Ordinance Number 69218-;
ORDINANCE NO. 692
AMENDMENT TO TITLE 9 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE - REVISED SIGN REGULATIONS
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO,
CALIFORNIA, REVISING SECTION 9-3.603 OF THE MUNICIPAL
CODE ENTITLED "SIGNS"
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CALIFORNIA, DOES
HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Findin s.
The City Council finds that:
1. In November, 1989, the City Council appointed a Sign Committee with
direction to conduct a comprehensive review of the current sign regulations and to
submit a report and recommendations on these findings.
2. On July 3, 1990, said Sign Committee submitted a comprehensive report
recommending that the City Council initiate an amendment to the existing regulations.
3. The City Council at their meeting of July 3, 1990, confirmed the
recommendations of the Sign Committee and did initiate formal consideration of a Code
Amendment.
4. The City's Environmental Review Board has reviewed the proposed Code
Amendment and determined that it will not have a significant impact upon the
environment and has issued a Negative Declaration which has been certified by the City
Council and has carried out all other applicable provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act.
5. The City's Design Review Commission has forwarded the amendment to
the City Council recommending approval.
6. The City's Planning Commission has forwarded the amendment to the
City Council recommending approval.
7. The amendment is consistent with the Community Design Element of the
General Plan in that the scale, location, criteria, materials, lighting and color standards
will preserve historic consistency and instill design integrity.
8. The amendment will also be consistent with the General Plan Policy Plan
in that it will require signs and graphics to be small, inconspicuous, and integrated into
the architectural design of the building, thus giving a sense of unity to all business
establishments.
SECTION 2. Amendment.
Municipal Code Section 9-3.603, entitled "Signs," is hereby revised in its
entirety in accordance with Exhibit "A" attached.
SECTION 3. Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after its
passage.
SECTION 4. City Clerk's Certification.
The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the
same to be posted at the duly designated posting places within the City and published
once within fifteen (15) days after passage and adoption is required by law; or, in the
alternative, the City Clerk may cause to be published a summary of this Ordinance and a
certified copy of the text of this Ordinance shall be posted in the Office of the City
Clerk five (5) days prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance; and, within fifteen
(15) days after adoption, the City Clerk shall cause to be published, the aforementioned
summary and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance, together with the vote for and
against the same, in the Office of the City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 16th day of Ju
1991.
KENNETH E. FRIESS, MAYOR
ATTEST:
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss
CITY OF SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO )
I, CHERYL JOHNSON, City Clerk of the City of San Juan Capistrano,
Ca. jrnia, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of
Ordinance No. 692 which was introduced at a meeting of the City Council of the City
of San Juan Capistrano, California, held on July 2 , 1991, and adopted at
a meeting held on July 16 , 1991, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmen Jones, Buchheim, Vasquez,
and Mayor Friess
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilman Hausdorfer
(SEAL) _
CHERYL JOHNSOW, CITY CLERK
-2-
EXHIBIT INA"
Section 9-3.603 Signs
(a) Purpose and Intent. It is a policy of the City as expressed
in the Community Design Element of the General Plan that the
design of this community be of the highest quality, that new
development be architecturally distinctive as well as
homogeneous in design, and that accessory facilities be
compatible with the overall theme. The quality of signage
plays a very distinctive role in achieving the above policy,
when abused, signs can create a visual blight which detracts
from the quality of the environment and an individual's visual
perception of the City.
Recognizing that the primary purpose of, signs is proper
business identification, the procedures and regulations of
this section are enacted to:
(1) Insure that signs erected within the City are compatible
with their surroundings and are in keeping with goals and
policies of the Community Design Element of the General
Plan;
(2) Provide for the identification of business enterprises
only and shall not be used for advertising purposes;
(3) Promote traffic safety and community identity while also
enhancing the quality of the visual environment of the
City; and
(4) Establish procedures and design regulations which control
the location, size, type, number of signs which may be
permitted including all other matters pertaining to
signs.
(b) Administrative Procedures. The administrative procedure for
considering sign applications are set forth in subsection "K"
of this section.
(c) General Reauirements. The requirements set forth in this
section shall be applicable to all signs erected on or after
August 15, 1991.
(d) Definitions. For definitions of certain terms used in this
section please refer to subsection 9-3.603 (M).
