DATE:
March 7, 2023
TO:
Mayor and Council Members
FROM:
Nils Bentsen, City Manager
BY:
Rachel Molina, Assistant City Manager
Ryan Leonard, Senior Planner
SUBJECT:
Receive and File Report- Temporary Signage Regulations
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this report related to temporary special event permits, temporary signage, political signage and to give direction to staff.
BACKGROUND
On January 17, 2023 Council Member Gregg requested staff to prepare a report for discussion related to event signage for temporary special events.
Chapter 16.12 of the Hesperia Municipal Code contains provisions for the review and approval of special events and temporary uses. The requirements for temporary signage for special uses including temporary special events, promotional events and political signs can be found in Section 16.36 of the Municipal Code.
Special Events and Temporary Uses: Article XI of the City Municipal Code- Special Events and Temporary Uses provides regulations for special events (Attachment 1). The intent is to regulate special events and other land use activities of a temporary or recurring nature to ensure that the uses will be compatible with the surrounding land uses, to protect the rights of adjacent residences and land owners, and to minimize any adverse effects on surrounding properties and the environment. In general, special event permits are required for the following types of uses:
Parking lot and sidewalk sales for existing businesses located within a commercially designated property; Outdoor art and craft shows and exhibits;
Fairs, concerts or festivals held outdoors;
Circuses, carnivals, rodeos, or similar traveling amusement enterprise; Parades and other events conducted within the public right of way; Auctions or distress sales;
Special events for charitable organizations on facilities they occupy Christmas tree lots, pumpkin patches and other seasonal events.
Special event permits are reviewed and approved by staff administratively. When approving a special event permit staff may establish conditions and limitations including but not limited to: days and hours of operation, provision of parking areas, signing and lighting, traffic, circulation and access, temporary or permanent site improvements, and other measures to minimize detrimental effects on surrounding properties. In addition, special event permits are subject to the following requirements as applicable:
The approval period for any special event shall not exceed 21 days, or more than four consecutive weekends of operation in any ninety-day period.
Adequate provisions for traffic circulation, off-street parking, and pedestrian safety shall be provided to the satisfaction of the development services director, or his or her designee.
Sanitation facilities shall be provided for the duration of the event; the number and location to be determined by the reviewing authority.
Security personnel shall be provided as required by the City police department.
Parking accommodations for amusement enterprise workers and support vehicles shall be provided as required by the reviewing authority.
Noise attenuation for generators and carnival rides shall be provided as approved by the reviewing authority.
Adequate emergency access shall be provided as approved by the fire department.
A certificate of insurance shall be submitted to the planning division, naming the city as co-insured, for not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) of general liability coverage, prior to issuance of any permits. This requirement may be waived for small events entirely on private property with no impacts to public facilities.
Adequate staging area shall be provided as approved by the development services director, or his or her designee.
Any platforms, stages, tents, or screening devices erected for the event shall be constructed to the satisfaction of the building official and/or fire marshal. The structure shall be removed from the site immediately following the event.
If involvement by government personnel (public works, fire, and police) is required, a deposit to cover estimated costs shall be submitted prior to issuance of the permit. Upon completion of the event, the city will, within twenty (20) working days, either refund any unused portion of the initial deposit, or require payment of any additional expenses incurred.
In cases where food and/or alcohol products will be sold to the general public in conjunction with the event, proof that permits were obtained from the county department of environmental health services and other applicable agencies shall be submitted prior to issuance of any permits.
Portable searchlights may be permitted, provided that the beam, when lit, shall not be at an angle of less than sixty (60) degrees from the horizontal, and that no advertising is located on the searchlight or its supporting structure.
Inflatable signs, balloons or bounce houses may be permitted provided that they are securely tethered. Insurance as specified in subsection (9) shall be required for any event using such inflatable devices.
Temporary Signage: Section 16.36.090 of the City Municipal Code contains regulations to erect temporary signage for special events, promotional events, etc (Attachment 2). Temporary event signage, including a-frame signs, flags, pennants, and banners are regulated as part of a temporary special event permit and are subject to the same time limitations that are established as part of the temporary special event permit (i.e. a maximum display period of 21 days per event). Temporary signage is subject to the following regulations:
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.
No temporary sign shall be placed within ten feet of another temporary sign.
The signs may only be displayed during business hours of operation.
The signs must be neatly and professionally constructed and all lettering done in a professional workmanlike manner.
Flag pole signs shall mean any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is permanently mounted to a pole.
A-frame signs shall be constructed of durable materials that are weather and rust-resistant.
The signs may not be illuminated or contain any electrical components.
The signs must be installed in a manner preventing it from falling or blowing over.
The temporary signs shall be placed on the privately owned property where the business is located (i.e. off-site signs are prohibited).
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.
Political Signs: Section 16.36.090 of the City Municipal Code contains regulations to erect political signs. Political signs are subject to the following regulations:
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.
Political signs may be placed in the public right-of-way, subject to certain exceptions to ensure safety:
Political signs are not permitted in median strip areas.
Political signs must be freestanding and are not permitted on traffic signs, trees, shrubs, bus stops, power poles, utility cabinets or other public appurtenances.
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.
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.
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.
Political signs may be up to thirty-two (32) square feet in area and six feet in height.
All political signs on private property must be authorized by the property owner.
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.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this report related to temporary special event permits, temporary signage, political signage and to give direction to staff.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
Provide alternate direction to staff.
Attachments
Article XI of the City Municipal Code- Special Events and Temporary Uses.
Section 16.36.090 of the Municipal Code.
City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
Staff Report to the City Council
Temporary Signage Regulations
March 7, 2023