Agenda Item No. 7
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council DATE: February 26, 2024 FROM: Matthew Bronson, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Megan Martin, Community Development Director Kyle Bell, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: Sign Regulations Policy Direction
RECOMMENDATION
Receive an overview on the key elements and implementation of the City’s Sign Regulations and provide input and policy direction to staff on potential revisions.
BACKGROUND
In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that content-based sign regulations are presumptively unconstitutional and that they can only be justified when they are the least restrictive method available to accomplish a compelling government interest. 1 On October 7, 2019,
the City Council (Council) amended the City’s Sign Regulations (Development Code Section 3.60) to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, and to implement improvements to the development review process by incorporating policies under the City’s General Plan, West Grand Avenue Master Plan, and the Economic Development Strategy (Council Agenda Report). A primary objective of the Sign Regulations update, was to streamline the approval process and provide greater certainty for business owners; thereby aligning the regulations with Council’s Major City Goal of “Economic Development and Community Development Promotion”:
Economic Development and Community Promotion. Strengthen and maintain a business-friendly environment, implement strategies that build upon existing efforts in business retention with a focus on vulnerable sectors and populations, pursue business attraction and commercial development especially on West Grand Avenue, expedite permit processing, and promote tourism and hotel development:
In addition to ensuring compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, the Council established the following primary objectives that were the basis of the amendments to the Sign Regulations:
• Provide flexibility for signage to property/business owners. • Provide a variety of signage types.
• Prohibit the use of feather flags signs, inflatable signs, and other distracting signs. • Prohibit video/LCD signage.
• Restrict the use of A-frame signs in city right-of-way. • Allow temporary signage for a limited duration.
1 See Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) 576 U.S. 155 [135 S.Ct. 2218, 192 L.Ed.2d 236].
Staff Report: Sign Regulations Policy Direction Page 2
February 26, 2024
Following adoption of the Sign Regulations in October 2019, implementation was temporarily paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to divert staff resources and attention to address other priority areas, rendering it impractical to effectively enforce the new regulations.
Staff resumed efforts to enforce the City’s Sign Regulations in January 2023, implementing measures to ensure commercial signage (both temporary and permanent) is consistent with the adopted regulations.
Throughout 2023, City staff proactively addressed compliance cases related to the City’s sign regulations within commercial areas by mailing 584 handouts to business owners informing them of the new regulations (Attachment 2) and initiated 74 code compliance cases to address violations. The intent was to eliminate excessive signage along West Grand Avenue and other commercial areas of the City and encourage businesses to invest in more effective and visually appealing signage solutions. The Sign Regulations identified signage along West Grand Avenue in the form of A-frame signs, banners, flyers and flags as means of advertisement that created visual clutter, blight and caused distractions and obstacles for both pedestrians and drivers. Of the initial 74 code compliances cases, only two remain active and are still under review, all other cases have been resolved through a collaborative effort between the City and the respective business/property owners. Staff believes that removal of the noncompliant signage has contributed to a visually cleaner environment, especially along West Grand Avenue, which was a key policy goal for the Council.
Staff is currently working on an update to the City’s Development Code to implement changes from State Law and to provide greater clarification and internal consistency where necessary.
This agenda item is intended to present staff’s recommendations to the Council and for the Council to provide policy direction for an update to the Sign Regulations as part of the staff’s Development Code update. This item was suggested by Council Member Zimmerman with concurrence by the Council.
Potential Changes to Regulations
Since the adoption of the Sign Regulations, staff has identified opportunities for improvements to the Sign Regulations to further implement the intent of the original work program. Staff is seeking direction from the Council regarding the following recommended changes:
Design Standards in the Development Code
In 2022, the Development Code was updated to provide for objective design standards for various types of development projects (Council Agenda Report). Staff recommends updating the Sign Regulations to implement objective requirements for consistency throughout the Development Code. For instances where flexibility may be necessary, staff recommend referring to Section
6.20.072 (Modifications to Standards) to address the process for any deviation from objective standards for any permanent signage type.
