Sierra Madre City Council
October 28, 2025

share toward infrastructure and service demands created by growth.

In 1989, the California State Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 1600 (AB 1600), which added Section 66000 et seq. to the California Government Code, is collectively known as the Mitigation Fee Act. This law establishes the procedural and reporting requirements local governments must follow when collecting and expending development impact fees to offset the cost of constructing public facilities related to development projects. Government Code Sections 66000–66003 apply to all developer fees established, increased, or imposed on or after January 1, 1989.

Under the Act, local agencies must prepare and approve an annual AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance Report within 180 days after the end of each fiscal year - by December 31, 2025 for the Fiscal Year 2024–2025 period. This report discloses the beginning and ending balances, fee receipts, interest earnings, and expenditures for each impact fee fund to ensure accountability and transparency. The City of Sierra Madre’s development impact fees are based on the adopted Public Facilities Fee Study and are annually adjusted in accordance with the California Construction Cost Index (CCCI). The FY 2024–2025 AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance Report (Attachment A) satisfies these statutory reporting and disclosure requirements.

Refund Disclosure
In accordance with California Government Code Sections 66001(d) and 66006(b)(2), staff has reviewed all development impact fee accounts. No fees have been held beyond the statutory time limits, and therefore no refunds or returns of unexpended or uncommitted fees are required for Fiscal Year 2024–2025.
2024–2025 Activity by Fee Category (Ending balances represent carry-overs to FY 2025–2026) Category Beginning
Balance
Fees
Collected
Interest Expenditures Description of
Expenditures
Ending
Balance
Notes
General Government $70,429 $0 $5,006 $0 — $75,435 —
Library $27,729 $0 $1,145 $16,823 Three early
learning
bilingual
literacy stations
$12,051 —
Public Safety $40,124 $0 $1,657 $0 — $41,781 —
Parks and Parkland
(Quimby)
$274,627 $0 $9,809 $59,199 Sierra Vista
Park
improvements
project
completed
$225,237 —
Transportation/Traffic $229,818 $0 $9,491 $0 — $239,309 FY 2024–2025 street
rehabilitation
project carried
over to FY
2025–2026 with
$120,000
budget
Water $206,999 $0 $8,549 $0 — $215,548 —
Sewer $209,723 $0 $8,661 $0 — $218,384 FY 2024–2025
wastewater
infrastructure
repair project
carried over to
FY 2025–2026
with $158,000
budget

ENVIRONMENTAL(CEQA)
This action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and therefore not subject to CEQA review.

STRATEGIC PLAN CORRELATION
Goal 1 – Organizational Sustainability
Objective 1.2: Fiscal Stability & Long-Range Planning
x Initiative 1.2.1: Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and reserve policy integration x Initiative 1.2.2: Long-term financial planning and forecasting x Project 1.2.2A: Five-year forecast and capital project-affordability updates Objective 1.4: Public Transparency & Reporting
x Initiative 1.4.1: Promote financial transparency by a predictable reporting schedule with summaries accessible to the public and city departments. x Project 1.4.1A: Produce and distribute the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), monthly departmental budgets, and an open-data “checkbook” through Warrants Reports.

Complete required external financial filings, including the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Proposition A and Proposition C Local Return Programs, Metro Measure R Local Return Program, and Metro Measure M Local Return Program; Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller special-revenue reports; California State Controller’s Office Financial Transactions and Streets and Roads reports; and grantor compliance reports such as the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) Measure A, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) reports, to ensure transparent and timely public reporting.

FISCAL IMPACT
Receiving and filing this report has no impact on the General Fund. Development impact fee revenues are restricted to eligible growth-related capital uses per the Mitigation Fee Act.

PUBLIC NOTICE
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process. Copies of this report can be accessed on the City’s website at sierramadreca.gov ATTACHMENTS:

A. City of Sierra Madre AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance Report Fiscal Year 2024- 2025

ATTACHMENT A
City of Sierra Madre
AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance
Report
Fiscal Year 2024-2025

City of Sierra Madre
AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance Report

What Are Development Impact Fees?
Development Impact Fees (DIFs) are monetary exactions, meaning financial charges other than taxes or special assessments. They are paid by developers to the City when a building permit or development project is approved.

These fees ensure that when new homes or businesses are built, they contribute to the cost of public facilities—such as streets, parks, water systems, and public safety buildings—that are needed to serve the growing community. In short, Development Impact Fees help maintain service quality as Sierra Madre develops.

Legal Authority: The Mitigation Fee Act (AB 1600)
The rules governing these fees are established in California Government Code Sections 66000– 66025, collectively known as the Mitigation Fee Act. The law was enacted through Assembly Bill 1600 (AB 1600) in 1987 and is often referred to as the “AB 1600 requirements.” This Act ensures that:
x Each fee must have a reasonable relationship, or “nexus,” to the specific impact created by new development.
x Fees can only be used for their stated purpose, such as expanding facilities or services affected by that development.
x Cities must annually report all fee collections, expenditures, and fund balances for public transparency.

Why These Fees Exist
The purpose of Development Impact Fees is to defray all or part of the cost of public improvements needed because of new growth. They prevent existing residents and businesses from bearing the full burden of new infrastructure costs.

In essence, these fees ensure that new development funds its fair share of community facilities and infrastructure, maintaining balance between growth and quality of life.

How Fees Are Determined
The City of Sierra Madre’s fee program is based on a comprehensive Public Facilities Fee Study originally prepared in 2006 by MuniFinancial Services. The study analyzed population growth, land-use patterns, and facility needs to establish equitable fee levels.

The City’s fee schedule is periodically updated using the California Construction Cost Index (CCCI) published by the California Department of General Services (DGS) in coordination with Engineering News-Record (ENR). The CCCI is calculated each month using the average Building Cost Index (BCI) values for San Francisco and Los Angeles, reflecting changes in the cost of construction materials, skilled labor, and equipment. By aligning fee updates with the City of Sierra Madre
AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance Report

CCCI, the City ensures that its Development Impact Fees remain consistent with current market trends and real-world construction costs (DGS California CCCI; Mortenson Cost Index).

Annual Reporting Requirements
Under Government Code Section 66006(b), the City must prepare and publish this report within 180 days after the close of each fiscal year.

This annual report provides:
x A description and purpose for each fee.
x The beginning and ending balance of each fund.
x The total amount of fees collected and interest earned. x Details on projects funded or planned.
x Any interfund transfers, loans, or refunds issued.

This report ensures accountability and public transparency in the use of development fee revenue.

Public Facility Fee Categories
The City organizes its Development Impact Fees into seven categories, each addressing a specific area of public need:

Category Purpose Fund (Account) Description /
Accounting Context
General
Government
Expands administrative, storage,
and fleet facilities used in city
operations.
34002 –
Development
Impact Fees
(General)
Serves as the City’s
master development fee
fund, holding revenues for
capital improvements that
support general
government and
administrative facilities.

Library
Helps fund additional library space,
books, and technology upgrades to
serve new residents.
34004 –
Development
Fees – Library
Accounts for libraryrelated facility upgrades,
technology improvements,
and expansions tied to
community growth.

Public Safety
Supports police and fire facilities,
vehicles, and emergency response
equipment.
34005 –
Development
Fees – Public
Safety
Tracks revenues and
expenditures for police
and fire facility expansion,
vehicle replacement,
communication system
upgrades, and related
equipment purchases.

Parks and
Parkland
(Quimby)
Enhances or acquires parks to
maintain recreation standards per
34006 –
Development
Fees – Quimby
Holds funds collected
XQGHUWKH4XLPE\ௗ$FWIRU
parkland acquisition or
City of Sierra Madre
AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance Report

Category Purpose Fund (Account) Description /
Accounting Context
WKH&DOLIRUQLD 4XLPE\ $FW

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improvements ensuring
equitable recreational
access in new residential
areas.

Transportation
/ Traffic
Improves roadways, intersections,
and traffic systems to
accommodate increased usage.
34007 –
Development
Fees –
Transportation
Restricted fund used for
constructing or upgrading
traffic control devices,
transit stops,
intersections, and
multi-modal circulation
projects.

Water
Expands water infrastructure
including reservoirs, pumping
capacity, and pipelines.
34008 –
Development
Fees – Water
Collects and allocates
impact fees to projects
increasing distribution,
pumping, and storage
capacity for the City’s
water utility system.

Sewer
Increases sewer line and treatment
capacity to handle higher demand
due to growth.
34009 –
Development
Fees – Sewer
Dedicated to capital
improvements in the
wastewater collection
network, including main
line upsizing, lift stations,
and flow capacity
enhancements.

Purpose of This Report
This report serves to:
x Fulfill the City’s annual AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act reporting obligations, x Provide financial transparency regarding how each fund is managed, x And demonstrate the City’s commitment to ensuring sustainable growth—that new development contributes fairly toward the community services and infrastructure it depends on.

Each subsequent section outlines the financial status, expenditures, and planned projects for each of the seven Public Facility Fee categories for Fiscal Year 2024–2025.

City of Sierra Madre
AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance Report

General Government Facilities – Fund 34002 – Development Impact Fees (General)
The General Government Facility Fee ensures that as Sierra Madre grows, new development contributes its fair share toward the cost of expanding and improving the City’s essential administrative facilities. These revenues ensure that infrastructure supporting local governance and community services can keep pace with the increasing demands generated by residential and commercial growth. The purpose of this fee is to maintain the quality and efficiency of the City’s general government operations. As new homes and businesses are built, they generate additional service needs ranging from public records and permitting to planning, code enforcement, and overall City administration. The General Government Fee helps fund facility expansions and improvements necessary to meet this increased demand without shifting the financial burden onto existing residents and businesses.

FY 2024-2025 Schedule:

Residential Nonresidential (per 1,000 sq. ft.)
Single Family Multi-Family Commercial Office Industrial $3,482.95 $2,170.11 $843.83 $1,122.54 $563.20
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Activity:

Beginning Fund Balance, July 1, 2024 $70,429
Revenue
Fees Collected 0
Interest Earnings 5,006
5,006
Expenditures
Project Expenditures -
-
Excess Revenue Over/(Under) Expenditures 5,006
Ending Fund Balance, June 30, 2025 $75,435
Current Public Improvement Projects:

There were no projects budgeted in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Interfund Transfers or Loans:

There were no interfund transfers or loans in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Refunds:

There were no refunds made in fiscal year 2024-2025.

City of Sierra Madre
AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance Report

Library Facilities – Fund 34004 – Development Fees – Library The Library Facility Fee ensures that as Sierra Madre continues to grow, new residential and commercial development contributes its fair share toward the cost of maintaining and expanding the City’s library facilities. These revenues help the Sierra Madre Public Library, an essential part of the community’s educational and cultural life, keep pace with the needs of a growing population.

The purpose of this fee is to preserve the accessibility, quality, and capacity of library services that benefit all residents. As new homes are built and population increases, the demand for public reading spaces, technology access, programming, and educational resources also rises. The Library Facility Fee helps fund expansions, improvements, and equipment upgrades necessary to meet this growing demand without shifting financial responsibility onto existing residents.

Fee revenues may be used for projects such as expanding library buildings, modernizing technology infrastructure, enhancing children’s reading and literacy areas, improving study and community spaces, and supporting sustainable facility improvements consistent with the City’s long-term Library Facilities Master Plan. By requiring that new development support the local library system, Sierra Madre ensures its historic public library remains a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive resource for learning and community engagement for generations to come.

FY 2024-2025 Schedule:

Residential Nonresidential (per 1,000 sq. ft.)
Single Family Multi-Family Commercial Office Industrial $2,016.35 $1,257.09 N/A N/A N/A
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Activity:

Beginning Fund Balance, July 1, 2024 $27,729
Revenue
Fees Collected 0
Interest Earnings 1,145
1,145
Expenditures
Project Expenditures 16,823
16,823
Excess Revenue Over/(Under) Expenditures (15,678)
Ending Fund Balance, June 30, 2025 $12,051
Current Public Improvement Projects:

Library utilized the fund to purchase three early learning with bilingual literacy stations in FY24-25.

Interfund Transfers or Loans:

There were no interfund transfers or loans in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Refunds:

There were no refunds made in fiscal year 2024-2025.

City of Sierra Madre
AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance Report

Public Safety Facilities – Fund 34005 – Development Fees – Public Safety
The Public Safety Facility Fee ensures that as the City of Sierra Madre experiences growth, new development contributes its fair share toward the cost of maintaining and improving vital public safety infrastructure. These revenues help sustain the City’s ability to provide high-quality police, fire, and emergency response services as demand increases with new residents and businesses.

The purpose of this fee is to support and expand the facilities, equipment, and systems required to keep the community safe. As new development occurs, it creates additional service needs ranging from emergency response and crime prevention to fire suppression and disaster preparedness and the fees fund the expansion, modernization, and replacement of critical assets necessary to maintain the high standard of safety Sierra Madre residents expect.

Fee revenues may be used for projects such as upgrading fire suppression apparatus, acquiring police vehicles and public safety equipment, expanding dispatch and communication systems, or renovating fire and police station facilities to meet service demands. By ensuring that growth pays its proportionate cost of public safety infrastructure, Sierra Madre preserves its tradition of being one of the safest and most well-protected communities in the San Gabriel Valley without shifting the financial impact onto existing residents and businesses.

FY 2024-2025 Schedule:

Residential Nonresidential (per 1,000 sq. ft.)
Single Family Multi-Family Commercial Office Industrial $2,723.70 $1,697.27 $656.61 $876.51 $438.25
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Activity:

Beginning Fund Balance, July 1, 2024 $40,124
Revenue
Fees Collected 0
Interest Earnings 1,657
1,657
Expenditures
Project Expenditures -
-
Excess Revenue Over/(Under) Expenditures 1,657
Ending Fund Balance, June 30, 2025 $41,781
Current Public Improvement Projects:

There were no projects budgeted in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Interfund Transfers or Loans:

There were no interfund transfers or loans in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Refunds:

There were no refunds made in fiscal year 2024-2025.

City of Sierra Madre
AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance Report

Parks and Parkland (Quimby) Facility Fee – Fund 34006 – Development Fees – Quimby
The Parks and Parkland (Quimby) Facility Fee ensures that as Sierra Madre continues to grow, new development contributes its fair share toward the cost of acquiring, developing, and improving public parks and recreation spaces. These revenues help maintain the City’s longstanding commitment to preserving open space and ensuring that every resident has access to quality recreational amenities close to home. The purpose of this fee is to maintain Sierra Madre’s parkland standard of 3 acres per 1,000 residents, ensuring that community park and recreation spaces keep pace with population growth. As new homes are built, they generate additional demand for park facilities where individuals and families can enjoy outdoor activities, community events, and relaxation. The Parks and Parkland Fee helps fund the creation and improvement of these spaces so that new development enhances rather than diminishes recreational opportunities for the community. This fee is authorized under the California Quimby Act (*RYHUQPHQW&RGH6HFWLRQௗ), which allows cities to require new residential subdivisions to dedicate land for park purposes or pay an equivalent “in-lieu” fee.

FY 2024-2025 Schedule:

Residential Nonresidential (per 1,000 sq. ft.)
Single
Family
Multi-Family Commercial Office Industrial
Subdivision $18,216.20 $11,356.12 N/A N/A N/A
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Activity:

Beginning Fund Balance, July 1, 2024 $274,627
Revenue
Fees Collected 0
Interest Earnings 9,809
9,809
Expenditures
Project Expenditures 59,199
59,199
Excess Revenue Over/(Under) Expenditures (49,390)
Ending Fund Balance, June 30, 2025 $225,237
Current Public Improvement Projects:

The project of Sierra Vista Park improvements used $11,078 in FY23-24. The project used $59,199 in FY24-25 and was completed.

Interfund Transfers or Loans:

There were no interfund transfers or loans in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Refunds:

There were no refunds made in fiscal year 2024-2025.

City of Sierra Madre
AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance Report

Transportation/Traffic Facilities – Fund 34007 – Development Fees – Transportation
The Transportation and Traffic Facility Fee ensures that as Sierra Madre develops, new residential and commercial growth contributes its fair share toward the cost of maintaining and improving the City’s transportation infrastructure. These revenues help ensure that the local roadway network, pedestrian facilities, and parking systems continue to operate safely and efficiently as travel demand increases. The purpose of this fee is to support the City’s efforts to maintain a reliable and well-connected transportation system. As new homes and businesses are constructed, additional vehicle trips are generated, placing greater demand on streets, traffic signals, and pedestrian crossings. The Transportation and Traffic Facility Fee helps fund street improvements, intersection upgrades, and mobility projects needed to accommodate new development without reducing the quality of existing transportation services. Fee revenues may be used for improvements such as:

By ensuring that new development financially supports the citywide transportation system, Sierra Madre preserves public safety, promotes efficient mobility, and maintains the community’s small-town character while responsibly addressing growth-related infrastructure needs.

FY 2024-2025 Schedule:

Residential Nonresidential (per 1,000 sq. ft.)
Single Family Multi-Family Commercial Office Industrial $7,135.05 $5,706.89 $17,728.07 $15,644.46 $5,714.58
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Activity:

Beginning Fund Balance, July 1, 2024 $229,818
Revenue
Fees Collected 0
Interest Earnings 9,491
9,491
Expenditures
Project Expenditures -
-
Excess Revenue Over/(Under) Expenditures 9,491
Ending Fund Balance, June 30, 2025 $239,309
Current Public Improvement Projects:

The FY24-25 street rehabilitation project is carried over to FY25-26 with the budget amount $120,000.

Interfund Transfers or Loans:

There were no interfund transfers or loans in fiscal year 2024-25.

Refunds:

There were no refunds made in fiscal year 2024-25.

City of Sierra Madre
AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance Report

Water Facilities – Fund 34008 – Development Fees – Water The Water Facility Fee ensures that as Sierra Madre grows, new development contributes its fair share toward expanding and improving the City’s water system infrastructure. These revenues help maintain a reliable and resilient water supply capable of meeting community needs as population and development increase. The purpose of this fee is to support the continued operation, capacity, and efficiency of the City’s water delivery system. As new homes and businesses are constructed, they increase water consumption and demand on the City’s reservoirs, wells, and pipelines. The Water Facility Fee provides the funding necessary to expand infrastructure so that reliable service is maintained without placing additional financial strain on existing ratepayers.

By requiring new development to contribute its proportionate share of water infrastructure costs, Sierra Madre ensures that its locally operated water system continues to deliver safe, high-quality water while supporting long-term growth in a sustainable and financially responsible manner.

FY 2024-2025 Schedule:

Residential Nonresidential (per 1,000 sq. ft.)
Single Family Multi-Family Commercial Office Industrial $16,678.57 $6,927.46 $4,420.96 $4,420.96 $3,676.71
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Activity:

Beginning Fund Balance, July 1, 2024 $206,999
Revenue
Fees Collected 0
Interest Earnings 8,549
8,549
Expenditures
Project Expenditures -
-
Excess Revenue Over/(Under) Expenditures 8,549
Ending Fund Balance, June 30, 2025 $215,548
Current Public Improvement Projects:

There were no projects budgeted in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Interfund Transfers or Loans:

There were no interfund transfers or loans in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Refunds:

There were no refunds made in fiscal year 2024-2025.

City of Sierra Madre
AB 1600 Mitigation Fee Act Compliance Report

Sewer Facilities – Fund 34009 – Development Fees – Sewer The Sewer Facility Fee ensures that as Sierra Madre grows, new residential and commercial development contributes its fair share toward expanding and maintaining the City’s wastewater collection infrastructure. These revenues help fund system improvements that preserve environmental quality, prevent service disruptions, and ensure adequate sewer capacity to serve future growth. The purpose of this fee is to support the ongoing expansion and modernization of Sierra Madre’s sewer system. As new homes and businesses connect to the network, they place additional demand on existing pipelines and collection facilities. The Sewer Facility Fee helps finance the installation of larger or upgraded sewer mains and related infrastructure so that the system continues to operate efficiently and in compliance with regional health and sanitation standards.

By requiring new development to contribute proportionately to these infrastructure improvements, Sierra Madre ensures that its local sewer system remains efficient, environmentally responsible, and capable of supporting community growth without imposing the financial burden on existing users.

FY 2024-2025 Schedule:

Residential Nonresidential (per 1,000 sq. ft.)
Single Family Multi-Family Commercial Office Industrial $19,150.47 $4,768.88 $3,915.44 $3,915.44 $3,261.90
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Activity:

Beginning Fund Balance, July 1, 2023 $209,723
Revenue
Fees Collected 0
Interest Earnings 8,661
8,661
Expenditures
Project Expenditures -
-
Excess Revenue Over/(Under) Expenditures 8,661
Ending Fund Balance, June 30, 2024 $218,384
Current Public Improvement Projects:

The FY24-25 wastewater infrastructure repair project is carried over to FY25-26 with the budget $158,000.

Interfund Transfers or Loans:

There were no interfund transfers or loans in fiscal year 2024-2025.

Refunds:

There were no refunds made in fiscal year 2024-2025.

City of Sierra Madre

AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Clare Lin, Planning & Community Preservation Director Sarkis Nazerian, Building Official
REVIEWED BY: Michael Bruckner, City Manager
DATE:October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. 1487 AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO AMEND AND ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA

BUILDING STANDARDS CODE WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS,

MODIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONS

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council conduct a second reading of Ordinance No. 1487 by title only, adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code with existing local amendments.

BACKGROUND
At its regular meeting on October 14, 2025, the City Council held a public hearing introducing the first reading of Ordinance No. 1487. The second reading of Ordinance No. 1487 is hereby presented before the City Council for consideration and adoption.

For additional information regarding Ordinance No. 1487, see Attachment 2.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Ordinance No. 1487
Attachment 2: First Reading Agenda Report
Robert Parkhurst, Mayor
Kristine Lowe, Mayor Pro Tem
Edward Garcia, Council Member
Gene Goss, Council Member
Kelly Kriebs, Council Member
Sue Spears, City Treasurer
412243.5
ORDINANCE NO. 1487

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE AMENDING
VARIOUS CHAPTERS OF TITLE 15 (BUILDINGS AND

CONSTRUCTION) OF THE SIERRA MADRE MUNICIPAL CODE
TO ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING

STANDARDS CODES WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS,

MODIFICATIONS, AND ADDITIONS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Sierra Madre does hereby find that there is a need to enforce the most current editions of the California Building Standards Code, with the local amendments recited herein for regulating and controlling the design, erection, construction, enlargement, installation, alteration, repair, relocation, removal, use, occupancy, demolition, conversion, height, area, location, maintenance, and quality of materials of all buildings and structures and plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire suppression systems and certain equipment’s within the City;

WHEREAS, pursuant to sections 17922, 17958, 17958.5, and 17958.7 of the California Health & Safety Code, the City may adopt the provisions of the Building, Residential, Green Building Standards, Energy, Referenced Standards Plumbing, Mechanical and Electric Codes, with certain amendments to the provisions of the codes which are reasonably necessary to protect the health, wealth and safety of citizens of Sierra Madre because of local climatic, geological and topographical conditions;
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Sierra Madre made the factual findings outlined in Exhibit 1 attached hereto relating to the amendments to the uniform codes recited herein in accordance with Health & Safety Code section 18941.5; and
WHEREAS, the City Council does hereby further find that the southern California region, which includes the City, is within a very active seismic area and local soil conditions can be highly expansive and subject to local topographic considerations including extensive hillside construction that is prone to erosion.

THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE, CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Amendment. Chapter 15.02 (Administrative Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

Chapter 15.02 - ADMINISTRATION
412243.5

15.02.010 – Adoption and Filing
Except as herein provided by specific changes, the administrative, organizational and enforcement for the technical codes which regulate the site preparation, construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, use and occupancy of buildings, structures and building service equipment within the city shall be in accordance with the provisions and in the manner prescribed in the administrative provisions of each part of the 2025 California Building Standards Code.

15.02.012 – Building Code Designation.

This ordinance shall be known and cited as the City of Sierra Madre Building Code for Building Construction Regulation and will be referred to herein as this Code.

15.02.014 – Creation of Enforcement Agency.

There has been established heretofore in this jurisdiction a code enforcement agency entitled, the Planning and Community Preservation Department which appoints a Building Official who shall be authorized to enforce the provisions of this code.

15.02.020 - Appeals procedure.

Whenever the building official disapproves an application or refuses to grant a permit applied for, or renders a decision regarding the suitability of alternate materials or methods of construction, the applicant may appeal from the decision of the building official. All appeals must be filed with the city clerk within 30 days of the date of the building official’s written decision. An appeal shall be accompanied by a filing fee in an amount determined from time to time by city council resolution. A hearing shall be held within 60 days of the filing of the appeal, with notice of the appeal provided by the city clerk.

15.02.030 - Board of appeals.

In order to hear appeals, there shall be and there is hereby created a board of appeals, composed of the city council or its designees. Appellate review under this chapter shall be de novo, and the board of appeals shall consider all pertinent materials, including all documents constituting the administrative record. The board of appeals shall render a decision within thirty days of a hearing date. The city clerk shall mail notice of the board of appeal’s decision to the appellant within five business days after the date of the decision.

The city clerk shall be the secretary to the Board. The Board may adopt reasonable rules and regulations for conducting its investigations and shall 412243.5
render all its decisions and findings on contested matters, in writing to the building official, with a duplicate copy thereof to any appellant or contestant affected by any such decision of findings, and may recommend to the City Council such new legislation, if any, as is consistent therewith.

The City Council may prescribe by resolution, to employ at the cost and expense of the City, such qualified individuals as the council, in its discretion, may deem reasonably necessary in order to assist it in its investigation and in making its findings and decisions.

15.02.040 – Violations
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish, equip, use, occupy, or maintain, any building or structure in the City, or cause same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter. Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Ordinance, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this Ordinance is committed, continued, or permitted, and upon conviction of any such violation such persons shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or double the permit fee whichever is greater or by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

In addition to the above penalty provisions, violation of any of the provisions of this chapter may be subject to the administrative proceedings set forth in Chapter 1.18 of this code.

SECTION 2. Amendment. Chapter 15.04 (Building Code and Permits) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

Chapter 15.04 - BUILDING CODE AND PERMITS

15.04.010 - Adoption of the 2025 California Building Standards Code.

California Building Codes adopted. California code of Regulation Title 24 Parts 1 through 12 consisting of the 2025 California Administrative Code; 2025 California Building Code Volume 1 and 2 with all Appendix Chapters based on the 2024 International Building Code as published by the International Code Council ; 2025 California Residential Code with all Appendix Chapters based on the 2024 International Residential Code as published by the International Code Council ; 2025 California Electrical Code based on the 2023 National Electrical Code as published by the National Fire Protection Association; 2025 California Mechanical Code based on the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical 412243.5
Officials; 2025 California Plumbing Code based on the 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials; 2025 California Green Building Standards Code; 2025 California Historical Building Code; 2025 California Existing Building Code based on the 2024 International Existing Building Code as published by the International Code Council; 2025 California Referenced Standards Code; 2025 California Fire Code; 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code based on the 2024 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code. The provisions of these construction codes as amended by this chapter shall constitute the building regulations of the city of Sierra Madre.

One copy of all the above codes and standards therefore are on file in the office of the city clerk pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 18942(d) and are made available for public inspection.

15.04.025 – Fees
The Council shall by resolution adopt a schedule of fees for the permits issued pursuant hereto.

15.04.050 Tents and canopies.

The following provisions shall apply:

A. It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, put in place or maintain in place, within any portion of the city, any tent, tent-house, canvas-house or structure constructed of canvas, cloth, or other fabric; any canopy or canopy structure constructed of canvas, cloth or other fabric or material within a distance of one hundred feet from the front property line of any lot or subdivision of land within the city, or within twenty feet of any dwelling, house, building or other structure.

B. Exceptions. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply as follows:

1. Decorative canopies and awnings constructed as a component or feature of an overall architectural design pursuant to the provisions of Section 17.36.040.

2. Picnic umbrellas not in excess of ten feet in diameter.

3. Temporary Tents and Canopies. Temporary tents and canopies, of any size, may be erected in any location on a parcel or lot for a period that is not in excess of three days. Such tent and/or canopy may not be re-erected until a minimum ninety-day period has elapsed.

4. Temporary tents and canopies as permitted pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 5.16 (Temporary Use Permits).
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5. Tents and canopies may be permitted for eligible restaurants with patio space under the Outdoor Dining Program.

15.04.060 Applicability of subdivision ordinance.

No building permit shall be issued with respect to the construction of any building or structure on any parcels of land which have been subdivided, split or otherwise separated in ownership since January 1, 1956, unless such subdivision, division, split or other such separation in ownership has complied in full with all of the regulations and requirements concerning subdivision in this code.

15.04.070 Stormwater retention.

A. New development, after January 1, 2010, must incorporate design elements for:

1. Prevention of stormwater runoff onto pavements and other nonpermeable areas;

2. Stormwater retention and reuse for irrigation of landscaped areas; and

3. Rooftop designs, rain gutters, and other stormwater retention designs that can be directed towards landscaped areas and thereby reuse the stormwater.

B. The building department is authorized to withhold, deny or grant conditional approval to any application for a building permit which involves:

1. Construction upon, destruction of or curtailment in the capacity of storm drain facilities installed under and by virtue of Title 17 of this Code;

2. Construction, excavation or fill which changes the grade of the natural slope of the surface of any lot or lots so that the water drainage thereon is changed to run onto a different location or in greater quantity or at an accelerated rate, or in a way that creates a hazard to the public health, safety or property. The decision of the building inspector shall be based upon the recommendation of the city engineer concerning the continued necessity of such drainage installations or of reasonable substitutes therefor.

15.04.080 Temporary structure permits.

Temporary structure permits involving the construction of a residential structure upon an R-1 lot, upon which there is then located an existing dwelling unit or involving the relocation of a residential structure upon a residential lot upon which there is then located an existing dwelling unit, shall be issued by the building inspector only upon the condition that the applicant file a surety bond in the amount recommended by the city engineer guaranteeing the removal of such existing house within thirty days after occupancy of the dwelling unit to be so constructed or relocated. In the event that any applicant feels that the imposition 412243.5
of such condition is an unnecessary hardship, or if it is intended to use the existing dwelling unit as an accessory building to the new dwelling unit, then such applicant may appeal the imposition of such condition to the city council, and the decision of the city council shall be final.

15.04.090 - Amendment to Section 1505 Roofs—Fire Classifications.

The 2025 California Building Code Section is amended to add the following to Section 1505:

A. Any building alteration, replacement, or repair, which does not exceed twenty-five percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the structure, may use existing like materials on said roof.

B Any building alteration, replacement, or repair, which exceeds fifty percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the structure, shall be made with fire retardant covering as specified in the California Building Code.

C. Any building alteration, replacement, or repair, which exceeds fifty percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the structure, shall be made with fire retardant covering as specified in the 2025 California Building Code.

D. Any building addition, which does not exceed twenty-five percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the structure, may use existing like material on the roof addition, and any alteration, replacement, or repairs to the existing roof, required by such addition may also use existing like materials.

E. Any building addition, which exceeds twenty-five percent of the area of the existing roof, over the life of the structure, shall be made with fire retardant covering as specified in the 2025 California Building Code, and any alterations, replacements, or repairs to the existing roof, required by such addition, shall also be made with such fire retardant roof covering.

F. Wood roofs shall not be considered a Class A covering regardless of the rating of an assembly.

15.04.100 - Amendment—Section 202—Additions, alterations or repairs.

A. The following is added to the end of Section 202 of the 2025 California Building Code:

The phrase "additions, alterations, and repairs" as used in this section, and all subsections thereof, shall not be construed to apply to the remodeling of an existing building to provide new facades or other aesthetic embellishments or 412243.5
accouterments which do not modify the structural support or members of such building.

Buildings or structures to which additions, alterations, or repairs are made shall comply with all requirements of this code for new facilities except as specifically provided in this section. See section 907 of the Building Code for provisions requiring installation of smoke detectors in existing Group R, Division 3 Occupancies.

15.04.112 – Construction Site Fencing.

Whenever a building permit is issued to construct, add or alter a building or site, the installation of perimeter temporary fencing shall be required.

The installation of temporary fencing shall be required for the following projects:

1. A project involving grading, trenching or excavation activities.

2. The construction area is visible from the public right-of-way with the exception of roof replacement and window change-outs with no framing work.

3. There is outside storage of building materials, equipment, construction materials or equipment stored at the front of the property.

4. The property is vacant during the duration of the construction.

5. As determined by the Building Official.

The Building Official shall require the site to be temporarily fenced and screened on all sides for the duration of the construction project. The height of the fence shall be seventy-two inches (72) high with gates to access the site.

The screening material shall be tightly secured to the fencing, free of holes and without advertising. The perimeter fencing may be removed when there are no remaining exterior construction activities visible from the public right-of-way and there is no longer visible outside storage of building materials, equipment or fixtures, or as determined by the Building Official. An address sign shall be installed and be visible from public right of way at all perimeter points to include the street name and number of the site using minimum six-inch high letters and numbers, and shall be posted at the top of the perimeter fence or at least five feet from the ground. A "No Trespassing" sign, conforming to the requirements of California Penal Code, Section 602, shall be installed at all perimeter access points, posted at the top of the perimeter fence or at least five feet from the ground.

15.04.115 - Section 105.7 Demolition Permits.

The following is added to Section 105 of the 2025 California Building Code. 412243.5
Section 105.7 Demolition Permits.

A. No permit for the demolition of all or any substantial portion of any building in the city shall be issued for a period of thirty days after such application is made.

For the purposes of this chapter, demolition shall be considered the alteration, reconstruction, or elimination of 50% or more, of the floor area or monetary value. Projects that involve less than 50% of the alteration, reconstruction, or elimination of the floor area or monetary value may still be subject to requirements of Chapter 8.13 and/or 12.20 of this code.

B. Within 10 days of the application, the applicant should submit a mitigation plan for vermin, noise, dust, asbestos, salvage, trash removal, air pollution, historic preservation, and neighborhood peace and enjoyment. Failure to submit such mitigation report may be grounds for denying such permit.

C. Prior to the release of the demolition permit, the applicant shall demonstrate that notification of, and compliance with, requirements established by the following:

1. South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD);

2. Electricity provider;

3. Natural gas provider; and

4. City Department of Public Works.

D. Prior to the issuance of a demolition permit, the applicant shall file (in general terms) his/her intended reuse of the property with planning and community preservation department. Such plan shall indicate the intended use and condition of the property after the demolition of structures requested within the demolition permit is concluded.

E. The filing of any notice or report, as called for herein, is not intended to vest any discretion (under CEQA or otherwise) in the building official to deny such application. Instead, such permit shall be issued unless such issuance is contrary to any law or regulation applicable at that date.

F. To the extent, if any, that this Section 115 differs from the 2025 California Building Code (CBC), the city council finds that there are conditions unique to this city that justify such change, including high fire danger, steep hillsides, vermin infestation, wildlife and asbestos levels. The issuance of a demolition permit shall be considered a ministerial duty under the provisions of CEQA Section 15268 except for historical and unique archeological resources as outlined in CEQA Section 15064.5. If the demolition permit is for a historic structure, a cultural resources report shall be prepared at the property owner's expense.
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G. Demolitions of Historic Structure.

1. If (i) a building or structure deemed eligible for landmark status, (ii) a building or structure listed or deemed eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or (iii) a building or structure listed or deemed eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical Resources, or if any cultural resource determined to have historic significance, is demolished without a permit:
a) The violator shall within one year completely rebuild the demolished structure to pre-existing condition and shall submit a surety bond that shall be in amount equal to the replacement value as calculated by the department of
planning and community preservation;
b) The city may rebuild it within said one-year period
placing the costs thereof as a lien on the property which shall indemnify the city against all costs so incurred and all liabilities arising there from; or
c) No building or construction related permits shall be issued, and no permits or use of the property shall be
allowed, from the date of demolition for a specified time period, as follows: for five years, if the structure was listed or deemed eligible for listing on the local, state, or Federal Registry of Historic Resources. In addition, for a historic structure, a cultural resources report shall be prepared at the property owner's expense. For the purposes of this
section, the demolition shall be presumed to have occurred on the date the city has actual knowledge of the demolition.

The owner shall have the burden of proving a different date if one is claimed. Such waiting period shall be for the purpose of consideration of rebuilding, relocation, grants, etc., for replacement.

2. The director of planning and community preservation shall cause notice to be served by mail on the person shown as the owner on the rolls of the tax assessor and on any other person known to have an interest in the property, as soon as practicable after having knowledge that the provisions of this section are applicable to property. The date the city first had actual knowledge of the demolition shall be stated in the notice.

3. A determination made under this section may be appealed by the property owner in accordance with Section 17.60.115.
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15.04.117 - Works Exempt from Permit:

A permit may be required for items exempted from building permit requirements under Chapter 1 Division II Section 105.2 and Section R105.2. Exempted work shall not violate any provisions of this Code, Federal, State, Local laws, or regulations.

All walls, retaining walls, and fences regardless of type or height shall require a building permit.

15.04.118 - Amendment—Section 903 Automatic Fire Sprinklers.

The following sections within section 903 of the 2025 California Building Code, entitled, "Automatic Sprinkler Systems" are revised to provide as follows:
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-1 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-2 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-3 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-4 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.1.5 Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-5 occupancies in the following areas: concession stands, retail areas, press boxes, and other accessory use areas in accordance with Code section

15.24.120.
903.2.2 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group B occupancy in accordance with Code section

15.24.120.
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group E occupancy in accordance with Code section

15.24.120. (exception: For public school state-funded construction projects see Section 903.2.19)
903.2.4 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy in accordance with Code section

15.24.120.
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903.2.5 Group H. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in high-hazard occupancies as required in Sections 903.2.5.1 through 903.2.5.3. 903.2.5.1 General. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group H occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.
903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I in accordance with Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy in accordance with Code section

15.24.120.
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area and in accordance with Code section 15.24.110.
903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 in accordance with Code section 15.24.120. 903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Code section

15.24.120.
903.2.9.2 Bulk storage of tires. Buildings and structures with an area for the storage of tires shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
903.2.10 Group S-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as enclosed parking garages in accordance with Section 406.6 of the California Building Code or where located beneath other groups. 903.2.10.1 Commercial parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial motor vehicles in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

15.04.130 - Permit for landscape project.

A. A written permit shall be obtained from the department of public works prior to development of landscapes as specified in Section 15.60.030.

B. The director of public works shall issue a permit if the applicant has submitted the landscape documentation package as required by Section 15.60.040 and the landscape project satisfies the requirements set out in Chapter 15.60 of this title.
412243.5
C. The permit fee for landscape project shall be established by resolution of the city council, and shall be based on the estimated cost of reviewing the landscape documentation package and issuing the permit.

SECTION 3. Amendment. Chapter 15.06 (California Residential Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

Chapter 15.06 - CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

15.06.040 - Amendment—Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems.

Section R309.1 of the California 2025 Residential Code is amended to provide as follows:
"An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in townhouses in accordance with accordance with Sierra Madre Municipal code Chapter

15.24"

15.06.050 - Amendment—One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire systems.

The following is added to the end of Section R309.2 of the 2025 California Residential Code:
"An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings in accordance with accordance with Sierra Madre Municipal code Chapter 15.24."

15.06.060 - Amendment—Required sprinkler locations, exception 4.

Section R309.3.1.1, of the California 2025 Residential Code exception 4 is amended to read as follows:
"Detached garages and carports in accordance with Sierra Madre Municipal code Chapter 15.24."

15.06.070 - Water flow detector alarm.

A new section R309.3.5 of the California 2025 Residential Code is added to the Residential code and shall be entitled "Water flow detector alarm." That section shall provide:
"Water supply."
412243.5
"The flow of one sprinkler shall activate a water flow detector alarm that shall be audible on the exterior of the building."
SECTION 4. Deletion. Chapters 15.08 (California Mechanical Code), 15.16 (California Electrical Code), 15.20 (California Plumbing Code), and 15.22 (California Historical Building Code), 15.26 (Existing Building Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code are deleted in their entirety.

SECTION 5. Amendment. Chapter 15.30 (Green Building Standards Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

15.30.040 - Water metering for multi-family dwellings.

The 2013 California Green Buildings Standards Code is hereby amended by adopting the requirement that all multi-family dwellings constructed after January 1, 2016, shall be equipped with an individual water meter for each unit, with each meter being assigned a separate water account with the city. This requirement applies to all R-2, R-3-13, R-3-20, and R-3-30 structures as defined in Municipal Code Chapters 17.24, 17.28, and 17.29 respectively.

SECTION 6. Deletion. Chapters 15.34 (California Energy Code) and 15.36 (Referenced Standards Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code are deleted in their entirety.

SECTION 7. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances. All existing ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance or the California Fire Code adopted are hereby repealed.

SECTION 8. References in Documents and Continuing Legal Effect.

References to prior versions of the California Fire Code, or of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code that are amended or renumbered in this Municipal Code, that are cited on notices issued by the City or other documents of ongoing or continuing legal effect, including resolutions adopting or imposing fees or charges, until converted, are deemed to be references to the new counterpart 2025 Fire Code, 2025 Wildland Urban Interface Code, or amended Municipal Code sections for the purposes of notice and enforcement. The provisions adopted hereby shall not in any manner affect deposits, established fees or other matters of record which refer to, or are otherwise connected with, ordinances which are specifically designated by number, code section or otherwise, but such references shall be deemed to apply to the corresponding provisions set forth in the code sections adopted or amended hereby.
412243.5
SECTION 9. Continuity. To the extent the provisions of this Ordinance are substantially the same as previous provisions of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code, these provisions shall be construed as continuations of those provisions and not as amendments of the earlier provisions.

SECTION 10. No Effect on Enforceability. The repeal of any sections of the Municipal Code, shall not affect or impair any act done, or right vested or approved, or any proceeding, suit or prosecution had or commenced in any cause before such repeal shall take effect; but every such act, vested right, proceeding, suit, or prosecution shall remain in full force and effect for all purposes as if the applicable provisions of the Municipal Code, or part thereof, had remained in force and effect.

No offense committed and no liability, penalty, or forfeiture, either civil or criminal, incurred prior to the repeal or alteration of any applicable provision of the 2022 Code as amended, shall be discharged or affected by such repeal or alteration but prosecutions and suits for such offenses, liabilities, penalties or forfeitures shall be instituted and proceed in all respects as if the applicable provisions of the 2022 Code, as amended, had not been repealed or altered.

SECTION 11. Supplementary of Existing Law. The City Council intends this Ordinance to supplement, not to duplicate or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this Ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent.

SECTION 12. Modifications to California Fire Code. All inconsistencies between the Municipal Fire Code, as adopted by this ordinance, and Parts 7 & 9 of Title 24 the California Code of Regulations are changes, modifications, amendments, additions or deletions thereto authorized by California Health and Safety Code Sections 17858 and 17858.7.

SECTION 13. Findings. The City Council hereby adopts the findings attached hereto as Exhibit 1 by this reference fully incorporated herein and made in accordance with Health & Safety Code section 18941.5.

SECTION 14. Severability. Should any section, subsection, clause, or provision of this Ordinance for any reason be held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this Ordinance; it being hereby expressly declared that this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase hereof would have been prepared, proposed, approved, and ratified irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 15. Effective Date. Pursuant to Government Code Section 36937, this Ordinance shall take effect thirty days after its adoption, or January 1, 2026, whichever is later.
412243.5
SECTION 16. Records. Pursuant to Government Code Section 40801, proof of certification and publication shall be entered in the book of Ordinances of the City Council.

SECTION 17. CEQA. This Ordinance has been determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State Guidelines §15061 (b) (3) as a project that has no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.

SECTION 18. Certification. Pursuant to Government Code Section 36932, the City Clerk shall certify the passage, approval, and adoption of this Ordinance by the City Council.

SECTION 19. Filing with State. The City Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED, this 28th day of October, 2025

___________________________
Robert Parkhurst, Mayor

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was introduced by first reading on the 14th day of October, 2025, and duly adopted at a regular meeting held on the 28th day of October 2025, by the City Council of the City of Sierra Madre, California, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES
ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
___________________________
Laura Aguilar, City
Sierra Madre 2025 California Building Code Findings Page 1

SIERRA MADRE BUILDING DEPARTMENT
2025 BUILDING CODE FINDINGS
This report contains the “Findings” to support this ordinance to amend the California Building Standards Code. Each of the proposed amendments to the non-administrative provisions of the building standards code are based on local climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions and cause the new code to be more restrictive in nature than the underlying California Building Standards Code.

The amendments address the building problem(s), concern(s), and future direction(s), by which the City can establish and maintain an environment which will afford an adequate level of building and life safety protection to its citizens and guests.

Section 1 of this Exhibit sets forth the various finding.

Section 2 of this Exhibit explains which findings apply to which amendments.

Section 1. General Findings
The following findings apply in the City of Sierra Madre, and explain why the changes to the Building Standards Code are necessary because of climatic, geological, and/or topographical condition is in the city.

A. Climatic Conditions

1. Normal rainfall averages 15 inches annually. During the summer and fall months, temperatures average approximately 85 degrees and can exceed 100 degrees for a period of days. Dry winds remove the moisture from vegetation. During late summer and fall, winds can move a fire quickly across the foothills or through residential areas of Sierra Madre. Winter rains often cause floods and the threat of damage due to water runoff.

B. Geologic Conditions

1. The beautiful mountains that border the north of Sierra Madre create a unique hazard. The foothills have become prime sites for residential development because of their scenic beauty. The steep, narrow canyons create narrow winding roads that lengthen response time of emergency vehicles due to the increase in grade. Also, due to the hills and mountainous terrain, it is difficult to ensure proper fence and wall heights and footing depths without requiring inspections and permits.

EXHIBIT A
Sierra Madre 2025 California Building Code Findings Page 2

2. The city is a densely populated area having buildings and structures over and near major fault systems capable of producing major earthquakes. Thus there are proposed modifications to emphasize designs with seismic-force-resisting elements.

C. Topographic Conditions

1. The topographic element of this report is associated closely with the geologic element noted above. While the geologic features create the topographic conditions, the areas of findings in this Section are, for the most part, a result of the construction and design of Sierra Madre.

2. Sierra Madre has areas that are in high fire hazard zones. As stated above, due to topography, access to structures in these fire hazard zones increases response time and delays fire suppression efforts.

Extended response times allow fires to grow beyond the control of initial attack resources. Additionally, large structure fires in the hillside areas have a greater likelihood of starting wild land fires, which exposes additional structures to fire.

3. Clarification of the design parameters for projects subject to the Building Code is necessary to assure that appropriate development is constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the International Building Code, as applied in the city of Sierra Madre.

D. Administrative

1. These amendments are necessary for administrative clarification and do not modify any building standards. They establish standards to effectively enforce building standards and therefore need to be incorporated into the code to assure that new building and structures and additions or alteration to existing buildings or structures are designed and constructed in accordance with the scope and objectives of the California Building Standards Code.

