Cities Index.
6. Study Session for Proposed Amendments to the Sign Code

Piedmont City Council
October 7, 2024

Document
6. Study Session for Proposed Amendments to the Sign Code
Meeting
October 7, 2024
Body
Piedmont City Council
Original file
633 KB
Text extracted from the city's file for reading and search. Open the original on piedmont.ca.gov. That file is the official record.

City of Piedmont

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: October 7, 2024
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Rosanna Bayon Moore, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Study Session for Proposed Amendments to the Sign Code

PURPOSE
This agenda item is a study session to review proposed updates to Piedmont Municipal Code Chapter 17, Article 3, Division 17.36 regarding Signs (“Sign Code”). The proposed revisions are intended to bring the code into conformance with developments in constitutional law and provide greater clarity to regulations and permit requirements. This is an informational item only.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This study session provides an opportunity for the City Council and the general public to review the draft updates to the Sign Code and provide comment to staff. The comments and Council’s discussion are expected to inform a final Draft Sign Code that will be considered by the Planning Commission and City Council at future dates.

Sign regulations are essential for maintaining public safety, preserving community character, and assisting with wayfinding. Sign permits serve as a critical regulatory tool to ensure that signs comply with safety standards, zoning requirements, and aesthetic guidelines. Recent case law necessitates updates to Piedmont’s Sign Code. While addressing this update, staff recommends other revisions on a limited scale that provide clarity and improve permit requirements.

Proposed amendments to the sign regulations are beneficial due to several factors:
• Increased signage: City-led events, as well as general event activity in Piedmont Park and Community Hall, have led to more event signage throughout the City. • Lack of oversight: Currently, there is no formal review process for signs associated with City-led or hosted events, resulting in inconsistent signage practices. • Ambiguity of construction sign regulations: Construction signs are a common sight across the City and clear regulations will help to address visual clutter. • Illuminated signage: The City’s regulations for signs with interior illumination need to address modern technology and provide specific standards governing their design, placement, and intensity.
• Prohibited signage: Best practices include listing types of signs that are prohibited with the goal of maintaining visual quality and community character. • Enforcement challenges: To ensure compliance, the sign regulations require clarification and strengthened enforcement provisions for illegal signs.

Proposed revisions to the Sign Code include the following:
• Updating sign categories to conform with best practices. • Streamlining the sign permit review process for City-initiated projects. • Expanding permitted locations for temporary signs on public property. • Clarifying regulations related to construction-related signs and prohibited sign types. • Updating design review criteria for signs located on nonresidential parcels. • Updating enforcement procedures for violations.

In addition to the need for the City’s Sign Code to comport with state and federal law, the proposed revisions are informed by the day-to-day implementation of the current regulations, and a review of industry best practices.

DISCUSSION
Provided below is an outline and description of the draft revisions to the Sign Code. A redlined version of the edits to the current Sign Code is included as Attachment A, agenda report pages 6-

14. 1) Updating sign categories.

The proposed revisions bring the Sign Code into conformance with the principles established in Reed v. Town of Gilbert. This landmark Supreme Court case underscored that content-based regulations on speech are subject to strict scrutiny. By treating all noncommercial signs, including but not limited to campaign signs, student graduation signs, and non-profit group affiliation signs, equally, this revision eliminates content-based distinctions and ensures compliance with the First Amendment. See Sign Code section 17.36.010.B and 17.36.040.A.2. 2) Revised provisions on signage posted by the City (section 17.36.030).

Current regulations require the Director of Public Works to approve City-installed signs on City property and in the public right-of-way, subject to Piedmont Design Standards. However, a formal review process and standards for approval are lacking despite the ongoing need for such signage.

After conferring with the Public Works Director, staff proposes exempting all City-posted signs from permit requirements and design standards. Additional provisions for process and standards for approval have yet to be drafted.

Agenda Report Page 2
3) New provisions on signage on private property (section 17.36.040).

Staff proposes adding two new sections to regulate construction-related signs and prohibit specific sign types on private property.

Temporary, construction-related signs (those advertising a contractor, architect or other professional) are a common sight throughout the City and oftentimes do not comply with current regulations. To help address this issue, staff recommends clarifying the standards for constructionrelated signs, establishing clear limitations on size, height, quantity per parcel, and duration. These revisions are intended to provide clarity to construction professionals, property owners, community members and City officials.

