PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
POST-MEETING AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING
August 27, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall North Conference Room A
1600 Truxtun Avenue
Committee Members:
Manpreet Kaur
Bob Smith
Bruce Freeman
1. ROLL CALL
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
a. Agenda Item Public Statements
b. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
a. Adoption of April 25, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes
Staff recommends adoption of minutes.
4. REPORTS
5. DEFERRED BUSINESS
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Review of Sign Ordinance in Commercial Centers and Enforcement of Sign Standards
Staff recommends receive and file and provide direction *1. PowerPoint presentation
7. COMMITTEE COMMENTS
8. ADJOURNMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 27, 2024 AGENDA CATEGORY: Adoption of Minutes TO: Planning and Development Committee
FROM: Julie Drimakis, City Clerk
DATE: August 13, 2024
SUBJECT: Adoption of April 25, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes.
[Document Description]
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of minutes.
BACKGROUND:
Adoption of meeting minutes
FISCAL IMPACT:
No impact on the General Fund.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Innovative and Efficient City Government
ATTACHMENTS:
1. April 25, 2024, Regular meeting minutes.
1 PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
April 25, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall North Conference Room A
1600 Truxtun Avenue
_____________________________________________________________________
1. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Manpreet Kaur, Bob Smith, Bruce Freeman
Staff Present: Gary Hallen, Assistant City Manager, Christopher Boyle, Development Services Director, Viridiana Gallardo-King, Deputy City Attorney, Julie Drimakis, City Clerk, Greg Strakaluse, Public Works Director
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
a. Agenda Item Public Statements
None
b. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
None
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
a. Adoption of November 14, 2023, Special Meeting and February 8, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes
Moved by: Bruce Freeman
Staff recommend adoption of minutes.
Approved
4. REPORTS
None
5. DEFERRED BUSINESS
None
2 6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Offsite Review Requirements Nexus of Proportionality Review proposed changes to Municipal Code related to a referral on offsite review requirements which is now being called the “Nexus of Proportionality.”
Public Works Director Strakaluse made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Moved by: Bob Smith
Provide directions to staff on any changes recommended to the Municipal Code related to what would trigger offsite conditions on projects within the City and the downtown Core.
Approved
b. Downtown and Old Town Kern Parking Analysis
Moved by: Bruce Freeman
Staff recommends Committee receive and file the analysis and consider the recommendations to assist and encourage more demand and profitability to the parking garage for a future enterprise endeavor.
Approved
7. COMMITTEE COMMENTS
8. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
_________________________
MANPREET KAUR, CHAIR
_________________________
JULIE DRIMAKIS, CITY CLERK
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 27, 2024 AGENDA CATEGORY: NEW BUSINESS TO: Planning and Development Committee
FROM: Phillip Burns, Development Services Director
DATE: August 20, 2024
SUBJECT: Review of Sign Ordinance in Commercial Centers and Enforcement of Sign standards
[Document Description]
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends receive and file and provide direction
BACKGROUND:
During public statements at the May 22, 2024, City Council meeting, two individuals spoke regarding feather banner signs.
Bill Sandrini stated that he owns a multi-tenant shopping center at 1400 Calloway Drive (The Plaza on Calloway). In December 2023, one of Mr. Sandrini’s tenants was flying a feather banner when City Code Enforcement instructed the business owner to remove the sign since it was a violation of the ordinance. The banner was removed; however, replaced several months later a nd Code Enforcement once again instructed the owner to remove it. Mr. Sandrini requested the sign ordinance be looked at because it is written in a manner that is against small businesses in Bakersfield and enforcement is inconsistent.
Rocky Escobedo, owner of the Northwest Barber Shop at The Plaza on Calloway stated that approximately 40% of his business has decreased since the feather banners were removed. Mr.
Escobedo also stated that other businesses throughout Bakersfield have feather banners flying and there should be consistency.
Councilmembers Bob Smith requested to meet with staff and identify if there were solutions to the issues raised. Councilmember Patty Gray requested staff meet with Mr. Sandrini and Mr. Escobedo and identify solutions. Vi ce-Mayor made a referral to Planning & Development Committee to revisit the sign ordinance. Additionally, the referral was to look at the current policy of enforcement being complaint - driven since that has a perceived feeling of being a double -standard and identify alternative practices to employ enforcement in the future.