Section 2 – Which Findings Apply to Which Amendments
The following amendments to the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code are found reasonably necessary based on the climatic, geologic, and/or topographic conditions cited in Section 1 of this Exhibit:

California Building Code Sections Applicable Findings
202 C-3
109.4 D-1
105.2 B-1, D-1
Section 1505 A-1; B-1; C-1; C-2
Sierra Madre 2025 California Building Code Findings Page 3 2025 California Residential Code Applicable Findings
R105.2 B-1, D-1
R309.1 A-1, B-1, C-2
R309.2 A-1, B-1, C-2
R309.3.1.1 exception 4 A-1, B-1, C-2
R309.3.5 A-1, B-1, C-2

City of Sierra Madre
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TO: Honorable Mayor Parkhurst and Members of the City Council FROM: Clare Lin, Director of Planning & Community Preservation Sarkis Nazerian, Building Official
REVIEWED BY: Michael Bruckner, City Manager
DATE: October 14, 2025
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It is recommended that the City Council introduce for first reading by title only, recommending adoption of Ordinance No. 1487 pursuant to the 2025 California Building Standards Code amendments.
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1. Introduce Ordinance No. 1487 of first reading by title only.

2. Direct staff to revise Ordinance No. 1487 and conduct first reading as amended by title only.
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The California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations) serves as the basis for the design and construction of buildings in California. All parts of the Code are updated every three years with the goal of improved safety, sustainability, maintaining consistency, new technology and construction methods, and reliability.

On January 1, 2026, the updated California Building Code will become effective statewide.

Subsequently, the City of Sierra Madre is required to adopt and enforce the same code.

Currently, the City is enforcing the 2022 California Building Standards Code with local amendments.

Robert Parkhurst, Mayor
Kristine Lowe, Mayor Pro Tem
Edward Garcia, Council Member
Gene Goss, Council Member
Kelly Kriebs, Council Member
Sue Spears, City Treasurer

Ordinance No. 1487 amends the Sierra Madre Municipal Code to adopt by reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code to meet State requirements. In accordance with AB130, local amendments will be limited to what is already existing in the municipal code and will be carried forward with the 2025 codes.
$1$/<6,6
The following codes are mandated by the State of California Building Standards Commission Information Bulletin 25.01, for local adoption by January 1, 2026. Ordinance No. 1487 amends SMMC Chapters: 15.02, 15.04, 15.06, 15.08, 15.16, 15.20, 15.22, 15.26,

15.30, 15.34 and 15.36 as follows:
&DOLIRUQLD%XLOGLQJ6WDQGDUGV&RGH 600&&KDSWHU
2025 Administrative Code 15.02
2025 California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2 15.04
2025 California Residential Code 15.04, 15.06
2025 California Mechanical Code 15.04
2025 California Electrical Code 15.04
2025 California Plumbing Code 15.04
2025 California Historical Code 15.04
2025 California Fire Code 15.24*
2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code 15.25*
2025 California Existing Building Code 15.04
2025 California Green Building Standards Code 15.04, 15.30 2025 California Energy Code 15.04
2025 California Referenced Standards Code 15.04
* The 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildland-Urban Interface Code listed above will be introduced by the Fire Department in a separate staff report.

Sierra Madre Municipal Code currently adopts by reference each of the California Building Code Standards listed above under individual chapters of Title 15. Ordinance No. 1487 consolidates the adoption by reference of all California Building Code Standards under Section 15.04.010 and retains local amendments where applicable.

The State adopted the 2024 Editions of the International Codes as the basis for the 2025 California Codes. Likewise, the 2024 Editions of the Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing Codes developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials serve as the basis for the 2025 California Plumbing and Mechanical Codes. The 2023 Edition of the National Electrical Code developed by the National Fire Protection Association are the basis of the corresponding 2025 Edition of the California Electrical Code.

The California Residential Code (CRC) will address the structural and life safety aspects of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical conditions will still be addressed by the appropriate California Code Books.

The California Green Building Standards Code addresses such conditions as site development, water savings, recycling, and material selection. In addition, issues such as moisture control, interior and exterior air quality and compliance with California Title 24 requirements as addressed. Environmental quality issues of concern involve the use of materials that produce volatile organic compounds such as composite wood products, paints, adhesives, and carpets.

The proposed amendments are added to existing chapters of Title 15 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code by adding provisions of the 2025 California Code of Regulations.

The City established a Demolition Permits procedure under Sierra Madre Municipal Code Section 15.04.115, which amends Section 105.7 of the California Building Code.

Established in 2001 under Ordinance No. 1142, the municipal code maintained a thirtyday waiting period on the issuance of a demolition permit beginning on the date an application is made to the City. Since the adoption of the 2022 California Code Regulations, a number of state laws were passed that limit the timeline for which a “post-entitlement” permit, such as a demolition permit, shall be issued to 15 business days. Therefore, additional amendments to municipal code section 15.04.115 are recommended to eliminate the thirty-day waiting period for demolition permits and to modify the provisions for demolitions of historic structures consistently with appeals procedures regulated under the Zoning Code.
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The project qualifies for an exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act review pursuant to Title 14, Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Code of Regulations as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the adoption of the Ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment, because it will enforce the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 California Code of Regulations) that serve as the basis for the design and construction of buildings in California to improve safety, sustainability, maintaining consistency, new technology and construction methods, and reliability. 675$7(*,&3/$1&255(/$7,21
Adoption of Ordinance No. 1487 is directly aligned with the &LW\¶V6WUDWHJLF3ODQ*RDO 
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adopting and enforcing the 2025 California Building Standards Code with local amendments, the City ensures that construction and development within Sierra Madre meet the highest standards of safety, consistency, and sustainability. This action strengthens public safety, promotes responsible growth management, and ensures compliance with state-mandated building practices.

The ordinance also advances *RDO 
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 by maintaining alignment with statewide
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There is no impact to the General Fund. Staff costs associated with preparation and implementation of the ordinance are absorbed within the existing Planning and Community Preservation Department budget. Future costs related to enforcement will continue to be offset by plan review and permit fees collected through the City’s Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Fee Schedule. No new funding sources are required. 38%/,&127,&(352&(66
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.This item has been noticed though the regular agenda notification process. Notice of the hearing was published consistent with the requirements of Government Code Sections 65090 and 50022.2, including publication of a summary notice of public hearing in the local adjudicated newspaper. Copies of this report are available at the City Hall public counter, at the Sierra Madre Public Library, and can be accessed on the City’s website at SierraMadreCA.gov.
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Attachment 1: City Council Ordinance No. 1487 - 2025 California Building Standards Code Adoption
Exhibit A: Sierra Madre Building Department 2025 Building Code Findings >2PLWWHGIRUWKH2FWREHU$JHQGD5HSRUW@

City of Sierra Madre

AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Brent Bartlett, Fire Chief
REVIEWED BY: Michael Bruckner, City Manager
DATE: October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. 1486 RELATING TO THE ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS TO THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE AND
2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE CODE

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 1486 amending various sections of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code (SMMC) pursuant to the 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code amendments.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At its regular meeting of October 14, 2025, the City Council received a report and presentation of Ordinance No. 1486 relating to the adoption and amendments of the 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code; however, official public notice of that meeting was provided in error through reference of amendments to the “2025 International Fire Code”. Notice of the October 28, 2025, public hearing for first reading of Ordinance No. 1486 was provided through a publication in the Mountain Views News with a correction of the aforementioned reference. Additionally, the Fire Marshal recommends including, for the avoidance of doubt, an existing local amendment related to the prohibition of the sale, possession or discharge of all fireworks within the City.

ANALYSIS
The 2025 California Fire Code (CFC) and California Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code provide updated minimum standards for fire prevention, building construction, and life safety.

Ordinance No. 1486 adopts these codes with local amendments specific to Sierra Madre’s unique topographic, climatic, and geological conditions. The amendments are designed to enhance the City’s capacity to mitigate fire risks and strengthen overall community resilience.

Notable local amendments include:
x Enhanced sprinkler system requirements for both new and substantially renovated residential and commercial occupancies.
x Access road width standards to ensure unobstructed routes for fire apparatus, particularly in hillside and canyon areas where steep grades and narrow roads constrain emergency response.
x Local prohibitions on fireworks, reaffirming an existing ordinance to reduce ignition risks during high fire danger periods.
x Integration of WUI standards to improve structure hardening and defensible space in areas adjacent to the Angeles National Forest.

Robert Parkhurst, Mayor
Kristine Lowe, Mayor Pro Tem
Edward Garcia, Council Member
Gene Goss, Council Member
Kelly Kriebs, Council Member
Sue Spears, City Treasurer

These provisions are supported by the 2025 Fire Code & Wildland Urban Interface Code Findings (Exhibit A to Ordinance No. 1486), which document Sierra Madre’s elevated fire risk due to steep terrain, dry vegetation, and limited egress routes. Together, the adoption and amendments ensure regulatory consistency with state law while maintaining the City’s higher local standards for fire and life safety protection.

ENVIRONMENTAL (CEQA)
Pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, adoption of Ordinance No. 1486 is exempt from environmental review. The ordinance constitutes a regulatory update that establishes administrative and procedural standards for fire and building safety. It does not authorize or require any specific development or activity that may cause a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect impact on the physical environment. Therefore, it can be seen with certainty that the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the environment.

STRATETGIC PLAN CORRELATION
Adoption of the 2025 Fire Code and WUI Code directly supports several strategic priorities outlined in the City of Sierra Madre Strategic Plan 2025–2026, particularly under Goal 2: Public Safety and Goal 3: Infrastructure & Growth Management x Objective 2.1 – Sustaining Sierra Madre’s Fire Services: Enhances the City’s readiness and resiliency through code-based prevention and community risk reduction, supporting projects such as pre-fire planning, home-hardening, and Firewise/Wildfire Interface initiatives.
x Objective 2.3 – Environmental Management & Code Enforcement: Advances riskreduction strategies that promote defensible space and sustainable construction practices in the WUI.
x Objective 3.3 – Municipal Facilities Modernization & Resilience: Reinforces lifesafety standards for critical public infrastructure and ensures that all facilities meet contemporary fire and seismic safety requirements.

By adopting these codes, Sierra Madre continues to advance its commitment to exceptional public services that enhance quality of life, honor community character, and maintain fiscal and environmental sustainability—as stated in the City’s Mission Statement.

FISCAL IMPACT
Publication and noticing costs related to the ordinance are routine and have been budgeted within the City Clerk’s operating expenses. No new positions, capital improvements, or equipment purchases are required to implement the updated fire and building code standards.

Adoption of Ordinance No. 1486 amending the Sierra Madre Municipal Code to incorporate the 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code will have minimal direct fiscal impact on the City’s operating budget. Implementation will primarily involve staff time associated with training, interdepartmental coordination, and public outreach, which will be absorbed within existing appropriations for the Fire Department and Planning & Community Preservation Department in Fiscal Year 2025–2026.

PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
Pursuant to Government Code Sections 6066 and 50022.3, notice of the public hearing for the first reading of Ordinance No. 1486 was published in the Mountain Views News on October 18, 2025. The corrected notice clarified the reference to the 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code, superseding an earlier notice that inadvertently referenced the International Fire Code. Copies of the proposed ordinance and supporting findings were made available for public review on the City’s website prior to the hearing, in accordance with the Sierra Madre Municipal Code and the City’s standard noticing procedures.

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Ordinance No. 1486
Attachment 2: October 14, 2025 Agenda Report re: Ordinance No. 1486

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ORDINANCE NO. 1486

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE
AMENDING CHAPTER 15.24 (FIRE CODE) AND
ADDING CHAPTER 15.25 (CALIFORNIA WILDLAND
URBAN INTERFACE CODE) OF TITLE 15 (BUILDINGS

AND CONSTRUCTION) OF THE SIERRA MADRE

MUNICIPAL CODE

THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE, CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Municipal Code Amendment. Section 15.24.010 of Chapter 15.24 (Fire Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

SECTION 15.24.010 Adoption of the California Fire Code
There is hereby adopted by the City Council of the City of Sierra Madre for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion, that certain Code known as the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code based on the 2024 Edition of the International Fire Code published by the International Code Council except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended by Section 15.24.070 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code and portions of the International Fire Code. From the date on which this ordinance shall take effect, the provisions of the 2025 California Fire Code shall be controlling within the limits of the City of Sierra Madre.

SECTION 2. Municipal Code Amendment. Section 15.24.020 of Chapter 15.24 (Fire Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

SECTION 15.24.020 - Establishment and duties of the bureau of fire prevention.

The California Fire Code shall be enforced by the bureau of fire prevention in the fire department of the city which is established and which shall be operated under the supervision of the chief of the fire department.

SECTION 3. Municipal Code Amendment. Section 15.24.070 of Chapter 15.24 (Fire Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

SECTION 15.24.070 Amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code A. Section 101.1 is amended to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Sierra Madre, hereinafter referred to as “this code”.

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B. Section 113.4 is amended to read as follows:
113.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punishable by administrative, civil, or criminal action. An administrative, civil, or criminal action may be brought concurrently with any other process regarding the same violation. Each day such violation is committed or permitted is to constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as such.

C. Section 114.4 is amended to read as follows:
114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punishable by administrative, civil, or criminal action. An administrative, civil, or criminal action may be brought concurrently with any other process regarding the same violation. Each day such violation is committed or permitted is to constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as such.

D. Section 307.4.2 is amended to read as follows:
307.4.2 Recreational fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (760mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated.

Discontinuance. The fire code official or his representative is authorized to require that recreational fires be immediately discontinued if such fires are determined by the chief to constitute a hazardous condition or if atmospheric conditions reach critical levels as specified in the policies and procedures of the fire prevention bureau.

E. Section 503.2.1 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), except for approved security gates in accordance with section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4115mm).

When fire hydrants are required, fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 26 feet (4114 mm) within a linear distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) each side of the hydrant.

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F. Section 903.2.1.1 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-1 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

G. Section 903.2.1.2 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-2 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

H. Section 903.2.1.3 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-3 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

I. Section 903.2.1.4 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-4 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

J. Section 903.2.1.5 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.1.5 Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-5 occupancies in the following areas: concession stands, retail areas, press boxes, and other accessory use areas in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

K. Section 903.2.2 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:

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903.2.2 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group B occupancy in accordance with Code section

15.24.120.

L. Section 903.2.3 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group E occupancy in accordance with Code section

15.24.120. (exception: For public school state-funded construction projects see Section 903.2.19)
M. Section 903.2.4 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.4 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy in accordance with Code section

15.24.120.

N. Section 903.2.5 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.5 Group H. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in high-hazard occupancies as required in Sections 903.2.5.1 through 903.2.5.3.

903.2.5.1 General, An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group H occupancies. in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

O. Section 903.2.6 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

P. Section 903.2.7 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire

411714.3
Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy in accordance with Code section

15.24.120.

Q. Section 903.2.8 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area and in accordance with Code section 15.24.110.

R. Section 903.2.9 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

S. Section 903.2.9.1 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Code section

15.24.120.

T. Section 903.2.9.2 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.9.2 Bulk storage of tires. Buildings and structures with an area for the storage of tires shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

U. Section 903.2.10 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:

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903.2.10 Group S-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as enclosed parking garages in accordance with Section 406.6 of the California Building Code or where located beneath other groups.

V. Section 903.2.10.1 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.10.1 Commercial parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial motor vehicles in accordance with Code section 15.24.120
W. APPENDIX D-Fire Apparatus Access Roads is adopted and amended to read as follows due to local topographical conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:

D103.1 Access road width with a fire hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on a fire apparatus access road, the minimum road width shall be 26 feet (7925 mm), within a linear distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) each side of the hydrant, exclusive of shoulders.

SECTION 4. Municipal Code Amendment. Section 15.24.090 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

The sale possession or discharge of all fireworks is prohibited within the city. The provisions of this section will not apply to public displays of fireworks conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic engineer.

SECTION 5. Municipal Code Amendment. Section 15.24.110 of Chapter 15.24 (Fire Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

15.24.110 - Automatic life safety support sprinkler system.

An approved automatic life safety support sprinkler system shall be installed in all occupancies and locations as set forth in this section and shall meet all designated National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code requirements, or Section R309 of the California Residential Code as adopted by the State of California and the policies and procedures of the Sierra Madre Fire Prevention Bureau as currently specified and amended by the Sierra Madre Municipal Code:

A. All newly constructed residential occupancies shall install an automatic life safety support sprinkler system as an integral aspect of their new construction.

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B. All residential occupancies being renovated over seventy percent of their existing square footage in a twelve-month period shall install a life safety support sprinkler system throughout the entire occupancy.

C. All residential occupancies where an addition of fifty percent or more of the existing square footage is being accomplished in a twelve-month period shall install a life safety support sprinkler system throughout the entire occupancy.

SECTION 6. Municipal Code Amendment. Section 15.24.120 of Chapter 15.24 (Fire Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

15.24.120 - Automatic fire extinguishing systems.

An automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be installed in the following occupancies:

A. In all new buildings within the City of Sierra Madre except group U.

B. All new Group U as classified in the International Fire Code, which are located within thirty five (35) feet of any exposure.

C. All buildings classified as a Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, S when renovated over seventy five percent (75%) of their existing square footage.

D. All buildings classified as a Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, S when an addition of fifty percent of their existing square footage is being accomplished.

E. All Group R occupancies shall install an automatic life safety fire sprinkler system in accordance with Code Section 15.24.110.

SECTION 7. Municipal Code Amendment. Chapter 15.25 (California Wildland Urban Interface Code) is added to Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code to read as follows:

CHAPTER 15.25 – CALIFORNIA WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE CODE SECTION 15.25.010 Adoption of the California Wildland Urban Interface Code There is hereby adopted by the City Council of the City of Sierra Madre for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from wildfire or conflagration, that certain Code known as the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland Urban Interface Code based on the 2024 Edition of the International Wildland Urban Interface Code published by the International Code Council, from the date on which this ordinance shall take effect, the provisions of the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code shall be controlling within the limits of the City of Sierra Madre.

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SECTION 8. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances. All existing ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance or the California Fire Code adopted are hereby repealed.

SECTION 9. References in Documents and Continuing Legal Effect. References to prior versions of the California Fire Code, or of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code that are amended or renumbered in this Municipal Code, that are cited on notices issued by the City or other documents of ongoing or continuing legal effect, including resolutions adopting or imposing fees or charges, until converted, are deemed to be references to the new counterpart 2025 Fire Code, 2025 Wildland Urban Interface Code, or amended Municipal Code sections for the purposes of notice and enforcement. The provisions adopted hereby shall not in any manner affect deposits, established fees or other matters of record which refer to, or are otherwise connected with, ordinances which are specifically designated by number, code section or otherwise, but such references shall be deemed to apply to the corresponding provisions set forth in the code sections adopted or amended hereby.

SECTION 10. Continuity. To the extent the provisions of this Ordinance are substantially the same as previous provisions of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code, these provisions shall be construed as continuations of those provisions and not as amendments of the earlier provisions.

SECTION 11. No Effect on Enforceability. The repeal of any sections of the Municipal Code, shall not affect or impair any act done, or right vested or approved, or any proceeding, suit or prosecution had or commenced in any cause before such repeal shall take effect; but every such act, vested right, proceeding, suit, or prosecution shall remain in full force and effect for all purposes as if the applicable provisions of the Municipal Code, or part thereof, had remained in force and effect.

No offense committed and no liability, penalty, or forfeiture, either civil or criminal, incurred prior to the repeal or alteration of any applicable provision of the 2022 Code as amended, shall be discharged or affected by such repeal or alteration but prosecutions and suits for such offenses, liabilities, penalties or forfeitures shall be instituted and proceed in all respects as if the applicable provisions of the 2022 Code, as amended, had not been repealed or altered.

SECTION 12. Supplementary of Existing Law. The City Council intends this Ordinance to supplement, not to duplicate or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this Ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent.

SECTION 13. Modifications to California Fire Code. All inconsistencies between the Municipal Fire Code, as adopted by this ordinance, and Parts 7 & 9 of Title 24 the California Code of Regulations are changes, modifications, amendments, additions or deletions thereto authorized by California Health and Safety Code Sections 17858 and 17858.7.

SECTION 14. Findings. The City Council hereby adopts the findings attached hereto as Exhibit A by this reference fully incorporated herein. These modifications to the 2025 California Fire Code, incorporating the 2024 International Fire Codes are

411714.3
reasonably necessary due to the local climatic, geological, and topographical reasons set forth in Exhibit A.

SECTION 15. Severability. Should any section, subsection, clause, or provision of this Ordinance for any reason be held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this Ordinance; it being hereby expressly declared that this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase hereof would have been prepared, proposed, approved, and ratified irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 16. Effective Date. Pursuant to Government Code Section 36937, this Ordinance shall take effect thirty days after its adoption, or January 1, 2026, whichever is later.

SECTION 17. Records. Pursuant to Government Code Section 40801, proof of certification and publication shall be entered in the book of Ordinances of the City Council.

SECTION 18. CEQA. This Ordinance has been determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State Guidelines §15061 (b) (3) as a project that has no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.

SECTION 19. Certification. Pursuant to Government Code Section 36932, the City Clerk shall certify the passage, approval, and adoption of this Ordinance by the City Council.

SECTION 20. Filing with State. The City Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED, this 28th day of October, 2025 ___________________________
Robert Parkhurst, Mayor

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was introduced by first reading on the 14th day of October, 2025, and duly adopted at a regular meeting held on the 28th day of October 2025, by the City Council of the City of Sierra Madre, California, by the following vote:

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AYES:

NOES
ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
___________________________
Laura Aguilar, City

City of Sierra Madre

AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Parkhurst and Members of the City Council FROM: Brent Bartlett, Fire Chief
REVIEWED BY: Michael Bruckner, City Manager
DATE: October 14, 2025
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. 1486 RELATING TO THE ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS TO THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
AND THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE UPDATES

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 1486 amending various sections of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code (SMMC) pursuant to the 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code amendments.

ALTERNATIVES

1. Introduce Ordinance No. 1486 for first reading by title only.

2. Direct staff to revise Ordinance No. 1486 and conduct first reading as amended by title only.

SUMMARY
On January 1, 2026, the state of California will be adopting a new fire code.

Subsequently, the City of Sierra Madre is required to adopt and enforce the same code with local amendments. Currently, the City is enforcing the 2022 California Fire Code with local amendments. There are no proposed new local amendments to the California Fire Code.

The state has also adopted a new code, known as Title 24, Part 7 California Wildland Urban Interface Code, through the California Building Standards Commission. There are no new state or local amendments in the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code, as this new statewide code is merely a reorganization and consolidation of existing statutes, codes, and standards into a single document for ease of use by the authority having jurisdiction, as well as property owners or developers.

Ordinance No. 1486 amends Title 15.24 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code relating to Robert Parkhurst, Mayor
Kristine Lowe, Mayor Pro Tem
Edward Garcia, Council Member
Gene Goss, Council Member
Kelly Kriebs, Council Member
Sue Spears, City Treasurer
ATTACHMENT 2

the adoption and amendment of the 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code to meet with State requirements. Additionally, this Ordinance continues all previous amendments from 2022 with no additional changes.

ANALYSIS
Ordinance No. 1486 amends Title15.24 as follows:

Section 1. Section 15.24.010 is amended to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code.

Section 2. Section 15.24.020 is amended to replace the words “International Fire Code” with “California Fire Code”
Section 3. Section 15.24.070 Amendments to the California Fire Code.

Section 101.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to identify “this code” as the Sierra Madre Fire Code.

Section 113.4 identifies fire code violations and penalties as misdemeanors, and may be punishable by administrative, civil, or criminal action.

