this chapter are deemed legal nonconforming uses if they were installed in conformance with then-existing laws and regulations and a valid permit, and complied with all applicable provisions on the date it was installed. Such signs may continue to be used and maintained, provided that signs shall not be:

(1)

Structurally altered.

(2)

Expanded, moved, or relocated.

(3)

Re-established after the use to which a sign pertains has been abandoned for six (6) months or more.

(4)

Re-established after damage or destruction of more than fifty (50) percent of its reasonable replacement value as set out in section 26-186.

(b)

Sign copy and sign faces may be changed on nonconforming signs when there is no change in sign area, or when only a portion of the copy on a multiple tenant sign is being changed.

(c)

Additional conforming signs may be installed without the need to remove or bring nonconforming signs on a site into conformance.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

All signs, including those exempt under this chapter, and legal nonconforming signs are required to be structurally safe and maintained and kept in good condition. The display surface of all signs shall be kept clean, neatly painted, and free from rust and corrosion. Any crack, broken surface, malfunctioning lights, missing sign copy or other unmaintained or damaged portion of a sign shall be repaired or replaced. Signs, and all parts, portions, and materials shall be erected in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and city laws and regulations.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

The name and/or type of the occupant of a building or enclosed tenant space shall be displayed in the English language, in minimum letter height of four (4) inches, along any frontage upon which signs for that use are provided. Any copy not in the English language shall be subject to the same provisions as copy in English.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(a)

Signs shall be designed, installed, and maintained in such a manner that the spillover of any illumination of signs onto residential property shall not exceed two (2.0) foot candles above ambient light levels, and the spillover of glare produced by the illumination of signs shall not negatively impact any surrounding properties.

(b)

Signs illuminated with exposed neon and/or flexible tubing shall meet the following standards:

(1)

Illumination shall not exceed thirty (30) milliamps.

(2)

Signs placed such that any portion of the sign is less than twelve (12) feet above the adjacent ground level shall be encased and/or covered to protect the neon tubes.

(3)

Wall-mounted and detached exposed neon tube signs shall require noncombustible backing where attached to structures with a facing of wood or other flammable material.

(4)

Exposed electrode housings shall be prohibited, except in the case of installations directly onto a noncombustible solid wall, such as a tilt-up cement wall.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

Within six (6) months of the adoption of this article [December 17, 1996], the city may commence a program to inventory and identify illegal and abandoned signs within the city. Within sixty (60) days after this six-month period, the city may commence abatement of identified illegal and abandoned signs.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(a)

Signs on city property and rights-of-way. The planning director, or his/her designated representative, may immediately remove any sign located on city property and/or public right-of-ways in violation of this article or any sign which constitutes an immediate danger as a traffic or safety hazard pursuant to section 26-312(e)(2).

(b)

Commercial and permanent noncommercial signs on private property.

(1)

The planning director may require any commercial or permanent noncommercial sign erected, constructed, maintained, or relocated on private property in violation of this article or otherwise constituting a nuisance hereunder, removed within thirty (30) days after providing a written notice to the owner of the sign, if known, or to the owner of the property.

(2)

Such notice shall state the location of the sign, the nature of the violation, and the manner in which the violation constitutes a public nuisance, if any, per the standards in this article. The notice also shall require the removal or other abatement of the sign before the date specified in the notice. Further, the notice shall state that if there is no compliance, the sign may be removed by the city and the cost imposed on the owner of the property.

(3)

If the sign is not removed or otherwise abated by being brought into compliance with this article, or if a written objection is not filed before the date of removal set out in the notice, the sign shall be declared to be abandoned and the planning director shall cause removal of the sign at the expense of the owner of the property or the owner of the sign.

(4)

Written objections to such removal or charge may be filed with the city clerk before the date of removal set out in the notice, giving the name, address, status, and detailed objections of the persons filing the objections.

(5)

Upon receipt of such objections, the sign shall remain in place pending a hearing before the planning commission. At least ten (10) days prior to the hearing, a notice of the hearing date shall be mailed to the property owner, as well as the owner of the sign and/or person filing the objection. At the hearing, the planning commission shall hear and consider the objections raised by the persons objecting, and shall determine whether to issue a written order for the removal or abatement of the sign.

(6)

Notices referred to in this section shall be served by posting on the property on which the sign is located and by registered or certified mail delivery, postage prepaid to the owner of the property, and, if known, the owner of the sign.