Application Type Requirements
During the development of the current Sign Regulations in 2019, the Planning Commission reviewed proposed changes on June 26, 2019 (Staff Report), and on September 10, 2019 (Staff Report). Many of the changes in the ordinance were intended to streamline the sign review process and reduce the requirements for Planning Commission review in favor of providing a greater level of certainty for business owners. Pursuant to Commission direction, a provision was added to the Sign Regulations adding a Sign Program for ‘Changeable Copy Signs’ and ‘Site Directional/Wayfinding Signs’ requiring a Use Permit and review by the Planning Commission Staff Report: Sign Regulations Policy Direction Page 3
February 26, 2024
(Section 3.60.100;Section 3.60.050, Table 3.6). Since the adoption of the Sign Regulations, staff found that this requirement creates an undue hardship on business owners when moving into a new location. These types of signs are typically considered minor and may benefit from a more streamlined review approach such as a sign permit rather than a sign program. Staff recommends updating the Sign Regulations to implement opportunities to further streamline review procedures for ‘Changeable Copy Signs’ and ‘Site Directional/Wayfinding Signs’.
Community Outreach
Any amendments to the Sign Regulations have the potential to affect how businesses attract customers. It is essential that the City continue to partner with the business community to ensure potential changes ensure flexibility and are easy to understand. Staff recommends the following outreach opportunities to receive further input on the regulations from the business community:
• Work with the South County Chambers of Commerce, and other business groups to organize a focus group to receive input on implementation of the Sign Regulations and potential revisions;
• Provide a copy of the Sign Regulations to local sign companies to provide input and recommend changes based on market trends; and
• Conduct an online survey to identify additional opportunities to improve upon the Sign Regulations for the community.
Beyond the changes identified in this report, staff is seeking input and policy direction from the Council about potential changes in the Sign Regulations. After receiving Council direction at tonight’s meeting and conducting the proposed outreach, staff will return to the Council with final recommendations for amendments to the Sign Regulations.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council has the following alternatives to consider:
1. Receive an overview on the key elements and implementation of the City’s Sign Regulations and provide input and policy direction to staff on potential revisions; or
2. Provide alternative direction to staff.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
The agenda was posted in accordance with the Brown Act.
Attachments
1. Sign Regulations
2. Business Signage Handout
3.60.010 Sign Regulations
City of Grover Beach Development Code 3-71
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
3.60 Sign Regulations
Sections:
3.60.010 - Purpose
3.60.020 - Applicability
3.60.030 - Exempt Signs
3.60.040 - Prohibited Signs
3.60.050 - Application Requirements
3.60.060 - Signage within the Coastal Zone
3.60.070 - Requirements for All Signage
3.60.080 - Temporary Signs
3.60.090 - Permanent Signs
3.60.100 - Special Consideration Signs
3.60.110 - Nonconforming Signs
3.60.120 - Signs on City Property
3.60.010 Purpose
A. The purpose of this Section is to promote public safety and welfare by regulating signs in keeping with the following objectives:
1. The design, construction, installation, repair and maintenance of signs will not interfere with traffic safety or otherwise endanger public safety;
2. Regulations established by the City Council will provide reasonable protection to the visual environment by controlling the size, height, spacing, and location of signs;
3. That residents, visitors, and sign users will benefit from signs having improved legibility, readability, and visibility; and
4. Adequacy of message opportunities will be applicable to sign users without dominating the visual appearance of the area.
3.60.020 Applicability
A. This Section applies to all signs including on-site signs, off-site signs, and temporary signs within the City.
B. No person shall install, alter, or relocate any sign within the City without first meeting requirements of Section 3.60.050 (Application Requirements) unless otherwise exempt consistent with Section 3.60.030 (Exempt Signs).
C. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to prohibit a person from holding a sign while picketing or protesting on City property and/or right-of-way that is open to the public, so long as the person holding the sign does not block ingress and egress from Attachment 1
Sign Regulations 3.60.030
3-72 City of Grover Beach Development Code
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
buildings, create a safety hazard by impeding travel on sidewalks, in bike or vehicle lanes, or on trails, or violate any other reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions adopted by the City.
D. This Section is not intended to, and does not, restrict speech on the basis of its content, viewpoint, or message. No part of this Section shall be construed to favor commercial speech over non-commercial speech.
E. A non-commercial message may be substituted for any commercial message displayed on a sign, or the content of any non-commercial message displayed on a sign may be changed to a different non-commercial message, without the need for any approval or permit, provided that the size, and location of the sign is not altered.
The purpose of this provision is to prevent any inadvertent favoring of commercial speech over non-commercial speech or favoring of any particular non-commercial message over any other non-commercial message. To the extent any provision of this Section is ambiguous, the term shall be interpreted not to regulate on the basis of the content of the message. This provision prevails over any more specific provisions to the contrary.
F. Where a particular type of sign is proposed in a permit application, and the type is not expressly allowed, restricted, or prohibited by this Section, the Review Authority shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application based on the most similar sign type that is expressly regulated by this Section.
