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Agenda No. 12 A
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joyce Halabi, Deputy Public Works Director
MEETING DATE: November 06, 2024
SUBJECT: Pine Avenue Safety Improvements - Robert Down Elementary CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
Receive the presentation, feedback from the Traffic Safety Commission & PGUSD, and provide direction.
1. 2. Alternatively, discuss and take other action on this item.
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND
As part of the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), the City Council allocated funds for safety improvements in front of Robert Down Elementary School, located on Pine Avenue.
Following this, the Traffic Engineer conducted an observation and evaluation of the area, preparing a set of recommendations to enhance safety.
The Traffic Engineer's recommendations were brought before the City Council at the February 7, 2024, meeting. The item was continued to February 14, 2024, when the Council received the plan to relocate the stop sign from Fountain and Pine Avenues to 15th Street and Pine Avenue. The plan also included the installation of related signage and advance warning street markings. This plan was attached to the staff report for reference, which further specified that the improvements would be incorporated into the 2023/24 Crack and Slurry Seal Project. On April 17, 2024, the City Council approved a contract for that project.
IMPLEMENTATION & FOLLOW-UP
In May 2024, the safety recommendations were implemented. After receiving some mixed reviews, the Traffic Engineer conducted further evaluations at the intersections of Fountain and Pine Avenues, as well as 15th Street and Pine Avenue, on several dates: August 28, September 4, 5, 6, and 30, 2024.
Initial assessments indicated that the improvements enhanced both safety and functionality.
At the September 18, 2024, meeting, the City Council received a presentation on the project’s development, the implemented improvements, and potential future enhancements. The Council then directed staff to work with the School District and Traffic Safety Commission to receive feedback and direction on a path forward, which would subsequently return to the Council for consideration.
PGCC 11-6-24
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 JOINT CITY & PGUSD SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING On September 30, 2024 the joint City of Pacific Grove & Pacific Grove Unified School District (PGUSD) subcommittee meeting was held. This topic was discussed. PGUSD members focused their comments on the need to strengthen safety measures that enhance the recent improvements.
OCTOBER 22, 2024 TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING
At the October 22, 2024 Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) meeting, staff presented the following options for the TSC’s review and feedback:
1. No Further Action: Keep Pine Avenue as it is with the current improvements.
Add an All-Way Stop at Fountain: Expand the existing improvements by adding a crosswalk on the west side of Pine Avenue and installing an all-way stop at the intersection of Pine and Fountain. This would be in addition to the stop sign at 15th and Pine and would require an additional crossing guard.
2. Engineer Additional Improvements: Task the Traffic Engineer with designing a larger-scale solution to address ongoing safety issues, such as dual-lane threats, school drop-off congestion, and non-compliance at the stop sign.
3. Conduct Independent Analysis: Engage an independent traffic engineering consultant to evaluate the current improvements and provide feedback.
4. These options could be pursued individually as standalone tasks or combined to incorporate both short-term solutions and the design of long-term safety measures.
Ultimately, the TSC provided the following recommendation to be brought forward to the City Council:
Proceed with Option #2, adding an all-way stop at Fountain with one crosswalk and a crossing guard (funded by PGUSD), including an analysis to determine where the crosswalk across Pine at Fountain should be located.
Work with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) to develop a pilot program that includes community engagement, which would be used to inform the development of a long-term CIP project (Option #3).
Proceed with Option #3, engineer additional improvements based on the feedback and community input gathered from the pilot program with TAMC.
ADDITIONAL STUDIES
Although the TSC did not recommend Option #4, conducting an independent analysis, it is still a vital step going forward. This analysis will establish design immunity which could safeguard the City from future litigation, document the current configuration's functionalities and areas for improvement, provide an unbiased assessment of the ideal safety configuration, assess the additional stop sign/crosswalk at Pine & Fountain, and provide a reference for future improvements.
The City has received a quote from Kimley-Horn Engineering Planning and Design Consultants to perform this assessment. The assessment would include:
Data Collection on Pine at Forest, Fountain, 15th and 13th during peak AM and PM times for a 3-day span while school is in session
Existing Conditions Analysis
Multi-Way Stop Warrant Analysis per the MUTCD standards Pedestrian Circulation Review
Crosswalk Safety Review
Technical Memorandum
PGCC 11-6-24
Technical Memorandum
The cost of this assessment is $30,954.
NEXT STEPS
If the TSCs recommendation is approved by the City Council, staff will:
Develop a plan set for Option #2 and begin the traffic engineering assessment with Kimley-Horn Initiate a public education campaign on the upcoming changes to Pine Avenue Following completion of the study and plan set, implementation of Option #2 by in-house crews Staff will engage with TAMC to begin discussions about potential pilot projects and work to garner public feedback that would be harnessed to implement Option #3, engineer additional improvements.
Option #3, engineer additional improvements, would return as a project proposed in the FY25/26 CIP.
OPTIONS
1. Proceed with the recommendation of the TSC and Staff
2. Provide alternate direction
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Implementing the staff recommendation will incur additional costs, including extra engineering time for creating the stamped plan set required to add an All-Way Stop and performing the additional traffic engineering assessments by Kimley-Horn.
The additional engineering time associated with the development of the stamped plan set to add an All-Way Stop at Fountain will derived from the City's on-call traffic engineering agreement with 4Leaf.
The Traffic Engineering assessment performed by Kimley-Horn will be derived from the FY23/24 Crack and Slurry Seal project savings. There is sufficient project savings to accommodate this study.
FOCUSED PRIORITY AREA: Infrastructure
PGCC 11-6-24
Agenda No. 12 B
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joyce Halabi, Deputy Public Works Director
MEETING DATE: November 06, 2024
SUBJECT: Facilities Conditions Assessment
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
1. Receive Report.
2. Alternatively, discuss and take other action on this item.
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND
In late Fiscal Year 2023/2024, City staff embarked on the process of revamping the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) process to enhance the tracking, allocation, and management of aging City infrastructure more efficiently.
The overarching objective is to develop a proactive approach and gain a comprehensive understanding of infrastructure needs and associated costs in the long term. Historically, the CIP process has been reactive, primarily focused on addressing failing infrastructure without a holistic understanding of future, long-term needs.