(e) Design Criteria. The design and placement of signs permitted
under this section shall adhere to specific design standards
as set forth below. The City recognizes that the primary
purpose of signs is effective communication. Therefore in
189
9-3.603 Signs -2-
considering sign applications and programs under that section,
the City shall give close attention to adequate sign
visibility, legibility, and readability.
The design criteria is listed as follows:
(1) Materials. The following material shall be used for
signs and shall be designed to be in harmony with the
architectural style of the buildings which they serve.
(aa) Use of high quality wood signs, hand carved,
sandblasted, painted, or routed;
(ab) Individual letters of metal or other materials
(ac) Ceramic tile either painted or sandblasted;
(ad) Painted signs on stucco or similar background.
(2) Lettering styles. Lettering styles shall be simple and
easily readable.
(3) Use of Adopted Logos or Trademarks. The use of an
adopted logo or trademark for a commercial or other
development may be permitted if the appearance would not
be in substantial conflict with the above design
criteria, architectural theme for the building or sign
program adopted in accordance with this section.
(4) Scale. The general design criteria for areas and heights
for different signs for various zoning districts are set
forth in Table 3-4.
(aa) In using this criteria, it should be emphasized that
any sign proposed shall be in scale with the
building and street frontage where it is to be
located. In situations wherein the nature of a
building site is such that the erection of a sign
at the maximum area and height would not be in scale
with neighboring buildings, the proposed building
or other existing buildings, the City may require
said signs to be modified in size and height so as
to be in scale with the building, site or adjacent
properties.
(ab) For major tenant signs exceeding the maximum area
defined for individual tenant signs, the Design
Review Commission may consider a larger sign
providing the sign area does not exceed two(2)
percent of the overall building elevation. In
considering an application the applicant shall be
9-3.603 Signs
190
-3-
required to submit accurate scaled drawings which'
depict the proposed sign on the building elevation.
In addition an enlargement of the sign location and
its relationship to the immediate architectural
elements shall be submitted. In considering an
application the Design Review Commission may reduce
the sign area below the two (2) percent, if the sign
would be out of scale with the design elements on
which it is located. (see Figure 3-1)
(5) Illumination. The illumination of signs shall be limited
to subdued external lighting, or back -lite lighting where
the illumination of the sign is directed on the wall
surface upon which the sign is located, except for
theater attraction boards where sign copy changes where
subdued internal illumination shall be permitted. Light
sources for illumination of signs shall be integrated
into the architectural features of the building such that
it is not generally visible to the general public from
the public right-of-way. All illuminated signs shall be
turned off by 10:00 p.m. or 30 minutes after closing of
the establishment they identify, whichever is later.
Sign illumination shall not be considered as a part of
any required security system. Halogen light as a source
of illumination shall be prohibited.
(6) Colors. Sign colors shall be in harmony with the
building architecture. Specific letter colors shall be
considered by the Director or Design Review Commission
(see section K, administrative procedures in providing
adequate contrast to insure legibility and readability.
Projects subject to development review (subsection
(4)(ab) of this section) shall comply with the approved
sign program colors for the project.
(7) Size and Height. Unless otherwise specified in this
section, Table 3-4 establishes the maximum height, area,
and aggregates area for signs in specific zoning
districts.
(8) Sign Copy. The text or copy of signs shall identify the
name and/or location of a business.
(f) Permitted Signs. The following signs may be erected subject
to City approval in accordance with Section "K"
(Administrative Procedures):
(1) Monument (Freestanding. Monument signs shall be
permitted for individual establishments or shopping
centers. Establishments within shopping centers shall
not be permitted individual monument signs. Copy for
TABLE 3-4
SUMMARY MATRIX SIGNS
PERMITTED FOR EACH USE OR ESTABLISHMENT
Maximum
Height In No Maximum
Case Above Area (Sq.
Type of Sign District Building Eaves Ft.)** Maximum Aggregate Area
*Freestanding monu-
CT
6 feet
ment
6 feet
30
*Freestanding pole
CT, CN
6 feet
Building -mounted.
