30-6 - SIGN REGULATIONS.

30-6.1 - In General; On-Premises and Off-Premises Signs.

a.

General Regulation. Signs as defined in Section 30-2, are further defined in subsection 30-6.2, and are permitted in all zoning districts, but shall be designed, erected, altered, moved, removed, or maintained in whole or in part in accordance with the regulations prescribed in this section.

b.

Permit Required. A sign permit and a building permit shall be obtained as provided in Sections 6-3 and 131 of the Alameda Municipal Code.

c.

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide standards to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, quality of materials, location, installation and maintenance of all forms of outdoor advertising, as defined in Section 30-2. The City finds that signs are important to the

economic life and welfare of the City. However, when placed in an improper manner or used to an excessive extent, signs may be detrimental to the public safety and welfare. The public interest, conservation of property values, encouragement of orderly city development, aesthetic values and protection of the public health, safety and welfare therefore require that the use of signs be regulated.

d.

Intent. The objectives of the regulations in this section are to:

1.

Enhance the appearance and economic value of the community by regulating the quantity, size, type, location, design and maintenance of signs;

2.

Encourage signs which are compatible with adjacent land uses;

3.

Encourage a high quality design with a minimum of clutter;

4.

Encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing in appearance;

5.

Provide a reasonable and constitutional system of sign control;

6.

Conveniently direct persons to various activities and enterprises in the City;

7.

Reduce traffic and safety hazards through proper location and design of signs; and

8.

Prevent uncontrolled sign competition which is costly to business and visually unattractive to the community.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

(Ord. No. 3027 N.S., § 3, 3-1-2011)

30-6.2 - Definitions.

As used in this section:

Abandoned sign shall mean a sign, or part of a sign, or any structure that does or once had supported a sign, which has not, for a period over thirty (30) days, displayed the identity of a business, lessor, owner, product, service or activity on the premises where the sign and/or structure is located.

Affiliation sign shall mean any sign whose sole purpose is to identify membership in an association of businesses, such as credit card companies, association membership, trading stamps.

Auto dealership shall mean an establishment whose principal activity is the sale of new or used motor vehicles.

Auto row shall mean the parcels fronting on both sides of Park Street between the Park Street Bridge on the north and the north side of Lincoln Avenue on the south, including adjacent parcels contiguous to ones with frontage on Park Street under ownership or lease to auto dealers, and including adjacent portions of Blanding Avenue, Buena Vista Avenue, Pacific Avenue, Tilden Way and Lincoln Avenue which abut parcels under ownership or lease to auto dealers.

Awning shall mean a hood or cover which projects from a wall of a building, which is primarily intended to provide shade and shelter, and which is typically made of canvas or aluminum or similar materials, and may be fixed in place or retractable.

Balloon shall mean an inflated is filled with hot air or a gas lighter than air.

Banner shall mean a sign not made of rigid material either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame, which is temporarily mounted or attached to either poles, trees or buildings, and may be placed as to allow movement of the sign by the wind.

Borderless sign shall mean a sign composed of parts of a message without a single border enclosing any of the parts.

Building frontage shall mean the portion of an exterior building wall which faces a public street, walkway or parking lot. When separated by interior walls, more than one (1) kind of business may be considered a separate place of business although operated within the same building by the same owner.

Bulletin board sign shall mean a sign used to display announcements relative to a public, charitable, religious or fraternal institution.

Business shall mean an organization involved in the provision of goods or services, including transitory residential uses such as motels and hotels but excluding multiple residential uses.

Business complex shall mean five (5) or more businesses located on one (1) or more parcels of land sharing common pedestrian or vehicular access or parking facilities.

Business park shall mean industrial or commercial development in all industrial, manufacturing zones designated in part by the letter M, which contain at least five (5) different businesses with a combined gross floor area of at least fifty thousand (50,000) square feet.

Commemorative plaques shall mean memorial signs and tablets, building name and erection date, symbols and similar emblems that are a permanent design element of a building or other structure.

Construction sign shall mean a sign which identifies the persons, firms or businesses directly connected with a construction project.

Dilapidated sign shall mean a sign that is no longer in a good state of repair, and is not visually attractive and functional, or has become a health or safety hazard.

Directional sign shall mean an on-site sign which is designed and erected solely for the purposes of directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic within a project. Such a sign shall contain no advertising copy.

District shall mean any zoning district designated in the zoning regulations of the City.

Directory sign shall mean an identification sign listing the tenants of a building, complex or multi-tenant space. Directory signs shall not include any logos or advertising.

Double-faced sign shall mean a sign constructed to display its message on the outer surfaces of two (2) identical and/or opposite parallel planes.

Exterior display wall shall mean a colonnade or a wall with openings designed as an architectural feature at the front edge of an automobile dealership's display lot, designed to provide continuity with adjacent buildings and to improve appearance at the sidewalk.

Externally illuminated shall mean illumination by a light source located outside of and not attached to the surface of the sign. Illuminated tubing and strings of lights outlining portions of buildings shall be considered externally illuminated signs.

Erected shall mean attached, altered, built, constructed, reconstructed, enclosed or moved, and shall include the painting of wall signs.

Face of sign shall mean the entire surface of a sign upon which copy can be placed.

Flag shall mean any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol.

Flashing sign shall mean any sign which is perceived as an intermittent or flashing light.

Fraternal organization shall mean a group of people associated or formally organized for a common purpose, interest or pleasure, which shall include lodges, social halls, and union halls.

Freestanding sign shall mean a sign fixed in an upright position on the ground not attached to a building or any structure other than a framework or device, erected primarily to support the sign.

Fundraising event sign shall mean a temporary sign announcing a fundraising drive or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organization. Political campaign signs are not included under this category.

Garage sale sign shall mean a sign with a message advertising the resale of personal property that has been used by the resident.