G. Where a sign may be subject to multiple provisions of this Section 3.60 (Sign Regulations) because it may be considered to fall within more than one of the sign type definitions of Section 9.10.50 (Sign Regulation Definitions), the sign shall comply with the most restrictive requirements.
3.60.030 Exempt Signs
A. Types of exempt signage. The sign types listed below are exempt from the requirement of a Sign Permit, Registration, and Program, and any corresponding fees provided that the sign is consistent with the standards of Section 3.60 (Sign Regulations). The size and placement standards set forth in subsequent Sections shall be adhered to in order for such sign to qualify as exempt. However, any sign listed below that requires a Coastal Development Permit as provided in Section
3.60.060 (Signage within the Coastal Zone) shall not be exempt.
1. Any sign, posting, notice, or similar signs placed, installed, or required by law by the City, local school districts, Federal, or State governmental agency.
2. Official Government Flags.
3. Flags. Flags displaying either a commercial or non-commercial message are permitted as follows: one flag not to exceed 10 square feet in size in residential zones, and one flag not to exceed 24 square feet in commercial and industrial zones.
3.60.040 Sign Regulations
City of Grover Beach Development Code 3-73
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
4. Business information signs. Non-illuminated signs which provide business information including, but not limited to, credit card acceptance, business hours, open/closed, or menus provided signs do not exceed an aggregate six square feet in sign area.
5. Special event decorations that display non-commercial messages may be in place up to 45 days per event, except for signs listed in Section 3.60.040 (Prohibited Signs).
6. Signs affixed to a vehicle through magnets, vinyl application, or other forms of permanent adhesive. Such signage shall not be a banner, board, paper, wood material, or any temporary sign and shall not project or deviate above or from the vehicle profile.
7. Art murals displaying a non-commercial message and does not include any registered trademarks, logos, etc. that promotes a commercial product or service.
8. Temporary off-site directional signs for limited duration events, placed on private property with permission of the property owner, a maximum of two hours before and one hour after the conclusion of an event. Events are limited to a maximum of three events per week. Maximum sign area is five square feet.
9. Non-commercial message signage with a maximum aggregate of three-square feet for each residence or business in all zones, except in the OS zones.
10. Temporary yard signs.
11. Temporary projected image signs.
12. Temporary window signs.
13. Directory signs affixed to a building.
3.60.040 Prohibited Signs
A. Prohibited Signs. The following sign types are prohibited within the City.
1. Off-site signage unless expressly authorized by Section 3.60 (Sign Regulations).
2. Abandoned signs.
3. Signs that simulate in color or design any traffic sign or signal, or which makes use of words, symbols, or characters in such a manner to interfere with, mislead, or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic, including signage that is highly reflective.
4. Digital display/LED messaging signs including animated, moving, flashing, blinking, reflecting, glaring, or revolving, or any other similar sign, except electronic message boards displaying time, temperature, or required prices of gasoline or similar fuels.
Sign Regulations 3.60.050
3-74 City of Grover Beach Development Code
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
5. Backlit, translucent, semi-transparent and illuminated awnings from a light source under or within the awning.
6. Roof signs.
7. Snipe signs or any other sign attached to a tree, utility pole, fence post, etc.
8. Inflatable signs, including but not limited to air-activated graphics.
9. Feather flag signs.
10. Signs, including non-commercial signs that are placed or encroach into the rightof-way without a valid encroachment permit issued by the City Engineer.
11. Signs emitting audible sounds, odors or particulate matter.
12. People signs except human signs used as in-person protest picketing.
13. Mobile signs that utilize the parking of off-site mobile billboard advertising displays for the direct purpose of advertising a business off-site, as defined herein, either standing alone, or attached to a motor vehicle, upon any public street, City owned land, or on private property.
14. Billboards.
15. No sign shall be located within the sight triangle as defined in Section 3.10.030 (Height Limits and Exceptions).
3.60.050 Application Requirements
A. Applicability.
1. Sign Registration.
a. A Sign Registration is required for temporary A-frame and banner signs as specified in this Section and shall be submitted and approved by the Director prior to installation of the sign.
2. Sign Permit.
a. A Sign Permit is required for all signs unless otherwise specified in this Section and shall be submitted and approved by the Director prior to installation of the sign.
3. Sign Program.
a. A Sign Program is required as specified in this Section or modifications are requested for exceptions to the requirements of this Section. This can be approved in conjunction with other development applications. b. A Sign Program shall require approval of a Use Permit consistent with Section
6.20.090 (Use Permit).