Currently, the City Code lacks provisions identifying types of signs and sign locations the City might find beneficial to prohibit. To align with best practices and improve public safety, staff recommends that certain types of signs be prohibited. These types of signs are not currently common to Piedmont. However, it would be beneficial for the Code to address them. • Signs that mimic official traffic control devices. These signs are confusing to drivers and can be a safety hazard. Additionally, they can erode public trust in the system, making people less likely to comply with traffic regulations.
• Roof signs. These signs, if poorly constructed or maintained, can pose a risk to pedestrians and motorists, and can negatively impact property values. • Balloons or inflatable signs. These signs can be easily blown away by strong winds, posing a risk to pedestrians, motorists, and property; they can also obstruct the view of drivers, traffic signals, and important road features; and in some cases, they are made of materials harmful to the environment (such as plastic). • Animated, moving, or audio-equipped commercial signs. These signs can be distracting and confusing to drivers.
• Ground signs exceeding 15 feet in height. These signs are considered unsightly and can detract from the visual appeal of a community.

Attachment B, report page 15 includes photo examples of the proposed prohibited signs. 4) Other revisions to several sections of Division 17.36.

To align with current City practices and industry best standards, staff recommends several revisions to the Sign Code, including:

Agenda Report Page 3
• New location for Sign Display on Public Property and a Sign Review Process for signs on Specific Public Property Locations (section 17.36.030.B.4): The bridge railing near the Piedmont Community Hall is a common location for City event signage and is added to the list of permitted sign locations. Additionally, staff has added a review process for signs on certain locations on public property.
• Interior-illuminated Sign Standards (section 17.36.040.C.2): A new standard establishing a luminance threshold is recommended to guide the review body decisions. • Illegal Sign Definition (section 17.26.070): Staff recommends that an unpermitted “illegal sign” be clearly defined, and that “illegal signs” be explicitly classified as nuisances subject to abatement procedures outlined in Chapter 6 of the Piedmont City Code. • Exempt flag poles from requiring any permit (section 17.36.040.A.6): Staff recommends allowing two flags per parcel on all private parcels. These flags could be displayed on either a single pole or two separate poles attached to ground or building, with a maximum height of 35 feet.

The proposed revisions to the Piedmont Sign Code aim to bring the City into compliance with First Amendment principles, address safety concerns, and improve the overall visual appeal of the community. By updating sign categories, revising provisions on City-posted signage, adding new regulations for private property signage, and making other amendments to various sections, the proposed code seeks to provide a clear and enforceable framework for signage in Piedmont.

PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
During its regular meeting on September 9, 2024, the Planning Commission held a study session on the proposed amendments to the Sign Code provided for this City Council study session. No verbal or written public comments were received for the Planning Commission study session.

While generally supportive of the proposed updates, the Commissioners focused their discussion on the following items:
• Construction signage: Commissioners favored increasing the maximum number of allowable construction signs on private parcels from two to three. • Noncommercial signage: The Commission requested staff to research how other cities regulate noncommercial signs. The Commissioners found the existing code's cap of two signs per parcel to be overly restrictive.
• Non-profit organization signage: Commissioners sought clarification and potential relaxation of the review process for signage placed on public property by nonprofit organizations promoting community events.

Agenda Report Page 4

CITY CHARTER
The proposed modifications to the City Code would be in conformance with the City Charter, including section 9.02. No zones would be reduced or enlarged, and no zones would be reclassified. City Charter provisions are expressly referred to in City Code division 17.02.C.

CITY ATTORNEY REVIEW
The proposed amendments to the Sign Code have been reviewed by the City Attorney.

CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS
As noted above, the proposed updates to Piedmont’s Sign Code are a response to recent case law and provide clarity and improve permit requirements. These revisions aim to enhance clarity, consistency, and overall effectiveness of the City's sign regulations. Staff recommends that the City Council review and provide feedback through its discussion of the proposed Sign Code updates.

Next Steps:
• Public Input: The study sessions provide an opportunity for the public to review the draft Sign Code updates and offer feedback.
• Council and Commission Feedback: The comments received during the study sessions of both the City Council and Planning Commission will inform a final Draft Sign Code revisions.
• Planning Commission Recommendation: The Planning Commission will review the Draft Sign Code Update and provide a recommendation to the City Council. • City Council Consideration: Following the Planning Commission's recommendation, the City Council will consider the Draft Sign Code Update.

