16.36.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to:
A. Encourage economic development by supporting the commercial communication needs of the business community; B. Enhance the quality of life by providing a visually pleasing environment; C. Promoting public health, safety and welfare.
(Ord. 296 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2000)
16.36.020 Definitions.
Words and terms used in this chapter are defined as follows:
"Animated sign" means any sign that uses movement of the physical parts or extensions of the sign to depict action or create a special effect. These do not include reader boards, barber poles or similar signs where the sign structure itself is not in motion. "Banner" means any sign of lightweight fabric of similar material that is permanently mounted to a pole or a building by a permanent frame at one or more edges. National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered banners. "Beacon" means any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not on the same lot as the light source; also, any light with one or more beams that rotate or move. "Billboard" means any outdoor advertising structure or sign which has a flat surface sign space upon which advertising may be posted, painted, or affixed, and which is designed or made available for the rental or lease of such sign space for advertising billboards shall not mean any on-premises sign." Billboards may utilize digital advertising displays as part or all of their surface area. "Bulletin board sign" means any sign located in a multi-tenant complex that lists businesses and addresses located therein. "Changeable copy sign" means a sign or portion thereof with characters, letters or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign. A sign on which the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature shall be considered a "time and temperature" portion of a sign and a changeable copy sign for purposes of this chapter. "Club or organization sign" means any sign that exhibits an event or regularly scheduled meeting of a group, club, civic organization or similar use at the site. "Commercial message" means any sign wording, logo or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises or calls attention to a business, product, service or other commercial activity. "Construction or contractor sign" means a temporary sign, which states the names of the individuals and/or firms connected with the construction of a project. Such signs may include the name of the project, the address of the business and the emergency telephone number. "Copy" means any words, letters, numbers, figures, designs, logos or other symbolic representations incorporated into a sign. "Digital advertising display" means an advertising display of still, scrolling or moving images including video or animation, that may be changed remotely through electronic means and utilizes a series of grid lights, including but not limited to cathode ray, light-emitting diode (LED), plasma screen, liquid crystal display (LCD) fiber optic or other electronic media or technology. A digital advertising display may also be known as "Reader board." (See also "Billboard.") "Directional sign" means a sign which contains words such as "entrance," "enter," "exit," "in," "out" or other similar words or a sign containing arrows or characters indicating traffic direction and used either in conjunction with such words or separately. "Flag" means any fabric, banner or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision or other entity. "Future tenant identification sign" means a temporary sign which identifies a future use of a site or building. "Grand opening" means a promotional activity used by newly established businesses, within thirty (30) days after occupancy, to inform the public of their location and contribution to the community. "Grand opening" does not mean an annual or occasional promotion of retail sales by a business. "Height" shall be the vertical distance from the highest point of the sign to the highest point within five feet horizontally from the base of the sign. "Inflatable sign" means any sign capable of being inflated with air or gas. "Institutional use" means facilities which provide a service to the general public, including schools, churches, post offices, fire stations, hospitals, civic centers, and publicly owned land. "Lot" means a parcel of land in single ownership that is of sufficient size to meet minimum zoning requirements for area, coverage and use, and that can provide such yards and other open spaces as required by the zoning regulations. "Marquee" means any permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather. "Marquee sign" means any sign attached to, in any manner, or made a part of a marquee. "Monument sign" means a freestanding sign generally supported by a solid base and less than ten feet in height. The base of a monument sign may include a hollow or opening as part of its design, so long as this area does not exceed more than twenty (20) percent of the sign's face. "Nonconforming sign" means any sign that does not conform to the requirements of this chapter. "Off-site sign" means a sign in accordance with this chapter which directs traffic to a business within the city but not located on the same site as the sign. "Off-site subdivision sign" means a sign in accordance with this chapter which directs traffic to a subdivision within the city. "On premises sign" A sign that is either of the following: (1) a sign that advertises the business conducted, services rendered, or goods produced or sold upon the property on which the sign is placed; or (2) a sign that is within six hundred sixty (660) feet of the edge of the right-of-way of the freeway and advertises business conducted, services rendered, or goods produced or sold within one thousand (1,000) feet of the sign and which meets the requirements of a freeway sign under Section 16.36.060(C)(9) and is taller than sixty (60) feet in height. On-premise signs shall not be considered "off-site signs" for purposes of Sections 