Governmental buildings. For the purpose of this article, shall mean and include: City, County, State and Federal buildings.

Grand opening sign shall mean a temporary sign or banner erected one (1) time only for a limited period of time to announce the opening of a new business.

Height shall mean the vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the area of a sign to the ground immediately below such point or the level of the upper surface of the nearest curb of the street upon which the sign fronts, whichever measurement is the greatest.

Historic sign shall mean any signs that have been determined by the Historic Advisory Board to have historic merit.

Identification sign shall mean a sign which serves to tell only the name, address, business and/or profession of the occupant, or use of the building upon which the sign is located, and which may include an emblem, insignia or logo.

Illegal sign shall mean a sign erected in violation of the laws in effect at that time, and not in conformance with the regulations of the Alameda Municipal Code at the time of adoption of this article.

Informational sign shall mean any sign which is designed and erected solely for the purpose of communicating information for the safety or convenience of the public, such as telephone, danger, rest rooms.

Institutional uses shall mean uses such as schools, churches, fraternal organizations, community, governmental, and public recreational facilities, hospitals and convalescent homes.

Internally illuminated shall mean a sign whose light source is located in the interior of the sign so that the rays go through the face of the sign.

Light source shall mean a bulb or tube from which light is emitted when it is activated, including but not limited to incandescent filament bulb, electric discharge bulb, neon tube, and fluorescent tube.

Marquee shall mean a permanent structure extending over the entrance to a building, attached to and supported by the building or freestanding and self supporting.

Menu reader board shall mean any sign intended to provide information to patrons while using a drivethrough facility.

Menu, window sample shall mean a copy of a restaurant's regular tableside or take out menu(s), placed in the window for the intent of allowing pedestrians to view such information as the restaurant's food items, hours of availability and prices.

Moving sign shall mean a sign which has any actual or apparent moving parts, activated in any way by mechanical or electrical devices or by wind currents. Signs which change or appear to change color or intensity of lighting shall be included.

Multiple-faced sign shall mean a sign constructed to display its message on a curbed surface or on two (2) or more planar surfaces.

Nonconforming sign shall mean any advertising structure or sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to the adoption of this article, and which has subsequently come under the requirements

of this article, with which it does not completely comply.

Nonilluminated shall mean neither directly nor indirectly lighted and containing no material that is made for the purpose of being reflective or fluorescent.

Official sign shall mean a sign or signs required by governmental body to discharge its legally required function.

Off-premises directional sign shall mean a sign identifying a publicly owned facility, emergency facility, tenants within a business park, temporary subdivision signs, which are no greater than thirty (30) square feet in area. Such facilities and business parks may have no more than two (2) off-premises directional signs. Real estate signs are not included in this definition.

Off-premises sign shall mean any sign identifying a use, facility, service or product which is not located, sold, or manufactured on the same premises as the sign or which identifies a use, service or product by a brand name which, although sold or manufactured on the premises, does not constitute the principal item for sale or manufactured on the premises.

On-premises sign shall mean any sign identifying a use, facility, service or product which is located, sold, or manufactured on the same premises as the sign.

Parking lot shall mean an area of land which is accessible and usable for the off-street parking of motor vehicles, except for land designated for product display by new and used automobile dealers.

Pennant shall mean a long, narrow, usually triangular flag.

Permanent sign shall mean any sign for which a sign permit is issued with no time limit in accordance with the provisions of this article. Any mention of signs in this article shall be considered to mean permanent signs unless there is a specified time limit or reference to temporary (e.g., promotional) signs.

Political campaign sign shall mean a sign designed for the purpose of advertising support of or opposition to a candidate or proposition for a public election.

Portable freestanding sign shall mean a sign that is designed to be movable and is not structurally attached to the ground, a building, structure, or any other sign. Included are signs built in the configuration of an "A" or an "I" frame, and signs mounted on rollers or slides.

Privilege sign shall mean a standardized sign supplied at nominal cost or free to a retailer where a portion of the sign face identifies the products of a regional or national distributor or manufacturer available only incidentally on the premises, and a portion of the sign identifies the local retailer. Signs identifying the primary commodity, service or activity available on the premises, such as signs for auto dealerships, gasoline stations and chain stores and businesses, shall not be included in this category.

Promotional sign shall mean any temporary sign or device (other than permanent signs used to identify the business' or organization's name) used for advertising, examples of which include but is not limited to the promotion of limited time offers of gifts, products or sale prices.

Projecting sign shall mean any sign which is suspended from or supported by a building or wall and which projects outward therefrom. Signs suspended under a porch or permanent walkway covering shall be

included.

Real estate sign shall mean a type of temporary sign indicating that a property or any portion thereof is open for inspection, for sale, for rent, or otherwise available or directing people to such a property. Temporary subdivision signs are not included under this definition.

Recreational facilities for the purposes of this article, shall mean and include public parks, and facilities for physical recreation such as golf, tennis, swimming and boating.

Reflective sign shall mean a sign which is not electrically illuminated, but which responds to light, such as from passing auto headlights by shining or glowing.

Roof sign shall mean any sign erected upon or above the roof or parapet of any building, including any porch, marquee, walkway covering, or similar roof like structure.

Seasonal decorations shall mean temporarily erected greetings, ornamentation and displays that relate to an established and recognized holiday, such as July 4 or Christmas, which contain no advertising.

Seasonal sales sign shall mean a temporary sign or banner erected for a limited period of time to identify a seasonal business such as Christmas tree lots.

Sign structure shall mean any device whose primary function is to support a sign.

Single-faced sign shall mean a sign constructed so that its message is displayed on a single plane, and is viewable from only one (1) side of the plane.

Streamer shall mean any, ribbon-like flag or banner that relies on wind motion to attract attention.