Report By: Kevin Jackson, Director of Planning and Building Gopika Nair, Associate Planner

ATTACHMENTS AND RELEVANT DOCUMENTS
Pages
1 6-14 Proposed Redline Edits of the Sign Code
2 15 Photo Examples of Proposed Prohibited Signs
Separate Attachment and Links:
• Piedmont City Code Chapter 17, Planning and Land Use
Agenda Report Page 5
Planning & Land Use
17- 1
DIVISION 17.36 SIGNS.

Sections:

17.36.010 Applicability; Definition

17.36.020 Purpose

17.36.030 Public property

17.36.040 Private property

17.36.050 Substitution of message

17.36.060 Nonconforming signs

17.36.070 Enforcement

17.36.010 Applicability; Definitions
A. Applicability. This division applies to any sign located on real property and visible to the public. This division does not apply to :

1. a sign held or otherwise mounted on a person;

2. a sign posted on the interior of a building or structure (except windows visible to the public);

3. a sign posted on property owned by the Piedmont Unified School District; or

4. any sign mandated, regulated, or expressly permitted by law including the City Code, permits issued by other public agencies, the California Building Code, and the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

No variance is authorized under this division.

B. Definitions. In this division:

Campaign sign means a sign that is designed to influence the passage or defeat of any measure on a ballot or to influence voters with respect to the nomination, election, defeat, or removal of a candidate from public office at any national, state, or local election.

Commercial message means a message by a speaker likely to be engaged in commerce targeting an audience of actual or potential customers where the content of the message is commercial in character.

Commercial sign means any sign containing a commercial message.

Director of Public Works means the Director or his or her designee.

Noncommercial message means any message except for a commercial message.

Noncommercial sign means a sign including but not limited to a campaign sign, student graduation announcement, baby announcement, non-profit group affiliation sign, that does not contain a commercial message.

Nonresidential parcel means all parcels except for residential parcels.

Attachment A Agenda Report Page 6
Planning & Land Use
17- 2
Residential parcel means a parcel of real property containing a single-family residence, accessory structure or associated use, or a multi-family residential project.

Sign means one or more visual figures, including but not limited to words, letters and numbers, other writings, designs, pictures and illustrations, or any combination of those, which are erected, placed on, fixed to, painted or represented on or above a building or structure, window, sidewalk, street or other way, on the ground or any part of a building or structure, or in any other manner so as to be visible to the public. Sign includes, but is not limited to, a banner, handbill, pennant, insignia, bulletin board, ground sign, billboard, poster, mural, electronic advertising and information device, illuminated sign, and marquee.

Temporary freestanding sign means any sign constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard, wood or other light materials, with or without frames, supported by one or more upright poles or rock, block, A-frame, or masonry base in or upon the ground and not attached to a building.

17.36.020 Purpose.

The purposes and intent of this division is to:

A. regulate signs located on all real property in the City over which the City has zoning and land use regulatory power.

B. maintain and enhance the City’s appearance by regulating the design, character, location, number, type, quality of materials, size, illumination, and maintenance of signs.

C. serve the City’s interests in maintaining and enhancing its visual appeal for residents, tourists, and other visitors by preventing the degradation of visual quality which can result from excessive and poorly designed, located, or maintained signage.

D. generally limit commercial signs to on-site locations in order to protect the aesthetic environment from the visual clutter associated with the unrestricted proliferation of signs, while providing channels of communication to the public.

E. limit the size and number of signs to levels that reasonably allow for the identification of a residential, public, or commercial location and the nature of any such commercial business.

F. encourage signs that are appropriate for the property on which they are located and consistent with the permitted uses of that property.

G. minimize the possible adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private property, including sidewalks, streets, roads, and highways.

H. protect the investments in property and lifestyle quality made by persons who choose to live, work, or do business in the City.

Attachment A Agenda Report Page 7
Planning & Land Use
17- 3
I. protect and improve pedestrian and vehicular traffic safety by balancing the need for signs that facilitate the safe and smooth flow of traffic (e.g., directional signs and on-site signs) without an excess of signage which may distract drivers or overload their capacity to quickly receive information.

J. reduce hazardous situations, confusion and visual clutter caused by the proliferation, placement, illumination, animation and excessive height, area, and bulk of signs which compete for the attention of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

K. regulate signs in a manner so as to not physically interfere with or obstruct the vision of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

L. avoid unnecessary and time-consuming approval requirements for certain minor or temporary signs that do not require review for compliance with the City’s building and electrical codes, while limiting the size and number of such signs so as to minimize visual clutter.