3.60.060 Sign Regulations
City of Grover Beach Development Code 3-75
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
c. As part of a Sign Program approval, exceptions may be granted to the standards of this Section if the findings can be made as required in Subsection C (Findings).
B. Procedures.
1. Application requirements. An application for a Sign Registration, Sign Permit, or Sign Program shall be filed on the form(s) provided by the Department, together with all required fees and all other information and materials specified by the application submittal requirements provided by the Department. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide evidence to support any required findings.
2. Other permits required. In addition to the requirements of this Section, all signs shall be in compliance with applicable requirements of the California Building Code and any additional permits or requirements.
3. Review authority. Table 3.6 identifies the Review Authority responsible for reviewing and making a decision on each type of sign approval.
Table 3.6 Review Authority
Type of Action Director Commission Council
Sign Registration Decision Appeal Appeal
Sign Permit Decision Appeal Appeal
Sign Program Recommendation Decision Appeal
C. Findings. The Planning Commission may approve a Sign Program, only after making the following findings:
1. There are special circumstances applicable to the property including size, shape, topography, location, surroundings, building placement, public access or architectural style that warrant modified standards.
2. The sign is in substantial compliance with any applicable design guidelines and Sign Design Subsection 3.60.070.C (Sign design, materials, and illumination).
3. The sign’s design or proposed construction will not threaten the public health, safety, or welfare.
3.60.060 Signage within the Coastal Zone
Within the Coastal Zone, new signs shall be of a size, location, and appearance so as not to detract from scenic areas or views from public roads and other public viewing points. A Coastal Development Permit is required for any sign that could impact public recreational access, including parking opportunities near beach access points or parklands, including any changes in parking timing and availability, and any signage indicating no public parking, no trespassing, and/or no public coastal access allowed. Coastal Development Permits for signs shall be consistent with all applicable Local Coastal Program standards.
Sign Regulations 3.60.070
3-76 City of Grover Beach Development Code
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
3.60.070 Requirements for All Signage
A. Sign Message.
1. Allowed signage may contain commercial or non-commercial message, provided that the sign complies with the size, height, area, location, and other requirements of this Section.
B. Sign Measurement Criteria. The measurement of sign area and height shall be regulated as follows:
1. Sign area. The area of a sign is calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of all framing, emblem, logo, representation, writing, or other display composed of squares or rectangles with no more than eight (8) lines as shown in Figure 3.20.
Figure 3.20 – Sign Area Calculations
2. Sign structure. Supporting sign frame and support structures that are incidental to the display itself shall not be computed as sign area.
3. Double-sided signs. The area of a double-sided sign that has no more than 24 inches separating the outer surfaces of the sign’s two parallel planes shall be computed by multiplying the total height by the total length of only one side of the sign area.
4. Three-dimensional objects. Where a sign consists of one or more three dimensional objects (e.g., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks), the sign area is measured at their maximum projection upon a vertical plane.
5. Multiple objects. When signs are composed of individual elements, the area of all sign elements, which together convey a single complete message, are considered a single sign as shown in Figure 3.21.
3.60.070 Sign Regulations
City of Grover Beach Development Code 3-77
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
Figure 3.21 – Multiple Objects
6. Height. Sign height is measured as the vertical distance from the highest elevation of the finished grade below or surrounding the base of the sign to the top of the highest element of the sign. In cases where substantial fill is proposed, “finished grade” shall be established by the Director, consistent with properties in the immediate vicinity, and shall not be artificially raised to gain additional sign height.
If highest finished grade surrounding the sign is lower than the grade of an adjacent street, the height of the sign shall be measured from the top of curb elevation nearest to the sign as shown in Figure 3.22.
Figure 3.22 – Sign Height
C. Sign design, materials, and illumination. All signs shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the following standards:
1. Design and construction.
a. Signs shall be in compliance with all applicable Council adopted design guidelines and standards.
Sign Regulations 3.60.070
3-78 City of Grover Beach Development Code
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
b. The size of the structural elements (e.g., columns, crossbeams, and braces) shall be proportional to the sign type they are supporting. c. Signage shall be designed so that it is integrated with the design of a building. d. Signs shall be securely attached to a building, structure or ground. e. Freestanding signs utilizing bases shall be a minimum of one foot in height with a maximum height of three feet. Bases shall be decorative and located in a landscape planter.