CT
25 feet
flush
6 feet
32
Building -mounted
CT
15 feet
projecting
32
*Freestanding pole
CG. CO, PR,
- 8 feet
OR
'Freestanding monu- CG, CN, CO, 6 feet
ment PR, OR
Building -mounted
Freestanding
Building -mounted
Freestanding
Freestanding
Building -mounted
Temporary subdivi-
sion
Permanent subdivi-
sion
Real estate
Temporary
CG. CN. CO,
PR, OR
CM, MG, MP
CM, MG, MP
25 feet
24 Not more than 30 square feet for all freestand.
ing signs per common development
18 Not more than 30 square feet for all freestand-
ing signs per common development
18 24 square feet per exposure per individual
tenant
8 Computed as part of the building -mounted area
.24 Not more than 60 square feet per frontage for
all freestanding signs per common develop-
ment
60 Not more than 60 square feet per frontage for
all freestanding signs per common develop-
ment
18 24 square feet per exposure
6 feet 60
25 feet 60
MP
6 feet
60
IF,
6 feet
30
IP
25 feet
18
R, E, PRD
15 feet
60
R, E. PRD
6 feet
32
All
6 feet
6
32
All
6 feet
6
80 square feet
Building -mounted signs to be included as part
of the permitted 80 square feet aggregate area
120 square feet per industrial park
30 square feet
24 square feet per exposure
80 square feet per subdivision
64 square feet per subdivision
For lots one acre or less
For lots greater than one acre, one sign per
frontage
• Only one freestanding sign per street fmntage shall be permitted for individual establishments or shopping centers.
Establishments within shopping centers shall not be permitted individual freestanding signs.
'• Commercial shopping centers, large industrial centers, etc., shall require a sign program to be approved by the
Planning Commission. Individual signs may be approved by the Planning Commission that exceed the maximum
allowable square footage provided said sign area is determined to be in scale with the building portion of the tenant.
However, in no instance shall the sign face exceed the maximum permitted above or two (2) percent of the building
elevation or portion thereof to be occupied by a designated tenant, whichever is greater.
FIGURE 3-2
SIGN AREA
Example On reduced sign area is in scale
with building and immediate wal area.
Example when 2% toMlA is not appnpriata
in flat sign area dommMe kn WMM OwWkq
ara appearing out Of sale.
1.93
FIGURE 3-3A
TYPES OF SIGNS
BUILDING -MOUNTED SIGNS
EE -j
Pmjectng
Amu,Sign
fIG�
Bwlong Une
JL
..•.
Pole FREE STANDING SIGNS
Sign
E
MONUMENT SIGN
DOULLEFAm SIGNS
SIP Van • an al Marr
facetawI Is— -04
FIGURE 3-3E1
SIGN AREA MEASUREMENT
MULTIPLE SIGN
Sipe ane . arm otbm
*w ad" Iupetlrr-
CUTWLErTEAS
Stn ane . &Ir s F"mffi
more aeaa
194 1
Non-structural :nm
Sign Area
sbuclural Support
MEASUREMENT OF TRIM
AND SUPPORTS
Sipe ar" wckx N non-structural
Vim 01A 60401 ]CVC><Iral SUPWrt
Sign Copy
Space
Sita Copy
SEPARATED PANEL SIGN
Sip sap. all ane YAW paint
A. IL C. t D. kxki*p ma was
tr, tlr panes.
195,
9=3.603 Signs -4-
monument signs shall be limited to identification of the
Shopping Center or major tenants. Additional copy shall
be limited to generic terms that describes the range of
retail or commercial services available. For example,
"Restaurants, Apparel, offices". etc. Illumination of
monument signs shall be limited to external light
fixtures.
(2) Building Mounted. Building mounted signs may consist of
high quality wood, tile, painted or individually raised
letters which are attached to the building. Signs
located within arches and not projecting past the
building line are considered building mounted signs.
(3) Building Mounted - Projecting Signs. Building mounted
projecting signs are those signs which are attached to
the building and are outside and perpendicular to a
building. Said signs shall project no more than two feet
(2) from the wall or building surface, and if located
above a pedestrian walkway shall maintain a minimum
clearance of 6' - 8" as measured from the bottom of the
sign to the walkway surface.
(4) Theater Attraction Boards. Theatre attraction boards
shall be permitted only as building -mounted signs. Such
signs shall be mounted upon a part of the approved
elevation of the building in which the theater is
located. Theater attraction boards shall be of such
scale so as to relate primarily to the pedestrian public.
(5) Major Real Estate Signs (vacant property/new
development). Major real estate signs are signs
advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises
or vacant property on which such signs are located, or
new buildings for a period not exceeding six (6) months
from the issuance of a Certificate of Use and Occupancy
by the Building and Safety Division for the complete
project. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) feet in
overall height and thirty-two (32) square feet in area.