FOLLOW-UP ACTION
Following the City Council meeting, staff met with Councilmember Smith and discussed existing options under the current sign ordinance. Separately, staff met with the pr operty owner and business owner to discuss options. In part, the issue is the design and placement of the buildings that limit the street frontage exposure to those businesses furthest away from Calloway Drive. While there are options, feedback provided to staff was that these options do not provide the desired outcome.
SIGN ORDINANCE - PURPOSE
The stated purpose of the sign ordinance (Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 17.60) is to promote the growth of the city in an orderly and attractive manner and to provide standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the type, number, area, height, quality of materials, construction, illumination, location and maintenance of all signs and sign structures. The sign regulations are intended to accomplish the following results (not all inclusive):
1. Promote and maintain healthy commercial centers and property values for effective identification and communication of the nature of goods and services and avoidance of wast eful and unsightly competition in signs.
2. Attract and direct persons to various activities and enterprises, in order to provide for public convenience.
3. Provide a reasonable system of sign control throughout the city.
4. Encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing in appearance and to provide incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationship and spacing.
5. Encourage a desirable urban character.
6. Enhance the economic value of the community and each area thereof through the reasonable regulation of such things as type, number, area, height, location and illumination of signs.
7. Encourage signs which are harmonious with adjacent land uses and to encourage architectural compatibility.
8. Reduce possible traffic and safety hazards through good signing.
SIGN ORDINANCE - STANDARDS
To achieve the intended purpose, sign standards are primarily based on zone district of the property, location of the property (i.e., Auto Mall), or nature of development (i.e., shopping and business centers) and include, specialized signs, exempt signs, and prohibited signs.
Zone District & Location
The sign ordinance contains a matrix identifying the types of signs permitted in each zone district and within the Auto Mall area regardless of the zone district. For reference, Th e Plaza on Calloway is located in the C -2 (Regional Commercial) zone and the matrix for that zone is included as Attachment A. This matrix provides for the sign type, sign style, maximum number, maximum area, maximum height, illumination options, any special location restrictions, and clarifying remarks.
Shopping and Business Centers
The comprehensive sign plan is a program that may allow developers or business owners of a shopping/business center to request special consideration of signs that are specifically integrated into the overall architectural style or theme for that project. Because signage can play an important role in the overall site design in order to set it apart from other similar projects, a comprehensive sign plan can create an effect both desired and unique that will enhance the overall environment of the development.
However, it is not the intent of this section to be used to request relief of the sign regulations in order to circumvent any requirements or purpose of this chapter.
Specialized Signs - Special Event
Special event signs can be used as a means of publicizing events such as grand openings, carnivals, parades, charitable events, community holiday activities, and other such events. Special event signs shall be limited to the following provisions:
1. Signs shall be limited for each business to 60 days a calendar year. This time may be utilized in any combination of durations; however, the number of special events shall not exceed 8 a calendar year, and no single event shall exceed a duration of 15 consecutive days.
2. Balloons and inflated devices provided they do not exceed a height of 100 feet, search lights, beacons, pennants, flags, banners and streamers may be allowed subject to approval by the building director.
3. Copy on a banner or balloon shall not exceed an area of 100 square feet, and may include the name, symbol or logo of the business or sponsor, but in no event shall such name or logo exceed 1/4 of the total permitted copy area.
4. Signs may be illuminated and contain movement upon approval.
Exempt Signs
Certain signs are exempt from the sign ordinance and only require the necessary building permits. This includes the following (not all inclusive):
1. Business or merchant directory provided not exceeding an area of 16 square feet and height of 6 feet.
2. Directional or informational signs such as entrance/exit signs, open/closed signs, signs indicating business hours, and similar such signs, provided they contain no commercial advertisement, and not exceed 6 square feet in area and 6 feet in height.
3. Holiday decorations, in season, displayed for an aggregate period not to exceed 90 days per calendar year.
4. Interior signs within a public or private structure, not intended to be seen from a public street or adjacent properties.
5. No trespassing, solicitation, hunting, minors, and similar such signs, provided they do not exceed 4 square feet in area and 6 feet in height.
6. Official and legal notices issued by a court, or governmental agency.
7. Promotional signs by the city of Bakersfield that promote or advertis e city -wide celebrations, awards, recognition, or other events.
8. Public utility signs placed by public utilities for the safety, welfare or convenience of the public.
9. Commercial vehicle signs on licensed commercial vehicles; provided, however, that such ve hicles shall not be utilized as parked or stationary outdoor display signs.