Subdivision sign shall mean a sign containing the name, location, or directions to a builder, developer, and pertinent information about a subdivision for which there is a properly approved and recorded map, and in which homes or units in a building remain to be constructed, completed or initially sold.

Temporary sign shall mean any sign or advertising display, including all forms of "promotional signs" as defined by this section, which is typically but not necessarily either made of paper, poster board, cardboard, cloth, canvas, fabric, plywood or other light materials, or painted directly onto windows, and is designed or intended to be displayed for a short period of time.

Vehicular sign shall mean a vehicle which has a sign mounted or painted thereon which is used primarily as the sign structure and not as a vehicle.

Wall sign shall mean any outward-facing sign affixed to a building or fence, at no point projecting more than six (6″) inches horizontally from the surface upon which it is attached.

Window display shall mean any collection of merchandise or artifacts, arranged in a three-dimensional display behind a window, typically intended to provide pedestrians with a visual display of the items available for sale. The term "window display" excludes "window sign" as defined by this section, but may include incidental price labels on the items being displayed.

Window sign shall mean any sign: (a) painted on, affixed to, or placed adjacent to, a window, door or opening or located inside within a distance of three (3') feet or less from a window, door or opening, or any sign located behind a window or door or within an opening; and (b) designed to be viewed from the outside of the building. The term "window sign" excludes "window display" as defined by this section.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

This subsection provides regulations pertaining to all on-premise signs, and prescribes the maximum number of permanent on-premises signs and temporary promotional on-premise signs, and the maximum total area of such signs, that is permitted. The following subsection, "30-6.4 Requirements by Sign Type," prescribes additional limitations for the placement and size of specific types of permanent on-premises signs (e.g., "awning," "wall," "window" signs).

a.

Regulations Pertaining to All On-Premises Signs:

1.

Permit Required for All Permanent Signs. In order to assure compliance with the regulations of this section, no permanent sign (including signs that do not require building permits) may be installed until a sign permit has been issued. Sign permit applications shall be filed with the Planning Department, and reviewed by the Planning Director, or person so designated. To grant a sign permit, the Planning Director must find that the proposed sign(s):

A.

Are consistent with all applicable General Plan policies, all sign regulations of Section 30-6 of the Alameda Municipal Code, and all provisions of the City of Alameda Design Review Manual that may apply to the project type or site;

B.

Exhibit a design and materials that are appropriate for the site and compatible with adjacent or neighboring buildings or surroundings.

2.

Banners May Not be Used as Permanent Signs. Except where permitted as a temporary grand opening sign, banners may not be used as a sign to identify a business. Banners, regardless of mounting, may not be used as a permanent sign.

Signs Not Included in Allowable Maximums. Exempt signs, temporary signs other than promotional signs, and conforming off-premises signs shall not be included in the determination of the total allowable number of signs or total allowable sign area for a site.

Maximum Permitted Area of Any One Individual Sign. The maximum area for any sign shall be fifty (50) square feet unless a smaller area is required by other regulations prescribed in the section.

b.

Number of Signs Allowed.

1.

The maximum number of permanent on-premises signs per first floor use allowed for each building frontage in any zoning district is two (2), exclusive of directional signs and window signs.

2.

The signs may be multiple-faced and in any combination except that a business or other use, other than a use with a drive through facility, may not have:

(a)

More than one (1) freestanding sign per lot.

(b)

More than one (1) projecting sign per use.

(c)

A combination of one (1) projecting sign and one (1) freestanding sign.

3.

Notwithstanding the above prohibition on more than one (1) freestanding sign, uses with drive through facilities may be allowed to install a maximum of two (2) additional freestanding signs, but only to serve as menu reader boards and primarily viewable only from vehicles in the use's driveway.

4.

The allowable number and type of business oriented directional signs shall be approved on an individual basis by the Planning Director.

5.

See subsection 30-6.3c.1.(c) below for number of signs allowed for non first floor uses.

c.

Sign Area Allowed.

Business. The maximum total sign area shall be determined by measuring the building frontage of the business.

(a)

Except as provided in subsection (c) below, the total allowable sign area for a first floor business with a single building frontage shall be one (1) square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage, with a minimum allowed sign area of up to twenty-five (25) square feet and a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet.

(b)

For a first floor business with more than one (1) building frontage, or which occupies more than one (1) building, each building frontage shall be considered separately. The total sign area for any single first floor business shall not exceed one hundred fifty (150) square feet.

(c)

Multiple Occupancy Building:

(1)

First floor tenants whose businesses are visible from a public street, walkway or parking lot shall be entitled to a sign area based on the amount of building frontage used by that tenant, with an allowed sign area of up to twenty-five (25) square feet.

(2)

Second story tenants shall be entitled to either: one (1) window identification sign which shall not occupy more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the area of any one (1) window; or one (1) awning sign no larger than five (5) square feet.

(3)

Tenants above the first floor level, and tenants whose businesses are not visible from a public street, shall be entitled to signs as part of a directory sign, either freestanding or mounted on the building frontage; three (3) square feet maximum per tenant.

(d)

Home Occupation: One (1) non-illuminated sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in area shall be allowed.

2.

Non-residential Complexes, Shopping Centers, Residential Subdivisions, Mixed-Use Projects, Historic Districts and other Planned Development Projects:

(a)

Individual standards shall be set for each project. Requirements for similar uses discussed in this article shall serve as guidelines.

(b)

All signs, temporary and permanent, shall be approved by the Planning Director pursuant to a coordinated signing program. The program shall coordinate the following items:

(1)

Location, number, size and mode of display.

(2)

Colors, materials and illumination.

(3)

Temporary signs: duration of use.

3.

Multiple-Residential. The maximum total sign area for multiple-residential development shall be as follows:

(a)

Apartments, condominiums [three to ten (3-10) units]: Ten (10) square feet.

(b)

Apartments, condominiums [above eleven (11) units]: Twenty (20) square feet.