Additionally, such signs shall not be located on a parcel
of land which is less than one acre in area nor three
(3) feet in height. Major real estate signs for a parcel
of land which is less than one acre shall not exceed six
(6) square feet in area.
(6) Major construction Signs. Major construction signs are
signs identifying the project to be built on a site and
may also identify major tenants, contractors, or project
participants, such as the architects and lenders. Major
construction signs shall be removed prior to the issuance
of a certificate of use and occupancy for the project or
9-3.603 Signs -5-
any part of the project. Major construction signs may
have an area greater than six (6) feet but not greater
than thirty-two (32) square feet. Such signs shall not
exceed an overall height of six (6) feet and shall not
be located on a parcel of land which is less than one
acre in area.
(7) Temporary Subdivision Signs. Temporary on-site signs
used to identify an approved residential development
within the City shall be permitted; provided, however,
signs identifying each named development shall be located
within the boundaries of such development and shall have
an aggregate area not exceeding sixty (60) square feet,
the overall height shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet,
and such signs shall be removed prior to the issuance of
the last certificate of use and occupancy for units
within the subdivision.
(8) Permanent Residential Development Entry Signs. A maximum
of two (2) permanent signs used to denote the main
entrance for a residential development shall be
permitted. Each such sign shall not exceed thirty-two
(32) square feet in area and shall not have an overall
height greater than six (6) feet. Location, and design
and approval of said signs shall be i accordance with
Section K (Administrative Procedures).
(9) Non -Commercial Signs. Non-commercial signs are
permitted, if not illuminated, subject to the below
stated conditions:
(aa) Any on-site signs exhibiting non-commercial speech
or message in lieu of commercial sign copy.
(ab) Off-site exhibiting non-commercial signing, that is,
signing unrelated to the buying or selling of
commodities or anything involved in the flow of
commercial trade, or business custom and practice,
are authorized subject to the following:
(i) Square footage is limited to 12 square feet or
less;
(ii) There shall be no more than 1 sign board per
parcel;
(iii)Total height of a ground -mounted sign and
supporting structure shall not exceed 6 feet;
(iv) A building -mounted sign shall not extend above
the eave line;
� 91 A
9-3.603 Signs -6-
(v) Said signs are limited to the GC (General
Commercial) , CM (Commercial Manufacturing) , and
MP (Industrial Park) districts.
(10) Real Estate Signs (existing development). Each building
or legal site shall be permitted one real estate sign per
street frontage one temporary free-standing sign not
exceeding six (6) square feet, in area nor more than
three (31) feet in height advertising the sale, rental,
or lease of the premises or property on which such sign
is placed: For non-residential property, an additional
real estate sign not exceeding six (6) square feet and
may be affixed to the building offered for sale, rent,
or lease. For all residential districts; for sites one
acre or less, the sign area shall not exceed six (6)
square feet and shall not exceed five (5) feet in overall
height, for sites greater than one acre, the sign area
shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet and shall
not exceed six (6) feet in overall height, Real Estate
signs greater than six (6) square feet shall require a
sign permit;
(11) Permanent Window Signs - Non -illuminated permanent window
signs shall be permitted provided the sign is in
compliance with the applicable sign standards of Table
3-4 (Table of Regulations). The area of a permanent
window sign shall be included in the maximum aggregate
area allowed for the use or establishment.
(12) Portable Signs - Portable signs may be approved provided
they are shown to be necessary for public convenience and
provide directional information. Said signs shall be
located upon the premises and shall not obstruct any
required walkway or entry. Permits for portable signs
shall be subject to review and approval of the Director.
(13) Grand Opening Signs - A maximum of one temporary sign per
street frontage indicating the grand opening of a
business or industry shall be permitted subject to the
following requirements and approval of the Director:
(aa) The maximum aggregate area shall be sixty (60)
square feet.
(ab) Such signs shall relate to the activity being
conducted on the premises where they are placed.
(ac) Such signs shall be displayed for a maximum of 14
days only.
9-3.603 Signs
se
Y 98
(ad) The illumination of such signs shall be prohibited.
(14) Special Activity Signs - Signs and banners as part of
authorized special activity permit shall conform to the
design provisions of section 9-3.623 (Special Activities
Permit Program).