The establishment of a Pavement Management Program (PMP) in 2019 provided the City with a roadmap for addressing overarching pavement needs, a crucial aspect of the City’s infrastructure portfolio. The PMP enabled the City to more efficiently and proactively manage aging road infrastructure, by maintaining roads in good condition (maximizing remaining service life) and addresses failed road segments, all within the constraints of limited funds. Collaborating with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), the City refreshed pavement data in 2023, affirming that the use of the PMP has led to improved pavement conditions, with an overall increase of 5 points in the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating within the first 5 years of implementation.
Staff aimed to expand on the PMP by assessing another part of the infrastructure portfolio—facilities—to gain insight into current and long-term needs. The goal was to obtain facility condition assessments (FCAs) that would provide a comprehensive view, enhancing management and tracking of facility infrastructure. This approach supports efficient resource allocation and timely improvements. Initially focused on five facilities (City Hall, Fire Station, Youth Center, Police Station and Public Works Yard), the broader vision is to eventually assess all facilities. Paired with the PMP, the FCAs could help staff identify priority needs and plan effectively for future funding requirements.
PGCC 11-6-24
the FCAs could help staff identify priority needs and plan effectively for future funding requirements.
This approach was discussed with the City Council at their May 15, 2024, meeting, as an element of the Capital Improvement Plan discussions.
RFQ PROCESS
On January 17, 2024, the City issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the development of City Facility Conditions Assessments for the five City facilities noted above. The RFQ period closed on Feb 15, 2024. Eight (8) proposals were received. After a review of all the submitted Statements of Qualifications, the top three (3) ranked firms were invited for an interview.
Following the interview process, Bureau Veritas (BV) was selected as the top-ranking firm. An agreement was executed on April 22, 2024, for the development of 5 facility conditions assessments in an amount not to exceed $23,380.40 plus a 15% contingency.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASSESSMENTS
After the agreement was executed, the facility condition assessments began, consisting of the following phases:
Data Gathering Phase: This phase included pre-survey questionnaires and a review of existing information on the five facilities.
Site Assessment Phase: Consultants conducted on-site inspections in May 2024, performing a detailed assessment of each facility, including buildings, building systems, and associated infrastructure.
Report Development Phase: Consultants prepared comprehensive reports, detailing inventories of building elements, assessments of current conditions, a facility condition index rating, and additional findings.
FACILITY CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT REPORTS
Each of the assessed facilities has a stand alone comprehensive report. The five reports are available for review at: www.cityofpg.org/buildings-grounds
Each of the reports is organized as follows:
An executive summary
Property Overview and Assessment Details
Facility Condition Index (FCI)
Immediate Needs
Key Findings
Plan Types
Purpose and scope
Building Systems and Site Elements
ADA Accessibility Overview
Opinions of Probable Costs
Appendices
Photographic Records
Site Plans
Pre-Survey Questionnaire
Accessibility Review and Photos
Component Condition Report
Replacement Reserves
Equipment Inventory List
PGCC 11-6-24
TAKEAWAYS AND HIGH-LEVEL SUMMARY
Facility Condition Index
One of the major goals of the FCA is to calculate the Facility Condition Index (FCI) rating which provides a theoretical objective indication of a facilities overall condition. The FCI is defined as the ratio of the costs of current needs divided by the current replacement value of the facility. The replacement value is defined as the cost to put the building back in its current state (as it is today).
FCI percentage ranges and their definitions are provided below. The lower the FCI, the better.
FCI Range Definition
0-5% New or well-maintained condition w/little or no visual evidence of wear & tear
5-10% Subjected to wear but is still in a serviceable and functioning condition 10-30% Subjected to hard or long-term wear. Nearing end of useful/serviceable life
30% & above Has reached the end of a useful or serviceable life. Renewal is now necessary
In addition to the current FCI, extended FCIs have been developed to provide the information needed to plan and budget for upkeep of the facilities. The 3-, 5-, and 10-year FCIs are calculated by dividing the anticipated needs of those respective time periods by current replacement value. The FCIs provide more value when used to relatively compare facilities across a portfolio instead of as a stand-alone value.
Table 1, below, provides the current, 3-, 5- and 10-year FCI values for the assessed facilities.
Table 1. FCI Ratings
Facility (year
built)
Cost/SF Total
SF
Replacement
Value
Current
FCI
3YR
FCI
5YR
FCI
10YR
FCI
City Hall (1912) $637 16,000 $10,192,000 1.7% 6.7% 6.8% 15.8% Fire Dept. (1948) $525 10,000 $5,250,000 0.2% 5.0% 8.9% 16.5% Police Dept.
(1948)
$666 14,000 $9,324,000 0.0% 1.2% 5.8% 11.8%
PW Corp
Yard (1960)
$423 24,300 $10,278,900 4.4% 9.7% 11.1% 17.3%
Youth
Center (1996)
$502 10,000 $5,020,000 1.5% 10.3% 17.3% 19.2%
Building Facility Needs
Table 2, below, provides the immediate, short term, near term, medium term and long term needs for each of the assessed facilities. The individual reports show the facility needs broken out by system (ex:
structure, facade, roofing etc). The table below aggregates the data to provide a comparison of the needs of the 5 assessed facilities.
Immediate Needs are line items that require immediate action as a result of: (1) material existing or potential unsafe conditions, (2) failed or imminent failure of mission critical building systems or components, or (3) conditions that, if not addressed, have the potential to result in, or contribute to, critical element or system failure within one year or will most probably result in a significant escalation of its remedial cost.
Table 2. Needs
PGCC 11-6-24
Table 2. Needs
Time Metric Fire Station Police
Department
Youth
Center
PW Yard City Hall
Immediate $8,100 $0 $75,500 $450,100 $174,200
Short Term (1-2 YRS) $153,300 $28,100 $1,500 $466,400 $132,700 Near Term (3-5 YRS) $306,700 $508,700 $789,800 $220,300 $381,500 Med Term (6-10 YRS) $396,900 $563,600 $95,600 $639,600 $923,500 Long Term (11-20
YRS)
$1,109,000 $1,542,400 $699,900 $1,094,500 $1,596,000
TOTALS $1,974,000 $2,642,800 $1,662,300 $2,870,900 $3,207,900 The table above provides estimated budget needs for the five facilities across various timeframes.
