Ordinance No. NS-XXX
ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX
ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO. 2025 -02— AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA AMENDING PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 41
(ZONING) OF THE SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE
RELATING TO A-FRAME SIGNS AND FINDING THE
ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) UNDER STAT E
CEQA GUIDELINE S 15060(C)(2), 15060(c)(3) AND
15061(b)(3)
WHEREAS, the City recognizes the value of local businesses and their need for effective advertising to attract customers and support economic vitality; and
WHEREAS, A -frame signs, when properly regulated, can provide beneficial information to the public and enhance the character of commercial districts; and
WHEREAS, on May 6, 2025, the City Council directed City staff to prepare an ordinance to permit the use of A-frame signs as commercial advertising for businesses within the City in order to allow additional marketing opportunities while addressing concerns related to public safety, pedestrian access, and the visual character of the community; and
WHEREAS, Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) No. 2025-02 is consistent with the various goals and policies of the General Plan. Specifically, th is action is consistent with Economic Prosperity (EP) Goal EP -1: Job Creation and Retention by supporting business attraction and retention (Policy EP-1.2 and EP-1.3), and Goal EP-2: Economic Base Diversity by encouraging small business development and entrepreneurship (Policy EP-2.6). Additionally, it aligns with Goal EP -3: Business -Friendly Environment by promoting a regulatory environment where bus inesses can thrive (Policy EP -3.1), and Goal EP-4: Economic Development Strategies by supporting the City’s commitment to economic growth through supportive policies and customer service (Policy EP-4.1); and
WHEREAS, on July 14, 2025, the Planning Commission held a duly-noticed public hearing and considered the staff report, recommendations by staff, and public tes timony concerning ZOA No. 2025-02, at which time the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed ordinance; and
WHEREAS, on August 19 , 2025, the City Council held a duly -noticed public hearing and considered the staff report, recommendations by staff, and public tes timony concerning the proposed ordinance.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA HEREBY ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Section 1. The recitals above are each incorporated by reference and adopted as findings by the City Council.
Section 2. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) a nd the CEQA Guidelines, the adoption of this Ordinance (“Project”) is exempt from CEQA review pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. The Project is also exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment. The proposed ordi nance allows certain temporary signage, only providing standards to regulate such signage and does not authorize any new development or cause changes in density or intensity of land use.
Section 3. Section 41-861 (Additional Regulations) of Chapter 41 of the SAMC is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 41-861. Additional regulations.
No sign is permitted that:
1. Is an A-frame, sandwich board or other portable, temporary advertising display.
2.1. Is temporary or special event flags, banners, festoon s, flag canopies or other displays, except as permitted by a special event sign permit.
3.2. Is a sculptured, molded or otherwise fabricated representational object used for the purpose of visually conveying business identification or product advertising, except as approved by a planned sign program.
4.3. Is an aerial or balloon type of sign, exc ept as approved by a Regional Planned Sign Program pursuant to section 41-885 of this chapter.
5.4. Conflicts with standards established by resolution of the city council pertaining to the colors and materials of signs adopted for the purpose of promoting signage which is visually attractive and harmonious with its surroundings.
6.5. Duplicates or repeats copy on the same sign.
7.6. Is a graphic of paint or other material on a building for the purpose of amplifying or directing attention to a sign, unless approved by the planning director.
Section 4. Section 41 -869 (Reserved) of Chapter 41 of the SAMC is hereby amended to read as follows:
Sec. 41-869. –Reserved A-frame signs.
A-frame signs shall comply with all of the following standards and, when located in areas allowed within the public right-of-way, said signs shall also comply with the A-Frame Sign Guidelines established by the Director of the Public Works Agency:
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
(a) Number. No more than one (1) A-frame sign that advertises or identifies the business activity shall be permitted for each business establishment. (b) Location.
(1) A-frame signs shall be placed within fifty ( 50) feet of the business establishment entrance when the A -frame sign is located on pr ivate property.
(2) A-frame signs may only be placed in the public right -of-way when advertising a business establishment that occupies a building directly abutting the public right -of-way and there is no private property setback available to place the A-frame sign.
(3) A-frame signs in the public right -of-way shall be placed directly in front of the structure containing, and within five feet , or as close as practicable , of the primary entrance of the business establishment to which the sign pertains.