16.36.050(A) or 16.36.080." "Open house sign" means a temporary off-site directional sign advertising the sale or lease of residential, commercial or industrial property, and the identification of the firm handling such sale, lease or rent. "Pennant" means any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind. "Person" means any individual, association, company, corporation, firm, organization or partnership, singular or plural, of any kind. "Political sign" means a sign erected prior to an election to advertise or identify a candidate, campaign issue, election proposition, or other related matters. "Portable sign" means any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles and visible from the public right-of-way, unless the vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business, and parked both adjacent to and in the parking provided for said business. "Principal building" means the building in which is conducted the principal use on the site on which it is located. Sites with multiple principal uses may have multiple principal buildings, but storage buildings, garages, and other clearly accessory uses shall not be considered principal buildings. "Projecting sign" means any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of such building or wall. "Reader board sign" means a sign utilizing a field of small lights or other devices to create the effect of letters, numbers or symbols on the sign face. "Real estate sign" means a temporary sign advertising the sale or lease of the property upon which it is located, and the identification of the firm handling such sale, lease or rent. "Regional uses" means uses, which have access from major highways or arterials, and area of a size and configuration to facilitate development of businesses attracting consumers from a regional market area. Such uses could include retail malls, auto malls, movie theaters, recreation or other similar uses as approved by the director. "Relocation agreement" means an agreement entered into between the city and a billboard or property owner to relocate or replace an existing billboard to another property or to reconstruct it on the same property. Reconstruction may also include converting a billboard to a digital advertising display. "Residential sign" means any sign located in a district zoned for residential uses that contains no commercial message except advertising for goods or services legally offered on the premises where the sign is located, if offering such service as such location conforms with all requirements of the municipal code and general plan. "Revolving sign" means a sign which all or a portion of which may rotate either on an intermittent or constant basis. "Roof sign" means a sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or which is wholly dependent upon a building for support and which projects above the point of a building with a flat roof, the eave line of a building with a gambrel, gable or hip roof or the deck line of a building with a mansard roof.
Roof sign, integral. "Integral roof sign" means a sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than six inches. "Secondary wall signs" are accessory to the business sign but advertises goods, products or services offered at the site. "Sign" means any device, fixture, placard or structure that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public. "Sign area" means the smallest geometric shape that will encompass the limits of the writing or other display. The structure or backdrop shall not be included in the computation. Multifaced signs shall compute all faces if they can be viewed from any one point at the same time. Channel letters shall be measured in the same fashion. "Site sign plan" means a plan showing the height, size, type, location and architecture of all signs on a particular property or development. Signs in addition to those in Sections 16.36.040, 16.36.060 and 16.36.070 may be permitted when found to be benefiting the purpose of this chapter. "Sports facility" means any facility expressly designed for the conduct of sports or recreation activities, owned by the state, county, city or other public or private entity in which sports or sanctioned recreation activities are conducted which has a total square footage greater than fifty thousand (50,000) square feet or, or has a fixed designed seating capacity greater than five thousand (5,000) seats. "Street" means the public right-of-way subject to vehicular traffic (as well as pedestrian traffic) that provides direct or indirect access to property, including, but not limited to, alleys, avenues, boulevards, courts, drives, highways, lanes, places, roads, streets, terraces, trails or other thoroughfare. "Street frontage (building)" means the length of the building facing, or within forty-five (45) degrees of facing, the public right-of-way of thirty (30) feet in width or more. "Street frontage (site)" means the length of the site that abuts dedicated public streets with thirty (30) feet or more of public right-of-way. "Temporary sign" means any sign that is used only temporarily and is not permanently mounted. "Tethered balloon" means a balloon inflated with air or gas, which is fastened or restrained so that it can range only within a set radius. "Wall sign" means any sign attached parallel to, but within twelve (12) inches of a wall, painted on the wall surface of, or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only one sign surface. "Window sign" means any sign, pictures, symbol, or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service, that is placed inside a window or upon the window panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window. (Ord. 296 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2000)
(Ord. No. 2009-02, § 3, 8-4-09; Ord. No. 2013-015, § 4(Exh. A), 11-5-13; Ord. No. 2017-01 , § 4(Exh. A), 3-7-17)
16.36.030 General provisions and administration.
A. It is unlawful for any person to erect, alter, move, replace or relocate any sign except as provided by this chapter without first obtaining a sign permit.