Section 114.4 identifies failure to comply penalties as misdemeanors, and may be punishable by administrative, civil, or criminal action.

Section 307.4.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to allow the Fire Code Official to order recreational fires to be discontinued if such fires constitute a hazardous condition or if atmospheric conditions reach critical levels.

Section 503.2.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to require new fire access roads to have a minimum width of 26 feet within 25 feet of each side of a fire hydrant. This requirement will prevent the problem of an access road being blocked when a fire engine is utilizing a fire hydrant.

Sections 903.2.1.1, 903.2.1.2, 903.2.1.3, 903.2.1.4, 903.2.1.5, 903.2.2, 903.2.3, 903.2.4, 903.2.5, 903.2.6, 903.2.7, 903.2.8, 903.2.9, 903.2.9.1, 903.2.9.2, 903.2.10 and 903.2.10.1 of the fire code are amended in order to maintain the current fire sprinkler requirements as set forth in Section 15.24.120 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.

APPENDIX D-Fire Apparatus Access Roads is adopted and amended to continue to require new fire access roads to have a minimum width of 26 feet within 25 feet of each side of a fire hydrant. This requirement will help prevent the problem of an access road being blocked when a fire engine is utilizing a fire hydrant.

Section 4. Section 15.24.110 is amended to include additional design options for residential fire sprinklers by adding “Section R309 of the California Residential Code”, and continue existing requirements for residential buildings being renovated based on

square footage percentages.

Section 5. Section 15.24.120 is amended to continue to require automatic fire sprinklers in buildings being renovated based on square footage percentages.

Section 6. Section 15.25.010 is established to adopt the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code as published with no amendments.

Sections 7-19. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances and other legal Code Adoption language.

ENVIRONMENTAL (CEQA)
The proposed action does not constitute as a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), based on Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, as it can be determined with certainty that it will have no impact on the environment.

STRATEGIC PLAN CORRELATION
Ordinance No. 1486 and enforcement of the 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code is aligned with Goal 2: Public Safety.

PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed though the regular agenda notification process. Notice of the hearing was published consistent with the requirements of Government Code Sections 65090 and 50022.2, including publication of a summary notice of public hearing in the local adjudicated newspaper. Copies of this report can be accessed on the City’s website at sierramadreca.gov.

FINANCIAL REVIEW/SOURCE OF FUNDING
There is no impact to the General Fund. The adoption of Ordinance No. 1486 to enforce the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code, along with local amendments, will not result in any direct fiscal impact to the City of Sierra Madre. The ordinance involves the continuation of the current code enforcement practices and does not introduce any new local amendments or operational costs. Staff time has already been incurred in preparing the report and draft ordinance; however, no additional funds or expenditures are required for implementation beyond normal administrative duties. Therefore, the proposed action is considered fiscally neutral for the City.

Attachments
Attachment 1: City Council Ordinance No. 1486 - 2025 Fire Code & California Wildland Urban Interface Code Adoption
Exhibit A: Sierra Madre Fire Department 2025 Fire Code & California Wildland Urban Interface Code Findings
>2PLWWHGIRUWKH2FWREHU$JHQGD5HSRUW@
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ORDINANCE NO. 1486

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE
AMENDING CHAPTER 15.24 (FIRE CODE) AND
ADDING CHAPTER 15.25 (CALIFORNIA WILDLAND
URBAN INTERFACE CODE) OF TITLE 15 (BUILDINGS

AND CONSTRUCTION) OF THE SIERRA MADRE

MUNICIPAL CODE

THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE, CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Municipal Code Amendment. Section 15.24.010 of Chapter 15.24 (Fire Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

SECTION 15.24.010 Adoption of the California Fire Code
There is hereby adopted by the City Council of the City of Sierra Madre for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion, that certain Code known as the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code based on the 2024 Edition of the International Fire Code published by the International Code Council except such portions as are hereinafter deleted, modified or amended by Section 15.24.070 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code and portions of the International Fire Code. From the date on which this ordinance shall take effect, the provisions of the 2025 California Fire Code shall be controlling within the limits of the City of Sierra Madre.

SECTION 2. Municipal Code Amendment. Section 15.24.020 of Chapter 15.24 (Fire Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

SECTION 15.24.020 - Establishment and duties of the bureau of fire prevention.

The California Fire Code shall be enforced by the bureau of fire prevention in the fire department of the city which is established and which shall be operated under the supervision of the chief of the fire department.

SECTION 3. Municipal Code Amendment. Section 15.24.070 of Chapter 15.24 (Fire Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

SECTION 15.24.070 Amendments to the 2025 California Fire Code A. Section 101.1 is amended to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Sierra Madre, hereinafter referred to as “this code”.
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B. Section 113.4 is amended to read as follows:
113.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punishable by administrative, civil, or criminal action. An administrative, civil, or criminal action may be brought concurrently with any other process regarding the same violation. Each day such violation is committed or permitted is to constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as such.

C. Section 114.4 is amended to read as follows:
114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punishable by administrative, civil, or criminal action. An administrative, civil, or criminal action may be brought concurrently with any other process regarding the same violation. Each day such violation is committed or permitted is to constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as such.

D. Section 307.4.2 is amended to read as follows:
307.4.2 Recreational fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (760mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated.

Discontinuance. The fire code official or his representative is authorized to require that recreational fires be immediately discontinued if such fires are determined by the chief to constitute a hazardous condition or if atmospheric conditions reach critical levels as specified in the policies and procedures of the fire prevention bureau.

E. Section 503.2.1 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), except for approved security gates in accordance with section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4115mm).

When fire hydrants are required, fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 26 feet (4114 mm) within a linear distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) each side of the hydrant.
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F. Section 903.2.1.1 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-1 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

G. Section 903.2.1.2 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.1.2 Group A-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-2 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

H. Section 903.2.1.3 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-3 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

I. Section 903.2.1.4 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-4 occupancies in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

J. Section 903.2.1.5 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.1.5 Group A-5. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-5 occupancies in the following areas: concession stands, retail areas, press boxes, and other accessory use areas in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

K. Section 903.2.2 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
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903.2.2 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group B occupancy in accordance with Code section

15.24.120.

L. Section 903.2.3 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group E occupancy in accordance with Code section

15.24.120. (exception: For public school state-funded construction projects see Section 903.2.19)
M. Section 903.2.4 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.4 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy in accordance with Code section

15.24.120.

N. Section 903.2.5 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.5 Group H. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in high-hazard occupancies as required in Sections 903.2.5.1 through 903.2.5.3. 903.2.5.1 General, An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group H occupancies. in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

O. Section 903.2.6 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with a Group I in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

P. Section 903.2.7 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire 411714.3
Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings containing a Group M occupancy in accordance with Code section

15.24.120.

Q. Section 903.2.8 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area and in accordance with Code section 15.24.110.

R. Section 903.2.9 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group S-1 in accordance with Code section 15.24.120.

S. Section 903.2.9.1 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Code section

15.24.120.

T. Section 903.2.9.2 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.9.2 Bulk storage of tires. Buildings and structures with an area for the storage of tires shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

U. Section 903.2.10 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
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903.2.10 Group S-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings classified as enclosed parking garages in accordance with Section 406.6 of the California Building Code or where located beneath other groups.

V. Section 903.2.10.1 is amended to read as follows due to local topographical, geological and climatic conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:
903.2.10.1 Commercial parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings used for storage of commercial motor vehicles in accordance with Code section 15.24.120
W. APPENDIX D-Fire Apparatus Access Roads is adopted and amended to read as follows due to local topographical conditions as identified in the 2025 Fire Code Findings of Fact as filed with the California Building Standards Commission:

D103.1 Access road width with a fire hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on a fire apparatus access road, the minimum road width shall be 26 feet (7925 mm), within a linear distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) each side of the hydrant, exclusive of shoulders.

SECTION 4. Municipal Code Amendment. Section 15.24.090 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

The sale possession or discharge of all fireworks is prohibited within the city. The provisions of this section will not apply to public displays of fireworks conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic engineer.

SECTION 5. Municipal Code Amendment. Section 15.24.110 of Chapter 15.24 (Fire Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

15.24.110 - Automatic life safety support sprinkler system.

An approved automatic life safety support sprinkler system shall be installed in all occupancies and locations as set forth in this section and shall meet all designated National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code requirements, or Section R309 of the California Residential Code as adopted by the State of California and the policies and procedures of the Sierra Madre Fire Prevention Bureau as currently specified and amended by the Sierra Madre Municipal Code:

A. All newly constructed residential occupancies shall install an automatic life safety support sprinkler system as an integral aspect of their new construction. 411714.3
B. All residential occupancies being renovated over seventy percent of their existing square footage in a twelve-month period shall install a life safety support sprinkler system throughout the entire occupancy.

C. All residential occupancies where an addition of fifty percent or more of the existing square footage is being accomplished in a twelve-month period shall install a life safety support sprinkler system throughout the entire occupancy.

SECTION 6. Municipal Code Amendment. Section 15.24.120 of Chapter 15.24 (Fire Code) of Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

15.24.120 - Automatic fire extinguishing systems.

An automatic fire sprinkler systems shall be installed in the following occupancies:

A. In all new buildings within the City of Sierra Madre except group U.

B. All new Group U as classified in the International Fire Code, which are located within thirty five (35) feet of any exposure.

C. All buildings classified as a Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, S when renovated over seventy five percent (75%) of their existing square footage.

D. All buildings classified as a Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, S when an addition of fifty percent of their existing square footage is being accomplished.

E. All Group R occupancies shall install an automatic life safety fire sprinkler system in accordance with Code Section 15.24.110.

SECTION 7. Municipal Code Amendment. Chapter 15.25 (California Wildland Urban Interface Code) is added to Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code to read as follows:

CHAPTER 15.25 – CALIFORNIA WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE CODE SECTION 15.25.010 Adoption of the California Wildland Urban Interface Code There is hereby adopted by the City Council of the City of Sierra Madre for the purpose of prescribing regulations governing conditions hazardous to life and property from wildfire or conflagration, that certain Code known as the 2025 Edition of the California Wildland Urban Interface Code based on the 2024 Edition of the International Wildland Urban Interface Code published by the International Code Council, from the date on which this ordinance shall take effect, the provisions of the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code shall be controlling within the limits of the City of Sierra Madre.
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SECTION 8. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances. All existing ordinances or parts thereof conflicting or inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance or the California Fire Code adopted are hereby repealed.

SECTION 9. References in Documents and Continuing Legal Effect. References to prior versions of the California Fire Code, or of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code that are amended or renumbered in this Municipal Code, that are cited on notices issued by the City or other documents of ongoing or continuing legal effect, including resolutions adopting or imposing fees or charges, until converted, are deemed to be references to the new counterpart 2025 Fire Code, 2025 Wildland Urban Interface Code, or amended Municipal Code sections for the purposes of notice and enforcement. The provisions adopted hereby shall not in any manner affect deposits, established fees or other matters of record which refer to, or are otherwise connected with, ordinances which are specifically designated by number, code section or otherwise, but such references shall be deemed to apply to the corresponding provisions set forth in the code sections adopted or amended hereby.

SECTION 10. Continuity. To the extent the provisions of this Ordinance are substantially the same as previous provisions of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code, these provisions shall be construed as continuations of those provisions and not as amendments of the earlier provisions.

SECTION 11. No Effect on Enforceability. The repeal of any sections of the Municipal Code, shall not affect or impair any act done, or right vested or approved, or any proceeding, suit or prosecution had or commenced in any cause before such repeal shall take effect; but every such act, vested right, proceeding, suit, or prosecution shall remain in full force and effect for all purposes as if the applicable provisions of the Municipal Code, or part thereof, had remained in force and effect.

No offense committed and no liability, penalty, or forfeiture, either civil or criminal, incurred prior to the repeal or alteration of any applicable provision of the 2022 Code as amended, shall be discharged or affected by such repeal or alteration but prosecutions and suits for such offenses, liabilities, penalties or forfeitures shall be instituted and proceed in all respects as if the applicable provisions of the 2022 Code, as amended, had not been repealed or altered.

SECTION 12. Supplementary of Existing Law. The City Council intends this Ordinance to supplement, not to duplicate or contradict, applicable state and federal law and this Ordinance shall be construed in light of that intent.

SECTION 13. Modifications to California Fire Code. All inconsistencies between the Municipal Fire Code, as adopted by this ordinance, and Parts 7 & 9 of Title 24 the California Code of Regulations are changes, modifications, amendments, additions or deletions thereto authorized by California Health and Safety Code Sections 17858 and 17858.7.

SECTION 14. Findings. The City Council hereby adopts the findings attached hereto as Exhibit A by this reference fully incorporated herein. These modifications to the 2025 California Fire Code, incorporating the 2024 International Fire Codes are 411714.3
reasonably necessary due to the local climatic, geological, and topographical reasons set forth in Exhibit A.

SECTION 15. Severability. Should any section, subsection, clause, or provision of this Ordinance for any reason be held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this Ordinance; it being hereby expressly declared that this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase hereof would have been prepared, proposed, approved, and ratified irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 16. Effective Date. Pursuant to Government Code Section 36937, this Ordinance shall take effect thirty days after its adoption, or January 1, 2026, whichever is later.

SECTION 17. Records. Pursuant to Government Code Section 40801, proof of certification and publication shall be entered in the book of Ordinances of the City Council.

SECTION 18. CEQA. This Ordinance has been determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to State Guidelines §15061 (b) (3) as a project that has no potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.

SECTION 19. Certification. Pursuant to Government Code Section 36932, the City Clerk shall certify the passage, approval, and adoption of this Ordinance by the City Council.

SECTION 20. Filing with State. The City Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Ordinance with the California Building Standards Commission.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED, this 28th day of October, 2025 ___________________________
Robert Parkhurst, Mayor
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was introduced by first reading on the 14th day of October, 2025, and duly adopted at a regular meeting held on the 28th day of October 2025, by the City Council of the City of Sierra Madre, California, by the following vote:
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AYES:

NOES
ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
___________________________
Laura Aguilar, City

City of Sierra Madre

AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Parkhurst and Members of the City Council FROM: Brent Bartlett, Fire Chief
REVIEWED BY: Michael Bruckner, City Manager
DATE: October 14, 2025
SUBJECT: ORDINANCE NO. 1486 RELATING TO THE ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS TO THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE
AND THE 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE UPDATES

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council introduce for first reading Ordinance No. 1486 amending various sections of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code (SMMC) pursuant to the 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code amendments.

ALTERNATIVES

1. Introduce Ordinance No. 1486 for first reading by title only.

2. Direct staff to revise Ordinance No. 1486 and conduct first reading as amended by title only.

SUMMARY
On January 1, 2026, the state of California will be adopting a new fire code.

Subsequently, the City of Sierra Madre is required to adopt and enforce the same code with local amendments. Currently, the City is enforcing the 2022 California Fire Code with local amendments. There are no proposed new local amendments to the California Fire Code.

The state has also adopted a new code, known as Title 24, Part 7 California Wildland Urban Interface Code, through the California Building Standards Commission. There are no new state or local amendments in the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code, as this new statewide code is merely a reorganization and consolidation of existing statutes, codes, and standards into a single document for ease of use by the authority having jurisdiction, as well as property owners or developers.

Ordinance No. 1486 amends Title 15.24 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code relating to Robert Parkhurst, Mayor
Kristine Lowe, Mayor Pro Tem
Edward Garcia, Council Member
Gene Goss, Council Member
Kelly Kriebs, Council Member
Sue Spears, City Treasurer
ATTACHMENT 2

the adoption and amendment of the 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code to meet with State requirements. Additionally, this Ordinance continues all previous amendments from 2022 with no additional changes.

ANALYSIS
Ordinance No. 1486 amends Title15.24 as follows:

Section 1. Section 15.24.010 is amended to adopt the 2025 California Fire Code.

Section 2. Section 15.24.020 is amended to replace the words “International Fire Code” with “California Fire Code”
Section 3. Section 15.24.070 Amendments to the California Fire Code.

Section 101.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to identify “this code” as the Sierra Madre Fire Code.

Section 113.4 identifies fire code violations and penalties as misdemeanors, and may be punishable by administrative, civil, or criminal action.

Section 114.4 identifies failure to comply penalties as misdemeanors, and may be punishable by administrative, civil, or criminal action.

Section 307.4.2 of the California Fire Code is amended to allow the Fire Code Official to order recreational fires to be discontinued if such fires constitute a hazardous condition or if atmospheric conditions reach critical levels.

Section 503.2.1 of the California Fire Code is amended to require new fire access roads to have a minimum width of 26 feet within 25 feet of each side of a fire hydrant. This requirement will prevent the problem of an access road being blocked when a fire engine is utilizing a fire hydrant.

Sections 903.2.1.1, 903.2.1.2, 903.2.1.3, 903.2.1.4, 903.2.1.5, 903.2.2, 903.2.3, 903.2.4, 903.2.5, 903.2.6, 903.2.7, 903.2.8, 903.2.9, 903.2.9.1, 903.2.9.2, 903.2.10 and 903.2.10.1 of the fire code are amended in order to maintain the current fire sprinkler requirements as set forth in Section 15.24.120 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.

APPENDIX D-Fire Apparatus Access Roads is adopted and amended to continue to require new fire access roads to have a minimum width of 26 feet within 25 feet of each side of a fire hydrant. This requirement will help prevent the problem of an access road being blocked when a fire engine is utilizing a fire hydrant.

Section 4. Section 15.24.110 is amended to include additional design options for residential fire sprinklers by adding “Section R309 of the California Residential Code”, and continue existing requirements for residential buildings being renovated based on

square footage percentages.

Section 5. Section 15.24.120 is amended to continue to require automatic fire sprinklers in buildings being renovated based on square footage percentages.

Section 6. Section 15.25.010 is established to adopt the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code as published with no amendments.

Sections 7-19. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances and other legal Code Adoption language.

ENVIRONMENTAL (CEQA)
The proposed action does not constitute as a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), based on Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, as it can be determined with certainty that it will have no impact on the environment.

STRATEGIC PLAN CORRELATION
Ordinance No. 1486 and enforcement of the 2025 California Fire Code and 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code is aligned with Goal 2: Public Safety.

PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed though the regular agenda notification process. Notice of the hearing was published consistent with the requirements of Government Code Sections 65090 and 50022.2, including publication of a summary notice of public hearing in the local adjudicated newspaper. Copies of this report can be accessed on the City’s website at sierramadreca.gov.

FINANCIAL REVIEW/SOURCE OF FUNDING
There is no impact to the General Fund. The adoption of Ordinance No. 1486 to enforce the 2025 California Fire Code and the 2025 California Wildland Urban Interface Code, along with local amendments, will not result in any direct fiscal impact to the City of Sierra Madre. The ordinance involves the continuation of the current code enforcement practices and does not introduce any new local amendments or operational costs. Staff time has already been incurred in preparing the report and draft ordinance; however, no additional funds or expenditures are required for implementation beyond normal administrative duties. Therefore, the proposed action is considered fiscally neutral for the City.

Attachments
Attachment 1: City Council Ordinance No. 1486 - 2025 Fire Code & California Wildland Urban Interface Code Adoption
Exhibit A: Sierra Madre Fire Department 2025 Fire Code & California Wildland Urban Interface Code Findings
>2PLWWHGIRUWKH2FWREHU$JHQGD5HSRUW@
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Katelyn Huang, Assistant Planner
Aleks Giragosian, City Attorney
REVIEWED BY: Michael Bruckner, City Manager
Clare Lin, Director of Planning & Community Preservation Joshua Wolf, Senior Planner
Julia Homaechevarria, Deputy City Attorney
DATE: October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 1488 AMENDING
CHAPTER 17.72 (SIGNS) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE SIERRA

MADRE MUNICIPAL CODE

RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended the City Council conduct its first reading of Ordinance No. 1488 amending Chapter 17.72 (Signs) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.

ALTERNATIVES
The City Council may:

1. Adopt Ordinance No. 1488 amending Chapter 17.72 (Signs) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code; or

2. Adopt with modifications Ordinance No. 1488; or

3. Continue consideration of Ordinance No. 1488; or

4. Reject consideration of Ordinance No. 1488.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Sierra Madre Municipal Code (“SMMC”) Chapter 17.72 regulates the placement and design of signs on public and private property within the City. Chapter 17.72 was adopted in 2003 (Ordinance No. 1205) and has not been updated since its adoption. It is recommended that the City Council conduct the first reading of Ordinance No. 1488, amending Chapter 17.72 (Signs) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.

City of Sierra Madre

AGENDA REPORT
Robert Parkhurst, Mayor
Kristine Lowe, Mayor Pro Tem
Edward Garcia, Council Member
Gene Goss, Council Member
Kelly Kriebs, Council Member
Sue Spears, City Treasurer

BACKGROUND
On December 10, 2024, Mayor Pro Tem Lowe requested to agendize a discussion of political and election related signs in the public parkway. On February 11, 2025, the City Council considered the regulation of signs under Chapter 17.72. During the discussion, there was some uncertainty regarding what constitutes the “public parkway”, as that term is not defined under Chapter 17.72. Additionally, the City Attorney raised a concern regarding the potential unconstitutionality of specifically limiting the installation of political and election related signs.

According to the February 11, 2025, meeting minutes, the City Council directed staff to clarify the following:
x Who maintains the parkways and why?
x The homeowner’s right to use the parkway.
x Signs in general.
x Are there state and county restrictions that apply to the City? x For election signs, are there time restrictions?”
At the September 9, 2025, City Council meeting, the City Council requested the Planning Commission recommend amendments to SMMC Chapter 17.72 (Signs) to address the issues relating to Regulation of Signs in Right-of-Ways and Regulation of Election and Political Signs.

Lastly, the City Council requested the Planning Commission consider whether to regulate the number of signs on private property and, if appropriate, how many.

On September 18, 2025, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the draft ordinance with the proposed amendments:
x Definitions for “Parkway” and “Right-of-way”.
x Prohibition on signs located on public property or right-of-way unless specifically authorized and non-public-facing signs.
x Remove regulations for election and political signs that impose content-based restrictions.
x Temporary signs in Residential Zones.

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the Municipal Code Text Amendment (MCTA 25-03), pursuant to Planning Commission Resolution No. 25-13 (Attachment B) with changes regarding separation requirements for temporary signs and the definition for “Right-of-way”.

ANALYSIS
The proposed amendments to Sierra Madre Municipal Code Chapter 17.72 (Signs) are intended to update and refine the City’s sign regulations to ensure consistency with constitutional requirements and provide greater clarity regarding sign placement. The existing ordinance, adopted in 2003, has never been amended since its adoption. The proposed amendments address these deficiencies by providing clear definitions for “Parkway” and “Rightof-way”, eliminating content-based regulations on speech, and consolidating residential signage standards to improve clarity, consistency, and enforceability.

Issue 1: Regulation of Signs in Right-of-Ways
There are a number of sections in Chapter 17.72 limiting the placement of signs in the right-of- way; however, it is not clear what constitutes a parkway and who may install or remove signs within the parkway.

SMMC 17.72.020 imposes a blanket prohibition on signs in the right-of-way, stating, “The following signs are inconsistent with the purposes and standards of this chapter and are therefore prohibited: … Signs on public property or right-of-way unless otherwise authorized within this chapter, and as provided in Section 17.20.020(J)(6) [garage sale signs] … All off-site signs … .” SMMC 17.72.030(K)(4) & (L)(3) state “Signs shall not be nailed to trees, fences, public utility poles and shall not be located in the public right-of-way.” Neither “Parkway” nor “Right-of-way” are defined terms in Chapter 17.72. SMMC 10.04.130 (related to vehicles and traffic) defines “Parkway” to mean, “That portion of the street other than a traveled roadway.” SMMC 5.32.200 (related to cable television systems) defines “Public rightof-ways” to mean, “any of the following that are controlled, used or dedicated for use by the public and located within the city’s jurisdictional limits: streets, roadways, highways, avenues, lanes, alleys, sidewalks, rights-of-way and similar public property within which grantee may place its facilities for operating a cable system.” SMMC 12.16.010 defines “Streets” to mean, “Public streets and public parkways, including the public sidewalks.” The definitions are scattered throughout different parts of the Code and inconsistent.