M. respect and protect the right of free speech by sign display, particularly the important role that campaign signs play in the political process, while reasonably regulating the structural, locational, and other noncommunicative aspects of signs, generally for the public health, safety, welfare and specifically to serve the public interests in community aesthetics and traffic and pedestrian safety.

N. enable the fair, consistent, and efficient enforcement of the sign regulations of the City.

O. regulate signs in a constitutional manner, which is content neutral as to Noncommercial noncommercial signs and viewpoint neutral as to commercial signs. All administrative interpretations and discretion are to be exercised in light of this policy and consistent with the purposes and intent stated in this section.

P. recognize that properties owned by the Piedmont Unified School District serve many functions, including as places of learning, athletic venues, and community centers, and reserve for the Piedmont Unified School District the discretion to regulate the posting of signs on its properties in a manner that balances the need to maintain safe and aesthetically attractive facilities with the need to create environments that promote learning and foster civic engagement.

17.36.030 Public Property.

A. Prohibition. Except as permitted under section (B) below, no person may display a sign on public property or within the public right-of-way, including, but not limited to, a street, sidewalk, flight of stairs, pathway, lane, roof or alley. No person may paint, mark, or write on, or post or otherwise affix a sign to or on a street lamp post, hydrant, tree, shrub, tree stake, or guardrail, public utility structure or poll, wire system, street sign, traffic sign, traffic signal, wall, fence, or other structure located on public property or within the public right-of-way.

B. Exceptions.

Attachment A Agenda Report Page 8
Planning & Land Use
17- 4

1. Exemption to Signs Posted by the City. The signs posted by the City are exempt from any permit requirements or design standards.

1. City Buildings and Facilities. The Director of Public Works may approve the installation of a sign by the City on City-owned buildings and facilities located on City-owned property and within the public rights-of-way provided the sign conforms to the Piedmont Design Guidelines.

2. Sidewalks. A temporary freestanding sign no larger than four square feet on a side (excluding the frame) may be placed on a City sidewalk or curbside planting strip on Saturdays and Sundays between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., as long as the sign does not impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic or otherwise constitute a safety hazard.

3. Piedmont Park and Veterans’ Memorial Building. A group or individual hosting a permitted event in Piedmont Park or at the Veterans’ Memorial Building may place up to two temporary freestanding signs no larger than four square feet on a side (excluding the frame) in Piedmont Park, on the adjacent curbside strips, or on the exterior of the Veterans’ Memorial Building during the permitted event and for a period not to exceed 2 hours before the start of the permitted event and 2 hours after the conclusion of the permitted event, as long as the sign does not impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic or otherwise constitute a safety hazard.

4. Other public property. The Director of Public Works or the Director’sa designee may shall issue a sign permit to temporarily display a sign in the following locations:
a. Across Magnolia Avenue at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Magnolia Avenue.
b. On the fence outside of the Piedmont Corporation Yard. c. On backstops or fences within or surrounding Coaches Field, Beach Playfield, Hampton Field, Corey Reich Tennis CenterVista Street tennis courts, the City pool, and other City-owned recreation facilities.
d. On bridge railings near Piedmont Community Hall.

It is the City's intent that these locations constitute a non-public forum to promote community events benefiting residents and provide residents with information, including on non-partisan or noncommercial matters of general community interest. Said signs shall comply with the requirements of the City's Policy and Application Procedure for Display of Public Banners and Signs within Public Property and the Public Right of Way.

Notwithstanding the provisions of §17.36.030 of this Chapter, permits may be issued by the Public Works Director or his or her designee for signs that are advertising special promotions. Signs may be displayed for a maximum of fourteen (14) consecutive days under each permit approval.

Signs in these locations will serve to notify citizens and visitors of upcoming events that are (i) City-sponsored, (ii) City co-sponsored, (iii) sponsored by any other local governmental or educational entity, (iv) sponsored by a local non-profit, or (v) sponsored by a local business. Signs in these locations must conform to the Piedmont Design Standards and Guidelines and the stated purpose of this division. (Ord. 769 N.S., 10/2023)
Attachment A Agenda Report Page 9
Planning & Land Use
17- 5

17.36.040 Private property.

A. Generally

1. Consent required. The consent of the property owner or the person in control of the property is required before placing any sign on private property.

