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RiversideCA.gov1
WORKSHOP – SIGNSLand Use CommitteeDecember 9, 2024Community & Economic Development Department RiversideCA.gov2
BACKGROUND
• City Council adopts comprehensive update to sign code, resulting in today’s sign code. August 2015 • Land Use Committee Sign Workshop• Committee direction to explore:• Window sign standards• Blade sign standards• Electronic Message Center sign standards• Codification of certain design guidelines• Special tools for technical assistanceSeptember 2024
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RiversideCA.gov3
BEST PRACTICES ANALYSIS
RiversideCA.gov4
WINDOW SIGNS
1 window sign per public entrance, max 25% of each window areaRMC•5 max 25% of window area•1max 50% of the window area•1max10% of window area•1max 2 square feet•1max 40% of window area (Downtown only)None have standards for window wraps specific to vacancies9 Other CitiesMaintain window sign standards as is or Modify to encourage flexibility and creativityCommittee Direction 3 11/26/2024
RiversideCA.gov5
BLADE SIGNS
No specific standards for blade signs, only permitted in historic context. RMC6 Include adopted standards for blade signs including size, location/placement, maximum projection, and maximum number. 1: Includes design requirements such as requiring channel letters and prohibiting cabinet construction9 Other CitiesAmend RMC to include development (and design) standards to permit and regulate blade signs. Committee Direction Source: City of Long Beach Municipal Code
RiversideCA.gov6
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER SIGNS•Conditional Use Permit Required•Eligible properties:•Frontage on an arterial street •Commercial complexes >10 acres•Assemblies of people (entertainment) uses >15 acresRMC•1 conditionally permitted similar to Riverside•1 expressly prohibited•5 prohibited except for time/ temperature displays, or freeway-oriented billboards•1 prohibited unless approved by Architectural Review Board•Riverside County: proposal to permit in commercial and industrial zones subject to discretionary permit9 Other CitiesMaintain existing EMC standards orProvide staff with direction for amendments.Committee Direction
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RiversideCA.gov7
DESIGN STANDARDS
No design standards included in Zoning CodeRMC•3 prohibit or strongly discourage cabinet signs•6 prohibit exposed raceways or electrical conduits•6 permit and regulate neon signs•2 regulate product listings•1 prohibits specific materials while 1 requires specific materials9 Other CitiesConfirm prohibition of cabinet signs, exposed raceways, regulation of product listings, and any required or prohibited illumination techniques. Committee Direction RiversideCA.gov8
FLEXIBILITY AND SUPERIOR DESIGNThe RMC is limited in flexibility of design standards and does not include a process to encourage superior sign designRMC•6 offer alternative discretionary processes for flexible standards•2 offer flexible development standards in exchange for creative and exceptionally designed signs. 9 Other CitiesOffer flexibility in the RMC sign requirements to encourage superior sign design. Committee Direction
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RiversideCA.gov9
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
•Handbooks/Toolkits: Economic Development Tools to provide technical assistance and encourage quality•Mid-term effort: professional consultant services, public outreach, and Committee direction/approval RiversideCA.gov10
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENTENVISION RIVERSIDE 2025 STRATEGIC PLANStrategic Priority 3 - Economic OpportunityGoal 3.3 – Cultivate a business climate that welcomes innovation, entrepreneurship and investmentStrategic Priority 5 – High Performing GovernmentGoal 5.3 Enhance communication and collaboration with community members to improve transparency, build public trust, and encourage shared decision-making Cross-Cutting Threads
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RiversideCA.gov11
That the Land Use Committee:1.Review and provide feedback on the potential amendments to Chapter 19.620 of the Riverside Municipal Code (RMC); and2.Provide directionto prepare all, some, or none of theamendments for Planning Commission consideration andrecommendation.RECOMMENDATIONS