Actual costs may differ from consultant estimates due to factors like solution type and design, material and installation quality, equipment selection, field conditions, scope of repairs versus replacements, project phasing, market conditions, etc. Nevertheless, these estimates serve as useful benchmarks for understanding and planning future needs.
Specific needs, per year, for each facility are outlined in Appendix F, Replacement Reserves, within each report.
Building Element Conditions
Table 3, below, provides an overview of the building elements and their existing conditions.
Conditions ratings are defined below:
Excellent – New or very close to new; component or system typically has been installed within the past year, sound and performing its function. Eventual repair or replacement will be required when the component or system either reaches the end of its useful life or fails in service.
Good – Satisfactory as-is. Component or system is sound and performing its function, typically within the first third of its lifecycle. However, it may show minor signs of normal wear and tear.
Repair or replacement will be required when the component or system either reaches the end of its useful life or fails in service.
Fair – Showing signs of wear and use but still satisfactory as-is, typically near the median of its estimated useful life. Component or system is performing adequately at this time but may exhibit some signs of wear, deferred maintenance, or evidence of previous repairs. Repair or replacement will be required due to the component or system’s condition and/or its estimated remaining useful life.
Poor - Component or system is significantly aged, flawed, functioning intermittently or unreliably; displays obvious signs of deferred maintenance; shows evidence of previous repair or workmanship not in compliance with commonly accepted standards; has become obsolete; or exhibits an inherent deficiency. The present condition could contribute to or cause the deterioration of contiguous elements or systems. Either full component replacement is needed or repairs are required to restore to good condition, prevent premature failure, and/or prolong useful life.
Failed - Component or system has ceased functioning or performing as intended. Replacement, repair, or other significant corrective action is recommended or required.
Not Applicable (N/A)- Assigning a condition does not apply or make logical sense, most commonly due to the item in question not being present.
Table 3 – Building
Systems Conditions
Fire Station Police
Department
Youth Center PW Yard City Hall
PGCC 11-6-24
Summary
Structure Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair
Facade Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair
Roof Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair
Interiors Fair Poor Fair Fair Fair
Elevators N/A N/A Poor N/A Fair
Plumbing Fair Fair Fair Good Fair
HVAC Fair Good Fair Fair Fair
Fire Suppression Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair
Electrical Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair
Fire Alarm Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair
Equipment Special Fair Fair N/A Fair N/A
DATABASE
The Asset Calc Dataset is an internal database accessible to City staff for tracking, scheduling, and reporting necessary facility improvements across all five sites. This central resource consolidates the data used to generate these reports, providing a comprehensive view of facility needs. Like the Pavement Management Program (PMP), the Asset Calc Dataset will serve as a valuable tool for staff in identifying and assessing needs over time.
ADDITIONAL FUTURE CIP ENHANCEMENTS
The reports and Asset Calc Database will assist the City in planning future maintenance and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) needs. This information will be leveraged to shape the upcoming CIP and focus on addressing top-priority items.
OPTIONS
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Receiving this report has no fiscal impact. The report will be used to inform the development of future CIP projects, which will later return to the Council for consideration as part of the CIP and budget process.
FOCUSED PRIORITY AREA: Infrastructure
PGCC 11-6-24
Agenda No. 12 C
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Brian Pierik, City Attorney
MEETING DATE: November 06, 2024
SUBJECT: Direction to City Attorney to work with City Manager and Staff to prepare an Ordinance amending Chapter 20.04 of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code in Regard to Signs
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
Motion to direct City Attorney to work with City Manager and staff to prepare an Ordinance amending Chapter 20.04 of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code in regard to signs.
1. 2. Take Alternative Action Related to this item
DISCUSSION
A. Legal Background
Local agencies may regulate the placement of signs and billboards.[1] However, because signs and billboards involve speech, their regulation implicates First Amendment concerns. Regulation of political signs is a particularly sensitive area because “the constitutional guarantee has its fullest and most urgent application precisely to the conduct of campaigns for political office.”[2]
1. Public vs. Private Property
Signs may be regulated differently on public versus private property. A city may ban the posting of signs on public property, provided that such regulations are content-neutral. In addition, the type of public forum may affect the degree of regulation. A city may not completely ban non-commercial signs from private property, but the City may impose reasonable time, place, and manner (“TPM”) restrictions.
2. Commercial vs. Non-Commercial Signs
Restrictions on commercial signs are permitted if the regulation concerns lawful activity and is not misleading, seeks to implement a substantial government interest, directly advances that interest, and reaches no further than necessary to accomplish its objective.
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narrowly tailored, leave open ample alternative channels for communication, and are adequately justified without reference to the content of regulated speech (i.e., content-neutral). The City may not enact any law that has the effect of favoring commercial speech over non-commercial speech.
3. Content-Based Regulations Are Subject to Strict Scrutiny.
If a sign regulation is content-based, it is presumptively unconstitutional and will face strict scrutiny (i.e., narrowly tailored to achieve a compelling interest). Laws facing strict scrutiny are almost always struck down.
A regulation is content-based if it applies to particular speech because of the topic discussed or the idea or message expressed. An example of a content-based regulation is one that allows political signs supporting candidates of one political party, but not another. A less obvious example of a content-based regulation is a sign code that creates exemptions for certain types of temporary, non-commercial signs and regulates each type differently.[3]
B. Overview of City’s Sign Code
The City’s sign regulations are established by Ordinance 1664 (“Sign Ordinance”) was adopted on April 5, 1989 (Attachment 1). Ordinance 1664 is codified at Chapter 20.04 of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code (“Sign Code”), Attachment 2.
The Sign Code generally requires a permit for signs, but exempts a variety of different sign types from the permit requirement, with each sign type (e.g., political signs, construction signs, directional signs) regulated differently.
