1 ORDINANCE NO. ___________
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
ADDING CHAPTER 30.28 AND AMENDING SECTIONS 30.33.040, 30.33.140, AND
30.33.210 TO TITLE 30 OF THE GLENDALE MUNICIPAL CODE, 1995,
RELATED TO ESTABLISHING AN ANIMATED SIGNAGE OVERLAY ZONE WITH
ASSOCIATED ZONING DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR ANIMATED SIGNAGE (CASE NO. PZC-0015-2025)
WHEREAS, the California Constitution, the Glendale City Charter, and the State Planning and Zoning Law (California Government Code Sections 65000, et seq.) broadly empower the City of Glendale ("City") to plan for and regulate the use of land in order to provide for orderly development, the public health, safety and welfare and a balancing of property rights and desires of the community; and WHEREAS, the City regulates signage pursuant to Title 30 of the Glendale Municipal Code (“GMC”), including Chapter 30.33, as well as pursuant to the Glendale Building and Safety Code; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to amend Chapter 30.33 to enact a pilot program for a limited duration, under which certain types of animated signs will be permitted in certain areas of the City; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission considered and recommended approval of these amendments to Sections of Title 30 at its meeting of August 5, 2026; and WHEREAS, notice of the date, time and place of the public hearing for this Ordinance was given pursuant to Government Code Sections 65090, by publication in Glendale Independent on August 31, 2026, and by posting and making available the written report referenced herein, which notified the public the City would be considering an ordinance relating generally to establishing an Animated Signage Overlay Zone (ANSOZ) and associated standards as well as a zoning map amendment to add the ANSOZ to all commercially zoned properties along South Central Avenue and South Brand Boulevard.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GLENDALE DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Glendale finds that the above recitals are true and correct and are hereby incorporated by reference.
SECTION 2. Chapter 30.28, entitled Animated Signage Overlay Zone (ANSOZ) is hereby added to the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 30.28
ANIMATED SIGNAGE OVERLAY ZONE (ANSOZ)
30.28.010 Description and purpose
2 30.28.020 General provisions
30.28.030 Regulations for signs allowed by the ANSOZ
30.28.040 Sunset clause for the ANSOZ
30.28.050 Permits required
30.28.010 Description and purpose.
The Animated Signage Overlay Zone (ANSOZ) is intended to allow animated signage in a manner consistent with this chapter. The purpose of the ANSOZ is to:
A. Provide minimum standards to safeguard life, safety, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, location, electrification, operation and maintenance of animated digital signs and associated sign structures exposed to public view within the city.
B. Promote appropriate signage which uses clear, attractive graphics and coordinates with the architectural design within the development and on the buildings on which the signs are located.
C. Provide clear development standards under which animated signs enabled by this overlay zone can be designed and installed.
D. Limit visual clutter by regulating the number, size and location of signs.
E. Protect pedestrians and motorists from traffic safety hazards.
F. Protect residents from glare and excessive illumination.
G. Promote and protect the public health, safety, welfare and convenience by regulating signs enabled by this overlay zone.
30.28.020 General provisions.
For the purposes of this Chapter, “animated sign” shall have the same meaning as set out in Section 30.33.020 of this Title. The provisions of the zone underlying an ANSOZ shall apply except as provided in this chapter. Where any portion of this chapter is in conflict with the Zoning Ordinance, the provisions of this chapter shall take precedence.
30.28.030 Regulations for signs allowed by the ANSOZ.
The following regulations shall apply to all signs allowed by an ANSOZ:
A. Animated signs shall only be permitted as accessory ground signs as defined in Section 30.33.020 of this Title.
B. No more than one animated accessory ground sign shall be permitted per site.
C. Animated accessory ground signs shall comply with the standards in Section 3 30.33.140 including number, area, zoning districts, location, height, and lighting.
1. Animated accessory ground signs associated with a vehicle sales, leasing and rental agency shall comply with the standards in Section 30.33.210(D)(2).
D. Animated signs permitted under this chapter shall:
1. Only be accessory ground signs which are permitted under this chapter and allowed by the overlay zone map.
2. Only use static images that shall not change images more frequently than each eight seconds, with a transition period of one second or less.