(7)

The charge for abatement shall be imposed pursuant to article X of chapter 15 of this Code.

(8)

Alternatively, the planning director may waive the nuisance abatement provisions of article X of chapter 15 of this Code.

(c)

Temporary noncommercial signs on private property-abatement or removal prior to event.

(1)

The planning director, or his/her designated representative, may immediately remove any temporary noncommercial sign located on private property which constitutes an immediate danger as a traffic or safety hazard pursuant to section 26-312(e)(2), regardless of whether such sign otherwise complies with the provisions of this article.

(2)

When the planning director or his/her designee determines that a temporary noncommercial [sign] located on private property has been erected, constructed, maintained, or relocated in violation of this article, and such sign does not constitute an immediate danger as a traffic or safety hazard as set forth in subsection (1) above, the planning director or his/her designee shall notify or make reasonable effort to notify the owner of the sign and the owner of the property on which the sign is located. If the identification of the owner is not provided on the sign, the owner shall be presumed to be the candidate identified on the sign or the campaign committee of the candidate or ballot cause identified on the sign. Such notice may be oral or written and shall state the location of the sign and the nature of the violation.

(3)

The sign owner and/or the property owner shall be provided a period of seventy-two (72) hours from the time that notification is made or is first attempted to be made to cause the sign to be removed or to otherwise correct the violation. If such action fails to occur within the seventy-two-hour period, the sign shall be deemed abandoned and may be removed by the city and the cost imposed on the sign owner or, if the sign owner cannot be contacted, on the property owner.

(4)

If the sign owner cannot be contacted, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to remove the sign or otherwise correct the violation. If the property owner cannot be contacted, it shall be the responsibility of the sign owner to remove the sign or otherwise correct the violation.

(d)

Temporary noncommercial signs on private property—Removal or abatement after event. Any sign which remains on private property more than ten (10) days after the event to which it pertains in violation of section 26-314(f), may be removed by the city after giving twenty-four (24) hours' notice to the property owner that they are in violation of this provision of the Code. The city shall hold signs removed pursuant to this section at the city corporation yard for thirty (30) calendar days after they are removed for pick-up by the owner. The actual cost of removal may be imposed on the sign owner or, if the sign owner cannot be contacted, on the property owner.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2332, § 7, 3-6-18)

Except as otherwise provided for under this article, no permanent on-site sign may be constructed, installed, placed, displayed, or otherwise established on any building, structure, or site; and no existing permanent sign may be modified without first obtaining approval of the appropriate clearance from the planning division as set forth below. Clearance for permanent signs shall be in the form of (1) a sign permit clearance (SPC), (2) a sign administrative review (SAR), or (3) a sign exception review (SER) as set forth in this division. Clearance for temporary signs shall be in the form of (1) a special events permit (SEP), or (2) a temporary use permit (TUP), as set forth in sections 26-602 and 26-614 of this chapter, respectively. Such approval shall be in addition to the requirement for any sign permit from the building division pursuant to Article IX, Chapter 7 of the West Covina Municipal Code. A permanent on-site sign may be commercial or noncommercial.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2030, § 4, 4-20-99)

The following types of signs that comply with the standards of division 6 and other provisions of this article shall be permitted without approval by the planning division:

(a)

Nameplate signs.

(b)

Window signs.

(c)

Temporary noncommercial signs as set out in section 26-313.

(d)

Wall-mounted promotional signs in display frames as permitted by section 26-372(b).

(e)

Hand-held signs.

(f)

Pole-mounted vertical banners, small balloons, and pennants on uses with approved outdoor display and more than seventy-five thousand (75,000) square feet of lot area, as permitted by section 26-372(f), (g), and (h), respectively.

(g)

For sale, for rent, for lease signs on non-residential sites, if attached to a building.

(h)

For sale, for rent, for lease signs on residential sites, except for mobilehome parks, unimproved property, and new projects, as permitted in section 26-383.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2030, § 4, 4-20-99)

(a)

Plans. Requests for approval of a sign permit clearance, sign administrative review, or sign exception review shall be submitted to the planning division with three (3) copies of the following:

(1)

Sign plan depicting structural details and sign details (lettering style, colors, materials, method of illumination).

(2)

Site plan of the entire site showing the proposed location of the sign.

(3)

Building elevations showing the proposed location of the sign.

(4)

Samples of colors and materials.