10. Taxicab signs as authorized and approved as to size, form and contents by the city manager.
11. Advertising signs that are in or on public buses as permitted by the city council.
Prohibited Signs
The following signs are specifically prohibited except as specified in Chapter 17.60:
1. Animated, moving, revolving and rotating signs.
2. Banners, flags, pennants and balloons.
3. Bench signs.
4. Electronic message displays.
5. Flashing, blinking, and reflecting signs.
6. Outdoor advertising signs.
7. Permanent “for sale” signs.
8. Portable signs including A-frame signs.
9. Projecting signs.
10. Roof signs.
11. Signs which may interfere with, mislead, or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
12. Vehicle Signs.
CURRENT CODE ENFORCEMENT PRACTICES FOR PROHIBITED SIGNAGES Code Enforcement sections currently address sign violations both by complaints and proactively. Sign violations are a low priority and proactive enforcement historically has been limited to violations related to prohibited signs and sign location restrictions. Examples of these types of sign violations are included in Attachment B. Staff focus most of their efforts within major corridors throughout the City removing signs primarily cheap paper/plastic signs taped, tacked, nailed or otherwise attached indiscriminately to utility poles, traffic signs, freeway/canal fencing or staked into the ground with wire stands within the median, landscape areas within the public right-of ways. These signs are typically off premises of the services or events advertised.
Businesses maintaining on premises prohibited signs or signs in restricted locations on the commercial properties are addressed reactively in response to a complaint or referral sent to Code Enforcement.
Many times, the prohibited signs are located within the city right-of-way (sidewalk, landscape areas and medians) which is also an encroachment violation. In some locations the prohibited signs encountered are traffic hazards. The complaint may be against a single location. Upon investigating the complaint staff may proactively address multiple other locations within proximity for the same or similar violations.
Enforcement activities have been limited to issuance of corrections notices to the property owner and/or business with follow-up inspections to verify compliance. Staff also provide education and awareness through a brochure and guide them to staff with the Planning Department to assist with their signage needs and the requirements to comply with the Municipal Code. Currently, failure to comply following the issuance of a correction notice has resulted in additional attempts to educate and seek compliance with additional visits from staff.
Code Enforcement has not imposed criminal action or administrative fees for these sign violations to date.
CONCLUSIONS
City staff continues to take steps in educating business owners on the signage regulations along with working with business owners on ways further to promote their business. There is a delicate balance between providing adequate signage that is in harmony with our development and creating more of a distraction that reduces desired character. Staff feels current code does provide more than adequate signage opportunities for most center. However, a minor comprehensive sign plan for small centers and additional time for promotional signs could be researched and brought back to this committee for further discussion.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will take the direction of the Committee. Potential options include:
1. Direct staff to research minor comprehensive sign plan for small centers and additional time for promotional signs to our comparable cities and bring back to committee.
2. Direct staff to research topics within the sign ordinance to our comparable cities and bring back to committee.
3. Provide Alternate direction to Staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No Fiscal Impact to the City General Fund,
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Exhibit A – C2 Zone-Sign Matrix
2. Exhibit B – Sign Violation Examples
MEMORANDUM
August 8, 2024
TO: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Manpreet Kaur, Chair
Bruce Freeman
Bob Smith
FROM: Phillip Burns, Development Services Director
SUBJECT: Review of Sign Ordinance in Commercial Centers and Enforcement of Sign standards
BACKGROUND
During public statements a t the May 22 , 2024, City Council meeting , two individuals spoke regarding feather banner signs.
Bill Sandrini stated that he owns a multi-tenant shopping center at 1400 Calloway Drive (The Plaza on Calloway). In approximately December 2023, one of his tenants was flying a feather banner when City Code Enforcement instructed the business owner to remove the sign since it was a violation of the ordinance. The banner was removed; however, replaced several months later and Code Enforcement once again instructed the owner to remove it . Mr. Sandrini requested the sign ordinance be looked at because it is written in a manner that is against small businesses in Bakersfield and enforcement is inconsistent.
Rocky Escobedo, owner of the Northwest Barber Shop at The Plaza on Calloway stated that approximately 40% of his business has decreased since the feather banners were removed. Mr.
Escobedo also stated that other businesses throughout Bakersfield have feather banners flying and there should be consistency.