3. Not contain messages through a sequence of progressive changes of parts by either action or motion, flashing or color changes, advertising content in animated or motion picture form or having changing display/message formed by the selective illumination of an array of individual light bulbs or light emitting diodes (LEDs) displaying text and/or graphic images.
4. Not have sound effects or projecting elements.
5. Not have maximum brightness levels that exceed ambient light levels. The director of community development may require a lighting study, field measurements or other satisfactory method to verify compliance with this requirement.
6. Be equipped with a dimming sensor or other similar device that automatically adjusts the brightness of the display according to changes in ambient lighting.
7. Only operate between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m.
8. Only be oriented towards Central Avenue and Brand Boulevard, and shall not visually interfere with vehicular traffic to the satisfaction of the director of public works.
9. Not be oriented towards or adjacent to any property developed with a residential use.
10. Only be permitted within the first 50 feet of the property’s street-front property line along Central Avenue and Brand Boulevard.
30.28.040 Sunset clause for the ANSOZ.
A. The ANSOZ shall remain in effect for a period of ten (10) years from the effective date of this ordinance, until <Month Day, Year> unless extended or repealed by ordinance of the City Council prior to that date. Upon expiration, the ANSOZ shall be deemed repealed, and the underlying zoning district regulations shall apply to all properties 4 previously subject to the ANSOZ.
B. In the event an ANSOZ is not extended, all signs, and other related fixtures, including lighting and framing allowed by the overlay zone shall be removed and the areas of the buildings where the signs are located shall be repaired to the condition prior to enactment of the ANSOZ.
C. The director of community development may approve a time extension one time for a maximum of five (5) additional years for an animated sign permitted under this chapter to remain upon written request from the applicant. This request must be submitted within one (1) calendar year of expiration of the ANSOZ. In granting such extension, the director of community development shall make written findings that:
1. The neighborhood conditions have not substantially changed since the permit was initially approved;
2. The design, location, size, and rate of animation do not create a visual hazard or traffic distraction for drivers on adjacent public rights-of-way;
3. The illumination of the sign will not create light trespass or a visual nuisance for surrounding properties; and
4. The permitted animated sign and associated structure are maintained in good and safe condition, including ground maintenance, in accordance with Section
30.33.080 (E) and (F).
30.28.050 Permits Required.
It is unlawful for any person to construct, place, erect, maintain, alter or relocate within an ANSOZ any sign, lighting fixture, framing or other structure associated with the sign permitted by an ANSOZ without first obtaining a permit therefor from the building official.
Prior to the issuance of an ANSOZ sign permit, applicants shall submit a complete final lighting and materials package to the director of community development for review and approval for conformance with this chapter.
SECTION 3. Section 30.33.040 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, is hereby amended to read as follows:
30.33.040 Prohibited Signs.
Except as permitted under Section 30.33.040, the following shall not be permitted, constructed, erected or maintained in the city unless otherwise permitted by this section.
A. Animated signs, except as permitted as an approved creative sign or as permitted in Chapters 30.26 and 30.28. This does not include public service signs such as time and temperature units and/or barber poles, or price signs at gas stations; 5 B. Wind signs, except as permitted as an approved creative sign; C. String lights, other than holiday decorations displayed between November 1st and January 15th, used in connection with a commercial premises for commercial purposes; D. Banners, flags and pennants, except as permitted as an approved creative sign or as permitted in Chapter 30.26, of any size, shape or design no matter how or where affixed or attached, of fabric, vinyl or other similar materials; balloons for purposes of display or advertising, including but not limited to those filled with any type of gas including helium and hot air balloons, whether affixed to a permanent location or used for riding. Banners may, however, be approved for vehicles sales, leasing and rental agencies in the CA zone as further provided in this chapter. In addition, banners may be approved for hospital uses in the MS zone as further provided in this chapter; E. Signs erected at the intersection of any streets in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or erected at any location where, by reason of the position, content, shape, size or color, they may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which makes use of the words “STOP,” “DRIVE-IN,” “DANGER” or any other word, phrase, color, symbol or character in such manner as may tend to interfere with, mislead or confuse operators of motor vehicles; F. Portable signs, except pedestrian signs as defined herein; G. Signs made of material not permitted or prescribed for the intended use under the building code, excepting those signs located on the interior surface of the window glass of any building;