(5)

Other relevant information requested by the planning director or his/her designee.

(b)

[Authorization for submittal.] If plans are submitted by a person other than the property owner or manager, a letter signed by the property owner or manager shall be submitted authorizing the submittal of the plans for the proposed sign.

(c)

Filing fee. For requests for a sign administrative review or a sign exception review, a filing fee shall be paid as determined by resolution of the city council.

(d)

Noticing information. For requests for a sign exception review, the applicant shall submit a list of the names and addresses of all persons owning property within a radius of one hundred (100) feet of the subject site as shown on the latest available assessment rolls of the county assessor, as well as the names and addresses of all tenants of the subject site and property within a radius of one hundred (100) feet of the subject site.

(e)

Appeals. Decisions regarding a sign permit clearance, sign administrative review, or a sign exception review shall be final and effective five (5) days after the date the decision is rendered, unless an appeal is filed in writing as set forth in section 26-212 of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2030, § 4, 4-20-99)

(a)

Applicability. The following types of signs shall be subject to approval by a sign permit clearance (SPC):

(1)

Wall signs, except those pertaining to office and institutional uses, or those with lighting other than from the interior.

(2)

Hanging signs, except those pertaining to office and institutional uses, or those with lighting other than from the interior.

(b)

Review procedure. Upon submittal, requests for a sign permit clearance shall be reviewed for compliance with the provisions of this article and other applicable provisions of this chapter. Staff of the planning division as designated by the planning director shall be authorized to approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove requests for a sign permit clearance.

(c)

Alternative consideration through sign administrative review. If it is determined that a request for a sign permit clearance does not comply with the applicable sign design standards contained in section 26-317 and would otherwise be disapproved, the applicant may request review of the proposed sign through a sign administrative review pursuant to procedures contained in section 26-325 of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2030, § 4, 4-20-99)

(a)

Applicability. The following types of signs shall be subject to approval through a sign administrative review (SAR):

(1)

Office and institutional wall signs.

(2)

Detached signs (except freeway bonus and readerboard signs).

(3)

Wall signs with building area bonus.

(4)

Multiple-family residential identification signs.

(5)

Mobilehome park identification and tenant directory signs.

(6)

Any sign with business name bonus.

(b)

Review procedure. The planning director shall be authorized to approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove requests for a sign administrative review. The determination to approve or disapprove a sign administrative review shall be based on compliance with the provisions of this article including, but not limited to the design standards contained in division 5 of this article.

Notwithstanding the above, the planning director shall be authorized to approve the design of proposed signs that deviate from the design standards contained in division 5 of this article, if the following findings are made:

(1)

The modified design would be more appropriate within the physical setting in which the sign is proposed to be located, considering such factors as consistency with the design of other adjacent or surrounding existing signs and buildings; and/or the modified design would provide necessary visibility and exposure of the sign, considering such factors as topography, building configuration, or tenant space location in relation to the parking lot or street; and

(2)

The modified design is consistent with the general plan, any adopted area plan or specific plan for the area, and any adopted sign program for the site.

(c)

Review by planning commission. The planning director may elect to not rule on a request for a sign administrative review and transfer the matter to the planning commission, to be heard within thirty (30) days from the date the applicant is provided with the planning director's written decision.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2030, § 4, 4-20-99)

(a)

Applicability. The following types of signs shall be subject to approval through a sign exception review:

(1)

Freeway bonus signs.

(2)

Projecting signs.

(3)

Roof signs.

(4)

Readerboard signs.

(b)

Administrative use permit required. Any person desiring a sign which is subject to sign exception review shall be required to file with the planning director an application for an administrative use permit as set forth in article VI, division 5 of this chapter.

(c)

Findings. Before an application for an administrative use permit for sign exception review may be approved, the planning director shall determine that the proposed sign complies with the provisions of this article, including, but not limited to the design standards contained in division 5 of this article.

Notwithstanding the above, the planning director shall be authorized to approve the design of proposed signs that deviate from the design standards contained in section 26-331, if the following findings are made:

(1)

The modified design would be more appropriate within the physical setting in which the sign is proposed to be located, considering such factors as consistency with the design of other adjacent or surrounding existing signs and buildings; and/or the modified design would provide necessary visibility and exposure of the sign, considering such factors as topography, building configuration, or tenant space location in relation to the parking lot or street; and

(2)

The modified design is consistent with the general plan, any adopted area plan or specific plan for the area, and any adopted sign program for the site.