Councilmembers Bob Smith requested to meet with staff and identify if there were solutions to the issues raised. Councilmember Patty Gray requested staff meet with Mr. Sandrini and Escobedo and identify solutions since there appears to be a double -standard and inconsistency with Code Enforcement. Vice - Mayor made a referral to Planning & Development Committee to revisit the sign ordinance. Additionally, the referral was to look at the current policy of enforcement being complaint -driven since that has a perceived feeling of being a double-standard and identify alternative practices to employ enforcement in the future.
FOLLOW-UP ACTION
Following the City Council meeting, s taff met with Councilmember Smith and discussed existing options under the current sign ordinance. Separately, staff met with the property owner and business owner to discuss options. In part, the issue is the design and placement of the buildings that limit the street frontage exposure to those businesses furthest away from Calloway Drive. While there are options, f eedback provided to staff was that these options do not provide the desired outcome.
SIGN ORDINANCE - PURPOSE
The stated purpose of the sign ordinance (Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 17.60) is to promote the growth of the city in an orderly and attractive manner and to provide standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the type, number, area, height , quality of materials, construction, illumination, location and maintenance of all signs and sign structures. The sign regulations are intended to accomplish the following results (not all inclusive):
1. Promote and maintain healthy commercial centers and p roperty values for effective identification and communication of the nature of goods and services and avoidance of wasteful and unsightly competition in signs.
2. Attract and direct persons to various activities and enterprises, in order to provide for public convenience.
3. Provide a reasonable system of sign control throughout the city.
4. Encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing in appearance and to provide incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationship and spacing.
5. Encourage a desirable urban character.
6. Enhance the economic value of the community and each area thereof through the reasonable regulation of such things as type, number, area, height, location and illumination of signs.
7. Encourage signs which are harmonious with adjacent land uses and to encourage architectural compatibility.
8. Reduce possible traffic and safety hazards through good signing.
SIGN ORDINANCE - STANDARDS
To achieve the intended purpose, sign standards are primarily based on zone district of the property, location of the property (i.e., Auto Mall), or nature of development (i.e., shopping and business centers) and include, specialized signs, exempt signs, and prohibited signs.
Zone District & Location
The sign ordinance contains a matrix identifying the types of signs permitted in each zone district and within the Auto Mall area regardless of the zone district. For reference, The Plaza on Calloway is located in the C -2 (Regional Commercial) zone and the matrix for that zone is included as Attachment A. This matrix provides for the sign type, sign style, maximum number, maximum area, maximum height, illumination options, any special location restrictions, and clarifying remarks.
Shopping and Business Centers
The comprehensive sign plan is a program that may allow developers or business owners of a shopping/business center to request special consideration of signs that are specifically integrated into the overall architectural style or theme for that project. Because signage can play an important role in the overall site design in order to set it apart from other similar projects, a comprehensive sign plan can create an effect both desired and unique that will enhance the overall environment of the development.
However, it is not the intent of this section to be used to request relief of the sign regulations in order to circumvent any requirements or purpose of this chapter.
Specialized Signs - Special Event
Special event signs can be used as a means of publicizing events such as grand openings, carnivals, parades, charitable events, community holiday activities, and other such events. Special event signs shall be limited to the following provisions:
1. Signs shall be limited for each business to 60 days a calendar year. This time may be utilized in any combination of durations; however, the number of special events shall not exceed 8 a calendar year,
and no single event shall exceed a duration of 15 consecutive days.
2. Balloons and inflated devices provided they do not exceed a height of 100 feet, search lights, beacons, pennants, flags, banners and streamers may be allowed subject to approval by the building director.
3. Copy on a banner or balloon shall not exceed an area of 100 square feet, and may include the name, symbol or logo of the business or sponsor, but in no event shall such name or logo exceed 1/4 of the total permitted copy area.
4. Signs may be illuminated and contain movement upon approval.
Exempt Signs
Certain signs are exempt from the sign ordinance and only require the necessary building permits. This includes the following (not all inclusive):
1. Business or merchant directory provided not exceed ing an area of 16 square feet and height of 6 feet.
2. Directional or informational signs such as entrance/exit signs, open/closed signs, signs indicating business hours, and similar such signs, provided they contain no commercial advertisement, and not exceed 6 square feet in area and 6 feet in height.
3. Holiday decorations, in season, displayed for an aggregate period not to exceed 90 days per calendar year.
4. Interior signs within a public or private structure, not intended to be seen from a public street or adjacent properties.