H. Signs and/or sign structures other than those permitted by Section 30.33.040 of this chapter or as posted in Chapter 30.26 that are posted, painted, printed, nailed, tacked, erected, placed, fastened, maintained or otherwise affixed upon or over any public street or public property within the city, including any roadway, parkway, sidewalk, driveway, approach apron, streetlight standard, fire hydrant, electric light pole, power pole, telephone pole, appurtenance of any such pole, any fixture of the fire alarm system, street sign, traffic signal or devices, parking meter, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard and/or other similar facility installed or maintained within, upon, on, across or over any public right-of-way; provided, that this provision shall not prohibit the sale or offering for sale, advertising display or the possession or custody of newspapers, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter commonly sold by news vendors, occurring upon the sidewalks by news vendors personally or pursuant to the provisions of chapter 12.36; nor prohibit the placement, use and maintenance of warning signs designating street construction or repair and/or the location of underground utility lines. Any flag, pennant, sign, handbill or decorative material structure which is placed upon a public street or public property in violation of this subsection is declared to be a public nuisance and may be summarily abated;
6 I. Signs that are posted, painted, printed, nailed, tacked, erected, placed, fastened or otherwise affixed upon any private property without the written consent of the owner, holder, lessee, agent or trustee;
J. Signs that are erected or maintained in such a manner that any portion of their surfaces or support will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit, stairway or fire equipment or obstruct any required ventilator, door or stairway. No sign shall obstruct the use of any window on the premises except as provided in this chapter; K. Signs for home occupations;
L. Roof signs, except as permitted as an approved creative sign; M. Signs which do not have lawful clearance from existing overhead electric conductors; N. Non-accessory signs and sign structures; provided however, that this prohibition on non-accessory signs shall not prohibit ASOZ accessory signs and ASOZ non-accessory signs as permitted in Chapter 30.26 of this title;
O. For the purposes of this section, information that appears on any sign, or sign structure as herein defined may be used as evidence to establish the fact, and may create an interference, that a person or entity is responsible for the posting of the sign, picture, transparency, advertisement, or mechanical device:
1. The name, telephone number, address, or other identifying information regarding the real estate broker, real estate brokerage firm, real estate agent, or other person associated with the firm;
2. The name, telephone number, address, or other identifying information of the owner or lessee of property used for a commercial activity or event;
3. The name, telephone number, address, or other identifying information of the sponsor or promoter of a sporting event, concert, theatrical performance or similar event or activity.
SECTION 4. Section 30.33.140 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, is hereby amended to read as follows:
30.33.140 Accessory ground signs.
A. Number. One accessory ground sign shall be permitted for each dedicated street frontage of the site. A maximum of two accessory ground signs shall be permitted per lot or site, regardless of the number of street frontages.
B. Area. An accessory ground sign shall not exceed one square foot per linear foot of site frontage as measured along a right-of-way line. The total aggregate area of the signs shall not exceed 40 square feet in the C1 zone and the East Broadway district of the DSP zone and 75 square feet in the C2 zone. The total aggregate area of the signs in 7 zones other than C1 or C2 zones or the East Broadway district of the DSP zone shall not exceed 200 square feet. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area on the basis of the sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible frontages.
C. Zoning Districts. Accessory ground signs shall be permitted only in the C1, C2, C3, CR, CH, CA, DSP, TOD, IND, IMU, IMU-R, SFMU, CEM, MS, and SR zoning districts.
D. Locations.
1. No accessory ground sign shall be nearer the street than the building setback line established pursuant to the zoning ordinance of this code or by setback ordinance.
2. On a property at any corner formed by intersecting streets, no accessory ground sign shall be erected within that triangular area between the property lines and a diagonal line joining points on the property lines 25 feet from the point of their intersection, or in the case of rounded corners, the triangular area between the tangents to the curve at such corner and a diagonal line, joining points on such tangents 25 feet from the point of their intersection, if the traffic and transportation administrator determines the erection of a sign in such area will obstruct the view of vehicular traffic approaching the intersection on the intersecting streets. The tangents referred to above are those at the beginning and at the end of the curve at the corner.
3. No portion of any accessory ground sign shall project over or through any portion of the roof, marquee or canopy of any building.