(Ord. No. 1992, §§ 1, 2(Amd. 277, Exh. A), 4-1-97)

All signs subject to approval under a sign permit clearance, sign administrative review, or sign exception review shall comply with the following sign design standards, with the exception that deviations from these standards may be granted pursuant to review procedures set forth in division 4 of this article.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(a)

Style. Signs shall be integrated with the architecture of the building with which they are associated. The design, materials, and colors of signs shall be coordinated with the design, materials, and colors of the building exteriors and other design features of the site on which they located.

(b)

Shape. The outer perimeter of signs shall be of a rectangular shape, unless the use of a corporate logo or the irregularity of the space where the sign is located dictates that the sign be shaped otherwise.

(c)

Scale. Signs shall be proportionately related to the scale of the building and the scale of the facade on which signs may be located.

(d)

Color. Signs shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) colors unless the use of corporate color schemes or logos dictates the use of more than three (3) colors. Fluorescent colors shall not be used. There shall be a significant contrast between lettering colors and background colors for legibility.

(e)

Copy. Individual signs (excluding tenant identification and other multi-purpose or multiuse signs) shall use a maximum number of two (2) lines of copy, unless the configuration of a sign dictates that more than two (2) lines of copy be used. Sign copy shall be placed on a horizontal line, unless use of a corporate logo dictates that copy be placed on other than a horizontal line.

(f)

Illumination. Signs shall be illuminated from the interior of the sign, except for signs with other forms of illumination, such as exposed neon, flexible tubing, flood lighting, and back lighting, approved through a sign administrative review (SAR) pursuant to section 26-325 of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(a)

Signs located along a canopy or top fascia shall be centered horizontally along the fascia and vertically along the width of the tenant frontage.

(b)

Wall signs shall consist of individually mounted channel letters, except on shopping center sites with a comprehensive sign theme already in place, or with a comprehensive sign program, consisting of cabinet (can) signs or other sign types.

(c)

Landscaping shall complement signs, but shall not obstruct their visibility. Wherever possible, signs shall be placed where they will not be obstructed by on-site or street landscaping.

(d)

Wall signs shall not project more than eighteen (18) inches from the building fascia.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(a)

Hanging signs shall be permitted only on buildings where there is not a sufficient amount of area on a wall or building canopy fascia to allow the placement of adequately-sized wall or building canopy signs.

(b)

Hanging signs used as identification and advertising signs shall be placed parallel to the building frontage.

(c)

Hanging signs used as identification or advertising signs shall be placed immediately to the side of or below the edge of the building eave.

(d)

Hanging signs shall be cabinet (can) signs with a decorative shape, possibly with scalloped edges and rounded corners in order to soften their appearance.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(a)

Hanging nameplates shall be permitted only on buildings that have a pedestrian arcade or other design features that impede the visibility of other identification signs by pedestrians.

(b)

Hanging nameplates shall be placed perpendicular to the building frontage.

(c)

Hanging nameplates shall be designed to be viewed by pedestrian traffic along private walkways only.

(d)

Hanging nameplates shall be non-illuminated can or wood signs.

(e)

Hanging nameplates shall have a decorative shape by providing scalloped edges and/or rounded corners in order to soften their appearance.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(a)

Awning signs may be placed in lieu of wall signs on buildings with no building canopy or other pedestrian covers along frontages, or as secondary to wall signs.

(b)

The copy of awning signs shall be placed on the valance, which is the portion of the awning at or near a vertical plane.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(a)

In order to facilitate law enforcement and protect public safety, window signs shall not be placed in [a] manner whereby the view into a tenant unit at eye level from outside a window is substantially obstructed.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(a)

Roof signs shall be permitted only on buildings that do not possess adequate areas with proper visibility for the location of other types of identification signs.

(b)

Roof signs shall not be permitted on buildings with sloped and mansard roofs unless the sign fascia is placed at a horizontal plane while the back of the sign is screened from view by either recessing the sign into the roof slope or by providing screening to the rear of the sign to create a boxed-in area. For these buildings, wall, building canopy, or hanging signs shall be considered first before consideration of roof signs.

(c)

Roof signs shall only be placed atop those areas within the boundaries of the tenant space.

(d)

Roof signs shall be designed to be structurally and architecturally integrated with the building.