The Sign Code defines “political sign” as “a sign intended to draw attention to or communicate a position on any issue, candidate or measure in any national, state or local election.”[4]
1. Private Property
On private property, no permits are required to post political signs. Provided that permission has been obtained from the property owner, any number of nonilluminated political signs are allowed. However, the signs are limited to a combined sign area not exceeding 16 square feet in residential zones and 20 square feet in other zones.
There is no limit to the number or area of political window signs. Political signs shall be placed, posted or erected no earlier than six weeks before the election to which they pertain, and shall be removed within seven days following such election. All signs must be maintained in good condition; dilapidated signs will be repaired or removed upon order of the community development department.
2. Public Property
On public property, no signs, including political signs, may be attached, maintained, painted, printed, or otherwise affixed to a curbstone, lamppost, hydrant, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard, utility pole, wire, bench, sidewalk, crosswalk, traffic signpost, traffic-control device, parking meter or structure in or upon any public street, alley, or upon any other public property, except by a duly authorized public employee or required or permitted by law.
C. Discussion of City’s Sign Code
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1. The City Cannot Enforce Time Limits on Posting Political Signs In Advance of an Election.
There are issues with the political sign-posting timeline. Courts have struck down time limits relating to how far in advance of an election political signs may be posted, when such signage would be effectively banned other times of the year. [5] Additionally, courts have struck down many time-based display limits for political signs.
Other restrictions, such as size and height of signs, total aggregate area of signs/total cumulative size limit (as long as not limited to one candidate), etc., have been upheld by courts. A requirement that political signs be removed 10 days after the election previously survived challenge in the 9th Circuit, with the court holding that signs supporting issues and candidates following an election do not raise significant First Amendment issues.[6]
Therefore, the City may not enforce its requirement that political signs to be posted no earlier than six weeks before the election.
On May 1, 2024, the City Council gave direction to the City Manager to work with City Clerk on providing notice to candidates advising them there is no time limit in advance of the election for the posting of signs.
2. The City Sign Code is Content-Based.
Beyond specific political sign regulations, another issue with the City’s Sign Code is that it is content-based because it creates exemptions for certain types of non-commercial speech and regulates each type differently.
In the case of Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) 576 U.S. 155, the Town of Gilbert’s sign ordinance required a permit for outdoor signs, but exempted 23 categories of signs from that requirement.
Ideological, political and directional signs were exempt from the permit requirement, but each category was subjected to different rules with respect to size, location and length of display time. [7] The Court characterized this regulatory scheme as “content-based on its face” because it subjected signs to different rules depending upon the message conveyed (e.g., whether ideological, political or directional).[8] The Town of Gilbert’s sign code failed to survive strict scrutiny and the Court struck down portions of the code.[9]
The City’s Sign Code requires a permit for signs, but exempts a variety of different signs from the permit requirement, with each sign type (e.g., political signs, construction signs, directional signs) subject to different restrictions. Therefore, the City should revise its Sign Code to be content-neutral.
D. Proposed Revisions to Municipal Code Chapter 20.04 (Signs) The City should, among other possible amendments, consider the following amendments:
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1. Remove the references to “political signs” and other content-based sign types (i.e., ensure that all sign regulations are content-neutral).
2. Create rules for temporary signs displaying non-commercial messages that apply equally to every variety of non-commercial message.
3. Include a “substitution clause” allowing any non-commercial message to be substituted in place of any commercial message allowed by the law.
4. Consider using separate chapters or sections to regulate signs on private land versus public land.
[1] Gov. Code, §§ 38774, 65850.
[2] Monitor Patriot Co. v. Roy (1971) 401 U.S. 265, 272. [3] See Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) 576 U.S. 155 [holding that town's ordinance distinguishing between political, ideological, and temporary directional signs is content-based on its face and subject to strict scrutiny]. [4] Pacific Grove Municipal Code, § 20.04.150(h).
[5] See City of Antioch v. Candidates' Outdoor Graphic Serv. (N.D.Cal. 1982) 557 F.Supp. 52, 60 [60-day pre-election time limit invalidated]; Orazio v. Town of N. Hempstead (E.D.N.Y. 1977) 426 F.Supp. 1144, 1147 [6-week pre-election time limit invalidated].
[6] Baldwin v. Redwood City (9th Cir. 1976) 540 F.2d 1360, 1374; But see Whitton v. Gladstone (8th Cir. 1995) 54 F.3d 1400 [7 day removal rule held unconstitutional].)
[7] Reed at pp. 159-160.
[8] Id. at p. 164.
[9] Id. at p. 172.
OPTIONS
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
FOCUSED PRIORITY AREA: Environmental Stewardship
Attachments
1. Ordinance No. 1664
2. City Municipal Code Chapter 20.04 (Signs)
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CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE MUNICIPAL CODE
Chapter 20.04
SIGNS
Sections:
20.04.010 Purposes.
20.04.020 Exempt signs – No permit required.
20.04.030 Prohibited signs.
20.04.040 Permit required.
20.04.050 Sign standards.
20.04.060 Exceptions to standards.
20.04.070 Staff sign approvals.
20.04.080 Permit applications.
20.04.090 Permit application fee.
20.04.100 Action on permit application.
20.04.110 Appeals.
20.04.120 Maintenance of signs.
20.04.130 Abatement of nonconforming signs.
20.04.140 Enforcement.
20.04.150 Definitions.
20.04.160 Inapplicability to U and O zone districts.
20.04.010 Purposes.
The city of Pacific Grove is a city possessed of natural beauty, distinctive architectural styles and historic character. The city’s economy is dependent on both a vigorous local business community and residential environment. The city acknowledges that signs and identification are important and necessary to the successful communication of business and commercial activities. Therefore, given Pacific Grove’s setting, the provisions of this chapter are intended to:
(a) Encourage the use of signs that:
(1) Protect and enhance the architectural character and harmony, and natural beauty of the community, its buildings and its various neighborhoods and districts; (2) Possess a satisfactory aesthetic effect and pleasing elements of design, which are form, proportion, material, surface treatment, and position; PGCC 11-6-24
(3) Effectively communicate business identity and type to the public; (4) Are as small in size and few in number as is consistent with their purpose of communicating identification and essential information; (b) Protect the city from sign clutter and visual blight resulting from excessive and redundant signs;
(c) Protect the right of the public to be directed, warned, advised and informed; (d) Provide the ability to utilize temporary signs for limited times with lesser visual impact than primary signs;
(e) Eliminate unnecessary distractions which may jeopardize pedestrian or vehicular traffic safety;
(f) Assure normal and necessary maintenance and repair of signs; (g) Implement applicable policies and objectives of the general plan. [Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
20.04.020 Exempt signs – No permit required.
The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit under the noted conditions and shall not be included in the determination of type, number or area of signs allowed on premises.