E. Height. An accessory ground sign shall not exceed the following heights:
1. Six feet above ground level in the C1 zone and the East Broadway district of the DSP zone, except on Colorado Street and Glendale Avenue frontage;
2. Eight feet above ground level in the C2 zone;
3. Twenty-five feet above ground level in zones other than C1 or C2, and, in the DSP zone, the Colorado Street and Glendale Avenue frontages of the East Broadway district and in all other districts of the DSP zone.
F. Lighting. Any lighting of accessory ground signs shall be in compliance with the Electrical Code.
G. Miscellaneous.
1. A maximum of two supporting poles, uprights, posts or braces shall be permitted for an accessory ground sign; provided, however, if such ground sign is located in the area described in subsection (D)(2) of this section, only one supporting pole, upright, post or brace shall be permitted.
8 2. The lowest point of any accessory ground sign which projects over a driveway, service drive or any other vehicular traffic way shall be a minimum of 14 feet above ground level.
3. No accessory ground sign shall be closer than 15 feet to any other accessory ground sign on the same lot or site.
4. The width of an accessory ground sign shall not exceed 20 feet.
5. All exposed backs or sides shall be suitably covered in order to conceal the structural members and bracing.
H. Accessory ground signs in the ANSOZ. Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 30.28, a maximum of one accessory ground sign located in any ANSOZ may be animated.
SECTION 5. Section 30.33.210 of the Glendale Municipal Code, 1995, is hereby amended to read as follows:
30.33.210 Miscellaneous signs.
A. Awning Signs.
1. Number. One awning sign shall be permitted per awning.
2. Area. The area of an awning sign shall not exceed four square feet.
3. Zoning districts. Awning signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except residential zones and for residential uses in mixed use zones.
4. Height. The height of the face of an awning sign shall not exceed one foot.
5. Miscellaneous.
a. Awning signs may be painted, placed or installed upon the vertically hanging border only of an awning, provided that such signs shall not extend above or below such hanging border.
b. Awning signs shall be of permanent matter.
c. No advertising shall be placed on any awning except the name of the owner and business, logogram and industry or pursuit conducted within the premises.
d. Backlighting of awnings which illuminates only a specific area or part of an awning which contains a sign shall be prohibited.
B. Window Signs.
9 1. Number. For each ground floor occupancy of a building, one illuminated window sign shall be permitted in each window to a maximum of two which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking lot area. This section shall not permit illuminated advertising signs for alcoholic beverages at gas stations that are prohibited by state law. A maximum of two illuminated window signs shall be permitted per establishment. A neon border being placed around the perimeter of a window as a decorative element void of text shall not be construed as sign area. Window signs that are not illuminated shall not be limited in number.
In the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP zones, one non-illuminated window sign shall be permitted in an on-site residential leasing or sales office. Such leasing or sales office shall be located at ground level and shall be restricted to the leasing or sales of the residential units on the site.
2. Area. The area of an illuminated window sign shall not exceed four square feet.
Any signs constructed exclusively of neon tubing shall not exceed 25 percent of the window area or a maximum of 100 square feet, whichever is less. Signs constructed of stained glass shall be permitted to cover the entire area of any window. Signs constructed of any other permitted material that is not illuminated shall be permitted only on the interior surface of the window glass, provided that no combination of any window signs covers more than 25 percent of the area of any window.
3. Zoning Districts. Window signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts except residential zones and residential uses in mixed use zones. In the IMU-R, SFMU, TOD and DSP zones, a non-illuminated window sign shall be permitted for an onsite residential leasing or sales office.
4. Lighting. Any lighting of window signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code and shall not cause disturbing glare onto any adjacent areas due to excessive brightness or method of illumination. Signs shall also be designed, installed, and maintained in such a manner that the spillover of any illumination of signs onto property located in a residential zone shall not exceed two foot candles above ambient light levels.
C. Church Bulletin Boards. One church bulletin board, not to exceed a total area of 18 square feet, or a vertical height of five feet above grade shall be permitted per lot or site used for church purposes. Any lighting shall be by indirect illumination only.