2. Materials.
a. Sign materials including framing, supports, and base, shall be compatible with the type and scale of materials used in the building’s design. b. Sign materials shall be durable and capable of withstanding weathering over the life of the sign with reasonable maintenance.
c. Use of raceways to place signage shall be painted to match the building color.
3. Illumination.
a. Lighting for signs shall not create a hazardous glare for pedestrians or vehicles.
b. The light source shall be shielded from view, except for diffused exposed neon.
c. Externally illuminated signs shall utilize focused light fixtures that are directed towards the sign.
d. Signs shall be designed so that illumination does not exceed 10 foot candles (100 lumens) measured at a distance of 10 feet from the sign. e. Signs in commercial and industrial zones with building elevations that directly face adjacent residential zones shall not be illuminated.
D. Sign Maintenance. All signs shall be continuously maintained in compliance with the following standards:
1. Each sign and supporting hardware shall be maintained in good repair so that it is able to function properly at all times. This includes the replacement of burned out or broken light bulbs, and repair or replacement of faded, peeled, cracked, or otherwise damaged parts of a sign.
2. Any repair to a sign shall be of materials and design of equal or better quality as the original sign.
3. Signs that have been physically damaged by weather or physical impact shall be repaired.
4. When an existing sign is replaced, all brackets, poles, and other supports that are no longer required shall be removed.
3.60.080 Sign Regulations
City of Grover Beach Development Code 3-79
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
3.60.080 Temporary Signs
A. Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that temporary signs do not create a distraction to the traveling public or cause visual blight to the aesthetic environment.
Figure 3.23 – Temporary Signs
B. Temporary signs allowed. The following temporary signs are allowed:
1. A-Frame signs.
a. Zones allowed. Allowed in commercial zones, industrial zones, Recreational, Education, and Public uses in the Public Facilities zone as defined in Section
2.50.020, and Urban Reserve zone.
b. Maximum sign area. Six square feet.
c. Number of signs. One per business.
d. Sign height. Minimum sign height of two feet. Maximum sign height of five feet. e. Location. A-frame signs shall be placed on private property and cannot interfere with pedestrian ingress or egress as required by the Building Code.
Exception: An A-frame sign may be located in the right-of-way with an approved encroachment permit if the building is less than five feet from the City’s right-of-way and there is no other feasible location to place the sign on privately owned property outside of the City’s right-of-way. f. Time of display. A-frame signs shall only be displayed during the hours of business operations.
2. Banner signs.
a. Zones allowed. Allowed in commercial zones, industrial zones, Recreational, Education, and Public uses in the Public Facilities zone as defined in Section
2.50.020, Recreational, Education, and Public uses in residential zones as defined in Section 2.20.030, and Urban Reserve zone.
Sign Regulations 3.60.080
3-80 City of Grover Beach Development Code
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
b. Maximum sign area. 24 square feet.
c. Number of signs. One per business.
d. Location. Shall not be located above a first story or located on roof. e. Time of display. May be in place a maximum of 30 consecutive days. Once removed, a minimum of 30 consecutive days must pass before installing a new banner sign.
3. Projected image signs.
a. Zones allowed. Allowed in commercial zones and industrial zones. b. Number of signs. One projected image sign per business. c. Projected image signs may be in place a maximum of 30 days. A minimum of 30 consecutive days must pass before installing a new projected image sign. d. Time of display. Only be displayed during the hours of business operation.
4. Window signs. Window signage is considered graphics, lettering, or perforated window film on windows visible from the right-of-way.
a. Zones allowed. Allowed in commercial zones, industrial zones, Recreational, Education, and Public uses in the Public Facilities zone as defined in Section
2.50.020, and Urban Reserve zone.
b. Maximum sign area. Window signs shall not exceed 50 percent of window area, except for properties in the CVS, VS, CB and CBO zones, where window signs shall not exceed 33 percent of window area.
c. Location. Shall not be located above a first story window. d. Time of display. May be in place a maximum of 180 consecutive days. Once removed, a minimum of 30 consecutive days must pass before installing a new temporary window sign.