(15) Community Wide Special Events - The City as either
sponsor or co-sponsor of community wide events as
identified below may place banners within the public
right-of-way subject to approval of their design color
and location by the Director of Planning. Said community-
wide events shall be limited to the following unless
authorized by separate City Council Resolution:
(aa) Heritage Festival - Co -hosted by City and Community
organizations and conducted during the month of
March. Banners may be erected between February 15th
and April 1st.
(ab) Cinco De Mayo - Co -hosted by the City and local
community organizations and conducted on the
Saturday closest to May 5th. Banners may be
erected two weeks in advance of the scheduled
celebration.
(ac) Fourth of July - Event hosted by the City on July
4th. Banners may be erected two weeks prior to the
event.
(ad) Shop San Juan - Co -hosted by the City and Chamber
of Commerce this event is conducted during the fall
for a one-week period. Banners may be erected two
weeks in advance of the start of the event.
(16) Convenience Signs - The Director may authorize the
placement of signs which are needed for the public
convenience and safety or to provide directional
information. Such signs shall be designed to be viewed
from within a premises or adjacent to the premises by
pedestrians or by motorists parking their automobiles.
Examples of such signs include, but are not limited to,
directional arrows, exit signs, fire extinguisher signs,
and no parking signs. The convenience sign area shall
not be included within the calculation of the aggregate
area authorized for an establishment. Such signs may be
illuminated indirectly.
(17) Directional Identification Signs - If allowed, approved
as part of a sign program building -mounted signs may be
permitted to be located in a project area such that it
9-3.603 Signs -8-
identifies a business establishment. This provision
applies to only those businesses that are not visible
adjacent to those premises by pedestrians or by motorists
parking their automobiles. Those businesses may be listed
on a directional identification sign. The size and
location of these directional identification signs shall
be determined by the director. If there is an approval
sign program the directional signs shall be consistent.
Such signs may be illuminated only by indirect lighting.
The area of such signs shall not be included within the
calculation of the aggregate area authorized for those
businesses.
(g) Signs Not Requiring Permits. The following signs shall be
permitted within the City subject to the limitations and
requirements set forth in this section. Sign permits shall
not be required for such signs, but building and electrical
permits shall be required as set forth in Title 8 of the
Municipal Code.
(1) National and State Flags - National and State Flags shall
be flown and displayed in a manner whereby they are not
construed as an attraction -gaining device for the
advertisement of a product or use or in a manner to
otherwise draw the attention of the traveling public to
an establishment or sales office. Such displays shall
conform to the criteria established by House Document 209
of the 91st Session of Congress.
(2) Incidental Signs - The following incidental signs, if not
illuminated, shall be permitted in all districts, and no
sign permit shall be required:
(aa) Religious Charitable and Cultural Event Signs.
Not exceeding six (6) square feet in an area and
temporary in nature (displayed not more than thirty
(30) calendar days per year). Such signs may be
off-site signs;
(ab) Vacancy Signs. A maximum of one "vacancy" or "no
vacancy" sign, not to exceed six (6) square feet in
area, shall be permitted per street frontage for
apartments, hotels, and motels;
(ac) Construction Signs. A maximum of one construction
sign identifying the project to be build on the site
and the project participants shall be permitted;
provided, however, for the one acre or less, the
sign area shall not exceed six (6) square feet and
shall not exceed five (5) feet in overall height,
for sites greater than one acre, the sign area shall
UM
9-3.603 Signs -9-
not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet and shall not
exceed six (6) feet in overall height, and
construction signs greater than six (6) square feet
shall require a sign permit;
(ad) Temporary Window Signs. Not covering more than
twenty-five (25%) percent of the area of the window
within which they are placed for a period not
exceeding more than 14 days nor more than six (6)
times per year.
(ae) Residential Nameplates. Not exceeding one square
foot in area indicating the name of the occupant of
the residence;
(af) Professional Occupation Signs or Nameplates. Not
exceeding two (2) square feet in area denoting only
the name and profession of an occupant on the
premises where they are placed;
(ag) Memorial Signs. Tablets and names of buildings and
the dates of erection, when cut into a masonry
surface or -when constructed of bronze or other
noncombustible materials. Such signs shall not
exceed six (6) square feet in area;
(ah) Temporary Signs Associated with Produce. Vegetable,
or fruit stands not exceeding an aggregate area of
eighty (80) square feet and located within 100 feet
of the produce stand which they identify with
individual signs not exceeding 32 square feet in
area.