D. Signs for Vehicle Sales, Leasing and Rental Agencies.
1. Accessory wall signs.
a. Number. For each ground floor occupancy of a building, one accessory wall sign shall be permitted on each wall which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area; provided, however, that no more than one accessory wall sign shall be permitted per dedicated 10 street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area. In the CA zone only, an additional accessory wall sign shall be permitted on each wall that is permitted to have a wall sign if the length of that wall is at least 100 feet.
In the CA zone only, two "secondary" accessory wall signs shall be permitted on each wall that is permitted to have a wall sign if the length of that wall is at least 200 feet and said wall directly faces Brand Boulevard.
b. Area. The area of an accessory wall sign on any wall permitted a sign shall not exceed two square feet per foot of length of frontage of each ground floor occupancy which directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall or parking area. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area on the basis of the sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible lengths. In the CA zone only, the area of all accessory wall signs, including "secondary" accessory wall signs, on any wall permitted a sign shall not exceed one and one-half square feet per foot of length of frontage of each ground floor occupancy that directly faces a dedicated street, dedicated alley, mall, or parking area.
c. Location.
i. Accessory wall signs shall only be attached to building walls having a vertical plant angle less than 20 degrees. No wall sign shall extend more than two feet above any eave line or have more than 50 percent of its height above any eave line.
ii. No wall sign shall cover wholly or partially any required wall opening.
d. Height. The lowest point of any accessory wall sign which projects over a driveway, service drive or any other traffic way more than six inches from the wall to which it is attached shall be a minimum of 17 feet above ground level. The maximum sign face height of any "secondary" accessory wall sign shall be 18 inches.
e. Lighting. Any lighting of accessory wall signs shall be by indirect illumination only, in compliance with the electrical code. f. Miscellaneous. An accessory wall sign shall be erected or constructed so that it is either integrated into the wall, flat against the wall to which it is attached, or projecting not more than 10 inches from the wall to which it is attached (as measured from the back surface of the sign).
2. Accessory ground signs.
a. Number. One accessory ground sign shall be permitted for each dedicated street frontage of the site. A maximum of two accessory 11 ground signs shall be permitted per lot or site, regardless of the number of street frontages. In the CA zone only, an additional accessory ground sign shall be permitted along the Brand Boulevard frontage if the length of that frontage is at least 200 feet.
b. Area. The area of an accessory ground sign shall not exceed two square feet per linear foot of site frontage as measured along a right-of-way line.
In the CA zone only, the area of an accessory ground sign shall not exceed one and one-half square feet per linear foot of site frontage as measured along a right-of-way line. The total aggregate area of the signs shall not exceed 640 square feet. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit the computation of allowable sign area of the basis of sum, allocation or duplication of the eligible frontages. c. Location.
i. No accessory ground sign shall be nearer the street than the building setback line established pursuant to the zoning ordinance of this code or by setback ordinance.
ii. On property at any corner formed by intersecting streets, no accessory ground sign shall be erected within that triangular area between the property lines 25 feet from the point of their intersection, or in the case of rounded corners, the triangular area between the tangents to the curve at such corner and a diagonal line joining points on such tangents 25 feet from the point of their intersection, if the traffic engineer determines the erection of a sign in such area will obstruct the view of vehicular traffic approaching the intersection of the intersecting streets. The tangents referred to above are those at the beginning and at the end of the curve at the corner.
iii. No portion of an accessory ground sign shall project over or through any portion of the roof, marquee or canopy of any building. d. Height. An accessory ground sign shall not exceed a height of 57 feet above ground level. In the CA zone only, accessory ground signs shall not exceed a height of 35 feet above ground level only if there are two ground signs along the Brand Boulevard frontage.
e. Lighting. Any lighting of accessory ground signs shall be in compliance with the electrical code.
f. Miscellaneous.
i. A maximum of two supporting poles, uprights, posts or braces shall be permitted for an accessory ground sign.
12 ii. The lowest point of any accessory ground sign which projects over a driveway, service drive, or any other vehicular traffic way shall be a minimum of 14 feet above ground level.
iii. No accessory ground sign shall be closer than 15 feet to any other accessory ground sign on the same lot or site.
iv. The width of an accessory ground sign shall not exceed 40 feet. v. All exposed backs or sides shall be suitably covered in order to conceal the structural members and bracing.
g. Accessory ground signs in the ANSOZ. Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 30.28, a maximum of one accessory ground sign located in any ANSOZ may be animated.