However, exempt signs are subject to the provisions of PGMC 20.04.120 regarding maintenance of signs.
(a) Official federal, state or local government flags, emblems and historic markers; (b) Official federal, state or local government traffic, directional, regulatory and informational signs, and notices issued by any court, person or officer in performance of a public duty, or any other sign lawfully posted by any government agency;
(c) Temporary signs warning of construction, excavation or similar hazards so long as the situation exists;
(d) One or more temporary sign(s) not exceeding 24 square feet in combined area used to indicate owner, general contractor, architect and other pertinent data regarding building construction on a building site during construction only; (e) Temporary holiday decorations which do not display the name of a business or product or other advertising material;
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(f) Directional signs not exceeding two square feet in area and containing no advertising material;
(g) Signs, erected by recognized historical agencies, which show names of buildings, dates of erection and related information, provided the sign does not exceed two square feet in area; (h) Any number of nonilluminated political signs limited to a combined sign area not exceeding 16 square feet in residential zones and 20 square feet in other zones; provided:
(1) There is no limit to the number or area of political window signs; and (2) Political signs shall be placed, posted or erected no earlier than six weeks before the election to which they pertain, and shall be removed within seven days following such election;
(i) On each street frontage, for any lot or building, one single- or double-faced nonilluminated primary sign which serves solely to advertise the actual intent to sell, lease or rent or offer to build to suit on the premises where the sign is located, and two single- or double-faced nonilluminated secondary signs which serve solely to advertise information regarding the property or agent, such as but not limited to “do not disturb occupants” or an agent’s name, provided the maximum dimensions of each secondary sign are limited to six inches by 24 inches and the total combined area of the primary and secondary signs shall not exceed five square feet;
(j) Nonilluminated flat signs of not more than one square foot each which contain words protective of an occupant, such as “no trespassing,” “beware of dog,” “no circulars,” and the like, with a maximum of two such signs per premises;
(k) For each service station, not more than one freestanding sign not exceeding 20 square feet for each frontage, located on the property;
(l) Nonilluminated temporary window signs on commercially zoned property (C-1, C-FH, C-2, I, and V-C zoning districts); provided, that the total of permanent plus temporary window signs shall not exceed 25 percent of the window area of that business on any frontage. Temporary signs shall not be displayed for more than 30 consecutive days. The date of the first day of display shall be clearly indicated in the lowest left-hand corner of each sign; (m) Signs showing the location of public telephones and signs placed by utilities to show the location of underground and other public utilities;
(n) Street number signs not exceeding two per address and not exceeding one square foot per premises in commercial and industrial areas, nor 124 square inches in residential areas; PGCC 11-6-24
(o) Menus on premises occupied by restaurants of the size normally used within the restaurants, provided such size does not exceed two square feet; (p) One temporary commercial banner announcing a special event, such as a grand opening; provided, that such banner shall not exceed 20 square feet in area. The banner shall be maintained flat and against the building wall, and displayed no longer than 20 consecutive days.
No more than one banner shall be displayed at any time. No more than two banners may be displayed on a premises during any 12-month period; provided, the applicant shall register with the community development department the date the banner is placed and removed; (q) Nonilluminated, off-site, portable signs, placed on private property, containing directions to the location of an open house which is for sale, unlimited in total number, but limited to one single-faced or double-faced sign per intersection corner; provided, the signs (1) shall not exceed two square feet or four feet in height, and (2) shall be removed daily immediately following a scheduled open house;
(r) Advertising devices which move in the wind (for example, stringers, pennants, pinwheels, balloons, etc.) when displayed for seven or fewer consecutive days or for fewer than 14 days in a 12-month period and when not displayed in or over the public way; (s) Banners for events of citywide importance conducted for noncommercial purposes; (t) On commercially zoned property (C-1, C-FH, C-2, I and V-C) and on property whereon a motel is an established legal use, one exposed luminary source neon tube sign of no more than three square feet, with an informational message (such as but not limited to “open,” “vacancy,” “no vacancy”). No other message or advertising of any kind may be carried on signs under this exemption. [Ord. 13-023 § 4, 2013; Ord. 13-003 § 14, 2013; Ord. 09-005 § 29, 2009; Ord. 99-08 § 1, 1999; Ord. 1875 N.S. §§ 1, 3, 1993; Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