(c)

Shared living: Ten (10) square feet.

(d)

Convalescent homes: Fifteen (15) square feet.

(e)

Bed and breakfast facilities: Four (4) square feet.

4.

Professional Office. The maximum total sign area shall be as set forth in subsection 30-6.3c.1. above for businesses, plus the following maximum total sign area per building frontage:

(a)

Residential districts: Five (5) square feet.

(b)

All other districts: Twenty (20) square feet identification sign, and a directory sign, three (3) square feet per tenant up to a maximum of thirty-six (36) square feet.

5.

Hospitals. The maximum total sign area shall be one hundred fifty (150) square feet.

6.

Religious, Educational, Governmental, Recreational. The maximum total sign area shall be twenty (20) square feet.

(a)

Nursery schools, day care, group care and family care centers: Fifteen (15) square feet.

7.

Charitable, Social, Fraternal, Union. The maximum total sign area shall be fifteen (15) square feet.

8.

Construction Site: One (1) on-premises temporary sign not exceeding thirty-six (36) square feet in area. Duration shall be limited to the period of construction. (A use permit is required in all residential zoning districts, as regulated under subsection 30-21.3.)

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

(Ord. No. 3027 N.S., § 3, 3-1-2011; Ord. No. 3168 N.S., § 4, 11-15-2016; Ord. No. 3183 N.S., § 11, 7-52017)

30-6.4 - Requirements by Sign Type.

a.

Calculation of Sign Area.

1.

Single-faced signs: The area shall be that within the outer-most border or edge of the sign.

2.

Double-faced signs: The area shall be that within the outermost edge of one (1) face of the sign.

3.

Multiple-faced signs and three (3) dimensional shapes: The area shall be the area of their maximum projection upon a vertical plane.

Borderless signs: The area shall be that within a single polygon drawn with straight lines and right angle corners to enclose all sign parts.

5.

Awning signs: The area shall be the sum of the sign areas on each plane of the awning. The area of each sign shall be calculated in the same manner as for borderless signs.

6.

Sign-support structures: The area of sign-support structures other than posts or brackets, shall be calculated as sign area only when the appearance of such structures attracts attention for advertising, instructional or informational purposes.

7.

Directional signs: The area of business oriented directional signs shall be included within the total allowable sign area for the site.

b.

Wall Signs.

1.

Signs shall be located only on building frontages which are adjacent to a public street, walkway or parking lot.

2.

Signs shall not at any point project from the surface upon which they are attached more than required for construction purposes and never more than six (6″) inches.

3.

Signs shall be placed no closer to either side of an adjacent business wall than a distance equal to ten (10%) percent of the length of the wall. Signs placed closer shall be subject to twenty-five (25%) percent loss in total allowable sign area.

c.

Window Signs.

1.

Signs shall be permitted only for windows, doors or openings as set forth in the definition of "window sign" that are located on the first and second floors of the building frontage.

Signs shall be mounted on the inside of or painted on windows, doors or openings as set forth in the definition of "window sign."

3.

No permanent and/or temporary window sign shall be larger than ten (10) square feet, and shall not occupy more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the area of any one (1) window. For the purposes of this section, window shall mean the area defined by the framing of the window. Exempt signs, as described in subsection 30-6.7, and window displays as defined by this section, shall not be considered "window signs" for the purpose of determining compliance with this subsection.

d.

Projecting Signs.

1.

Signs shall be mounted only on the building frontage of a business.

2.

Signs shall not be permitted for residential uses.

3.

Signs shall be limited to street level for street level uses.

4.

The design configuration and location of the sign shall not block the visibility of other signs on adjoining businesses.

(a)

Projection and area:

(1)

No sign shall project above the eave line of a building, or a sill of a second story window.

(2)

All signs shall have a minimum vertical clearance of eight (8′) feet from the ground to the bottom of the sign or sign structure.

(3)

No sign shall project within two (2′) feet of a curb line.

(b)

Side set in for businesses with building frontage sharing common sidewalks:

(1)

Businesses with a building frontage of more than thirty (30′) feet, the sign shall be set in a minimum of fifteen (15′) feet from each sidewall.

(2)

Businesses with a building frontage of thirty (30′) feet or less, the sign shall be centrally located; adjacent businesses may stack signs along a common side wall if the signs are of compatible designs and material.

(c)

Thickness: The maximum thickness of a projecting sign shall not exceed that required for construction purposes, and not exceed six (6″) inches.

e.

Awning Signs.

1.

Signs shall be located only on the building frontage of a business.

2.

Signs shall be limited to street level and second story occupancies.

3.

Signs may be located on more than one (1) plane of an awning and shall be considered as one (1) sign.

4.

The maximum sign area for an awning sign shall be thirty-six (36) square feet.

5.

The design configuration and location of the awning shall not block the visibility of other signs on adjoining businesses as seen by passersby on the street.

f.

Freestanding Signs.

Signs shall not be permitted in areas zoned for residential use, except for institutional uses.

2.

There shall be a minimum of seventy-five (75') feet between any two (2) freestanding signs. The purpose of this provision is to avoid one (1) freestanding sign blocking the visibility of another sign on an adjoining site.

3.

The maximum height for freestanding signs shall be as follows:

(a)

Identifications sign: Twelve (12′) feet.

(b)

Subdivision and construction sign: Ten (10′) feet.

(c)

Directory sign: Eight (8′) feet.

(d)

Directional and informational sign: Six (6′) feet.

(e)

Exempt signs: Six (6′) feet.

4.

Signs shall not project over public property or vehicular easement or right-of-way.

5.

Landscaping shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure or the freestanding sign shall be incorporated into landscaped areas as determined by the Planning and Building Director.

6.

Sign area shall be allowed as follows:

(a)

Square footage allotted to a building may be transferred to a freestanding sign in lieu of its use on the building up to a maximum of thirty (30) square feet (area of one (1) face).