(ai) vehicle Signing. Signs painted directly on vehicles
indicating the name of the establishment using the
vehicle, except that the vehicle -mounted signs set
forth in subsection (5) of subsection (e) of this
section shall be prohibited;
(aj) Government, Legally required Posters, Notices, and
Signs. Such signs may be off-site signs;
(ak) Traffic and Safety Signs. Signs of public utility
agencies and construction contractors serving as
directional or safety aids. Examples include street
signs, freeway off -ramp signs, and roadwork signs;
(al) Temporary Placards, Posters, and Subdivision
Directional Signs. Placed in public right-of-way
and not exceeding six (6) square feet in area
provided such signs do not exceed three (3) feet in
Zp1 1
9-3.603 Signs -10-
overall height. Such temporary signs shall not be
displayed without first obtaining an encroachment
permit from the Director of Engineering and Building
Services pursuant to Council policy.
(am) Non -Commercial Sign. A non-commercial message may
be posted in any residential district subject to the
size, height, and location requirements of
subsection f.l. (iii) above
(h) Prohibited Signs. The following signs, types of signs, and
attraction devices shall be prohibited within the City:
(1) Signs mounted on or above roofs except as approved as
part of a.integrated Sign Program adopted in accordance
with subsection K (administrative procedures) of this
section.
(2) Signs which incorporate in any manner flashing, moving,
or intermittent lighting;
(3) Signs incorporating mechanical movement of any kind, such
as, but not limited to, rotating, revolving, moving, or
animated signs;
(4) Internally illuminated signs located in windows.
(5) Trailer signs and signs attached to the roof, trunk,
hood, or other part of a vehicle, unless specifically
permitted by subsection (d) of this section;
(6) Off-site signs, except those specifically permitted by
subsection (d) of this section;
(7) Billboards, off-site advertising signs, and other
signs which give direction to or identify a use or
product not sold or located at the location of the sign,
except as permitted by subsection (f) of this section;
(8) Flags, valances, balloons, pennants, banners, lights
(except for the traditional holiday period from December
1st to January 2nd) and other similar attraction devices,
except the display of temporary pennants or banners which
are associated with a holiday or special event and which
have received specific prior approval by the Director;
(9) Signs, except for government notices, which are supported
in whole or in part from any public utility installation
or from any tree or telephone pole on public or private
property;
9-3.603 Signs
-11-
202
(10) Signs which by color, wording, design, location, or
illumination resemble or conflict with any traffic
control devices or with the safe and efficient flow of
traffic;
(11) Signs which create a safety hazard by obstructing the
clear view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic; per 9-
3.605 and
(12) Signs which do not conform with the height and area
restrictions set forth in this section.
(13) Signs placed on or written providing direction (excepting
address) in windows of a vehicle, where the vehicle is
parked in such a way as to promote or advertise, whether
on public or private property.
(14) Exceptions to the above prohibited signs may be granted
by the Planning Commission in accordance with subsection
L of this section.
(i) Illegal or Abandoned Signs. As used in this section, illegal
signs do not include legally erected, or non -conforming signs,
for which an applicable amortization period has not expired.
Abandoned advertising sign means any sign remaining in place
or maintained for a period of 90 days which no longer
advertises or identifies an on-going business, product, or
service available on the business premise where the sign is
located.
(1) An inventory and identification of illegal or abandoned
signs shall commence within six months (6) from the date
of the adoption of this section.
(2) Within 60 days after the six-month period, the City shall
commence abatement of the identified pre-existing illegal
and abandoned on-site signs.
(3) The City may impose reasonable fees upon all owners or
lessees of on -premises business advertising signs for the
purpose of covering its actual cost of inventorying and
identifying illegal or abandoned advertising displays
which are within its jurisdiction. The actual cost may
be fixed upon a determination of the total estimated
reasonable cost, the amount of which and the fee to be
charged is exclusively with the discretion of the City
and shall be set by resolution.
(4) All illegal or abandoned signs shall be removed without
compensation, of any on-site sign which meets any of the
following criteria:
2,031-
9-3.603
031.
9-3.603 Signs -12-
(aa) Any sign erected without first complying with all
ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of
the construction and erection or use.