(4) A-frame signs shall not be placed in a manner that obstructs or impedes pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or impedes visibility of travelers, or blocks access to building entrances, fire hydrants, utility boxes, bus stops, or any other public amenity.
i. A minimum width of four (4) feet of a clear pedestrian path shall be maintained on walkways, sidewalks, or other required pedestrian paths of travel, at all times, measured from the closest edge of the A -frame sign to any obstruction (e.g., building, planter, utility, street furniture, wheelchair ramp, driveway).
ii. A-frame signs shall not be placed within twenty-four (24) inches of a curb face.
iii. A-frame signs shall not be placed in any portion of a roadway intended for use or access by automobile s or bicycles, including vehicle travel lanes, bicycle lanes, parking spaces, driveways, loading zones , or alleys.
iv. A-frame signs shall not be placed in a location which would restrict or inhibit passengers entering or exiting from any vehicle, including a fixed rail streetcar, bus or passenger automobile.
v. A-frame signs on private property shall not be placed in triangular area(s) measured fifteen (15) feet by fifteen (15) feet where a driveway enters onto a street, or in any other area which may reduce the visibility of motorists.
vi. On corner lots, A-frame signs on private property shall not be placed closer than twenty-five (25) feet from the point of the intersection of the two property lines that abut the public right -of-way; or in the case of rounded corners, the point of intersection shall be measured from the
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
intersection of the tangents to the curve. The tangents referred to are those at the beginning and at the end of the curve at the corners. vii. A-frame signs within the public right-of-way exceeding thirty (30) inches in height shall not be placed within the Limited Use Area of the Intersection Sight Distance standard plan as regulated by Section 33 - 27 of this Code or prohibited areas as depicted in A-Frame Sign Guidelines established by the Director of the Public Works Agency, or related exhibits.
(5) A-frame signs shall not be placed in a landscaped planter or parkways. (c) Size.
(1) The height of an A -frame sign shall not be less than twenty-four (24) inches, and shall not be taller than thirty-six (36) inches. (2) The width of an A-frame sign (edge to edge) shall not exceed twenty-four (24) inches.
(d) Design.
(1) A-frame signs shall be constructed of durable, weather resistant materials (e.g., wood, metal) and maintained in good condition, free from peeling paint, rust, fading, or other damage.
(2) A-frame signs shall be stable and weighted to prevent tipping, but shall not be permanently secured or affixed to the ground, sidewalk, walkway, facilities, or buildings.
(3) A-frame signs shall not mimic or otherwise resemble any type of traffic control device , including but n ot limited to, in color, shape, symbol, reflectivity, or message.
(4) A-frame signs shall not be , retroreflective, illuminated or supplied with power.
(e) Time of Placement.
(1) A-frame signs shal l only be displayed during operating hours of the business establishment to which they pertain.
(2) A-frame signs shall be removed and stored out of public view when the business is closed.
(3) A-frame signs within the public right -of-way shall be removed upon request of City staff, contractors or permittee pursuant to Sec 33-30.5, as required to clean, maintain, excavate, repair or replace the sidewalk or other improvements.
Section 5. Section 41-872 (Other signs) of Chapter 41 of the SAMC is hereby amended to read as follows:
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
Sec. 41-872. - Other Signs
(a) Directional signs. Directional signs not exceeding four (4) square feet in area and, if freestanding, a height of four (4) feet shall be allowed. Such directional sign shall contain only that information necessary for on-site circulation, parking and site information without any advertising.
(b) Menu boards. Menu boards on the interior driveways of drive -through facilities shall not exceed seven (7) feet in height and sixty (60) square feet in area.
Speakers shall face away from residential property. No more than two (2) menu boards per drive-through shall be permitted.
(c) Window signs. No permanent sign affixed to or incorporated into an exterior window shall exceed twenty-five (25) per cent of each window area. (d) Awning signs. No sign affixed to or incorporated into an awning shall exceed ten (10) per cent of the awning elevation.
(e) Construction signs. One (1) unlighted construction sign is permitted per street frontage per job site and shall not exceed six (6) square feet in any residential zone or thirty-two (32) square feet in all other zones, and shall contain no more than the name of the project and the names and addresses of the contractors, architects, engineers, landscape architect, financing company or developer.
Such sign shall be removed within thirty (30) days of building permit final approval or issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the project. (f) Service station signs. Signs for service stations shall comply with the provisions of this article for freestanding and wall signage and shall include si gns required by law, but shall not exceed the minimums set by law subject to sign placement requirements and review as set forth in this part. In addition, the following signage is permitted:
(1) Island canopies. One (1) sign per street frontage shall be permitted. Canopy signage shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area. Canopy sign copy shall be limited to business name and logo only. Signage may be internally illuminated.
(2) Spandrel signs or canopy support signs. The signs shall not exceed twe nty (20) per cent of the spandrel area. The spandrel sign copy shall be limited to business name and logo only. Spandrel signage may be internally illuminated.
(3) Pump or dispenser signs. Pump or dispenser signs shall be limited to business or fuel ident ification, operational instructions, and state required information.
(4) Convenience signs. Signage designated to assist customers, such as "Please Pull to Forward Pumps" or "Please Pay Cashier Before Pumping Gas" shall be architecturally integrated with the structure to which it is being applied and not exceed four (4) square feet in sign area. (g) Signs over public right-of-way. No sign, except A-frame signs consistent with and regulated by Section 41 -869 of this Chapter, shall extend over the public ri ght-
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
of-way, except signs on a marquee, canopy or awning which shall project no closer than two (2) feet from a curb.