2. NoncommercialCampaign signs. This division shall not limit prohibit the right of owners or occupants of private property to post noncommercialcampaign signs on their property.

Campaign Noncommercial signs placed on residential parcels shall comply with sub section B below. the same size, height, location, and lighting restrictions applicable to noncommercial signs placed on residential parcels. Campaign Noncommercial signs placed on nonresidential parcels shall comply with sub section C below. the same size, height, location, and lighting restrictions applicable to noncommercial signs placed on nonresidential parcels. Any person who posts a noncommercialcampaign sign on private property relating to an event shall remove the campaign noncommercial sign within ten days after the day of the election to which it pertainsevent is completed.

3. Real estate signs. This division shall not limit the right of property owners or their agents to place real estate signs on their property pursuant to Civil Code § 713.

4. Construction signs. Construction signs with a maximum total size not exceeding 8 square feet each (and maximum of 2) per individual frontage for commercial, office and mixed-use land uses, and 4 square feet each (and maximum of 2) per frontage for residential uses, is exempt from the regulations of this division. No freestanding construction sign shall exceed five feet in height. Construction signs are only allowed for construction performed with a building permit. Construction signs shall not be erected until a building permit has been issued and shall be removed immediately following approval of a building final inspection or the expiration of a building permit, whichever comes first.

5. Prohibited signs. Unless otherwise exempt, the following signs and locations of signs are prohibited:
• A sign with lighting, colors, design or text that could be confused with a public traffic directional sign or control device.
• A roof sign, including a roof-mounted sign.
• Balloon or similar inflated sign.
• Commercial signs that are animated and/or moving or include an audio component, including mechanically or human powered or held signs within the public right-ofway or on private property, given that the movement associated with such signs is particularly distracting to motorists and thus, poses traffic safety hazards. • Ground signs tethered to the ground and taller than 15 feet. o 6. Flags. A maximum of 2 flags mounted on either one or two poles and no taller than 35 feet is allowed anywhere on the parcel. The flag poles can be attached to ground or mounted to buildings.

Attachment A Agenda Report Page 10
Planning & Land Use
17- 6
B. Residential parcels. No person may display a sign on a residential parcel (including contiguous property held by the same owner), unless the sign conforms to the following requirements:

1. Temporary freestanding noncommercial signs.

Number Maximum of 2
Size Maximum of 4 square feet per sign
Height Maximum (including frame) is 4 feet
Location Street yard of a residential parcel, but not in the public right of way
Lighting No illumination

2. Noncommercial window signs.

Number Maximum of 2
Size Maximum of 4 square feet per sign
Location Street yard-facing windows

3. Noncommercial entryway signs.

Number Maximum of 2
Size Maximum of 1 square foot per sign
Location Attached to the front door, front gate to the parcel, front porch, or entryway to the residence
Lighting No illumination

4. Multifamily developments. Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) above, the resident(s) of each unit of a multifamily development may display two noncommercial signs, not to exceed a total of four square feet in area per sign, in the windows of that unit.

If the unit in a multifamily development includes a patio, deck, balcony, or other outdoor space in the exclusive possession of the resident(s) of that unit, the resident(s) may display up to two temporary freestanding noncommercial signs that satisfy the size, height, and lighting requirements of subsection (B)(1) of this section in that outdoor space. If the unit in a multifamily development includes a front gate to the unit, front porch, or entryway to the unit that is in the exclusive possession of the resident(s) of that unit, the resident(s) may display up to two noncommercial signs that satisfy the requirements of subsection (B)(3) of this section.

C. Private, Nonresidential Parcels. No person may display a sign on a nonresidential parcel, unless the sign conforms to the following requirements:

1. Signs Permitted as a Matter of Right.

Attachment A Agenda Report Page 11
Planning & Land Use
17- 7
a. Temporary freestanding signs. One commercial or noncommercial temporary freestanding sign is permitted for each private nonresidential parcel that has frontage within forty feet of the curb line of a publicly-maintained street. The sign may be placed on private property, or within the first eighteen inches of any public property that is directly in front of the individual private nonresidential parcel. The sign may not exceed four square feet per side (excluding frame). A minimum passageway width of fortyeight inches must be maintained along the sidewalk in front of such sidewalk display sign. No temporary freestanding sign may be illuminated or placed outside a business during non-business hours.
b. Window signs. For each window on all private nonresidential parcels, commercial or noncommercial signs may cover a maximum of 25 percent of the total window area within a single frame.