(ab) Any sign which was lawfully erected, but whose use
has ceased, or the structure upon which the display
has been abandoned by its owner, for a period of not
less than 90 days. Costs incurred in removing an
abandoned display may be charged to the legal owner.
(j) Section reserved for future Amendments
(k) Administrative Procedures. The following procedures shall be
used in considering sign permit applications.
(1) Permit Rectuired. A sign permit application shall be
submitted to the Department of Planning for all signs
unless specifically exempted by Section 9-3.603 (g).
Said application must be approved prior to placing,
erecting, moving, reconstructing, altering, or displaying
any sign.
(2) Permit Application. Applications for sign permits shall
be made on forms provided by the Department of Community
Planning and Development and shall be accompanied by the
following materials:
(aa) Sign elevation indicating the height, its overall
dimensions, colors, material of the sign, the
proposed copy and illumination specifications.
(ab) A site plan indicating all existing and proposed
signs on the site. Said site plan shall specify the
height and overall dimensions for all existing and
proposed signs on the site; and
(ac) Building elevations showing all existing and
proposed signs.
(ad) Fees paid in accordance with the most recently
adopted fee resolution as per authorized in Title
9, Section 9-2.316.
(3) Permit Application Fees. The Council, by resolution, may
require the payment of an application fee for such
permits. If an application fee is required, a sign
permit application shall not be accepted until the
applicable fee is paid.
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9-3.603 Signs -13-
(4) Application Review Process. The Director shall review,
or cause to be reviewed all applications for sign permits
within fourteen (14) calendar days after their filing in
order to determine whether the application can be
administratively approved by the Director or must be
considered by the Design Review Commission (where
specifically required). Said determination shall be
based upon the following criteria:
(aa) Administrative Approval. The Director may
administratively approve sign applications which are
determined to be consistent with sign programs
previously approved by the Design Review Commission
during development review, and individual signs
determined to be in compliance with the design
criteria, and was not subject to the Development
Review procedures as per Section 9-2.302 of the
Municipal Code. (may be approved by the Director and
confirmed by the Planning Commission in accordance
with section 9-2.315 (administrative approvals).
(ab) Design Review Commission Approval. All development
applications which are subject to the Development
Review Process shall submit a sign program for the
overall project. Said sign program shall be
reviewed by the Design Review Commission and
approved prior to the issuance of any sign permits.
Said program shall be used by the Director in
administering the approval of individual sign
applications for the development project. All other
sign applications which are for permanent signs and
not exempted under section 9-3.603 (g) shall be
reviewed and approved by the Design Review
Commission.
(5) Appeal. Any decision of either the Director or Design
Review Commission may be appealed in accordance with the
procedures of Section 9-2.314 of the Municipal Code if
filed in writing with the City Clerk within 21 days of
the decision.
(1) Exceptions. Exceptions to the design standards subsection (E)
of this section may be granted by the Design Review Commission
after conducting a duly noticed public hearing in accordance
with section 9-2.3 13 of the Municipal Code. In order to
grant an exception the Design Review Commission must make the
following findings:
(1) The sign complies with all other applicable design
criteria of subsection (E), of this section;
I051
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9-3.603 Signs
(2) The scale of
architectural
serve;
-14-
the sign will be in harmony with the
design for the building which it will
(3) The sign is an integral component of a coordinated sign
program for the building or development; and,
(4) The sign will not be harmful to other properties in the
neighborhood.
(m) Definitions.
Definitions - for the purpose of this section, the following
terms, words and phrases and their definitions shall have the
meanings as defined herein:
Average Finish Grade - average finish grade shall mean the
average of the finish grades in a (11) one foot strip
surrounding a sign structure.
Banner - banner shall mean a visual display device, with or
without copy, usually rectangular in shape and made of
flexible material, usually cloth, paper or plastic.
Billboard - billboard shall mean an off -premise sign with
changing advertising copy.
Building - building shall mean any structure, other than a
vehicle having a roof supported by columns or walls for the
housing, shelter or enclosure of persons or property of any
kind.
Building -Mounted sign - building mounted sign shall mean a
sign affixed to or painted on a building, including awning,
windows and canopy.
Building Exposure - a building wall which is parallel to a
public or private street or designated parking area.
Business - business shall mean a commercial establishment,
office, institutional or industrial uses which produces goods
or distributes goods and services.
