9655.9. - Sign program.

A.

Purpose. A sign program is intended to (1) integrate the design of the signs proposed for a development project with the design of the structures, into a unified architectural statement; and (2) provide a means for defining common sign regulations for multi-tenant projects and other users of multiple signs, in order to

encourage maximum incentive and latitude in the design and display of multiple signs, and to achieve, not circumvent, the intent of this chapter. For the purposes of this provision, a development project is a project involving the construction or remodeling of improvements on privately-owned property.

B.

Applicability. The approval of a sign program shall be required under the following circumstances, or whenever an applicant applying for a land use entitlement requests the approval of a sign program:

1.

New multi-tenant developments of three (3) or more separate tenants that share either the same parcel or structure and use common access and parking facilities.

2.

Whenever five (5) or more permanent signs are proposed for a new or existing development in the multifamily, business park, commercial, or planned development zones;

3.

When an existing shopping center requests an increase in the size, height, location, and number of monument signs pursuant to a landscape management agreement as specified in section 9655.12.C.

4.

Freeway facing signs pursuant to section 9655.8.B.1.i.

5.

Certain monument signs and sign materials pursuant to section 9553.5.A. and C. in the Old Agoura Design Overlay.

6.

Increase in the number of sign colors allowed pursuant to section 9655.6.B.

7.

The director determines that a sign program is needed to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

C.

Review and approval authority. The planning commission shall have the authority to review and approve a sign program.

D.

Application requirements. An application for a sign program shall include all information and materials listed in section 9655.5 and the filing fee set by the city's fee resolution.

E.

Standards. A sign program shall comply with the criteria established in section 9655.5.D. and the following standards:

1.

The program shall comply with the purpose of this chapter;

2.

The program shall be designed in a manner to be able to accommodate future revisions that may be required because of changes in use or tenants; and

3.

The program shall comply with the standards of this chapter, except that a variance or modification is allowed with regard to sign area, number, location, or height to the extent that the comprehensive sign program will enhance the overall development and will more fully accomplish the intent of this division.

F.

Public hearing on proposed sign program.

1.

A public hearing shall be scheduled and notice shall be provided pursuant to section 9804 et seq.

2.

The planning commission may approve, conditionally approve or deny a proposed sign program. The planning commission shall not approve the application unless the following findings are made:

a.

The location of the proposed signs and the design of their visual elements are legible under normal viewing conditions prevailing where the sign is to be installed. Legibility shall be determined based solely on the elements of lettering, colors, decorative motifs, spacing, and proportion.

b.

The location and design of the proposed signs, their size, shape, illumination, and color are compatible with the visual characteristics of the surrounding area. Compatibility shall be determined based solely on the relationships of the elements of form, proportion, scale, color, materials, surface treatment, overall sign size, and the size and style of lettering. c. The proposed sign program is consistent with the City's adopted sign design guidelines and any applicable design guidelines in any adopted specific plan.

G.

Revisions to sign programs. Revisions to an existing sign program determined to be minor in nature may be approved by the director with a standard sign permit if the intent of the original approval is not affected.

Revisions that would substantially deviate from the original approval shall require the approval of a new comprehensive sign program approved by the planning commission.

(Ord. No. 19-444, § 3, 10-23-2019; Ord. No. 23-472, § 11, 5-22-2024)