20.04.030 Prohibited signs.
In addition to any sign not specifically in accordance with this chapter, the following signs are prohibited:
(a) Abandoned signs, including all structural, support, and other componential elements; (b) Flashing or blinking signs, except signal lights and other public safety signs maintained by government authority;
(c) Billboards;
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(d) Advertising devices which move in the wind (for example, stringers, pennants, pinwheels, balloons, etc.) when displayed for more than seven consecutive days or for more than 14 days in a 12-month period;
(e) Flags, except the flag of any governmental entity;
(f) Signs that rotate or move in any fashion, except barber poles; (g) Any sign which simulates or imitates any traffic sign or signal or which makes use of words, symbols or characters in such manner to interfere with, mislead or confuse pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
(h) Any sign, including a political sign, attached, maintained, painted, printed or otherwise affixed to a curbstone, lamppost, hydrant, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard, utility pole, wire, bench, sidewalk, crosswalk, traffic signpost, traffic-control device, parking meter or structure in or upon any public street, alley, or upon any other public property, except by a duly authorized public employee or required or permitted by law. Any sign prohibited by this subsection may be removed by city personnel, and persons responsible for placing the signs shall be liable for cost of removal;
(i) Any sign, except as may be required by law, placed or maintained so as to interfere with free ingress to or egress from any door, window or fire escape; (j) Signs located so as to obstruct the view of a traffic sign, signal or device, or located so as to confuse the viewers of same;
(k) Signs located on or extending over public property, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, without a valid license from the council to encroach; (l) Signs made wholly or partially of highly reflective material; (m) Signs not conforming with the following clearance requirements for communication lines, utility lines, provided further restrictions adopted by the Public Utilities Commission shall be adhered to:
Table 20.04.030 – Minimum Clearance of Signs
from Conductors
Less than
750 volts
More than 750
volts
Vertical Clearance
Above sign 3 feet 8 feet
Below sign 3 feet Prohibited
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Table 20.04.030 – Minimum Clearance of Signs
from Conductors
Less than
750 volts
More than 750
volts
Horizontal Clearance
From conductors 3 feet 6 feet
From poles 4 feet 6 feet
(n) Signs temporarily affixed upon a vehicle parked so as to attempt to direct attention to a place of business. This shall apply to vehicles parked on either public or private property; (o) Exposed luminary source signs, which are signs whose illumination source is the signing element to be read directly, without diffusion or reflection, such as exposed bulbs or tubes or neon, in any residentially zoned district;
(p) Off-premises advertising. [Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
20.04.040 Permit required.
No sign shall be displayed, erected, installed, suspended, attached, moved, replaced or altered except pursuant to a sign permit obtained as provided in this chapter, unless the sign is specifically exempted from permit requirements. Except for sign approvals by staff pursuant to PGMC 20.04.070, the architectural review board shall determine whether the sign permit shall be issued. A separate sign permit shall not be required for any sign subject to architectural review board approval as part of an architectural permit application for a project when reviewed as part of that project.
As an exception to this section, signs that comply with Chapter 20.05 PGMC may be displayed, erected or installed within the C-D and C-1-T zoning districts. [Ord. 13-023 § 4, 2013; Ord. 11- 001 § 7, 2011; Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
20.04.050 Sign standards.
Except for signs within the C-D and C-1-T zoning districts where Chapter 20.05 PGMC applies, all signs requiring permit approval shall comply with the following standards and regulations, to the extent applicable, and these standards and regulations shall be considered in reviewing applications for sign permits:
(a) Within residential zones, one identification sign may be allowed on each frontage of a planned unit development, multiple-family building, condominium complex, or institution use.
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(b) An individual business shall be allowed one primary sign. Additional primary signs, generally smaller in scale, may be allowed on a case-by-case basis, consideration being given to building architecture, business frontage, building size, type of business and other factors deemed pertinent to allowing more than one primary sign.
(c) Signs mounted on a building shall be integrated into the building and designed so that the architectural features and expression of the building are not obscured. Signs mounted on a building include, among others, signs painted on or attached to awnings; window signs; wall signs; signs mounted on or above the roof of a building; projecting signs; suspended signs. The maximum allowed sign area on a primary business frontage is one square foot for each lineal foot of primary business frontage. One-half square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of secondary business frontage may be allowed on a secondary business frontage. No sign shall exceed 150 square feet in area. The architectural review board may restrict sign size to a lesser size than the maximum standards pursuant to the purposes of this chapter. (1) Signs mounted on or above the roof of a building, or attached to the fascia but exceeding the height of the fascia, shall be discouraged unless no feasible alternative is available, or unless such signs clearly further the purposes of this chapter. (2) To encourage variety and interest, projecting signs on private property may extend up to four feet from a building face. Council approval of an encroachment permit shall be required for all signs projecting into the public right-of-way. (3) Projecting signs, marquee signs, awning signs, and suspended signs shall maintain a minimum eight-foot clearance between the lowest point of a sign and the grade immediately below.
(d) Freestanding signs and their support structures shall be designed to respond to building architecture and setting. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 12 feet in height. The architectural review board may restrict sign height to a lesser size than the maximum standard pursuant to the purposes of this chapter.
(e) A master signing program is generally required by the architectural review board for any buildings and projects containing two or more individual businesses. (1) When a master signing program is required, the property owner shall be responsible for permit application and maintenance of the master signing program. (2) The master sign program shall include location of signs, size, type, method of mounting, illumination, and an accurate graphic representation of the actual sign design, if available.
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(3) Amendments to an approved master signing program may be considered by the architectural review board upon presentation of an application with the written consent of the property owner.
(4) Additional tenant signs shall be reviewed on an individual basis to conform to the master sign program.
(f) Use of illuminated signs shall be designed to respond to the following guidelines and regulations so as to correspond with the policies of this chapter:
(1) Illumination of nonprimary signs may be allowed on commercially zoned property (C-1, C-FH, C-2, I, and V-C zoning districts), subject to the following restrictions:
(A) No more than one illuminated nonprimary sign per business; and (B) The area of an illuminated nonprimary sign shall not exceed three square feet. (2) Light sources for sign illumination shall be the least visibly obtrusive of the available installation options and shall not be visible beyond the premises. The order of preference for the type of illumination is as follows, beginning with the preferred method of illumination:
(A) Indirectly illuminated signs;
(B) Internally illuminated backlit signs;
(C) Internally illuminated face signs;
(D) Exposed luminary source signs;
(E) Reflecting signs.
(3) Sign illumination shall be designed so as not to display beyond the limits of the sign area or create excessive glare. Illuminated signs shall be subject to review by the architectural review board three months after approval to assure compliance with this standard.
(4) Adjacent or surrounding light sources are to be considered in evaluating illuminated signs to avoid the overall appearance of glare or competition. (g) In nonresidential and R-3-M zones, miscellaneous nonilluminated permanent information signs, with an aggregate not to exceed two square feet at each public entrance or 10 square feet total, indicating address, hours and days of operation, whether a business is open or closed, credit information and emergency address and telephone number, may be approved as PGCC 11-6-24
part of the signs for an establishment and in addition to the sign area allowed in subsection (c) of this section.