(e)

For roof signs placed on a flat surface, the base of a roof sign shall have the same width as the sign face, and the color and materials of the sign support and frame of the sign shall closely match that of the building.

(f)

No structural supports, electrical wiring, or other items shall be visible from the public street and public parking areas.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(a)

Projecting signs shall be permitted as secondary identification signs (in addition to wall signs) for sites with a high degree of pedestrian traffic and where the view of the primary sign by pedestrians is limited.

(b)

Projecting signs may be used as primary signs for buildings that do not possess adequate areas with proper visibility for the location of other types of identification signs.

(c)

Projecting signs shall be placed perpendicular to the building frontage and shall not extend above the level of the building eave of a sloped roof or highest point on a flat roof.

(d)

Projecting signs shall be attached-to the building fascia with an attractive and decorative support, and shall not appear to be tacked on.

(e)

The design, materials, and colors of the projecting signs and sign supports shall complement the style of the building.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(a)

Detached identification signs and detached parking directional signs shall not be placed in close proximity to each other on the same side of a driveway entry.

(b)

Detached signs shall not be placed within a triangularly-shaped area adjacent to either side of a driveway at the point the driveway intersects with the sidewalk or lot line (if no sidewalk exists) as depicted in the diagram below, or placed in any other location that will create a view obstruction for vehicles which could create an unsafe condition.

(c)

Detached signs shall be located in a planter no less than twenty-four (24) square feet in size completely surrounded by a six-inch high concrete curb.

(d)

The color, materials, and design for all detached signs shall be architecturally compatible with that of the architecture of the building(s) on the site.

(e)

Detached signs, other than parking directional signs, up to eight (8) feet in height shall be designed as monument signs, with the width of the base of the signs equal to or more than the width of the sign face. Detached signs over eight (8) feet high shall be designed as pylon signs with two (2) supports to house the sign area in a decorative frame. For signs where it is not possible to provide a frame proportional to the sign, a single support may [be] provided as long as the support is proportional to the sign face in size and shape.

(f)

On monument signs and pylon signs, addresses with a minimum of six (6) inch letters shall be located above the copy area. If a series of addresses are located within the site, the address shall include the entire address range beginning with the lowest number. Addresses up to three (3) square feet shall not be considered in the calculation of sign area.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(a)

A consistent background color shall be provided for all panels.

(b)

Vertical breaks in the sign structure shall be provided for design relief.

(c)

Individual panels shall be recessed, framed, or otherwise treated to avoid a flat appearance of the sign face.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

Sign programs requiring the coordination of signs on the same site shall be required for sites with two (2) or more enclosed tenant spaces. Developed sites shall comply with this section upon requests for either new signs through sign administrative review or sign exception review or for building design remodel requests through precise plan revision or planning director's modification. This may include, but not be limited to adding building square footage, separation of one (1) tenant unit into two (2), or a change of the exterior architectural color, style, or design.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

The following tables contain the sign regulations for on-site signs in nonresidential zones and residential zones, respectively. In addition to the following regulations, all signs for nonresidential uses shall comply with the provisions of the sign design standards contained in division 5 of this article and other applicable provisions of this chapter. Unless otherwise specified, all signs shall be single-faced.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2030, § 4, 4-20-99)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2246, § 3(Exh. A), 6-18-13)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2246, § 3(Exh. A), 6-18-13)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2246, § 3(Exh. A), 6-18-13)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2028, § 3, 2-16-99; Ord. No. 2030, § 4, 4-20-99; Ord. No. 2246, § 3(Exh. A), 6-18-13)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2030, § 4, 4-20-99; Ord. No. 2061, § 3, 10-17-00)

(a)

Promotional signs are permitted only for enclosed tenant spaces normally permitted exterior signage and shall not be used as a use's main signage in-lieu of a permanent sign.

(b)

No promotional sign shall obstruct visibility for vehicles and pedestrians, and shall not encroach upon or overhang a public right-of-way or adjacent property.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2332, § 8, 3-6-18)

Maximum twelve (12) events per calendar year/total of all combined events may not exceed thirty-six (36) days.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2030, § 4, 4-20-99)

Maximum two (2) events per calendar year/total of one (1) or both events may not exceed twenty (20) days.

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2072, § 3, 8-21-01)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96; Ord. No. 2332, § 9, 3-6-18)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)

(Ord. No. 1981, § 2, 12-17-96)