CITY ATTORNEY
Sonia R. Carvalho
CITY MANAGER
Alvaro Nuñez
CITY CLERK
Jennifer L. Hall
20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA - P.O. BOX 1988, M31 - SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702 TELEPHONE (714) 647-6900 - FAX (714) 647-6954 - www.santa-ana.org Councilmember-Requested Item Report
DATE
May 6, 2025
TOPIC
Updates to the Sign Ordinance
COUNCILMEMBER-REQUESTED ITEM TITLE
Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager and City Attorney to Direct Staff to Prepare an Ordinance Amending the Sign Code to Allow the Use of an A-Frame in Designated Commercial Areas
DISCUSSION
As I continue my efforts to support local businesses and revitalize our downtown, I recommend that the City Council consider directing staff to amend the Santa Ana Municipal Code to allow the use of A-frame (or sandwich board) signs in designated commercial areas, particularly Downtown Santa Ana, under clear and thoughtful regulations.
Background
Currently, Santa Ana Municipal Code Sec. 9.26.090 prohibits the placement of objects—including signs—on sidewalks and public rights-of-way. Similarly, Sec. 41-861 under our zoning code restricts signage types and locations, which effectively bans the use of A-frames in front of businesses, even when placed responsibly. However, we know that A-frame signs are a proven, low-cost marketing tool used by small businesses to increase foot traffic and communicate with pedestrians—especially in walkable, urban districts like ours.
Several cities allow the placement of A-frames on sidewalks, including:
●Los Altos, CA: allows A-frame signs on sidewalks with simple permitting and placement guidelines to ensure pedestrian safety.
●Colorado Springs, CO: allows temporary A-frame signs to support retailers in downtown areas with clear size and location restrictions.
These cities have successfully balanced the need for clear pedestrian paths with the business community’s desire to attract customers and enliven commercial corridors.
The policies relating to A-frames for the City of Los Altos and the City of Colorado Springs are attached as Exhibit 1 and Exhibit 2, respectively.
CITY ATTORNEY
Sonia R. Carvalho
CITY MANAGER
Alvaro Nuñez
CITY CLERK
Jennifer L. Hall
20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA - P.O. BOX 1988, M31 - SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702 TELEPHONE (714) 647-6900 - FAX (714) 647-6954 - www.santa-ana.org Proposal
Amend Santa Ana Municipal Code Sec. 41-861 – Additional Regulations, to include language that:
●Permits A-frame signs in the Downtown Specific Plan area (and/or other commercial districts as determined).
●Establishes clear design, placement, and operational standards, such as:
○A-frame signs shall not exceed 6 sq. ft. per side.
○Must allow a minimum of 4 feet of unobstructed sidewalk. ○Can only be displayed during business hours.
○Must be constructed of durable, professional-grade materials. ●Requires businesses to obtain a no-cost or low-cost annual permit administered by the Planning Division or Economic Development Department. ●Encourages the use of A-frames for promotions, daily specials, or directional signage to activate storefront visibility and increase pedestrian engagement.
Benefits
●Supports local economic development and recovery, particularly for small and minority-owned businesses.
●Enhances the vibrancy and walkability of Downtown Santa Ana. ●Provides a business-friendly regulatory environment that mirrors successful models used across California and the U.S.
Recommendation
I respectfully request that the City Council consider directing staff to: study similar ordinances from cities like Los Altos and Colorado Springs, engage the downtown businesses, Chamber of Commerce, and Planning Commission, and return with a draft ordinance and implementation strategy for City Council consideration.
SUBMITTED BY
Councilmember Jessie Lopez
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Los Altos, CA Ordinance
2. Colorado Springs, CO Policy