Property owners are generally responsible for maintaining the public parkway owned by the City. SMMC 10.08.210 imposes an obligation on adjacent property owners to maintain their hedges, shrubbery, and trees in parkways. SMMC 16.32.150 mandates the subdivider of a parcel to plant trees in parkways. But it is not clear whether the maintenance obligations under the different code sections cited applies to signs not installed by the property owner.

Issue 2: Regulation of Election and Political Signs
SMMC 17.72.030(K) regulates election signs and SMMC 17.72.030(L) regulates political signs.

These regulations were adopted in 2003, but the case law has evolved, especially following the seminal U.S. Supreme Court case of Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) 576 U.S. 155.

Under the First Amendment, restrictions on speech that are content-based — meaning regulations of speech based on the subject matter or the message expressed — are presumptively unconstitutional and subject to strict scrutiny, justified only if they are narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest. (R.A.V. v. St. Paul (1992) 505 U.S. 377, 395; Simon & Schuster, Inc. v. Members of N.Y. State Crime Victims Bd. (1991) 502 U.S. 105, 115.) A municipal code that singles out “political signs” or “election signs” for regulation, are facially content-based because it imposes unique regulations based entirely on the communicative content of the sign. (Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015) 576 U.S. 155.) Such laws must withstand strict scrutiny—a standard that is rarely satisfied. Municipalities may regulate signs based on content-neutral considerations, such as size, location, materials of signs or for safety, but carving out political or election signs for disparate treatment impermissibly privileges or disadvantages speech based on its communicative content.

Courts have routinely struck ordinances that single out election or political signs, finding they cannot be justified as a mere exercise of aesthetics or traffic safety. (Clark v. City of Williamsburg, Kansas (2019) 388 F.Supp.3d 1346 [holding that city ordinance was not narrowly tailored to interests of aesthetics or traffic safety].)

Requirements that signs be summarily removed 10 days after an election have survived challenges (Baldwin v Redwood City (9th Cir 1976) 540 F2d 1360); however, courts have struck down limits on how far in advance an election sign may be posted, because such signage would be effectively banned other times of the year. (City of Antioch v. Candidates' Outdoor Graphic serv. (ND Cal 1982) 557 F. Supp 52, 60.) Further, removal deposits and permit systems have been deemed unnecessarily burdensome and arbitrary in light of the interests such regulations may properly serve. (Baldwin v Redwood City (9th Cir 1976) 540 F2d 1360, 1372.) Thus, the bond requirement imposed by SMMC 17.72.030 may also risk constitutional challenges.

Proposed Amendments:

Staff drafted Ordinance 1488 in response to the direction provided by the City Council and the Planning Commission:
x Adds definitions for “Parkway” and “Right-of way”;
x Deletes references to election signs and political signs; x Deletes SMMC 17.72.030(K)-(L) regarding regulations specific to election signs and political signs; and
x Amends SMMC 17.72.190 to incorporate regulations related to elections signs and political signs into the regulations for temporary signs.

In addition to the amendments directed by City Council, Planning staff took the opportunity to make the following amendments to the Code:
x Deleted SMMC 17.72.060 (Sign Regulations — R-E Overlay Zone) and incorporated those edits into SMMC 17.72.050 (Residential Zones — Special Conditions and Uses); and
x Amended various other sections to clarify the ordinance’s intent and to make nonsubstantive updates to zoning and section references.

SMMC Sections 17.72.040 through 17.72.060 provide regulation on signage within specific residential zones. The proposed amendments consolidate generalized regulations in residential zones (SMMC Section 17.72.040) and specific regulations in residential zones (SMMC Section

17.72.050) where existing regulation based on specific zones will be incorporated. Staff finds this change necessary to address the fact that the R-E Overlay Zone1 is no longer a zone
independent from other residential zones, but an overlay that applies alternative provisions to multiple types of residential zones based on its area designated in the zoning map.

STRATEGIC PLAN CORRELATION
Goal 3 – Infrastructure & Growth Management
Objective 3.2: Design Standards & Housing Readiness
x Initiative 3.2.2: Objective Design Standards and Soft-Story Retrofit Program (State Senate Bill SB 330 compliance)
x Project 3.2.2A: Establish Objective Design Standards (SB 330)

1 The R-E (Residential Entrepreneur) Overlay Zone applies to a specifically designated geographic area on the zoning map where underlying zoning include single- and multi-family zoning. Prior to July 21, 2021, this overlay zone was its own zoning designation independent from other residential zones called the R-P (Residential Professional) Zone. A Cleanup Ordinance in 2023 changed all references from “R-P Zone” to “R-E Overlay Zone”.

Goal 4 – Organizational Excellence
Objective 4.3: Public Transparency & Communication
x Initiative 4.3.1: Produce financial transparency reports, open-budget, and resident engagement
Correlation Summary: Ordinance No. 1488 directly supports the City’s Strategic Plan by enhancing organizational sustainability through long-range policy modernization and consistent code implementation. The update to Chapter 17.72 (Signs aligns zoning and design regulations with current legal standards and objective planning practices (Goal 3), and improves public transparency and understanding of municipal regulations (Goal 4). Collectively, these amendments advance the City’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, regulatory clarity, and open governance.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT (CEQA)
The amendments made by Ordinance No. 1488 to Chapter 17.72 (Signs) of Title 17 (Zoning) is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Title 14, Section 15378 of the California Code of Regulations and has no potential to result in direct or indirect physical change to the environment. Therefore, this ordinance is exempt from CEQA review, pursuant to Title 14, Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Code of Regulations.

FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impacts associated with this ordinance are limited to staff time expended in preparing the report and draft amendment, as well as the required noticing costs. One public hearing notice was published in the Mountain Views News in compliance with Government Code Sections 65854 and 65090. An additional notice will also be required to inform the public of the ordinance’s effective date.

PUBLIC NOTICE
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process. Copies of this report can be accessed on the City’s website at SierraMadreCA.gov.

Government Code section 65090 requires that notice of a first reading of an ordinance be circulated in at least one newspaper of general circulation at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing. Notice of the public hearing introducing the ordinance was circulated in the October 18, 2025, edition of the Mountain Views News. Upon the passage of Ordinance No. 1488, a summary notice shall be published consistent with Government Code Section 36933(c)(1).

ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Ordinance No. 1488
Attachment B: Planning Commission Resolution 25-13
Attachment C: Chapter 17.72 (Signs) – redline
Attachment D: Chapter 17.72 (Signs) – clean

ATTACHMENT A
ORDINANCE NO. 1488

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIERRA

MADRE, CALIFORNIA APPROVING A MUNICIPAL CODE TEXT
AMENDMENT (MCTA 25-03) AND RECOMMENDING THE CITY
COUNCIL ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 17.72
(“SIGNS”) OF TITLE 17 (“ZONING”) OF THE SIERRA MADRE

MUNICIPAL CODE

RECITALS
WHEREAS, Sierra Madre Municipal Code (“SMMC”) Chapter 17.72 (Signs) seeks to balance residents’ freedom of expression with aesthetic concerns by introducing content-neutral sign regulations;
WHEREAS, the City desires to amend Chapter 17.72 to clarify terms and remove content-based restrictions;
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 18, 2025, to consider recommending approval of amendments to Chapter 17.72.

THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Recitals. The Recitals above are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. Amendment. Section 17.72.010 (“Definitions”) of Chapter 17.72 (“Signs”) of Title 17 (“Zoning”) is amended with additions denoted by underlined text and deletions denoted by struck through text.

17.72.010 – Definitions.

Unless it is apparent from the context that another meaning is intended, the following words when used herein shall have the meaning attached to them by this section. "Abandoned sign" means any sign or sign structure is considered abandoned if for a period of ninety consecutive days or more, there is no sign copy appearing on the sign, or if the establishment to which the sign is attached has ceased operation and where the sign has been forsaken or deserted.
"Alteration" means a change of sign text, sign face, color, size, shape, illumination, position, location, construction, or supporting structure of any sign. "Animated sign" means any sign or part thereof that uses movement, lighting or special materials to depict action or create a special effect to imitate movement. "Area of sign" means the surface space within a single continuous perimeter containing the sign message together with any frame, material or color forming an integral part of the display, but excluding support structures and incidental parts not drawing attention to the subject matter. The area of a sphere or other irregular shaped sign shall be measured by its projection or sight area.
"Awning" means any permanent or temporary structure attached to and wholly supported by a building and installed over or in front of openings or windows and "Directional sign" means an on-site sign designed and erected solely for the purpose of directing vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic safely within a project, pursuant to Section

17.72.130 herein.
"Double-faced sign" means any single sign structure having two sign face areas, with each face oriented up to one hundred eighty degrees from the other. "Election sign" means any sign concerning candidates for elective office or involving a ballot measure.
"Face of building" means the general outer surface of the main exterior wall of any building, not including cornices, bay windows and other ornamental trim. "Freestanding sign" means a sign supported by one or more posts erected on the ground.
"Illuminated sign" means any sign that has a source of light on the surface of the sign or in the interior of the sign itself.
"Indirectly lighted sign" means any sign that is illuminated from a remote location. "Marquee" means a permanent projecting roof structure attached to and supported by a building wall, which may project over a public right-of-way. "Neighborhood shopping centers" means three or more businesses, with separate entrances, that function as an integral unit and which utilize common off-street parking and access.
"Outdoor advertising structure" means any sign that has a flat surface sign space upon which advertising may be posted, painted or affixed, and that is primarily designed for the rental or lease of such sign space for advertising not relating to the use of the property upon which the sign exists.
"Outside display" means any permitted amount of goods, merchandise, material, landscape items or similar articles that are placed immediately outside a business. Such outside display shall not include prices, advertisements, or information regarding goods and services offered.
"Painted signs" means any sign that incorporates or utilizes no other materials than paint, located on any building surface excepting windows. “Parkway” means that portion of the right-of-way between the traveled roadway and sidewalk or, where there is no sidewalk, that portion of the right-of-way between the traveled roadway and the private property line.
"Pedestrian oriented signs" means a sign that is mounted from a building façade or awning such that it hangs directly over a public sidewalk or building walkway and that it is designed, installed and intended to be viewed primarily by individuals walking by or near the store front. Such signs include projecting blade signs. "Political sign" means any sign expressing a political, religious, or other ideological sentiment not involving an election.
"Portable sign" means a moveable temporary sign designed and placed immediately outside the location of a business. This includes A-frame and similar signs. "Projecting sign" means any sign, the surface of which is not parallel to the face of the supporting wall and that is supported wholly by such wall. Signs on marquees that extend over the right-of-way that are placed so as not to be parallel with the street shall be considered projecting signs. This definition shall include "V" or wing-type signs, blade and bracket signs.
where located. Architectural features consisting of an integral structural part of a building shall not be considered a sign.
"Sign height" means the vertical distance measured from the ground level to the top of the sign.
"Temporary sign" means any sign, banner, decorative flag, pennant, valance, and advertising display. Display or other item intended to draw attention to, or provide information for a business. Such signs are typically constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wood, Plexiglas, wall board or other light materials with or without frames.
"Wall sign" means any sign affixed to the wall of any building or structure, in essentially a flat position on the wall.
"Window sign" means any sign painted on or affixed to the inside of a window.

SECTION 3. Amendment. Section 17.72.020 (“Prohibited signs”) of Chapter 17.72 (“Signs”) of Title 17 (“Zoning”) is amended with additions denoted by underlined text and deletions denoted by struck through text.

17.72.020 – Prohibited Signs.

The following signs are inconsistent with the purposes and standards of this chapter and are therefore prohibited in all zones:

A. Rotating, moving, flashing, changing, reflecting or blinking signs except time and temperature signs and other public service signs which may produce a changing message with lights, which does not create any traffic hazards and subject to approval of the planning commission;
B. Animated signs;
C. Signs on public property or right-of-way unless otherwise authorized within this chapter, and as provided in under Section 17.20.020(J)(6); D. All off-site signs;
E. Outdoor advertising structures, defined herein and commonly called "billboards"; F. Signs employing exposed neon tubing, excluding reverse channel letters with silhouette illumination, neon signs approved under a creative sign permit and neon window signs not exceeding ten percent of the window area; G. Abandoned business signs;
H. Canister signs also know as "can" or "cabinet" signs; and, I. Roofmounted signs., and
J. Signs that are not public facing.

SECTION 4. Amendment. Section 17.72.030 (“General provisions”) of Chapter

17.72 (“Signs”) of Title 17 (“Zoning”) is amended with additions denoted by underlined text and deletions denoted by struck through text.

17.72.030 – General provisions.

The following general sign provisions and regulations shall apply.

A. Sign Placement. Signs shall be placed facing the public right-of-way, interior in good repair is a nuisance and shall be abated pursuant to the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.

D. "No Trespassing" Signs. A "no trespassing" or "no dumping sign" not exceeding three square feet shall be permitted for public health and safety purposes in addition to other authorized signs.

E. Freestanding Sign Height. Unless otherwise specified, the maximum height for freestanding signs shall be six feet.

F. Painted Window Signs—Size. The maximum area of a painted window sign is twenty percent of each windowpane and the sign copy shall be changed at least every forty-five days.

G. Awning signs. Signs on awnings are permitted provided the sign copy is limited to the valance if one exists, or covers not more than twenty percent of the awning surface, if no valance exists.

H. Projection of Signs. The following schedule shall be applied to all those signs that project over public rights-of-way excluding those signs mounted directly on a marquee.

Clearance Maximum Projection
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I. Marquee Signs. Signs may be mounted on the side and face perimeter of a marquee provided that those signs do not project more than one foot above said marquees. Signs mounted on the sides of marquees shall not project toward the street further than the edge of the marquee. Signs may be mounted under marquees provided that the clearance is a minimum of eight feet.

J. Glare from Signs. All illuminated signs in all zones shall be designed in such manner as to avoid undue glare or reflection of light on private property in the surrounding area and so as not to create a traffic safety hazard.

K. Election Sign Regulations. Election signs are permitted without a permit in all zones, however, the following regulations apply to candidates, their campaign committee(s) and their respective signs.

1. A one hundred dollar cash bond shall be posted with the city to guarantee removal of election signs by candidates or their campaign committee(s) for all signs related to the campaign;

2. Signs shall not exceed six square feet in area with the aggregate signage for each lot not exceeding eighteen square feet and signs shall not exceed six feet in height above the adjacent grade;

3. Signs shall not be illuminated in residential zones;

4. Signs shall not be nailed to trees, fences, public utility poles and shall not be located on city facilities;

5. Signs shall be designed and placed in a manner that does not create a vehicular or pedestrian traffic safety hazard as determined by the city engineer.

6. Signs shall be removed within ten days after the election or bond posted h ll b f f it d d th it h ll h t t f th b d

1. Signs shall not exceed six square feet in area with no side greater than three feet and the aggregate signage for each lot not exceeding twelve square feet and signs shall not exceed six feet in height above the adjacent grade;

2. Signs shall not be illuminated in residential zones;

3. Signs shall not be nailed to trees, fences, public utility poles and shall not be located in the public right-of-way; and

4. Signs shall be designed and placed in a manner that does not create a vehicular or pedestrian traffic safety hazard as determined by the city engineer.

SECTION 5. Amendment. Section 17.72.040 (“Sign regulations – Residential zones”) of Chapter 17.72 (“Signs”) of Title 17 (“Zoning”) is amended with additions denoted by underlined text and deletions denoted by struck through text.

17.72.040 – Sign regulations—R-1 and R-2 Residential zones.

A. The following sign types and sizes are permitted without a permit:

1. A nameplate not exceeding one square foot in area containing the name and address of occupant of the premises;

2. One unlighted freestanding sign not exceeding six square feet in area pertaining only to the sale, lease or hire of the particular building, property or premises upon which displayed;

3. Historic plaques and markers provided that are approved by the planning commission.

4. Temporary signs in accordance with section 17.72.190.

B. A sign permit shall, however, be required for all other signs.signs up to twenty square feet in area per side for multiple dwellings, hotels, clubs, lodges, churches, schools, parks and signs approved under a conditional use permit.

C. Signs exceeding twenty square feet per side are prohibited.

SECTION 6. Amendment. Section 17.72.050 (“Sign regulations – Special conditions and uses”) of Chapter 17.72 (“Signs”) of Title 17 (“Zoning”) is amended with additions denoted by underlined text and deletions denoted by struck through text.

17.72.050 – Residential zones—Special conditions and usesSign regulations—R-3 zones.

A. Notwithstanding section 17.72.040(A), in all R-3 zones The the following types and sizes of non-illuminated signs are permitted without a permit, provided that they are installed flat against an on-site building or structure and shall not extend above the top of the wall to which they are affixed:

1. One nameplate per unit not exceeding one square foot in area containing the name and address of occupant of the premises;

2. One sign with the name and address of the building not to exceed two and one-half square feet in area; and

3. One freestanding sign not to exceed nine square feet in area, pertaining only to the sale, lease or hire of only the particular building, property or premises upon which displayed.

3. One freestanding sign not to exceed nine square feet in area pertaining only to the sale, lease or hire of only the particular building, property or premises upon which displayed.

4. Temporary signs in accordance with section 17.72.190.

A sign permit shall, however, be required for illuminated signs and signs in excess of the size limits set forth in, or otherwise inconsistent with, subsection A above.

C. Signs exceeding twenty square feet per side are prohibited.

SECTION 7. Amendment. Section 17.72.060 (“Reserved”) of Chapter 17.72 (“Signs”) of Title 17 (“Zoning”) is amended with additions denoted by underlined text and deletions denoted by struck through text.

17.72.060 Sign regulations—R-E overlay zoneReserved.

A. The following types and sizes of non-illuminated signs are permitted without a permit, provided that they are installed flat against an on-site building or structure and shall not extend above the top of the wall to which they are affixed:

1. One nameplate per unit not exceeding one square foot in area containing the name and address of occupant of the premises;

2. One sign with the name and address of the building and business not to exceed five square feet in area; and

3. One sign not to exceed nine square feet in area, pertaining only to the sale, lease or hire of only the particular building, property or premises upon which displayed.

B. A sign permit shall, however, be required for illuminated signs and signs in excess of the size limits set forth in, or otherwise inconsistent with, subsection A above.

C. Signs exceeding twenty square feet per side are prohibited.

SECTION 8. Amendment. Section 17.72.110 (“Review by the planning commission”) of Chapter 17.72 (“Signs”) of Title 17 (“Zoning”) is amended with additions denoted by underlined text and deletions denoted by struck through text.

17.72.110 – Review by the planning commission.

The planning commission’s review shall be required for the design and location of signs in excess of forty square feet, all signs projecting above the top of a building line, and freestanding signs in excess of twenty square feet. All other signs shall be reviewed and approved by the director; provided, however, that either the applicant or the director can request review by the planning commission.

SECTION 9. Amendment. Section 17.72.190 (“Temporary signs in Residential Zones”) of Chapter 17.72 (“Signs”) of Title 17 (“Zoning”) is amended with additions denoted by underlined text and deletions denoted by struck through text.

17.72.190 – Temporary signs and displaysin Residential Zones.

A temporary sign is permitted without a permit in all residential zones subject to the following requirements:

A signs shall be limited to a freestanding sign or a sign affixed to a freestanding F. temporary signs shall be designed and placed in a manner that does not create a vehicular or pedestrian traffic safety hazard as determined by the city engineer;
G. temporary signs shall not be placed on awnings or canopies; H. signs shall not be placed within five feet from any shared property line; I. temporary signs relating to a timed event shall be removed 10 days following the event to which they relate.

SECTION 10. Addition. Section 17.72.195 (“Temporary signs and displays in C & M Zones”) of Chapter 17.72 (“Signs”) of Title 17 (“Zoning”) is hereby added with additions denoted by underlined text.

17.72.195 – Temporary signs and displays in C & M Zones.

A temporary sign and/or temporary display permit shall be required in all C and M Zones, and may be issued by the director subject to the requirements of Sections

17.72.140 through 17.72.190180, inclusive. At the director's discretion a permit for outdoor display and portable signs can be issued for a twelve-month period. That a copy of the approved permit shall be forwarded to the code enforcement officer.

A. Outside Display. The display of goods and merchandise immediately outside a business is permitted subject to an approved permit as follows:

1. A dimensioned site plan shall be submitted to the director, that indicates the location of the outside display area;

2. The maximum display depth shall be no greater than five feet from the façade face but in no case closer than five feet to the edge of the sidewalk, with a maximum height of four above the sidewalk grade and the display shall cover not more than fifty percent of the width of the storefront (outdoor dining is exempt from these limitations);

3. Goods and merchandise displayed outside of a business shall be limited to those items regularly stocked and sold in the business. Further, the display shall be installed and maintained in a neat and orderly fashion at all times, and goods may only be displayed during normal business hours; and,

4. An encroachment permit shall be obtained from the department of public works.

B. Temporary Banners. Temporary banners and similar signs as defined in this chapter, may be permitted by the director as follows:

1. Application for a temporary sign shall be made on forms provided by the director of development services. The application shall also indicate the size of the banner;

2. A maximum of four temporary sign permits may be approved for any single business location within a calendar year, with the total cumulative temporary sign display days not to exceed sixty days. The maximum period lot any individual temporary sign permit shall not exceed thirty days;

3. If such temporary sign is to be placed on the public sidewalk, the applicant shall submit in addition to a temporary sign application, a site plan indicating the location of the temporary sign and an encroachment permit shall be obtained from Public Works; and
4 T b h ll b l d th b ildi f d Th tt h t
five feet between the sign area and edge of the sidewalk to allow for free and unobstructed pedestrian access;

2. Signs shall not exceed a total sign area of twenty-four square feet, or twelve square feet for each sign face;

3. Portable signs may only be displayed during normal business hours; and

4. An encroachment permit shall be obtained from the department of public works.

SECTION 10. California Environmental Quality Act. The City Council has considered all of the evidence in the record, including the staff reports, the testimony received during the public hearing on the matter held by the City Council, and hereby determines that the text amendments to Chapter 17.72 (“Signs”) of Title 17 (“Zoning”) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Title 14, Section 15378 of the California Code of Regulations and has no potential to result in direct or indirect physical change to the the environment.

Therefore, this ordinance is exempt from CEQA review, pursuant to Title 14, Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Code of Regulations.

SECTION 11. Severability. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or any part thereof is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 12. Publication. The City Clerk shall cause this Ordinance to be published or posted in accordance with California Government Code Section 36933, shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and her certification, together with proof of the publication, to be entered in the book of Ordinances of the City Council.

SECTION 13. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty days after its adoption pursuant to California Government Code Section 36937.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this ___ day of ____________, 2025.