Construction Sign -- construction sign shall mean a sign
containing information pertaining to a future development or
on-going construction on the site where the sign is located,
including the name of the project, developer, contractor,
architect, financing source, future occupants(s), and other
information directly related to the development.
9-3.603 Signs
-15-
Ma
Development - development shall mean a building a group of
buildings which function as an integrated whole and which have
common access and/or parking facilities.
Directional Sion - directional sign shall mean a sign
directing motorists or pedestrians to parking or building
entrances or providing similar directional information.
Director - director shall mean the Director of Planning
Services or the Director's authorized representative.
Exception - exception shall mean a minor modification(s) to
restrictions or requirements set forth in this section, and
which has no potential for adversely impacting adjacent
properties.
Free -Standing Pole Sion - free -Standing sign shall mean a sign
supported upon the ground and not attached to any building and
mounted on poles.
Free -Standing Monument Sign - free-standing monument sign
shall mean a sign not over six (61) in height which is
supported by an earth base or base of masonry, brick, block
or wood.
Identification Sign - identification sign shall mean a sign
whose commercial copy is limited to the name, type of business
and the address of the building, business, office,
establishment, person, or activity.
Illuminated External Sign - illuminated external sign shall
mean a sign in which a source of light is used in order to
make readable by projecting light into the message or copy of
the sign.
Logo - logo shall mean a trademark or symbol of an
organization which is consistently used within the conducting
of the business activities.
Maior Tenant Sign - major tenant sign shall mean a business
which occupies more than fifteen t,(15) percent of the net
building square footage of a development.
Off -Premise Sign - premise sign shall mean a sign referring
to a person, establishment, merchandise, service, event, or
entertainment which is not located, sold, produced,
manufactured, provided, or furnished on the premise where the
sign is located.
On -Premise Sign - on -premise sign shall mean a sign referring
to a person, establishment, merchandise, service, event, or
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9-3.603 Signs -16-
entertainment which is located, sold, produced, manufactured,
provided or furnished on the premises where the sign is
located.
Pedestrian -oriented Sian - pedestrian, oriented sign shall
mean a small sign readable primarily from the abutting
sidewalk or other walkway but generally not from the street.
Political Sign - political sign means a sign where text is
limited to non-commercial speech pertaining to a forthcoming
public election for national, state, or local candidates or
issues.
Portable Sign - portable sign shall mean any sign designed to
be moved easily and which is not permanently affixed to either
the ground, a structure, or building or vehicle.
Real Estate Sign - real estate sign shall mean a sign
indicating that the premises on which the sign is located is
for sale, lease, or rent.
Right -of -Way - right-of-way shall mean an area or strip of
land, either public or private, on which a right of passage
has been recorded.
Sign - sign shall mean any medium of visual communication,
including copy, structure, and component parts, which is used
or intended to be used to attract attention to and identify
an establishment, product, service, activity, location, or to
provide information.
Sign copy - sign copy shall mean any words, letters, numbers,
figures, designs, or other symbolic representations
incorporated onto the face of a sign.
Sign Face - sign face shall mean the exterior surface of sign,
exclusive of structural supports, on which is placed the sign
copy.
Sign Height Building -Mounted - sign height for building
mounted shall mean the measurement from the top of the sign
face to the average finish grade directly beneath the sign.
Sign Height Free -Standing Signs - sign height for free-
standing signs shall mean the distance from the top of the
sign face to the average finish grade at the base of the sign.
Sign Permit - sign permit shall mean an entitlement from the
City to place or erect a sign.
9-3.603 Signs
-17-
Sian. Projecting - a projecting sign shall mean a building
mounted sign where face is not parallel to the building, but
projects out at an angle.
Sign Size or Area - sign size or area shall be determined in
accordance with Table 3-4.
Sian Structure - sign structure shall mean the structural
supports, uprights, and bracing for a sign.
Temporary Sign - temporary sign shall mean a sign utilized to
identify a business or other activity for an interim period.
Under Canopy Sign - under canopy sign shall mean a sign
suspended beneath a projecting canopy, walkway cover, awning
or ceiling, said signs are considered building -mounted.
Window Sign - window sign shall mean any written
representation, emblem or other figure or similar character
painted on or other wise affixed to a window, any interior
sign within five (5) feet of any window and visible from off
the subject building's site shall be considered a window signs
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