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UPDATE TO GENERAL SIGN PROVISIONSPR-2025-001768 (AMD) – ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTCity CouncilJune 24, 2025Community & Economic Development Department RiversideCA.gov2
PROJECT TIMELINE
Presented current code and regional best practicesLand Use Committee Meeting #1 Received direction for targeted updates to codeLand Use Committee Meeting #2 Presented draft amendments Item continuedCommission Meeting #1 Main LibraryPublic Information Session #1
Downtown Business PartnershipPublic Information Session #2 Recommended Approval of amendment packageCommission Meeting #2 Arlington LibraryPublic Information Session #3
Update on Sign Code progressEconomic Development Committee Location TBDSept – 24 Public Information Session #4
City CouncilDec – 24 Feb – 25 Mar – 25 April – 25 May – 25 June – 25 Public hearing of amendment packageWe are here1 2 2
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AMENDMENT PACKAGE3. Establish standards for blade signs1. Codification of existing design guidelines4. Update nonconforming signs upon change of use or occupancy5. Clarify standards for window signs6. Establish transparency standards2. Establish a Creative Sign Permit Process RiversideCA.gov4
DESIGN STANDARDS - ILLUMINATION
Promote high-quality sign construction and design.Goal•Encouraged not require.•Promote but do not expressly permit.Existing RMC Requirements•Require equipment to be concealed or minimized by design•Permit neon tubing lightingProposed Amendment 3 4
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DESIGN STANDARDS – SIGN CLUTTERReduce sign clutter and over-concentration of building signs. GoalRegulates maximum number and size of wall signs but does not address sign clutter or over-concentration of signage.Existing RMC Requirements•Specify the purpose of wall signs is for tenant identification•Secondary signs limited to 10% of the total sign area. Proposed Amendment RiversideCA.gov6
DESIGN STANDARDS – CABINET SIGNSPromote high-quality design construction.GoalGuidelines discourage cabinet signs, but does not prohibit.Existing RMC RequirementsInclude “cabinet signs” as a prohibited sign type. Proposed Amendment 5 6
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CREATIVE SIGN PERMITAllow for the flexible application of development standards and encourage creative signs with high-quality design.GoalLimited flexibility of design standards and does not include a process to encourage superior sign designExisting RMC RequirementsA Creative Sign Permit Process allowing flexibility in standards for inventive, creative, and well designed signs:•Design quality•Contextual criteria•Architectural criteriaProposed Amendment RiversideCA.gov8
BLADE SIGN STANDARDS
Establish development standards to permit blade signs as a commercial sign type.GoalNo explicit development standards to regulate the number, size, and placement of blade signs.Existing RMC Requirements•Storefronts with 50 lineal feet are eligible•One square foot/lineal foot of frontage•1 blade sign/business frontage•Not above roofline•Maximum 6 ft projection Proposed Amendment7 8 5
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NONCONFORMING SIGNSBring nonconforming signs into compliance with the current code.GoalNonconforming signs may remain until:•Alterations, additions or relocation•A sign or the use of the property has ended•Damage or destruction where repair cost is more than 50% of sign valueExisting RMC RequirementsNonconforming signs to be addressed at change of use or occupancy. Exempting signs of historic or cultural significance. Proposed Amendment RiversideCA.gov10
WINDOW SIGN STANDARD CLARIFICATION•Promote transparent, appealing & interactive retail storefronts•Create flexibility in window sign applicationGoal•1 window sign per public entrance•Maximum size of 25% of each window areaExisting Standards•Window signs allowed up to 25% of the overall window areaProposed Standards 9 10
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TRANSPARENCY STANDARDSMaintain public safety and aesthetic quality. GoalNo standards for storefront transparency. Existing RMC Requirements•75% of the window area shall be transparent and free of any opaque material, including allowable window signs•Vacant storefronts and “back of house areas” are exempt from transparency standards. Proposed Amendment RiversideCA.gov12
ENGAGEMENT
Input included:•Greater allowance for window sign coverage•Clarification on existing provisions•Need for a sign handbook11 12 7
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SIGN HANDBOOK
•Goal: Provide technical assistance to encourage high quality signs•Examples: •NYC Storefront Improvement Guide•City of Atascadero Sign Handbook•Status: Anticipated project timeline of 6 months.
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STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
Strategic Priority 5 – High Performing GovernmentGoal 5.3 –Demonstrates adaptivity as an organization and enhances communication and collaboration with community members to improve transparency, build public trust, and encourage shared decision making.Cross Cutting Threads13 14 8
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RECOMMENDATIONSStaff recommends that the City Council: 1. DETERMINEthat the project is exempt from the California EnvironmentalQuality Act (CEQA) review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (General Rule)of the CEQA Guidelines and;2. APPROVEPlanning Case PR-2025-001768 (AMD) based on the findingsoutlined in the Planning Commission staff report.3. INTRODUCEand subsequentlyADOPTthe draft Ordinance amending Title19 (Zoning) of the Riverside Municipal Code.15