(b)

When there is no building on the lot, or when a building does not cover the entire frontage of a lot, additional square footage for use on the freestanding sign shall be allowed at the rate of one-half (½) square foot per linear front foot of that portion of the lot on which there is no building, up to a maximum of thirty (30) square feet (area of one (1) face).

g.

Marquee Signs.

1.

Signs shall be mounted only on the front and sides of a marquee.

2.

Signs shall not project more than six (6″) inches from the face of the marquee.

3.

Signs shall not extend above the top or below the bottom of the marquee.

4.

The maximum total area for marquee signs shall be twenty-five (25) square feet.

h.

Privilege Signs.

1.

The type of sign and its materials and colors shall be compatible with the architectural style of the building upon which it is to be located.

2.

No more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the total sign area available under subsection 30-6.3 may be used to advertise the supplier of the sign.

i.

Directory Signs.

1.

Directory signs shall not display any logos or advertising.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

30-6.5 - Variances Limited to Certain Provisions of Sign Regulations.

The provisions of Section 30-21 of this article shall apply only to subsections 30-6.3.b: "Number of Signs Allowed," 30-6.3.c: "Sign Area Allowed," and 30-6.4: "Requirements by Sign Type."

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

30-6.6 - Illumination of Signs.

a.

No artificial exterior light used for the purpose of lighting any sign shall be so located as to result in the directing of light on to or reflecting glare upon any adjacent property or public right-of-way.

b.

External light sources shall be directed and shielded to prevent direct illumination of any object other than the sign.

c.

No brightly illuminated signs shall be allowed in, or within two hundred (200′) feet and facing any residential zoning district. (Exception: hospitals.)

d.

Light source shall utilize energy efficient fixtures.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

30-6.7 - Signs Exempt.

The following types of signs shall be exempt from the provisions of these regulations:

a.

Regulatory Sign. Any sign erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental function or required by any law, ordinance or governmental regulation.

b.

Bench signs, when located at designated public transit bus stops.

c.

Commemorative plaques, if installed and maintained by government agencies or recognized historical societies and organizations.

d.

Emblems and Symbols. Religious symbols, legal holiday decorations and identification emblems of religious sects, orders or historical societies.

e.

Vehicle Signs. Signs on licensed commercial vehicles, including trailers; provided, however, that such vehicles shall not be utilized as parked or stationary outdoor display signs.

f.

Business District Directory Signs. Signs provided by the City for pedestrian identification of nearby businesses.

g.

Address. Street number and street name not exceeding two (2) square feet in area per single family or duplex unit, and four (4) square feet in area for all other uses.

h.

Affiliation Sign. Signs not exceeding one-half (½) square foot in area per sign, and six (6) in number per business.

i.

Barber pole, but shall contain no advertising.

j.

Flags. Flags of any nation or political jurisdiction shall be exempt provided that the pole height for flags mounted on poles shall not exceed twenty-five (25′) feet, except upon approval of a design review application which includes photographs and drawings submitted by the applicant, in order to achieve compatibility of scale with nearby large buildings and landscaping, and provided that the length of the flag shall be no more than one-quarter (¼) of the height of the pole. Weather flags, nautical flags and pennants when displayed on boats, in marinas, or on any land area within fifty (50′) feet of water frontage, shall be exempt provided that they shall be primarily viewed from the water and void of any commercial intent.

k.

Gasoline Sign. Pump signs identifying the type and octane rating shall be permanently affixed to the pump, not to exceed two (2) square feet in size and two (2) in number per pump for each gasoline type dispensed. Price signs readable from adjacent streets shall be in accordance with the requirements of the Business and Professional Code of California as to wording, coloring and size of letters and numerals, and shall not exceed five (5) square feet in area.

l.

Historic Sign. Any signs that have been determined by the Historic Advisory Board to have historic merit.

m.

Hours of Operation Signs. Signs displaying such information as the hours of operation, emergency contacts and whether or not a business is open or closed. Such signs shall not exceed two and a half (2.5) square

feet.

n.

Interior Sign. Signs located within the interior of any building, mall, arcade, complex or structure and not visible from any public street, walkway or parking lot.

o.

Residential Nameplate. One (1) sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in area per single family or duplex unit.

p.

Crime Prevention Neighborhood Watch Signs. Signs identifying an area participating in a police department approved Neighborhood Watch Program. The allowable number, location and design of said signs shall be approved on an individual basis by the Planning Director. Maximum sign area: three (3) square feet; minimum ground clearance: seven (7′) feet; maximum height: nine (9′) feet.

q.

Signs Designating Drug Free Zones. Signs identifying the City of Alameda as a Drug Free Zone area. Maximum sign area: three (3) square feet; minimum ground clearance: seven (7′) feet; maximum height: nine (9′) feet.

r.

Hospital Directional Signs. Off-premises signs directing uses to twenty-four (24) hour emergency care facilities. The copy of such signs shall consist of "H," and/or "Hospital," and/or an arrow and shall not contain any advertising in the form of the specific facility name or logo. The allowable numbers, location and height of said signs shall be approved by the Planning Director and City Engineer. The total sign area in square feet for all signs mounted on the same pole or other structure at each location shall not exceed three (3′) feet in area, excluding arrow.

s.

Non-Commercial, Political, Religious or Public Service Signs. Signs containing noncommercial, political, religious or public service messages provided that these signs are used exclusively to display such messages and comply with the applicable advertising structure controls in subsection 6-3 of Chapter VI of this Code.

t.

Menu, window display, provided total area of posted menus does not exceed two (2) square feet (e.g., an area 12″ by 24″). Window menu displays in excess of two (2) square feet may be permitted as window signs, subject to the limitations on number of signs, and area of signs, prescribed by subsections 30-6.3 and 30-6.4.

u.