Robert Parkhurst, Mayor
ATTEST:

Laura Aguilar, City Clerk

STATE OF CALIFORNIA )

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS
AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Laura Aguilar, City Clerk

PLANNING COMMISSION
RESOLUTION NO. 25-13

A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF

SIERRA MADRE, CALIFORNIA APPROVING A MUNICIPAL CODE
TEXT AMENDMENT (MCTA 25-03) AND RECOMMENDING THE CITY
COUNCIL ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 17.72
(“SIGNS”) OF TITLE 17 (“ZONING”) OF THE SIERRA MADRE

MUNICIPAL CODE

RECITALS
WHEREAS, Sierra Madre Municipal Code (“SMMC”) Chapter 17.72 (Signs) seeks to balance residents’ freedom of expression with aesthetic concerns by introducing content-neutral sign regulations;
WHEREAS, the City desires to amend Chapter 17.72 to clarify terms and remove content-based restrictions;
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 18, 2025, to consider recommending approval of amendments to Chapter 17.72.

THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SIERRA MADRE, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Recitals. The Recitals above are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. Amendment. Chapter 17.72 (“Signs”) of Title 17 (“Zoning”) of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is amended pursuant to Attachment B of the accompanying staff report.

SECTION 3. Consistency with the General Plan. This amendment to Chapter 17.72 (“Signs”) of Title 17 ("Zoning") of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code is consistent with the Sierra Madre General Plan’s Land Use Implementation Program IM-65, which states, “The City shall process any code amendments necessary to ensure compliance of the R1, R-2, R-3, RC, RP, H, M and C Zoning Ordinances with the Goals and Policies of the General Plan.” The amendment is consistent with constitutionally protected expression and provides content-neutral standards for placing signage that upholds the characteristics of the various zoning districts in which signs may be placed.

SECTION 4. CEQA. The Planning Commission finds that this Resolution is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Title 14, Section 15378 of the California Code of Regulations. The Planning Commission further finds that the recommended amendments to Chapter 17.72 (“Signs”) in this Resolution will not have a significant effect on the environment and are therefore exempt from CEQA review, pursuant to Title 14, Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Code of Regulations.

ATTACHMENT B
SECTION 5. Severability. If any sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Resolution or any part hereof or exhibit hereto is for any reason held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Resolution or any part thereof or exhibit thereto. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that anyone or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraph, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.

SECTION 6. Certification. The Director of Planning and Community Preservation shall attest to the passage and adoption of this Resolution by the Planning Commission and shall cause the same to be listed in the records of the City.

SECTION 7. Effective Date. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 18th day of September 2025.

Thomas Denison, Planning Commission Chair
I HEREBY CERTIFY the foregoing Resolution was duly passed, approved, and adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Sierra Madre, California, at a meeting held on the 18th day of September 2025, by the following vote:

AYES: Chair Thomas Denison, Vice-Chair Patrick Simcock, Commissioner Christine Moran, and Commissioner Yong Yoo
NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAINED:

Clare Lin, Director
Planning & Community Preservation Department
Title 17 - ZONING
Chapter 17.72 SIGNS*
Sierra Madre, California, Code of Ordinances Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST] (Supp. No. 39)

Chapter 17.72 SIGNS*
Sections:

17.72.005 Purpose.

This chapter provides standards for signs to safeguard life, health, property, safety and public welfare, while encouraging creativity, variety, compatibility and enhancement of the city's visual image. The specific purposes of the sign regulations are to:

A. Provide each sign user an opportunity for effective identification by regulating the time, place and manner under which signs may be displayed;
B. Ensure freedom of expression for all sign types by maintaining a content-neutral approach to sign regulations;
C. Regulate the number and size of signs according to standards consistent with the purpose of each zoning district;
D. Protect the motoring public from visual intrusion and competition for attention that could cause traffic safety issues;
E. Encourage creative, well-designed signs that contribute in a positive manner to the city's visual environment and help maintain an image of quality for the city; and, F. Ensure that signs are responsive to the aesthetics and character of their particular location (adjacent buildings and surrounding neighborhood) and that are compatible and integrated with the building's architectural design, including historic elements, and with other signs on the property. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.010 Definitions.

Unless it is apparent from the context that another meaning is intended, the following words when used herein shall have the meaning attached to them by this section. "Abandoned sign" means any sign or sign structure is considered abandoned if for a period of ninety consecutive days or more, there is no sign copy appearing on the sign, or if the establishment to which the sign is attached has ceased operation and where the sign has been forsaken or deserted. "Alteration" means a change of sign text, sign face, color, size, shape, illumination, position, location, construction, or supporting structure of any sign.
"Animated sign" means any sign or part thereof that uses movement, lighting or special materials to depict action or create a special effect to imitate movement.
"Area of sign" means the surface space within a single continuous perimeter containing the sign message together with any frame, material or color forming an integral part of the display, but excluding support structures and incidental parts not drawing attention to the subject matter. The area of a sphere or other irregular shaped sign shall be measured by its projection or sight area.

ATTACHMENT C
Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 39)

"Awning" means any permanent or temporary structure attached to and wholly supported by a building, and installed over or in front of openings or windows and consisting of a fixed or movable frame and a top of canvas or other similar material covering the entire space enclosed between the frame and the building. "Canister signs" means a sign that contains all the text and/or logo symbols within a single enclosed cabinet that may or may not be illuminated.
"Canopy" means any structural, ornamental roof-like appendage, freestanding or attached to a building, including roof overhangs, but excepting awnings.
"Clearance" means the vertical distance between the bottom of a sign and the finished grade below the sign. "Directional sign" means an on-site sign designed and erected solely for the purpose of directing vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic safely within a project, pursuant to Section 17.72.130 herein. "Double-faced sign" means any single sign structure having two sign face areas, with each face oriented up to one hundred eighty degrees from the other.
"Election sign" means any sign concerning candidates for elective office or involving a ballot measure. "Face of building" means the general outer surface of the main exterior wall of any building, not including cornices, bay windows and other ornamental trim.
"Freestanding sign" means a sign supported by one or more posts erected on the ground. "Illuminated sign" means any sign that has a source of light on the surface of the sign or in the interior of the sign itself.
"Indirectly lighted sign" means any sign that is illuminated from a remote location. "Marquee" means a permanent projecting roof structure attached to and supported by a building wall, which may project over a public right-of-way.
"Neighborhood shopping centers" means three or more businesses, with separate entrances, that function as an integral unit and which utilize common off-street parking and access. "Outdoor advertising structure" means any sign that has a flat surface sign space upon which advertising may be posted, painted or affixed, and that is primarily designed for the rental or lease of such sign space for advertising not relating to the use of the property upon which the sign exists. "Outside display" means any permitted amount of goods, merchandise, material, landscape items or similar articles that are placed immediately outside a business. Such outside display shall not include prices, advertisements, or information regarding goods and services offered. "Painted signs" means any sign that incorporates or utilizes no other materials than paint, located on any building surface excepting windows.
“Parkway” means that portion of the right-of-way between the traveled roadway and sidewalk or, where there is no sidewalk, that portion of the right-of-way between the traveled roadway and the private property line. "Pedestrian oriented signs" means a sign that is mounted from a building façade or awning such that it hangs directly over a public sidewalk or building walkway and that it is designed, installed and intended to be viewed primarily by individuals walking by or near the store front. Such signs include projecting blade signs. "Political sign" means any sign expressing a political, religious, or other ideological sentiment not involving an election.
"Portable sign" means a moveable temporary sign designed and placed immediately outside the location of a business. This includes A-frame and similar signs.

Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 39)

"Projecting sign" means any sign, the surface of which is not parallel to the face of the supporting wall and that is supported wholly by such wall. Signs on marquees that extend over the right-of-way that are placed so as not to be parallel with the street shall be considered projecting signs. This definition shall include "V" or wing-type signs, blade and bracket signs.
“Right-of-way” means any of the following that are controlled, used or dedicated for use by the public and located within the city’s jurisdictional limits: streets, roadways, highways, avenues, lanes, alleys, sidewalks, parkways, medians, and similar public property.
"Roof sign" means any sign erected upon or over the roof or parapet of any building and supported in whole or in part by the building.
"Sign" means any device for visual communication, including any announcement, declaration, display, illustration or insignia that is used to advertise or promote the products or services of any person, business group or enterprise available on the lot where located. Architectural features consisting of an integral structural part of a building shall not be considered a sign.
"Sign height" means the vertical distance measured from the ground level to the top of the sign. "Temporary sign" means any sign, banner, decorative flag, pennant, valance, and advertising display. Display or other item intended to draw attention to, or provide information for a business. Such signs are typically constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wood, Plexiglas, wall board or other light materials with or without frames.
"Wall sign" means any sign affixed to the wall of any building or structure, in essentially a flat position on the wall.
"Window sign" means any sign painted on or affixed to the inside of a window. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.020 Prohibited signs.

The following signs are inconsistent with the purposes and standards of this chapter and are therefore prohibited in all zones:

A. Rotating, moving, flashing, changing, reflecting or blinking signs except time and temperature signs and other public service signs which may produce a changing message with lights, which does not create any traffic hazards and subject to approval of the planning commission; B. Animated signs;
C. Signs on public property or right-of-way unless otherwise authorized within this chapter, and as provided in under Section 17.20.020(J)(6);
D. All off-site signs;
E. Outdoor advertising structures, defined herein and commonly called "billboards"; F. Signs employing exposed neon tubing, excluding reverse channel letters with silhouette illumination, neon signs approved under a creative sign permit and neon window signs not exceeding ten percent of the window area;
G. Abandoned business signs;
H. Canister signs also known as "can" or "cabinet" signs; and, I. Roofmounted signs., and
Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 39)

J. Signs that are not public facing.
(Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.030 General provisions.

The following general sign provisions and regulations shall apply.

A. Sign Placement. Signs shall be placed facing the public right-of-way, interior courtyards or parking areas. Signs shall not be placed in a manner to interfere with the privacy or enjoyment of residences.

B. Trade Construction Signs. One sign advertising the various construction trades shall be permitted on construction sites where there is an active building permit. Such signs shall not exceed thirty-two square feet in area.

C. Proper Maintenance of Signs. The user, owner or lessee of a sign authorized hereunder shall maintain the sign in good repair with all illumination, if any, functioning, with all letters intact, and colors that are not faded. A sign that is not in good repair is a nuisance and shall be abated pursuant to the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.

D. "No Trespassing" Signs. A "no trespassing" or "no dumping sign" not exceeding three square feet shall be permitted for public health and safety purposes in addition to other authorized signs.

E. Freestanding Sign Height. Unless otherwise specified, the maximum height for freestanding signs shall be six feet.

F. Painted Window Signs—Size. The maximum area of a painted window sign is twenty percent of each windowpane and the sign copy shall be changed at least every forty-five days.

G. Awning signs. Signs on awnings are permitted provided the sign copy is limited to the valance if one exists, or covers not more than twenty percent of the awning surface, if no valance exists.

H. Projection of Signs. The following schedule shall be applied to all those signs that project over public rights-of-way excluding those signs mounted directly on a marquee.

Clearance Maximum Projection
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I. Marquee Signs. Signs may be mounted on the side and face perimeter of a marquee provided that those signs do not project more than one foot above said marquees. Signs mounted on the sides of marquees shall not project toward the street further than the edge of the marquee. Signs may be mounted under marquees provided that the clearance is a minimum of eight feet.

J. Glare from Signs. All illuminated signs in all zones shall be designed in such manner as to avoid undue glare or reflection of light on private property in the surrounding area and so as not to create a traffic safety hazard.

K. Election Sign Regulations. Election signs are permitted without a permit in all zones, however, the following regulations apply to candidates, their campaign committee(s) and their respective signs.

1. A one hundred dollar cash bond shall be posted with the city to guarantee removal of election signs by candidates or their campaign committee(s) for all signs related to the campaign; Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 39)

2. Signs shall not exceed six square feet in area with the aggregate signage for each lot not exceeding eighteen square feet and signs shall not exceed six feet in height above the adjacent grade;

3. Signs shall not be illuminated in residential zones;

4. Signs shall not be nailed to trees, fences, public utility poles and shall not be located on city facilities;

5. Signs shall be designed and placed in a manner that does not create a vehicular or pedestrian traffic safety hazard as determined by the city engineer.

6. Signs shall be removed within ten days after the election or bond posted shall be forfeited and the city shall use whatever part of the bond money as is necessary for removal. Any amount of the bond remaining shall be refunded upon request made within ninety days after the election; and

7. The one hundred dollar bond requirement shall also apply to signs located at campaign or party headquarters.

L. Political Sign Regulations. Political signs are permitted without a permit in all zones subject to the following regulations:

1. Signs shall not exceed six square feet in area with no side greater than three feet and the aggregate signage for each lot not exceeding twelve square feet and signs shall not exceed six feet in height above the adjacent grade;

2. Signs shall not be illuminated in residential zones;

3. Signs shall not be nailed to trees, fences, public utility poles and shall not be located in the public right-of-way; and

4. Signs shall be designed and placed in a manner that does not create a vehicular or pedestrian traffic safety hazard as determined by the city engineer. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.040 Sign regulations—R-1 and R-2 Residential zones.

A. The following sign types and sizes are permitted without a permit:

1. A nameplate not exceeding one square foot in area containing the name and address of occupant of the premises;

2. One unlighted freestanding sign not exceeding six square feet in area pertaining only to the sale, lease or hire of the particular building, property or premises upon which displayed;

3. Historic plaques and markers provided that are approved by the planning commission.

4. Temporary signs in accordance with section 17.72.190.

B. A sign permit shall, however, be required for all other signs.signs up to twenty square feet in area per side for multiple dwellings, hotels, clubs, lodges, churches, schools, parks and signs approved under a conditional use permit.

C. Signs exceeding twenty square feet per side are prohibited. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 39)

(Ord. No. 1435, § 9, 10-27-20)

17.72.050 Residential zones—Special conditions and usesSign regulations—R-3 zones.

A. Notwithstanding section 17.72.040(A), in all R-3 zones The the following types and sizes of non-illuminated signs are permitted without a permit, provided that they are installed flat against an on-site building or structure and shall not extend above the top of the wall to which they are affixed:

1. One nameplate per unit not exceeding one square foot in area containing the name and address of occupant of the premises;

2. One sign with the name and address of the building not to exceed two and one-half square feet in area; and

3. One freestanding sign not to exceed nine square feet in area, pertaining only to the sale, lease or hire of only the particular building, property or premises upon which displayed.

4. Temporary signs in accordance with section 17.72.190.

B. Notwithstanding sections 17.72.040(A) and 17.72.050(A), within the R-E overlay, the following types and sizes of non-illuminated signs are permitted without a permit, provided that they are installed flat against an onsite building or structure and shall not extend above the top of the wall to which they are affixed:

1. One nameplate per unit not exceeding one square foot in area containing the name and address of occupant of the premises;

2. One sign with the name and address of the building and business not to exceed five square feet in area; and

3. One freestanding sign not to exceed nine square feet in area pertaining only to the sale, lease or hire of only the particular building, property or premises upon which displayed.

4. Temporary signs in accordance with section 17.72.190.

A sign permit shall, however, be required for illuminated signs and signs in excess of the size limits set forth in, or otherwise inconsistent with, subsection A above.

C. Signs exceeding twenty square feet per side are prohibited. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1389, Exh. A, § 30, 7-11-17; Ord. No. 1466, § 92, 3-28-23)

17.72.060 Sign regulations—R-E overlay zoneReserved.

A. The following types and sizes of non-illuminated signs are permitted without a permit, provided that they are installed flat against an on-site building or structure and shall not extend above the top of the wall to which they are affixed:

1. One nameplate per unit not exceeding one square foot in area containing the name and address of occupant of the premises;

2. One sign with the name and address of the building and business not to exceed five square feet in area; and

3. One sign not to exceed nine square feet in area, pertaining only to the sale, lease or hire of only the particular building, property or premises upon which displayed.

Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 39)

B. A sign permit shall, however, be required for illuminated signs and signs in excess of the size limits set forth in, or otherwise inconsistent with, subsection A above.

C. Signs exceeding twenty square feet per side are prohibited. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1389, Exh. A, § 31, 7-11-17; Ord. No. 1466, § 93, 3-28-23) Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. 1466, § 93, adopted March 28, 2023, amended the title of § 17.72.060 to read as herein set out. The former § 17.72.060 title pertained to sign regulations—R-P zone.

17.72.090 Sign regulations—C and M zones.

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, each business shall be limited to not more than two signs.

A. Sign Area. One and one-half square feet of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage.

B. Frontage on Two or More Streets. A business in a building facing on more than one right-of-way shall be allowed the authorized sign area on each street which it faces, provided that the areas may not be accumulated on one right-of-way and shall not exceed the allowed area on any one right-of-way.

C. Sale and Rental Signs. Commercial and manufacturing properties shall be authorized one for sale or rent sign while the property is actually for sale or rent. These signs shall not exceed two square feet in area and shall be designed and located in a manner approved by the planning and community preservation and public works departments. No permit is required for these signs.

D. Multi-tenant Buildings. Businesses in interior spaces of multi-tenant buildings may have signage at the street access and at their business location, however the total sign area shall not exceed one and onehalf square feet per lineal foot of storefront.

E. Generally, only the name or use of the business shall appear on the sign. The use of subordinate information such as telephone numbers, lists of products, pictures of products, etc., are discouraged, but may be considered at the discretion of the director. Further, where subordinate information is allowed, the name or use of the business shall be the dominant message and the subordinate information shall not create any vehicular or pedestrian traffic hazards. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, §§ 94, 95, 3-28-23)

17.72.100 C and M zones—Special conditions and uses.

A. Second Story Businesses. Businesses maintained exclusively on the second floor of a two story building shall be authorized up to fifty percent of the total sign area as designated by the front footage of said building; provided, that in no case shall the combined total area of signs for all business on the second floor exceed fifty percent of the total authorized sign area.

B. Listing of Business Associate. In addition to the other sign usage authorized herein, each separate business shall be allowed, on or behind windows facing the public view, a sign indicating the owners, operators or business associates exercising the use; provided, that such lettering shall be enclosed within a single area and shall not exceed a total of two square feet.

C. Gasoline Service Stations. No outdoor advertising signs or structures shall be permitted except as provided in subsections (C)(1) through (4) of this section as follows:

Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 39)

1. Identification signs or structures which may be each of the following:
a. Identification signs may be located on or incorporated within the pump island canopy structures.

These signs shall not project above the top of the canopy structure, shall not exceed a maximum area of twenty square feet for each sign face, and each sign shall be limited in length to a maximum of fifty percent of the long dimension of the canopy on which the sign is located, or b. One freestanding sign or structure incorporated within freestanding walls, planter beds or other suitable building materials. Such sign shall not exceed twenty feet in height and will have a maximum sign area per sign face of thirty-five square feet. In no case shall these signs or sign structures be permitted to project beyond the property line;

2. One permanently placed poster-type sign not exceeding four feet in width and six feet in height from the ground level shall be permitted. Such sign may be located at the discretion of the owner provided it is not located upon public property;

3. Flags, banners, spinners and similar advertising devices shall not be permitted except as provided in Section 17.72.190 (Temporary signs and displays);

4. Two Rate or Price Signs. Such signs shall not exceed three feet in width and four feet in height.

D. Signs in Neighborhood Shopping Centers. In addition to the sign area allowed for individual businesses, shopping centers shall be allowed one double-faced, indirectly lighted identification sign. Said sign shall be allowed twenty-five square feet per side and shall have a maximum height of ten feet. In addition, for those shopping centers containing more than one acre of land area, said sign shall be allowed an additional ten square feet of sign per acre, but shall not exceed fifty square feet per side nor exceed ten feet in height.

E. Pedestrian Oriented Signs. Each business is permitted a pedestrian oriented sign up to a maximum of four square feet per side. Such signs shall not be internally illuminated and shall hang from a bracket that projects away from the façade or awning to which it is mounted. If pedestrian oriented signs are utilized, the area of that sign is in additional the area that would otherwise be permitted. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.105 Creative signs.

This section establishes standards and procedures for the review and approval of creative sign permits. The purpose of the creative sign permit is to encourage signs of unique design that exhibit a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, inventiveness and spirit. This section also provides a process for the application of sign regulations in ways that will allow creatively designed signs to make a positive visual contribution to the overall image of the city, while mitigating the potential impacts of larger or unusually designed signs.

A. Applicability. An applicant may request approval of a creative sign permit in order to allow standards that exceed the otherwise permitted standards of Chapter 17.72 by up to an additional twenty-five percent but comply with the purpose and findings of this section. Additionally, exposed neon signs may be approved under a creative sign permit.

B. Application Requirements. A creative sign permit application shall include all information and materials required by the planning and community preservation department.

C. Approval Authority. An application for a creative sign permit shall be subject to review and approval by the director, unless appealed.

D. Findings. To approve an application for a creative sign permit, the director shall find that the proposed sign meets the following design criteria.

1. Design Quality. The sign shall:

Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 39)

a. Constitute a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and shall have a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;
b. Be of unique design and exhibit a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, inventiveness and spirit;
c. Incorporate the use of mixed media or use media in a unique manner; and d. Provide strong graphic character through the imaginative use of graphics, color, texture, quality materials, scale and proportion.

2. Contextual Criteria. The sign shall contain at least one of the following elements:
a. Classic historic design style;
b. Creative image reflecting current or historic character of the City; or c. Inventive representation of the use, name, or logo of the structure or business.

3. Architectural Criteria. The sign shall:
a. Utilize or enhance the architectural elements of the building; and b. Be placed in a logical location in relation to the overall composition of the building's façade and not cover any key architectural features and details of the façade.

4. Impacts on Surrounding Uses. The sign shall be located and designed not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, §§ 96, 97, 3-28-23)

17.72.110 Review by the planning commission.

The planning commission’s review shall be required for the design and location of signs in excess of forty square feet, all signs projecting above the top of a building line, and freestanding signs in excess of twenty square feet. All other signs shall be reviewed and approved by the director; provided, however, that either the applicant or the director can request review by the planning commission. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 98, 3-28-23)

17.72.120 Signs for public and quasi-public uses.

Directional and public safety signs for public and quasi-public uses may be permitted on public property. The design must conform to standard directional sign specifications. The total number of signs allowed shall be based on the minimum number necessary for adequate public safety and identification as determined by the city council. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 39)

17.72.130 Signs for public safety and convenience—Chapter compliance required.

When deemed necessary, the director or his/her authorized representative may authorize and approve directional signs not to exceed six square feet per face to serve the public safety or convenience, such as "Entrance" signs, "Exit" signs, "Office" signs, "Parking" signs and the like. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 99, 3-28-23)

17.72.140 Permit required.

It is unlawful for any person, entity or corporation to authorize, alter, erect, construct, maintain, move, change, place, suspend or attach any sign within this city without an approved sign permit, and related building and electrical permits, as required by this chapter. Signs that legally existed prior to the effective date of this chapter may be altered, reconstructed, maintained, moved, or changed only in compliance with this chapter. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.150 Application for sign permits.

Application for sign permits shall be made upon forms provided by the director and shall be accompanied by the following material.

A. The name, address and telephone number of the property owner, permit applicant (owner of the sign) and the sign contractor, if any;
B. Two copies of a site plan and elevations showing:

1. Sign height, size, color, type, style, elevation above final grade level, method of illumination and materials for the proposed sign,

2. Location, size and height of all signs and structures existing on the premises at the time of making such application,

3. Position of sign and its relation to adjacent buildings or structures; C. Such other information as the director may require to show full compliance with this and all other ordinances of the city.
(Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 100, 3-28-23)

17.72.160 Application fees.

At the time an application for a sign permit is submitted, the applicant shall pay a fee pursuant to the most recently adopted city council fee resolution.
(Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 39)

17.72.170 Double permit fee.

The applicable fee for a sign permit shall be doubled when the installation of a sign is commenced before obtaining a permit. Applicants shall also be subject to double fees for building and/or electrical permits. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.180 Review of sign applications.

A. Staff Review. All sign applications shall be reviewed for completeness by the planning and community preservation department. As permitted by this chapter staff may approve, approve subject to modification, or deny any sign permit application subject to the criteria of subsection C below. A staff decision may be appealed to the planning commission.