(h) Portable signs, such as A-frame or sandwich signs, may be allowed on private property in the C-1, C-FH, C-2, and I zones. Only one portable sign, not to exceed three and one-half feet in height and two feet in width, may be allowed per business premises. Such signage may be displayed only during business hours and shall not impede safe pedestrian passage. They shall be weighted sufficiently to keep them upright in the wind and have legs with nonskid bases. (i) Menu board signs, either fixed or freestanding, may be allowed on private property in the C1, C-FH, C-2, or I zone. Only one menu board sign, not to exceed 18 inches by 24 inches, may be allowed per business premises. Freestanding signs shall not impede safe pedestrian passage and shall be weighted sufficiently to keep them upright in the wind and shall have legs with nonskid bases. [Ord. 13-023 § 4, 2013; Ord. 13-003 § 14, 2013; Ord. 09-005 § 30, 2009; Ord. 02- 32 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1875 N.S. §§ 4, 5, 1993; Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
20.04.060 Exceptions to standards.
The standards and requirements pertaining to signs contained in PGMC 20.04.050 may be modified when the architectural review board finds that a sign of unique design provides an aesthetically beneficial impact that could not be obtained through strict adherence to the provisions of this chapter, or where unusual design of a building requires special consideration. [Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
20.04.070 Staff sign approvals.
Except for signs within the C-D and C-1-T zoning districts where Chapter 20.05 PGMC applies, an administrative sign permit shall be issued, pursuant to the procedures in PGMC 23.70.030, for the signs described in subsection (a) of this section without the requirement for architectural permit approval. The sign described in subsection (b) of this section may be reviewed by means of a counter review and determination, pursuant to the procedures in PGMC 23.70.020, without the requirement for architectural permit approval.
(a) Any flat sign in the C-1, C-FH, C-2, or I zone which has a sign area of 25 square feet or less and which is attached to or is painted on a building so as not to project more than six inches from the building and which is the only permanent sign displayed on the premises; (b) A minor sign face change within an existing and approved sign frame and/or substantially conforming to the existing sign approval and which complies with the requirements of this chapter. [Ord. 13-023 § 4, 2013; Ord. 13-003 § 14, 2013; Ord. 11-001 § 7, 2011; Ord. 1875 N.S. § 2, 1993; Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
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20.04.080 Permit applications.
Any person desiring to obtain a sign permit shall submit an application, signed by the property owner and the applicant, to the department of community development, on a form provided by the department director, accompanied by the following information:
(a) An elevation, perspective or photograph, to scale, showing the proposed sign as it will appear on the project and showing its relationship to its surroundings; (b) In the case of a freestanding sign, a site plan showing the location of the proposed freestanding sign;
(c) A drawing or illustration, to scale, of the sign, depicting the style of lettering and showing the complete lettering;
(d) Dimensions of building, sign and letters;
(e) Sign materials – background and lettering;
(f) Color samples;
(g) Description of any proposed illumination:
(1) Applications for illuminated signs shall include sufficient technical data of all proposed illumination systems so as to allow evaluation of proposed light levels. (2) All fixtures, types, locations, mounting and wattages shall be shown on plans and elevations, as well as catalog cut sheets.
(3) Samples of sign materials related to light transmission or reflection shall be provided with the application, depicting finishes of proposed components; (h) Construction information, including method of attachment to building, and support and base when freestanding;
(i) The extent to which, if any, the sign is proposed to project into or over public property; (j) Any additional information the department deems relevant to the application. [Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
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20.04.090 Permit application fee.
Each application shall be accompanied by payment of the appropriate fee as prescribed by resolution of the council. [Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
20.04.100 Action on permit application.
Action on sign permits by the architectural review board shall be in accordance with the provisions of PGMC 23.70.060. Action on sign approvals by staff shall be in accordance with the provisions of PGMC 23.70.020 and 23.70.030. [Ord. 11-001 § 7, 2011; Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
20.04.110 Appeals.
Any person not satisfied with the action of the architectural review board may appeal pursuant to Chapter 23.74 PGMC (Appeals and Call-Ups). All appeals shall be accompanied by payment of the appropriate fee as prescribed in the city’s approved schedule of fees, which is available from the community development department and on the city’s website. [Ord. 11-001 § 7, 2011; Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
20.04.120 Maintenance of signs.
All signs and their supporting members shall be maintained in good condition. Dilapidated signs shall be repaired or removed upon order by the department of community development. [Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
20.04.130 Abatement of nonconforming signs.
Signs which do not conform to the provisions of this chapter, but which lawfully existed and were maintained prior to April 5, 1989, shall be removed or made to conform within 60 days following written notice by the department of community development, when:
(a) A sign is more than 50 percent destroyed, and the destruction is other than facial copy replacement, and the sign is not repaired within 30 days of its destruction; (b) A sign owner, outside a change of copy, requests permission to remodel and remodels that sign, or expands or enlarges the building or land use upon which the sign is located, and the sign is affected by the construction, employment or remodeling, or the cost of construction, enlargement or remodeling of the sign exceeds 50 percent of the cost of reconstruction of the building, or an owner seeks relocation of and relocates a sign; PGCC 11-6-24
(c) A sign is or may become a danger to the public or is unsafe; or (d) A sign constitutes a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets or by other action of the city. [Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
20.04.140 Enforcement.
It is unlawful, a misdemeanor, and a public nuisance for any person to construct, maintain, display or alter, or cause to be constructed, maintained, displayed or altered any sign except in conformance with this chapter. Violations of any provisions of this chapter may be prosecuted pursuant to Chapter 1.16 PGMC. [Ord. 08-006 § 76, 2008; Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
20.04.150 Definitions.
As used in this chapter the following terms and phrases shall have the indicated meanings:
“Abandoned sign” means a sign, including all structural, support, and other componential elements on a premises or structure vacant for a period of 90 days, a sign pertaining to any occupant or business different from the present occupant or business, a sign pertaining to a past event, or an illuminated sign not capable of being illuminated due to its state of repair. “Ambient building light” means light from interior or exterior lighting fixtures installed on, in or about a building or premises for the purposes of illuminating areas of circulation or task activity, excluding fixtures used solely for decoration or advertising. “Area of sign” means the number of square feet enclosed within a perimeter composed of a maximum of six sides, all at right angles, within which a sign face can be enclosed. In determining the area of an individual sign which has more than one face, the greatest area of sign faces visible from any one point shall be used.