B. Application for a sign permit shall be made on a form provided by the city. No person shall install electrical wiring or lighting to a sign without first obtaining an electrical permit.
C. It is the duty of the community development department to enforce all permitting and entitlement provisions of this chapter. The director may impose such conditions deemed necessary to secure the purpose of this chapter.
D. The director may grant minor exceptions from the sign area requirements or other minor changes when determined to be in accordance with Section 16.12.220(7) or (8). Should a site sign plan contain requests for signs that exceed the requirements of Section 16.12.220(7) of the development code, then the sign plan shall be referred to the planning commission for review and approval.
E. A permit shall be issued when the application is properly made, all fees are paid, the proposed sign complies with all city ordinances, and the sign is to be erected by an owner or licensed contractor.
F. Fees for sign permits shall be set by resolution of the city council.
G. No sign shall be erected upon any property without the written consent of the property owner or authorized representative.
H. Signs and support structures shall be kept in a proper state of repair. Display surfaces on signs shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times.
I. No sign shall be installed, erected or maintained that prevents free ingress or egress from any door, window, fire escape, driveway, parking space, sidewalk or other area required for pedestrian, bicycle, motor vehicle or equestrian travel.
J. Signs shall be designed to avoid undue glare or reflection of light. Signs shall not be erected that create a traffic hazard or that may be confused with any traffic lights or signs.
K. Abatement and removal may be ordered for any sign when the director, or his designee, determines the sign to be unsafe, insecure or a public nuisance. Signs constructed, altered or maintained in violation with this chapter shall be determined to be a public nuisance and shall be subject to abatement and removal. (Ord. 296 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2000)
16.36.040 Exempt signs.
The following signs are exempt from the provisions of this chapter but may require electrical or building permits:
A. Public notice signs or warning signs required by law; B. Signs inside a building not attached to the structure and not visible beyond the property line; C. Works of art not containing a commercial message;
D. Real estate signs, contractor/construction signs, or future tenant signs for commercial or industrial properties not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area, six feet in height, or spaced less than six hundred (600) feet apart on the same parcel. On residential or agricultural properties, real estate signs may be up to six square feet in area and five feet in height; E. Service station gasoline price signs otherwise regulated pursuant to state law; F. Community historical markers established by the city or park district; G. Time and temperature signs not exceeding twelve (12) square feet or ten feet in height. When time and temperature signs are incorporated as part of a sign, this area may be added to the sign area otherwise permitted by this code; H. Convenience signs not conveying commercial information, such as restrooms, no parking, pull forward, etc., not larger than six square feet or more than six feet in height; I. On-site safety and identification signs used to identify locations, buildings, units, safety hazards, or similar type information and not exceed two square feet; J. Club or organization signs similar in architecture to monument or wall signs not exceeding four feet in height and twenty (20) square feet in area; K. Displays or decorations not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in total area and located outside building setback areas, parking lots and drive aisles; L. Holiday decorations or banners not containing a commercial message; M. Window signs, whether painted on the window or as banners or posters hung inside the window. (Ord. 2007-05 § 5 (Exh. A (part)), 2007; Ord. 296 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2000)
16.36.050 Prohibited signs.
All signs not permitted by this chapter or exempt from regulation under Section 16.36.040 are prohibited and declared a public nuisance. Prohibited signs include:
A. Off-site signs unless permitted in Section 16.36.080; B. Beacons, exposed light bulbs (except in reader board signs) or light bulb strings (except for temporary holiday use); C. Pennants and flags except as permitted for special events, promotional events, and model homes; D. Inflatable signs and tethered balloons except as permitted for special events; E. Roof signs are prohibited except when other signing alternatives are considered impractical or unreasonable by the director. Roof signs may then be permitted if architecturally designed into the roof system. Whenever possible, new buildings shall be designed with integral roof signs to preclude the necessity for roof signs; F. Animated or revolving signs where the physical structures or extensions of the sign structure are in motion. This does not include readerboards, barber poles or similar signs where motion may be depicted but where the sign structure itself is not in motion; G. Portable sign except as allowed in Section 16.36.090; H. Signs in the public right-of-way, except as approved by the city; I. Signs that make sounds, emit odors or produce smoke. (Ord. 296 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2000)
(Ord. No. 2012-04, § 3(Exh. A), 4-3-12)
16.36.090 Special uses.
Special uses include special events, promotional events and political signs.