5. Yard Signs in residential zones.
a. Maximum sign area. Three square feet.
b. Number of signs. One per property or residential unit when multiple units are located on one common lot. Residential developments with a common lot are allowed a maximum of one yard sign per unit during an event on the common lot, with permission of the common lot ownership.
c. Maximum height. Six feet as measured from average natural grade. d. Location. May be located within the front and street side setback, behind the back of sidewalk or curb if no sidewalk is present. In no instance may a yard sign be placed on a sidewalk, public or private street.
e. Time of display. All yard signs shall be temporary and only placed during an event subject to the following:
3.60.090 Sign Regulations
City of Grover Beach Development Code 3-81
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
i. Event. Yard signs may be placed prior to an event, but must be removed within seven days after the event or purpose for which the sign is erected. For purposes of example only, a political sign shall be removed within seven days after an election. A yard sign that designates a sale or rental of a property would be required to be removed within seven days after the property is sold, leased or rented. A sign for an on-site sales event shall be removed within seven days after the event.
6. Yard signs in commercial zones, industrial zones, Public Facilities zone, and Urban Reserve zone.
a. Zones prohibited. Yard signs are prohibited in Open Space zones. b. Maximum sign area. 32 square feet.
c. Number of signs. One per business.
d. Maximum Height. Six feet.
e. Location. Must be located on private property and shall not encroach within the right-of-way (streets, sidewalks, easements, etc.).
f. Time of display. All yard signs shall be temporary and only placed during an event subject to the following:
i. Event. Yard signs shall be placed prior to an event but must be removed within seven days after the event or propose for which the sign is erected. For purposes of example only, a political sign shall be removed within seven days after an election. A real estate sign shall be removed within seven days after the property is sold, leased or rented. A sign for on-site sales event shall be removed within seven days after the event.
7. Yard Sign Exceptions. The following are exceptions to yard signage standards in all zones, excluding Open Space zones, for all properties or multiple units/tenants located on one common lot, 60 days prior to a federal, state, or local election and up to seven days after an election:
a. Maximum sign area. Total sign area shall not exceed an aggregate of 32 square feet in addition to other allowed yard signs.
C. General to Temporary Signage Requirements. Temporary signs are allowed only in compliance with the provisions of this Section 3.60 (Sign Regulations) and shall not have any attachments, including, but not limited to, balloons, pennant flags, ribbons, loudspeakers, or other items to attract attention.
3.60.090 Permanent Signs
Signs shall comply with the standards provided in this Section. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that permanent signs serve a common purpose to promote, Sign Regulations 3.60.090
3-82 City of Grover Beach Development Code
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
identify, and provide information on a business or commercial activity located on the premise.
Figure 3. 24 – Typical Building Sign Types
A. Permanent Sign Standards. As listed in Table 3.57, signs shall comply with the following standards applicable to the specific sign type.
Table 3.7 Sign Type Performance Standards
Sign Type Zones Allowed Max. Sign
Area1
Number of
sign(s)
permitted
Max.
Height2 Special Requirements
1. Awning
Commercial
zones, Industrial
zones, PF zone,
and UR zone
One square foot
per one lineal
foot of awning
canopy, not to
exceed 50%
coverage of the
awning
One per
business or
tenant
Not
above
first story
(a) Minimum vertical clearance from
the ground of eight feet.
(b) May project a maximum of five feet
into the right-of-way with approved
encroachment permit.
(c) Valance limited to 75% maximum
coverage.
2. Free Standing
Commercial
zones, Industrial
zones PF zone,
and UR zone
36 s.f. One per
property Six feet
(a) New cabinet type signs shall be
prohibited in the CVS, VS, CB, and
CBO zones.
(b) A singular pole, whether circular or
rectangular is prohibited.
(c) In the CVS and RC zones
properties with frontage along El
Camino Real are allowed one
freeway oriented free-standing
monument sign as follows:
• Maximum height shall not
exceed 40-feet for freestanding
monument signage.
• Total sign area shall not exceed
100 square feet.
3.60.090 Sign Regulations
City of Grover Beach Development Code 3-83
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
Table 3.7 Sign Type Performance Standards
Sign Type Zones Allowed Max. Sign
Area1
Number of
sign(s)
permitted
Max.
Height2 Special Requirements
3. Projecting
Commercial
zones, Industrial
zones, PF zone,
and UR zone
15 s.f.
One per
public street
frontage
20 feet
above
finished
grade
(a) May encroach up to two feet within
the right-of-way with issuance of
an encroachment permit.
(b) Sign shall be perpendicular to the
building or wall.
(c) Sign may be at an angle if located
at the corner of a building located
on a corner lot.
4. Suspended
Commercial
zones, Industrial
zones, PF zone,
and UR zone
10 s.f.
One per
business or
tenant
Not
above
first story
5. Wall
Commercial
zones, Industrial
zones PF zone,
and UR zone
One square foot
per lineal foot of
business/
building
frontage
One per
public street
frontage
Based
on
building
height
(a) Business frontage is the lineal front
of owned or leased space.