5. No trespassing, solicitation, hunting, minors, and similar such signs, provided they do not exceed 4 square feet in area and 6 feet in height.
6. Official and legal notices issued by a court, or governmental agency.
7. Promotional signs by the city of Bakersfield that promote or advertis e city -wide celebrations, awards, recognition, or other events.
8. Public utility signs placed by public utilities for the safety, welfare or convenience of the public.
9. Commercial vehicle signs on licensed commercial vehicles; provided, however, that such ve hicles shall not be utilized as parked or stationary outdoor display signs.
10. Taxicab signs as authorized and approved as to size, form and contents by the city manager.
11. Advertising signs that are in or on public buses as permitted by the city council.
Prohibited Signs
The following signs are specifically prohibited except as specified in Chapter 17.60:
1. Animated, moving, revolving and rotating signs.
2. Banners, flags, pennants and balloons.
3. Bench signs.
4. Electronic message displays.
5. Flashing, blinking, and reflecting signs.
6. Outdoor advertising signs.
7. Permanent “for sale” signs.
8. Portable signs including A-frame signs.
9. Projecting signs.
10. Roof signs.
11. Signs which may interfere with, mislead, or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
12. Vehicle Signs.
CURRENT CODE ENFORCEMENT PRACTICES FOR PROHIBITED SIGNAGES Code Enforcement sections currently address sign violations both by complaints and proactively. Sign violations are a low priority and proactive enforcement historically has been limited to violations related to prohibited signs and sign location restrictions. Examples of these types of sign violations are included in Attachment B. Staff focus most of their efforts within major corridors throughout the City removing signs primarily cheap paper/plastic signs taped, tacked, nailed or otherwise attached indiscriminately to utility poles, traffic signs, freeway/canal fencing or staked into the ground with wire stands within the median, landscape areas within the public right-of ways. These signs are typically off premises of the services or events advertised.
Businesses maintaining on premises prohibited signs or signs in restricted locations on the commercial properties are addressed reactively in response to a complaint or referral sent to Code Enforcement.
Many times, the prohibited signs are located within the city right-of-way (sidewalk, landscape areas and medians) which is also an encroachment violation. In some locations the prohibited signs encountered are traffic hazards. The complaint may be against a single location. Upon investigating the complaint staff may proactively address multiple other locations within proximity for the same or similar violations.
Enforcement activities have been limited to issuance of corrections notices to the property owner and/or business with follow-up inspections to verify compliance. Staff also provide education and awareness through a brochure and guide them to staff with the Planning Department to assist with their signage needs and the requirements to comply with the Municipal Code. Currently, failure to comply following the issuance of a correction notice has resulted in additional attempts to educate and seek compliance with additional visits from staff.
Code Enforcement has not imposed criminal action or administrative fees for these sign violations to date.
CONCLUSIONS
City staff continues to take steps in educating business owner s on the signage regulations along with working with business owners on ways further to promote their business. There is a delicate balance between providing adequate signage that is in harmony with our development and creating more of a distraction that reduces desired character. Staff feels current code does provide more than adequate signage opportunities for most center. However, a minor comprehensive sign plan for small centers and additional time for promotional signs could be researched and brought back to this committee for further discussion.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will take the direction of the Committee. Potential options include:
1. Direct staff to research minor comprehensive sign plan for small centers and additional time for promotional signs to our comparable cities and bring back to committee.
2. Direct staff to research topics within the sign ordinance to our comparable cities and bring back to committee.
3. Provide Alternate direction to Staff.
Attachment A
4. Signs permitted in the C-2 (regional commercial) and manufacturing (M-1, M-2, M-3) zone districts:
Sign Type Sign Style Maximum
Number
Maximum
Area
Maximum
Height
Illumination
Allowed?
Location
Restrictions
(also see Section
17.60.050)
Remarks
a. Residential
Uses
Subject to the residential sign standards pursuant to Section 17.60.060(B)(1). b. Business ID Wall No limit;
total
combined
area of all
signage
shall not
exceed the
maximum
area per
elevation.
Street
elevations:
2 sq. ft. per
linear foot
of the
business’s
elevation
sign is
located or
250 sq. ft.,
whichever
is less.
Non-street
elevations:
1 sq. ft. per
linear foot
of the
business’s
elevation
sign is
located or
125 sq. ft.,
30 ft. Note:
Wall signs
may exceed
the height
maximum if
building is
more than
3 stories
per skyline
sign
standards.