(h) Exterior telephones.
(1) To maintain an image of professionalism, side panels on pay phones must relate solely to phone identification and/or the business name or logo of the pay phone company provider. No advertising of products, services or special events are allowed. Side panels must be composed of materials which allow for cleaning and removal of graffiti without deterioration of col or or surface appearance of the enclosure. Service providers will be responsible for keeping side panels clean and free of graffiti. All enclosures at a location must be of the same type with side panels of the same color. All enclosures must be U.L. liste d and all light fixtures operational if units are wired for lighting. Vandalized enclosures/side panels requiring repairs must be replaced within one (1) business day of notification to the service provider. (2) Signage indicating the location of a pay phone may not be placed on the site or extend above the phone cabinet unless deemed necessary due to public safety concerns as determined by the chief of police. In such instances, said signage is limited to the international telephone symbol. (3) Phone identification attached to a building or structure is not permitted. (4) Phones may not be used to advertise on- or off-site business activities.
Section 6. Section 41 -1000 (General) of Chapter 41 of the SAMC is hereby amended to read as follows:
The words and phrases used in this article shall be construed as defined in this division, unless the context clearly required otherwise. Unless specifically defined in this article, the definitions set forth in other provisions of this Code shall likewise apply to this article.
(1) A-frame sign: A portable, self-supporting sign, also known as a sandwich board sign, typically constructed in an "A" or inverted "V" shape and consists of two flat surfaces joined at the top , designed to be placed on the ground and capable of being easily moved or relocated.
(12) Aerial sign: A free floating balloon, kite, or similar object not directly secured to property within the city.
(23) Alter: To change the copy, color, size, shape, illumination, position, location, construction or supporting structure of a sign, not including ordinary maintenance. (34) Area of a sign: The entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles that enclose the extreme limits of writing, representation, logo, or any figure of similar character, together with any frame, background area, structural trim, or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differ entiate such sign from the background against which it is placed. The supports or uprights on which any such sign is supported shall not be included in
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
determining the sign area. The area of signs with two (2) faces shall be considered to be the area of the largest face. The area of signs with three (3) or more faces shall be considered to be the area of the largest face or one-half (½) the area of all of the faces, whichever is less.
(45) Awning sign: A sign affixed to or imprinted on a temporary shelter composed of nonrigid material on a supporting framework, affixed to the exterior wall of a building. (56) Business activity: An enterprise offering goods, services, or other consideration to the public, in legal occupancy of a site or of a specific portio n of a site and under separate and distinct management from any other enterprise located on the same site.
(67) Business frontage: The horizontal dimension of a building or individual business elevation measured at ground level.
(78) Canopy sign: A sign affixed to any permanent architectural projection extending over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area.
(89) Changeable copy sign: A sign or portion thereof which copy is changed manually or electrically, such as readerboards and electr onic message boards, without altering the face or surface.
(910) Construction sign: A sign at the site of a construction project which identifies the project and/or the persons or firms involved in it.
(1011) Directional sign: A sign erected for the purp ose of facilitating or controlling the efficient and safe movement of pedestrians or vehicles on private property and containing only directional information and no advertising. (1112) Elevation: The visible vertical plane of the side of a building from g round level to the roof line.
(1213) Elevation, primary: The side of a building directly abutting either a street or a parking area. A business owner may choose which elevation is considered the primary elevation, except that in a multitenant building the elevation which is contiguous to other businesses shall be the primary elevation. (1314) Elevation, secondary: Any elevation of a building not determined to be a primary elevation.
(1415) Flag canopy: A line of flags, or a series of lines of flags, suspended above a site. (1516) Freestanding sign: A sign standing directly on the ground that is independent from any building or other structure.
(1617) Frontage: The length of a property line along the street that forms its boundary. (1718) Frontage, primary: A frontage which is either abutting a major arterial or is longer than other frontages on lots having two (2) or more frontages. (1819) Frontage, secondary: On a lot with frontage on two (2) or more streets, all frontages except that frontage designated as the primary frontage. (1920) Gross leasable space: A single leasable space regardless of number of tenants or leases within the space.
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
(2021) Height of sign: The overall height of the sign above the top of the curb grade. (2122) Illegal sign: A sign which does not conform to the requirements and standards of this article and which is not a nonconforming sign as hereinbelow defined. (2223) Implied sign program: The predominant pattern of signs within a commercial center which does not have an adopted sign program.
(2324) Incidental sign: A sign conveying information that includes, but is not limited to, hours of operation, delivery information, credit cards accepted, and open/closed signs.