Portable Freestanding Signs. Notwithstanding other code sections regulating portable freestanding signs, portable freestanding signs are exempt when each of the following conditions are met:

(a)

Sign is limited to one (1) per tenant;

(b)

Sign will not exceed four (4') feet in height, nor three (3') feet in width;

(c)

Sign area will not exceed eight (8) square feet per side;

(d)

Sign is placed adjacent to the building frontage where the business is located;

(e)

Sign location will be entirely within the first three (3') feet of the sidewalk, starting at the building face;

(f)

Sign placement maintains a clear pedestrian access area of at least five (5') feet and does not block street corner, pedestrian crossings, visibility zones, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps, ADA parking, bus stop zones or fire exits;

(g)

Sign shall remain standing and shall not be locked or chained or in any other way attached or secured to public property (e.g. trees, parking meters, street lights, other permanent structures); and

(h)

Sign is removed daily and whenever the business is closed.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

(Ord. No. 3082 N.S., § 1, 11-19-2013)

In addition to exempt signs, and the permanent signs permitted by this section, the following types of temporary signs are permitted, subject to the following regulations and limitations. All temporary signs, other than promotional signs, are exempt from the number and size limitations prescribed by subsections 30-6.3 and 30-6.4. The time limitations for specific types of temporary signs are prescribed below:

a.

Closed for Vacation or Remodeling Sign. One (1) sign not exceeding two (2) square feet that specifies a reopening date and which is removed no later than the day following the reopening date.

b.

Fundraising Event Sign. One (1) sign not exceeding four (4) square feet in area per parcel or business for all parcels zoned for residential use, and sixteen (16) square feet in all other zoning districts; located on private property, with the owner's permission, for a maximum of thirty (30) days and removed within two (2) days after the event.

c.

Garage Sale. On-premises signs and directional off-premises signs, for not more than two (2) days prior to and removed within one (1) day after the sale.

d.

Grand Opening Sign. Signs or banners erected one (1) time only, for a maximum of thirty (30) consecutive days, and not exceeding fifty (50) square feet in area per sign. All grand opening signs shall state, using letters at least one (1″) inch in height, the date the sign was installed.

e.

Political Campaign Sign. Temporary signs on behalf of candidates for public office and for or against ballot measures, to be removed no later than two (2) days after the election.

f.

Promotional Sign. One (1) window sign may be located inside or outside the glazed area of each building elevation with a street frontage, for a maximum of thirty (30) consecutive days, and cumulative for a maximum of ninety (90) days per year subject to the limitations on maximum window sign area prescribed by subsection 30-6.4.c. All promotional signs shall state, using letters at least one (1″) inch in height, the date the sign was installed.

g.

Real Estate Sign. Real estate signs may be located in any zoning district, but may only be located on private property (subject to the granting of the owner's permission), and are subject to the following limitations:

1.

On-premises signs shall be located in accordance with the following:

(a)

One (1) on-premises sign is permitted for the time period that the indicated property is available for sale or rent. For single family dwellings or duplexes, the sign area shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area. For multi-family dwellings, commercial, or industrial uses, the sign area shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area.

(b)

In addition, one (1) on-premises sign indicating the property is open for inspection not exceeding four (4) square feet in area. This sign may not be placed more than two (2) hours prior to the open house and must be removed within two (2) hours after the open house.

(c)

In addition, up to three (3) on-premises sign riders indicating information such as the agent's name and phone numbers, home warranties offered, or instructions on viewing the property. Each rider shall not exceed one (1) square foot.

2.

Off-premises signs are limited to a maximum of six (6) per open house, not exceeding four (4) square feet in area per sign. Signs may not be placed on public property except for medians of public roads and sidewalks. Signs may not be placed on medians or sidewalks in a manner which obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or lines of sight. These signs may not be placed more than two (2) hours prior to the open house and must be removed within two (2) hours after the open house.

h.

Seasonal Decorations. Seasonal decorations are permitted, providing that they are not installed more than forty-five (45) days prior to, and removed not more than seven (7) days after a holiday.

i.

Seasonal Sales Signs. Signs to identify a seasonal business may be erected for a maximum of thirty (30) consecutive days. Wall, fence, free-standing signs and banners shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet in total area. The same signs cannot be reused for sixty (60) consecutive days. Dilapidated signs cannot be reused. Permission shall be obtained from the Planning and Building Director unless exempt under subsection 6-3.7.

j.

Special Event Signs. Signs or banners with a holiday message identifying a civic or public event or holiday, and erected in any zoning district on private property with the owner's permission for not more than thirty (30) consecutive days and are removed within two (2) days following the event. Permission shall be obtained from the Planning and Building Director unless exempt under subsection 6-3.6. Banners to promote such special events may be located within vehicular rights-of-way, subject to the approval of the City Manager, and compliance with Bureau of Electricity, Building Inspection and Public Works Department regulations. California State Department of Transportation approval may also be necessary for banners within the vehicular rights-of-way.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

a.

Obscene or Offensive to Morals. Signs containing statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character which appeal to the prurient interest in sex, or which are patently offensive and do not have serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value are prohibited.

b.

Hazards to Traffic. Other than when used for traffic direction, signs which contain or are an imitation of official traffic signs or signals are prohibited. No sign shall be erected in such a manner that its size, location, content, colors, or illuminations will interfere with, obstruct, confuse or mislead traffic.

c.

Hazards to Exits. No sign shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of the sign or its support is attached to, or will interfere with, the free use of any fire escape, exit, or standpipe. No sign shall be erected which will obstruct any required stairway, door, ventilator or window.

d.

Roof Locations. Signs erected upon or extending above any part of a roof or false roof structure are prohibited.

e.