A. Special use signs advertise special events and activities such as grand openings, charitable events, seasonal sales and events. Special use signs shall be regulated as part of a temporary special event permit.
B. Promotional events advertise new products, management, business hours, service or similar events and may include banners, flags, and similar signs with all other signs limited to fifty (50) square feet. Promotional event signs shall be limited to four display periods annually not to exceed fifteen (15) days per event.
C. Political signs may be displayed up to sixty (60) days before a scheduled election and must be removed within fifteen (15) days after the election.
D. Political signs may be placed in the public right-of-way, subject to certain exceptions to ensure safety:
1. Political signs are not permitted in median strip areas.
2. Political signs must be freestanding and are not permitted on traffic signs, trees, shrubs, bus stops, power poles, utility cabinets or other public appurtenances.
3. Political signs may not be placed within fifty (50) feet of an intersection and no closer than six feet from the curb. Where no curb exists, signs shall be at least ten feet from the edge of pavement.
4. Political signs may not be located within any clear-sight triangle and may not obstruct any regulatory sign or traffic signal. In no case shall any political sign be placed where it will obstruct or impede traffic visibility.
E. Political signs may not be placed on city or other public property outside of city right-of-way, such as parks, buildings, facilities or appurtenant landscaped areas.
F. Political signs may be up to thirty-two (32) square feet in area and six feet in height.
G. All political signs on private property must be authorized by the property owner.
H. Signs may not be affixed directly to buildings or other objects. Signs may not be illuminated, but may be placed where existing lighting may permit them to be seen at night.
I. Promotional and special event signs shall include a-frame signs and flag poles as illustrated below. These signs are not permitted on any vehicle. Temporary signs are subject to approval of a temporary special event permit and may be permitted as follows:
A-Frame Signs
Flag Pole Signs
1. a. A-frame signs shall not exceed a sign area of twenty (20) square feet, and a height of four feet. A flag mounted on a pole shall not exceed a sign area of sixty-five (65) square feet and a height of twelve (12) feet. b. No temporary sign shall be placed within ten feet of another temporary sign. This separation requirement shall only apply to temporary signs allowed in Section 16.36.090(1). It shall be the responsibility of each tenant to coordinate the placement of the sign with other tenants. c. The signs may only be displayed during business hours of operation. d. The signs must be neatly and professionally constructed and all lettering done in a professional workmanlike manner. i. Flag pole signs shall mean any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is permanently mounted to a pole. ii. A-frame signs shall be constructed of durable materials that are weather and rust-resistant. e. The signs may not be illuminated or contain any electrical components. f. The signs must be installed in a manner preventing it from falling or blowing over. g. The temporary signs shall be placed on the privately owned property where the business is located. h. The temporary signs shall not be placed in the right-of-way, clear sight triangle, or handicap path of travel. A temporary signs shall not be hung from, or attached to, utility poles, light poles, or landscaping. i. The temporary signs shall be subject to the maintenance and abatement provisions in Chapters 8.32 and 16.36 of this Municipal Code. The installation or erection of any sign in violation of this section shall be, and is hereby declared to be, unlawful and a public nuisance. (Ord. 2007-05 § 5 (Exh. A (part)), 2007: Ord. 296 § 4 (Exh. A (part)), 2000) (Ord. No. 2009-09, § 3(Exh. A), 8-4-09; Ord. No. 2010-08, § 3(Exh. A), 9-7-10; Ord. No. 2011-16, § 3(Exh. A), 9-6-11; Ord. No. 2012-04, § 3(Exh. A), 4-3-12; Ord. No. 2013-003, § 3(Exh. A), 4-2-13; Ord. No. 2021-01 , 3(Exh. A), 6-1-21) Created: 2023-02-01 09:35:16 [EST]
(Supp. No. 21, Update 1)
Created: 2023-02-01 09:35:16 [EST]
(Supp. No. 21, Update 1)
Created: 2023-02-01 09:35:16 [EST]
(Supp. No. 21, Update 1)
Created: 2023-02-01 09:35:16 [EST]
(Supp. No. 21, Update 1)
Created: 2023-02-01 09:35:16 [EST]
(Supp. No. 21, Update 1)
Page of
Created: 2023-02-01 09:35:16 [EST]
(Supp. No. 21, Update 1)