3. Banners in the CA zone only. The standards listed below shall apply to banners for vehicle sales, leasing and rental agencies in the CA zone. a. The following standards shall apply to both temporary and nontemporary banners. i. The maximum height for a banner shall be 20 feet.
ii. The minimum ground clearance for a banner shall be eight feet. iii. The minimum ground clearance for a banner over a driveway shall be 14 feet.
iv. All banners shall be located at least 20 feet from residentially-zoned property unless such property is not being used for residential purposes. No banners shall impair the visibility of signs located on adjacent property in the opinion of the director of community development.
v. Banners shall only be mounted to freestanding vertical poles, light standards, and poles or brackets attached to a building wall so as to project outward from the wall. No banners shall be attached to vehicles, building walls, freestanding walls or fences, or roofs of buildings. All mounting shall be consistent with Glendale Building Code standards.
vi. Any banner which is rigidly supported shall project a maximum of four feet in each direction from the center of the supporting structure.
vii. Banners may project a maximum of four feet over the public rightof-way if attached to a pole which was existing on July 25, 2000. An 13 encroachment permit shall also be required from the director of public works.
viii. Any pole which supports a banner constructed after July 25, 2000 shall be at least 20 feet from another pole which also supports a banner.
b. The following additional standards shall apply to temporary banners:
i. A maximum number of two fixed temporary banners shall be displayed at any given time.
ii. The maximum area for a fixed temporary banner shall be 50 square feet.
iii. Temporary banners shall only be displayed for a maximum total of 60 days in any calendar year.
c. The following additional standard shall apply to non-temporary banners:
i. The maximum area for a banner that is attached by one vertical edge only to a freestanding vertical pole shall be 10 square feet.
E. Signs for Certain Shopping Centers. In addition to signs permitted elsewhere in this code, one accessory ground sign shall be permitted for each shopping center provided such shopping center and such additional sign shall meet all the following criteria:
1. A unified shopping center under single ownership;
2. A minimum of four aces of land area;
3. A minimum of 10 contiguous business establishments; and
4. No other ground sign be permitted to remain or be constructed. Such sign shall not exceed a maximum of 50 feet above ground level; a maximum width of 20 feet; and a maximum display surface area of 260 square feet.
F. Signs for Outdoor Vending Machines and Reverse Vending Machines. All signs located on vending machines and reverse vending machines shall meet the following criteria:
1. All signs shall be integrated into or onto or attached flush to the surfaces of the machine. No signs shall extend above or beyond the extremities of the machines.
2. All signs must related to the product/use being housed in the machines.
3. These signs shall meet all other requirements contained in this chapter. 14 G. Signs for Freestanding Non-Motorized Portable Vending Carts. All signs located on portable vending carts shall meet the following criteria:
1. A maximum of two signs shall be permitted as follows:
a. One sign, not to exceed 25 percent of the side of the cart, roof or canopy of the cart, where such sign will be located;
b. One menu board sign, no larger than eight and one-half inches by 14 inches.
2. All signs must related to the product/use being housed in the portable cart;
3. All permitted signs shall be attached to the cart.
H. Residential Noncommercial Signs. One residential noncommercial sign, not to exceed a total area of six square feet and a height of six feet above ground level shall be permitted per lot or site used for residential purposes. No lighting of the sign shall be permitted. Sign copy shall be limited to noncommercial speech.
I. Political Campaign Signs. One non-illuminated sign shall be permitted up to a total area of six square feet and a height of four feet above ground level for each lot in a residential zone or 32 square feet and a height of 12 feet above ground level in a commercial or industrial zone.
J. Signs for Hospitals in the MS and TOD II Zones. These standards are applicable to all hospitals located in the medical service (MS) and TOD II zones. For the purposes of this section, Hospital shall include all facilities owned, operated, and in conjunction with a hospital use. Hospitals located in all other zones are subject to the provisions of this chapter. The following standards apply to all signs visible from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent to the property.