Yes Signs shall not project
above roofline of
building.
a. Each business shall be entitled a
minimum of 16 sq. ft. of wall signage
per elevation.
b. Sign shall not exceed a horizontal
length greater than 70% of the linear
business frontage.
c. If skyline building signs are
proposed, such signs as well as all
other wall signs shall be subject to
Section 17.60.070(F).
Sign Type Sign Style Maximum
Number
Maximum
Area
Maximum
Height
Illumination
Allowed?
Location
Restrictions
(also see Section
17.60.050)
Remarks
whichever
is less.
Pylon or monument Pylon: 1
per street
frontage if
pylon;
Monument:
4 per street
frontage if
monument.
(see
Remarks
for
additional
signs)
Pylon: 250
sq. ft.
Monument:
32 sq. ft.
each.
Pylon 35 ft.
Monument
8 ft.
Yes a. Setbacks:
- 25 ft. from interior
property lines (not
part of a center).
- 0 ft. from street
rights-of-way.
b. Minimum 50 ft.
between signs.
c. 100 ft. from existing
outdoor advertising
structures.
a. Business is limited to either pylon
or monument signs; however if
center identification is provided on a
pylon then monuments are permitted.
b. Business or center name is limited
to being on only 1 sign per street
frontage.
c. Pylon sign that does not have a
minimum clearance of 8 ft. from the
ground to the bottom of the sign face
shall not exceed the maximum height
and area of a monument sign.
d. If the center name incorporates
the name of an on-site business in
any form or variation, said business
shall not be allowed on other signs
per item b.
e. See Section 17.60.070(D) for pylon
sign requirements if proposed as a
freeway-oriented sign.
f. Centers with over 500 ft. of street
frontage are allowed 1 additional
monument sign, then 1 for each 200
ft. of additional frontage along that
Sign Type Sign Style Maximum
Number
Maximum
Area
Maximum
Height
Illumination
Allowed?
Location
Restrictions
(also see Section
17.60.050)
Remarks
street.
g. Centers with over 1,000 ft. of
street frontage are allowed 1
additional pylon sign along that
street; a minimum of 300 ft. shall be
maintained between pylon signs.
Window 1 per street
frontage
8 sq. ft. Below 2nd
floor or 10
ft.,
whichever
is less.
Yes Ground floor windows
only.
Area limitation and location does not
apply to customary noncommercial
holiday decorations maintained
pursuant to Section 17.60.080(R).
Readerboard/Menuboard
(wall or freestanding)
2 per
business
32 sq. ft.
each
12 ft. Yes a. Shall not be
portable.
b. Shall not be placed
or maintained upon
any sidewalk area.
c. Minimum 1 ft.
between signs.
Copy limited to indicating prices,
merchandise, or services offered;
official public services provided on-
premises; credit cards honored;
directions to customers; and like
matters. Use of streamers, pennants
and banners are prohibited.
Shingle 1 per
elevation
6 sq. ft. 7 ft. min.
ground
clearance.
Yes Shall be at entrance(s)
utilized by public
during business hours.
Sign shall be oriented for sidewalk
pedestrian traffic perpendicular to the
store front.
Sign Type Sign Style Maximum
Number
Maximum
Area
Maximum
Height
Illumination
Allowed?
Location
Restrictions
(also see Section
17.60.050)
Remarks
Nameplate (wall or
door)
1 per
loading
entrance
2 sq. ft.
each
6 ft. No Adjacent to or on door
of loading entrance of
each tenant.
a. Copy shall be limited to
business/tenant name.
b. Sign is limited to loading entrance
only that is not the business’s public
entrance.
c. Building ID
(multiple
buildings on
site)
Wall 2 per
building
10 sq. ft. 10 ft. Yes Wall only a. Illumination shall be indirect or backlit; internal lighting is prohibited.
b. Copy shall pertain only to the
name of the building to assist in
providing direction to the public,
commercial name/advertising copy is
prohibited.
c. See Section 17.60.070(F) if
building ID sign is proposed as a
skyline building sign.
d. Temporary Signs
i. Real Estate Freestanding, wall or
window
1 per
saleable or
leasable
space
32 sq. ft. 12 ft. No a. Shall be on
premises being sold,
rented or leased.
b. Shall be set back 10
ft. from all property
lines.
a. Copy shall pertain to advertise the
sale, rent or lease and not for the
purpose of commercial advertising of
a business.
b. Signs shall be removed within 10
days after the sale, lease or exchange
has been completed.