Motion Devices. Signs utilizing flashing lights, changing of color intensity, or mechanical moving parts are prohibited including all moving signs. (Exceptions: historic signs, barber poles and, with a use permit, animated signs but only if determined by the use permit to have outstanding artistic merit.)

f.

Excess Area. Signs in excess of fifty (50) square feet.

g.

Windblown Devices. Except for exempt flags and banners, use of windblown or inflatable devices of any type is prohibited, including the production of smoke, bubbles, sound, or other substances.

h.

Portable Freestanding Sign. Portable freestanding signs on the public right-of-way are prohibited except for temporary service station and real estate signs, and signs in compliance with Section 30-6.7.u. Such signs may not be placed on medians or sidewalks in a manner which obstructs pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or lines of sight.

i.

Signs on Vehicles. No vehicle may be used as a platform or substitute for a billboard or any other type of sign, whether on private property or within a public right-of-way.

j.

Natural Despoliation. Signs cut, burnt, limed, painted or otherwise marked on a rock, tree or field are prohibited.

k.

In Storage. Signs shall not be located on a premises so as to be visible from off of the site prior to erection or while in storage.

l.

Dilapidated Signs, except Historic Signs.

m.

Abandoned Signs, except Historic Signs.

n.

Miscellaneous Signs and Posters. The posting or painting of signs not otherwise defined or permitted in this article.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

(Ord. No. 3082 N.S., § 2, 11-19-2013)

Any on-premises sign which does not conform to the regulations of this section shall be removed by the owner or possessor thereof within the period of time prescribed herein and the surface on which the sign was mounted or attached shall be patched, painted and otherwise repaired to remove all evidence of the former sign.

a.

Signs with the following prohibited characteristics shall be abated immediately:

1.

Obscene or offensive to morals;

2.

Hazard to traffic;

3.

Hazard to exits;

4.

Vehicular sign;

Portable advertising signs.

b.

The following prohibited signs shall be abated within thirty (30) days:

1.

Motion devices;

2.

In storage signs;

3.

Wind blown devices;

4.

Abandoned signs.

(a)

Continuation of abandoned sign: The owner or future user of an abandoned sign who desires to make subsequent use of the sign itself shall, within thirty (30) days of the abandonment, give written notification to the Planning and Building Director, and if approved by the Planning and Building Director resume use of the abandoned sign within thirty (30) days of the Planning and Building Director's approval. In the case of a sign structure, such written notification shall be given within one hundred eighty (180) days of the date of abandonment and the structure reused within one (1) year of such date.

5.

Dilapidated signs;

6.

Damaged Sign. Damaged to the extent of fifty (50%) percent of its current replacement value.

c.

All other nonconforming on-premises signs shall be abated either after the expiration of the useful life of the sign(s) for Federal income tax purposes or after a period equal to the number of years obtained by dividing the total cost of the sign(s) when installed by five hundred (500), whichever comes first, provided however, that no less than three (3) years from the effective date of this section*[[1]] shall be allowed for amortization.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

Footnotes:

--- ( 1 ) ---

• Editor's Note: As added by Ordinance No. 2028 N.S. effective January 2, 1981.

Any sign that is in noncompliance with the regulations of this section shall be removed prior to or upon the date designated for removal in the above abatement schedule. If the owner of, or the person or persons responsible for, the sign fails to remove the nonconforming sign, the owner of the premises upon which the sign is located shall be responsible for the removal of the sign and the work shall be done within ninety (90) days following the date of non-conformance. The procedure for the removal of all nonconforming signs shall be as follows:

a.

The Planning and Building Director, or his/her designated representative, may cause the removal of any nonconforming sign and supporting structure and shall charge the costs incurred against any of the following, each of whom shall be jointly and severally liable for said charges; provided, however, that any decision or determination of the Planning and Building Director may be appealed in accordance with the general provisions as set forth in paragraph c.:

1.

The permittee;

2.

The owner of the sign;

3.

The owner of the premises on which the sign is located;

4.

The occupant of the premises on which the sign is located.

b.

A sign and supporting structure removed by the City shall be held not less than thirty (30) days by the City, during which time it may be recovered by the owner upon payment to the City for costs of removal and storage. If not recovered prior to expiration of the thirty (30) day period, the sign and supporting structures shall be declared abandoned and title thereto shall vest in the City and the cost of removal shall be billed to the owner.

c.

A person appealing the decision of the Planning and Building Director shall file a notice of appeal with the Secretary of the Planning Board within fifteen (15) days of the decision. The Planning Board shall hear the

appeal. The decision of the Planning and Building Director shall be affirmed unless the appellant establishes that the sign(s) has not yet become nonconforming pursuant to subsection 30-6.15.

d.

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to relieve the owner of the sign or the premises on which the sign is located, the permittee or the occupant of the premises on which the sign is located from the duty of removing sign(s) at the time required by this section.

e.

Removal by the Planning and Building Director, or his/her designated representative is an alternate procedure and nothing in this subsection shall be construed as a limitation on the authority of the City to abate nonconforming uses under this section as a nuisance pursuant to Section 1-5 of this Code. All nonconforming signs are declared hereunder, as well as under Section 1-5, a public nuisance.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

All other sign regulations shall apply to auto dealerships within auto row except as provided in this subsection:

a.

Number of Signs Allowed.

1.

The maximum number of on-premises signs shall be six (6) per auto dealership, exclusive of directional signs, and a maximum of three (3) signs per building side. Signs may be posted on the street facade of a building or a building facade facing a parking lot, provided that the lot is used by the same dealership.

2.

An exterior display wall shall be considered a building frontage for purposes of sign placement. All exterior display walls shall be subject to design review.

3.

The signs may be multiple-faced and in any combination except that a business may not have:

(a)

More than one (1) freestanding sign per lot;

(b)

More than one (1) projecting sign per auto dealership;

(c)

A combination of one (1) projecting sign and one (1) freestanding sign.