B. Planning Commission Review. Where specifically required herein the planning commission shall review any sign permit application and shall thereof approve, approve subject to modification, or deny said application subject to the criteria of subsection C below. Any decision of the planning commission shall be final unless appealed to the city council pursuant to Municipal Code requirements.

C. Review Criteria. The appropriate reviewing body shall approve only those signs that are consistent with the purposes and intent of this chapter and that are found to meet the following criteria:

1. Size, shape, color and placement of the sign is compatible with and bears an harmonious relationship to the building it identifies as follows:
a. Proportional size and scale. Size and scale shall be proportional to the building façade; b. Integrated with the building. Signs shall be integrated into the façade recognizing and complimenting architectural projections and windows and establishing a rhythm to the façade; c. Colors shall be selected to enhance sign legibility and visibility, further contrasting colors are encouraged.

2. Both the location of the proposed sign and the design of its visual elements: materials, lettering, colors, decorative motifs, spacing, and proportions, shall be legible under normal viewing conditions prevailing where the sign is to be installed as follows:
a. Signs shall be oriented to either pedestrian or vehicle traffic; b. Materials shall be compatible with the façade and reflective materials shall be avoided; and c. Signs shall not crowd and overpower the façade by projecting too close to the edge of the wall or surface to which the sign is affixed.

3. The location and design of the proposed sign shall not obscure from view, or unduly detract from adjacent signs.

4. The design and placement of the sign does not create a pedestrian or vehicular traffic safety hazard as determined by the city engineer.

5. The location and design of the proposed sign shall not have an adverse effect on the value and character of the adjacent residential zoning district or residential neighborhood. As evidenced by the signs orientation and light and glare impacts to the adjacent residential neighborhood. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 101, 3-28-23)
Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 39)

17.72.190 Temporary signs and displaysin Residential Zones.

A temporary sign is permitted without a permit in all residential zones subject to the following requirements:

A. signs shall be limited to a freestanding sign or a sign affixed to a freestanding wall or fence in essentially a flat position thereon;
B. temporary signs shall not exceed six square feet in area with the aggregate signage of each lot not exceeding eighteen square feet;
C. except as otherwise authorized by this chapter, freestanding temporary signs located within a front yard shall not exceed a sign height of 42 inches;
D. temporary signs shall not be illuminated or reflective; E. temporary signs shall not be nailed to trees or public utility poles; F. temporary signs shall be designed and placed in a manner that does not create a vehicular or pedestrian traffic safety hazard as determined by the city engineer; G. temporary signs shall not be placed on awnings or canopies; H. signs shall not be placed within five feet from any shared property line; I. temporary signs relating to a timed event shall be removed 10 days following the event to which they relate.

17.72.195 Temporary signs and displays in C & M Zones.

A temporary sign and/or temporary display permit shall be required in all C and M Zones, and may be issued by the director subject to the requirements of Sections 17.72.140 through 17.72.190180, inclusive. At the director's discretion a permit for outdoor display and portable signs can be issued for a twelve-month period. That a copy of the approved permit shall be forwarded to the code enforcement officer.

A. Outside Display. The display of goods and merchandise immediately outside a business is permitted subject to an approved permit as follows:

1. A dimensioned site plan shall be submitted to the director, that indicates the location of the outside display area;

2. The maximum display depth shall be no greater than five feet from the façade face but in no case closer than five feet to the edge of the sidewalk, with a maximum height of four above the sidewalk grade and the display shall cover not more than fifty percent of the width of the storefront (outdoor dining is exempt from these limitations);

3. Goods and merchandise displayed outside of a business shall be limited to those items regularly stocked and sold in the business. Further, the display shall be installed and maintained in a neat and orderly fashion at all times, and goods may only be displayed during normal business hours; and,

4. An encroachment permit shall be obtained from the department of public works.

B. Temporary Banners. Temporary banners and similar signs as defined in this chapter, may be permitted by the director as follows:

1. Application for a temporary sign shall be made on forms provided by the director of development services. The application shall also indicate the size of the banner; Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 39)

2. A maximum of four temporary sign permits may be approved for any single business location within a calendar year, with the total cumulative temporary sign display days not to exceed sixty days. The maximum period lot any individual temporary sign permit shall not exceed thirty days;

3. If such temporary sign is to be placed on the public sidewalk, the applicant shall submit in addition to a temporary sign application, a site plan indicating the location of the temporary sign and an encroachment permit shall be obtained from Public Works; and

4. Temporary banners shall be placed on the building façade. The attachment of banners to trees, light and utility poles or similar configuration shall not be permitted.

C. Portable Signs. A moveable temporary sign that is designed and placed immediately outside the location of a business is allowed with an approved permit.

1. A dimensioned site plan shall be submitted to the director that indicates the location and size of the portable sign. The sign shall be located immediately adjacent to the storefront or building façade and there shall be not less than five feet between the sign area and edge of the sidewalk to allow for free and unobstructed pedestrian access;

2. Signs shall not exceed a total sign area of twenty-four square feet, or twelve square feet for each sign face;

3. Portable signs may only be displayed during normal business hours; and

4. An encroachment permit shall be obtained from the department of public works. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 102, 3-28-23)

17.72.200 Amortization schedule.

Every on-site sign that is or that becomes non-conforming as a result of this ordinance shall be subject to remediation as provided for in California Business & Professions Code sections 5492, 5493, 5495 and 5497. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.210 Appeals.

Any appeal from the abatement provisions shall be filed with the secretary of the planning commission within thirty days after the date of mailing of the order of abatement by the director. All lengths and periods of time established for abatement under the provisions of Section 17.72.200 are declared to be prima facie time limits only and may be the subject of appeal as provided herein. Any person who is the owner, or who has any ownership interest in any property to which said order of abatement applies, may file an appeal. Upon receipt of an appeal, the planning commission shall give notice of hearing and shall conduct the same in the manner prescribed in this code. With reference to notice of hearing, no notice need be given to surrounding property owners. At the time and place set for the hearing, the commission shall give the appealing party an opportunity to be heard, in addition, where the appeal is from a prima facie length of time established by the provisions in Section

17.72.200 for the termination of nonconforming uses, the commission shall either affirm or extend said prima facie period of time based on all of the following:

A. The construction cost of the nonconforming structure; B. The date of construction;
Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST]
(Supp. No. 39)

C. Types of materials of construction;
D. Cost and extent of any structural improvements made subsequent to construction and prior to conformity;
E. The minimum period of amortization established for said types of structures by the Internal Revenue Service under then current regulations and rules;
F. Actual method of depreciation used for federal income tax purposes. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 103, 3-28-23)

17.72.220 Grounds for dismissal—Decision final.

At the time notice of the abatement appeal hearing is given to the appellant as required herein, the director shall also notify the appellant to furnish the information specified in section 17.72.210(A)—(F) to the commission, at or before the time of hearing. Failure of the appellant to provide any of the required information shall be grounds for the immediate dismissal of said appeal. The commission's decision shall be final and conclusive in the absence of an appeal to the city council in the time and manner set forth herein with reference to zone variances and conditional use permits.
(Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 104, 3-28-23)

17.72.230 Appeal of director's determination and revocation of permit.

An appeal of a determination of the director, and the revocation of a sign permit shall be pursuant to the following provisions:

A. Any decision by the director pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may be appealed to the planning commission within fourteen calendar days from the date of the determination. Such appeal shall be made in writing and be accompanied by an appeal fee designated in the city of Sierra Madre fee resolution. The commission shall conduct a noticed public hearing within thirty days of staff receiving the appeal or as soon thereafter as is possible. The determination of the planning commission shall be final unless appealed to the city council pursuant to the provisions of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.

B. A sign permit may be revoked as follows:

1. Upon the determination by the director that the sign is not being displayed in conformance with the provisions of this chapter, or in conformance with the approved sign permit, the director shall place the matter before the planning commission for consideration of revocation.

2. The planning commission shall revoke the sign permit upon the determination that the sign is not being displayed in conformance with the provisions of this chapter, or in conformance with the approved sign permit.

3. The determination of the planning commission may be appealed to the city council, pursuant to the provisions of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.
(Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 105, 3-28-23)
Title 17 - ZONING
Chapter 17.72 SIGNS*
Sierra Madre, California, Code of Ordinances Created: 2025-09-09 15:13:22 [EST] (Supp. No. 39)

Chapter 17.72 SIGNS*
Sections:

17.72.005 Purpose.

This chapter provides standards for signs to safeguard life, health, property, safety and public welfare, while encouraging creativity, variety, compatibility and enhancement of the city's visual image. The specific purposes of the sign regulations are to:

A. Provide each sign user an opportunity for effective identification by regulating the time, place and manner under which signs may be displayed;
B. Ensure freedom of expression for all sign types by maintaining a content-neutral approach to sign regulations;
C. Regulate the number and size of signs according to standards consistent with the purpose of each zoning district;
D. Protect the motoring public from visual intrusion and competition for attention that could cause traffic safety issues;
E. Encourage creative, well-designed signs that contribute in a positive manner to the city's visual environment and help maintain an image of quality for the city; and, F. Ensure that signs are responsive to the aesthetics and character of their particular location (adjacent buildings and surrounding neighborhood) and that are compatible and integrated with the building's architectural design, including historic elements, and with other signs on the property. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.010 Definitions.

Unless it is apparent from the context that another meaning is intended, the following words when used herein shall have the meaning attached to them by this section. "Abandoned sign" means any sign or sign structure is considered abandoned if for a period of ninety consecutive days or more, there is no sign copy appearing on the sign, or if the establishment to which the sign is attached has ceased operation and where the sign has been forsaken or deserted. "Alteration" means a change of sign text, sign face, color, size, shape, illumination, position, location, construction, or supporting structure of any sign.
"Animated sign" means any sign or part thereof that uses movement, lighting or special materials to depict action or create a special effect to imitate movement.
"Area of sign" means the surface space within a single continuous perimeter containing the sign message together with any frame, material or color forming an integral part of the display, but excluding support structures and incidental parts not drawing attention to the subject matter. The area of a sphere or other irregular shaped sign shall be measured by its projection or sight area.

ATTACHMENT D
409271.6
(Supp. No. 38)

"Awning" means any permanent or temporary structure attached to and wholly supported by a building, and installed over or in front of openings or windows and consisting of a fixed or movable frame and a top of canvas or other similar material covering the entire space enclosed between the frame and the building. "Canister signs" means a sign that contains all the text and/or logo symbols within a single enclosed cabinet that may or may not be illuminated.
"Canopy" means any structural, ornamental roof-like appendage, freestanding or attached to a building, including roof overhangs, but excepting awnings.
"Clearance" means the vertical distance between the bottom of a sign and the finished grade below the sign. "Directional sign" means an on-site sign designed and erected solely for the purpose of directing vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic safely within a project, pursuant to Section 17.72.130 herein. "Double-faced sign" means any single sign structure having two sign face areas, with each face oriented up to one hundred eighty degrees from the other.
"Face of building" means the general outer surface of the main exterior wall of any building, not including cornices, bay windows and other ornamental trim.
"Freestanding sign" means a sign supported by one or more posts erected on the ground. "Illuminated sign" means any sign that has a source of light on the surface of the sign or in the interior of the sign itself.
"Indirectly lighted sign" means any sign that is illuminated from a remote location. "Marquee" means a permanent projecting roof structure attached to and supported by a building wall, which may project over a public right-of-way.
"Neighborhood shopping centers" means three or more businesses, with separate entrances, that function as an integral unit and which utilize common off-street parking and access. "Outdoor advertising structure" means any sign that has a flat surface sign space upon which advertising may be posted, painted or affixed, and that is primarily designed for the rental or lease of such sign space for advertising not relating to the use of the property upon which the sign exists. "Outside display" means any permitted amount of goods, merchandise, material, landscape items or similar articles that are placed immediately outside a business. Such outside display shall not include prices, advertisements, or information regarding goods and services offered. "Painted signs" means any sign that incorporates or utilizes no other materials than paint, located on any building surface excepting windows.
“Parkway” means that portion of the right-of-way between the traveled roadway and sidewalk or, where there is no sidewalk, that portion of the right-of-way between the traveled roadway and the private property line. "Pedestrian oriented signs" means a sign that is mounted from a building façade or awning such that it hangs directly over a public sidewalk or building walkway and that it is designed, installed and intended to be viewed primarily by individuals walking by or near the store front. Such signs include projecting blade signs. "Portable sign" means a moveable temporary sign designed and placed immediately outside the location of a business. This includes A-frame and similar signs.
"Projecting sign" means any sign, the surface of which is not parallel to the face of the supporting wall and that is supported wholly by such wall. Signs on marquees that extend over the right-of-way that are placed so as not to be parallel with the street shall be considered projecting signs. This definition shall include "V" or wing-type signs, blade and bracket signs.
409271.6
(Supp. No. 38)

“Right-of-way” means any of the following that are controlled, used or dedicated for use by the public and located within the city’s jurisdictional limits: streets, roadways, highways, avenues, lanes, alleys, sidewalks, parkways, medians, and similar public property.
"Roof sign" means any sign erected upon or over the roof or parapet of any building and supported in whole or in part by the building.
"Sign" means any device for visual communication, including any announcement, declaration, display, illustration or insignia that is used to advertise or promote the products or services of any person, business group or enterprise available on the lot where located. Architectural features consisting of an integral structural part of a building shall not be considered a sign.
"Sign height" means the vertical distance measured from the ground level to the top of the sign. "Temporary sign" means any sign, banner, decorative flag, pennant, valance, and advertising display. Such signs are typically constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wood, Plexiglas, wall board or other light materials with or without frames.
"Wall sign" means any sign affixed to the wall of any building or structure, in essentially a flat position on the wall.
"Window sign" means any sign painted on or affixed to the inside of a window. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.020 Prohibited signs.

The following signs are inconsistent with the purposes and standards of this chapter and are therefore prohibited in all zones:

A. Rotating, moving, flashing, changing, reflecting or blinking signs except time and temperature signs and other public service signs which may produce a changing message with lights, which does not create any traffic hazards and subject to approval of the planning commission; B. Animated signs;
C. Signs on public property or right-of-way unless authorized under Section 17.20.020(J)(6); D. All off-site signs;
E. Outdoor advertising structures, defined herein and commonly called "billboards"; F. Signs employing exposed neon tubing, excluding reverse channel letters with silhouette illumination, neon signs approved under a creative sign permit and neon window signs not exceeding ten percent of the window area;
G. Abandoned business signs;
H. Canister signs also known as "can" or "cabinet" signs; I. Roofmounted signs, and
J. Signs that are not public facing.
(Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
409271.6
(Supp. No. 38)

17.72.030 General provisions.

The following general sign provisions and regulations shall apply.

A. Sign Placement. Signs shall be placed facing the public right-of-way, interior courtyards or parking areas. Signs shall not be placed in a manner to interfere with the privacy or enjoyment of residences.

B. Trade Construction Signs. One sign advertising the various construction trades shall be permitted on construction sites where there is an active building permit. Such signs shall not exceed thirty-two square feet in area.

C. Proper Maintenance of Signs. The user, owner or lessee of a sign authorized hereunder shall maintain the sign in good repair with all illumination, if any, functioning, with all letters intact, and colors that are not faded. A sign that is not in good repair is a nuisance and shall be abated pursuant to the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.

D. "No Trespassing" Signs. A "no trespassing" or "no dumping sign" not exceeding three square feet shall be permitted for public health and safety purposes in addition to other authorized signs.

E. Freestanding Sign Height. Unless otherwise specified, the maximum height for freestanding signs shall be six feet.

F. Painted Window Signs—Size. The maximum area of a painted window sign is twenty percent of each windowpane and the sign copy shall be changed at least every forty-five days.

G. Awning signs. Signs on awnings are permitted provided the sign copy is limited to the valance if one exists, or covers not more than twenty percent of the awning surface, if no valance exists.

H. Projection of Signs. The following schedule shall be applied to all those signs that project over public rights-of-way excluding those signs mounted directly on a marquee.

Clearance Maximum Projection
>ĞƐƐƚŚĂŶϴ഻ Not permitted
ϴ഻ƚŽϭϲ഻ ϭ഻ƉůƵƐϲ഼ĨŽƌĞĂĐŚĨŽŽƚŽĨĐůĞĂƌĂŶĐĞŝŶĞdžĐĞƐƐŽĨϴ഻ KǀĞƌϭϲ഻ ϱ഻
I. Marquee Signs. Signs may be mounted on the side and face perimeter of a marquee provided that those signs do not project more than one foot above said marquees. Signs mounted on the sides of marquees shall not project toward the street further than the edge of the marquee. Signs may be mounted under marquees provided that the clearance is a minimum of eight feet.

J. Glare from Signs. All illuminated signs in all zones shall be designed in such manner as to avoid undue glare or reflection of light on private property in the surrounding area and so as not to create a traffic safety hazard.
(Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.040 Sign regulations—Residential zones.

A. The following sign types and sizes are permitted without a permit:

1. A nameplate not exceeding one square foot in area containing the name and address of occupant of the premises;
409271.6
(Supp. No. 38)

2. One unlighted freestanding sign not exceeding six square feet in area pertaining only to the sale, lease or hire of the particular building, property or premises upon which displayed;

3. Historic plaques and markers provided that are approved by the planning commission.

4. Temporary signs in accordance with section 17.72.190.

B. A sign permit shall be required for all other signs.

C. Signs exceeding twenty square feet per side are prohibited. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1435, § 9, 10-27-20)

17.72.050 Residential zones—Special conditions and uses.

A. Notwithstanding section 17.72.040(A), in all R-3 zones the following types and sizes of non-illuminated signs are permitted without a permit, provided that they are installed flat against an onsite building or structure and shall not extend above the top of the wall to which they are affixed:

1. One nameplate per unit not exceeding one square foot in area containing the name and address of occupant of the premises;

2. One sign with the name and address of the building not to exceed two and one-half square feet in area; and

3. One freestanding sign not to exceed nine square feet in area pertaining only to the sale, lease or hire of only the particular building, property or premises upon which displayed.

4. Temporary signs in accordance with section 17.72.190.

B. Notwithstanding sections 17.72.040(A) and 17.72.050(A), within the R-E overlay, the following types and sizes of non-illuminated signs are permitted without a permit, provided that they are installed flat against an onsite building or structure and shall not extend above the top of the wall to which they are affixed:

1. One nameplate per unit not exceeding one square foot in area containing the name and address of occupant of the premises;

2. One sign with the name and address of the building and business not to exceed five square feet in area; and

3. One freestanding sign not to exceed nine square feet in area pertaining only to the sale, lease or hire of only the particular building, property or premises upon which displayed.

4. Temporary signs in accordance with section 17.72.190. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1389, Exh. A, § 30, 7-11-17; Ord. No. 1466, § 92, 3-28-23)

17.72.060 Reserved.

17.72.090 Sign regulations—C and M zones.

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, each business shall be limited to not more than two signs. 409271.6
(Supp. No. 38)

A. Sign Area. One and one-half square feet of sign area per lineal foot of building frontage.

B. Frontage on Two or More Streets. A business in a building facing on more than one right-of-way shall be allowed the authorized sign area on each street which it faces, provided that the areas may not be accumulated on one right-of-way and shall not exceed the allowed area on any one right-of-way.

C. Sale and Rental Signs. Commercial and manufacturing properties shall be authorized one for sale or rent sign while the property is actually for sale or rent. These signs shall not exceed two square feet in area and shall be designed and located in a manner approved by the planning and community preservation and public works departments. No permit is required for these signs.

D. Multi-tenant Buildings. Businesses in interior spaces of multi-tenant buildings may have signage at the street access and at their business location, however the total sign area shall not exceed one and onehalf square feet per lineal foot of storefront.

E. Generally, only the name or use of the business shall appear on the sign. The use of subordinate information such as telephone numbers, lists of products, pictures of products, etc., are discouraged, but may be considered at the discretion of the director. Further, where subordinate information is allowed, the name or use of the business shall be the dominant message and the subordinate information shall not create any vehicular or pedestrian traffic hazards. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, §§ 94, 95, 3-28-23)

17.72.100 C and M zones—Special conditions and uses.

A. Second Story Businesses. Businesses maintained exclusively on the second floor of a two story building shall be authorized up to fifty percent of the total sign area as designated by the front footage of said building; provided, that in no case shall the combined total area of signs for all business on the second floor exceed fifty percent of the total authorized sign area.

B. Listing of Business Associate. In addition to the other sign usage authorized herein, each separate business shall be allowed, on or behind windows facing the public view, a sign indicating the owners, operators or business associates exercising the use; provided, that such lettering shall be enclosed within a single area and shall not exceed a total of two square feet.

C. Gasoline Service Stations. No outdoor advertising signs or structures shall be permitted except as provided in subsections (C)(1) through (4) of this section as follows:

1. Identification signs or structures which may be each of the following:
a. Identification signs may be located on or incorporated within the pump island canopy structures.

These signs shall not project above the top of the canopy structure, shall not exceed a maximum area of twenty square feet for each sign face, and each sign shall be limited in length to a maximum of fifty percent of the long dimension of the canopy on which the sign is located, or b. One freestanding sign or structure incorporated within freestanding walls, planter beds or other suitable building materials. Such sign shall not exceed twenty feet in height and will have a maximum sign area per sign face of thirty-five square feet. In no case shall these signs or sign structures be permitted to project beyond the property line;

2. One permanently placed poster-type sign not exceeding four feet in width and six feet in height from the ground level shall be permitted. Such sign may be located at the discretion of the owner provided it is not located upon public property;
409271.6
(Supp. No. 38)

3. Flags, banners, spinners and similar advertising devices shall not be permitted except as provided in Section 17.72.190 (Temporary signs and displays);

4. Two Rate or Price Signs. Such signs shall not exceed three feet in width and four feet in height.

D. Signs in Neighborhood Shopping Centers. In addition to the sign area allowed for individual businesses, shopping centers shall be allowed one double-faced, indirectly lighted identification sign. Said sign shall be allowed twenty-five square feet per side and shall have a maximum height of ten feet. In addition, for those shopping centers containing more than one acre of land area, said sign shall be allowed an additional ten square feet of sign per acre, but shall not exceed fifty square feet per side nor exceed ten feet in height.

E. Pedestrian Oriented Signs. Each business is permitted a pedestrian oriented sign up to a maximum of four square feet per side. Such signs shall not be internally illuminated and shall hang from a bracket that projects away from the façade or awning to which it is mounted. If pedestrian oriented signs are utilized, the area of that sign is in additional the area that would otherwise be permitted. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.105 Creative signs.

This section establishes standards and procedures for the review and approval of creative sign permits. The purpose of the creative sign permit is to encourage signs of unique design that exhibit a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, inventiveness and spirit. This section also provides a process for the application of sign regulations in ways that will allow creatively designed signs to make a positive visual contribution to the overall image of the city, while mitigating the potential impacts of larger or unusually designed signs.

A. Applicability. An applicant may request approval of a creative sign permit in order to allow standards that exceed the otherwise permitted standards of Chapter 17.72 by up to an additional twenty-five percent but comply with the purpose and findings of this section. Additionally, exposed neon signs may be approved under a creative sign permit.

B. Application Requirements. A creative sign permit application shall include all information and materials required by the planning and community preservation department.

C. Approval Authority. An application for a creative sign permit shall be subject to review and approval by the director, unless appealed.

D. Findings. To approve an application for a creative sign permit, the director shall find that the proposed sign meets the following design criteria.