Sign Type Sign Style Maximum
Number
Maximum
Area
Maximum
Height
Illumination
Allowed?
Location
Restrictions
(also see Section
17.60.050)
Remarks
ii. Construction Freestanding 1 per
project
facing
street
32 sq. ft. 12 ft. No a. Shall be on
premises
b. Sign shall be set
back 10 ft. from
property lines.
a. Copy limited to type of
construction occurring on site and
name of company including logo.
b. Sign shall be removed within 10
days after completion of project.
iii. Future
Facility, Use or
Tenant
Freestanding, wall or
window
1 per street
frontage
32 sq. ft. 12 ft. No a. Shall be on
premises
b. Sign shall be set
back 10 ft. from
property lines.
a. Copy limited to identify future use
consistent with zoning, or future
occupancy and may include
ownership identification.
b. Sign shall be removed upon
occupancy of building or site.
iv. Promotional Window Allowed on
up to 3
building
elevations
40% of
window
area per
building
elevation
Below 2nd
floor or 10
ft.,
whichever
is less
Yes Ground floor windows
only.
a. Copy limited to promoting
merchandise, services, sales, etc., of
business activity. Business
identification is prohibited except as
permitted under (4)(b).
b. Area limitation does not include
business identification except as
permitted under (4)(b).
c. Area limitation and location does
not apply to customary
noncommercial holiday decorations
maintained pursuant to Section
17.60.080(R).
Sign Type Sign Style Maximum
Number
Maximum
Area
Maximum
Height
Illumination
Allowed?
Location
Restrictions
(also see Section
17.60.050)
Remarks
Pole banners 4 per light
pole (2 on
each side of
pole, back-
to-back)
30 in. wide
x 96 in. tall
(each)
Cannot
extend
above the
top of the
light pole.
Yes Only allowed on
permanent on-site
light poles.
a. Copy limited to promoting
merchandise, services, sales, etc., of
business activity. Business name/logo
is limited to a maximum of 25% of
the banner area.
Pennants/streamers 2 strands Each strand
cannot
exceed a
height of
18 in.
Cannot
extend
above the
roof of a
building or
top of the
light pole.
No May only be placed
around the perimeter
of the area approved
for outdoor sales.
Text or copy is prohibited.
Pennants/streamers may include
single or multiple colors, metallic
hulas, and flags.
v. Special Event See Section 17.60.070(B).
vi.
Noncommercial
See Section 17.60.070(C).
e. Outdoor
Advertising
(billboard)
See Section 17.60.070(E).
Attachment B
Banner Sign
Vehicle Monted Sign
Moving Sign
Feather Banner Sign
A-Frame Sign
Roof, pennant, and feather banner sign
Signs Attached to Utility poles
Planning and Development Committee – Aug 27, 2024City Council Referral(Ward 2, 4, 6) City Council Committee MeetingPlanning & DevelopmentReview of Sign Ordinance in Commercial Centers and Enforcement of Sign Standards
Background
BackgroundReview of sign ordinance in commercial centers and enforcement ofsign regulations. City Council received public comments from Mr.Sandirini and Mr. Escabedo regarding the commercial centerlocated at 1400 Calloway Drive at the May 22,2024 City Councilmeeting. Staff met with Council Member Smith with potentialsolutions that were not acceptable to the tenant or shoppingcenter owner. Staff was directed to bring forward a presentation ofcurrent associated sign regulations and enforcement practices.
Purpose
Sign Ordinance - Purpose1. Promote and maintain healthy commercial centers and property values for effective identification and communication of the nature of goods and services and avoidance of wasteful and unsightly competition in signs.2. Attract and direct persons to various activities and enterprises, in order to provide for public convenience.3. Provide a reasonable system of sign control throughout the city.4. Encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing in appearance and to provide incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationship and spacing.5. Encourage a desirable urban character.6. Enhance the economic value of the community and each area thereof through the reasonable regulation of such things as type, number, area, height, location and illumination of signs.7. Encourage signs which are harmonious with adjacent land uses and to encourage architectural compatibility.8. Reduce possible traffic and safety hazards through good signing.