1. Banners. The standards listed below shall apply to banners for all hospitals located in the medical service (MS) and TOD II zones.
a. The following standards shall apply to banners affiliated with the hospital:
i. The maximum height above the ground for a banner shall be 22 feet.
ii. The minimum ground clearance for a banner shall be eight feet. iii. The minimum ground clearance for a banner over a driveway shall be 14 feet.
iv. No banners shall impair visibility of signs located on adjacent property as determined by the director of community development. 15 v. Banners shall only be mounted to freestanding vertical poles and light standards. No banners shall be attached to vehicles, building walls, freestanding walls or fences, or roofs of buildings. All mounting hardware shall be consistent with the Glendale Building Code.
vi. Any banner which is rigidly supported shall project a maximum of four feet in each direction from the center of the supporting structure.
vii. The maximum number of banners for any project site allowable shall be three per frontage or per driveway, whichever is greater. viii. A maximum number of two fixed banners per pole shall be displayed at any given time.
ix. The maximum area for a fixed banner shall be 60 square feet. x. Banners shall be maintained in good repair.
b. Banners not for a hospital are prohibited.
2. Light projection signs.
a. The following standards shall apply to light projection signs for all hospitals located in the medical service (MS) and TOD zones. i. The maximum area allowable for a light projection sign shall be 1,500 square feet.
ii. Light projection signs shall not be permitted to shine onto any transparent surface of a building.
iii. No more than two light projection signs may be approved for a hospital.
b. Light projection signs not for a hospital are prohibited.
3. Wall signs. In addition to those wall signs permitted by Section 30.33.120, additional wall signs may be permitted for a hospital in the medical service (MS) and TOD II zones subject to the following standards:
a. Wall signs shall be approved by the director of community development. b. Wall signs may be located on any building or structure, including any parking structure.
c. Cumulatively, a maximum of four additional wall signs are permitted. 16 d. Subject to the review and approval of the director of community development, all such additional wall signs shall be subject to the following standards:
i. The signs shall be proportional to the size and compatible with the architecture of the building or structure to which it is attached. ii. The signs shall not negatively impact the flow of traffic or cause confusion for motorists.
iii. The signs shall not contribute to visual overcrowding or be incompatible with the architecture and siting of adjacent buildings or other private or public improvements.
4. Other signs. In addition to those signs permitted under this title and in subsections (J)(1), (2) and (3) above, a maximum of 25 other signs that are not visible from the public street or sidewalk immediately adjacent to the property are permitted.
5. Changes to signs allowed for hospitals. Changes to signs allowed by subsection J, including size, locations, number, and lighting may be approved by the director of community development, so long as such changes are in substantial conformance with subsection J. The director may refer those sign changes which are not in substantial conformance with this section to the design review board for review and approval. Changing out the signs for replacement of new signs of the same material, shape, size and illumination method and consistent with all other aspects of this section does not require approval from the director of community development.
SECTION 6. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) the City Council hereby finds that this Ordinance is exempt from further review pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301(g) because the project involves new copy on existing on-premise signs, Section 15305 because the project involves minor changes to land use regulations which do not result in any changes in land use or density, and Section 15311 because the project would involve construction or replacement of on-premise signs which are minor structures that are accessory to existing commercial facilities. This Ordinance establishes standards to permit animated signs as accessory ground signs in an overlay zone, with development standards for the animated signs, including limitations on size, brightness, locations, and design to regulate impacts to traffic, light, and noise. Any future sign proposals will remain subject to review against these standards.
SECTION 7. Severability. This Ordinance’s provisions are severable. If any portion of this Ordinance or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid or unconstitutional, that decision does not affect the validity of the Ordinance’s remaining portions and the Ordinance’s application to other persons and circumstances. The City Council declares that it would have passed the remainder of this Ordinance without the invalid or unconstitutional provision.
17 SECTION 8. Effective Date. This ordinance becomes effective on the thirtieth (30th) day after its adoption.
Adopted by the Council of the City of Glendale on the ____ day of ________, 2026. ___________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS.
CITY OF GLENDALE )
I, Suzie Abajian, Ph.D., City Clerk of the City of Glendale, certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. _________ was adopted by a 4/5ths vote of the Council of the City of Glendale, California, at a regular meeting held on the _____ day of _________________, 2026, and that the same was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Absent:
Abstain:
___________________________________
City Clerk