(2425) Integrated development site: Any commercial site, regardless of the number of lots or individual tenants, that is developed with common parking, layout, architecture or design features.
(2526) Item of information: A word, figure, logo, abbreviation, or other symbolic representation.
(2627) Logo: A design of letters or symbols used as a trademark or for identification in lieu of, or in conjunction with, other signs.
(2728) Lot line: A line that separates two (2) lots.
(2829) Marquee sign: A sign affixed to a permanent projection extending from the building or beyond the wall of the building.
(2930) Monument sign: A freestanding low profile sign with the sign width greater than the sign height and designed with a solid base and background. (3031) Multitenant development: A development consisting of three (3) or more leasable spaces.
(3132) Noncommercial sign: A sign which is not any of the following:
a. A sign which is designed to promote the sale, lease, or exchange of goods, services, or property.
b. A sign which is designed to identify or attract attention to any place which sells, leases, or exchanges goods, services, or property.
c. A sign which is designed to identify or attract attention to any church or other place of worship, club, nonprofit facility, governmental office or facility, or other such place where a person, group of persons or organization is engaged in any activity involving interaction with the general public or a significant portion thereof, whether for income purposes or not.
d. A directional sign.
e. A construction sign.
(3233) Nonconforming sign: Any sign which at one time conformed to all applicable requirements and standards of this chapter, including all applicable permit requirements, but which subsequently ceased to so conform due to changes in such requirements and standards.
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(3334) Painted sign: A sign painted directly on a building or on material which is then attached to a building.
(3435) Parapet: A protective wall or barrier projecting above any canopy, balcony, or roof. (3536) Permanent sign: A sign constructed of weather-resistant material and intended for permanent use.
(3637) Projecting sign: A sign attached to a building with the face not parallel to the vertical surface of the building.
(3738) Raceway: A conduit to house electrical wires for signs and used to support and/or affix signage on a wall.
(3839) Real estate sign: A temporary sign pertaining to the sale, lease, or rental of land and/or buildings.
(3940) Roof line: The uppermost edge of the roof or the top of the parapet, excluding mechanical equipment screens, whichever is highest. Where a building has several roof levels, the roof line shall be the one belonging to that portion of the building on which the sign is located.
(4041) Roof sign: A sign which has a point of attachment to the roof of a building.
Architectural projections, including mechanical equipment screens, above any parapet or roof line whose sole function is a background for signs shall be considered a sign structure. A sign on such an architectural projection shall be considered a roof sign.
(4142) Sign: Letters, figures, symbols, trademarks, or logos, with or without illumination, intended to identify any place, subject, person, firm, business, product, article, or merchandise. A sign includes all parts, materials, frames, and backgrounds. (4243) Signable area: The area of the largest rectangular portion of a face of a building to which a sign is affixed or proposed to be affixed, which can be included within parallel, verti cal and horizontal lines uninterrupted by significant architectural features of the building.
(4344) Site: A unit of land, together with all improvements thereon, determined as follows:
a. A unit of land which may be conveyed separately from any and all adjacent land without the requirement of approval of a tentative map pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act and Chapter 34 of this Code.
b. Two (2) or more buildings or business activities that are or will be related to each other physically or architecturally, such as by sharing off-street parking facilities, so as to form an integrated development, such as a shopping center, industrial park or office complex.
(4445) Special event sign or display: Signs or advertising displays or combination thereof which advertise or attract public attention to a special one-time event, the opening of a building or business activity, the sale or goods or services at discounted or otherwise specially advantageous prices, or similar event; but excluding signs pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of real estate.
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
(4546) Temporary sign: Any sign that is used only temporarily and is not permanently mounted.
(4647) Under-canopy sign: A sign that is suspended below a canopy or marquee perpendicular to the nearest elevation.
(4748) Unshielded lighting: An external illumination source which is exposed to view. (4849) Wall sign: A sign which is attached parallel to or painted on a wall, including parapet or canopy fascia, or a building.
(4950) Width of sign: The total horizontal dimension of a sign, including all frames or structures.
(5051) Window sign: A sign that is attached to or is intended to be seen in, on, or through a window and is visible from the exterior of the window.
Section 7. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Section 8. This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after its adoption.
Section 9. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and shall cause the same to be published as required by law.
ADOPTED this _______ day of ___________, 2025.
_________________________
Valerie Amezcua
Mayor
Ordinance No. NS-XXX
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney
By:_________________________
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Senior Assistant City Attorney
AYES: Councilmembers ______________________________________
NOES: Councilmembers _______________________________________
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers _______________________________________
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers _______________________________________
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, ______________, City Clerk, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Ordinance No. NS-____________ to be the original ordinance adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on _______________, and that said ordinance was published in accordance with the Charter of the City of Santa Ana.
Date: ________________ ____________________________________ City Clerk
City of Santa Ana