4.

Directional Signs. Each auto dealership may have a maximum of three (3) vehicle oriented safety and directional signs solely for the purpose of guiding traffic, parking, and loading or private parking inside the property, and not bearing advertising materials or business identification. Maximum sign area shall be four (4) square feet. Maximum height for freestanding signs shall be four (4') feet. Additional directional signs may be permitted by design review, based on a finding of necessity. Directional signs shall not be included in the computation of total number of signs nor total signage allowed.

b.

Sign Area Allowed.

1.

The maximum total sign area shall be determined by measuring the building frontage of the auto dealership.

(a)

The total allowable sign area for an auto dealership shall be one (1) square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage, with a minimum of twenty-five (25) square feet and a maximum of two hundred (200) square feet.

(b)

A component or department of an auto dealership, such as service and repair, which is on a separate parcel from the dealership shall be considered a separate business but shall comply with all sign regulations of Section 30-6, and the additional provisions of subsection 30-6.12 shall not apply.

(c)

The maximum area for any sign shall be one hundred fifty (150) square feet.

c.

Window Signs.

1.

Signs shall not occupy more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the window area, except that a larger percentage may be covered in conjunction with a special event for a maximum of four (4) periods per calendar year, but in no case is the time period to exceed twenty (20) days per year, subject to approval of the Planning and Building Director, upon submission of a written request. Time periods during which such larger window displays are allowed shall be included in the total time for special events as specified under point (e)(1) below.

d.

Freestanding Signs.

1.

The maximum height of freestanding identification signs shall be twelve (12') feet.

2.

Freestanding signs are not subject to the seventy-five (75) foot separation requirement set out in subsection 30-6.4(f)2 but shall be placed to assure no view blockage of existing signs.

e.

Special Events Decorations.

1.

Special events decorations, including banners, and flags, except balloons, pennants and streamers, may be permitted in conjunction with a special event for a maximum of four (4) periods per calendar year, but in no case is the time period to exceed twenty (20) days per year, subject to approval of the Planning and Building Director, upon submission of a written request. Time periods during which window displays covering more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the window area are allowed, as specified under point (c) (1) above, shall be included in the total time for special events.

2.

Balloons, pennants and streamers may not be used at any time.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

Off-premises outdoor advertising signs, where permitted, shall not:

a.

Exceed fifty (50) square feet;

b.

Be located on the roof of a building;

c.

Be located within:

1.

One thousand (1,000') feet of another off-premises outdoor advertising sign which does not conform to the provisions of paragraph a. where both of the signs do not conform to the provisions of paragraph a.; or

One hundred (100') feet of another off-premises outdoor advertising sign where one (1) or both of the signs conform to the provisions of paragraph a.

d.

Excepting off-premises directional signs, be visible from a building or lot in a residential district;

e.

Excepting off-premises directional signs, be visible within one thousand (1,000') feet of any bridge, tunnel, dock or boat ramp;

f.

Be located so that a motorist would view the sign as adjacent to or behind a traffic signal or sign from a distance of one hundred (100') feet or less from the nearest curbline of the cross street at the intersection controlled by the traffic signal;

g.

Excepting off-premises directional signs, be located on a route designated on the General Plan as a scenic route;

h.

Excepting off-premises directional signs, be located on or adjacent to a parcel of land containing a structure listed on the historical building study list;

i.

Be located in residential or C-1 Districts.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

Off-premises directional signs require use permit approval pursuant to subsection 30-21.3.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

Any off-premises sign which does not conform to the regulations of this section shall be removed by the owner or possessor thereof at the earliest of the following occurrences:

a.

The expiration of the useful life of the sign or signs for federal income tax purposes;

b.

The recovery of the owner's investment, including cost of installation, as measured by the sum of the net income earned. Net income earned shall mean gross revenues earned less expenses of operation and administration and a provision for ten (10%) percent return on invested capital;

c.

The passage of fifteen (15) years from the date of completion or acquisition of the sign;

d.

The passage of five (5) years from February 16, 1973 (the effective date of Ordinance No. 1683); or

e.

One (1) year shall be added to the applicable paragraph a. through d. to compensate the owner for the cost of removal.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

30-6.16 - Conflicts with other Provisions.

a.

Where there is a conflict between the regulations of this section and the regulations of any other section of this Code, the regulations of this section shall prevail; provided, however, that the regulations of other sections shall prevail in the following cases:

1.

Where the regulations of any other section are more restrictive;

2.

Where a Planned Development District has been established in accordance with the procedure set forth in subsection 30-4.13 paragraphs a. through n. of this Code, provided that any such Planned Development District regulations shall include comprehensive sign regulations encompassing the entire Planned Development District area.

b.

Nothing contained in Section 6-3 of this Code shall be construed to authorize or permit any sign prohibited or regulated by this section.

(Ord. No. 2938 N.S. § 3)

30-7 - OFF-STREET PARKING, ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING, AND TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS.[[2]]

Footnotes:

--- ( 2 ) ---

Editor's note— Ord. No. 3309, § 5, adopted November 16, 2021, repealed the former § 30-7, subsections 30-7.1—30-7.19, and enacted a new § 30-7 as set out herein. The former § 30-7 pertained to off-street parking and loading space regulations and derived from Ord. No. 535 N.S.; Ord. No. 1277 N.S.; Ord. No. 2375 N.S.; Ord. No. 2784 N.S.; Ord. 2920 N.S.; Ord. No. 2943 N.S.; Ord. No. 2989 N.S.; Ord. No. 3030 N.S., adopted April 19, 2011; Ord. No. 3168 N.S., adopted November 15, 2016; Ord. No. 3074 N.S., adopted May 21, 2013; Ord. No. 3183 N.S., adopted July 5, 2017 and Ord. No. 3184 N.S., adopted July 5, 2017.