2. Design review.
a. General. Each sign other than a sign permitted as a matter of right requires a design review permit by the Planning Commission.
b. Application; Planning Commission review; Standards for approval. An applicant shall submit an application for sign design review permit and the Planning Commission shall hold a hearing on the application in accordance with the application, notice and hearing requirements and procedures set forth in section 17.66.050. The decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council in accordance with the appeal procedures of division 17.78. The hearing body will not approve the design of signage on a private nonresidential parcel unless the sign conforms to the purpose of this division, as stated in section 17.36.020, and meets the following standards:
i. Approval of the sign design review permit will not result in more than one wall-mounted sign per applicant for each building façade; ii. Each sign shall be simple in design. Graphic depictions related to the nonresidential use are appropriate;
iii. Each sign shall be compatible in design, color and scale to the front of the building, adjoining structures and general surroundings; iv. The sign shall be oriented toward the pedestrian and vehicular traffic; v. The sign shall be constructed of sturdy materials;
vi. The sign shall be illuminated at the lowest level with adequate identification and readability. Digital signs shall not exceed a surface brightness of 5,000 nits when measured from the sign face at its maximum brightness during daylight hours and 500 nits from sunset to sunrise. However, when a digital sign is visible from existing single-family residence, then the maximum Attachment A Agenda Report Page 12
Planning & Land Use
17- 8
surface brightness shall not exceed 250 nits from sunset to sunrise. Signs shall not have exposed fluorescent tubes or incandescent bulbs;; and vii. The design of the sign is consistent with the City’s General Plan and Piedmont Design Standards and Guidelines.

D. Mixed use developments. No person may display a sign on a mixed use development parcel, unless the sign conforms to the following requirements:

1. A sign displayed by owners and occupants of nonresidential portions of a mixed use development must comply with section 17.36.040(C).

2. Signs displayed by owners and occupants of residential portions of a mixed use development must comply with section 17.36.040(B). (Ord. 743 N.S., 05/2018)

17.36.050 Substitution of message
A noncommercial message of any type may be substituted for all or part of the commercial or noncommercial message on any approved sign allowed under this division. No special or additional approval from the City is required to substitute a noncommercial message for any other message on an allowable sign provided the sign design is already approved or exempt from the approval requirements of this division and no design, structural, or electrical changes are being made.

17.36.060 Nonconforming signs
A permanently-located sign lawfully existing prior to the readoption of this codeon November 3, 2010 is permitted without conforming to this division, except that if the sign is altered, relocated, partially demolished, or reconstructed, this division applies. Normal repairs and maintenance which do not change the location or appearance of the sign are permitted without requiring conformity.

17.36.070 Enforcement
A. Illegal sign. An illegal sign is a sign in violation of this division and constitutes a public nuisance. An illegal sign includes, but not limited to:

1. A sign erected or displayed without a sign permit, unless the sign is exempt under the provisions of this division;

2. A sign prohibited under the provisions of this division; or

3. A sign which is a danger to the public or which is unsafe.

B. Summary abatement. Upon the determination of the Director of Public Works that a sign placed on public property or within the right-of-way is unsafe or in violation of this division, the City may immediately remove and store the illegal sign without prior notice. The City shall immediately provide written notice of the removal to the owner and/or person responsible for placing the sign on public property or within the right-of-way, if known to the City. If the sign remains unclaimed for a period of fifteen days after removal, it will be deemed unclaimed personal property and may be disposed of by the City in accordance with applicable law. In the case of an unsafe or illegal sign removed by the City, the costs of such removal and Attachment A Agenda Report Page 13
Planning & Land Use
17- 9
storage will be borne by the owner and/or person responsible for placing the sign on public property or within the right-of-way, and may be collected by the City in the same manner as it collects any other debt or obligation. No sign that has been removed and stored by the City may be released until the costs of removal and storage have been paid. The determination by the Director of Public Works made under this subsection (B) and the costs of removal and storage of the sign may be appealed in accordance with Section 17.78 of the City code.

C. Abatement of illegal signs on private property. Illegal signs on private property are considered a nuisance and shall be abated under the provisions of Piedmont City Code Chapter 6.

Attachment A Agenda Report Page 14
Roof Signs
Balloon or Inflated Signs Signs that Mimic Traffic Control Devices Animated Moving or Audio Equipped Sign Ground sign tethered to ground Attachment B Agenda Report Page 15

← All documents from this meeting