1. Design Quality. The sign shall:
a. Constitute a substantial aesthetic improvement to the site and shall have a positive visual impact on the surrounding area;
b. Be of unique design and exhibit a high degree of thoughtfulness, imagination, inventiveness and spirit;
c. Incorporate the use of mixed media or use media in a unique manner; and d. Provide strong graphic character through the imaginative use of graphics, color, texture, quality materials, scale and proportion.

2. Contextual Criteria. The sign shall contain at least one of the following elements:
a. Classic historic design style;
b. Creative image reflecting current or historic character of the City; or 409271.6
(Supp. No. 38)

c. Inventive representation of the use, name, or logo of the structure or business.

3. Architectural Criteria. The sign shall:
a. Utilize or enhance the architectural elements of the building; and b. Be placed in a logical location in relation to the overall composition of the building's façade and not cover any key architectural features and details of the façade.

4. Impacts on Surrounding Uses. The sign shall be located and designed not to cause light and glare impacts on surrounding uses, especially residential uses. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, §§ 96, 97, 3-28-23)

17.72.110 Review by the planning commission.

The planning commission’s review shall be required for the design and location of signs in excess of forty square feet, all signs projecting above the top of a building line, and freestanding signs in excess of twenty square feet. All other signs shall be reviewed and approved by the director; provided, however, that either the applicant or the director can request review by the planning commission. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 98, 3-28-23)

17.72.120 Signs for public and quasi-public uses.

Directional and public safety signs for public and quasi-public uses may be permitted on public property. The design must conform to standard directional sign specifications. The total number of signs allowed shall be based on the minimum number necessary for adequate public safety and identification as determined by the city council. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.130 Signs for public safety and convenience—Chapter compliance required.

When deemed necessary, the director or his/her authorized representative may authorize and approve directional signs not to exceed six square feet per face to serve the public safety or convenience, such as "Entrance" signs, "Exit" signs, "Office" signs, "Parking" signs and the like. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 99, 3-28-23)

17.72.140 Permit required.

It is unlawful for any person, entity or corporation to authorize, alter, erect, construct, maintain, move, change, place, suspend or attach any sign within this city without an approved sign permit, and related building and electrical permits, as required by this chapter. Signs that legally existed prior to the effective date of this chapter may be altered, reconstructed, maintained, moved, or changed only in compliance with this chapter. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
409271.6
(Supp. No. 38)

17.72.150 Application for sign permits.

Application for sign permits shall be made upon forms provided by the director and shall be accompanied by the following material.

A. The name, address and telephone number of the property owner, permit applicant (owner of the sign) and the sign contractor, if any;
B. Two copies of a site plan and elevations showing:

1. Sign height, size, color, type, style, elevation above final grade level, method of illumination and materials for the proposed sign,

2. Location, size and height of all signs and structures existing on the premises at the time of making such application,

3. Position of sign and its relation to adjacent buildings or structures; C. Such other information as the director may require to show full compliance with this and all other ordinances of the city.
(Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 100, 3-28-23)

17.72.160 Application fees.

At the time an application for a sign permit is submitted, the applicant shall pay a fee pursuant to the most recently adopted city council fee resolution.
(Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.170 Double permit fee.

The applicable fee for a sign permit shall be doubled when the installation of a sign is commenced before obtaining a permit. Applicants shall also be subject to double fees for building and/or electrical permits. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.180 Review of sign applications.

A. Staff Review. All sign applications shall be reviewed for completeness by the planning and community preservation department. As permitted by this chapter staff may approve, approve subject to modification, or deny any sign permit application subject to the criteria of subsection C below. A staff decision may be appealed to the planning commission.

B. Planning Commission Review. Where specifically required herein the planning commission shall review any sign permit application and shall thereof approve, approve subject to modification, or deny said application subject to the criteria of subsection C below. Any decision of the planning commission shall be final unless appealed to the city council pursuant to Municipal Code requirements.

C. Review Criteria. The appropriate reviewing body shall approve only those signs that are consistent with the purposes and intent of this chapter and that are found to meet the following criteria:
409271.6
(Supp. No. 38)

1. Size, shape, color and placement of the sign is compatible with and bears an harmonious relationship to the building it identifies as follows:
a. Proportional size and scale. Size and scale shall be proportional to the building façade; b. Integrated with the building. Signs shall be integrated into the façade recognizing and complimenting architectural projections and windows and establishing a rhythm to the façade; c. Colors shall be selected to enhance sign legibility and visibility, further contrasting colors are encouraged.

2. Both the location of the proposed sign and the design of its visual elements: materials, lettering, colors, decorative motifs, spacing, and proportions, shall be legible under normal viewing conditions prevailing where the sign is to be installed as follows:
a. Signs shall be oriented to either pedestrian or vehicle traffic; b. Materials shall be compatible with the façade and reflective materials shall be avoided; and c. Signs shall not crowd and overpower the façade by projecting too close to the edge of the wall or surface to which the sign is affixed.

3. The location and design of the proposed sign shall not obscure from view, or unduly detract from adjacent signs.

4. The design and placement of the sign does not create a pedestrian or vehicular traffic safety hazard as determined by the city engineer.

5. The location and design of the proposed sign shall not have an adverse effect on the value and character of the adjacent residential zoning district or residential neighborhood. As evidenced by the signs orientation and light and glare impacts to the adjacent residential neighborhood. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 101, 3-28-23)

17.72.190 Temporary signs in Residential Zones.

A temporary sign is permitted without a permit in all residential zones subject to the following requirements:

A. signs shall be limited to a freestanding sign or a sign affixed to a freestanding wall or fence in essentially a flat position thereon;
B. temporary signs shall not exceed six square feet in area with the aggregate signage of each lot not exceeding eighteen square feet;
C. except as otherwise authorized by this chapter, freestanding temporary signs located within a front yard shall not exceed a sign height of 42 inches;
D. temporary signs shall not be illuminated or reflective; E. temporary signs shall not be nailed to trees or public utility poles; F. temporary signs shall be designed and placed in a manner that does not create a vehicular or pedestrian traffic safety hazard as determined by the city engineer; G. temporary signs shall not be placed on awnings or canopies; H. signs shall not be placed within five feet from any shared property line; 409271.6
(Supp. No. 38)

I. temporary signs relating to a timed event shall be removed 10 days following the event to which they relate.

17.72.195 Temporary signs and displays in C & M Zones.

A temporary sign and/or temporary display permit shall be required in all C and M zones, and may be issued by the director subject to the requirements of Sections 17.72.140 through 17.72.180, inclusive. At the director's discretion a permit for outdoor display and portable signs can be issued for a twelve-month period. That a copy of the approved permit shall be forwarded to the code enforcement officer.

A. Outside Display. The display of goods and merchandise immediately outside a business is permitted subject to an approved permit as follows:

1. A dimensioned site plan shall be submitted to the director, that indicates the location of the outside display area;

2. The maximum display depth shall be no greater than five feet from the façade face but in no case closer than five feet to the edge of the sidewalk, with a maximum height of four above the sidewalk grade and the display shall cover not more than fifty percent of the width of the storefront (outdoor dining is exempt from these limitations);

3. Goods and merchandise displayed outside of a business shall be limited to those items regularly stocked and sold in the business. Further, the display shall be installed and maintained in a neat and orderly fashion at all times, and goods may only be displayed during normal business hours; and,

4. An encroachment permit shall be obtained from the department of public works.

B. Temporary Banners. Temporary banners and similar signs as defined in this chapter, may be permitted by the director as follows:

1. Application for a temporary sign shall be made on forms provided by the director of development services. The application shall also indicate the size of the banner;

2. A maximum of four temporary sign permits may be approved for any single business location within a calendar year, with the total cumulative temporary sign display days not to exceed sixty days. The maximum period lot any individual temporary sign permit shall not exceed thirty days;

3. If such temporary sign is to be placed on the public sidewalk, the applicant shall submit in addition to a temporary sign application, a site plan indicating the location of the temporary sign and an encroachment permit shall be obtained from Public Works; and

4. Temporary banners shall be placed on the building façade. The attachment of banners to trees, light and utility poles or similar configuration shall not be permitted.

C. Portable Signs. A moveable temporary sign that is designed and placed immediately outside the location of a business is allowed with an approved permit.

1. A dimensioned site plan shall be submitted to the director that indicates the location and size of the portable sign. The sign shall be located immediately adjacent to the storefront or building façade and there shall be not less than five feet between the sign area and edge of the sidewalk to allow for free and unobstructed pedestrian access;

2. Signs shall not exceed a total sign area of twenty-four square feet, or twelve square feet for each sign face;

3. Portable signs may only be displayed during normal business hours; and 409271.6
(Supp. No. 38)

4. An encroachment permit shall be obtained from the department of public works. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 102, 3-28-23)

17.72.200 Amortization schedule.

Every on-site sign that is or that becomes non-conforming as a result of this ordinance shall be subject to remediation as provided for in California Business & Professions Code sections 5492, 5493, 5495 and 5497. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)

17.72.210 Appeals.

Any appeal from the abatement provisions shall be filed with the secretary of the planning commission within thirty days after the date of mailing of the order of abatement by the director. All lengths and periods of time established for abatement under the provisions of Section 17.72.200 are declared to be prima facie time limits only and may be the subject of appeal as provided herein. Any person who is the owner, or who has any ownership interest in any property to which said order of abatement applies, may file an appeal. Upon receipt of an appeal, the planning commission shall give notice of hearing and shall conduct the same in the manner prescribed in this code. With reference to notice of hearing, no notice need be given to surrounding property owners. At the time and place set for the hearing, the commission shall give the appealing party an opportunity to be heard, in addition, where the appeal is from a prima facie length of time established by the provisions in Section

17.72.200 for the termination of nonconforming uses, the commission shall either affirm or extend said prima facie period of time based on all of the following:

A. The construction cost of the nonconforming structure; B. The date of construction;
C. Types of materials of construction;
D. Cost and extent of any structural improvements made subsequent to construction and prior to conformity;
E. The minimum period of amortization established for said types of structures by the Internal Revenue Service under then current regulations and rules;
F. Actual method of depreciation used for federal income tax purposes. (Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 103, 3-28-23)

17.72.220 Grounds for dismissal—Decision final.

At the time notice of the abatement appeal hearing is given to the appellant as required herein, the director shall also notify the appellant to furnish the information specified in section 17.72.210(A)—(F) to the commission, at or before the time of hearing. Failure of the appellant to provide any of the required information shall be grounds for the immediate dismissal of said appeal. The commission's decision shall be final and conclusive in the absence of an appeal to the city council in the time and manner set forth herein with reference to zone variances and conditional use permits.
409271.6
(Supp. No. 38)

(Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 104, 3-28-23)

17.72.230 Appeal of director's determination and revocation of permit.

An appeal of a determination of the director, and the revocation of a sign permit shall be pursuant to the following provisions:

A. Any decision by the director pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may be appealed to the planning commission within fourteen calendar days from the date of the determination. Such appeal shall be made in writing and be accompanied by an appeal fee designated in the city of Sierra Madre fee resolution. The commission shall conduct a noticed public hearing within thirty days of staff receiving the appeal or as soon thereafter as is possible. The determination of the planning commission shall be final unless appealed to the city council pursuant to the provisions of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.

B. A sign permit may be revoked as follows:

1. Upon the determination by the director that the sign is not being displayed in conformance with the provisions of this chapter, or in conformance with the approved sign permit, the director shall place the matter before the planning commission for consideration of revocation.

2. The planning commission shall revoke the sign permit upon the determination that the sign is not being displayed in conformance with the provisions of this chapter, or in conformance with the approved sign permit.

3. The determination of the planning commission may be appealed to the city council, pursuant to the provisions of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.
(Ord. 1205 § 2 (Exh. 1 (part), 2003)
(Ord. No. 1466, § 105, 3-28-23)
City of Sierra Madre

AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Brent Bartlett, Fire Chief
REVIEWED BY: Michael Bruckner, City Manager
DATE: October 28, 2025
SUBJECT: REVIEW AND POTENTIAL AMENDMENT OF SIERRA
MADRE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 10 – VEHICLES
AND TRAFFIC CHAPTER 10.52 PARKING PROHIBITIONS

ON YELLOW AND RED FLAG ALERTS DAYS

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council review the revised version of Chapter 10.52 (Parking Prohibitions on Yellow and Red Flag Alert Days), provide direction to staff regarding desired modifications, and consider whether to proceed with preparation of a formal ordinance amendment for City Council consideration.

ALTERNATIVES

1. Provide direction to staff on potential amendments to Chapter 10.52.

2. Direct staff to prepare a revised ordinance for future City Council review and adoption.

3. Take no action at this time.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The current Parking Prohibition Ordinance (Chapter 10.52) regulates on-street parking during high-risk weather conditions such as Yellow and Red Flag Alert Days. The purpose is to ensure safe access for emergency vehicles and to protect public safety during fire weather or debris flow events. The City Council requested that staff review and simplify the ordinance for greater clarity and community understanding.

A revised version of Chapter 10.52 has been prepared to simplify definitions, improve clarity, and enhance public communication for weather event alerts. The intent of this discussion item is to seek City Council direction on whether to advance a revised ordinance for consideration.

ANALYSIS
The original ordinance and the revised version share the same intent—protecting Robert Parkhurst, Mayor
Kristine Lowe, Mayor Pro Tem
Edward Garcia, Council Member
Gene Goss, Council Member
Kelly Kriebs, Council Member
Sue Spears, City Treasurer

public safety during adverse weather conditions—but differ in structure, language, and implementation clarity. Key revisions include simplified terminology, added resident notification procedures, and clarified enforcement authority.

Section Original
Summary
Revised
Summary
Key Change
Type

10.52.010
Purpose
Broadly states
intent to protect
health and safety.

Simplifies
language and
emphasizes
public notification
and emergency
vehicle access.

Clarity /
Readability

10.52.020
Definitions
Includes detailed,
technical
meteorological
terms.

Streamlines terms
and aligns with
L.A. County alert
systems.

Simplification /
Consistency

10.52.030
Parking
Prohibitions
Lists alert types
and affected
streets.

Adds structured
alert levels,
notification
process, and
signage
requirements.

Structure /
Communication

10.52.040
Violations &
Penalties
Defines
misdemeanor
violations and
towing.

Clarifies towing
authority and
adds clear
recovery
procedures.

Enforcement
Clarity
The revised version also includes enhanced public communication mechanisms— specifically City website postings, social media updates, and alerts through the emergency notification system. These improvements aim to ensure residents are promptly informed when parking restrictions are in effect.

ENVIRONMENTAL (CEQA)
This action is not a project as defined under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15378(b)(5) of the CEQA Guidelines, as it constitutes a policy review and direction item only. Should an ordinance amendment be prepared, staff will evaluate CEQA applicability at that time.

STRATEGIC PLAN CORRELATION
This Agenda Item supports:

Goal 2: Public Safety, specifically Objective 2.4 – Safe Streets Initiative and

Objective 2.5 – Enhance Emergency Preparedness and Response. x Under Initiative 2.4.1, the City is committed to undertaking traffic studies and implementing safety measures that improve roadway conditions and reduce hazards during high-risk events.
x Under Initiative 2.5.1, the City seeks to enhance critical technology, communication, and operational resilience during emergencies.

By refining Chapter 10.52 to improve clarity, notification procedures, and enforcement during Yellow and Red Flag Alert Days, this action strengthens the City’s ability to maintain emergency vehicle access, protect residents, and advance overall community preparedness and safety.

PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed though the regular agenda notification process. Copies of this report can be accessed on the City’s website at SierraMadreCA.gov

FINANCIAL REVIEW/SOURCE OF FUNDING
If the City Council directs staff to prepare an amendment to Chapter 10.52, then staff time will be required for ordinance drafting, legal review, and Council presentation.

These costs are expected to be nominal and can be absorbed within the existing Community Preservation and Public Safety Department budgets.

Should the revised ordinance move forward to adoption, minor additional costs may be incurred for public outreach and signage updates however no new revenues or staffing adjustments are anticipated as a result of this action.

Attachments

1. Chapter 10.52 Parking Prohibitions on Yellow and Red Flag Alert Days (Current Ordinance)

2. Chapter 10.52 Parking Prohibitions on Yellow and Red Flag Alert Days (Revised Draft Ordinance)
Title 10 - VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Chapter 10.52 PARKING PROHIBITIONS ON YELLOW AND RED FLAG ALERT DAYS Sierra Madre, California, Code of Ordinances Created: 2025-01-16 11:35:35 [EST] (Supp. No. 38)

Chapter 10.52 PARKING PROHIBITIONS ON YELLOW AND RED FLAG ALERT DAYS Sections:

10.52.010 Purpose of this chapter.

The purpose of this chapter is to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Sierra Madre through the regulation of on-street parking on certain city streets during days of extreme precipitation which pose a risk of debris and mudflows.
(Ord. No. 1284, § 1, 10-28-08)

10.52.020 Definitions.

The words, terms, phrases, and their derivations set forth in this chapter have the meanings set forth below:

A. On-street parking is defined as the stopping, standing or parking of any vehicle on any of the city streets designated in Section 10.52.030.

B. Yellow flag alert day means any day that the fire department determines weather conditions are such that small, isolated debris and mudflows are possible at specific locations in the city activated with a Los Angeles County Phase I forecast.

C. Red flag alert day means any day that the fire department determines weather conditions are such that: 1) moderate debris and mudflows are possible at more widespread locations in the city; or 2) the potential exists for significant debris and mudflows to be widespread over specific areas in the city activated with a Los Angeles County Phase 2 or 3 forecast. (Ord. No. 1284, § 1, 10-28-08)

10.52.030 Parking prohibitions.

A. Whenever the fire department determines that on-street parking on any city street designated in subdivision B. of this section would create a hazard to life or property by interfering with emergency vehicle access and resident evacuation during any event of mud and debris flow or red flag fire weather event, the fire department is hereby authorized to install and maintain at that place signs giving notice that on-street parking is prohibited on a yellow flag alert day or red flag alert day. The Fire Department is further authorized to include notice, on any sign that prohibits on-street parking on yellow flag alert days or red flag alert days, that vehicles parked in violation of the sign may be removed at the owner's expense B. For purposes of this chapter, a "red flag fire weather event" means a fire-weather forecaster alert to limited weather conditions of particular importance that may result in extreme burning conditions, which may be issued during an on-going event or where the fire weather forecaster has a high degree of confidence that red flag criteria will occur within twenty-four hours of issuance. Red flag criteria may occur whenever a geographical area has been in a dry spell for a week or two, or for a shorter period, if before spring green-up or after fall color, and the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) is high to extreme and the following forecast weather parameters are forecasted to be met:

1. Sustained wind average fifteen mph or greater;
ATTACHMENT 1
Created: 2025-01-16 11:35:35 [EST]
(Supp. No. 38)

2. Relative humidity less than or equal to twenty-five percent; and

3. Temperature of greater than seventy-five degrees F.

Where applicable, dry lightning and unstable air are also criteria.

The fire chief or his or her designee is authorized to declare a red flag weather event, yellow flag alert or red flag alert.

C. During a yellow flag alert day or a red flag alert day, it shall be unlawful, when authorized signs are in place giving notice, to park any vehicle on any of the following streets or portions thereof in violation of those posted signs:

1. Mount Wilson Trail;

2. Churchill Road;

3. Skyland Drive;

4. Fern Glen;

5. Fern Drive;

6. Idle Hour;

7. Canyon Crest Drive;

8. Orange Drive;

9. Woodland Drive;

10. Brookside Lane;

11. Sunnyside Lane;

12. Yucca Trail;

13. Holly Trail;

14. Sturtevant; and

15. Elm.
(Ord. No. 1284, § 1, 10-28-08; Ord. No. 1286, § 1, 1-10-09; Ord. No. 1397-U, § 3, 1-9-18)

10.52.040 Violations/penalties.

A. A vehicle which is parked in violation of this chapter may be removed by the city. Any person or entity who parks his car in violation of this chapter is liable for the expense of removing his vehicle. Any such expense shall be charged against that person or entity and this charge shall constitute a debt and will be collectable by the city.

B. Any person or entity that violates this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor which shall be punishable pursuant to the procedures set forth in Chapter 1.12 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code. (Ord. No. 1284, § 1, 10-28-08)
Title 10 - VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Chapter 10.52 PARKING PROHIBITIONS ON YELLOW AND RED FLAG ALERT DAYS Sierra Madre, California, Code of Ordinances Created: 2025-01-16 11:35:35 [EST] (Supp. No. 38)

Chapter 10.52 PARKING PROHIBITIONS ON YELLOW AND RED FLAG ALERT DAYS Sections:

10.52.010 Purpose of this chapter.

The purpose of this chapter is to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Sierra Madre by regulating on-street parking on designated city streets during days with weather conditions that pose a risk of debris, mudflows, or fire hazards.
(Ord. No. 1284, § 1, 10-28-08)

10.52.020 Definitions.

A. On-street parking: The stopping, standing, or parking of any vehicle on designated city streets as specified in Section 10.52.030.

B. Yellow Flag Alert Day: A day determined by the fire department when weather conditions indicate:

1. Small, isolated debris and mudflows are possible in specific locations within the city.

This alert is triggered by a Los Angeles County Phase I forecast.

C. Red Flag Alert Day: A day determined by the fire department when weather conditions indicate either:

1. Moderate debris and mudflows may occur in multiple areas of the city; or

2. There is potential for significant debris and mudflows in specific high-risk areas.

This alert is triggered by a Los Angeles County Phase II or III forecast.

D. Red Flag Fire Weather Event: A specific fire-weather alert determined by the fire department when extreme burning conditions are expected or ongoing. Criteria include:

1. Sustained wind averages of 15 mph or greater;

2. Relative humidity of 25% or lower;

3. Temperatures exceeding 75°F; and

4. Additional factors such as dry lightning or unstable air. (Ord. No. 1284, § 1, 10-28-08)
ATTACHMENT 2
Commented [AG1]: Why doesn’t this paragraph have
sub-paragraphs like the ones below?
Commented [AG2]: Should this sentence be part of the
second sub-paragraph?
Commented [AG3]: This is not a definition
Created: 2025-01-16 11:35:35 [EST]
(Supp. No. 38)

10.52.030 Parking prohibitions.

A. General Prohibitions:

1. Whenever the fire department determines that on-street parking on designated city streets would pose a hazard to life or property by interfering with emergency vehicle access or resident evacuation during a Yellow Flag Alert Day, Red Flag Alert Day, or Red Flag Fire Weather Event, on-street parking is prohibited.

2. Signs shall be installed and maintained to give notice of these prohibitions. Such signs must include a warning that vehicles parked in violation may be removed at the owner’s expense.

B. Designated Streets: The following streets, or portions thereof, are subject to these prohibitions:

1. Mount Wilson Trail

2. Churchill Road

3. Skyland Drive

4. Fern Glen

5. Fern Drive

6. Idle Hour Lane

7. Canyon Crest Drive

8. Orange Drive

9. Woodland Drive

10. Brookside Lane

11. Sunnyside Lane

12. Yucca Trail

13. Holly Trail

14. Sturtevant Drive

15. Elm Avenue
(Ord. No. 1284, § 1, 10-28-08; Ord. No. 1286, § 1, 1-10-09; Ord. No. 1397-U, § 3, 1-9-18)

10.52.040 Violations/penalties.

A. Removal of Vehicles: Vehicles parked in violation of this chapter may be removed by the city. The owner is liable for the expense of removal, which constitutes a collectible debt to the city.

Created: 2025-01-16 11:35:35 [EST]
(Supp. No. 38)

B. Misdemeanor Violation: Violating this chapter is a misdemeanor punishable as set forth in Chapter 1.12 of the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.
(Ord. No. 1284, § 1, 10-28-08)