Standards
Sign Ordinance - StandardsRemarksLocation Restrictions(also see Section 17.60.050)Illumination Allowed?Maximum HeightMaximum AreaMaximum NumberSign StyleSign TypeSubject to the residential sign standards pursuant to Section 17.60.060(B)(1).a. Residential Usesa. Each business shall be entitled a minimum of 16 sq. ft. of wall signage per elevation.b. Sign shall not exceed a horizontal length greater than 70% of the linear business frontage.c. If skyline building signs are proposed, such signs as well as all other wall signs shall be subject to Section 17.60.070(F).Signs shall not project above roofline of building.Yes30 ft. Note: Wall signs may exceed the height maximum if building is more than 3 stories per skyline sign standards.Street elevations: 2 sq. ft. per linear foot of the business’s elevation sign is located or 250 sq. ft., whichever is less.Non-street elevations: 1 sq. ft. per linear foot of the business’s elevation sign is located or 125 sq. ft., whichever is less.No limit; total combined area of all signage shall not exceed the maximum area per elevation.Wallb. Business IDAttachment A
Special Event Signage
Sign Ordinance – Special Event SignageB. Special Event Signs. Special event signs may be approved by the building director as a means of publicizing events such as grand openings, carnivals, parades, charitable events, community holiday activities, and other such events. This section does not include events promoted by the city of Bakersfield pursuant to Section 17.60.080(O). Special event signs shall be limited to the following provisions:1. Signs shall be limited for each business to sixty days a calendar year. This time may be utilized in any combination of durations; however , the number of special events shall not exceed eight a calendar year , and no single event shall exceed a duration of fifteen consecutive days.2. Balloons and inflated devices provided they do not exceed a height of one hundred feet, search lights, beacons, pennants, flags, banners and streamers may be allowed subject to approval by the building director. Flags for model homes/tract sales offices are not subject to this subsection.
Next Steps
Prohibited Signs17.60.090 Prohibited signs.The following signs are specifically prohibited:A. Animated, moving, revolving and rotating signs, except as specified in this chapter.B. Banners, flags, pennants and balloons, except as specified in this chapter.C. Bench signs.D. Electronic message displays, except as specified in this chapter.E. Flashing, blinking, and reflecting signs, except as specified in this chapter.F. Outdoor advertising signs, except as specified in this chapter.G. Permanent “for sale” signs.H. Portable signs including A-frame signs, except as specified in this chapter.
Nuisance Abatement Overview
Code Enforcement – Practices for Prohibited Signs•Both by citizen complaints and proactively•Historically, lower priority for proactive enforcement•Largest efforts are focused on major corridors•Majority violations are cheap paper/plastic signs taped, tacked, nailed or otherwise attached indiscriminately to utility poles, traffic signs, freeway/canal fencing•Businesses maintaining on premises prohibited signs or signs in restricted locations•Enforcement activities have been limited to issuance of corrections notices •Education and awareness through a brochure and guide business owner to staff within the Planning Department •Code Enforcement has not imposed criminal action or administrative fees for sign violations to date.
Prohibited Sign Examples
Prohibited Sign Examples
Commercial Center
Commercial Center at 1400 Calloway Drive•C-2 Zoned Property•Allowed one monument sign (2 sqft per linear ft) and wall signage (32 sqft max)
Site Pictures at Roadway
1400 Calloway Dr- Pictures Along Roadway
Staff Proposal – Minor Comp Sign Plan
Site Signage Options1. Special Event Signs.Purpose of publicizing events such as grand openings, carnivals, parades, charitable events, community holiday activities, and other such events. This would allow banners, balloons, etc. as previously described.2. Minor Comprehensive Sign Plan. Creates an opportunity to ask for signage that differs from sign development standards. This could result in additional wall signage, larger monument or other.
Vacant Buildings - Overview
Comprehensive Sign PlansThe comprehensive sign plan is a program that may allow developers or business owners of a shopping/business center or other such project to request special consideration of signs that are specifically integrated into the overall architectural style or theme for that project. Because signage can play an important role in the overall site design in order to set it apart from other similar projects, a comprehensive sign plan can create an effect both desired and unique that will enhance the overall environment of the development. However, it is not the intent of this section to be used to request relief of the sign regulations in order to circumvent any requirements or purpose of this chapter.
Next Steps
Next Steps•Direct staff to research minor comprehensive sign plan for smallcenters and additional time for promotional signs to our comparablecities and bring back to committee.•Direct staff to research topics within the sign ordinance to ourcomparable cities and bring back to committee.•Provide Alternate direction to Staff.