(b) Wall signs shall be located below
the top of the parapet or roofline
on single story buildings and below
the second-floor sill on multi-story
buildings.
(c) Cabinet type signs shall be
prohibited in the CVS, VS, CB, and
CBO zones.
(d) An additional wall sign may be
permitted for a business that has
an additional building face visible
from the right-of-way.
(e) The sign’s size shall be in scale
and proportion to the building.
6. Permanent
Window
Signs/
Lettering
Commercial
zones, Industrial
zones PF zone,
and UR zone
50 percent of
window area,
except CVS,
VS, CB and
CBO zones
33 percent of
window area in
CVS, VS, CB,
and CBO zones
One per
business or
tenant
Not
above
first story
(a) Limited to lettering, graphics, and
perforated window film.
(b) Window area is aggregate of both
temporary and permanent signage.
Notes:
1. Maximum sign area measured in square feet (s.f.).
2. Maximum height measured in feet (ft) and from finished grade for all sign types.
Sign Regulations 3.60.0100
3-84 City of Grover Beach Development Code
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
3.60.0100 Special Consideration Signs
A. Signs with special consideration. This Section applies to permanent signs that are unique, or for sites located in specific locations, or based on size of sites.
1. Changeable copy signs.
a. Zones allowed. Commercial zones, industrial zones, and Recreational, Education, and Public uses in residential zones as defined in Section 2.20.030 (Residential Zones Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements). b. Number of signs. One per property.
c. Maximum height. Six feet.
d. Design standards. Signs shall comply with design standards in Section
3.60.070.C (Sign design, materials, and illumination).
e. Permit requirements. A Sign Program shall be approved by the Planning Commission.
2. Site Directional/Wayfinding signs.
a. Zones allowed. Commercial and Industrial zones.
b. Maximum height. Five feet.
c. Design standards. Signs shall comply with design standards in Section
3.60.070.C (Sign design, materials, and illumination).
d. Permit requirements. A Sign Program shall be approved by the Planning Commission.
3. Residential Identification Signs.
a. Zones allowed. All residential zones.
b. Maximum sign area. 24 square feet.
c. Maximum sign height. Six feet.
d. Number of signs. One per street frontage.
e. Minimum number of units. A minimum of five units are required for installation of residential identification signs.
f. Design standards. Signs shall comply with design standards in Section
3.60.070.C (Sign design, materials, and illumination).
g. Permit requirements. A Sign Permit shall be approved by the Director.
4. Free Standing Monument Sign Exception. In the RC zone east of 14th Street with frontage along West Grand Avenue exceptions to Section 3.60.090 (Permanent Signs) are allowed as follows:
3.60.0110 Sign Regulations
City of Grover Beach Development Code 3-85
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
a. Properties less than 20,000 square feet with more than three tenants. One free standing monument sign per street frontage with a maximum height of 10 feet not exceeding 60 square feet is permitted.
b. Properties greater than 20,000 square feet. One free standing monument sign per street frontage with a maximum height of 15 feet not exceeding 120 square feet is permitted.
c. Permit requirements. A Sign Program shall be approved by the Planning Commission.
3.60.0110 Nonconforming Signs
A. Applicability. This Section applies to any permanent sign, including its physical structure and supporting elements, which was lawfully erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable laws in effect at the time of original installation, but which does not currently comply with the provisions of this Section.
B. Allowed modifications to nonconforming signs. The following modifications to nonconforming signs are allowed:
1. The use of a nonconforming sign may continue and shall be maintained in good condition as required by this Section, unless provided otherwise.
2. Sign copy and sign face changes, non-structural modifications, and non-structural maintenance (e.g., painting and rust removal) are allowed if there is no alteration to the physical structure or support elements of the sign.
3. A non-conforming sign may be restored to its original condition if less than 50 percent of the sign is damaged, provided that the restoration is started within 90 days of the damage occurring and diligently completed. A nonconforming sign is deemed to be more than 50 percent damaged, if the estimated cost of reconstruction or repair exceeds 50 percent of the replacement cost as determined by the Director based on an appraisal prepared by the owner.