“Awning” means a shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building, constructed of nonrigid materials on a supporting framework. In determining sign area, only the portion of an awning occupied by lettering and/or logo or other graphic representation shall be counted.
“Banner” means a flexible sign characteristically supported at two or more points and hung on a building or otherwise suspended down or along its face, or across a public street of the city.
The banner may or may not include copy or other graphic symbols. It is generally made of fabric or other nonrigid materials with no enclosing frame. “Billboard” means a sign structure which is made available for lease or rent.
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“Building face” means the whole of a building visible in an elevation of the building above the adjacent sidewalk level excluding sloped-roof surfaces. “Bulletin board” means a sign on a premises which accommodates changeable copy and which displays information on activities and events.
“Business frontage” means that portion of a building which faces a street, parking lot, pedestrian mall, arcade or walkway. The primary business frontage is one which contains a customer entrance or which includes a glass-enclosed showroom facing the street. If a building has more than one business frontage with a customer entrance, the property owner must designate one of them as the primary business frontage. Unless otherwise stated, the phrase “business frontage” means “primary business frontage.” All other business frontage is secondary frontage. As used in this definition, “parking lot” means either a publicly owned and operated parking lot or a parking lot located on the same zoning parcel as the business frontage.
“Channel letters” are fabricated or formed three-dimensional letters used as building signs that may accommodate an internal light source. Channel letters are typically greater than three inches in depth.
“Dilapidated sign” means a sign: (a) where the lettering or background material or any part of the sign has flaked, broken off, changed color; or (b) where structural supports or frame members are visibly corroded, stained, bent, broken, dented or where the sign or supports are twisted, leaning, or at angles other than those at which the sign was originally erected. “Directional sign” means a sign which facilitates traffic flow and safety, not erected by a governmental agency, containing generic information such as but not limited to entrance/exit, caution, parking, right or left turn only, stop, towaway zone. “Directory sign” means a sign identifying the location of occupants of a building or group of buildings which are divided into rooms, suites or similar subdivisions used as separate stores, offices, studios or similar tenancies.
“Exposed luminary source” means a sign whose illumination source is the signing element to be read directly, without diffusion or reflection, such as exposed bulbs or tubes or neon. “Fascia” is a horizontal band or broad fillet covering the joint between the top of a wall and the roof surface, capping or enclosing the ends of eaves or roof framing. “Freestanding sign” means a sign not attached to any building and having its own support structure.
“Height of sign” means the vertical distance from average adjacent ground level to the top of the sign, including the support structure and any design elements.
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“Illuminated backlit sign” means a sign that is illuminated by a light source that projects light on surfaces adjacent to the sign components in order to generate contrast with the nonlit sign components.
“Illuminated sign” means any sign which incorporates mechanisms that reflect or glow so as to generate an illumination level of the sign that is greater than the illumination level of the adjacent surface, or the surrounding area.
“Indirectly illuminated sign” means any sign that is illuminated from an external source that projects light onto the sign surface.
“Internally illuminated sign” means any sign that is illuminated by a concealed light source that projects light through the sign face.
“Marquee sign” means a sign placed on the face of a permanent roofed structure projecting over the building entrance, which is an integral part of the building (usually a theater or hotel) and is not a fascia, extension of the roof, or eave.
“Master sign program” means and includes the location of a sign or signs for an overall building complex or a building identification, including individual business signs and their location, size, type, method of mounting, illumination, and the relationship among all these elements. “Nonresidential zone” means any zone other than any R zone. “Off-premises sign” means any sign which directs attention to a business, service, product or entertainment not sold or offered or only incidentally sold or offered on the premises on which the sign is located.
“Pennant” means a long, tapering flag, triangular or swallow-tailed in shape. “Permanent sign” means any sign which remains in use more than 30 days. “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, association or government or any other legal entity.
“Political sign” means a sign intended to draw attention to or communicate a position on any issue, candidate or measure in any national, state or local election. “Premises” is a building or unified complex of buildings on one lot or on two or more contiguous lots under common ownership.
“Price sign (fuel)” means a sign on the premises of a gasoline station, which contains information on the cost and type or grade of motor fuel only.
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“Primary sign” means the basic sign(s) containing the name and/or logo of a business, office or other establishment.
“Projecting sign” means a sign which extends out from a building face or wall so that the sign face is perpendicular or at an angle to the building face or wall. “Public entrance” is a place of entry at a premises which is accessible to the general public. “Reflecting sign” is a sign whose surface material reflects light so as to generate a contrast between the sign and adjacent surfaces or surrounding area. “Residential identification sign” means any sign identifying an institution in a residential zone, occupant, apartment, residence, school or church, and not advertising any product or service. “Roof sign” means any sign located on or attached to and extending above any portion of the roof of a building.
“Sign” means any visual device or representation designed or used for the purpose of communicating a message or identifying or attracting attention to a premises, project, service, person, organization, business or event, with or without the use of words, visible from outside the premises on which such device is located.
“Sign face” means the visible sign proper including all characters and symbols (excluding essential structural elements which are not an integral part of the display) and including nonstructural frame and any material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the message from the background.
Sign Area. See “area of sign.”
“Suspended sign” means a sign attached to and located below any permanent eave, roof or canopy and not mounted to a wall in any way.
“Temporary sign” means any sign which remains in use not more than 30 consecutive days or such other period limited to the duration of a condition or activity specified in this chapter. “Wall sign” means a single-faced sign painted on or attached parallel to a building or wall. “Window sign” means a sign applied to or attached to the surface of a window or displayed inside a building and visible through a window or similar opening for the primary purpose of exterior visibility. Nonilluminated signs located within three feet of a window and illuminated signs located within five feet of a window are considered to be window signs and are subject to the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 13-023 § 4, 2013; Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
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20.04.160 Inapplicability to U and O zone districts.
The provisions of this chapter shall not be applicable to the erection or maintenance of signs in the U and O zone districts. (See Chapters 23.42 and 23.44 PGMC.) [Ord. 1664 N.S. § 2, 1989].
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