C. Prohibited modifications to nonconforming signs. A nonconforming sign shall not be:
1. Changed to another nonconforming sign;
2. Structurally altered to extend its useful life;
3. Altered unless required by law or unless the alteration results in the elimination of the nonconformity;
4. Enlarged; or
5. Moved or replaced.
D. Nonconforming Sign. A nonconforming sign shall be removed or modified to comply with this Section if the following occurs:
Sign Regulations 3.60.0120
3-86 City of Grover Beach Development Code
Adopted October 15, 2012
Amended July 21, 2014, December 3, 2018, June 17, 2019, October 7, 2019, July 6, 2020, November 22, 2021, and June 13, 2022
1. Any modifications prohibited by Subsection 3.60.0110.C (Prohibited modifications to nonconforming signs) are made to the sign;
2. The sign is temporary; or
3. The sign is or may become a danger to the public or is unsafe.
3.60.0120 Signs on City Property
A. Signs on City Property. Any sign placed on property owned by the City, or within the right-of-way of a dedicated public street without the permission of the City may be removed by the City without prior notice.
Business Signage Handout
Prohibited Signs
Additional Question?
Prohibited signs include:
Signs that simulate any traffic sign or signal
Digital display/LED messaging signs
Illuminated awnings
Roof signs
Snipe signs
Inflatable signs
Feather flag sign
Signs that are placed in the right-of-way
Signs emitting sounds, odors or particulate matter
People signs
Billboards
Mobile signs where a vehicle is parked off-site as
a billboard with displays that direct it to a business at another location
The following signs are prohibited within the City of
Grover Beach, consistent with Development Code
Section 3.60.040.
Contact us if you have any signage or general
questions regarding your business!
Phone: (805) 473-4520
Email: [email protected]
Visit Us: City Hall, 154 South 8th St, Grover Beach
Community Development Department
154 South 8th Street
Grover Beach, CA
93433
Snipe Signs
City of Grover Beach
Inflatable Signs Feather Flag
Signs
Person Signs
Attachment 2
Temporary Signage
The City of Grover Beach adopted a comprehensive
Sign Ordinance (Development Code section 3.60)
that details the type, size, location, and number of
signs, both permanent and temporary, a business
may display. The Sign Ordinance is intended to
support our businesses by allowing for signage
that identifies businesses, protect and enhance the
aesthetic qualities of the city, and minimize hazards
to motorists and pedestrians as a result of excessive
or distracting signs.
A Sign Permit is required to install, display, or alter a sign. You can obtain sign permits at the at City Hall or via our website by following this link: https://tinyurl. com/GBsignpermit. Some signs require a building
permit. Please email us at [email protected]
and we will send you an application.
Temporary signage is intended to allow business
owners an opportunity for promotions by creating a
visual presence by temporarily displaying a sign. Most
temporary signage do not require a permit; however,
A-frame and banner signs require a registration which
is free: https://tinyurl.com/ GBsignregistration
A-Frame signs are allowed and shall be a maximum
of 6 square feet in sign area, 1 per business, with a
minimum height of 2 feet and a maximum height of
5 feet. Signs shall be placed on private property. An
A-frame sign may be located in the right-of-way with
an approved encroachment permit if the building is
less than five feet from the street or sidewalk. These
signs shall be displayed during business hours only.
Banner signs are allowed and shall be a maximum
size of 24 square feet. One per business and cannot
be located above a first story or on the roof. Banner
signs shall be displayed a maximum of 30 consecutive
days. Once removed, a minimum of 30 consecutive
days must pass before installing a new banner sign. A
sign registration is required, which is free!
Temporary window signs shall not exceed 50 percent
of window area, except for properties in the CVS, VS,
CB and CBO zones, where window signs shall not
exceed 33 percent of window area. May be in place a
maximum of 180 consecutive days. Once removed, a
minimum of 30 consecutive days must pass before
installing a new temporary window sign.
Temporary yard signs are allowed in commercial/
industrial zones with a maximum sign area of 32
square feet. One per business is allowed with a
maximum height of 6 feet and must be located on
private property. Yard signs may be placed during an
event such as for sale/leasing, or an election
Projected image signs are allowed with a maximum of
1 per business and may be in place a maximum of 30
days. A minimum of 30 consecutive days must pass
before installing a new projected image sign. These
signs may only be displayed during business hours.
Free standing signs
are permitted in certain
zones and limited to 1
per property.
Wall signs are
typically used by most
businesses. Limited to
1 per street frontage.
Awnings can be used
as signs as well as
enhance entries and
facades. Signage on
awnings limited to 1
per business.
Projecting and
suspended signs can
be used for additional
signage limited to
1 of each type per
business.
Permanent Signs
A-Frame Sign
Banner Sign
Temporary Window Sign
Projected Images
Yard Signs